What if? 4 Years with You? (Eremika)

4. Helvetica

Eren and Mikasa left the hotel the next day due to the incident that occurred late in the morning. They travelled for two more stations until they found a more stable place.

This time, during the journey, Eren sat by the window, and Mikasa on the passenger side. While the dark-haired man contemplated the stunning landscape, Mikasa was captivated by it. She marvelled at the picturesque architecture. It seemed to be a much busier village than the others they had passed. She tilted her head slightly upwards, gazing at the large snow-covered mountain. Memories of her childhood with her parents flashed before her, delivering a bittersweet feeling. It faded immediately as she focused on the present.

Eren was distracted, reading a newspaper and scribbling on some work in the area. Mikasa understood that he was too absorbed, being responsible, to be precise. But Mikasa found herself in a dilemma, distressed by being aware of how conflicted Eren was, and he would ask a thousand and one questions, and they would miss the opportunity.

The next stop is: Helvetica

It was now or never; she didn't want to waste any more time, and they had to leave at the exact moment. "Eren! I need to go out. Women's stuff..." It was actually an excuse, the first one that came to her mind.

"Oh, but now?" He lowered the newspaper.

"Now!" She grabbed the dark-haired man's hand, pulling him out of the train, stepping out into the cool, humid breeze. "How beautiful..."

"Indeed..." He agreed. Then, he noticed a mother kneeling in front of her muddy-faced child, scolding him as she cleaned his face. He felt lost, unable to put into words how much he missed his own mother. Mikasa, not indifferent to the scene, observed Eren and remembered their own childhood moments. Out of compassion, she offered her soft hand to him, distracting him from the family scene. He looked at her, somewhat lost but with a crooked smile.

They searched for another hotel, this time more affordable and without unpleasant surprises. They decided to use the same strategy to save money, booking a room with two separate beds, and they stayed for a week. Unfortunately, they couldn't cook hot meals, but luckily, this hotel had a small cafeteria they could use.

For two weeks, they managed to sustain themselves, but their money was running out with each passing day, and they needed to prepare for the upcoming season: winter. If they didn't plant anything in the autumn, the winter would be very harsh.

During a walk, each of them carried a paper bag with some groceries. "We don't have much money left, we urgently need to find a solution," Eren commented disheartened, speaking softly.

Mikasa, in deep silence, lingered over unspoken words, lost in the labyrinth of her thoughts. There was little to say, as their dwindling resources posed an insurmountable challenge.

"We can't sustain ourselves for more than a week," Eren admitted.

The young woman was shocked, seemingly detached from the reality unfolding before her eyes. In fact, Eren was now the one managing their finances. Although Mikasa had words to say, astonishment immobilized her. "Are we really this short on money?"

In a deep sigh, Eren decided to stop walking, and Mikasa froze, following his movements. "No, worse. Not even enough for the hotel or food."

"We're in such dire straits with our finances...?" Mikasa questioned, deeply concerned. However, he gave her a determined smile.

"But... I noticed they need workers for some construction work. I'm going to apply, earn some money, and maybe I can find a place for us at a lower cost."

Eren was fully committed to the decision they had made weeks ago, living together for the last four years. They had set aside their goals of eradicating the titans, saving humanity, or even eradicating it. They were living like cattle.