A/N: Longer chapter to make up for the lack of chapters today!

...that and I lost track of time.

Hope you enjoy, leave a review if you can, and see you in the next chapter.

(Armin P.O.V)

We'd gotten home a little earlier than we'd wanted, but I blamed the soldiers for that. Especially that new one that had gotten in the way of the other. What was his name? Did he even mention it? I guess he didn't. Be he seemed to be a lot better at his job than the others I'd met. Why he wore those weird goggles was beyond me though. Maybe he just liked them.

I heard my brother grumble angrily. "I can't believe I forgot it! That bloody…!"

I decided to zone out at that point. I didn't like hearing cuss words all that often but Mihael didn't really care. I think he just enjoyed saying them since it let out some steam. I couldn't fault him for that.

Mihael had a temper sometimes, but he never took it out on his family. He just needed to be left alone for a while so he could take a breather and get back into his calm state. It sometimes scared me how angry he could be, but I knew he wouldn't hurt me. He couldn't hurt me. I think it would have killed him if he knew he hurt someone he loved. Then again, none of us really tried to take him on when he was angry so we didn't know the whole truth to the matter.

He sat down in his chair and seethed. "If I ever see another soldier I'll castrate them!"

I blinked, then looked to my mother. "What does 'castrate' mean?"

I was smart, and I knew a lot of words, but I didn't know a few Mihael chose to use in front of me.

My mother looked at my father and grandfather before looking back at me. "We'll tell you when you're older."

"MUCH older." My father added before turning to Mihael. "If you could restrain yourself now, son."

The teen glared at him… not even saying a word.

The silence was what scared me most. It was the thought of 'the calm before the storm' that sent me into a fearful state. No, Mihael would never hurt us.

But damnation to anyone else that got in his way.

The teen took a breath and stood from his seat. "I'm going to the garden. No one bother me."

My grandfather, who never saw the danger since he didn't fear him, gestured to the back door. "Tools are in the shed. Cleaned them for you today."

"Thank you." The teen replied sarcastically before heading outside, letting the door slam behind him.

My father sighed heavily. "You think anyone will bring the guitar home?"

My mother shook her head. "When they can pawn it off for coin? I doubt it. These are terrible times, what with the food shortage, nothing coming up outside the wall, and the garrison all getting drunk and making the streets worse. A hundred years of peace and look where we are now."

My grandfather huffed. "The walls should have never been built, if you ask me."

"Dad…" my mother tried to stop him.

"No, Selena! The walls were meant to be for protection, but all it did was make us complacent! Are we really the only ones to see this?!"

"Others see it too, old man." My father replied. "They're just too afraid to speak up. They don't want to be punished for being what they call heretics. And I don't blame them. Just look at what they do to Armin and Mihael. Always coming home with a bruise or two, and the girls will have to go through that too!"

One of the twins, Emma, gasped at this. "Are we going to die!?"

"No sweetheart." My mother assured. "But… keep your opinions to yourselves, alright. We can't have you and Sera getting hurt."

They both nodded and went silent again.

I envied their silence. They were content not to say a thing because it was easier for them. Because they had each other. Yes, we all had each other – I suppose – but out there in the streets we were all alone. Mihael, myself, father and mother… we had our own lives to defend. We weren't born with a twin that stayed beside us and knew one another back to front. I was happy for them… and jealous. At least they had a bit of justice in this world. If only I could have the same.

My mother served the food she'd made for dinner then sat down along with us.

"I believe Mihael just needs a bit of a break." She suggested. "That poor boy has been worked up for the past week. Not to mention he rarely ever does things for himself anymore."

"That wasn't exactly our doing, my dear." My father replied. "He just jumped into this role he made for himself. We both didn't want this for him, but it's happened."

"When did it start?" I asked. "I can't remember a time when Mello didn't take care of us."

"When your father lost his arm." My grandfather explained. "Your brother had the strongest gut going in to see him when he was in the infirmary. Didn't cry even once. After that day… well, he was never really the same."

I heard my mother hum at this. "Your brother was… is a broken person, Armin. He's had to endure a lot of mental instabilities. Watching your father go off for scouting missions, nearly losing him, and skipping past his entire childhood to help take care of us. Though I'm sure you're more than aware of all this, it's just best that you're reminded."

"I know," I replied, "but it's not like he was asked to give up everything."

"No, you're right." My grandfather remarked. "But that boy will always fight for something. Even if it means losing something in return."

I remained quiet now, slowly sipping up my mother's stew. I would never tell her than Mihael's cooking was just a bit better, but only because he had more experience with cooking.

My family was right. Mello was a fighter, he always would be. But I'd just like to see him have something other than us to fight for. Then again, he never got out enough to find something to fight for because he was always cooped up at home and taking care of us.

My father leaned back in his chair. "You know what he needs?"

"A bath?" Sera spoke up, making Emma laugh.

When my father glared at them they both shut up. As humorous as it was, it was rather rude.

My father continued. "He needs a dame. Someone to get him out of the house."

"Memphis, I'm warning you…" my mother started.

"A dame or a fellow, my dear. I know he has a few wandering eyes, but he's never made anything specific."

My grandfather huffed. "You'd allow your son with another man? Good luck with getting those grandchildren."

"We have three others in the waiting, dad." My mother reminded him. "And it doesn't matter to us what his preferences are."

"And not to me either, daughter!" He replied. "But those good for nothing extremists might have a problem with it! They'd hang him in an instant if they caught him with another man!"

"But, it's love." I said quietly. "It shouldn't matter if it's a man or woman if they're happy."

"Some people don't understand that, Armin." My father spoke as he stood from his seat. "But that's something for another time. For now I think I should speak with our hot headed teenager. Maybe get him to leave the house for a while."

"And go where, exactly?" Grandfather asked snidely.

The tall blonde thought for a second before grinning. "Well, I believe there is a festival coming up in about a week. Perhaps he could find someone to go with if I were to offer to do his chores."

"Like he'd let you do that." The old man before me huffed as he took a sip of his stew. "That boy is as hard headed and stubborn as his mother. Believe me, I know. Damn woman running off to join the corps."

"Excuse you, but I got a good husband by doing that." My mother warned.

"And five stubborn kids to go with him!" He laughed out. "Now you must pay the same price as I had to, young lady!"

I saw my father roll his eyes with a smile before turning to us. "Armin, make sure you and your sisters finish eating then prepare for bed."

"What about Mihael?" I asked, a bit worried.

"Don't worry about him. I'll have a talk with him and everything will turn out alright. You'll see."

I nodded. "Alright. I hope you can get him to let go of the reigns for a while. I'd like to see him less angry and more… happy."

The man kissed the top of my head before turning and headed for the door. "I'll certainly try, my boy."

I guess try was really all he could do.

(Mello P.O.V)

Yes, it was late and I was practically working by the light of the moon, but I was too angry to care. Angry that I'd lost my guitar, angry that those soldiers were fighting – over me no less – and angry because no one did the gardening like they were supposed to! This was supposed to be my day off! A day when I wasn't angry and I was pissed at the world for being so goddamned useless! But NO! Here I was doing chores that were supposed to be done, in the dark, on my day off!

I clipped off another unwelcomed twig and threw it to the ground. I'd have to clean up all the twigs as well when I was done, but for now I just felt like clipping. As if I was imagining clipping away each thing that was making me angry. It wasn't like I had the choice to yell and scream at anyone anyway. God forbid I scare my younger siblings and teach them that the world wasn't all bright and cheery. God forbid that they learn the truth about the world and that only the strong can truly survive. Worthless kids.

…

…that wasn't fair.

I threw down the clippers and just sat against the wall next to the hedge.

Armin knew full well what the real world was like. Even the girls had some notion of it. I just didn't like how they could have an escape and I couldn't. I was stuck working since I was eight to take care of everyone around me. My lame father, my weak mother, and my broken grandfather. Not to mention the younger kids who could barely defend themselves. I was working around the clock, day in and day out, for people I cared about and for what? So they could be comfortable while I worked myself to the bone? Yes, I put myself in this position, and it wasn't all that terrible, but I still felt like I'd missed out on something important. My childhood? My teen years? Friends, learning, playing, laughing, WHAT!? I just needed to know!

I heard someone sit beside me but didn't look up from my knees. I could almost tell who it was anyway.

"My, the stars are bright tonight." Came my father's voice. "They seem so close, don't they?"

I just cut to the chase. "What do you need, father?"

He chuckled. "I can't sit beside my son and chat? What happened to the days where we used to stargaze until you fell asleep?"

"Those days ended when you could no longer carry me up the stairs." I reminded him.

I guess it was rude to remind him of such a thing, but I was still bitter about today. Well… about everything really. Some days were easier to hide it than others.

I could almost feel the smirk. "Oh? So you think because I only have one arm I'm incapable of THIS!"

I felt something grab my leg then hoist me up into the air and onto my father's shoulder making me nearly shriek. The man was tall too so I was up pretty high, meaning I had to hold on with all my might as he spun me around like he used to before his accident. I guess I underestimated him and his strength. He really could do anything if he really wanted, even with a missing arm.

He spun me about, laughing boisterously. "Had enough?!"

My response was a bit of a yelp before starting to giggle.

"Put me down!" I tried to be serious, ending up in a giggle instead.

"Put you down? But where!?" He asked. "Over… THERE!?"

He whipped around to where he'd meant making me whip in the opposite direction. I really couldn't help the squeal of laughter. It was like being eight again!

"Or over… THERE?!" He exclaimed, whipping me about once more.

"Come on! I'm getting sick!" I warned him, stick partially chuckling.

He finally listened and dropped me into a pile of leaves, falling in as well to lay beside me.

It really did feel good to laugh again.

The man chuckled. "See? I've still got it!"

I scoffed. "So you can lift a malnourished teenager. I'm so impressed."

"Malnourished?" He scoffed back, pinching at my sides. "What's all this then!?"

I had to hit and fight him back from the pinches but the giggling still happened. Honestly, had he just come out to bother me or stop me from being mad? Either way I didn't like that he was winning the battle.

He finally stopped the pinching and I got a few moments to catch my breath from the giggles. It's been a long time since I'd had this much fun, and it took a lot out of me.

I guess it was my own fault.

I felt a hand ruffle my hair. "Don't worry about the guitar, Mihael. We can get another one."

Back to business? Alright then.

"No, we can't." I explained. "That was grandfather's, and he got it in Trost. I doubt they even make them anymore."

"Nonsense. There's always a guitar or two around if you look!" He promised. "Have some faith."

I scoffed at that. "Faith in what? Humanity is nothing but a joke nowadays. We'd be better off as titan food."

"Stop that, you know you don't mean it."

"I DO mean it!" I fought back. "We do nothing but sit around and watch the world go by! The King wants us to believe that's living but he'd wrong!"

"Mihael…"

"I'm serious!" I interrupted, standing up from the leaf pile. "You think this is living!? Waiting for something to happen?! Watching the sun set over a fifty metre wall and having our days shortened because of it?! You believe living in shadow and fear is a life worth living?!"

"I didn't say that, but you have to understand…"

"I DON'T UNDERSTAND!" I practically screamed. I don't understand why we're all holed up here and living under a monarchy that doesn't even care enough to do something worthwhile about it! We've become complacent and fat, waiting on the day something will happen, and I just don't understand it! Am I crazy, or can't you see what we've become!"

The man before me was silent for what seemed like forever before he stood up from the leaves and pulled me into a hug.

"Son," he spoke quietly, "I have a feeling there's more to this that you aren't willing to speak about."

I growled at this and pushed him away. "Like what?"

He didn't answer my question, but merely smiled calmly.

"There's a festival happening next week for the returning scouts. Maybe you should go. Bring a friend or two."

I scoffed at this, turning away from him. "You know I don't have any friends."

"Then go out and make a few." He suggested.

"With what time, might I ask?" I turned back, crossing my arms. "I have to cook breakfast, mend the garden, fix the yard, go to the market, make lunch, mend and wash clothes, then make dinner. And that's only the list for tomorrow…"

"Mihael!" He spoke up, making me lose my train of thought. "You think we can't handle it?"

I shrugged slightly, looking off for a second. "No. It's just…"

"Just routine." He finished. "But you need to break free of that routine, my boy. I don't want you growing up knowing nothing but work and caring for others. Go out and enjoy yourself!"

"By doing what?" I challenged him. "Drinking and having it out with the soldiers?!"

The man sighed heavily. "Just… go out and meet someone new, son. Tomorrow, or even tonight…!"

"I'll pass." I interrupted, grabbing my clippers from the ground. "There's no one out there of interest to me."

There was a pause before he put a hand on my shoulder and answered with, "You'll never know until you look. You might be surprised."

I took a moment to let the works sink in, but I couldn't help but feel anger in my soul. Something about those words hurt me more than I'd like to admit.

I pushed his hand away and got back to the hedge. "No one wants someone like me."

A silence filled the air and made everything feel tense and cold. I didn't hear anything come from my father other than his breathing. Soon after, I didn't even hear that. Just the sound of the door shutting after he left me alone… and small tears dripping onto the leaves I faced towards.

Did he think that I didn't want friends? Like I chose to give up my childhood? I guess I had chosen to leave it and take care of my family. But it wasn't a choice to be alone.

I wiped away the tears and threw the clippers to the ground again. I'd clean all of the gardening mess tomorrow. For now I needed to go to bed and get some sleep. Maybe I'd wake up early and get a jumpstart on things.

I headed for the door and was about to turn the handle…

…

…when I heard a small tune playing from up above me. It sounded like a lute or guitar. It was unpracticed and in need of some work, but it sounded stunning all the same.

Then there was humming…

…and singing.

I followed the tune to the roofs and climbed up a box of supplies until I got to the roof of my family home. From there the tune was heard much clearer…

…and the one playing the tune was in full view.

I'd seen him before in the square. The soldier that had fought off Jim. And he had my guitar! Why on earth was he playing it and humming a song though? What was he trying to prove?

He ended his tune with a carry and looked at me with a grin. "So you do live here. Glad to see my trek wasn't wasted."

I climbed up onto the roof fully to look at him more easily. He was sitting across the way on another roof that was close to our own so talking to him was not a strain. Still, to come all the way here… what did he want? No, scratch that. I knew what he wanted. Money. And he was holding my guitar ransom.

Typical.

He chuckled. "Nothing to say, Mello?"

I was taken back by this. "How… how do you know my name?"

He laughed. "How do you not know mine?! Did I really change in the eight years since we met?! Then again, I only just remembered you from today, so I guess I can't blame you. Loved the playing, by the way. How long have you been practicing?"

"Who are you!?" I demanded.

He smiled at me cheekily before removing his goggles. Something about his face did look familiar now that he didn't have his goggles on.

"Still nothing?" He asked. "Hold on!"

He suddenly jumped over to the roof I stood on and got dangerously close to my face, his nose touching mine and his eyes looking into my own. He didn't even let me back away since his hand was on my waist. Any other time I would have punched someone for invading my personal space…

…but this…

Those green eyes. I'd seen them before. A long time ago when I was a kid…

…

…it couldn't be him…

…

…could it?

I blinked in fear and wonder. "Matt?"

His smile widened. "So you do remember me."

I backed away for a moment to get a better look, but I couldn't believe it. It couldn't actually be that little street urchin from so long ago. It just couldn't.

But here he was.

He handed me the guitar. "I believe this belongs to you. You left it in the square."

I took it from him hesitantly but smiled. "Um… thank you. I'm… I'm sorry that I didn't recognize you before. But it's been so long…"

"Don't even worry about it." He assured me. "I get forgotten a lot. I think people try to forget I exist though."

"Dear lord, how did you even remember me at all? We met for only a few seconds when we were children."

He shrugged, scratching his cheek. "Can't honestly say. But I'm glad I did remember you. It's nice to know someone on the inside. Especially someone so familiar with the other soldiers."

I growled at that. "I'm only familiar with those who have been chasing me. I'm not exactly a friend to the garrison."

"You and me both, blondie." He reassured.

This struck me as odd. "Then… why are you part of their group?"

"Truth?" He replied, relaxing into his stance. "Because I can do more good in the garrison than I can outside the wall."

"Oh?" I challenged, not believing him. "How so?"

"Well, a little kid from the Utopia district needed a place to stay and call home never once got help from the military. Now he thinks he can change that. But, helping out a blonde in distress might be good karma too."

"Distress?" I practically laughed. "You call what happened today distress?"

"Okay, so I wanted to meet you but that drunk ass got in my way. But you did get yourself into a bit of trouble with that sharp tongue of yours."

"He was asking for it." I replied, crossing my arms. "And I didn't ask for you to help me back there."

"Well, I'm glad I did."

"Why's that?" I asked with a smirk.

"'Cause now we got this alone time together." He reminded me, getting a bit closer.

Something about the way he said that made my cheeks heat up slightly. Maybe because I wasn't used to this much interaction with someone outside my family.

He chuckled, looking back to the road then to me. "I should leave now. Last time my partner caught me out of bed he threatened to chain me and keep me there until the next week. Now, I don't know what that would accomplish, but he sounded pretty serious. So I should get going."

I nodded, a little sad to see him go. "Alright then. Thank you, by the way. For returning my guitar. I thought I'd lost it forever."

He put his goggles back on before bowing to me. "Think nothing of it. But I have one last thing to ask."

"Okay." I replied warily.

"Would you happen to be in the market tomorrow? I'm doing most of my patrolling down there, so maybe we could… catch up, or something."

I blinked in surprise. I'd never really been asked to… well… spend time with another person. This was something kind of new to me.

"What exactly is there to catch up on? We knew each other for five seconds as kids."

"But I remember your name. And… you remembered mine." He reminded me, getting a bit closer.

I didn't back away though. "That's… true."

"So then, why not just spend a few hours together? No catching up. Just learning new things about each other."

"That sounds an awful lot like a date." I surmised.

"Then a date it can be if you want." He suggested. "That's alright with me."

I felt my cheeks go hot again and stepped back. "Al… alright then. Tomorrow at noon? In the market?"

"Not a very private date, and I have to work… but sure! I'll meet you there! Near the docks."

I nodded. "By the docks then."

With that he made his exit, jumping from one roof to another. On the fifth roof he waved back to me and I couldn't help the smile. I don't think I'd ever met someone with more enthusiasm.

And… strangely… I liked it.