Chapter 8:
HEYYO~. Sorry I haven't updated in a while. The lovely person who proof reads all my work has been busy and my life's taken a crazy turn as well. Just a heads up my grandfather has become really sick, to the point where we don't know how things are gunna go. So depending on what happens, there might be a period of time that the chapters will be coming really slow..but don't worry I still love writing this. Just wanted to let you all know! And any prayers for him would be greatly appreciated! Please and thank you! Anywho~ onto the chapter! Reviewing and Favoriting is appreciated! ^-^
Marco's POV:
Sitting on my bunk I just stared at the ceiling. I tried to go to sleep but I couldn't after what has happened. Too much was going through my head. It seemed impossible to quiet my thoughts when I closed my eyes and tried to fall into a peaceful slumber…so I decided to just stare at the ceiling instead. It seemed to calm my mind more and it was better than forcing sleep that wouldn't come for another few hours…
I just wanted to talk to her. To just see her. To just THANK her. I felt so much guilt that she did all of this for me. I mean I know it's not entirely my fault but still…I can't help but feel horrible. She almost died saving me because I wasn't able to do my job. I wasn't good enough…I still have no idea how I was able to lose my gear, but then again that whole day was weird…I ended up accidently hitting a wall and blacked out…and then when I woke up my gear was gone….
But more importantly it still baffles me how she was able to survive. I mean I was so surprised when I saw her hand come out of that ball of titan remains, and was more than happy when she came out alive. There probably isn't a word to describe the feeling that I felt right then, but relief, joy, and happiness is a start.
When I asked to talk to her or to see her they said that she was resting or being examined and I was sent with the rest of the cadets to go to bed. And if I was seen out after hours I could get in trouble…but
"Ugh…"
I tossed over on my side looking down at my folded hands that were just below my nose.
There's no way I'm going to be able to sleep. UGH there's so many things that-
"Marco?"
Looking over my shoulder I saw Jean was looking at me. Tossing over so I was facing him I gave him a questioning look.
"You ok?" he whispered.
I glanced down trying to find an answer more convincing other than "oh yeah everything's fine."
"You've been acting strange ever since yesterday. I mean we're all messed up as heck, but you seem like something's really bothering you. Do you want to talk about what happened yesterday? About what happened between you and the squad leader?..."
I could tell Jean wasn't all that comfortable about asking the question, but it was sweet that he was actually worried about me.
"I mean it was crazy for all of us, but it must have been really crazy for you too."
"Yeah…but it doesn't matter-"
"Well it does if you're going to be distracted all the time. Cm'on Marco you can talk to me."
Letting out a sigh I glanced back at the ceiling, "I guess I just….feel guilty."
"Marco-"
"No let me finish," I cut him off glancing at him, "….please…"
He nodded his head showing he understood.
"I mean…I know it was her decision to save me, but, if I was just better, more skilled, stronger…this wouldn't have happened…I mean I was too weak to pull her up for God's sake…I let her fall….It was probably the worst moment of my life…All I could do was watch her drop to her death…and then scream and cry…and I just completely lost it. Then somehow she came out alive…I don't even know how, and what really scares me is what if we didn't find her…what if Sasha didn't notice when she moved in the mass of titan vomit?...she would have been burned alive…I know what you're gunna say Jean, but I can't help but feel this way. And now I don't even know if she's ok… I can't even talk to her. All I want to do is see that she's ok…," I finished saying with my voice starting to waiver.
Jean was nodding his head slightly taking in all that I said. He appeared to be sympathizing with me but wasn't sure how to put it into words. Turning on his back he deeply took in a breath and let out a sigh.
"Well I guess that's it then," he finally stated, sitting up.
"What's it?"
"We're gunna go see her," Jean continued pushing the covers off and crawling to the edge of the bed.
"But what if we get caught-"
"We're not gunna get caught. Now come on. I can't have you like this," Jean then started to silently climb down that ladder.
Going to the edge of the bed myself, I looked down and gave him a shocked and questioning look.
"You coming or what?"
I couldn't help but give him a small smile and nod.
"Yeah."
******line break*****
I finally made it back to my room after my talk with Levi and Erwin. Although even after Erwin said I was free to leave, Levi still wanted to pester me with questions and of course had to remind me that I have some paper work to do tomorrow…
That's his paper work not mine...pushing his work on me….evil little troll…
Slipping off my shorts I tossed my tired body into my nice soft bed. Letting out a groan I was almost too lazy to turn off the light.
"Ugggghhh…."
Slipping under the covers, I turned off the light. Thankfully, like usual, there was a nice ray of moon light coming into my room so if I need to get up for some reason (well not likely tonight) I wouldn't fall or bump into anything.
I guess now all I have to worry about is Eren's case tomorrow….I'll go see him…..in the morning….
I slowly started to drift off into sleep. I guess even though I slept all day, and when I woke up I felt fine, I guess in the end I was truly still tired.
Click
Opening an eye I noticed my door had opened.
What the-is this Levi trying to give me another emotional speech while I'm sleeping?
Too tired to care I decided to stay lying down and wait to see who it was. I quickly closed my one open eye and intently listened to the sounds around me. Firstly I heard the door close.
Wait, it's not just one person it's-
"She's asleep."
"I told you she would be Jean."
Wait I know that voice….
I heard the footsteps come closer to my bed.
"Jean what are you doing?" I heard the one whisper scolding the other.
WAIT THAT'S-
Opening both of my eyes I looked up at the both of them. As soon as they saw I opened my eyes…well…they just froze.
Slowly sitting up I looked directly at Marco.
"Hey it's you!" I said with a surprised expression.
Leaning over I turned on the lamp.
"What are you doing here?" I questioned trying to seem as kind as possible since he seemed terrified, "and I see you brought a friend."
"U-uh, I'm so sorry for waking you!" Marco apologized, kneeling down beside the bed, making sure the volume of his voice wasn't too high, "I knew this was a bad idea, but-I just-I wanted to-"
"Hey," I smiled placing a hand on his shoulder, "calm down, I'm not angry with you. Actually I'm glad to see you. How are you? Are you alright? I wasn't totally with it the last time I saw you since I practically passed out."
"Well actually I came to see if you were alright…I was…worried," Marco muttered out.
"Really? Awwww you're so sweet!" I chimed pulling him into a hug, "You came all this way after hours to just see if I was ok-not that is was the best idea- but still."
Looking up to Jean I motioned him over, "Hey you get in here too, you helped bring him here."
"Uhhh…" Jean mumbled, not entirely sure what to do.
"Hey at least this way you get to brag that you hugged a female squad leader now get down here."
Not wanting to disobey my order he kneeled down and was pulled into the warm hug. After a few seconds I ruffled both of their heads.
These boys are so sweet…my gosh I'm talking like they're children when really they're like only a few years younger than me.
Pulling away, I glanced back up at the both of them.
"Sorry if I made things awkward, it's just this whole military place can be so serious and depressing sometimes I like to bring a little love n' light into it."
Looking back directly at Marco I said, "Soooo just to stop all your worries, I'm actually ok. To be more specific I feel great. Just a little tired is all."
I then let out a sigh and rubbed my tired eyes.
"Ok so your names are Jean and Marco?"
They both then proceeded to nod their heads confirming I was right.
"Well Marco and Jean, I'm guessing you're both joining the survey crops?"
"Yeah," Jean replied nodding his head.
"Well then I guess I'll be seeing you guys around. And just in case if you guys didn't know, since I never really told you my name-or at least I don't think Marco, my name's Catori."
Stifling a small laugh I said, "Well don't be strangers if you come across me again, which I'm sure you will, so make sure to say hi. I'm not like that Corporal Levi, who you will probably meet soon, who appears to have a stick up his butt."
At that comment the boys couldn't help but laugh even though they had no idea who I was talking about.
"We sure will, Catori-or should I be calling you Squad-"
"No need for formalities. You and I are too close for that," I said interrupting Marco.
"You on the other hand," I said turning towards Jean, "now we might have to get a little closer if you want to call me that."
His eyes widened as I teasingly winked at him.
"What I'm kidding! Gosh you guys…heh but yeah I just tell everyone to call me Catori. I'm not fond of the whole 'squad leader thing.' I don't want people to think I'm this higher up that they can't approach. Despite Levi saying that I shouldn't be 'too friendly since they'll just walk all over you'," I said mimicking him, "I like to do things my way."
"Um Catori?" Marco asked with uncertainty.
"Hm?"
"I just wanted to also thank you…for what you did…I wouldn't be here if you didn't save me. I mean I'm not sure how you survived, and I don't know how you knew you would but…all I know is I wouldn't have…and putting your life at risk to save mine," he said looking up at me with tear filled eyes, "is…something that I can never repay except making sure to risk my life if you are ever in danger! Thank you so much! I can't begin to describe how I feel!...I just…I owe you my life…I owe you everything."
I was going to interrupt him and tell him that there was no need to go so far as risking his own life for me. I mean he's new to this fighting titans thing whereas I've been fighting titans for 3 years. But I figured I'd let him finish so he didn't have anything weighing him down or pestering the back of his mind. I didn't want him to feel that he needed to say something or regretting he didn't.
Tilting up his chin I wiped a tear away with the pad of my thumb, "Marco. I'm not going to tell you not to be grateful because anyone would be grateful to the person that saved them. But I don't want you to feel guilty or weak because I saved you. We are all in this together and we are going to help one another, always. I'm sure there will come a time when you save someone and it will be the same situation. Although Marco, I don't want you to throw yourself out there recklessly ok? I saved you because I wanted you to live, so promise me you'll be careful and if there comes a time when you can return the favor, which it probably won't since I'm so talented no titan can take me down, "I said sarcastically, "but just know that it doesn't just have to be me. Saving and helping others is the best way to return the favor. So that's all I ask."
Marco seemed to take heed to my words and pulled me into a hug.
"Thank you Catori! I will!"
"I'm sure you will," I said patting his back as he pulled away.
"Nooow… it was nice seeing you in the middle of the night, but I'm dead tired and as much as I love your company, I'd love to get to bed."
"Oh right sorry."
"No it's ok I wasn't even asleep yet anyways~…"
They both gave me a smile and a slight nod of their head and headed to the door.
"Oh hey guys one sec!"
"Huh?" I heard Jean resonate from the back of this throat.
"You gunna be ok getting back? And by that I mean not getting caught."
"No I'll be fine. I got us over here, I can get us back," Jean said putting his hands behind his head with a flashy smirk.
"Alright alright, just checking, be careful, and if you do get in trouble just let them know I said it was ok or something."
"Will that work?"
"It should…..but if it doesn't I'll clear it with them in the morning."
"Ok thanks," Marco chimed as they started to exit the room.
Giving them one last smile I watched as they slowly shut the door.
Man I can't catch a break today…and heh…they didn't even know I was in my underwear.
Laying my head down in my soft pillow I closed my eyes.
Wait….dangit….I forgot to tell them to turn off the light!
Yeah I know this was more of a filler but I just HAD to put Marco in some more ^-^. But yeah the next chapter will be all about the court case and all that jazz~ Gotta wonder how Catori is going to react to that O-O. Anywho~ please leave a review and let me know what you think! And as always any comments or suggestions are welcome! (also don't forget to check out my Free! fanfic while you wait. I always update it on the same day as this one!) C U in the next update! ^-^
Cly****
****shoutouts (whooo! Got a shoutout! ^0^)*****
dakuehn2001 and guest: Hahaha yeah~. She loves teasing Levi~...probably to the point of insanity but ya know it keeps him on his toes XD There will defiantly be more teasing in the future! (I'm assuming you're both the same person since it was the same review XD)