Chords [Ereri]

Do your best

The day went by quickly even though a few of the classes were really boring. It was a bit hard to keep up since the other students had a head start with the classes, but at least a couple of the teachers were understanding and helped us trough the basics.

At lunch we got to meet Armin's friends, they introduced themselves as Connor, Sasha, Krista, Marco and the asshole from English class. I couldn't remember his name, nor did I bother learning it.

They all seemed to get along quite well, some more than others, and they welcomed Mikasa and I like we were old friends they had not seen in a long time, which I had to say felt pretty good.

I was walking out of school with Mikasa, relieved the first day was finally over. We had already said goodbye to Armin, as his mom had picked him up earlier to go to a doctors appointment.

"That Connor dude seemed pretty cool." I pulled out a chocolate bar I bought in the cafeteria earlier and opened it.

"Connor? I thought his name was Connie?" Mikasa said, frowning at me.

My eyes widened. "Wait, Connie? I was totally calling him Connor the whole time! Damn, that's awkward.."

She snorted, reaching her hand out, gesturing for me to give her the chocolate. I sighed, handing her the chocolate bar.

"Leave some for me, please."

She nodded, taking a big bite, then handed it back to me. I gave her an annoyed look.

"I like Marco, he seemed like a kind person." She said while chewing. I nodded in agreement.

"However, that horseface followed him around like a lost puppy.. Wonder if Marco even notice." Mikasa looked at me questioningly.

"Horseface?.. You mean Jean?"

"Yeah.. Is that his name?" I shrugged, taking a bite of my chocolate.

"Don't tell me you didn't see it?" I raised my brow at her. Mikasa smirked.

"Oh, I saw it."

She let out a deep sigh and stared off in to the distance. "Ship."

"What?"

"Nothing." She quickly looked away, grinning.

***

When we got home I made my way up the stairs, eager to get in my room to relax. I put my bag down by the bed and let myself fall on to it, digging my face in to the soft pillow. It was only the first day and I was exhausted.

I sighed, turning around on my back and stared up at the ceiling. I hoped classes would get easier, since I always had a hard time concentrating on the boring stuff. The idea of sitting in class all day writing and listening to a teacher who couldn't give a single fuck, talk, wasn't exactly something I had looked forward to. I liked things that kept me busy, like PE or any other class that didn't involve sitting in a chair, staring in to a book.

My grades weren't that good either, but I had never been the one to give up. I decided that I would do better in high school, I wanted to make my father proud, and I felt like i owed it to my mother. She told me to always do the best I could, but after she died I couldn't really concentrate on anything.

Mikasa was always there for me, trying to help. Unlike mine, her grades were great. She was always at the top of the class, having an answer to every question she was asked. I envied her. Words came to her easily, making you want to listen and absorb all the words that flowed out of her mouth. She and Armin was probably the only reason I stayed in school, they were what kept me going, what kept me from giving up, and I coundn't be more greatful.

I heard a soft knock on my door and it opened slowly. Mikasa popped her head in and opened the door further when she saw me. "Hey," She said, giving me a small smile. I sat up, leaning my back against the wall. "Hey," I answered, running my hand through my hair.

"What are you up to?" She asked, moving to sit down on a chair across the room. There weren't a lot of stuff in my room, most of it was still in boxes since I hadn't really had time to unpack. The basics were up though; my bed, computer, a small couch and a TV. I shrugged. "Nothing, really.. just thinking."

"About..?" She asked, looking at me with kind eyes. I sighed. She always did this, asking me how I was doing, always looking out for me. I did appreciate it, having someone to talk to, but it could be a bit much from time to time.

"I don't know.. school I guess, and mom."

She gave me a sympathetic look and I quickly looked away. "I miss her too.." She said. I took a deep breath and looked down at my lap.

"I kinda feel like I am letting her down, you know. I want to do better in school, I need to, but it is hard.." I felt tears welling up in my eyes, clouding my vision. Damn it, Eren.. I started fidgeting, not knowing what else to say and not daring to look up at Mikasa. She had seen me cry several times before, but it was still embarassing.

"I think she would be proud of you Eren," she said. I gave her a small nod, quickly wiping away a tear that rolled down my cheek.

I heard her standing up, making her way across the room. She sat down on the bed next to me and pulled me in for a hug.

"I will help you study if you need it, okay? You will get through it, I promise." She pulled away and I looked up at her. She gave me a reassuring smile and ruffled my hair. I groaned and pushed her hand away. "Stop doing that, I'm not ten." Mikasa laughed and stood up from the bed.

"What I actually came here to ask was if you wanted to help me make dinner." I nodded and smiled at her. "Sure, I'll be down in a minute." She nodded back at me and left the room, closing the door behind her. I picked up my phone, noticing I got a text from Armin.

"Wanna come by my house tomorrow? Friday's movie night with the guys."

"Sure! Who is 'the guys' tho?" I replied. It wouldn't hurt to get to know his friends better, if Armin liked them I would probably like them too. He replied almost imediately.

"Nice! It's Connie, Marco, Sasha and Jean." I sighed when reading the last name, knowing it was that asshole.

"Okay.. I'll ask Mikasa too."

He replied with a 'thumbs up' and I put my phone back in to my pocket. I walked out of my room and headed for the stairs. "What are we making?" I shouted down at Mikasa.

"Pasta!" she shouted back, grinning as I came in to the kitchen.

"Again?" I groaned, making her chuckle.

"Don't blame me, you're the one who's too lazy to shop for groceries."