Of the pleasant things one could wake up to, a grizzly would perhaps be at the bottom of that list.

Daybreak has not arrived yet, but Eren couldn't care less about that right now. The lumbering creature before them, weighing well over a hundred kilos, inched closer—its mouth watering at the prospect of early breakfast. The bear was relatively calm for now, studying its prey for the time being, but that could change drastically in the next few minutes. The wild animal was only ever slightly less dangerous than their usual opponents. The Titan shifter pondered. If he turned now, the transformation could spell severe injury or even death for the girl resting on his shoulder. He first needed to put safe distance between him and her, something the bear did not quite allow at the moment.

Speaking as quietly as possible, he nudged the girl on his right, "Mikasa, wake up. There's a—"

"I know, now be silent," replied his protector, who has probably awake longer than he was, "Already have my good hand on your sword. I'm proficient with my left hand too. Run to your left on my mark."

"Wait, you have your hand on my—"

"Eren!" she hissed, and at that moment, the bear charged.

In a stroke of luck he knew he did not deserve, he took her in his arms, got up, and sidestepped at the last second, missing the murderous ursine paw by mere inches. Ignoring her protests, he gingerly set her down and drew his sword from its leather sheath (he did not see the point of ODM gear in his search for her), turning to face the stunned bear. Having its head slam against the tree, this afforded the Titan shifter a small window of attack. He thrusted, hoping to skewer the bear's brain despite the poor visibility.

He must have missed. To his horror, the creature was still very much alive.

Now certifiably pissed, the bear jerked violently, wrenching the weapon from his grasp and knocking him flat on his ass. He could vaguely make out her voice calling his name in the background, but it was drowned by the roar blaring in front of his face. Shit.

Before the grizzly could trample him, Mikasa scrambled to the bear's side on practically one leg, her own dulled blade in hand. She raised her weapon and stabbed it, but she too did not hit any vital systems. With the bear's attention on the struggling girl, Eren took his weapon protruding from its side and ran the bear's skull through with it. After wrestling with death throes for a couple of moments, all hostilities finally ceased.

The wind still knocked out of him, he stumbled around the carcass and made his way to his protector. The girl shifted her weight on her good leg, hand still grasping the sword embedded in the creature's side. She was leaning on her weapon for support, and her pained face told him everything he needed to know.

He took her hand away from the weapon, and gently eased her in sitting down on the forest floor, much to the relief of her broken leg.

"Are you hurt? The hell were you thinking, Mikasa? One broken limb ain't enough?"

"I'm fine. Not that it matters... but I was trying to save your ass. Looked like you needed help, Eren."

"I know that. And of course it matters! But that's no excuse to put yourself at risk! You already died once for a comrade—"

"I wouldn't have changed a thing if I could go back, and I'd do it again if I have to. Especially if it's you. This is what we do, Eren."

"Don't give me that, dammit!"

Eyes shut, he hung his head and the hands on his lap clenched into fists. She braced herself for another fit until she noticed the stream that fell from his eyes. To say she knew him well is a gross understatement, and so she knew Eren was not one to weep over petty things. Though he never told her, she knew he associated his own tears with vulnerability, with weakness. Unable to express his pain through crying all those years, the intoxicating brew of rage and hate became the more attractive means of catharsis, and even the sustenance of his fighting spirit. He was a war machine that answered to nothing and could endure anything,

Anything, indeed and truly. The only catch was that he could not endure losing her.

Without second thought, she threw an arm around him, ignoring the aching of her body, "Eren... Eren, it's okay. You don't have to cry. About anything. I'm right here."

He embraced her back, as if fearful of letting her go, "But you weren't for a time. I already lost you once. That's not how it's supposed to be; I'm to go first, while you live your life after this blasted war. But Mikasa, for the love of mankind... please don't. Don't go in the four years I've left. I can't lose you a second time. Live through this hell. Promise me."

At the rate they were going, even with the precious lulls that afforded precious respite from combat, she knew. Theirs was a profession that did not freely supply the luxury of making promises, let alone keeping them. Having nothing to do with honesty or moral obligation, a soldier's word was only as good as the breath in his body. The dead could only fulfill so many promises.

She held him tighter, tolerating the pain that shot from her shoulder, "I don't know if I can give you my word, but you're not losing me that easily. I'm sorry... if you thought that you lost me for a while—"

"It felt a helluva lot longer than you make it out to be," murmured Eren.

"But you didn't. I know, I've been there too. So don't you dare say I don't know how it feels because you were the first to go, and I had to deal with it too. I can't give you the future, Eren, but I can give you what I have—I love you. For as long as you have me, I love you."

"Promise?"

"That I can."

"Mika, I love you far more. Even if I could be a real jackass at times."

"At times? Don't you mean all the time?"

He whined, and eventually chuckled against her shoulder, unsuccessful in coming up with a riposte against that. He settled for nuzzling the side of her neck, much to her (secret) delight.

"Eren," finding it impossible not to smile at that point, "Maybe not now, and certainly not here? A rotting corpse is right beside us. I'm not sure I like the stench of dead bear."

"Mmm, don't care. You don't smell like roses either. We're going for a swim soon as you're healed."

Aha, he asked for it, she thought, "You're a jackass, and a slacker. Twice already we got in trouble because you drifted off when you shouldn't have. One, you missed your shift and Armin found you in my tent; two, you nearly got us killed today."

"Hey, I was awake the whole time like I said. I did not nod off today."

"You were snoring, Eren. Loudly. Used to be fairly quiet and cute when we were small, but there's just no comparison now. Reckon the bear was sleeping somewhere close by, and that you woke it up with those battle horns of yours."

"I did not snore that loudly!"

"I beg to differ, and my hearing's perfectly fine—ahh! What... what are you doing?"

Having nuzzled aside the scarf, he kissed the bare juncture where her neck met her shoulder, sending a jolt of satisfaction throughout her entire system.

"Getting back at you for your accusations. You offended me."

"Tickles a bit. I'll... I'll offend you more often then," replied Mikasa, eyes closed and content.

Fixing her scarf back in place, he planted one on her forehead, "Back at the camp, perhaps. For now, I need to take you back home ASAP. You'll be safe once we're there, and your bandages will need changing soon."

She leaned against his forehead, feeling his breath on her lips, "Are you sure? It's still pretty dark. We can wait an hour."

"No Mika, can't risk it. Almost lost you, again. All because I slack—"

"Hey, that's enough," replied his protector, joining their lips briefly before continuing, "Enough with the self-blame. It already happened, and we made it out alright. That's all that matters."

He nodded. The silence between them was broken when he began, "Why are you so good at this?"

Her fingers lost themselves in his mop of hair, which was now longer and more unkempt than usual, "At what?"

"Telling me what I must know at the right place and time; letting this parched soul of mine laugh; making me hold on when everything else told me to let go. All of that. So why?"

"I don't really know, Eren. You just bring out things from me, especially these past few days. I like where we are now."

"Really? As for me, not at all."

Her eyebrows raised in an expression of puzzlement, "Why? Is there something bothering you?"

He brushed aside hair from her face until his hands traveled south and found hers, "Absolutely. We're still in the middle of the blasted woods. Yeah, I detest where we are now."

She smiled against his shoulder, pulling closer and taking in his familiar scent, "Blockhead."

"Heh," he placed a hand behind her head, feeling the raven locks slide between his fingers, "But you know me; I'm not one to stop at complaints. I'm a complainer, and a doer. That's why I'm taking us home right now. Shall we go? Or do you want to stick around a little longer in bear country?"

"Already told you—I am home. But if you're so eager to head back to camp, then let's."

The trek back home was not quite how Eren expected it to be. Yet again his Titan powers failed him, even after three bites and intense concentration. Instead of the behemoth that could considerably shorten their travel time, he was only granted a mangled hand. Much later on, he would attribute the failure to fatigue and the recent whirlwind of emotions overwhelming him. Mikasa insisted on bandaging his hand, but he naturally shrugged it off, willing at least his regenerative abilities to do their job. Her constant, selfless concern for him made him wistful; if only he could use his healing abilities on her, he would have done so in a heartbeat.

With the beeline route he opted to take instead of the scouting path he took earlier, they would reach home in less than six hours, even on foot. Nonetheless, that was not to say it would be a brief journey. Hung across Eren's shoulders in a rescuer's carry, Mikasa's injuries hurt almost the entire time. Barely audible moans and stifled yelps did not escape his sharp hearing. With that damned "Ackerman pride," as Eren grudgingly called it, preventing her from letting him know when the bouts of pain became unbearable, they halted every half an hour or so. He caught a breather himself, but the breaks were really for her. During those times, he offered her water and wrapped both arms around her, hoping he could at least assuage the sting and throbbing.

She spoke softly; he would not have heard her had their faces been any farther apart, "I love it when you do that."

It seemed to be working at the very least, "Do what? Pray tell."

"All of this. I suppose I'm still not used to this side of you."

He knew it was not her intention, but he could not deny the onset of guilt at her words, "I, uh... Okay, I let ego take the reins for too long. I thought before that you were getting in the way between me and my mission, that you would only hold me back... I'm sorry. I didn't treat you fairly all these years. You... you deserved this side much earlier."

"Doesn't matter, Eren. There's nothing to apologize for. I told you, remember? I'm happy where we are now. But don't think that you have to act any differently; you don't owe me anything. So long as you're safe, that's enough for me."

"Then I suppose this counts as more than enough."

Lest he worsens her injuries, he could not kiss her as passionately as either of them wanted, but he came damn near close. Her mouth gradually became a favorite dwelling place of his, relishing in the safety and tenderness that stood in stark contrast to the lives they led. Their lips danced to the synchronized beats of their pulses, eagerly taking the other in its contour. He felt her heart race against his chest—lub dub, lub dub, lub dub—and Eren was grateful to feel and hear it.

For what better music was there to listen to than the heartbeat he guarded so dearly?

He gingerly broke away, pausing only to stare at lidded eyes hiding those piercing charcoal orbs, "Yes. That's more than enough, Eren," his protector whispered.

"Glad to exceed your standards. You of all people, worth a hundred soldiers and all."

"You misunderstand. I never wished for that 'hundred soldiers' title. I just knew I had to be in the best position to... to watch your back. And I couldn't do that as a mediocre soldier."

"Then you started packing abs earlier than the rest of us."

"Mmhmm, someone's been especially keen."

"What? No, of course not! Sasha mentioned it one—"

He did not realize she was jesting until he noticed her coy smile. Truth be told, despite his slight envy of her superior skills as a soldier in the years past, her prowess secretly earned his admiration more than jealousy. How she bested anyone that went toe-to-toe with her (including him, on several occasions) how she never complained about anything at all; how she lived life as a silent, powerful force always surging forward. In his eyes, she became invulnerable, and so he slacked off in keeping her safe, knowing she could take care of herself. It was a decision he regretted many times over, his remorse reflected by every scar that etched both in her body and his soul.

From now on, they were to be on equal terms. He was to be her protector, as much as she is his.

"Hey," a hand on his hair broke him from his reverie, "are you okay? You're leaving me again."

"'m fine, and that's not gonna happen. Never again, long as I live," he put a hand on her scarf, emphasizing a promise uttered not too long ago, when death both stared them in the eyes.

She fought back tears, and the morbid thought that he only had so many years left, "That's for an entire lifetime then. I hope you won't get tired of me in that time."

"Don't be stupid. That's impossible for me, Mika," he planted one on her forehead, his lips affectionately lingering for a while, "C'mon, let's get going."

With some effort, he gingerly hefted her up again on his shoulders, which naturally worried the girl.

"Mikasa, no. Not now. I have to concentrate as it is, so quit worrying. You'll just have to trust me. I can carry you just fine."

"You sure?" she replied meekly.

The Titan shifter grumbled, squeezing her uninjured forearm as he trod on fallen leaves, "I am. I'll get some shuteye once we get back at the camp, but not before. Now I know it's asking for a lot, but try to relax. We'll be home before you know it."

"Alright. Thank you... for coming back to me."

"Promised you forever, didn't I? I'd always come back for you. Got a promise to keep, with or without that damned scarf I forgot to replace back then. Really ought to get you a new one."

She almost shuddered at the thought, but at the same time appreciated the gesture, "This one's just fine, Eren. It means a lot to me, and maybe the person who gave and wrapped it around me as well when I was cold."

"Maybe? Really? Forget about getting you a new one. Ain't buying a damn thing for you on soldier's pay."

Despite everything, this elicited a smile from her, "I love you, Eren."

"Uhuh, now you tell me that shit."

"That's right, so you better get used to this 'shit.'"

"You know what, to tell you the truth, I don't think I ever will."

This genuinely worried his protector, "Why? If you prefer the way things were between us before, I'm okay with that. Already told you that nothing has to—"

"Mika, it isn't that," he rudely interrupted with that damned sweet voice of his, she thought, "It just feels new each time you say it, like a gift that's opened again and again without diminishing joy. I could never get used to something I could never take for granted. So, that's what I meant, idiot."

This time, she squeezed his forearm and lifted 'til her hand found his. Calloused digits and palms relished in the tender touch of the other, putting her in the familiar state of calm and safety.

Mikasa enjoyed all the wordless conversations with him as well.

After a while, her grip slackened. This nearly stopped Eren's heart until he heard soft snores. Nevermind scaring him half to death, at least she was not awake to feel the brunt of the pain. Her body resting across his shoulders felt relaxed for the most part.

"Don't you dare die on me. Set your leg back in place, and I staunched the bleeding, so you better keep your end of the bargain."

He marched on for what felt like hours nonstop, and his body felt like one, hulking piece of lead by then. He was fairly certain that the Titan serum aided in sustaining his steady pace, regenerating worn out legs and an aching back. A sharp voice unexpectedly broke him from the monotony of the past few hours or so.

"Eren! That you? And is that—"

"Connie, it's me," the Titan shifter called out in a hoarse voice, "I need a stretcher! Now!"

His friend shot away without replying, presumably to fetch the requested article. A few minutes passed until Connie came back with a stretcher. Along with a barrage of questions, chiefly having to do with what transpired in the past couple of hours. He waved most of the queries aside as he gingerly let his protector down on the stretcher. He considered it a moot point to answer them now.

"Not now, Connie. I'll explain everything back at the camp. Right now, she needs a proper medic and some decent accommodations."

"Sure, Eren," said Connie as they hoisted the stretcher and started pacing, "Sorry about that. Didn't realize you must've been up the whole night. After all that, I'm just glad you got her back. That was nothing short of a miracle."

"No, that wasn't the miracle," replied Eren without hesitation, "It's that she was the one who found me."