Mikasa's beautiful voice softly echoed in the orphanage building. The kids, all ages 5 to 14 listened. Some held stuffed animals, while others sat with friends.
Eren, Mikasa, Armin and Rubi had arrived, and brought the $1000 check in donations. The orphanage staff were overwhelmed by it, and loved the idea of Mikasa singing.
Mikasa decided to sing "No Matter Where you are" for them. And it was clear by their faces, they related to the lyrics.
When she finished her song, and after cheers and praise, and autograph signing, Mikasa was speaking with one of the staff members.
"I heard about your case actually. You witnessed your parents deaths...", the woman said softly. Mikasa gave a small nod.
"Yes...", she replied, as the woman showed Mikasa around the orphanage for future visits.
"I'm so sorry, sweetie. Here we see so many cases of parent death...and the ones who witness it...they're the ones who have the hardest time bouncing back...or if they witness any violence for that matter", the woman said, her tone grim.
"Oh...and then we have special ones...like her", the woman stopped walking then, looking over. Mikasa followed her gaze, to see a 14 year old girl sitting by herself.
She was by the window, and seemed very spaced. She wore a nonchalant look, her eyes grim. Mikasa's heart sunk...she knew that look all too well. It was like looking in a mirror.
"Chloe has seen it all...she saw her abusive father kill her mother, and if that wasn't bad enough, she had no one to be there for her. Her first foster family were abusive towards her and well...", the woman paused then.
"She claims her foster father molested her, unfortunately we haven't been able to get proof of this...", she added.
Mikasa's eyes softened, as she then approached Chloe. The girl had black hair, and brown eyes.
Chloe blinked, looking at Mikasa. They sat in silence for several seconds, not needing to say anything. They had the same expression, as Chloe gazed out the window.
"You really saw your parents killed...?", Chloe asked then, softly. Mikasa gave her a small nod. "Yes...when I was 9", she replied.
Chloe looked down softly. "But...they loved each other?", she asked. Mikasa's eyes softened. "Chloe...I know you've heard "I'm sorry this happened to you" a million times...so I'm not going to say that. Because...I know how you feel...saying sorry won't erase what happened", Mikasa said.
Chloe blinked, looking at Mikasa. "Thank you...that's...the most realistic thing I've heard someone say", she admitted.
"The world is a cruel place, but sweetie...don't give up. I lost my family in one night, but...someone came and helped me", Mikasa told her.
"I keep telling myself...someone will come help me. But...no matter how long I wait, no one ever comes. Bad stuff keeps happening, over and over again...", Chloe said, grimly.
"I know...I was told...", Mikasa said softly. Chloe's eyes turned dark.
"Let me guess...she told you I was 'supposedly molested'?", she asked Mikasa then. Mikasa looked at her softly.
"That's what she said, but I don't care about proof or evidence. A child who's been through such horrors wouldn't lie about that...", Mikasa said.
"So...you believe me...", Chloe realized. Mikasa nodded. "Its obvious in your eyes...", she said. At this point, the woman had left so the two could talk in private.
Chloe looked down. Her hands were trembling...like she was talking about it for the first time. And knew someone cared.
"He didn't just molest me...he went further than that", she said, her voice shaky.
Mikasa's heart sunk, as she listened. "No one believed me...but...he would come in my room late at night. And...force himself...on me...and...", Chloe was shaking badly now.
Mikasa gently took her hand then.
"I...I told everyone, but no one believed me...", Chloe cried, tears appearing in her eyes. She suddenly broke down, and hugged Mikasa. Mikasa felt tears well up in her own eyes, as she held Chloe close.
"Oh sweetie...", she said softly, stroking Chloe's hair. Mikasa looked down softly, as it fully sunk it for her.
She really had been through so much in her childhood. But...at least she has Eren. And Rubi, and Eren's parents, and Armin. At least...her parents loved each other, and her very much.
At least...Mikasa didn't have to be put in abusive foster homes, or an orphanage...she had Eren right there to rescue her...only minutes after her parents' deaths.
It made Mikasa realize...how much worse things could have gone for her. If she didn't have Eren...
Later that day, Mikasa caught up with Eren and her friends, they were getting ready to leave for the day.
But Mikasa planned to return soon. "Hey baby...you okay? They told us you were talking with a girl who's...been through alot", Eren asked her, softly.
Mikasa looked down softly, quiet at first. She then threw her arms around Eren tightly. "Eren...thank you so much", she sobbed, tears in her eyes.
Eren's eyes softened, worried, returning the hug. "For what, baby?", he asked worriedly. Rubi and Armin watched, worried.
"Just...after being here today...I realize, if it wasn't for you...", Mikasa explained. Eren's heart sunk, as he realized then.
"Mikasa...", he gently rubbed her back, holding her close, kissing her forehead. "We understand, Miki...", Rubi added.
"Seeing this place...it really is intense. To think, Mikasa could have ended up in a place like this", Armin said, looking down.
"Eren...I want to do more of these children. They don't just need money, or entertainment. They need someone to talk to...", Mikasa stated.
"I agree, Mika. And you of all people know what they're going through", Eren nodded, eagerly.
"I think that's a wonderful idea", Rubi agreed.
"I'd like to come here once a week if I can...", Mikasa said. "We'll arrange it all with the staff", Armin said, smiling softly.
"Um...Miss. Mikasa", a voice said then. The group looked to see Chloe standing there. "Can I talk to you for a minute?", she asked.
"Of course sweetie...", Mikasa let go of Eren's hand softly, as she followed Chloe to a quiet area.
"What is it, honey?", asked Mikasa softly. Chloe was quiet at first, she looked down, nervous. Even pale.
"Promise me..you'll visit again...", Chloe pleaded. Mikasa smiled softly.
"I promise sweetheart, I'll be back next week", she assured her. Chloe nodded, looking relieved. "Hey...what's your favorite animal?", Mikasa asked then.
Chloe thought for a moment. "I love Huskies...the dog breed", replied Chloe, smiling softly. Mikasa nodded. "Okay", she said.
When Eren, Mikasa, Armin and Rubi took the train home, Mikasa was quiet most of the time, deep in thought. She was resting her head against Eren's shoulder.
"You did amazing today, Mika", Eren told her sweetly. Mikasa blushed a bit, as she sighed softly. "They need someone they can relate too, Eren", she stated.
"Then it's settled, we'll arrange so you can visit every week, baby", Eren smiled. Mikasa nodded softly. Over the next few weeks, Mikasa visited, and talked to about three kids each time.
She brought Chloe a plush husky, which Chloe was very happy to get, and even brought things for the other children.
But the children were most happy to talk to Mikasa.
It was a Thursday, and the group were in school. Mikasa had just visited the orphanage last weekend. They were in class, and Rubi was very nervous.
She kept playing with her pencil, her heart racing. She decided...she was going to tell Armin how she felt today.
She had waited long enough. She was red in the face, and had already told Mikasa about it. Armin was also blushing quite a bit.
Rubi didn't know it, but Armin planned on telling her his feelings as well. The two were so shy it was insane.
Rubi kept writing texts to Armin, but erased any before sending, trying to figure out how to go about this.
Mikasa noticed then, she smiled. Rubi took a deep breath. "Miki, where should I meet him?", she whispered, Rico's back turned.
"The roof is where Eren and I confessed our feelings...", Mikasa whispered back. Rubi blushed. She then texted Armin.
"Could you meet me on the roof...? During lunch...?"
She sent it, exhaling nervously. Armin blinked, looking at his phone. He blushed then.
"Sure", he texted back, nervously.
Rubi saw this, her heart skipping a bit. She blushed, nodding at him. Eren grinned, watching the two. Mikasa nudged him, to keep him from teasing.
Just then, the door to the classroom opened. Annie entered. "Late again, Leonhart", Rico growled. Annie didn't answer.
Eren instantly glared dangerously, so did Rubi.
"HEY! I'm talking to you Annie!", Rico yelled, glaring. Annie froze. "Sorry", she said, glaring a bit. She still had that cynical glare.
"You don't have your old man to bail you out anymore, get used to it. That's another week added to your detention, Annie. Now sit down", growled Rico, glaring. Annie went to her desk. Eren glared.
"Eren...don't. It's not worth it", Mikasa whispered, seeing his glare.
Eren looked down, clenching his fists. "This isn't over Mikasa...I still haven't ran my fist into her face, or her father's...you almost died because of them...", he shook furiously.
"I know...but its over Eren. Annie is constantly getting detention, and she's not a pampered little princess anymore. And her father's in prison. Trust me...we ruined their life", Mikasa assured him, giving his hand an gentle squeeze.
"Damn right", Rubi agreed, satisfied. Eren didn't say anything...he knew what they all meant...but still. He wouldn't be satisfied...not until they suffered the same way Mikasa did.
By lunch time, Armin had hurried up the stairs, to meet Rubi on the school roof. Rubi was already waiting. She was extremely nervous.
Her palms were sweaty, and she kept pacing back and fourth. She kept brushed her hair back behind her ear.
She froze then, hearing the doors to the roof opening.
"Rubi, hey", Armin smiled, walking over. Rubi was almost as red as her hair, as she looked at Armin.
"Hey...", she started, nervously. Armin also looked nervous, and red in the face. He scratched the back of his hair.
"So...um...", he started. Rubi bit her lip. They locked eyes.
"Would you go out with me?!", they both suddenly blurted out at the same time.
Rubi squeaked, blushing, while Armin covered his mouth, also blushing. They both blinked then, and even smiled.
"Sure...", Armin said then. "I'd...bloody love too...", Rubi added. Armin blushed more, he then gently reached out, taking her hands.
Rubi blushed, her heart racing. His touch was so gentle and sweet.
"I guess we both felt this way for a long time...", he admitted. Rubi's eyes softened, she then gently squeezed his hands, and pulled him in closer, as their lips met.
They shared a sweet kiss, as Rubi wrapped her arms around Armin's neck. Armin deepened the kiss slightly, stroking her long hair.
The wind breezes through their hair, as Rubi even released a small moan, deepening the kiss. Armin blushed, his heart skipping a beat.
After several seconds, they gently broke the kiss. They caught their breath, gazing into each other's eyes.
"I love you, Armin...", Rubi mused, softly. "I love you too...you're so beautiful...", Armin smiled, as he caressed her cheek.
"So...you want to have lunch with me?", Rubi grinned then. Armin blushed, smiling. The two sat together, sharing their lunches.
Just then, the doors to the school roof opened. "Guys! Have you seen Mikasa?", Eren asked, worriedly.
Rubi blinked, but then she looked down, biting her lip. "I haven't...", Armin answered, concerned.
"Rubi?", asked Eren. Rubi sighed. "I don't, but...is it really hard to guess, Eren? Miki's...probably in the gym...", Rubi said then, anxiously.
Eren froze, his heart sinking. "Shit!", he left the roof then. He should have known this day would come.
Since getting injured, Mikasa was banned from training hard in Physical ed anymore, since it would put too much strain on her ribs.
But Mikasa always trained hard in Physical ed...so Eren expected she'd be stubborn about it.
He hurried into the training gym, which seemed empty. But then he heard Mikasa's voice. She was groaning...sounding like she was struggling.
Eren followed the sound, and saw Mikasa was attempting to do situps. She had her arms behind her head, but every time she tried, it sent sharp pains up her ribs.
She gritted her teeth...every time she tried to pull her body up, it was excruciatingly painful.
She glared, frustrated. This was pathetic...she couldn't even do such a simple thing without being in pain.
She looked down at herself, and pulled her top up. Her body was no longer heavily muscled. In fact, she looked very feminine.
She no longer had abs, and the only muscle tone left was just a little bit in her arms. She was also lighter.
At only 115 lbs, which was the normal weight for a 16 year old girl, Mikasa had become much lighter than Eren.
"Mikasa...", Eren started softly, seeing the look of frustration on her face.
Mikasa didn't answer him at first, as she tried again. It only ended with her wincing in pain. "Mikasa, stop...that's enough...", Eren knelt down beside her.
"Eren, I can't! Look at how much lighter I've gotten...", Mikasa cried. She almost seemed to be panicking...Eren froze. Her breathing was labored, and she had that look in her eyes.
She...was having a panic attack. She only had those when it was about being away from Eren, or her parents...
"Mikasa! Hey! What's wrong?", Eren demanded, worriedly, as he gripped her hand then.
Mikasa ignored him, she went to try and sit up again, and instantly cried out in pain. She clutched her chest.
"MIKASA! Enough!", Eren yelled, fearfully. "Stop! You're gonna hurt yourself!", he gently placed his hands on her shoulders.
Mikasa froze, snapping out of it, as she looked at him.
"Eren...", she said shakily, sweating from the pain. Eren gently grabbed a cloth from one of the shelves, wiping her forehead.
"Easy...gentle breaths baby...", he soothed her, rubbing her back. Mikasa wiped her eyes then, on the verge of tears, as Eren got behind her, so she could lean in his arms.
"Mika...baby, if you can't train anymore, its okay...its not the end of the world. Besides, you're so beautiful...", Eren soothed her, stroking her hair.
Mikasa looked down, her eyes grim. She leaned into his arms.
"What if...I can't protect you...", she suddenly asked. Eren blinked. "Mika...baby, I'm the one who should be protecting YOU", he stated.
"But what if...something happened, to you, or Rubi...or mom...", Mikasa pointed out, speaking about Carla.
Eren's eyes softened, worried. Where was she going with this...? Her eyes looked so dark...and grim. "Mika...talk to me. What's this really about...you've always trained hard. And you never told me why...", Eren said worriedly.
Mikasa looked down, she took a shaky breath, as the pain in her ribs began to ease. She then gripped Eren's hands.
"The night...my parents were killed...", she began, shaking. Eren froze...it had been a long time since she mentioned them.
"I..it was my fault", Mikasa cried then, her voice numb. Eren froze. "Mika...stop it", he said then, firmly.
"But it is Eren...I could have saved my mother...I go back to it in my head...in my dreams...again and again. I COULD have saved her, Eren! If I would have just been stronger!", Mikasa yelled, breaking down.
Tears flooded her eyes.
"Mikasa!", Eren suddenly grabbed her shoulders gently. "Listen to me!", he yelled, worriedly. Mikasa looked at him, tearfully.
"How long?! How long have you been telling yourself this?", he demanded, fearfully. Mikasa swallowed hard.
"Since...I was 9...", she confessed. Eren's eyes grew wide in horror, as his heart sunk. Mikasa...has been living with this...for years...
"Mikasa...baby...", Eren then very gently cupped her face. Mikasa looked into his eyes.
"Listen to me, love. It was NOT your fault! You were a little girl! You were terrified! There was NOTHING you could have done to prevent it! So please...stop. Don't do this to yourself, Mika...please...", Eren begged her.
Mikasa choked back a sob then, looking down. "Oh Eren...", she cried, as she then buried her face into his chest, crying softly.
"Shhhh, it's all right sweetheart...it wasn't your fault...", he soothed her, stroking her hair, and gently holding her close.
Mikasa took deep shaky breaths, giving a small nod. She didn't realize how long she needed to hear Eren say that.
By the following day, Eren had to go out and run some errands. Mikasa didn't join him for a change, she wanted to spend the afternoon with Carla.
When Eren returned from the store, he entered the home. It was quiet, as he set the bags on the kitchen table.
He blinked, as he went upstairs. He peered into his parents room then, and he smiled. Mikasa was asleep in bed, beside Carla, wearing her red scarf.
Carla was awake, gently stroking Mikasa's hair.
"Welcome home Eren", Carla smiled, speaking quietly. "Hey...I guess Mikasa told you...", Eren realized, as he very gently sat on the edge of the bed. Carla nodded.
"This poor girl...she's been through hell, Eren. She broke down today and told me...how she felt...", she replied.
Eren looked down sadly. "But she's strong, Eren. She's come so far...and the fact she calls me mom...", Carla smiled.
Eren smiled back. "I know that makes you happy, mom", he said.
Carla looked at her son then. "Eren...you and Mikasa are getting older. I want you to promise me...you'll always take care of her. Like your father takes care of me", she said, seriously then. Eren looked at her.
"You know I will, mom. I love Mikasa...she's everything to me", he said, softly.
Two Years Later...
"...And I'd like to give my personal congratulations to this year's graduates", Rico stated, standing by the principle.
It was the graduation ceremony for high school. Eren stood by Mikasa, Rubi and Armin, along with all the other students. They were all 18 years old.
Parents cheered for their kids. Carla was crying softly, proud while Grisha wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
Armin's grandfather was there too, along with Sasha's dad, and Jean's mother.
Eren gently held Mikasa's hand. She blushed, smiling at him softly. They all got accepted into the same college, and planned to move in next week.
Despite two years passing, Mikasa kept her hair the same, and still wore her red scarf. No one else really changed their looks either.
They just looked slightly older, in a mature way.
"I'd like to personally congratulate students who graduated with honors, they include Mikasa Ackerman, Rubi Zacri, Armin Arlet, Krista, and Marco", Rico added.
"As far the rest of you...well, you tried your best", she joked then. Eren chuckled, so did Connie and Sasha.
Annie was silent at the ceremony, but she kept shooting Eren and Mikasa glares. But they ignored her, quite easily.
On occasion, Rubi shot Annie a death glare.
When the ceremony ended, Eren and Mikasa held hands. "You ready for this, Mika?", Eren asked her, knowing they were facing a new future.
"As long as you're at my side Eren, I'm ready for anything", she replied. They gently faced each other, under the Sakura tree, and kissed.
Author's Note: High School arc is finished! Yay! Now its time to move on to the College arc, which will be started soon!