Author's Notes:

Last chapter, big thanks to my roommate for beta'ing this one. Spice is mild at best, and I hope people don't see this as Mikasa-bashing.

Mikasa's Delusion

If she wasn't paying attention, Mikasa would have missed the exchange.

She would have missed the signs.

She would have continued sparring with Reiner.

And she would have carried on, oblivious to the emotions swirling around two people; one of which she cherished above everything and the other she hated beyond compare.

But she was paying attention, she did hear Annie Leonhart's words, and she saw red.

"Give up? I don't need you to give up. I need you to learn how to use your strength, and how to talk to girls."

With an anger she hadn't felt since her family's murder, Mikasa hoisted Reiner with relative ease and threw him at the entangled form of Eren and Annie, prompting the latter to jump out of harm's way. She slowly walked towards her target, slightly annoyed that the girl in question was able to dodge the muscular projectile.

"Hey Annie," she spoke, barely contained rage hidden by her composure, "why don't you teach those moves to me as well?"

The blonde stared back with a look of aloofness that only served to further increase Mikasa's ire, "These moves are meant for humans, I'm not sure someone like you needs them." The petite girl rolled her sleeves and assumed a fighting stance, "But I am curious if they work on a beast."

With an impending fight between the two of the strongest close combatants of the 104'th Trainee Corps, a group flocked around them discussing odds and bets. Mikasa ignored the drabble, the only thing on her mind was beating the blonde in front of her who dared to take Eren away. She watched Annie intensely while she calculated her plan of attack, deciding that beating her within an inch of her life should get the message across.

Eren is MINE.

"What the fuck is going on here you maggots?!"

Shadis' voice broke through the tension and the group quickly dispersed, afraid of receiving any punishment from the very strict instructor. However, the two girls continued to stare each other down, their animosity stronger than the fear Keith Shadis can put into the heart of a Titan itself. Eren Jaeger's futile attempts to drag her away were largely ignored even as he spoke in panic.

"Mikasa, c'mon!"

"Stay where you fucking are!" His eyes were wide and murderous, "You three dare interrupt my combat training session!? You maggots are going to clean the showers tonight and it better be immaculate!"

The instructor stomped off and continued supervising the training rookies while Annie walked away without a word. Mikasa's anger only increased as she watched the petite girl walk away, not looking forward to their punishment later that night. Once the two of them were left alone, Eren ran a hand through his hair in frustration, then pinched the bridge of his nose.

The boy sighed, "Why the hell did you do that anyway?"

"She was hurting you."

"Annie was training me." Eren scowled at her as he walked away and he headed towards the blonde's direction.

That seemed to be the pattern for the last year – Eren seeking Annie for training. But despite her aloof demeanor, Eren constantly getting beaten, and his annoyance to the fact, it didn't dissuade or discourage him. If anything with each loss, each beating, each encounter, the boy only seemed to enjoy it more. And if Mikasa's observations were accurate, even the ice queen herself was enjoying the spars.

He's probably just been dropped on his head a few too many times during their fights.

Mikasa followed her beloved close behind, holding her (his) scarf lovingly, "I can train you. I'm strong, stronger than her."

She felt her words ignored as he continued to walk towards the other side of the enclosure where the petite girl stood, pretending to spar with Bertholt and Reiner. The scarf-clad girl's hand reached out for the Eren's, wanting nothing more than his love and affirmation that he needed her and nothing more, when she was interrupted by Armin Arlert.

"Are you guys alright? Sorry, I ran away as soon as I heard Shadis!" The diminutive boy said sheepishly.

"We're fine, Armin," Eren said off-handedly, "just cleaning duty. I'm gonna train some more, see you around."

Feeling that it would be rude to walk away from their meek friend, Mikasa stayed and decided to train with him and leave Eren alone for now. Glancing behind her, she saw the boy talking animatedly with the other group causing Reiner to laugh – even Annie smiled discretely. Unable to tolerate the sight, she started walking further away while grabbing the smaller blonde and resumed training with the wooden guns, easily deflecting Armin's weak attack. In the end it didn't matter, the two of them were family, and Annie Leonhart wouldn't get in the way of that.

X X X

As a testament to Eren's annoyance he chose to eat with Marco and Jean for dinner, albeit in complete silence. The latter was just as surprised and gave Armin and Mikasa a pointed look, which the blonde returned with a shrug while Mikasa continued to eat her stew. She watched Eren eat with fervor as he stared resolutely at his food, wondering how long he'll sulk before returning to her and Armin.

I'll give him a few days, I'm sure Eren will come to his-

It was a very small movement, minute, barely noticeable, but she noticed it: the boy glanced surreptitiously at the last person whose very existence she wanted to acknowledge – Annie fucking Leonhart. Following his quick glance brought the girl in question into her view and Mikasa's mind went blank.

The blonde was looking at Eren from the corner of her eyes.

And she was smirking.

In her shock Mikasa stood abruptly and startled Armin, Connie, and Sasha who were seated within the same vicinity. Her eyes, usually listless, were staring daggers into the oblivious woman, unaware of the killing intent being sent in the petite girl's direction.

No, no, this isn't happening!

The door to the mess hall slammed opened with a loud bang that everyone (murderous Mikasa included) stared into the open space revealing Shadis' ominous figure, his face illuminated eerily by a lantern. Silence reigned as fear gripped all the recruits present before he spoke slowly, menacingly.

"Jaeger, Ackerman, Leonhart, your punishment is waiting."

The three in question followed the instructor silently, Eren and Mikasa directly behind Shadis while Annie trailed behind them all aloofly. A short walk through the dark brought them to the facilities they were charged with cleaning; Mikasa's keen nose could still smell the lingering soap they used a few hours ago. Shadis opened a storeroom with his key before turning to the trio, glare still visible in the night.

"I don't care how long it takes, this place better be spotless that I can eat off the fucking floor, do you understand me? Keep in mind that you have 3DMG training tomorrow morning as well. Jaeger, clean the boys' hut," He pointed at the large wooden building on the right, "Leonhart, Ackerman, girls'." And he pointed to the building further to the left.

They started heading to their respective areas when Shadis halted them, "Wait, the boys' is a bigger facility."

Mikasa raised her hand, "I'll help Ere-"

"Leonhart, help Jaeger. If Ackerman goes with him he'll slack off."

"I won't!"

"What was that? You wanted to clean the roof too?" The boy's glare disappeared as quickly as it came and he remained silent, "Hmm. Well then, good luck."

The trio observed his retreating form before heading to the storeroom and grabbing their required tools – mops, buckets, soap, and lanterns. The three were silent but the black-haired girl felt tension in the air. There was something unspoken, an electricity, an undercurrent of something that she couldn't quite place her finger on. Before she could voice her concerns to Eren, the blonde beckoned him to the hut with a quick tilt of her head and he was gone.

With a huff Mikasa decided that she was going to clean the girls' facility as quickly as possible before Annie could hurt Eren, or worse, steal him from their family of two. Dipping the mop into soapy water she began the tedious task set before her, keeping the fact that Annie and Eren were together and alone out of her mind.

Who does she think she is? Eren is MY family. I'M the one he saved all those years ago. I'M the one who knows him best. Just because she knows a fighting style he's interested in doesn't mean anything, it's something new to him, he'll probably get bored eventually.

With these thoughts in her head she continued mopping well into the night; minutes turned to hours as the large facility was cleaned with monotonous efficiency only Mikasa was capable of, while her thoughts stuck with Eren and her extreme dislike (hatred) of Annie. Exhaustion was starting to hit her senses but she soldiered on, still intent on helping Eren when she finished, despite doing so also meant helping Leonhart by extension.

By the time Mikasa finished cleaning the hut, rinsed her tools, and returned them to the shed, the moon was beaming down on the world; it was very full and luminous that it rendered her lantern unnecessary. She was well on her way to the dorms before remembering that Eren was still cleaning. Cursing her absentmindedness the irate girl hurried back to the storeroom and grabbed another mop. A short walk brought her by the door to the boys' shower and reached to open it when she heard noises that caused Mikasa some confusion.

It was Annie giggling.

She froze.

"You have two left feet, Jaeger."

She heard Eren groaning, "Not my fault the floor's so damn slippery."

"Or maybe you're just very uncoor-" The girl speaking was cut-off mid sentence as she gave an involuntary gasp, followed by the sound of thudding.

Gasping, Mikasa Ackerman kicked the door open with a well-placed kick, when she saw Leonhart on top of the boy. Her eyes narrowed with malice, "What do you think you're doing?"

With a grunt the blonde lifted herself gracefully. "Ask your brother, he's the one who kicked me."

"Because you were laughing at him."

The brother in question gingerly stood up, "We were joking around." He reached for a mop, "I slipped and fell because it's slippery, then kicked Annie so that she'd fall too."

"And she just happened to fall on top of you?" The scarf-clad girl asked suspiciously.

The petite girl shrugged and moved to put her own mop away while Eren rolled his eyes, "Yes, she happened to fall on top of me, is that a problem?"

"Of course it is, she shouldn't be touching you or anything of the sort."

He sighed in response, "You're not my mother, Mikasa, don't tell me what to do."

"We're family," The black haired girl insisted, "Ever since my family was killed, when your mom died, and Dr. Jaeger disappeared, all we have is each other."

With a look of confused anger Eren stomped away, "Why the fuck would you bring that up out of nowhere?!" He shouted over his shoulder.

She was unfazed, "I'm just stating the truth."

His retreating form turned around rapidly to face her, his features livid and teeth bared, "Bringing up the past where everyone we loved and cared about was either brutally murdered or eaten by a Titan is hardly something you just 'state'."

His anger palpable, an uncomfortable energy enveloped the room they were in. Mikasa was speechless; wanting to give comfort yet being the cause of his ire left her at a loss for words. Silence blanketed the trio, until someone spoke.

"Jaeger," Annie's voice echoed in the room, bringing their attention towards her, "You're not the only one who's been hurt by this stupid world. We don't know why things happen and why things are the way they are, but all we can do keep moving forward – from our past, from our limits, from whatever holds us back."

The blonde exited the opposite side of the building and disappeared into the night, leaving the pair silent and contemplative. Mikasa opened her mouth to speak but was cut-off by the boy in front of her, "We're done cleaning, let's put these away and head back."

The girl nodded and complied, and they walked back to the dorms in complete silence save for their footsteps. Just before they parted ways, Eren faced her with a morose expression and laid a hand on her shoulder. Nothing was said for a few moments as they stared at each others eyes, causing Mikasa to blush under his scrutiny.

She hid her discomfort under the red scarf, "Eren, what is it?"

"I'm sorry," The brunet frowned, trying to find the right words to say, "I shouldn't have shouted at you. The past, no matter how painful, has already happened – there's nothing left to do except move forward and learn something from it."

Mikasa beamed and she held his hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently, "It's alright, I'll always forgive you. After all, it's just you and me." She relished the moment, the rarity of his gentle touch, his heartfelt apology, and love; she wanted to savor everything.

I wish this would last forever…

"Don't forget Armin." The mention of their childhood friend mildly annoyed her as it detracted from their moment, but she did acknowledge the blond with a nod.

"And Annie." The addendum felt like a punch to the stomach. An ache in her chest and head bloomed causing her discomfort and anger. Mikasa roughly brushed Eren's hand off her shoulder and headed back to her bunk, leaving a scowling boy in her wake.

We'll just see about that.

X X X

It was currently dinner time, Mikasa sat flanked by Sasha and Armin, while Connie, Jean, and Marco were in front of them. Once again Eren was on dinner duty with Leonhart, causing an ache somewhere deep in her chest. Their blonde friend, ever observant, whispered his concerns while conversation continued around the table.

"Something wrong?"

The girl was having a difficult time voicing her concerns and confusion about the entire situation with Eren. Opening and closing her mouth several times, all she could do was breathe a heavy sigh and glance at the direction of the kitchens. This however, caught the attention of their surrounding comrades and they all became quiet, then proceeded turn their full attention towards Mikasa.

Jean was the first to speak, "You worried about Eren? I wouldn't, he's..." He paused to find the right words, "Got a leg over Annie."

The words used caused Connie and Sasha to snicker uncontrollably, covering their mouths to stifle their laughter, but the girl was unfamiliar with the idiom, "You mean he's been able to kick her down?" The events of their cleaning punishment came to mind.

Armin was red in the face and looking very sheepish, "What Jean meant is that, Eren and Annie are on friendly terms."

Springer outright cackled before giving a shout of pain, having been kicked by Sasha under the table, "Connie..." She hissed.

This only served to confuse Mikasa further, "I guess they're friendly, but what does that have to do with the leg thing?"

Before Jean could open his mouth, Marco interjected with a half shout while throwing the boy beside him a look of annoyance, "It's just a saying when people are very friendly with each other, you don't have to read too much into it."

The Ackerman wanted to inquire further but was disrupted by Sasha Blouse, "Mikasa, have ya been spendin' much time with Eren? Lately I mean."

The black-haired girl sighed and looked down, As much as I hate to admit it, "Not really, I've been giving him space so that he could grow on his own." And realize the lack of my presence.

Connie nodded, "Guess you took it to heart when we talked about how people do their best growing when they're not being coddled."

"The thing is," Jean said, "people also grow when they meet others who can help them do that."

Mikasa frowned, "Are you saying I wasn't helping him grow?"

The boy held his hands out in front of him, "I'm not saying that, but it's more like you were carrying him instead of pushing him to grow."

"Jean's got a point." Arlert turned to face Mikasa, giving her his full focus, "I've known Eren longer than you, and as far as I can recall he's always been reckless, constantly charging ahead, leaving behind everyone else." She opened her mouth to defend her family but Armin raised a finger, "Let me finish. Ever since him and Annie became acquainted, he's changed, both of them changed, actually."

"For the better." Sasha commented under her breath, but was still heard, and Connie hummed his agreement.

Armin raised a finger again, "To start, Eren isn't as hotheaded as he used to be. He's still an angry boy, but he doesn't just charge like before; I find him thinking before acting nowadays."

Jean mumbled and rubbed his head, "Easy for you to say."

"Annie used to be very cold, impersonal, but it feels like she's relaxed a bit more. At the very least, she'll actually speak more than two words and not just glare at you."

"And how is that a good thing?" Mikasa asked.

The blond shrugged, "We're talking about how when the two right people meet, they push each other to grow and change, pretty sure this is an example."

The nearly bald recruit beside her cleared his throat, "Learning how to share and compromise is also a sign of maturity." He broke his loaf of bread in half and gave one of the pieces to a smiling Sasha, "And those two can be pretty generous."

"But so are you, Connie." The brunette reached across and pinched his cheek, causing the shorter boy to blush.

Jean Kirstein rolled his eyes in response, "Urgh, I lost my appetite. They're right though, and just to add to the topic, I've been watching the two of them while they're fighting. Initially it was to try and find a weakness so I can win against Eren, but then I realized that I'll never be able to. Those two push each other not because they want to be better than the other, but because they respect each other." He propped his chin on the palm of his hand, "Can you explain it to her the way you explained it to me, Marco?"

The boy in question smiled, "Eren respects Annie's strength and she respects his tenacity. Neither of them hold back because doing so would be disrespectful to the other, as though they aren't acknowledging that strength they see in each other."

Jean patted Marco on the back, "What he said. But listen, we can say all these things, however the best way for you to see it, would be with your own eyes."

"Are you sure about that?" Connie asked warily, "The last thing we want is for Mikasa to go on a rampage."

His comments were waved away but Armin warned her, "Whatever you see, whatever you may realize, you need to understand that if you do anything to Annie, he'll never forgive you. You just need to accept whatever conclusion you come up with or you'll lose Eren."

She hated to admit it but the boy was correct, separating the two would just result in her being pushed away by her beloved. Mikasa was unconvinced however, deciding to concede defeat only once she's confirmed everything with her own eyes, despite everyone else around her pretty much coming to that conclusion. The doors to the kitchen opened and a smiling Eren Jaeger exited, followed by a flushed Annie Leonhart who was looking at the brunet through her bangs.

Off to a bad start… The Ackerman busied herself with the rest of her meal and started planning her observations.

X X X

The following weeks were utter torture for Mikasa.

For the longest time she lived and breathed training, knowing full well that her destination would bring her beside Eren in the Survey Corps. Therefore, she needed to be strong, skilled, and knowledgeable in all the ways of killing Titans, for the sake of her and her beloved's survival. She focused on nothing but the battle, unheeding of those who she did not consider her family – Eren and by extension, Armin.

Unfortunately, she eventually realized that it wouldn't be death that would take Eren away from her, but that thief Annie Leonhart. Anytime she searched for Eren she was there beside him, and even if she wasn't, his gaze was directed towards her. The thief, in turn, reciprocated, albeit more discreetly; her eyes that were normally cold as steel took on softer features when they looked at each other.

Why won't you look at me the way you look at her? I've always been here beside you. I've always defended you.

Supported you. Cared for you.

Loved you.

She held on to the red scarf she wore as a lifeline, a memento of the shining light that was Eren Jaeger after the darkest event of her life. She was curled in her bunk close to tears, all was silent save for the gentle breathing of a dozen girls. It was currently lights out, but Mikasa found herself sleepless most nights ever since the truth came out: Eren is in a relationship with Annie, the same kind of relationship she herself wanted to have with him.

How could I have been so blind?

Upon realization, all she wanted was to tear the thief limb from limb, but Armin's warnings rang true, and she did not want to lose the only person she had left. The only thing that would bring the boy back to her would be, what? Death? Infidelity? Betrayal? All unlikely. All Mikasa could do is lie down and surrender – she felt utterly defeated.

From several paces away a pair of light footsteps and shuffling barely registered in her mind, that is until, she heard Annie fucking Leonhart speak. She continued to pretend to be asleep, curious about the development, and wondering what was happening from several bunks away.

"Lenz, wake up." She whispered.

The girl in question gave a sleepy reply, "What's wrong?"

"Ymir needs you, she's just out there. Here's a jacket."

"Ymir? Why?"

"Just go." Her voice was anxious, eager, and Krista Lenz complied.

A few moments passed and Mikasa heard a voice that nearly made her cry out, "You're impatient."

"Graduation is coming up, Eren, who knows how often we'll get a chance like this."

The sounds of cloth and fabric made the Ackerman tremble, knowing full well that the two were probably disrobing, judging from the sounds. Stop it, not here!

"You sure you don't want to join me in the Survey Corps? We'll make a difference, you and I."

The sounds of kissing punctuated the conversation, and the eavesdropper had to stifle her mouth to hide her erratic breathing. Stop it!

"You sure you don't want to join me in the Military Police? We'll be safe, and together."

"I want to help you get back to your village, only the Scouts can help with that."

"And if I told you I don't really care about the village?"

"There's still the matter of the rest of the world that I want – no – need to see."

"Eren… why?" If Mikasa didn't know better, it almost sounded like Leonhart was desperate, pleading, that he join her within the safety of the Walls.

"Because I was born into this world."

That was the end of the conversation as the blonde gave a breathy gasp for a response, followed by gentle moans and sighs from both parties. Mikasa clenched her teeth to prevent her sobs from becoming audible, knowing full well what was happening on the bed several bunks away.

This… this is a bad dream. I'm asleep in my bunk, this is a nightmare. Eren isn't… he's not… not doing that with Annie.

But it wasn't a dream; the pain on her bottom lip was too real. Without realizing it she'd bitten hard enough to draw blood, and it was dripping from her chin down to the crimson scarf. The girl took a few deep breaths and stared at the darkness in front of her, willing herself to deny what was happening. The muffled squeaking of the bed did little to appease the reality of the situation.

They're… they're just sparring. Those fools are just sparring. In bed.

Ever so slowly, the voyeur turned her body to get a glimpse of the pair on Krista's bed, and she was hit with the cruel reality; her mind's lies and delusions did not stand a chance.. The silhouette of Annie Leonhart's lithe body was on top of Eren's, and she was moving rhythmically, while her head hovered closely above his. They kissed deeply eliciting a sensual moan from the blonde, parting only to gasp for breath.

"Eren..." She mewled.

"I love you." The words made Annie freeze, only to suddenly shake as tremors overtook her petite frame.

Eren flipped the two of them pinning her underneath, but Mikasa had enough. The broken-hearted girl turned to face away from the pair, shutting out the sounds of lovemaking and doing her best to ignore the musk of their copulation.

She wasn't sure when they finished, or even when Eren left, Mikasa Ackerman was too engrossed in her thoughts to have noticed it. All she knows is that the thief won – Annie Leonhart was successful in stealing the man she loved so very much. She curled into a fetal position and closed her eyes, leaving everything to the future.

She wants to go to the Military Police, and Eren and myself will be in the Survey Corps. Maybe then… maybe then…

X X X

Stohess was in ruins.

The battle between Eren and Annie's titans left the district in shambles, causing death and destruction in their path. After initially being unable to transform and fight the traitor, Eren Jaeger eventually did and helped corner the woman he once declared his love to. Mikasa knew that he had his reservations, but she knew his philosophy overcame his confusion.

All we can do is move forward.

Currently her beloved was beaten to a pulp, clutching a gigantic severed leg, while the blonde titan continued scaling the wall, fighting for freedom.

Mikasa was having none of that.

With a spin and a grunt of exertion, her blades tore through the Female Titan – Annie's – unhardened section of fingers. Her face, one of anger, was replaced with a serene look as she landed softly on the thief's forehead, her goal from those many months ago finally fulfilled. Staring into the titan's blue eyes, the Ackerman voiced her anger, frustration, betrayal, and hatred with concise brutality.

"Annie… fall."

FINI

And with that, this little story is done. Thanks for all the reads, reviews, feedback, and all that. With AoT being almost done manga-wise and the final season coming up, I can definitely see a spike in fan stories no matter how the story canonically ends so; let's get ready to RUMBLE!