Clearing

Chapter 9

Honestly, I felt good as I made my way back to the castle.

Although I hadn't found release myself, being able to make Jean find his had almost been enough. Having him under my control and reducing him to the mess he had been by the end had made my head rush with power.

It hadn't exactly been revenge, but I felt like we were on more even footing, and the doubts in my head had mostly been extinguished.

The sounds he had made played over and over in my head as I walked along the halls, a grin dancing on my lips. I wanted to tease him again, see what other noises I could pull out of him if I had more time, how long I could make him wait before he would break. My hand closed on the handle to my room, and I slumped against the door as I pulled it shut behind me, tipping my head back against the wood.

I let out a long breath, pushing the stray hairs back from my head and smiling slightly.

A small cough came from next to me.

I turned to find Mikasa sat upright in her bed, her arms crossed and her eyebrows lowered.

Oh, shit.

"Hi, Mikasa!" I fumbled for an excuse. "I was just-"

"Cut the crap." Her voice was harsh, and I cringed. "Where the hell have you been."

"Wait, that depends." I sighed. "How long have you been awake?"

"Why does that matter?" Her eyes were cold and unyielding as they bored into mine.

"I need to know how elaborate my excuse has to be." I grumbled, plopping myself down on her bed.

"Don't play dumb with me." Mikasa unfolded her arms, becoming more teasing than threatening. I sighed, relatively convinced that she wasn't going to bite off my head. "I woke up the moment you went to look out of the window. I've been watching, and you're going to tell me who you keep meeting with, or I'm going to tell all of the scouts that you have crabs."

"Why didn't you tell me you were awake, you pervert?" I whispered, aware of the people who would be sleeping in the next room. "Plus, how do you know I was meeting someone?"

"I didn't tell you I was awake because I wanted to spy on you." She answered simply. "And I can tell you met with someone because I saw the way you walked in here, your hair is a mess, and your lips are swollen. Not to mention the fact that I can see that your eyes have been watering."

I frowned, bringing my hand up to my eyes and wiping it with my thumb. Sure enough, when I touched my skin, I could feel the residue of tears on my cheek.

If there was ever a time for Wall Rose to fall, now would be really convenient.

"I tripped?" I attempted, and Mikasa glared at me, reaching behind her and grabbing her pillow before whacking it over my head. I squeaked, backing away.

"Ok! Ok! Fine!" I groaned. "Stop hitting me!"

Mikasa put the pillow back behind her and sat facing me, her legs crossed, her face stretched into a wicked grin.

"So." She said again. "Who's the guy?"

"Um..." I blushed, my hand coming up to scratch the back of my neck. "It's... uh..."

"Oh, will you spit it out!" Mikasa's anger had been replaced with eagerness. "You're acting so strange I wouldn't be surprised if you told me it was Jean or something."

My eyes widened and I opened my mouth to try and speak, but nothing came out. I gave up and smiled at her guiltily.

"Wait, is it actually..." She gasped, her hand coming to her mouth playfully. "Oh... my God..."

"Shut up! You're not allowed to tell anyone." I glared at her. "Promise?"

"YOU'RE BEING SERIOUS?" Mikasa threw herself at me, bombarding me with questions. "How long has it been? How serious is it? Have you slept together yet? Also, and most importantly, what the fuck?"

"Be quiet!" I hissed. Despite myself, I was excited to have someone to talk to about it. It had been a long time since Mikasa and I had talked like this, and I would be lying if I said I hadn't missed it. "We only hooked up twice. Well, we haven't actually done it, but..." I loosed a breath and raised an eyebrow.

She made a strange, high-pitched sound. "Oh, this is so exciting! Enemies to lovers. How romantic." She sighed, leaning against the wall.

"Definitely not romantic." I laughed. "We don't actually like each other."

Well...

"Ok, I need details now. Is he good?" Mikasa crossed her legs again and sat directly opposite me, her knees touching mine. "You have to tell me everything."

"You're strange." I watched her curiously as she pouted.

"Come on! Nothing's happening with me and Eren, so I need some good news." She pleaded. Mikasa never let herself go this much in front of the others, and I was glad that I got to see this other side of her.

I grinned wickedly.

"He's good." I nodded. "Like, really good."

Mikasa squealed and widened her eyes, smacking my arm.

"Ow! What was that for?" I yelped, clutching at the stinging skin.

"For not telling me earlier."

"It's only been, like, two days!"

"I don't care!" She stopped her assault on my limbs, crossing her arms. "I would not have expected that from him." Her expression turned serious. "You guys are being safe, right?"

I nodded.

"Good!" The brightness returned to her demeanor. "Oh, we're going to make you look so good tomorrow, he won't be able to keep his eyes off you."

I shushed her, noticing that our volume had risen to a level that could be heard in the hallway. She paused, lowering her voice, and then continued to talk.

We stayed up later than normal, talking about all the different ways Mikasa had decided I was going to seduce Jean. After our eyes had started to droop and our words slurred, we fell asleep under the same blanket, smiling gently as our eyes closed.

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ok so I know this isn't technically in character for mikasa but if she can't be happy in the actual story I am going to make her happy in this one.

thank you for reading! :))