Chapter 10: Aqua can't talk with Ai

Aqua went inside the apartment as Ai said goodbye to Eren outside. Ruby was quick to run inside and turn on the TV in order to start watching a show she was excited for, but Aqua stayed near the door to try and overhear them as they parted.

It was a simple goodbye, nothing special. Eren said thanks and waved goodbye to Ai as she did the same. Ai expressed how much fun it was, but Eren maintained his general stoic attitude by shrugging lightly and nodding in agreement. He wondered how much Ai was starting to like the stoic attitude that he gave off.

However, unknown to both adults, Aqua of course knew English since he studied it in his previous life and was fairly good at it. He of course had an accent, but he would wager that his English was better than Ai's. So even though both Eren and Ai believed that their conversation was between only them, Aqua was able to understand every word.

And to be honest, he felt conflicted. Aqua felt both sorrow for Ai and yet suspicion for Eren.

He never knew Ai had such a hard life. He always wondered why she would never say that she loved them. He wasn't stupid, he knew Ai never did, not even once. She never said she loved either of her children, which was always odd to him. Aqua was an adult before he was reborn, so he understood that although Ai never said the words, her actions proved her love for her children every single day. He never needed to hear her say she loved him for him to know that she did.

And to be honest, a part of him was almost glad since it would be strange to have a girl half his age constantly saying she loved him as a mother would.

Yet now, Aqua wondered how much of that was due to Ai's own insecurities. She was an expert at lying, one of the best in fact. He saw how she researched how to improve her act since he was born into this life. He watched how she managed to learn how to fake that beautiful and genuine smile after his and his sisters accidental Otaku moment. He saw her study other idols and take notes on how to best improve her idol performance.

She was a master at it, so much so that he never considered that maybe she had some insecurities due to her own past. She talked about how she had an abusive mother growing up and add that to the fact that he also assumed her ex was abusive, would mean that the most important people in Ai's life treated her poorly.

Ai was rarely shown any love or affection in her life. So much so, he wondered if she was scared of even being a mother. He remembered how excited she was when he treated her during her pregnancy. How she wanted so badly to be a mother and to carry her twins to term, even though she knew how much of a risk it would be to not only her career, but her safety as well.

Aqua felt bad about how he used to think of her after hearing that. He felt like he was a fool for thinking of her in the same way all her other fans did. Ai was a human being, like anyone else. She had her struggles and was far from perfect. Even now, as Hoshino Aqua, it was actually harder to see the cracks in her personality. Just as would be expected of a mother, she did everything she could to hide her troubles from her children and create this strong yet loving front for them.

Aqua could say he gained more respect for the idol, for how she was able to keep a positive attitude and raise children the way she did despite her terrible upbringing.

As Ai walked through the door, a wonderful smile plastered onto her face, Aqua couldn't help but be amazed by her. Truth be told, Goro never had a mother or any family really. He was always more or less alone and dedicated to his work. So, he never knew a world where the people he thought he loved hurt and abused him in the same way Ai was.

Which is why, he wanted to do something special for her. Something to show her that she wasn't alone and had people who genuinely cared for her. Even though he struggled to be her son, he would at least try to show her something.

Ai's face went from smiling to surprise as Aqua walked over and hugged her leg. Her hat and glasses were still on and her jeans covered legs still had a bit of a chill to them from the late fall cold.

"Aqua-Chan, are you ok?" Ai asked, unsure of what was wrong.

Ai was very surprised. Aqua never really hugged her at all. He was always such a serious boy that it was difficult to get any kind of affection out of him. She didn't think there was a single time in his short life that he ever initiated a hug. So she was confused.

"I'm fine Ai." He said, his voice calm and even.

Even though he showed a bit of affection, he still would not call her mama.

Ai kneeled down when he let go and gave him a confused look. She could tell that something was on Aqua's mind but was unable to fully understand what.

"What's wrong?" She asked, though his face remained neutral and unchanged.

"Nothing, just felt like hugging you." He shrugged.

Ai giggled a bit at his antics, interpreting it as his need to want attention yet too proud to admit that he wanted some. But she still wondered where this behavior came from.

The only thing that was different was Eren, which made her even more confused. Was Aqua afraid of something? Was he scared of Eren? She hoped not. Eren was very nice to them and she hoped that he could get along with Eren as she did. Maybe he was scared because Eren was so much bigger and acted in a very serious manner. Aqua never was around someone like that. The only male figure that he knew was the President, who while serious at work, still was playful and kind.

"I can tell you're lying." Ai giggled as she poked his nose, causing him to scrunch up slightly out of annoyance. She giggled a bit more at that reaction.

"Did you have fun with Eren?" aqua asked her.

For Ai, it confirmed that Eren was the spark that caused this little moment from her son.

"Of course, we got him some fashionable clothes and delicious foods. So, I had a lot of fun." She smiled.

That's what Aqua was worried about. He didn't think much on Eren at first, but now he was worried. The things that Eren said just weren't normal. He lived four years hiding something, hurt his friends and family, and did those things so that they could live. He knew there was much more to the story, but all Aqua could think about were alarm bells in his head screaming danger.

Why would hurting people keep them alive? Ai may look past it out of her own crush of him, but Aqua was essentially 34 years old by now. He was a lot less willing to give the man a chance if he was a threat to Ai.

"Are you afraid of Eren?" Ai asked, worried that her son was afraid of him.

"No." Aqua said.

Afraid? No. Concerned? Yes.

"Tell me what's wrong Aqua." Ai said in a loving and motherly voice. "I know you can't talk with him since you don't share a language. But he's a good man. There's nothing to be afraid of."

"I don't trust him." Aqua said honestly.

Ai's heart stopped for a moment, worried about why her son was so worried.

"Why not?" Ai asked.

Because the things he said sound so completely suspicious and the only reason you are tolerating it is because of a dumb crush? A habit that apparently got you into an abusive relationship with his apparent father in this life.

Yea... he can't say that.

"Because of what Miyako-San and the other girls said this morning." He lied, at least using that as an excuse to hopefully convince his mother to take this more seriously.

Ai looked down when he said that. She was worried that he was learning about Eren from what others said instead of learning about the man himself. Though, how could she blame him? He can't even hold a conversation with Eren.

"I know they have their concerns." Ai said. "But it's not fair for us to base our opinions on other people just because of what others say. It's not fair to judge people without first learning about them." She lectured.

He knows that.

"But they say he's vague about things." Ai tried arguing, unable to fully voice his thoughts due to his own limitations as a four-year-old.

"Us adults, sometimes there are things about our past that we don't like talking about." Aqua got annoyed when she said that. He's twice her age and doesn't want to get lectured. "So, it's not fair to assume someone is bad because they don't want to share things about themselves."

"Are there things you hide?" Aqua asked, hoping to lead a conversation towards her own past and maybe get her to share about her ex. Maybe if he can learn more, he can draw parallels between Eren and her ex so that she can at least see some of the dangers.

Ai however, shut down a bit. Unsure of how to answer that. Of course, there were things in her past she would rather bury and never think about again. Her abusive mother, her ex, and even her life before Aqua and Ruby were born. She remembered how scared and lonely she felt before and never wanted to imagine that life again.

"Nope!" Ai lied, showing her idol like smile to her son and putting her act into full force. "Mama has nothing to hide in her past. She's perfect."

Aqua knew it was a lie. And unfortunately, Ai would never be honest with him. Aqua was her son, and mothers are supposed to protect their children from bad things, not make them worry. As long as Aqua was her son, she would never tell him her fears, insecurities, or anything. It without a doubt made her a good mother, but it made Aqua's job harder.

"Why do you trust Eren?" He asked.

Ai thought for a moment but was quick with her response.

"Because he's kind and needs help." Ai said. "Sometimes, bad people can put up a front that hides who they are. They pretend to be someone you can trust and when they have your trust, they show who they really are." Aqua couldn't help but wonder if this was from experience.

"Ok?" He said in an unsure tone.

"However, Eren is honest with who he is. If he was trying to manipulate or hurt us, he'd pretend to be someone kind and charming. Instead, he is honest. Yes, he's sad and keeps to himself. He even will try and push people away. But even when I go up to him and drag him away, Eren remains kind and nice. He doesn't do anything to try and get something from me. He doesn't manipulate me or try to take advantage. If anything, he tries to run away from me." She giggled.

Damn it, one thing making her crush on him is the fact that he rejects her. It's a classic psychological trick. People want what they can't have, and Eren is playing hard to get.

Though, Aqua doesn't think Eren is doing it intentionally. Aqua does believe that Eren just wants his privacy and truly is rejecting Ai. Unfortunately, it has the effect of making Ai want him more.

"Come here." Ai said as she hugged her sone who she kneeled down next to him.

With her rear resting on her feet, Ai was low enough that she was almost at Aqua's height. Her head rested on his shoulder as his rested on hers. Unlike before, her son didn't return the embrace.

"I know you're worried Aqua-Chan." Ai said lovingly. "But Eren is a good person. I can tell. He's lost and confused right now, and I can tell he needs help." And there's the nightingale effect at play. "But don't worry. No matter what, nothing will ever happen to me."

"I didn't say that." Aqua said, knowing that Ai was probably assuming he had childlike fears of her leaving her children for a new boyfriend. That wasn't true.

"It's ok Aqua-Chan." She said lovingly. "No matter what happens, nothing will split this family apart. I promise that." She smiled.

Aqua would get nowhere. He couldn't have a serious conversation with Ai. She kept assuming he had childish fears and tried to consul him based on that. No matter what he tried to tell her, she would simply treat him like a child and hide any of her own fears from him.

"Thanks Ai." Aqua said, deciding to just drop the subject.

Although he couldn't do much, Aqua swore that he would do the exact same thing that Goro swore four years ago. He would protect Hoshino Ai, no matter what. Even if now, he was largely unable to do so.

"Can you let me go now." He said as she was still hugging him.

"Nope!" She said happily. "I want another hug from you!" She exclaimed.

And he was stuck.

"Wait!" He heard Ruby from down the small entryway. "Why does he get a hug and not me!?" She yelled; her voice full of betrayal.

"Well, come on and join us Ruby-Chan!" Ai said as he daughter sprinted over to her.

"But I want to hug mama alone!" She yelled, still angry at Aqua getting all the attention.

This just got worse.

Few Minutes Prior

Eren walked away as Ai went into her apartment and closed the door. Eren, instead of going back into his home, decided to wait outside of the apartment. He leaned next to the door and pretended to rest, leaving the bags of clothes at his feet as he did so.

Eren confirmed that they were being followed. Even now, in the corner of his eye, he could see the man with his face obscured by his hood maintain his distance across the street. He his himself near an alley, partially hidden with only his face peeking through. Eren ensured not to face his directly so that he would not suspect that Eren knew he was following them.

Eren didn't know why this man followed Ai and could tell it was probably the same man with the flowers from yesterday. He knew Ai was here and wouldn't make direct contact with her while Eren was there. Eren was unsure of what he should do.

Should he confront the man? After all, he was not exactly showing the best intentions by following Ai. However, if he did that, it would make a scene and threaten to get the local authorities involved which could compromise him. However, Eren feared that if he did nothing, Ai would be in danger.

Eren thought why he cared if Ai was in danger. He rationalized to himself that if something happened to her, then the authorities would get involved and threaten him. Eren was damned if he did nothing and damned if he did anything.

Eren didn't want to leave Ai alone, however he also knew he couldn't stay there forever since he still had to work. Especially if the Yakuza boss sent him on a job.

Suddenly, Eren felt a vibration come from his pocket, right where his moveable phone was. He took it out of his pocket and mimicked the motion Ai showed him on how to answer it once it was moving. The symbols displayed were numbers on the mirror or "screen" as she called it. It meant it was an unknown number.

"Speak." Eren said into the phone, keeping his voice low so no one hears the conversation.

"I have a job for you." He heard the Yakuza boss from last night talk. "It's a simple job to test you, nothing intense.

"Just say it." Eren said impatiently.

"There's a man who owns a restaurant that owes us money. He's been late on payments a few times. I want you to send him a message that he needs to pay soon." The boss said.

So, he wanted Eren to be a debt collector. It seemed simple enough, a lot less than what he was expecting.

"Why send me?" Eren asked.

"You don't ask those questions." The boss said.

"I'm not a pawn." Eren said aggressively.

"No, but you are desperate." Eren felt anger rising up as he spoke to him like a piece of trash. He began to debate how much he needed the man's resources.

"Where?" Eren asked.

"I'll send a link over text. Simply push it when you see it and it'll open a map for you. Follow the map and you'll find him. I'll also include a picture." He said.

"You just want me to deliver a message?" Eren asked.

"I want you to break a bone." The boss said. "He's been late on multiple payments, and I already gave him a chance. I want the message to be clear."

"That's all?" Eren asked.

"Yes." The boss said. "It's simple and easy, well within your abilities. You have till tomorrow to do it. Don't fail me."

With that, the phone line was cut, and he no longer could reach the boss. The job bothered Eren since he hated the idea of being an enforcer to a debt, especially if it involved hurting people. Especially with how casually the boss treated Eren. He wondered if the fake documents and money was worth it. Since apparently the documents only go so far in proving his identity due to this "Digitial" thing that Eren still had no clue of, why work with him?

He could easily continue working with Sergie since Sergie at the very least showed some morals. Why'll he was a criminal, he didn't do anything that involved hurting innocent people. At least not that Eren saw.

After two beeps from the phone, Eren tapped the screen, and it showed a picture of his target as well as another line with a bunch of words and numbers. Eren tapped it and it opened a new screen which showed an overview of the local area as well as a route from where he was to where his target was.

Eren was amazed at the technology. By swiping the screen, he could completely control the map and as he turned, so too did the arrow that represented him. It was amazing. The ability to show your position on a map in real time while also having it accessible to a device the size of your hand was so convenient. This technology was truly amazing. This little device could send letters, voice communication, show maps, and even moving picture shows. It was truly amazing.

He wondered how many scouts would still be alive if they had access to this technology. How spoiled this world was, never having to deal with the threat of the Titans.

However, Eren also didn't want to leave Ai. He knew that he had to make a decision on the stalker soon. He would either need to confront him, which risked bringing the authorities down on him, or he needed to stay and protect Ai. Regardless of if he took initiative or remained reactive, either option could involve him getting questioned and potentially discovered.

He wondered if he should warn Ai, however that also had the possibility of being caught by the authorities. She would contact them, and they may still question him in order to get information to protect her. Anything that could involve the authorities knowing where he lived could run the risk of them investigating him and he could face an execution.

If this place was anything like Paradis or Marley, illegally entering into the country would be grounds for execution. Japan may be similar to that. Despite how much pain Eren was in from his previous sins, he didn't want to die. He refused to die. He would push forward no matter what and remain free. To hell with anyone who tries to steal his life and freedom away.

He felt angery with himself because all of this is because of Ai. He had to get involved. All he had to do was continue to refuse her and he wouldn't know about this issue. Why even care now. He could just let the stalker do as he pleases and stand by in order to avoid any attention. It was the smartest move.

After all, how many people, innocent people, did Eren directly kill in his assault on Liberio and the Rumbling? Is standing by and letting someone suffer really so much worse than that?

But that option was not good either. He doesn't know why, but the thought of something happening to Ai didn't sit well with him. It felt like if one of his friends were in danger. Eren couldn't explain it, but he felt as if protecting Ai was worth the risk to him being discovered. He thought of her being attacked and his gut told him that it was a completely unacceptable outcome.

What was wrong with him? She's a stranger. No one. Why does he care?

Why did he save Ramzi when he knew he was going to die anyway? Why did he do anything when he knew what would happen. Why did he care about the people he killed in Liberio if he knew that everyone beyond the walls would suffer anyway?

Why did he care about some random guy who he needed to break a bone for a debt.

Eren turned around and walked back into his apartment, only pushing the bags in so they were just inside the apartment. He rushed over to the bed and sat down, unable to properly think. His breathing got uneasy and he started to feel slightly light headed.

What is wrong with him? Why should he care about these people? They're not people he knows. They're not his close friends. They're strangers. They're people he shouldn't care about. Just random people who mean nothing to him.

So why was he in so much pain thinking about something happening to Ai? It made no sense.

"Damn her." Eren said to no one in particular. "Everything would be easy if she didn't talk to me." He whispered.

Eren laid back on the bed and rested his eyes, intending not to think about the young mother, or the man he was going to confront tomorrow.

Any thoughts on his hypocritical morals would wait until tomorrow after he rested.

Ai was dressed in a simple V neck white shirt and a pair of baggy pajama pants as she didn't plan to do anything else for the remainder of the day. He hair was still a bit damp from her bath but no longer needed a towel to dry it. She was glad to smell fresh and clean after the long day of being with Eren.

Eren seemed so lost and confused the whole time. He had no idea how anything worked or even how to use basic things like a cell phone. He also had absolutely no sense of style either. She was glad she was with him to get clothes since Eren would be a lost cause at buying clothes. She was a master of fashion after all and knew all of the trendiest styles.

She also enjoyed how he opened up a bit more. His life was sad, but at least he was beginning to show a bit of emotion to her. It felt kind of nice, like she was the only one who could see that vulnerable side of Eren. Though she recognized that it was a dumb thought, since she didn't know how he interacted with the other people in his life.

Still, Ai was happy about how the day went. Eren did seem paranoid a couple of times, like he was constantly looking over his shoulder, but to be fair so did she. She was always worried that someone would recognize her and stalk her. But Hoshino Ai was a master at sneaking. No one could follow her without her noticing.

At least, that's what Ruby would always say. He daughter always had such an overactive imagination.

"And done." Ai said as she finished stirring the pot of food that she was currently cooking.

"It's done?" Aqua asked from the main room and stood up, intending to get some food.

"Yes, finally!" Ruby said in excitement.

Today she decided to go with an American dish. Hamburger with miso soup and vegetables. She heard from the President once that Hamburgers were from Germany, but most people in Japan consider it an American dish. Not that she cared much since it was filling and nutritious with her recipe. They ate a little later than normal since they had a later lunch with Eren.

She moved the plates over to their small dining table, where her children were already sitting and excited to eat. Aqua still had his serious face while Ruby was bouncing with excitement at having her mama's cooking. It always made Ai happy to see the warm smiles on their faces as they were excited to eat.

"Make sure you two eat up." Ai said lovingly.

Ai kneeled down to put the food where it needed to go before getting on her knees in order to eat. She sat down with her feet to the side of her butt so that her butt touched the ground, which was a bit more comfortable for her to sit. Typically, she only sat on her feet when she was in social events or when someone was visiting. When she was alone, she preferred to just sit in a more comfortable way.

"Hey mama." Ruby said as she ate.

"What is it Ruby-Chan?" Ai asked as she picked the burger up and took a small bite out of it.

"What did you and Eren-San talk about when we had lunch?" She asked.

Ai wasn't expecting that question, though she kind of could expect it. After all, Aqua already showed some fear with Ai devoting time to someone else, so it made sense if Ruby had the same fears.

"We only got to know each other." Ai smiled.

"Really?" Ruby asked. "What did he say about himself?"

"Well." Ai began, trying to phrase it in a way that would be easily understood by a four-year-old. "Eren came from overseas, and he had a big family." She tried to explain.

"Where are they?" Ruby asked.

"Eren didn't say, but I'm sure they're still there." Ai said, not wanting to bring up the concept of death to either of her children. "Eren came here alone so he was pretty lonely. So mama wanted to help him adjust." She said proudly.

"Was he mean?" Ruby asked.

"What?" Ai asked. "What made you think that?"

"Well, you got really sad a couple of times mama." Ruby noticed.

Ai wasn't surprised she noticed. Even if she didn't understand what they were saying, Ai knew that Ruby could still pick up on her mannerisms.

"No, Eren-San was really nice." Ai smiled, not wanting her daughter to know her past. "Mama only got sad because I told him a bit of being an idol. You know, how much work it is and how little time I spend with you because of it." That brightened her day.

Aqua listened to the conversation and predictably knew it was a lie. He did hear the whole conversation after all. Once again, Ai deflected the question so as not to worry her children. Ruby didn't pick up on it due to her own inexperience and her lack of English speaking abilities.

"Can you teach me English mama?" Ruby asked.

"You want to learn now?" Ai asked.

Ai always intended to teach her children English, but she wanted to wait a bit so they could focus on their Japanese abilities first. Though they did show a surprising grasp of Japanese already at such a young age.

"Yea, that way I can get to know Eren-San too." She smiled.

Ai's heart was warmed a bit. Ruby always copied her and wanted to follow everything she did. So it was natural that she too would want to get to know someone that was close to her mother.

Aqua knew this as well and wasn't surprised by his sister's reasoning. She was as innocent and naive as Ai. He didn't know what life Ruby had before her death, so he didn't know what struggles she had growing up. Ruby always refused to share, but he could tell she was young when she died.

"Sure!" Ai exclaimed in excitement. "We can learn together so you can help me with my English lessons."

"That's awesome!" Ruby said in excitement.

"What about you Aqua?" Ai asked. "Want to learn too?"

"Sure." Aqua said.

His sister looked a bit upset at having him involved too, especially since she always tried to hog their mother's attention, but Aqua realized it would be good so he could stop hiding his English speaking abilities.

After they finished eating, Ai picked up their plates and carried them over to the sink. She balanced them with ease since she always cleaned up after eating and placed them in the sink.

"Oh no." Ai remembered something. "I forgot to check the mail."

"I got it Ai." Aqua said as he made his way to the door.

"Make sure you don't go any further outside Aqua." She said.

"I won't, I'll be fine." It's only mail.

Aqua put on a pair of flip flops near the door and opened it to get at the mailbox. He had to get on his toes to reach it, but it was low enough for him to open it and take out the mail.

He rummaged through the mail really quick, checking to see what it was. Mainly bills such as phone bills and rent for the apartment. They name was addressed to an alias that Ai used so no one could track her location. Aqua knew their financial situation could be better, another thing Ai always hid from them, but they weren't living paycheck to paycheck either. Especially in the past two years as Ai got more work as an idol.

Aqua felt a presence behind him as he looked through the mail. He turned around and suddenly froze in fear.

It's him...

Before Aqua could react, the hooded man grabbed him by the neck and easily lifted him up. His small frame and weight almost nothing compared to the fully grown man who lifted him up and barged his way into the opened apartment. Aqua tried to warn Ai by screaming but his voice was cut off as the man gripped his throat.

However, he heard Ai gasp in surprise at the sudden intrusion, then go silent as she saw what was going on.

Aqua noticed that they were now in the main room, Ai standing on one side while standing protectively in front of her daughter. Aqua and the man were on the side where the exit was, preventing his mother and sister from running.

Aqua was aware that a knife was to his throat. He felt a familiar feeling as the man held him there. His previous life was ended by this man, and he recognized him.

This was the man who wanted to kill Ai while she was pregnant. The same man who killed him four years ago. Now he was here, and Ai was completely at his mercy.

"I finally found you." He said in a crazed voice. "I'll make you pay for what you did."

Sorry for the cliff hanger, but I had to do it lol.

Debated on if I should do this now or next chapter, but I decided to start it here. It'll obviously play out different than the show, so there'll be changes.

One thing I hope is how I am explaining Eren's thoughts in this chapter. I try to keep him in character and stay consistent as much as possible, but after the rumbling, I do wonder how messed up Eren's sense of morality is afterwards. Where he is unsure what is morally right anymore or even if that applies to him anymore. After all, no matter what he does, is it any worse than what he did during the rumbling? I feel like there are many ways for his character to go.

Anyway, I'm excited to write the next chapter. Hope it meets expectations lol.