Stabbed in the back

Visiting Home

- 3 years later -

It's been 3 years since that day. Three years since I've seen him.

Levi.

And I hope to keep it that way. Make that number larger. Ever since I've been on my own. At first it was hard, being on my own and all. With no help. But I managed. I managed to find a house hidden behind a waterfall. I grew my own food and made things I needed like clothes, blankets and other things.

So, it wasn't all the bad. I rarely ever had to leave my home, and I felt pretty safe so I was living the life of luxury.

Until...

"Dammit, I need some more supplies. And I've raided all the houses close by... So that leaves... Fuck." I groan. I grab a backpack and lace up my shoes. I open the door and head to the back, sitting there is Ace, my one and only company.

He sees me and gets up already knowing we need to go somewhere as he sees me with my things. I smile as he trots up to me.

"Hey boy." I coo. I pet him, running my fingers through his mane. He flutters his eyes at me which makes me giggle. "Yes, you're absolutely beautiful, just like always." He neighs and prances around me. I laugh, and calm him down. I get on him and get into position.

"Alright boy, you know what to do." He starts of slow but quickly picks up the pace.

The wind lashes out at my skin, making it sting and my eyes water, But I don't realise.

Soon, I come to face the walls that I've grown to hate. I frown and turn my head away. As we get closer to the wall, I notice giant boulders clustered around the houses. Boulders that weren't there when I left.

Worry starts to build up inside me. We make it through the first gate and it's still run by Titans. But there are few, at least in my field if vision. We make it to the next gate. I look up and see guards stood top, watching. It's been a while since I've watched AOT, so I don't remember who keeps watch.

I look around. The coast is clear. I cup my hands around my mouth and shout as loud as I can.

"HEY!! CAN YOU HEAR ME?! LET ME IN!" I yell, probably attracting all the Titans around. I see a head look down below to see what was making all that noise. I see him gasp and he runs off only to bring another guard. They both talk to each other before someone comes down to get me.

They sit me down and ask me a bunch of questions.

"How long have you been out there?"

"Alone? 3 years," I answer. "But, I did live here once but, I decided to leave."

"Can you explain why?"

"No, it's none of your business, sir. What happened in my life is my business. But, if you really wanna know... Ask a man called Levi Ackerman. He'll know. Oh, can you help me get my horse up here? He hates to be alone..."

- after getting the horse up -

I wave goodbye to the men and make my way to the market place. As I walk deeper into the town, I see people staring at me. Watching my every move.

Why the fuck are they all staring at me like I've done something wrong and I should be ashamed?

I lead Ace to a food stable again, it's been awhile so idk how they sell food or other goods. I look at all the veggies displayed out and take my time choosing what I want.

"Excuse me, can I help with something?" A lady's voice asks. I look up and see a sweet looking old lady staring at me, waiting for my answer.

"Oh yes." She helps me pick out the best veggies she has available. I thank her and pay her. Money I kept before I left, as I knew I was going to have to return sometime for some reason.

I lead Ace away and continue to look around. My eyes land on a jewelry stand. I walk over and look at what they have.

Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. They shine in the light the sun gives off. I find my hand wondering to a bracket.

I go to grab it, only to have it snatched before I could. I sigh. I turn to go not really wanting to get into a fight about something so dumb, but a hand on my shoulder stops me.

"Y/n...you're here..." The person breathes. I turn to face the person and gasp with wide eyes. I cough a bit and straighten myself out.

"Yea... I'm just, you know, visiting home. " I scratch my arm.

"Do... You remember who I am?" They ask, with a faint pink tint on their cheeks. I chuckle.

"Yes, how could I ever forget you, Eren? You were like my best friend." I answer with a smile.

He gives me a half smile. "So, what are you doing here? You kinda... Up and left..."

"Getting supplies. I'm not staying." I say firmly. Eren sighs.

"Y/n...is this about Levi?"

"No... Well yes and no. At first it was but after living outside these for three years on my own, I like it out there. I haven't had many problems. Well, life threatening ones, at least." I describe to him what's it's like living on my own. The feeling of not worrying about if those walls are going to break any day.

"But, wouldn't being out there alone be more dangerous?" He asks with a brow raised.

"Technically, yes. But, at least my screw ups aren't putting anyone's life in danger. I'd be the only one to die."

We stand there in silence for a few minutes.

"Anyways, why are buying a bracelet? Who's it for?" I ask, changing the subject to keep the conversation going.

"Oh, no one. I didn't even want it. I just wanted to get your attention. But, I guess I could've just said something. Heh." He places the bracelet back on the table. "So, do you wanna go see everyone?" I bite my lip.

"Do you think they even want to see me? After all, I just left with no warning. If I were in their shoes, I wouldn't want to see the person if they just left." I fiddle with my fingers.

"I'm sure they'll forgive you if they haven't already. Please... Everyone misses you deeply." I stare into Eren's big greenish - blueish eyes. He stares back into my e/c eyes.

"... Fine... " I finally say. He smiles and grabs my hand. My grip on Ace's lead tightens and I drag him with us.

To be continued...

Part 4 out of 5 complete