Day 13: In A Band
Hello Readers! This was inspired by a lot of different things. Lately I was watching some cheesy romantic animes for the hell of it, and thought I would try my hand at something similar. I love a good cliché and I'm filling this story with lots of them. It follows Mikasa as she battles with her social anxiety and depressing thoughts. She makes a fateful encounter that proceeds to change her life. Be warned: Spoilers of ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) within! This is only part one people. More to come very soon! Hope you enjoy the change of pace. ~RavenJaeger.
"Come on, Mikasa! Don't you even know what fun is anymore? You're so…lame!"
Another one of Hitch's attempts was shot down and clearly, she wasn't going to let it go as easily as she usually does.
"Don't you ever go out to do anything? Shopping, weekly coffee, anything!?"
Mina's contribution was doing nothing to help the process.
"Girls, just leave her be, if she wants to go home and watch anime that's fine!"
Of course, Historia's sweet, but cold truths slap her in the face, hard.
Mikasa Ackerman, zipped up her bag and shouldered it, smiling small.
"You girls go on without me, I would only bring you down."
Puffing out her cheeks, Historia glared.
"You wouldn't and you know it, anyway, hope you can join next time!"
Waving a manicured hand, Historia led the other pesky girls away, leaving the blackette alone. She started to take her leave, sliding the homeroom door shut and walking the opposite way to her friends.
Should I even call them that? They're right, it's not like I go out of my way to see them outside school like they do each other. What kind of friend would I be if I called myself one?
Slipping into the girl's locker room, she sighed as she popped her own open, grabbing her gym clothes for a wash. Doing so, she tried to ignore the whispers and stares she earned from her fellow female classmates.
"Did you hear she had to turn down 3 different guys this week?"
"Any girl would kill for hair like that, what kind of bitch keeps it up all the time?"
"I hear it reaches her ass…"
"Do you think she wears contacts? No one has eyes like that…"
"She stuffs, I'm telling you…"
"Wish she could come out already and give us some of the guys she's strung…"
Hugging her arms together, she slammed her locker shut, ignoring, and bypassing all her admirers, or as she liked to call them "her vultures". Picking at her, circling her, squawking at her, and always when she's at her weakest.
Which is every day by this point…why won't they stop?
Facing the ground, Mikasa started to quicken her pace through the halls.
What did she do? What did she say?
"They're just jealous of you Mika, no need to get so worked up." Historia always tried to comfort her with words, but they sounded meaningless, especially when she's had to repeat them as many times as she had.
Jealous of what? My inability to disappear? That's all I want…to just be treated normally for once.
"Hey."
Leave me alone! Please, I just want to be alone…
"Excuse me, you dropped this!"
Why can't I just disappear? Just fade away? Why can't I just… A hand reached for her arm to hold her back. Swinging around, involuntarily, Mikasa halted. Why can't I just die…
"Didn't mean to grab you, it just didn't seem like you heard me…"
A rough hand, the hand of a boy, reached toward her with a plain white T-Shirt in his grasp. She made to grab it, her blurry vision kept her face down, but she took it from him.
"Thanks…"
Still hiding behind the curtain of her hair, she shoved the gym shirt into her bag and turned back around, strutting away as fast as she could.
"You're welcome!" His voice echoed through the hall as she made the turn into the exit and walked home…alone.
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Strolling into her bedroom, she clicked the door shut behind her and dropped her bag to the floor.
Strolling over to her bay window, she unlatched it and pushed it open to let in the warm autumn breeze. The sun was already starting to fade over the horizon, just enough light to go for a quick jog with Rogue.
I'll do my history homework when I get home, an hour should do it, then I bet Levi will have dinner ready…
Mikasa did a quick change and brought her hair down from its bun and braided it down her back, where it, indeed, grazed her bottom.
Letting a few strands loose for maneuvering, she grabbed the dog leash from her desk and dashed out of her bedroom and down the stairs of the townhouse she lived in.
Immediately, a black German Shepard greeted her at the stairs, barking joyfully for his anticipated adventure.
"Hello Rogue, are you excited?"
He barked in reply and started to race around the living room, before barreling into the kitchen.
"Hey! Watch it, damn mutt!"
Smiling slightly, Mikasa poked her head into the kitchen, where she saw her brother dutifully slaving over a stove and rice cooker, glaring at the dog who simply sat and stared at him adoringly. He pointed at the dog's snout with the wooden spoon he was holding.
"You're lucky Mik likes you so much or you'd be sleeping outside…"
Grumbling to himself, he missed his sister's entrance, as he tensed when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Come on, you're saying he hasn't grown on you, even the slightest bit?" she wondered.
"Never been an animal person, and never will be. By the way, Petra called saying she needed to come over and chat, that alright?"
Latching Rogue into the leash and taking a seat to tie her shoes, Mikasa smiled thoughtfully.
"You know I never mind when she comes by Levi. Why ask permission when you live here, too?"
"Forgive my consideration…" Levi replied dryly.
Chuckling, a foreign action usually, but usual for him, Mikasa stood with the leash in hand.
"I would love if she came by, as long as it stays PG 13, and she doesn't steal all of those spring rolls I see you harbouring."
Cutting off Levi's protestant reply, Mikasa dashed out the kitchen and opened the front door.
"See you in a bit!"
Sighing, Levi turned back to the stove and resumed his sauté.
Jogging at this hour was always something precious to Mikasa. The way the sun dipped below the numerous buildings, the shadows cast on trees and plants alike; the bundled couples, children and families walking dogs, chasing birds, or simply enjoying the breezy fall evening.
When the sweat started to break, Mikasa glanced at the watch on her wrist to count the distance she'd managed.
Seeing the time in the process, Mikasa told herself she would take one more block before ringing around to go home.
Rogue's bark and her startled yelp happened simultaneously as she bumped into someone and skidded on her knees to brace herself, just managing to catch herself before her head made impact with the ground. She sat there for a second, letting the shock settle over her, before angry embarrassment shoved in, having her turn around glaring fiercely.
"Can't you see I'm running here!?" Mikasa knew it was her fault for not paying attention, but sadly her ability to admit things is inadequate.
"Are you hurt? I didn't see you…"
This phrase had her pause and lift her eyes to the shoulders of this person, this man.
Didn't see me…
"Hey, I think you dropped this…"
Dropping her eyes from this man's shoulders to his outstretched hand, she noticed she'd dropped Rogue's leash in the process of almost face-planting. Rogue remained obediently by her side, but she quickly took the leash.
"Thanks…"
She could feel an air of hesitation from this man, before she saw his feet turn to the side, about to walk away.
"If you're sure you're okay…"
"I am, really. I need to go." Wrapping her hand around the leash once again, Mikasa brushed past him and started to jog away, face burning. She thought she could feel his eyes on her still, but ignored it, dead set on distancing herself from her foolishness.
Stupid me…
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The front door opened and a glorious smell consumed her upon entering her home.
All other thoughts shoved aside for the gnawing hunger Mikasa was fighting on her way back home. She unhooked Rogue from his leash and hooked it onto the door handle, where it actually belonged.
She undid her runners and pulled her hair from her braid, letting the silky, midnight strands pool on her shoulders and drape down her back.
She followed the voices into the kitchen and brightened into a smile.
"Good evening, Petra, good to see you."
"Mikasa! Good to see you, too. How was school today?"
The blackette took a seat at the dining table and helped herself to the cheese and bread that was spread before her, shrugging as she did so. "Same as always."
"Don't fill up, brat. I'm five minutes out," Levi snapped from the fridge, pulling out contents from within.
"You underestimate my abilities…"
Snarling darkly, a face of brotherly love from where Mikasa is standing, Levi grumbled and stared to stir the contents from the fridge into a saucepan.
"Come on, Mikasa, it's your senior year! There isn't some hot gossip, fun event, or perhaps any boy that you want to talk about?" Petra leaned over the counter from where she was chopping garnish to smile brightly at Mikasa.
Scoffing, Mikasa rolled her eyes and put her head in her hands. "Any chance to gossip, as always."
"I can't help it, besides who else will hear about your day? Levi?" Petra said, poking her in the arm, before getting back to her prep.
Levi turned to her indignantly, causing Mikasa to snort. "I'm not a demon, you know? I…ask…" Turning back, he tsked in annoyance.
Smiling sadly, Mikasa got up from the dining table. "Any chance you need help?"
"We got it, hun, go wash up," Petra dismissed, not taking her eyes off the food under her knife. Giving Rogue, who lay behind her chair, a quick rub on the head and exited the kitchen, she headed upstairs to her room.
She stripped out of her jogging clothes and slipped some cotton pajama pants and a black tank on, before brushing her hair.
"Dinner!" Petra called from the staircase.
Once seated in the dining room, Mikasa started to pile on food immediately, finding herself ravenous. Dinner was mostly quiet, even with the three of them; mostly because Levi didn't particularly want people talking with food in their mouth. Once was enough to traumatize him.
Once the plates were scraped clean, Mikasa helped Levi with the dishes while Petra cleaned the counters.
Petra offered for Mikasa to stick around and watch a movie, but remembering her history homework, she politely declined and headed to bed.
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Rogue obediently pawed her cracked door wider once Mikasa heard Levi and Petra head to bed.
In a sign of greeting, his black head rested on her thigh as she sat at her desk finishing her essay's conclusion.
"Have a good day, buddy?"
Rogue's tail wagged in reply.
"Yeah, I know, bedtime."
Leaning back in her chair, Mikasa stretched her hands above her head to pop the joints and sighed tirelessly. She switched her table lamp off and filed away her school supplies back into her bag. Rogue stepped back as she stood up and watched her go into her bathroom from his spot on the floor beside her bed.
Her teeth were brushed, her hair was braided, and her face cleaned and moisturized before she settled under her duvet. Closing her eyes she drifted off to the sound of Rogue's heavy breaths.
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A morning routine was something that Mikasa took pride in. She would hear from the girls all the time how chaotic mornings were for them, but she believed that if determined enough, morning habits start to become a second nature. This might be why girls never liked to invite her over for sleepovers when she was in her primary years. Either way, Mikasa wasn't the one showing up with a shirt on backwards or a coffee stain on her skirt from running with the lid half on.
The minute her alarm goes off, Mikasa hits "stop", and swings out of bed. Giving a good morning scratch on the belly to Rogue, she aimed for her closet, where her uniform, pressed last night by her "oh so caring" brother, waited to be fit into.
Teeth brushed, hair untangled with her comb- and put up in a bun- Mikasa headed downstairs where she knew Levi would have breakfast waiting and Petra would be sipping coffee while reading her latest dark romantasy novel.
Pleased with the sight before her when entering the kitchen, Mikasa took a seat beside Petra with Rogue trotting over to his recently filled food dish.
"Tea or coffee?" Levi asked from the sink as he washed fruit in a colander.
"Coffee please, I need the caffeine. History test is today," Mikasa replied, opening her school bag on her lap to double check its contents. "Then I can have my weekend completely anxiety-free."
"I'm sure you'll find something to worry about…" Levi mumbled, causing Petra to shoot him a look from above her book. Saying nothing else, he started to dish up.
"Why must you do this to me?" Petra murmured from her place within the pages of her novel. "I swear my heart can't take anymore mending from this series…"
Mikasa chuckled, placing the bag on the floor beside her. "Did Feyre die again?" she asked.
Petra inhaled sharply and marked her page to turn to Mikasa. "No, but Rhysand did, but I'm over that. Nesta is just breaking my heart," she replied.
Glancing at the cover of the book and reading "A Court of Silver Flames", Mikasa nodded. "She's the older sister, right?"
Petra had been reading this series for the good of the month and couldn't stop indulging Mikasa in the events of the story, without spoiling it, as Petra was trying to convince the blackette to read it. If she was honest, Mikasa was interested.
"She is…although, now that I think about it, she reminds me a lot of you, Mikasa; she's even got the silver eyes, well, sort of."
"Really?"
"Yeah, plus her personality…well…" Petra seemed to, as always, think about what she was about to say and waved her hand dismissively. "She just reminds me of you."
Shrugging it off, but internally wondering if Petra remembered she was planning to read it herself anyway, Mikasa thanked Levi as coffee and the bowl of sugar was placed on the table.
"I don't know how you managed to get through that book within a week. It's huge," Levi added, refilling Petra's teacup. Petra ran a hand down his arm, affectionately before grinning sinisterly.
"How could I not? Plus, this book gives me so many ideas, I don't hear you complaining-."
"Don't really want to know," Mikasa said, putting her hand up to remind them of her presence.
Chuckling, Petra winked. "Hey, maybe you will, too."
"I don't see any boy giving me a moonstone palace anytime soon, if anything my expectations will be higher than ever."
"Maybe not, but Feyre also got a townhouse, and you have one of those already! You're halfway there!"
The three enjoyed their English fry-up that Levi threw together before individually getting ready for their days on the job or at school.
Entering the double-vehicle garage, Petra and Levi clambered into Levi's black Hummer, courtesy of his job in the police force as chief, and Mikasa swung into her silver 2021 Ford Bronco, starting her up.
"I might be home late, there's leftovers in the fridge if you don't feel like waiting for me to get home!" Levi called from the driver's window. Mikasa stuck her thumb up in understanding before the giant Hummer started to ease out of the opening garage door.
Passing easily by Petras red Toyota Corola, they turned right onto the road, Mikasa following to turn left.
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Like clockwork, Mikasa was greeted by Historia, Hitch, and Mina at the front gates, all three glowing from their hour of hair and make-up prep that they insist on doing every morning.
"About time, girl! There's an assembly happening this morning after homeroom," Hitch said, swinging an arm around the blackette's shoulders and steering her further onto the campus.
"I hate those…" Mikasa grumbled, hitching her shoulder bag up higher.
"Me too, but I get to stare at Porco Galliard while we do so," Mina added, giggling.
Mikasa rolled her eyes. "You've never said a word to him…"
Mina shrugged in response. "A girl can dream…"
"I just hope it doesn't go too far into first period, I didn't exactly study yesterday for that History test," Historia said, wringing her hands together.
"Maybe if you held off on the karaoke, you would've done plenty yesterday," Mikasa suggested. She meant it in good will, but sadly her bluntness gets misunderstood on a regular basis.
"Well, forgive me for wanting to have some fun in my senior year; soon it'll be work, eat, sleep, repeat." Historia crossed her arms defiantly, and Mikasa chose to remain silent…as usual.
"There's supposed to be a fall festival happening at some point this month, my yukata is nearly done," Hitch said. She took her arm from Mikasa's shoulders to push open the building door, and they single filed in.
Students were everywhere, clustered in groups- standing or meandering the halls-, running in and out of classrooms, and sorting through lockers and bags. Mikasa instinctively put her head down. She knows that no one would make a noticeable effort to say anything with the three girls around, but that didn't stop the accusing, vicious stares she gets from passersby's.
They made their way to the locker room, splitting up momentarily, before reuniting and exiting after lightening their loads.
Mikasa fiddled with the hem of her freshly washed gym clothes and paused at a hallway. "I need to get these in my gym locker, I'll see you girls in the assembly," she called.
The three waved in farewell, before continuing whatever cliché conversation that was happening.
Speed-walking down the hall, Mikasa kept her eyes floor-level and barely dodged students walking by.
Get in, get out…
She turned toward the door leading to the locker room, when something made her pause, straining her hearing. A couple doors down, Mikasa could hear the slight muffled melody emanating from the closed door. This wasn't the first time she has heard students practicing in the band room, but there was something about this music that resonated within her soul. A deep, lustful cry of passion and mystery. It serenaded her senses, caused her eyes to sting, and she couldn't stop herself as she slowly walked towards the siren call.
Is that a guitar…?
She thought she for sure heard the strumming of acoustics, but upon reaching the door, she heard a slight bass of drums and the electric humming of a keyboard.
Laying herself along the wall beside the door, Mikasa couldn't help but stand and listen. It was so beautiful. No lyrics, just stunning strums and dreading drums that pounded along with her heart and breaths. The music melded a story together tearing her soul in half and mending it together again with a different tune.
She didn't realize that she had closed her eyes and shifted closer to the door, almost blocking the threshold entirely.
How can someone keep this beauty behind a closed door? How could anyone spare this much emotion for the demands of such music? It made her want to sing, anything, even wordlessly. It made her want to dance, to spin. It was pure magic, pure bliss, pure…
Mikasa didn't notice the bell ring and the music abruptly stop. Mikasa didn't notice the shifting and banging happening behind the door she leaned against. Mikasa didn't notice when footsteps came up behind her and the knob turning. She only noticed when all her weight started to fall, weightlessly, backwards and her feet swept out from under her as the door opened.
"Eek!" Mikasa had time to think, "shit!" before she braced herself for the hard impact of marble floors.
It never came…
"Holy fuck!" someone shouted, and arms suddenly scooped her under the arms and linked around her chest to keep her stable, holding her weight.
The first thing Mikasa noticed after her startling shock was the smell that enveloped her. A musky, evergreen scent that made her nose tingle. She was then mentally aware of the warm, hard body encasing her back, holding her in place.
She then heard more footsteps and various voices mumbling in questions.
"What the hell just happened?"
"A chick?"
"Are you okay, miss?"
"Lucky one of us caught you…"
"Were you leaning on the door?"
Completely petrified with embarrassment, Mikasa started to scramble out of the persons grasp, but miscalculated her weight and ended up on the ground for real this time.
"Whoa, calm down, girl!"
Sitting up and gathering her bag to her side, Mikasa faced the ground, refusing to look up and meet the faces of the occupants within the band room. Taking a second to breathe, Mikasa tilted her head up slightly to count the pairs of feet. 5 of them, all of them large and masculine.
"I'm sorry…" she mumbled. "I just…heard the music and I…" She tucked her legs closer together, squeezing her bag like a lifeline. "It was…beautiful."
She saw a couple of the feet shuffle, maybe with embarrassment? But she saw someone kneel down to her level, causing her heart to leap into her throat.
"Did you like it?" the man wondered. She nodded.
She saw another pair step closer, making her body tense; he seemed to notice.
"We need to stop bumping into each other like this… and once again, you dropped this."
That voice… those words…
Risking her very sanity, Mikasa slowly looked up, all the way. Pushing her loose strands from her eyes, she straightened, before freezing instantaneously.
The 5 men had gathered around her, each with a look of concern, boredom, or curiosity, as they stared.
The man kneeling had dark auburn hair with matching eyes. He had a strong nose and tall, muscular body with a look of concern on his face.
To his left stood a man that she actually recognized and couldn't stop the red flushing her face. "Porco…" she muttered in greeting.
"Hey, Ackerman, right?" She nodded slightly and turned to the rest.
There was a man who towered over all of them, black hair, jade eyes and a strong, long face that held concern as well. Beside him was a giant blonde who Mikasa recognized because Historia has mentioned him before; she couldn't for the life of her remember his name.
Then she turned to the final man and her breath left her being; she thinks she even might have gasped.
He was…breathtaking.
Dark brown hair, long and put up with strands falling loosely. His tanned skin seemed to pulse with light and his eyes were so…dangerous, leaking with emerald jewels, lashes dark and long framing them. His mouth was studded with a silver ring on the right bottom lip that glinted viciously in the morning sun beaming through the windows. His ears were studded as well with multiple piercings glittering up his ear on both sides.
Mikasa could only sit and stare stupidly at him, feeling all eyes on her.
"Usually, we'd berate anyone for eavesdropping on our practices, but anyone as cute as you is more than welcome to listen in." The blonde man spoke with a brash cockiness, that had Mikasa clenching her fists.
"Shut your hole, Reiner!" Porco snapped at him.
"Are you going to get off the floor?" The green-eyed god Mikasa was currently looking at spoke and she knew immediately he was the one who had caught her. He stepped up and handed her the shirt she dropped. She slowly took it from him.
"I'm sorry…" she murmured again.
"Well, at least you looked at me this time…" His voice was very monotone, bored, and it caused shame to pool in her gut.
"Thank you…"
She started to heave herself up and hesitated as the tallest of them held a hand out to her, to help her up. Porco snorted, while the blonde man, Reiner, grinned.
"Ever the chivalrous type, hey, Bertoldt?"
"And wonder why you can't get a girl, Reiner." The man who was kneeling stood up and slapped a hand on Reiner's shoulder.
"Don't see any line-up at your locker, either, Marcel…"
Taking the outstretched hand, Mikasa let Bertoldt help her stand.
"My apologies again, I'll keep to myself next time, I didn't mean to intrude…"
She started to back out of the band room, eyeing each man pointedly, assuring herself they would not try and stop her.
"No need to be sorry, it's nice to get some confirmation that we're doing something right," Marcel answered. "Better hurry though, we have an assembly today."
Nodding quickly, Mikasa turned on her heel and tensely strutted out of the room and across the hall toward the gym locker room.
Against her better judgement, she glanced back and saw the green-eyed man in the doorway, watching her.
Shoving down a yelp in surprise, she turned quickly and threw open the locker room door and bolted in.
Once closed, she leaned against it, breathing heavily.
Well, that was an experience… she thought. She could still feel the eyes on her, even behind the closed door, and refused to move until she knew they were making their way toward their respective homerooms.
The band room door clicked shut and she heard multiple pairs of footsteps start to walk by.
"…never seen her before. Seems you have though, Porco?"
"Yeah, I know her friends, at least. Never actually had a conversation with her though."
"She was pretty, not as pretty as Historia-."
"No one is to you, Reiner…"
"Well, maybe if things don't work out between us…"
"You're dreaming, man…"
"God, I hope this assembly doesn't drag."
"We still okay for band practice this afternoon at yours, Eren?"
"Yes…"
With one simple word, Mikasa knew who had spoken; her heart lurched, and her breath caught in her throat.
The footsteps faded down the hall, and Mikasa moved away from the door.
Eren… she thought, as she opened her locker and placed her belongings within.
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In the 15 minutes it took for the teachers to account everyone as present, the classrooms emptied and filled up the auditorium before a giant stage, where a line of teachers and podium waited to be addressed.
Mikasa followed in line towards her seat beside her fellow classmates and searched the seating for Historia or Hitch or Mina.
She spotted the familiar blonde head a few rows in front and to her left but didn't bother calling out as Historia's true best friend, Ymir, was taking up her attention.
Mikasa settled into her seat and sighed.
She wondered what this assembly was even about, not stopping the anxiety about her upcoming test happening in second period. Having study hall first thing was certainly a blessing, but one can never be too prepared. She could definitely count on Historia and Hitch demanding to see her notes for the course of the 90 minutes they had before the test but wasn't bothered. Being prepared was something Mikasa was happy to contribute to the group, but wondered what their plans were when it came to moving to college and she wasn't present. She may need to bestow some wisdom onto them before graduation in regard to note-taking and attention tactics…those girls could hardly sit still.
Another 10 minutes drifted by, and the lights finally dimmed as the last of the students found their places among the crowd.
Their headmaster, a frail looking man with greying hair, specks, and wrinkled face, stepped up to the podium and smiled warmly.
"Greetings and good morning, students. Thank you for attending this mandatory assembly."
Mikasa almost scoffed as she recalled students had a habit of skipping such events but remained silent and heeding.
"This week we have a couple announcements on behalf of some students. First, is that Hannah Diamant has organized a Bake Sale for the Animals of Our City foundation and urges you all to come by on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and buy something. All proceeds go to the foundation, and we have about 30 students baking for it.
"Secondly, the fall festival is coming up in a week from Friday, so school will be let out an hour early-." He was interrupted by the collective cheer that rang out from the crowd of students, causing him to smile knowingly. "I can especially hear the ladies in the crowd, for they, I'm certain, will be using that time, wisely, to get themselves pampered for the night." The girls in the crowd, minus Mikasa- as her face was reddening fast now-, started to holler loudly.
"You know it, boys!"
"You thought we were cute in those school uniforms? Wait til' then!"
Why can't we just get on with it? Mikasa faced the ground, wishing she could take her phone out of her bag, but knew she'd get caught, just to escape this mindset.
"Alright, alright, settle down now. There is a third announcement, the band room is hereby closed at lunchtime until further notice. It's nothing personal to any of you, it's just…being reserved, you could say." Mikasa's head snapped up to look at the headmaster, thoughts spiraling.
What are the odds? She thought. Right after her flustering encounter with the 5 men, she couldn't well call them boys as they were easily twice her size, the very room it happened in gets closed at an imperative time period. Lunch was where all the band geeks went, the lonely ones, that is. She was even prone to go in from time to time, just to get away from the crowds. She liked the sound of each instrument playing their own individual melodies, because everyone in there was so focused on staying in tune. No one paid attention to her…
Now that small luxury was being taken away. She now realized how much she took it for granted.
Whatever the headmaster was going to talk about next, Mikasa drowned out. She started to close her eyes, attempting to ignore the feeling of the body heat of the two students on either side of her. She was starting to feel crowded, pinned, breathless. She started to pull herself closer, tensing her legs together and crossing her arms. Why does everything have to be taken from her? Why does she reach when she knows it will slip out of her hands… Why can't she be normal? Social, and smiling with her friends like they so want her to? Why does she kill with every touch? Why…
The hand on her shoulder caused her to tense up and gasp sharply.
"It's me." Lightning bolted down her spine at the familiar, gruff voice and something foreign pooled into her core. "Just take a deep breath. You're alright. If you must, close your eyes." The voice was whispered, light, but it's all she heard within the echoing auditorium. She couldn't stop herself from obeying and her world went dark. "Just focus on your center and breathe. Listen to your heartbeat, your lungs allowing air into you. Your feet on the ground, your hands by your side…"
Slowly, her arms uncrossed, and she settled back into her chair, suddenly very aware of his presence behind her. She breathed deep once more and willed her heartbeat to slow down. The air around her didn't feel so hot anymore, and she couldn't feel the presence of the students beside her. Just of the one behind her, as if he was the only one in the room with her.
She felt his hand leave her shoulder and she opened her eyes.
The headmaster was still talking about something, and no one stared at her. It was as if it never happened. She desperately wanted to turn around, to look at him, but knew that would cause more attention than him speaking to her.
She wondered how he had done that. How he had calmed her, instantly. She told herself to breathe all the time. This wasn't the first attack she's experienced, it won't be the last, but she could barely get through it by herself. What did he do to make her body obey him so readily. As if it were saying, "About time he came along!"
As she followed her classmates through the doors to exit the auditorium, Mikasa started to feel her heart beat quickly again, but this time, it felt…different.
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Historia and Hitch met up with Mikasa at the entrance to study hall, and were, indeed, in tears at the prospect of Mikasa's hard-written notes going to waste.
Obliging them, she found a seat at the round table near the window of the room and started to pass out her notes.
Naturally, Mikasa was the only one actually wanting to study as Historia and Hitch were reading, but also talking.
"I thought the rose and thorns yukata, I have the perfect shoes for it," Historia chimed from Mikasa's left.
"Oh, yeah, I know that one. You totally should! It will also really complement the one I've made."
"Honestly, you need to make me one for next year, yours always have some extra flare."
"Um, duh, 'cause it's me. I'm not going for basic."
"Truer words. What about you, Mikasa? What flowers are you going for?" Historia turned her attention to the blackette, who barely looked up from her paper.
"No flowers. I don't think I'm going to go…"
Historia and Hitch were silent, before the latter sighed. "Well, I could've told you that."
She didn't want it to, but it stung. Looking up slightly, Historia and Hitch continued their banter and shuffled papers around. A horrible thought struck her. It was clear she wasn't as close to any of them as they were each other, yes, they tried, but any person would surely cast aside someone not willing to go that extra mile. Someone who could barely look them in the eye or hug them good-bye. Someone like her…
The bell rung for second period sooner than anticipated and the study hall bustled as one.
Shoveling her notes together, she thanked the girls handing in their respective borrows.
"Thank you, Mikasa. What would we do without you," Hitch patted her shoulder and hoisted her bag, before continuing a conversation with Historia without looking back, walking out of the hall.
Maybe that was supposed to make her feel better…
It didn't…
.
.
.
Luckily, tests were a natural stress, so Mikasa managed to hand in her test well before anyone else. Despite her looks, she knew she was gossiped about because of her brains as well.
Not wanting to sit in a deadly silent classroom, feeling accusing and envious stares from her classmates, Mikasa walked up to the teacher.
"Do you mind if I sit in the library for the last half hour?" she whispered.
Looking up from the tests she was highlighting, the teacher smiled. "Not at all, Miss Ackerman."
"Thank you."
She slipped out.
.
.
.
Slowly making her way through the halls, Mikasa started to review the test over in her mind.
She knew she got majority correct, but there were a few surprise questions, as usual. Mostly used to test the general knowledge of the topic itself. She wonders if what she answered would suffice. With her eyes on her shoes, she decided maybe she'd start scouting out new places to eat lunch. She didn't particularly want to be eating in a giant crowd with the assembly this morning and everyone chattering about the fall festival, so a new quiet place to isolate herself would be ideal.
As she walked, she brushed by a group of people walking, and felt her throat close at the familiar scent wafting by.
Before she could stop herself, she whipped around, and almost stumbled standing still.
He was already looking back at her. His green eyes pierced right through her as he meandered along with the other 4 men. She didn't know why she couldn't look away, or why he ignored his friends calling his name, only stopping when they glanced back at her.
"Oh, hey, it's you." Reiner's voice had her dropping her gaze back to the floor. "Aren't you in Historia's class for that History test?"
Porco scoffed. "I'm not going to ask how you know that information, creep."
Reiner turned to growl at him. Without thinking, Mikasa felt obliged to reply to him.
"I am! Was… I mean, I'm already done it…"
"I see, smart one. Why are you wandering the halls?"
Mikasa gave her brother's famous "tsk" and glared up at him. "Why are you?"
Reiner smirked. "Well, for your information, we just had an early lunch, since we'll be practicing all lunch period."
Mikasa's gaze hardened. "So, you are the ones taking over the band room?"
Reiner nodded. "Yes."
Mikasa crossed her arms. She should just stop there, let them go. She should just turn around and continue walking and not say another word, but the 5 pairs of eyes on her was nerve wracking. She shouldn't care. It's not like she was taking it personally…or maybe she was.
"Is it a problem for you?"
Eren speaking had any farther thoughts disappear. He wasn't demanding, just curious, in his own brooding words.
"Did you use the room at lunch or something?" Marcel wondered, too.
Flustered, Mikasa waved her hands. "No, no, I mean, I did sometimes, but I just…I know other people use it-."
"Do you play an instrument?" Marcel asked.
Feeling interrogated, Mikasa flushed red and bit her lip. "N-no, I just…"
"You went to listen?" Eren asked.
Mikasa sighed and nodded. "It's just quiet in there, in its own way. Not physically quiet, but…"
"I get it…" Marcel nodded. "You can still listen."
"I'm not partial to sit on the floor in the hall," Mikasa said.
Marcel chuckled. "Of course not, you can sit in and listen to us if you would be inclined to," he explained.
Mikasa started to eye the other 4 and waited for their protests of personal space, but none came.
"We don't mind, you seemed to like it this morning, and we wouldn't mind a critic."
They were eyeing her expectantly, awaiting her reply. Mikasa met with the piercing emeralds portrayed as eyes and flushed at the intensity of them. "I would love to," she said, without thinking twice.
.
.
.
After they parted ways, Mikasa stowed her academics into her locker before grabbing her lunch. She started to walk down the halls toward the band room, then froze in place.
What was she doing? She barely knew these guys and she was about to go into a room with them that's closed off to the public for the next hour and a half. Why did she say yes? Would they care if she didn't show? That she turned tail and ran?
Shaking her head, Mikasa tried to clear the dark thoughts. She was being ridiculous. They were nice…sort of. She didn't know them, that fact both comforted and unnerved her.
Once she stepped up to the closed band room door, she breathed deep.
They are just other students that go to your school. They aren't going to kill you…
She knocked on the door before she could stop herself and walked in. The air change was noticeable as the high-ceiling rose above her with a skylight shining down. The room was spacious and tempered with music in mind. It always made her feel like this room was another world separated from the school.
Bringing her gaze down from the sunlight filtering in, she saw 4 of the men spread out behind and around their respective instruments. Marcel was behind a long, glorious keyboard, playing a couple riffs that sound nostalgic; Reiner was seated on a chair brushing out the strings of his bass, while talking to Porco as he stood with a guitar around his front; Bertoldt was seated behind a looming drum set texting on his phone.
Mikasa couldn't stop herself from glancing around the room in search for a certain band member, when the door opened again from behind her.
She turned quickly, and stepped back when Eren came through with items in his hands.
"Took you long enough."
Reiner got up, placing his bass down to greet them.
Making room for the other three, also, they crowded the newcomer as he passed them drinks.
"Nothing like vending machine sodas, flat and usually exploding once opened," Porco added as he guzzled his Coke.
Mikasa watched him do so, imagining the burning of carbonation, and winced. She felt a presence step up to her and turned back to see Eren handing her a bright green bottle with a familiar label.
"Didn't know what you liked so I played it safe…"
Reaching for the Aloe Vera drink, Mikasa smiled at the small considerate action she found herself cherishing. He thought of her. He remembered she was coming and bought her a drink. Highlighting that fact she blurted, "I can pay you back for it."
Eren shook his head and walked farther into the room. "Don't be ridiculous…"
It caused her to flinch, but she shook it off and turned with the rest of them.
The respective pops of cans and bottles echoed throughout the room, and the men started to settle. Marcel grabbed a chair and carried it over to a small desk where the band teacher usually kept his music sheets and gestured to it.
"Figured you'd need a table."
Determined to shove down the embarrassment, Mikasa nodded. "Thank you." She quickly sat in the chair and started to preoccupy herself with opening her bento as the band started to tune their instruments and discuss a setlist. She started to mix her fried rice when Reiner cleared his throat.
"Ladies and…well, ladies, thank you for being here tonight." Mikasa was shocked at the introduction, merely because they bothered to give one. Such an act meant the acknowledgement of her presence, and it felt…alright. "Our first song is called 'Like a Parasite', please enjoy." He did a mocking bow, and Mikasa smiled, slightly.
The music began slowly, having Mikasa immediately halt any further thoughts. It began so, but once it picked up, it picked up hard.
She had never heard music like it, it was aggressive, beautiful, raging, and she was enraptured. Bertoldt was a maniac on the drums; Marcel seemed to be playing with magic on the keyboard. Reiner was meticulous with his bass chords, while Porco and Eren lost themselves in the vocals and guitars. Porco had the gift of roaring, while Eren had a melodious singing voice. It was gentle, but so powerful, she felt tears prick her eyes. The whole song was a performance. She could all but see the strobing lights, the colourful lasers, the smoke rising at their feet. They were stars, they were astounding.
When the song ended Mikasa could only stare gobsmacked, food forgotten and getting cold. As they caught their breaths, they faced her.
"Well?" Porco asked, guzzling water to soothe his vocal cords from all the screaming.
She shook her head, tearing her gaze away. "I don't have the words…"
"Don't be shy, we can take it," Marcel stated from his keyboard bench.
"I don't really play music so I can't really-."
"We don't want a artists opinion, we want yours," Bertoldt said, knee jumping with adrenaline still.
"It was amazing, truly. I've never heard anything like it," she summed, picking up her rice again to give her hands something to do.
"We know it, gotta say, you don't have a typical taste for a girl," Reiner said, opening the bottle cap of his drink before tipping it back.
"I get that a lot. My brother has stormed into my room with metal playing thinking I had a guy in there." She hadn't thought about what she was saying and flushed. God, they probably don't care. They're guys, they'll think it's stupid for him to do that…
"That's one awesome brother," Porco commented.
"You think?" God, shut up, Mikasa.
"Sure, I'd do the same."
"If I heard this kind of music coming from my cousin's room, I'd certainly barge in with a shotgun," Reiner added.
Finally, biting her tongue, Mikasa went back to facing her rice and started to eat. They took the hint and started to gear up for the next song.
.
.
.
When the bell rung for third period, Mikasa jolted, completely forgetting she was in school. Totally enchanted by the music, it was easy to lose herself in it, comfortable and full of her lunch.
She gathered her things and started packing them away.
The men bustled around her to set the room to rights and put away their instruments, shouldering their bags.
Students started to file in for their class, as Mikasa pocketed the Aloe Vera drink.
"See ya tomorrow, Ackerman," Reiner said, bowing to her before making his exit behind Bertoldt.
Forgetting to question the meaning of his words, Mikasa called out, "See ya!"
"Will you come tomorrow, too?" Mikasa started at Eren's voice behind her and faced him. With that same deadpan look he wore, he raised an eyebrow at her.
"Uh, yes, I mean, only if I'm allowed to."
She started to cave into herself at his soul-searching stare, but nearly flinched as his eyes softened ever so slightly.
"Of course." He then brushed by her, leaving only his evergreen bliss in his wake.
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.
.
Mikasa barely remembered 3rd and 4th period and could only stare numbly at the front door of her townhouse.
Could it be possible? She wondered, fishing through her keychain to find her house key. Did I actually have a…good day at school? She couldn't feel the stares, she couldn't hear the whispers, she could breathe restfully. Taking a deep breath that she wanted, not needed, she unlocked the door to be greeted by Rogue jumping up on her, tail wagging fiercely.
"Okay, okay, down, Rogue!" Licking her face all over, like it's been years since she's been home, Mikasa collapsed onto the bench in the foyer and allowed Rogue's excitement to wash on her, literally.
"Did you miss me, boy? Huh?" He laid on her legs and exposed his belly to her and she indulged him with a good rub.
Within minutes, she managed to get her shoes off and put her bag down with Rogue still attempting to smother her.
Making her way into the house, she turned into the kitchen to open the back door for Rogue.
"Go outside, Rogue."
A full fenced backyard lay before the dog as he raced around the yard to calm his energy.
Leaving the door open slightly to hear when Rogue wants in, Mikasa went back into the foyer to grab her bag and go back into the kitchen. She was pretty hungry it seemed, and she would indulge in a snack before heating up the leftovers Levi had in the fridge. She was sure there was some sweet and sour stir-fry in there somewhere.
Grabbing the fruit salad, they had for breakfast in one hand and digging for her phone in the other, Mikasa made her way to the living room to watch her favourite anime, because she could treat herself. She was home alone, she had her puppy, her brothers amazing food, and a giant flat screen. She was in a good mood, she deserved this.
Clicking the remote, Mikasa found her show and hit play, smiling brightly. The show always put a smile on her face, even throughout the dark content, she felt like she was there with them.
She spent the next hour bingeing the show, tearful at some parts, laughing at others. She could really be herself when doing this.
Her phone started to ring suddenly, making Mikasa hurry to pause the TV. Doing so, she picked up her phone to check the number.
"Unknown…" Mikasa murmured. Usually, she would ignore it, but the area code was from this city, so hesitantly, she slide her finger across the screen to answer.
"Hello?"
"Ackerman, didn't think you'd answer!"
Mikasa blinked. "R…Reiner?"
"Got it in one! Hey, listen, we need your opinion on something."
Crossing her legs together, Mikasa bit her lip. "Um, on what?"
"We have this song we've been working on, and we can't think of the breach for the chorus, get it? And well, our way of settling things isn't exactly getting us anywhere."
"Why not?"
"Porco and Eren have been arguing for the past 20 minutes…"
Mikasa could picture it entirely well for an odd reason. It made her smile…grin, in fact. "Why call me?"
"You seem like a reasonable person, figured you could settle things."
"Over the…phone?"
"No, obviously not, you'd be over here, once you drive here."
Mikasa straightened. "Pardon?"
"I mean, you don't have to…"
Why me? Do they actually…want me there? I only just listened to them that one time, now they want me to visit them outside school hours? Wait…
"We still okay for band practice this afternoon at yours, Eren?"
"Yes."
Remembering the conversation she overheard, Mikasa sank deep into the couch her face heating. Regretting the question, she was about to ask, already.
"Aren't you at…Eren's house?"
Silence filled on the other end and she was about to check to see if he hung up, when he suddenly chirped, "Yup."
"And he's okay with you just inviting me over?"
"Why wouldn't he? He was the one that suggested it."
Mikasa felt butterflies take flight in her stomach and fought, helplessly, against the grin she displayed.
"He said that…?"
"Yes, now, will you get over here? Oh, and bring drinks, Eren's mom doesn't allow sugary stuff, unfortunately."
Mikasa then heard a loud protest in the background, which had Reiner laughing in her ear.
"Better go, so I can use both hands if Eren takes a swing at me, see ya soon!"
The line went dead and Mikasa could only numbly take her phone away from her ear and stare at the battle scene on the TV frozen in place.
"Did that…just happen?" She faced Rogue, who lay on his bed by the fireplace wagging his tail and uncrossed her legs. "Guess I better go and get ready." She got up from the couch and cleared her dish, Rogue following after.
As she braided her hair to the side, she looked at Rogue, standing in the doorway expectantly. "You want your walk," she told him. This only caused him to wag even harder. Maybe that can be her excuse for a quick visit. She could walk to the corner store and grab the drinks and walk over with Rogue and quickly settle the dispute, saying she has dinner waiting for her- which was technically true. It was perfect. Just 10 minutes. In and out.
Comforted by her words, Mikasa leashed up Rogue and slipped her runners on, before bracing against the slight autumn chill.
.
.
.
Remembering what they liked was easy enough, Porco, Marcel, and Reiner had Cokes, while Eren and Bertoldt had mineral water. She got a 6 pack of each just in case, and settled with either for herself. She got the address from Reiner while paying in the store and found it only a 15-minute walk from her house. She carried a 6 pack in each hand and had Rogue off-leash obediently by her side for the duration of time.
She slowed once she reached the right street and hunted for the right number within the properties.
She located it and thought she'd never have trouble finding it again.
It was huge.
It had glass shining, wood baking, and a garden that would make the Earth Mother cry. She stared dumbfounded, completely overwhelmed with colour and scent. Is this the right place?
She double-checked the address in the chat and could only hold her breath. She got it right. This was the address.
She suddenly felt Rogue tense at her side and a loose growl escaped. She looked down at him and followed his gaze to her right.
The blonde she just talked to was waving from the driveway further down.
"It's alright, Rogue, heel."
He let out a gruff bark, but obeyed, following as she made her way to Reiner. He greeted her with his usual smirk and crossed his arms.
"What a beaut, he is." She realized he was talking about Rogue.
"Thank you, German Shepard. Rogue."
"Suits him, you brought them!"
She handed him the drinks and braced a hand on Rogue's head. Much to her surprise, Reiner placed them on the curb, and knelt to Rogue's level, sticking out his hand, palm down.
"Hey, big guy. You're pretty scary looking'." Rogue sniffed the hand and seconds later he was wagging his tail and licking the same hand. "There we go." He scratched him under the ears and slowly stood up. She stared.
"You know how to treat dogs," she said stupidly, and Reiner laughed.
"I've had my fair share of run-ins to know that they demand a lot more respect than meets the eye."
"I'm sure."
Reiner smirked again and grabbed the drinks. "Come on then."
"Wait, I don't know if- I mean, I have my dog-."
"That's alright, we're just in the garage here, we all like dogs."
"Right, good, it's just…"
Reiner paused and turned toward her. "You're nervous."
Not a question; it was obvious.
"So, what if I am?" Despite her sudden anger, he knew it wasn't at him.
"You got nothing to worry about, ya know? Carla, Eren's mom, is right inside. She knows you're here, so do everyone else. You're not intruding." His sudden kindness had her stepping forward.
"Alright then…" She clicked to Rogue, and they followed Reiner toward the garage.
They went around the side of the house, following a flawless row of tulips and sunflowers along the way, and up to a door, no doubt leading into the garage.
"Hold these?" She took the Coke, he handed her, and he opened the door, walking in without hesitation or looking back.
"Who's thirsty?"
Mikasa stayed in the doorway with Rogue, who sniffed at the air within the garage, pupils dilated from the stimulation.
"It's alright, buddy." She scratched his head, comfortingly.
"There she is, come in, Ackerman."
Taking a breath and swallowing a sudden surge of panic, she stepped through the threshold and closed the door behind her.
It was quite bright within the garage and very big. The floors were concrete as usual but the room itself was homey and furnished. Expectedly, the band's instruments were clustered in a corner with a work bench against the wall to the left. Chairs and a sofa ringed the middle of the room with a coffee table sat snugly in the middle, holding sheets of music, accessories for instruments, or drinks. A carpet lay underneath to cover the concrete. There were odd bits and ends that you'd usually find in a garage, except for the 5 men gathered in their respective places.
She felt the eyes on her like spotlights and could only brace for Rogue beside her.
"Glad you could make it, sick dog." Porco broke the silence easily, or at least, Mikasa's silence as she nodded.
"Thank you, this is Rogue, a-."
"German Shepard, loyal as hell, strong as hell, good-looking dog," he added.
"Agreed," Mikasa said.
"You remembered!" Marcel said from the sidelines, as he tore into the Cokes on the coffee table and popped it open. The other guys gathered around to grab what they wanted, but Mikasa still felt eyes on her. She turned to look at where Eren was sitting, phone in hand. He suddenly sat up and leaned forward.
"Hey Rogue."
The Shepard glanced at him and immediately went over, tail wagging. He was taken in instantly and was soon on his back, demanding belly rubs. Eren obliged and Mikasa smiled.
Using her dog as an excuse to walk closer, she hovered over them as Rogue barked with happiness at the attention.
"Do you have a dog?" she wondered. Eren shook his head.
"Only a cat, wish I had one though. My dad's allergic."
Dread pooled in her stomach. "I'm sorry, I didn't-,"
"No worries, he isn't home until next weekend, and my mother will have cleaned this place 10 times over by then."
"That sounds like my brother…"
Eren didn't say anything to that but leaned back when Rogue had his attention grabbed by Marcel joining the fun. He turned to look at her and she hadn't noticed how close she'd gotten. She made to step back, self conscious, when a look flashed over Eren's face.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing! Just I didn't mean to…"
"Stand next to me? You're not intruding, Mikasa."
Her ears rung. Not Ackerman. Mikasa. He said her name, her first name. It sparked her, ignited her, burned her all at the same time. He said her name slow; every letter being spoken clear and true. She wanted to hear it again…
Her shock subsided once Reiner cleared his throat.
"Right, so, Ackerman, we are gathered here today to settle the debate of 'Titanic Devils' newest hit."
Titanic Devils? Is that their band name?
"We have the first verse but are a little stumped with part of the chorus. We ask that you listen and give your honest opinion."
The band the started to gather their instruments, Eren getting up beside her. She settled into his chair, seeming as her dog had claimed the floor by the legs already, and wrung her hands together.
Without waiting for another word, the music started.
Just like before it was raging and colourful with sound. She could only listen, already forgetting why she was there. Then the lyrics kicked in and she was shot in the heart with Eren's voice.
Such a broken young thing
Wears her pain like a stolen wedding ring
Likes to think she's the poison
On the lips, on the lips of the king
She wants to be the wreckage, she wants to be damned
She wants to ruin everything and everyone she had
Out there in the desert stands a single tree
And that's where I've been waiting for the girl that she could be
And out here in the desert, with the last sign of life
And that's where I've been waiting for the girl that she could be
The lyrics stopped but the band went into the chorus and Mikasa let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Brain hazy with emotion and adrenaline.
They faded out gradually, and high-fived on a job well done.
"As you can tell, it is getting there but we can't decide on the main phrase, which is also the title," Reiner explained, guzzling his Coke.
"Marcel, Bertoldt and Porco think it should go 'She wanna be, wanna be my destiny' while Eren and I think it should go 'She wanna be, wanna be my prodigy.'" Mikasa thought about that. Tried to replay the song best she could in her head. They both sounded good, but didn't think this song was about the singer, but the girl herself. Humming the tune softly to herself, seemingly unaware of the 5 watching her, she mouthed the lyrics.
"She wanna be, wanna be my…" Snapping her fingers, she smiled. "The."
"Um, what?" Porco questioned.
"Instead of 'my', put 'the'. 'She wanna be, wanna be the…tragedy."
They blinked.
Where did that come from? I can't just rewrite their lyrics…
"That's just what I think…um, you asked for my opinion…"
"I like it," Bertoldt said.
"Really?"
"Yeah, it's different, like us."
"Take it from the top, including the chorus this time," Reiner said, gesturing to Bertoldt, who timed them in.
The song restarted and Mikasa sank back in her chair and lost herself in the sounds.
.
.
.
An hour passed and Mikasa could feel herself starting to daze off, hungry and tired from her day.
The band had played a couple more songs they'd written for her approval and she could only smile and nod at their energy.
"God, I'm starved," Porco stated, stretching his arms above his head, stretching his neck. He placed his guitar down and picked up his soda. "We should get home soon, Marcel."
Mikasa could only stare as Marcel nodded his agreement.
Wait…
Looking back and forth between the two, Mikasa now realized just how much they looked alike. It was natural for her not to notice, as she avoided looking at any of them in the face.
Marcel caught her train of thought. "Yeah, Porco's my little brother. Surprise you?"
She shook her head. "No, no, just didn't realize."
"They're like twins…" Bertoldt added. Mikasa flushed, shrugged.
"I don't like to assume…"
"That's fine, I already knew I was more good-looking than him," Porco said, smirking. Marcel simply shook his head, choosing to ignore this.
"I guess that'll be enough for tonight," Reiner said, bringing them back on topic.
Before any other word was uttered, a door opening had everyone turning.
"Oh, you're finished! Lovely, just in time for dinner!"
Mikasa watched as a lovely woman made her way down the few steps leading to the door that most likely led to the house. Her hair was pulled to her right side in a loose ponytail; she wore a pale cream shirt and grey pants that were, ideally, pajamas. Her eyes were the colour of amber and her smile was bright and warm.
"Are any of you boys staying?" she asked, standing over them with arms crossed.
"Thanks, Mrs. Jaeger, but we gotta head home," Marcel said, shouldering his keyboard that he'd packed away, carefully.
"No worries! Drive home safe, you two!"
The two Galliard brothers waved and went out the side door, instruments in tow.
"You mind if I leave my spares here, Mrs. Jaeger?" Bertoldt wondered.
"Not a problem, just don't forget about them."
"Thanks!" Bertoldt shouldered his bag. "See you guys tomorrow." He waved to Mikasa and the remaining band members, before taking his leave.
Reiner sighed, heavily. "As much as I would love to indulge in your cooking, my cousin will hound me. She wants to hear the end of our new song."
"Naturally," the woman laughed. "Tell her she can come by to see me anytime and listen through the door."
Reiner smirked. "She, no doubt, would so." The blonde nodded to Eren once, before flitting his gaze to Mikasa.
"Have a good night, Ackerman, thanks for listening."
She nodded and watched as he left, too. She turned back around and was suddenly aware she was the only one left who didn't live here.
She looked to the woman, trying to avoid the green eyes observing her, waiting.
"Would you like to stay?"
Mikasa shook her head at the woman, but suddenly, straightened. Stepping over her slumbering dog, she held her hand out to her. "I'm Mikasa Ackerman, and my dog, Rogue. Your house is beautiful, and you are, too. I love the flowers, there's so many, I wish I knew their names. I'm sure your cooking is wonderful, but I have leftovers. My brother cooks, too… I'm babbling, I'm sorry."
The woman's laugh caused her to stop talking and cover her face with her hands.
"You are so sweet, Miss. Ackerman. Truly sweet. I understand, and I don't take it personally. I do hope you decide to indulge yourself, as our Reiner put it, eventually. I would love to see more of you."
Nodding slightly, Mikasa smiled softly. "Of course."
The woman gave one more bright smile, before turning back toward the stairs.
"Get home safe." She made her way up the steps and back into the house, closing the door behind her.
Mikasa felt Rogue nuzzle her hand, causing her to turn to him. "I know, you're hungry, too."
"Better get going before it gets too dark…" Eren's voice caused her to jump a little. She was very aware it was just the two of them.
"Right, thank you for having me. It was…really fun…"
Nodding, Eren followed as she headed to the door, unhooking the leash from the handle. She clipped him in and tugged her coat tighter.
Eren reached over and opened the door, gesturing to her. Biting back a frown at his eagerness, she stepped outside and turned.
She stared blankly as he slipped his own shoes on and followed her outside, closing and locking the door.
"What are you…?"
He eyed her. "You walked, didn't you?"
"Yes, but-."
"You're not walking this late alone."
She was about to protest, but stopped herself.
Who, in their right mind, would turn down a chance to walk with someone like him.
Turning to hide her blush, she started to walk along the path through the flowers back onto the road.
As they walked, Mikasa couldn't stop her racing heartbeat; aware of every footstep he took, every frosty breath he took. She had to stop herself from looking at him a couple times, just to simply watch him.
When she allowed herself a quick peek, she saw that he eyes glowed. Even in the fading light, they were gemstones that glinted ferociously. She saw them suddenly turn to look into her own, and she quickly tore away.
"Your nose is red," he suddenly said.
"Well, it's cold!"
"It is."
They continued to walk, Mikasa desperately thinking of something to say, although he wasn't making it easy. He was very broody, very reserved, it both appealed to and frustrated her.
"Your mom is lovely…" she said, turning to him.
Her heart leaped when she saw a small smile form on his lips. She was hypnotized, she felt the foreign liquid pool into her core again. A feeling she's only had around him.
"She is. Very kind, considerate, loving, she's everything and more."
"Do you have siblings?" she wondered, desperate to keep his voice filling the silence. She liked the sound of it…maybe he would say her name again…
"No, but I have a friend who is as close as a brother would be. Known him since I was a child; plan to know him well into old age."
Only the necessary words to get a point across. Much like me.
"What's his name?"
His gaze bore into hers as he let the question linger. She was about to apologize, saying it was none of her business, when he answered, "Armin."
"That's his first name?" Eren nodded.
"It's a nice name."
"He certainly thinks so, as he's named after his grandfather."
"How special," Mikasa agreed.
"You're a lot more talkative now." The comment had Mikasa stopping in her tracks. He took one step forward before pausing as well.
"I'm sorry it came off that way. I usually don't see people at this hour," she murmured.
"Don't be sorry. I hope we didn't make you uncomfortable," Eren replied.
"You didn't, I was honestly entertained the whole time. Its nice, the way you guys interact with each other."
"I'm glad you think so."
Mikasa remained silent, frowning slightly.
Noticing, Eren raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"If you want me to stop talking I can."
She saw surprise written on his usually deadpan face. "Why would I want that?"
Biting her lip, Mikasa put her face down. "It's just, it seems like you're trying to end the conversation with each sentence…" Covering her mouth quickly, she faced him again. "I'm sorry, it's not my place. I shouldn't judge the way you talk, I didn't mean-."
"Mikasa."
The word made her cease fire, body rigid, but insides melting.
"Y-yeah?"
"I didn't mean to make you think that. I'm…" Her ears roared when an obvious redness started to flush his face. He avoided her eyes. "I'm nervous."
She blanched. "Nervous? Why?"
"I don't know!" He suddenly whirled around and started to walk forward again, back to her.
"Hey, wait." Rogue barked joyfully when she jogged to catch up. "Really, why?"
"I don't usually hang out…with your kind."
"My kind? In what way, exactly, do you mean that?"
"With girls," he submitted with a sigh. She noticed he started to fiddle with his lip ring, and she couldn't stop the smile. That was one less thing to worry about, at least.
"So, you're saying none of you have…girlfriends?"
"Don't make it sound like a sin. No, not really. I mean, they have their stupid crushes but nonofficial," Eren answered.
"That surprises me," Mikasa said. He turned to her.
"Why?"
She shrugged, feeling very at ease at the moment. "They're all very handsome."
"They are?" Feeling the heat of his gaze, she met his eyes.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
His face was still the stoic mask he always wore, but there was a certain fire in his eyes. "I'm not looking like anything…" His eyes drifted to her hair along her right shoulder. "I like your hair down like that. It's nice."
Too utterly flustered to say anything to that, she pressed her lips together and faced the ground. Suddenly very conscious of it, she fiddled with the ends of her braid, watching her feet as they walked.
.
.
.
The sun set by the time they reached her doorstep. She let Rogue off the leash, and he ran through the doggy door in the front entrance. She paused upon about to turn the doorknob and faced Eren.
"Thank you for walking me home."
"You're welcome."
"Also, thank you for all the times I ran into you yesterday, and today."
"I'm glad you did. And don't ask 'really?' because yes, really. I'm glad I met you, Mikasa." Her heart started to race; her breath came in laboured. He looked at her so intensely she thought she might burst. She fought the need to leap into his arms, desperate to feel what he felt like.
"I'm glad I met you, too, Eren."
The smile he gave her made her heart levitate; she wanted to sigh. Why was the air so hot all of a sudden?
He sighed and turned away. "I'll have to get used to that eventually…" was all he said, before he started to walk back into the night, leaving Mikasa feeling brighter than the moon.