Chapter II: The Beginning of the 104th Cadet Corps Boot Camp

Part II: Learning the ODM

104th Corps Training Camp, Wall Rose

Eren let out a groan as the sun hit his eyes. Pulling himself out of bed, he ran his hands through his hair in frustration. Great. I've got an asshole on my tail. He then took in a deep breath and shook his head. No. I'm not going to worry about it. If Jean wants to fuck with me, he is going to grow to regret it. He then began putting on his uniform. He went to the mess hall once his supporting belt was put on.

Mess Hall, 104th Cadet Corps Training Camp, Wall Rose

Mikasa, Armin and Shinji were sitting there waiting for him.

Mikasa looked up at him and beamed. She then ran to him and wrapped him in a tight hug. "Eren! Oh! I'm so glad you are okay!" She then looked to where Jean had stomped on his knee. I don't feel he should be walking so soon. Jean did a number on his knee. She then growled, What are you doing? You shouldn't be walking! Your knee still needs time to heal."

Eren smiled at her and shook his head. "It will be alright, Mikasa. This is just a minor injury. I won't let such a small injury stop me from completing training. Don't worry so much."

Mikasa let out an exasperated sigh.

She took one of Eren's hands and tightly squeezed it. "Are you sure about this? I can't bear to see you get hurt again."

Eren sighed and put a hand on her shoulder. "Yes, of course. I promise I'll take it easy. Try not to worry so much."

Mikasa let out an exasperated sigh and huffed, her face turning red, "Okay then. Fair enough." She turned away from him and lightly tugged the red scarf around her neck. There was a blush present on her face. Try not to worry so much. The hell with that. He can't be serious! He has a target on his head! I can't stop worrying! I refuse to stop worrying!

Shinji grinned at Eren. "Good. Glad to see you back on your feet. Training isn't the same without you. We are going to be testing out our ODM gear today." Eren's eyes lit up. "Really? Awesome. I can't wait!"

Training Field, 104th Cadet Corps Training Camp, Wall Rose

Two hours later

Everyone was on the field, hooked in their ODM gear. Annie and Mikasa were the first ones up. The two of them could master the contraptions quickly and with little difficulty.

Shinji and Armin managed theirs as well. As Shinji came off his, Annie was watching him closely from afar. She smirked as she watched him go. Impressive. He'd be a great asset to the Marleyan cause. I think it's time I worked my feminine charms.

Eren was the only one who was having difficulty with his gear. Every time the crank was activated, he fell flat on his face.

Mikasa was watching in complete horror. Eren. I wish there were something I could do. Eren.

Shinji just looked on and sighed. It's a shame. He might have to quit. I know that will kill him inside.

Commander Shadis looked on with an expectant look on his face. As expected. My tampering with the device has ensured Eren won't graduate anytime soon—sorry kid. I'm doing it for your good.

Eren stood there hanging upside down with a shocked look on his face. Blood was pouring down his forehead. He tightened his fist in rage. No. No. I can't have gotten this far to lose now! I have Titans to kill!

Commander Shadis then got in his face. "What the hell are you doing, Jaeger? Is this too much for you to handle? I thought you wanted to be a soldier!"

Eren yelled out, "Sir! Yes, sir!" He then managed to force himself back up on his feet.

Commander Shadis then turned to Armin. "Again."

Armin then reran the crank.

Eren felt himself about to fall again. No! Not again! He forcefully dug his heels into the ground. This caused him to dislocate his knee and tear a muscle in his leg. He grit his teeth to endure the pain. Amazingly, he managed to stand himself up. Sweat was pouring from his forehead. He felt like his legs were about to give under him. He was breathing quite heavily. I don't know how long I can hold on, but I'll be damned if I lose this fight to myself or the damn Titans. I'll kill myself before I quit.

Commander Shadis looked on with complete surprise. He smirked. Well. I'll be damned. That kid has got more guts than I ever realized. Carla's kid is tough as nails. Nowhere near as weak as Grisha. Carla, your son is a soldier now. I'll take good care of him. It's the least I can do. I'll always love you. He grinned at the boy madly. "Well, well, Jaeger. You are tougher than I considered you to be. Nowhere near as weak as your father. You have earned my respect." He then saluted the young cadet. Eren sent him a look. "Wait. You knew my father?" Keith just turned away from him. "Everyone is dismissed." He then turned to Mikasa, Armin and Shinji. "You three will escort Jaeger to the medical tent. You will bunk with him from now on for his safety. Is that clear?"

All three of them saluted back. "Yes, sir!"

Armin then cut Eren from the ODM harness.

Mikasa and Shinji managed to catch him.

Jean looked on in awe. Well damn. He is made of some strong stuff. He then grunted. I'm still gonna have to rough him up a bit. This is not over.

Annie looked at him, grinning. "Well, well, that kid is tough. I'm very impressed." She then turned to Shinji, watching him as he walked away, "You are even more impressive, Shinji. We are going to talk."

Eren looked up at Mikasa as she held him up, "T..Thanks."

Mikasa nodded at him with a warm look in her eyes. There was a light blush on her face. "Of course." Well…at this point…I know I won't be able to stop him. I can at least keep him safe. That is what I vowed to his mother. I'm not leaving his side…even if it kills me!

Shinji grinned at him. "No problem, little brother. Good job! You fucking killed that shit!"

Armin then walked up to them and grinned at Eren. "I agree."

They then carried their comrade to Bunk 40.

Bunk 40, 104th Corps Training Camp, Wall Rose

Three days later

Eren was busy resting in his bunk. The good news was that he passed with flying colors.

The bad news was that he needed to heal from his injuries.

Eren grinned madly to himself. I did it! I fucking did it! He then fist-bumped the air.

Mikasa then came in. She had a couple of hot rags in her hand. She smiled brightly at him and brushed a hair behind her ear, blushing. "How are you feeling?" Eren gazed at her pensively. "I'm..I'm feeling alright. I feel like I'm ready to get back out there." He then tried to get out of bed but was stopped when Mikasa touched his chest. Her look was stern. "I don't think so. Shadis ordered you to take three days of rest. As long as I am here to look after you, you stay in bed."

Eren's eyes widened at her. He practically jumped out of bed and stared her down. No! I won't! "I promised myself I wouldn't be weak! That is the reason my mother died! Because I couldn't protect her!" He was practically shouting at her. His whole body was shaking with anger. His knee then gave out. He collapsed and hit his head on the floor. Minor sniffles and cries escaped his lips.

Mikasa let out a sigh and shook her head. So that is what drives him. I understand his drive to fight. But he can't fight in this condition anyway. I swore to myself and his mother that I would protect him with my life. I meant those words. She tenderly wrapped her arms around his neck and looked him in the eyes. "Eren...look at me!" She then met the boy's saddened wide eyes. They were full of tears.

"I-I'm sorry, Mikasa. I didn't mean any of that! I..just..."

Mikasa gave him an understanding nod. She then hugged him, speaking in a comforting tone, "Shh. It's okay, Eren. Take a breath. I know you didn't mean to yell at me. You weren't given time to grieve your parents. I lost my parents, too. I understand the pain you are going through right now." She then gave him a small smile. "I know why you fight. I respect and love that about you." She tenderly ran her fingers across the palm of his hand. "But your mother also asked for you to stay alive. She asked me to keep you alive. You remember? You have me. You have Shinji and Armin. Your life means something to the three of us. Please try to remember that."

Eren took a deep, shaky breath. "Yeah. Thanks."

She beamed at him. "Anytime. Now, let's get you back in bed." She then picked him up fireman's carry style and gently placed him on the bed. She then put the covers over him.

Eren's face reddened a bit. This is so embarrassing. "T-Thanks."

Mikasa smiled back at him. "Anytime!" She then thought for a moment. We're alone, and I want him to know how I feel. It's time for some hints. She then grabbed his face.

He blinked at her, "W-What are you…"

She then pressed her lips against his. She then smirked, "Look Eren…You know that I'm not very good with words. So, I'm just going to be blunt. You are impetuous. You are reckless. You drive me crazy with how much I worry about you." She leaned in as she sighed again, "But I never want to live in a world without you. I love you, Eren."

Eren blinked, "Mikasa…you…" He then sighed, "I..love you too. There's never a day when you aren't on my mind. I've wanted to tell you since I first met you in that house."

Mikasa felt her heart race as she squealed, "Really? Never a day?"

Eren nodded, "Yeah." He then straightened up in the bed. "But I don't know if we'll leave this alive. I want to grow old with you. I want to have a family. I worry I can't give you that."

Mikasa smirked, "I appreciate the sentiment, Eren... Really. I'd love to marry you one day." She then took his hand into hers and squeezed it. "However…we still need to survive these Titans. So…what we have now is fine with me at the moment. I'm happy with you. I want to fight at your side." She leaned in with a vulnerable look, "Which is why I'm asking you now...I'm offering you my heart. What do you say?"

He then glanced at her and put a hand over hers, squeezing it. He then sighed, "I say…I want to try. The hell with it. Till death do us part."

She blinked as she smiled affectionately at him. "I couldn't have said it any better myself. Come here." She then kissed him.

He reciprocated the gesture. She then broke the kiss and smirked, "Now rest. You'll need your strength."

She then placed hot towels on it. "Now. No more getting out of bed, okay? I'm going to bring you some breakfast." She then left the room.

Eren's face was still bright pink. Man. Well, that was something.

Shinji then walked into the room. "How ya feelin' Eren?"

Eren quickly shook the blush off his face. "I'm feeling alright, Shinji. Thanks for checking up on me."

Shinji nodded. "Good, good. I'm glad to hear it."

Armin then burst into the room. "Eren! Are you alright?"

Eren nodded. "I'm okay, Armin. I appreciate you checking in on me."

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