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

Chapter 13

I stand next to Eren in the wings of the large stage. We listen silently as Erwin gives his speech to the remaining Training Corps cadets.

I try to get a better look at the crowd, but it's nearly impossible to without being seen.

Eren leans down and whispers in my ear, "Do you think anyone will stay?"

I glance up at him, then back to my limited view of the cadets. "We know for sure Mikasa and Armin will... Maybe Connie."

"You think any of the others will join? What about Jean or Sasha?"

I grimace, "I hope Jean sticks with his 'dream' of becoming an MP, I'd rather not have to live with him."

Eren chuckles quietly, "I think I might have to agree with you."

I smile and return my attention to Erwin, who is finishing up his speech.

"That was rough." Hange says from behind me, "After that, there's no way we're getting recruits this year."

Erwin dismisses the cadets and I watch Eren's expression nervously as he watches the group.

Maybe we'll get more people this time... Ever since the Shinganshina attack, we've been getting less recruits and the Survey Corps numbers have been dropping. Hopefully, the success of the Trost mission will give people new hope, will show them that we can fight back against the titans.

"How many people are left?" I ask after a few seconds, glancing up at Eren.

"Ten... no, twelve. Wait."

I wait patiently for him to finish counting the remaining cadets standing in front of the stage, trying my best to get a good look.

"Twenty-one. Twenty-one people stayed."

I gasp, "Really? There hasn't been near that many in years!"

Eren nods, that familiar look of determination in his eyes.

I catch a glimpse of the new recruits walking away from the stage, towards the carriages.

Erwin wears a triumphant smile as he walks into the wings, "Let's get to HQ, we've got a lot to celebrate."

. . .

Somehow, my thoughts manage to drown out the chaotic celebration of the Survey Corps surrounding me. They pass around cards and mugs of beer, forgetting about their inevitable fate for just this one night. I can't continue to share their excitement, because this means that we're closer to going outside. We're only weeks away from leaving the safe barrier our walls provide. Of course, I'm restless for several reasons. I've always wanted to know what the world was like beyond what we could observe from our safe prison, but there's also the sense of the unknown. We, nor does anybody else, have any knowledge of what's out there or what we could run into on an expedition. The date is inching closer; I can feel it.

"Hey."

I tear myself out of my head, acknowledging the voice next to me. "Hey, Eld."

He takes a seat next to me, "You're not gonna join the party?"

I shake my head, "No, not really interested."

"Why don't you give it a try?" Eld offers, "Help ease your mind a bit."

I consider his offer; maybe it would be a good idea to relax for a day, after tonight there won't be another break for a while.

"Alright," I shrug, "I don't have anything to lose."