A New Beginning

Chapter Two: My World Changed

I woke up to my stomach growling. I turned to my side to look out my window from my bed. The sun had risen, and people were out and about.

I slowly sat up, and immediately felt a pounding in my head. That's when I remembered. I had cried myself to sleep last night. I sluggishly got up and headed to the bathroom. I splashed water on my face hoping it would help with the headache. I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

Who is this weak person I've become? I hated feeling this way. Why would Eren think this was a good idea. I decided to shower, and then head to the market.

Walking up to the market, I smiled seeing all the families. Children screamed with joy as they picked out their favorite foods. I felt a twinge of pain in my heart. My only family isn't here.

I grabbed enough to feed me for a few weeks, and walked home. I fried a few eggs for myself, and ate them fast. I didn't realize how hungry I was. I was walking back to my room when I heard a knock at the door. I thought maybe it was another delivery man. My eyes were shocked to see who it was.

"Armin", I breathed.

He smiled, "Hey Mikasa! I've missed you."

I did something unlike myself. My eyes watered and I pulled him into a tight embrace. Armin clearly looked confused. We pulled away and he saw my tears.

He frantically asked, "Mikasa, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

I looked at him and smiled through my tears, "It's nice to see someone familiar."

Armin, who was very much still worried, smiled and pulled me into another hug.

We pulled away and I asked, "What are you doing here? I thought you were with Eren."

He put his hand on his neck, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Ha. Yeah it didn't exactly go the way we planned."

I look at him confused.

"Can I come in?", Armin asked.

We sat on the couch. Armin began, "Well Eren and I got to the palace and Historia made it clear that my help wasn't needed.

I asked him, "So is Eren with you then?" I started feeling hopeful.

"No", Armin looked down. He began again, "Historia wanted him to stay, it was only me who wasn't needed."

I looked away from Armin, pushing back my tears.

I whispered, "So he stayed with her?"

"I'm sorry, Mikasa", He replied putting his hand on my shoulder.

I shook my head, "There's no reason to be sorry. She's the Queen, why wouldn't he stay?"

Armin looked at me with worried eyes, "He misses you."

I met his eyes, "How do you know?"

He smiled and said, "All he did was talk about you on our train ride. He was worried you wouldn't be able to transition into this normal lifestyle. He knew you wouldn't need protection, but was still concerned for your safety. Honestly, he was relieved that I wasn't staying with him. Eren wanted one of us to be with you."

I smiled sweetly at the thought. Of course Eren would be worried for my well being, he's a good person. Unfortunately for me, it wasn't the kind of worried I was looking for.

Armin could see the turmoil going on in my head.

"Mikasa. He cares for you, I promise", He looked at me seriously.

I smiled and said, "I know. Just not the way that I care for him."

Armin looked confused and asked, "What do you mean?"