Against The Tide

Chapter Three: Sage

There was a moment of silence that fell between the two, as Mikasa felt a wave of relief run through her like a tidal wave. Just hearing the two simple words "I'll stay"...the exact words she craved so badly to hear from Eren...and never got to. All those years of chasing behind Eren, whether it be towards that tree as kids, or flying on ODM Gear as cadets...or even as soldiers...Eren was always far ahead of Mikasa. And when he finally decided to stay with her...he eventually left again anyway. Leaving her and their unborn child alone.

But one thing Mikasa knew for sure, and it was something she took great comfort in...and it was that Armin didn't break promises, his word was far more comforting and reliable than Eren's. Because there was one thing Mikasa always had a guarantee of when it came to herself and Armin. They always had each other's backs, no matter what. And this has been a silent promise between the two since they were kids. With a soft sigh, Mikasa gently squeezed Armin's hand back.

"Thank you..." Her voice was soft, and filled with relief. He allowed the silence to settle comfortably between them for a moment as Mikasa had finished her breakfast. Armin kept his grip on her hand, giving her another reassuring squeeze as he noticed the familiar shift in her features once more, recognizing just what had run through her head in that moment.

Shortly after finishing breakfast, Mikasa scanned the kitchen and noticed supplies were getting low...and she was strangely eager to show Armin this land. They needed some fresh produce, meat or fish, and tea leaves, and she had been craving rice something awful, along with berries. Specifically raspberries. Armin had turned his glance towards where Mikasas had followed, finding the same realization she had as he noticed the mostly barren counters and empty shelves.

"Hey, Armin...would you like to go to the market today..? It's a bit of a ride but...I figured we should stock up" she asked softly.

"Are you well enough to ride? I'm sure you'd love some time out.. but I don't want you pushing yourself either." Armin questioned, cocking a brow as he watched her carefully.

"I should be okay...but I probably should avoid riding if it can be helped within a month or so, considering how big I am already" Mikasa replied softly, placing a hand to her round belly.

Armin frowned...it sickened him to know that Eren had left Mikasa not just by herself in this new land, but whilst carrying his child. How often did Mikasa struggle? How did she deal with morning sickness on her own? Did she really have...no one to care for her since he left? Pondering on it too much made Armin's blood boil, so for now...he focused on helping Mikasa, in the present.

Shortly after, the two exited the cabin, relieved to see the sunny weather after the rainstorm last night. Mikasa approached the stalls, gently fitting a bridle onto her horse's face, and was first to lead her mount out, tacking her up.

Armin followed close behind Mikasa, keeping his eyes fixated on her, finding himself rather obsessive when it came to her safety. While he was mounting his own horse, he would find himself distracted with each sudden movement from her, his protection over her looming much more than he'd like to admit.

"Easy girl..." Mikasa gently patted the blue roan's neck as the horse nodded her head, chewing on her bit.

Not far behind Mikasa, Armin led his stallion out towards her before pulling him to a stop. His hand then moved to run down his neck, then down his legs, checking his soreness from the harsh ride before. He then moved to tighten the saddle he had just thrown onto the horse's back, pulling its cinch into place as the palomino bobbed his head and yawned, shaking the hay from his shaved mane.

"Good morning boy.. glad you got a good night's rest," Armin commented softly towards his mount, moving to scratch one of his ears as he leaned his head towards him, snorting softly.