𝑺𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒇 | A Yeager Story

[25] A Night Filled with Worry

Mina's POV

"Papa! Look at this!" The younger version of myself, years before my enlistment, showed a bouquet upon his arrival. I remember him hunting for food a few days a week, sometimes making Mother tag along. "It's for you!"

His rough yet warm hand patted my head as he gave my younger self a tired smile, courtesy of the fate that the world continues to shackle him from. "It's beautiful."

"Thank you, my lovely daughter."

Daughter. That word may be the reason why I'm walking on this thorny path, but it's something that I take pride in. Even though it's the reason why my fellow soldiers bullied me, tortured me, and isolated me and why the devil took me in as his next toy, it doesn't matter.

None of it does.

Seeing my parents smile is enough for me to endure this unbearable pain. Just as how they gave me a peaceful childhood life, I intend to repay them by attaining that impossible future.

Freedom and happiness.

And so here I am, about to change another scenario that would certainly cause a butterfly effect later on. Ymir did say that I should take more risks. So, as early as she said it, I won't miss this opportunity to do so.

"Did you regret fighting Annie?"

He frowned as his gaze searched for my own. "I thought we were talking about Reiner."

"We'll get there. Just answer it."

With an annoyed sigh, he eventually did. "She was our comrade, so at first, I did."

"And now?"

"Now I'm just mad at her." He then balled his fists while lowering his gaze to look at the ground. "You know very well how much I want to eradicate every titan outside these walls. "

Very.

"So why can't you accept the fact that Reiner might be a traitor? Even though Armin already laid everything out, do you still believe that he's one of us?"

"Naturally!" Just as he once again connected our gazes, I inwardly growled, showing him a contorted expression. "Why do you look like that?"

"Because you're too naïve and trustful, Eren." With a sigh after listening to his outrageous replies, I placed my defeated face on my palms. "It's irritating. Don't you realize how much pain you'll be in if Reiner is the Armored titan?" Which, in this case, he is. "You already suffered once, thanks to Annie. I just... I want to minimize your pain."

"Why?"

"Huh?"

Then suddenly, a hand was placed on my shoulder, pulling my whole body. His green-colored eyes, which I've come to love, connected with mine, showing me the intensity of his stare. "Why are you like this? I don't need your protection!"

With a smile, I whispered. "I know."

"Then why are you so stubborn?!"

Because...

I gulped, forcing my words back in.

I know full well that the younger version of my father is a hardheaded boy who is always aggressive. It's not hard to understand why he wants to show his capability as a soldier. However, shouldering the fate of this world is too much, even for him. He might not acknowledge that fact right now, so instead of being stubborn about it, I decided to do something else.

A compromise.

"You're strong, Eren, but even more so if you have people who would stand by your side." Finally, his expression of rage lessened, making me use that opportunity to continue. "Haven't I always shown you my support?"