𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙩 || Eren Jaeger

𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 & 𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒚𝒃𝒖𝒈𝒔

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Splash!

THE COLD WATER rolled over my hands as I dipped the bucket in, listening to the babbling sounds as the rushing, crystal-clear river dipped around the bend. Placing the full bucket aside, and taking a second one to begin the same routine again, I almost wished I didn't have to go back to the cabin. Not that I resented my comrades in any way. But serene environments like these are rare, and as much as I live for the chaos that comes with being a soldier, some peace and quiet is good for the soul too.

Once the bucket was full, I pulled it out of the water and set it aside as well. I stood up, tying the handkerchief around my head tighter so it wouldn't slip, and began the tread back to the cabin. I carried the two buckets at my sides, the water slushing with every step.

Ever since I woke up from that comatose state only to be slapped with a startling revelation- the revelation, as I like to call it in my head- I've sensed a change in me since then. I don't know if its good or bad, but I like to think its a work in progress. I don't know how to be a daughter. And the thought of the Corporal being my father still makes my brain want to reboot. But not only did he crumble to pieces in that emotional confession, he also showed me test results that he had asked Hanji to do. It all made sense now. I had always wondered what that woman did with the blood  she sampled from me that one time.

I've been trying to make space for a parent-figure in my life despite having lived without one for a long time. It still feels strange, perhaps awkward sometimes, like we're testing the waters before diving in, but there's this small part of me that knows its right. Maybe its instinct. A blood tie that refuses to break and works every day to grow stronger.

I still have so many questions, though. There's so much I want to know about him. And most significantly, my mom. All I know is the tragedy, but... I would like to know the happy times, too. What was she like? Was she an optimist or more of a pessimist? Did she smile often? Did she take sugar or honey in her tea?

But no. I'm not ready to ask, yet. Its too soon and I have no idea how I'll find the right moment. For now, I'll just focus on our duty: keeping Eren and Krista- wait, my bad, Historia safely out of sight from MPs. Its the whole reason why we're taking shelter in this cabin in the rural side of Wall Rose.

The Survey Corps sent Eren, Historia, Armin, and Mikasa and I here first. For the past three days, we've been trying to make this cabin hospitable, especially since the Corporal was very particular about cleanliness. Speaking of which... he's supposed to arrive today. Same goes for Jean, Sasha, and Connie. That horseface... Last time I saw him was on the battlefield, although I was told he payed me a visit in the hospital wing while I was... you know, dying.

Actually, if I recall, they were supposed to arrive around this time...

"Just try and steal some food, Sasha. We'll get Corporal Levi to chop you up into bite-sized pieces." I heard a familiar voice as I approached the front of the cabin. Could it be...?

"Jean!" I exclaimed.

They were unloading the wagon. He turned around and smiled, opening his arms wide. I set the buckets down- or more like dropped- and ran over to him. We hugged like we hadn't seen each other in years, which is a bit dramatic, but it sure felt that way.

"How are you holding up?" He asked once we let go. He spoke like he was in the presence of an ill patient.

"I'm not sick anymore, Jean." I said, giving him a small punch on the shoulder. "I'm fine, trust me."

"Yeah, Jean, she's fine. She can take care of herself." Connie said with a sigh. Him and Sasha worked together to pick up a large crate of carrots. "When it comes to her and Mikasa, there's no taking them down."