𝑺𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒇 | A Yeager Story

[13] Days with Squad Levi

Time for some flashback scenes before the 57th expedition ^_^. I'll continue what I've left off in the next chapter.

Peace!

Mina's POV

Weeks before my 'first' expedition...

My priority task is to keep an eye on Eren's day-to-day activities, which is fine since it coincides with one of my goals. Captain Hange wanted every single analysis that I made as she worked on the invention that Commander Erwin had proposed. Due to the job that was given to me, Moblit had to ride back and forth on the bases of two squads, prompting me to give him a sandwich one certain night when his expression of death greeted me on the doorstep.

Yep, it wasn't a pretty sight.

Then, one morning, someone managed to untangle a misconception that I can't seem to ignore ever since I again became 'Mina Carolina.' As my daily routine upon waking up, I was trying to make myself useful by cleaning the kitchen to the point of not realizing who just went and sat on the chair nearby.

Petra Ral.

I swear this girl will be the death of me. How can she not make any noise while walking?!

"Petra," I greeted her with a twinge of alarm due to how surprised I was to see her gaze directed towards my own. "Good morning. Do you need something?"

"Nothing, it's just," She then leaned forward, eyes glimmering in fondness. "So, you're the reason why the kitchen is always spotless. I always thought that captain was cleaning this room every night!"

There was nothing I could do but shrug my shoulders in agreement if I hadn't been doing it in the first place. "Yes, uh, I used to clean a lot when my parents were out back in the day."

She smiled, one that made me want to run away. "They must be proud of you. Have you been in contact with them?"

"Huh?" I stopped sweeping and pondered over her question.

It was exactly what continues to bother me every time I see Eren and Mikasa. Their young and nostalgic look always manages to lap itself over my memories of my actual parents. My mind can't help but think of them as such when, in reality, they're not. They're just the younger version of them, plus in a different world.

It's sickening to continue thinking about them like this because my parents were already long gone. One died due to his titan ability, and the other died from an unknown illness.

So, as honestly as I can be, I answered, "They... died when I was young."

"Ah," Her smile instantly faded. "I'm so sorry."

I gulped and eventually stared at the floor to continue sweeping it. "No, it's okay, I'm just... I'm just glad that they peacefully passed away."

"They're good parents, huh?"

Visibly, I froze. "How could you tell?"

Petra wore her expressions so openly, unlike most of the people that I know, so seeing her smile once more forced me to look away. "Because they raised a polite and brave soldier like you. I'm sure they'll be proud of you after seeing what you've accomplished."

"I... I hope so."

Those words of hers struck a hole in my chest as I continued to tell myself that I'd accomplished nothing to earn such... honorable remarks. I continue to ignore the deaths of other soldiers, and I still haven't got a clue on how the fuck I'll challenge a freaking devil.

Yeah, some accomplishments I've made. Great job, Ms. Useless!

Unbeknownst to me, Petra had already gotten up from the chair and made her way toward me. By the time I noticed her, I almost visibly jumped from how close she was to my face. Does she not know personal space?!