3rd POV

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The first time Mikasa saw Colith that day, the only thing she could think of was

pretty

The hooded girl was an oddity. She was so strange but interesting at the same time that Mikasa didn't push her away which was alarming. The Asian never let anyone aside from Eren and Armin near her, so for this stranger to push her way into her heart this easily raised red flags in the child's head. Seeing her smile at them shocked the girl by how warm and gentle it was. And for the first time since her family's demise, Mikasa didn't know what to do. She was a wary girl after everything she went through and only wanted to protect those precious to her even if it meant dying for them. It was all she had to live for after all.

The second time Mikasa encountered the girl, at the price of a bone-crushing hug, she had an internal battle in her mind for the first time about how wary she should be around the girl. And that wasn't normal. A part of her wanted to push this unknown as far away from her fam-ErenErenErenErenSafeSafeSAFE- but the second part had the utmost urge to trust her and it confused her. It basically was a defense mechanism she made whenever meeting new people and it, unfortunately, worsened ever since her parents' demise at the hands of greedy human traffickers but thankfully she was saved by the Jaegers in time. Only God knew what would've happened to her if they hadn't an appointment that same day, so excuse her if she's more cautious than normal.

Then she gave them food.

What?

The 14-year-old gave them food out of the blue, -given that her relatives hadn't made it and Mikasa surprised herself when she immediately showed support to the girl and that wasn't normal at all! Why was she sad on the teen's behalf?! And who would spare relatively good food on them? They didn't know each other and Mikasa was sure there was something fishy behind all this! Certain!

Even though It was definitely suspicious, Mikasa gingerly accepted it because she knew she needed it and shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.

After chatting with the girl who introduced herself as Colith (Mr. Arlert had found them in the meantime) Mikasa noticed the genuine hope in the boys' eyes at the prospect of having a roof over their heads so soon that she couldn't find it in herself to crush it at the thought of mere suspicions and she unconsciously sighed in relief. Plus they had Armin's grandfather with them and Mikasa trusted him. Even if Mr. Arlert didn't outright agree with the offer, she could see that he was tempted. Mikasa would trust his judgment. The old man had a cool head and knew when someone was genuine and trustworthy. And it wasn't like she couldn't defend herself if things went wrong. People tended to underestimate her for her age, so she'd take every advantage she got to strike first if danger came. But her mouth moved before she could think and shouted alongside the boys in agreement.

Stupid mouth!

So they accepted her offer to live with her and Mikasa surprised herself again when a huge wave of protectiveness washed over her and was utterly shocked when it was directed at the gold-eyed teen!

'what's going on?'

The first few days she watched the teen like a hawk, waiting for the first sign of trickery but none came. The 14-year-old was bubbly, loud and so bright it almost blinded the poor girl. How could someone be so...happy in this godforsaken world? Why was she so cheerful around them? Why was she so nice? Why did Mikasa feel safe around her? Why would she choose to take them in when nobody did? Why did Mikasa feel like crying whenever Colith spared her a warm glance and reassured her? Why...why was it so warm to be cared for? It didn't make sense! Mikasa tried finding something, something that would tell her that she was being deceived. Nobody should be genuinely this happy to have them around! She wasn't gaining anything out of it, so why?

She woke up with a start.

Nightmares...

It wasn't the first time she jolted awake from them and it surely wouldn't be the last. They often started peacefully with her parents and her still living in her old house in the mountains, blissfully unaware of the upcoming threat of the shadowy figures. It was always her dad first-always-then her mother. She couldn't do anything but helplessly watch them die againagainagainagain- bodies covered in blood and viscera as their wide horrified eyes stared right into her soul. Whenever she was hiding or not. Sometimes under the table, bed, behind the door, they'd always lock eyes. And it was frightening. Sometimes it wasn't just figures. Titans too. Yet those she feared the most were the ones who destroyed her family. She could recognize her tormentors. How could she not? Humans were the real monsters-

She took a moment to calm down. Breathing slowly to steady her breath then looked around to pinpoint where she was before realizing she was in her new 'room'. It was still surreal for her to be in a house again. The room was fairly dark but thanks to the moonlight passing through her window she could see the different items filling the place.

Despite the lack of proper light, her eyes automatically found her beloved scarf hanging on the chair where some of her folded clothes rested. Her gaze immediately softened at the sight of the precious fabric. She went to get up, gently retrieving the scarf as the wood slightly creaked under her feet, and went for the door. The house was silent, proof that everyone was asleep. She easily maneuvered in the corridors to the living room.

When she saw the house for the first time three months ago, she couldn't help but be awed at the sight of the two stories house. The place looked well cared for.

There was even a wooden fence separating the house and the street and several varieties of plants at the front which made the place more colorful. The house was big enough for an entire family and a few cousins but not too big to attract attention, in short, a welcoming place.

A set of four stony stairs led to the front door where a purple carpet on which the word 'welcome' was written curiously.

Colith was happy to give them a tour of the place and chuckled at the awestruck face they made every time they entered a new room. Armin almost fainted when they entered the library and quickly asked-if not begged- the girl if he was allowed to read the books which she wholeheartedly agreed to. Mikasa was sure she had never seen the blonde emit this much light in her life. The boy was obviously ecstatic at the thought of new books. The place was drastically different and much more modern than everything they've seen so far, though they lived in the poorest wall, maybe Rose and Sina were far more advanced than they thought.

The visit continued in the heart of which Colith left them free to choose their room- they all had one room each! Maybe accepting the offer wasn't such a bad idea...

Putting her thoughts aside, Mikasa arrived at her destination and made a beeline for the emerald green strange seat. Colith says it's called a 'pouf'. Eren asked why it was named this way until Colith told him to jump on it. The boy made a confused face but did as told and the thing made a big 'POUF' under his weight. The ex-residents of Maria all oh'ed and Colith giggled.

Mikasa instantly found herself in it. It was her favorite spot in the house, sue her the thing was comfortable! She didn't know where Colith found it but she liked the seat with passion! Plus resting on it after a bad dream helped her relax. She brought her knees to her chin, shivering slightly. She hadn't thought of taking anything warm other than her scarf. Her shivers were interrupted when she felt something warm wrap around her shoulders and nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Can't sleep?" a now-familiar voice asked kindly. Mikasa slightly tensed but turned to acknowledge her host and simply nodded. The teen gave her a sad look, understanding what was wrong. "do you want to talk about it?"

After the 3 months they moved in, Mikasa's worries about her motives greatly lessened so she wasn't prone to distrust the girl like before since nothing bad happened.

Mikasa stayed silent but decided to shake her head in response. Colith hummed in understanding and beckoned the Asian to follow her. Intrigued but not wary, the girl complied with the covers draped around her. It was like a little duckling following her mama duck. It was cute. They rapidly reached the kitchen where Colith took the time to light some candles so the child wouldn't trip on something. She told Mikasa to take place at the dining table, which she did, then watched Colith fumble with the kettle, opening drawers here and there- what was she... Mikasa tilted her head in question.

"What are you doing?"

Colith hummed but remained focused on her task. "tea, it'll help you sleep." she waited a few minutes for the kettle to boil water which didn't take long then filled the yellow flower covered teapot, put two teacups on a wooden plater and brought them to the table, she filled the cups then placed one in front of the girl then sat down.

It was chamomile flavored.

"sugar?"

Mikasa blinked.

"Hum two...please."

"okidoki~"

Colith did as she was told. Mikasa looked at the cup then at the teen who was blowing her cup after adding two sugar cubes as well- Mikasa didn't question where she found these-with a strange look.

"why ?"

"hm, why what?"

She was the one supposed to protect, that was the rule! Even the bullies and some adults feared her whenever they saw her coming for Eren. Yet Colith came in the picture and took that place and here she was being protected and truth be told, she liked it. It was like an invisible weight was lifted from her shoulders and she felt light for the first time. It was amazing. To be able to wake up and not worry about what might happen next was...foreign but not unwelcomed. She...she didn't have to worry that someone might hurt her friends or worse, take them away from her because someone else was assuring their safety. And...Mikasa was somewhat glad that Colith defended Eren when the garrison soldier tried to harm him and distraught when she realized how helpless...and weak she was.

"Why are you so...nice? Why are you doing this...for us?"

Colith tilted her head like a puppy.

"Why shouldn't I?"

Mikasa's head snapped up. She hadn't even noticed that she had her head down.

"We..." it was so hard to find the right words. "we...are burdens. W-we shouldn't have to depend on you F-for everything we need...it feels...wrong..." the girl voiced quietly with an unnatural amount of nervousness. Colith blinked in surprise.

"I thought I told you I was okay with it."

"b-but-" she was interrupted by a warm hand on her scalp. Mikasa's grey hues locked with warm gold. She unconsciously leaned in the touch.

"who gave you this idea? I'm the one who offered and okay it may sound a bit weird but I like you guys here with me. Feels good not to be alone anymore ." the grey-eyed child's eyes softened, " and I know that you're wary of me-" Mikasa stiffened. "-but it's perfectly normal because stranger danger and It's not like anyone would genuinely offer four people shelter without ulterior motives- good job on that part tho, being wary never hurts by the way-but I swear on my life that I'm not planning anything nefarious. Plus I'm sure you could kick my ass with no problem if I did something sus by what Eren said." she chuckled.

Mikasa's eyes widened in surprise." Eren talked about me..?" a faint but noticeable blush appeared on her cheeks. Colith's smile widened.

"Of course he did! He really looks up to you-don't tell him I told you though!" she whispered in the end then laughed when the child became red. "I'm amazed how strong you are for your age! Keep it up, sweetheart!" Colith gently squeezed her cheek then smiled fondly. "point is, consider this place like home because I'll do my damn best to make you feel comfortable! If you need anything just ask, I'll provide it!" she smiled cheekily at the stunned 10-year-old.

She...she wasn't used to being praised like that...

'what is this feeling...?'

Warmth.

She felt...loved by the teen.

Like...family.

Colith smiled gently, "You should drink your tea, trust me, you'll sleep like a baby after this. And if it doesn't work, I'll attack you with cuddles!" she squeezed again then brought her hand back to her. Mikasa almost whined at the loss of contact. "But know that if you ever need an ear to talk or vent to, I'm here! Gotta have each other's back between girls, heh? And I won't tell a soul!" she made a zipping motion with her hand then threw the imaginary key before grinning reassuringly at the child. Mikasa unconsciously eased her shoulders in relief. When did she tense like this?

She watched the girl in a new light. Despite four years of difference, Colith acted more like a mother hen than a teenager, proof that she lived alone for a while. Mr. Arlert was surprised by her total autonomy and the way she handled things like an adult. "You are really mature for your age!" Colith gave him a mysterious smile in response. It was quite strange but not uncomfortable so Mikasa didn't dwell on it, everyone was different, and Eren and she weren't good examples of...normal. She already has blood on her hands and really did not regret it. They deserved it. Maybe Armin but the kid could be spooky sometimes.

She nodded and slowly started seeping tea, greatly appreciating the warm beverage. It was nice. A small smile graced her lips in...content.

"so what do you want for lunch tomorrow?"

Right. It was her turn to decide. Each day, one of them has to decide what to make Colith cook. Her taste buds were happy.

"...could you make...those yellow sticks...with t-tomato sauce y-you made last week? "she wasn't used to the new dishes Colith unceremoniously introduced to them and still struggled with the names. Colith's eyes brightened in understanding.

"You mean spaghetti bolognese? "

" y-yes that."

"sure thing! Leave it to the great me!"

She was happy.

Colith truly did everything to make them feel safe and Mikasa was truly thankful for it. They had food, clothes, comfy beds and even learning books! She hadn't seen those in a while! The lights returned in Eren's eyes, Armin became happier and Mikasa cherished those moments. It was good to feel like a child again.

The day Colith announced that she'd enlist with them wasn't one of her proudest moments, to be honest. Well, the girl was supposed to enlist earlier than them which meant...going back and work to survive for a year. Now that Mr. Arlert was gone, she was convinced that the girl would go back on her words- she knew she was being irrational, that Colith would never abandon them but she was terrified! She...she liked Colith! She...didn't want to be left behind by someone she now considered family. Not after making Mikasa believe that she was wanted. No..no she could'n-

But...Colith surprised her yet again by declaring she'd wait for...for them. For her to waste another year just for their sake destroyed the dreading thought and the last speck of doubt she had on the girl, so sue her for crying in relief alongside her friends.

It was at this moment that Mikasa knew how precious Colith was. And the part of her who wanted to entirely dedicate herself to the girl won, so Mikasa completely accepted her and you'd have to kill her if you want to take Colith away from her.

She was family.

"come on, say the thing!"

"...

Eren...?"

"HAHAHAH!! DO IT AGAIN!!"

She could be weird like that.

But it was a breath of fresh air so Mikasa was okay with it.

'Maybe this world wasn't so cruel...?'

The world surely felt brighter with Colith now in it.

SOME FLUUUUUFF