The Turquoise Cure (Eren X Reader)

Chapter 10: Cannon Cleaning in Trost

    It had been months since the reconnaissance test in the forest, yet your left hand still stung painfully every time you clutched your blades too tightly. You had been at much of a handicap since having a hole blasted through your hand, but you made up for it with your superior right hand strength. Despite Eren's and Mikasa's pleas, you had returned to exercises immediately following the excursion, after a brief cleaning and stitching by the camp nurse.

    You had been hounded by Eren to rest and take training a little easier, but you weren't the type. Regardless of the burning and occasional bleeding from the center of your palm, you would push through training without a complaint. With graduation approaching in only a few months anyway, you had more important things to worry about. You were looking at graduating valedictorian, a feat that made you feel just a sight pride in your chest. You did, however, feel poorly about taking a spot from someone who would have used it to go to the military police, someone like Armin, who you couldn't bear the thought of joining the survey corps.. You had begged him to let you help him build his endurance on runs or carry his packs for him to earn him a few points, but your pleas were ignored. He wanted to do it himself, and that was something that you couldn't help but prize him for. "Besides," he told you, "I'm joining the survey corps.. and don't you dare tell Eren."

    As for your relationship with Eren, in the months following your near-demise, the two of you had enjoyed many more late-night rendezvous. You had woken up many more times in the middle of the night, tears streaking your face, and headed to the boys' dormitories to tap on the window next to Eren's and Armin's bunk. You had to be careful not to wake up anyone else in the dorm, but on the occasions that you did, the guys were good about not letting Shadis know anything. Besides, the sight of you with your matted hair, sweat-soaked over large t-shirt, and wide eyes generally gave them the hint that nothing overly romantic was going to be happening between you and Eren. Whenever Eren would notice you, he would get up immediately, grab a spare jacket, and meet you outside. He never asked questions, but he always grabbed you and held you until you felt safe. After almost losing him and your other friends, you had prized your time with them so much more. You and Eren would stare at the stars and talk until daybreak, and then the two of you would shamelessly stride back to your respective cabins, never to speak of your meeting again. 

    Despite these late-night awakenings, however, you had managed to find an outlet for your fear: the timed hike runs through the hilly forest. You had always been ahead of the pack by quite a bit, as you had always enjoyed running, but as of late, you prioritized it much more. Feeling the wind whip against your sweaty face as you hauled a heavy pack up a mountainous cliff made you feel oddly relaxed. It eased your thoughts and allowed you to see the big picture of things. Your times has made camp records, and Shadis was especially impressed by your endurance success. One day, 6 months after the reconnaissance mission and 4 months until graduation, Jean had been grumbling about your consequent victory. He had bet Eren that if he beat you while you carried two packs, that he would never insult the survey corps. or Eren's dreams again. This was, however, short-lived. "Well," Jean had retorted, "it's not like we're ever really going to need to run when we're fighting titans." At hearing this, Shadis turned, disgusted, and had a holy fit. 

    "HOW MANY OF MY COMRADES DO YOU THINK HAVE ENDED UP DEAD BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T OUTRUN THE NAKED BASTARDS. MAYBE THEY'LL TELL YOU ALL ABOUT IT WHEN YOU JOIN THEM IN THE PITS OF A TITAN'S STOMACH!"

    Jean was appalled to say the least. He gave a quick apology, and the matter was no longer touched upon. 

2 months to graduation

    Although official graduation for choosing your branches of the military wasn't to come for two more months, the top 10 had already been announced. You had graduated valedictorian, Mikasa second, tied with Reiner, and Eren fifth. After your status was announced, he was so happy that you both had made the top 10 that he kissed you right in the middle of the dining hall. You were embarrassed and pulled away at first, but you decided that you didn't care, and the two of you re-embraced. "Disgusting," Jean said, mimicking vomiting into his soup. "Jesus, get a room," Annie laughed, tossing bits of her bread into your hair. You pulled away again, laughing, and play pushing Eren away as he tried to kiss you again. All too soon, the bell rang, dismissing you to your dormitories. "I'll walk you to the dorms," Eren said, kissing you on the cheek. You smiled. How affectionate he's being tonight...