The End (Crimson Roses) (AOT Eren x OC)

Chapter 4

The dining hall seems more lively than usual as we sit down and eat our dinner.

I look across the table at Eren, who has a bandage wrapped around his forehead. "I'm really sorry I couldn't help with the aptitude test," I say as I put down my spoon, "Shadis had called me into his office. I'll help tomorrow, I promise. No excuses."

Eren sits there silently as everyone whispers and gossips around us. I sit there silently as well and continue eating.

He sighs, "It's no use, I'll just be sent to the fields tomorrow anyway."

I slam my hands down on the table (something Hange does to get my attention) and Eren perks up, "Don't say that! I'll help you tonight if you want my help, but you need to have more faith in yourself!"

I relax a little bit and look into his eyes, "If you really thought that way then you never would have joined, right?"

Armin nods, "Alice has a point."

Eren leans his head on his hand, "It's pathetic. How am I ever going to kill all the titans like this?"

Mikasa looks down at the table, "You shouldn't set your sights on that, anyway."

We all look over at her with our full attention. What is she talking about?

"If you're not cut out for it, what can you do? Because at this rate, you're just going to die in vain, and all your dreams and efforts will be for nothing."

Eren glares at Mikasa with shock stained in his eyes, "What did you say?"

"It's not your decision whether or not you're cut out to be a soldier, Eren."

Eren's eyes are now full of rage and he falls silent as Armin and I sit silently, trying to stay out of the conversation.

Mikasa starts to mumble something to herself as Eren stands up, "Come on guys, let's go."

Armin and I stand up and take our bowls, "Alright." I say as we follow Eren outside.

It's dark out, but the large metal structure is still standing tall with no one out doing their rounds.

"You just need to remember to stay focused and think about your balance." I tell Eren as he puts on his belt.

Eren stands up straighter and looks down at me, "You didn't seem too focused when you were doing it, more scared than anything."

I advert my eyes, "I told you, I'm not good with heights..."

Eren looks at the large structure, "How're you going to master the ODM gear if you're afraid of heights?"

I stand up straighter and look him in the eyes, but Eren still towers over me. "I'll have you know that I'm great at vertical maneuvering and before I came here I would train all day with Captain Levi himself."

I suddenly realize what I had said and try not to draw attention to it, "So anyway, let's clip the belt in."

I start to bring the ropes to Eren's waist but he stops me, "Hold on, did you say you trained with Captain Levi?"

I shake my head, "Nope, don't recall now come here, the rope doesn't reach that far."

I try to grab his arm to bring him closer, but Eren grabs my hand first. "No, tell me why you trained with Captain Levi."

His hand is so warm... I feel my face burn up, I'm thankful for the darkness, and I try to pry my hand from his, but he grips mine tighter. "I'd rather not explain it now, so please let me go." I say quietly, still trying to pry his hand from mine.