Chapter 5
"Bert?" I screech, as I clamber off of him, and begin pulling the branch of him. He doesn't respond.
"BERT!" I yell, as I panic, shaking him violently.
"Bert, please you gotta wake up."
Nothing.
"Bertolt Hoover if you don't wake up right now I'm going to do something stupid." I threaten.
Silence. I lean down, my face so close to his I can see his pores.
"Bert? Please. Wake up." I say, as I begin to cry. I press a kiss onto his lips, hoping that he'll wake up from the shock. Nothing.
"Fuck!" I yell, as I shake him again. Nothing. I'll have to drag him. That's the only thing I can do. I can't leave him here. Reiner would kill me. I can't. Besides, Bert would help me. I grab his arm, pulling as I begin to walk forward. This exercise is just fucking fantastic.
-TIME SKIP- (about an hour)
I've started losing feeling in my hands. I lost feeling in my legs some time ago, but I still move forward, pulling Bert along with me. Who still hasn't' woken up. I guess most people would be out for a while if you fell on top of them, with a tree branch.
"So Bert, I'm going to tell you something crazy. I think we might die here. I can' find shelter. I'm so cold, and you're not waking up. I'm scared. Terrified. I had so many plans. I didn't want to die in training. God, that's fucking horrible. I'm sorry. It's my fault, I should have warned you about the branch. Or picked a different tree. I'm sure there was something I could have done. But now you're going to die, and I can't do anything to save you. I'm sorry. You deserve better than this. I mean, if you had gotten partnered up with someone smart, like Annie or Mikasa. You'd be fine then. I bet you'd be better off with Sasha." I fall silent for a while, as I continue trudging forward. I continue pulling Bert along, hoping beyond hope that I will find some where we can rest.
"You know; I think I may like you. Isn't it funny that it takes a situation like this for me to realize it? Marco and Jean say you like me, but I don't know. I mean, I'm not really anything special. You though, you're so smart and strong. Your kind. Everyone likes you. Most people think I'm just a child you snuck in. No one really respects me. No one ever notices me. Expect you. You see me. You said so yourself. I guess it doesn't really matter now though, huh? Because we're both going to- "I stop, as I squint at what is ahead of me. I can't believe it. There, is a house. Old and abandoned. Run down, but still somewhere to sleep. Somewhere out of the cold.
"I found it! I found something! I did it!" I whoop excitedly, as I look down at the still-unconscious Bert. "Maybe there still is hope for us." I go back to dragging Bertolt to the house, however once I reach it, I realize that there is a slight problem.
The house has stairs leading into the front door. Stairs that would make is very difficult to pull Bertolt up them. I looked down at the boy, frowning. The best option would be to get him to walk up the steps himself, but I figured that was unlikely. I had to see if I could get him to lean on me at the very least, hopefully enough so that I would be able to get us both up the stairs.
That however proved difficult. Very difficult. Perhaps, it was the two-and-a-half-foot height difference but it defiantly would have been easier if Bertolt was just a tad smaller. In the end, I pulled of my coat to wrap around his head, and hoped that he didn't hit anything to hard, as I pulled him up the stairs, wincing as his head made contact with each stair. I was able to get the door open easily, and pulled him inside.
Now, to see if I could start a fire. Thankfully, the house did indeed have a fireplace, and even better fire wood inside. I dug through my pack searching for the matches that the Instructor had handed out. I started the fire quickly enough, providing both heat and warmth to the both of us. I turned to Bertolt, and frowned. His leg and arm looked strange, maybe it was from the wolves, he had cried out in pain.
His head felt fine, and surprisingly enough he wasn't cold either. In fact, he was quite warm, nearly as warm as the fire that was now roaring behind me. I hope he doesn't have a fever, I thought as I peeled of his coat trying to get a better look at his arm.
After peeling of the coat, I noticed that he had indeed been bitten on the arm. It was covered with dried blood, but it wasn't still bleeding and it didn't look to be very deep. I turned my attention to his leg. Now this, oddly enough was even warmer than his head, or the rest of his body. I couldn't tell for sure, but his leg almost looked like it was steaming. I pegged it as a hallucination of my exhaustion and lingering fear from the wolf attack. His leg however, wasn't looking too good. It was really red and raw, still oozing blood. Unlike his arm, the wound was fairly deep. I looked at Bert, who was still out cold.
That idiot, he got these wounds trying to save me. I turned back my pack hoping I had something to clean the wound with. I didn't, while I had a few bandages, there wasn't anything very useful for cleaning out wolf bites in my first aid kit. I got up, searching the cupboards of the house. Luckily, however had last lived here was quite the drinker as there was a wide variety of alcohol that I could use. I grabbed a bottle at random and went to work.
Despite being out of it, when I poured the alcohol on Bert's leg, he still cried out.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" I cried, as he writhed on the floor. He didn't hear me, but he seemed to calm down a bit when I spoke.
"I'm almost done. The worst of it is over." I said, as I poured more onto his wound, he groaned, but it wasn't as bad as before. "There, I'm done. Now I just have to put the bandage on it." I said, as I wiped away the blood. Eventually, I had his wounds dressed, and he was sleeping soundly.
"You are so lucky. I don't think I'd be able to sleep for a million years after tonight. I will never look at snow, wolves and alcohol the same." I said, to the sleeping boy beside me. "Why are you so warm?" I questioned, as I felt his forehead again. "You better not be getting sick on me, I swear to god Hoover- "I was cut off by Bert grabbing my wrist, and pulling me to his chest. His arm, wrapped around my waist, he smiled and murmured something in his sleep. I lay there, head on his chest frozen in shock. I should probably move. No, I should move. However, despite the appearance of being chiseled, Bert's chest was quite warm, and soft. My eyes were already beginning to droop. Maybe I'll just lay here for a little bit. It won't hurt to lay here for a minute or two. I think, but in the end, I fall asleep head on Bert's chest.
POINT OF VIEW CHANGE!
Marco's Point of View.
"Bott! Braun! Where are Cadets Evans and Hoover?" Instructor Shadis demands the next morning. I look at Reiner, who is expressionless.
"What do you mean sir?" I ask, terrified at how the man will react to my question.
"I mean, that the two people you two are always with, Cadet Robin Evans, you know short little blonde, bad temper? And the tall one, who doesn't have a solid backbone, are both missing. Neither reported in last night, and no other Cadets have seen them. Now, did they sneak away? Some sort of plan so Beanstalk could put the moves on Princess?" he asks, leaning in dangerously close to both Reiner and I.
"None that I am aware of, sir." I say, Robin's not back yet? Did something happen? Is she okay?
"And you, Blondie? Any plans to help your friend get laid?" he demands, sneering in Reiner's face.
"No sir. I offered but he denied my help." Says Reiner, as he looks into the instructor's eyes. The man snarls at us both, but turns away.
"Sir, if I may, could I start a search party for the two?" I ask
"We'll wait for today, there's a snow storm outside. No point in losing more men. Those two are smart, they'll find shelter. They probably got lost in the storm." And with that, the man walks away. His words, I assume meant to reassure me, do nothing of the sort. I turn to Reiner,
"Don't worry about Robin. Bertolt's strong, and he's smart. He knows how to survive a snow storm like this. This isn't even the first one he's been stuck in. He'll make sure Robin is safe." He says, patting me on the shoulder.
MEANWHILE
Robin's point of view.
My body feels as if it's been through the ringer. My entire body is sore; I must have trained to hard yesterday. I groan and roll over, only to find myself face-planting into someone's chest. A male's someone's chest. Then events of the night before come rushing back. The storm. Getting lost. The wolves. The branch. Dragging Bertolt through the snow. I sit up quickly, and look down at him. He's awake, groggy but awake and alive.
"Good morning." He says, smiling sleepily at me. I'm so relieved that he's alive, I could cry.
"You're alive!' I say, as I jump up, dancing a bit with relief.
"Yeah, I am. Thanks for being so- "he winces in pain as he sits up, holding his head. "My head, I feel like someone hit me with a bag of rocks." I laugh nervously, sitting back down. I blush and tug on my ear.
"Well, um about that. You see, you're a big guy. I'm not such a big girl, and there were steps to get into the house. I couldn't carry you, so I had to drag you along. I'm sorry." I say, he smiles.
"It could have been worse."
"Really, please share."
"You could have left me when I passed out. Most people would have. But you stayed, and helped me. So thank you. Did those wolves get you?" My face burns brighter, as I take in his praise.
"Uh. Thanks. But no, I didn't. They got you though. Really bad. I mean did you know how bad your leg was?"
"My leg?"
"Yeah! It was really bad, I should probably clean it again." I say, as I move to remove his bandages.
"Uh. I think I'll do it myself."
"I did it last night."
"I know. I appreciate that, but I can do it."
"Oh. Right, sure. Do you want me to go then?"
"Uh, I mean. Sure. That's fine." He says, as he avoids looking me in the eye.
"Yeah, I'll go check outside, besides I think we'll need more fire wood."
"I can go get it!"
"You won't be able to walk for a few days at least. I got it." I say as grab my jacket and head outside.
I'm actually grateful to be away from Bertolt. I mean, last night was emotionally exhausting. I thought we were both going to freeze to death. I confess my feelings to Bert (which I hadn't even come to terms with, until I was spewing them up at his unconscious body). I wasn't sure what I wanted to happen. I needed some time to collect my thoughts.
It was still snowing, but not quite as bad as it had been the night before. Still, it wouldn't be safe to move around right now. Especially with Bertolt being injured. I wondered briefly why he refused to let me take care of his wound. Did he not want me to see him in pain? Was he worried I would make fun of him for crying out? Honestly, I'd started crying myself, last night when I had cleaned his wounds. He was in so much pain, who wouldn't have felt at least some compassion? I sigh as I walk further away from the small cabin. I guess it would be hard to find more firewood in this weather. It'll all be wet, unlikely for us to even be able to use it. I should head back, and we'll just have to make do with what is still there. I'm still not quite ready to face Bertolt quite yet. I walk a little further, and sit down on an upturned log.
I could tell Bert how I feel. At least how I think I feel. I mean all of those things I said last night could just be because of the situation. It could have just been a weird reaction to thinking I was going to die. Even as I think that though, I know it's not true. I have feelings for Bertolt, there's no point in denying it. Still there's no point in telling him. I mean, I plan on joining the Survey Corps, with his score, he could go into the interior. Live a nice quiet life. Even if he had feelings for me, there's no way it could last. If I were to join up with the corps, I'd constantly be in danger of dying. Each day it would be a miracle to come back home to him. That's of course dependent on if he even likes me, and wants to stay with me that long. Even if we both joined the corps, it'd be bad. We wouldn't be able to focus. There's no good scenario where I confess, he feels the same and we ride off into the sunset. Not without giving something else up. It simply won't work. Besides, he probably doesn't even feel the same. I mean, Marco and Jean are probably wrong. It's for the best to forget this whole thing, and move on. Bertolt and I are only ever going to be just friends. I should accept that right now.
I do. At least I think I do, I still feel disappointed. Like I'm missing out. I think back to this morning, and how I awoke in his arms. Cradled, and safe from the world. My eyes burn with tears. No. I'm fine. I'm okay. I'm Robin Evans, and I'm strong and brave. I'm not going to cry over a boy. Not matter how great he is. I wipe my eyes and stand up, heading back into the cabin.
"Robin," he calls, as I walk in, his eyes lighting up as he sees me. I can feel my heart twist. Just friends, just friends, just friends. I chant in my head as I avoid his gaze. "Are you alright?"
"Fine! It's still a little cold out there. We won't be able to head back today. I'd say another day or two, how's your leg?"
"Oh. I guess you're right. It's fine. Are you sure you're alright? You look like you've been crying." He asks, as he limps over to me.
"I'm fine! Really. I'm fine." I say louder and harsher than I meant too, as I turn away from him. My eyes are burning again. God Damn it! Get it together Robin. You already went over this. If you do this, you'll just get hurt. You know that. You don't need to be hurt again. "I- uh. I'm going to, make something for us to eat. I'm sure you're hungry." Bertolt's eyes narrow at my sudden change of topic and my tone, but merely nods.
"Yeah sure. Do you want any help?"
"No. I've got it; I mean you should rest. We can't leave until you can walk again."
"I can walk now.'
"Well it's still a mess outside. It's not safe for us to move."
"It's going to get colder in here. Were you able to find any firewood?"
"No, everything is covered in snow, and everything else would most likely be wet. Nothing we could use. No point wasting energy when we don't have too. Plus, I can't carry very much. You're pretty heavy, and I dragged you around for hours' yesterday." At this, his cheeks turn red.
"S-sorry."
"Don't worry, I'm grateful for you saving me from the wolves. I'd never been more scared in my life. It was terrifying. I thought I was going to die. When I was in that tree, right before you came," I shudder just thinking about it "after a while of dragging you around, I thought we were going to die. I could barely see past my own nose. I was so cold and you weren't responding. I thought you were dying, and I thought that- "
Bertolt cuts me off, taking me into his arms as my shoulder shake.
"It's okay. We're both here and fine."
"Your f-fine?"
"I'm alive. Isn't that more important?"
"More important than what?"
"Being frozen to death outside? Eaten by wild wolves?'
"Aren't all wolves wild?"
"No, in the mountains we used them to help shepherd the sheep."
"Really?"
"Yeah, you know I helped raise a wolf cub?"
"What was its name?"
"His name was Rocky. I was eight." I laughed, as he lets me go.
"I never had a pet growing up, unless you count Marco as a pet." At this he laughs
"If that were true, then Reiner would be my owner." He says
"Really? I feel like Reiner and you are equals in your friendship. You both are pretty equally matched. You're just a little quieter, that's all." His cheeks are red again.
"Thanks."
"Yeah, now I don't about you, but I'm starving!" I say, as I rummage through our packs, trying to find something we can eat.
-TIME SKIP-
POINT OF VIEW CHANGE!
ALSO SPOILER FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T READ THE MANGA (I'll put a warning right before I write the spoiler and immediately after, that way no one gets unintentionally spoiled)
Reiner's Point of View
God damn it Bertolt, what the hell is going on? It's been nearly a two days since him and Robin have been seen. Where are they? Are they alright? As much as I'd like to put on a brave face, for both Marco, Jean and the rest of the squad's liking with these odds it's not looking to good.
It's unlikely for Bert to get lost in the first place. He's the best at navigation, and even then he couldn't be so lost that they'd be gone for so long. Unless someone got hurt, the storm is letting up, they should be able to travel in these weather conditions. Of course if someone got hurt it'd most likely be Robin, as much as I like that girl, she's reckless and clumsy. Or Bert got hurt trying to protect her (SPOILER WARNING SPOILER WARNING) Of course, I don't understand why he'd risk himself for her, she's nothing but a delicate human. One of the many people who would die when we complete our mission. I guess it's always possible that Bertolt was hurt, and given his Titan-shifting abilities was able to heal right away, but Robin saw him get hurt. (SPOILER OVER SPOILER OVER)
Either way, I just hope that those two are back soon. The whole squad is thrown off without them. It's strange, I hadn't noticed how big a part both Bert and Robin had in the social balance.
Marco is walking around, pouting like a puppy. Jean, is being a bit of an ass, yelling at anyone who dares to get too close or irritate him. Instructor Shadis on the other hand, keeps saying that the two are delaying, using the storm as a cover for a weekend of fucking each other. As much as Bertolt may like Robin, there's no way that he'd jump her so quickly. He's a hopeless romantic, and I doubted Robin would go after barely knowing each other. They just better come back soon. At least Shadis is letting us go out to look for them tomorrow, but that's still another day. Hours before we can get to them, it's possible they won't be back until the day after tomorrow. You better come back in one piece buddy.
Author's note:
*screams* CHAPTER 5 OMG! I'm really proud of myself, these chapters are really long, they also seem to be the best writing I've got published right now! Which makes me very happy! Sorry about the spoiler! But I highly recommend reading the manga, because while the anime doesn't deviate too much from the manga it does a little. There are also more of the manga then there is anime right (as we are still waiting for season 2) and there are currently 18 (and soon to be 19 in August) volumes of the manga! So I highly recommend reading it! Please vote, and comment! It really means a lot!
Love for all my cupcake vampires!
-ScaryAry