Chapter 2 – Self centered
"How do you feel about me?" Rivaille asked again.
"…I.. huh?" Eren looked confused, as usual, " If it's about yesterday sir. I'm really sorry, I really am. I um… I just –."
But Rivaille was already walking away. He was fairly disappointed and felt like an ass for feeling the way he was. He never thought something this retarded would upset him. Unconsciously he got ready and headed out.
"Sir!" Connie called out, "Where are you going?"
"Out." Replied Rivaille in a nonchalant tone .
"Should I accompany you, sir? Is it for and important mission?"
"Shut up Connie. Go and flirt around with your girlfriend." Rivaille walked away and headed for the stables. Connie felt perplexed and didn't know whether to take it seriously or as a joke.
"What a pain." Rivaille mumbled to himself. He took his horse out and saddled up. He was annoyed; not by the fact that Eren didn't really answer his question but rather that he was bothered by it. If Eren was just going through a 'phase' it would surely piss Rivaille off. A boy of age 15 didn't really understand love with all his destiny and all but surely it pissed Rivaille.
Rivaille stopped after reaching the point close to the forest hill. He didn't know what to think, was Eren playing around? Did he know that he could make Rivaille so miserable and pathetic? Or was it really just a mistake? Damn. But it sounded so non – Eren like. Eren's personality was so annoying that Rivaille felt so stupid that he fell for that kid of all people.
Rivaille sat down and tried to think of all the reasons to not like that idiot. 1) He has the most annoying personality, 2) he has the most idiotic laugh, 3)he thinks the world of himself, 3) he believes that he is the one to kill all the titans and 4) he just is a pathetic boy. But of all these things Rivaille still liked him. 'Why that brat? Why him?' He would think to himself. It would be better if he fell for Hanji instead, but what can that man do?
Rivaille rode back, he felt a bit relaxed and planned to eat then do some cleaning in his room. When he reached he went for the stables to keep his horse back. He heard a noise and immediately stood on guard. 'Help…' he could hear but no one was in sight. He thought he was imaging it at first but it came again.
"Help… *cough* Please help." Rivaille knew that voice, it only brought irritation to him. He looked back into the stables and saw him there. Connie was sitting at the corner.
"What are you doing? Get up from there." Rivaille said disdainfully.
"I can't. I'm stuck." Connie replied, almost a groan.
Rivaille raised an eyebrow, " I see… how so?" he went in to check what the problem was. Connie's maneuver belt was tangled on a rod that was protruding out at the base of the stable.
"How in the worl-.." Rivaille went in to help him. With a tight struggle he got the belt free. "What were you doing?"
"I'm really sorry sir… I thought I might come after you but in the end I fell and I got stuck, and my horse got away so…." Rivaille was least bothered and hardly heard a word of what Connie was saying. He looked over at the rod and was wondering how it even got there.
"How long were you stuck? This rod could be dangerous. Yes very fatal." Rivaille mumbled to himself.
"Eren went to look for my horse." Connie finished his sentence.
"Wait what?" Rivaille looked up, a flash of realization crossed his face.
"Sir, Eren went to look for my horse." Connie replied dubiously.
Rivaille winced and looked at his horse then back to Connie. "Which way?" He asked him.
"uh – there towards the back of the well." Connie pointed out. Rivaille was already on the horse and ready to leave. "Should I come with you sir?"
"No. Tell the others we'll be running late." Then Rivaille rode off into the sunset (for real).
Rivaille was cursing under his breath as he rode. " Why the fuck did that brat go off! He fucking knows that there are people after him! Idiot! Idiot! Fuck this!" He was so aggravated and annoyed.
He rode across the fields, he found it hard to believe that the idiot would wander into the forest but checked anyway. He rode now feeling the land grow steeper; he was on a hill. He rode deeper and deeper into the darkness.
A sound, a whimper in the distance was heard. Rivaille rushed ahead, almost stumbled while bringing the horse to a halt. There in front of him was Eren crouching down with two horses at his side. He looked up and you could see the anxiety wash away.
"Heichou!" He said in a strained voice. Rivaille got off of his horse and looked down at the ugly mess. Blood was flowing from his right leg; he was trapped and wounded around the straps of the horses. What had happened, Rivaille was tempted to ask.
"Are you able to stand?" A stupid question really.
"Uh..no sir."
With one swift move Rivaille was able to lift Eren up.
"Si – sir! Wait!"
"What is it this time? Does it hurt?"
"No just you don't have to carry me."
"And then what? Leave you here to rot? Or were you planning on transforming here where it'll be easier to spot you?"
"Sir! No, I wouldn't!"
"Then just shut up!"
Rivaille lifted Eren and strapped him on to the horse. He then attached the other two horses along with his. He jumped on to the horse that Eren was on and galloped on their way.
It was late, dark and a long ride back. How nostalgic. Eren was held between Rivaille's arms. No sound came out of both of them they just stayed quiet and let the night light guide them. Eren's heart was racing along with the horses, he was so close to his captain and his carefree manner disappeared a long way back. He could feel the warm breath against his cold neck. He felt Rivaille's chest rubbing with his back each time the horse's front limbs dashed against the ground. By the time they reached Eren was completely flushed and felt like his heart was going to explode from his chest. He was lifted off again. This time everyone came rushing to their side as Rivaille placed him down on one of the seats.
Mikasa ran to sit by Eren's side and Armin brought the first aid kit. Everyone sat beside Eren in confusion and questioned him except for Rivaille who was now walking up to his room. Eren watched as he climbed up. He hadn't apologized nor thanked him yet.
Connie stood in front of Eren now and was continuously apologizing. Eren just smiled back at him and said it was alright, while Mikasa shouted at him (Connie). The wound had already healed by now.
That night was tormenting for Eren. One thing is he can't sleep well in that dark, dingy room and now he was worrying about his feelings. Two sleepless nights is bad for health especially when one lives in between walls waiting for an attack. Eren felt suffocated and the silence was deafening, nothing but the sound of the clock ticking. All he could think of was Rivaille.
The next morning Eren was already at the field practicing his gear movement when Rivaille got out for his usual jog. Rivaille started jogging doing his best to ignore Eren and his foolish antics, and Eren did the same but failed miserably (Guess the awkwardness hasn't released a bit yet). Eren concentrated on his practice but was constantly distracted by his captain's insistent appearance from around the corner.
The next time Rivaille appeared Eren was not to be seen. Rivaille soon realized that Eren was jogging behind him. After about five more laps they decided to stop. Just as Rivaille was about to say something Mikasa called out from behind…
"Eren! There you are! I was worried about you…." She spoke as she eyed Rivaille. A very unpleasant look flashed on both their faces which only left Eren in confusion. "Heichou. I wasn't expecting you here"
"hmm…" Rivaille replied and walked away.
Eren and Mikasa just stared as he disappeared. "Eren, are you better already? You look sick I think you should take some rest." Mikasa asked almost immediately like water spilling from her lips, but also noticing the dark circles below his eyes.
"No I'm fine." Eren replied. But was replied with only a stare. "Seriously, you don't have to worry about me all the time. I'm the immortal one here." ,which was followed with a sigh.
Mikasa stood in melancholy as Eren walked away. Mikasa knew Eren was having a bad day and the only reason she suspected was Rivaille. In all odds she was right. She knew where she could find him; and true enough he was there.
"What did you to Eren?!" Mikasa asked. Rivaille looked up from washing his face, followed with his usual stare only this time he was pissed.
"What do you mean?" he replied in his nonchalant tone, walking toward his horse. He knew not to get into a fight about ranks now.
"He's not his usual self. I suspect you for it."
"Why me?"
"You were the only one with him when we left."
"Maybe you should go and ask him for the details instead of annoying me with your concern for your boyfriend."
"….. he's not my boyfriend."
Rivaille got on his horse and galloped away, ignoring Mikasa's comment. Mikasa had nowhere else to go but to Eren and ask him again.
"What happened Eren while we were away?" She asked expecting an answer.
"What? Nothing." Eren replied blushing.
"Don't lie to me! I know when you lie. Just tell me." Mikasa seemed frustrated and angry. (Which mostly happens when anything has to do with Eren.)
"Its… its nothing." Eren said walking away.
"Don't give me crap! Look me in the eye and honestly say nothing happened."
Eren stopped and looked into Mikasa's eyes "I…", Eren was flustered and looked away.
"You what Eren?"
Eren looked up at her again and then to the sides to check if anyone was around.
"I kissed him." Eren said quickly and quietly and immediately looked away as he turned red.
"You what?!" Mikasa was in complete shock.
Sorry that it took this long to finish this chapter. its just I'm so lazy! Hope you like it. :)