NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 4: A Family?
**Chapter 4: A Family?**
The night had draped its dark, heavy cloak over the world, and here I was, lying in bed, yet unable to drift into the soothing embrace of sleep. My left arm was encased in an uncomfortable weight that seemed to press down with the force of an entire mountain.
Whoever said having a girl on your arm felt awesome must have been bullshiting, because my arm felt like it was going to be crushed off. The numbness was creeping up my shoulder, threatening to make the entire appendage useless.
I looked down, and there she was, Mikasa, her small frame snuggled closely against me, her breathing steady and rhythmic as she slept soundly. I couldn't help but reflect on the events that led to this rather uncomfortable situation. It had been a whirlwind day filled with chaos and unexpected twists.
The memory of the gruesome scene we had encountered earlier that day flashed before my eyes. The officers who investigated were visibly shocked, their faces a mix of horror and disbelief as they examined the aftermath of the incident. I had been asked to describe the perpetrator, and my description was straightforward: white hair, a mask resembling teeth, an eye patch, and a dark outfit. The officers had swiftly acted on the information, but the reality of the situation was far from over.
Though, I just bullshited on who did it based on one of the characters that Mineta made me watch back then. The guy was awesome, having some red tentacles on his back and using it to fight and all
After the investigation, we were led to Mr. Grisha's house. Exhaustion had already started to set in by then, having carried Mikasa on my back for what felt like an eternity. Despite her small size, she clung to me with an unyielding grip, making every step a test of endurance. Mr. Grisha's attempts to separate her from me were futile; Mikasa's hold tightened around my neck, nearly choking me in the process. It wasn't until I gently patted her head that she finally relaxed her grip though still held on to me, not letting me go.
Mr. Grisha had introduced us to his wife, Ms. Carla, who welcomed us with warmth and kindness. She seemed to understand the gravity of our situation and, despite my soaked clothes from the rain, instructed Eren, Mr. Grisha's son and the MC of this world to show us to the guest room. My drenched state was inconsequential to her; her focus was on providing us with comfort and safety.
I guess we were just gonna ignore the fact that I'm still soaked wet and so is Mikasa? Yes? Alright fine, don't blame me if we get sick then.
A little while later though Ms. Carla noticed our wet state and dried us off before guiding us to our room.
As I tried to settle Mikasa into bed, she pulled me back, her tiny arms wrapping around me with a tenacity that left me little choice but to stay put. Eventually, I had to carefully maneuver her onto my chest to free my arm from the vice-like grip. Even though my arm was now painfully numb, it was better than the risk of losing it altogether. The weight of her small body on my chest was uncomfortable, but it was a minor inconvenience compared to the alternative.
Even though my face is now getting constantly poked by Mikasa's loose hair, it was fine, after all my arm was finally free, that was more than enough for me
I closed my eyes and attempted to drift into sleep, hoping the discomfort would pass. The minutes stretched into what felt like hours, but eventually, exhaustion overcame me, and I fell into a deep, much-needed slumber.
The next thing I was aware of was movement on my chest. Slowly, my eyes fluttered open to find Mikasa staring at me with an expressionless face. The sight was disconcerting, her eyes fixed on mine with an intensity that was hard to ignore.
"What are you doing, just staring at my face, Mikasa was it?" I mumbled, my voice tinged with the fatigue of interrupted sleep.
Her gaze remained steady as she nodded and responded in a flat tone, "I feel calm watching you sleep."
I mentally cursed myself for awakening what seemed like an unsettling sense of attachment. I had not anticipated that my actions would trigger such an intense reaction. I regretted it almost immediately. The last thing I needed was to exacerbate Mikasa's emotional state and turn her into a yandere.
I cleared my throat and spoke gently, "How about we get up? We're now part of the Yeager family, by the way. Basically you and me are adopted"
Mikasa nodded, rising from her position but still remaining close to me. As I stood up, she instinctively grabbed the back of my shirt, her grip gentle yet firm. I sighed, turning to her. "I'm not going anywhere, so you can stop clinging to me," I said, trying to sound reassuring.
Mikasa merely nodded, though she continued to hold on as I walked down the stairs. We found Mr. Grisha engrossed in a newspaper, and Ms. Carla busily preparing breakfast. Mr. Grisha noticed us and set aside his reading material.
"You two are awake. How are you feeling?" he asked with a note of concern.
We nodded in response, and Ms. Carla, upon noticing us, stopped her cooking to approach. She enveloped us both in a heartfelt hug, her voice laden with sympathy. "I'm so sorry you had to experience that. Don't worry, from now on, you'll be safe here."
Mikasa's eyes widened slightly at the gesture, and she offered a tentative nod in response. I observed her reaction with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. I had never really considered the concept of familial love, having lived a life that rarely involved such emotional connections.
Ms. Carla then directed us to the table, indicating that breakfast would be served shortly. I took a seat next to Mikasa, who continued to cling to me, her small frame nestled against my side. Noticing that Eren was absent, I inquired about his whereabouts.
"Where's Eren? He's not home, is he?" I asked Mr. Grisha.
Mr. Grisha sighed and replied, "He's out with his friend Armin. They often hang out together whenever they get the chance. He'll be back soon though, if he doesn't... Then I pity him for facing his Mother's wrath."
Grisha then shuddered slightly as if remembering something horrible
Ignoring the last part, I acknowledged his response with a nod of thanks. As I looked at Mikasa, who was still holding on tightly, I sighed and gently patted her head to offer some comfort. Ms. Carla observed the interaction with a sympathetic smile.
"August, please be patient with Mikasa. She just lost her parents and needs someone she trusts to comfort her, which seems to be you," Ms. Carla said, her voice filled with understanding.
I nodded, continuing to pat Mikasa's head as she seemed to find solace in the gesture. Ms. Carla soon served us breakfast, and I attempted to get Mikasa to eat. However, her persistent clinging made it challenging.
I took a spoonful of the omelette Ms. Carla had prepared, blowing on it to cool it down before offering it to Mikasa. "Eat up, Mikasa. You need to eat, okay? Can you atleast do that for me?" I asked as gently as I could manage.
Gently speaking wasn't something I was accustomed to, but I managed to maintain a soft tone. Mikasa nodded and opened her mouth, allowing me to feed her. I alternated between feeding her and eating myself, repeating the process until both of our plates were cleared.
Ms. Carla and Mr. Grisha observed us with happy expressions. Ms. Carla even wore a teasing smile that I couldn't quite understand. She finally spoke up with a playful tone, "You've already had your first indirect kiss. I'm so proud."
I was momentarily taken aback, realizing that I had overlooked the social implications of the situation. However, Mikasa's happiness was more important to me than such trivial concerns. I brushed off the teasing with a nonchalant comment.
"We're just kids. Matters like that will have to wait, Ms. Carla," I said, my tone devoid of any real emotion.
Ms. Carla's smile widened, but she chose not to press further. As the conversation waned, we heard the front door open, and Eren walked in, looking bruised and with red knuckles. It was evident he had been in a fight.
Ms. Carla immediately went to him, her concern palpable as she reprimanded him for his actions, wiping the dirt from his face. Eren, looking annoyed, explained, "They were bullying Armin again, so I had to do something."
I assessed Eren with a detached perspective. His heroic tendencies seemed misplaced in a world where such ideals often led to harsh realities.
Ms. Carla continued to scold him, "Eren, violence isn't the answer. Sometimes you need to use your brain instead of your fists."
Eren didn't seem to heed her advice, and as the conversation turned to other matters, he noticed us and greeted me secretly with a small wave. I returned the gesture, while Mikasa simply observed him with a lack of interest.
Me and Mikasa as well as well as the Yeager family sat on the chair and ate on the table, though I wasn't eating and was just feeding Mikasa who was still hungry
Ms. Carla made sure both if us were comfortable as Grisha just ate, minding his own business
The topic of conversation shifted to the Scouts, a subject Eren seemed passionate about. His eyes sparkled as he described them with enthusiasm. "The Scouts are soldiers who venture outside the walls to explore and learn about Titans. Unlike the Garrison and the Military Police, the Scouts actually do their job right!"
I was intrigued by his description, given that the protagonist of this world had joined the Scouts. "Have they discovered anything about the Titans or the outside world?" I asked, keen to gather information.
Eren fell silent, which answered my question. I nodded and replied, "I guess the Scouts are more respectable compared to the other regiments."
Eren's eyes lit up, and he excitedly declared, "isn't it?! Keep this a secret from Mom but I'm going to join them one day!" though he whispered the last part so Ms. Carla wouldn't hear.
Ms. Carla, overhearing, interjected, "I've told you before that you won't be joining them! It's too dangerous. Living here inside the walls is much safer."
Ofcourse Eren didn't listen and turned his head to the side, irking Ms. Carla more as she scolded Eren
She then sighed
"Just what is pushing you to go outside the walls?" Carla said as Eren turned his head at her and said
"To see the outside world and to be free from this suffocating walls!" Eren said and then continued
"I heard from Armin that there is a huge body of salt water that even if Merchants spent all of their life trying to take it, they wouldn't be able to! Armin also said that there are mountains that have flames in it! The one who can see that scenes would be the most free person in the world!" Eren said determinedly
Carla was stumped at her Son's words but is hesitant and still didn't want to let him join
"But still it's dangerous!" She said which caused a staring contest between mother and Son, both unrelenting
Mr. Grisha, seeing the tension, offered his perspective. "Carla, you can't stifle a person's curiosity. The more you try to suppress it, the stronger it becomes."
Ms. Carla sighed in resignation and returned to her meal. The conversation left an awkward silence hanging in the air. To break it, I decided to take the initiative. I stood up with Mikasa and began to clear the plates, determined to be of help despite Ms. Carla's insistence that I rest.
"I can manage this. It's the least I can do, given that you're letting us stay here," I said, taking the plates to the sink.
Ms. Carla smiled, though her expression was a mix of admiration and surprise. "You're quite mature for your age, August. What a kind boy you are."
I didn't quite know how to respond to that. Kindness wasn't a trait I associated with myself, but I simply continued with the task at hand. After a few minutes, the plates were cleaned, and Mikasa remained close by, her presence a constant reminder of the responsibilities I now bore.
Having finished with the dishes, I put the chair back in place and went to Mr. Grisha. "Mr. Grisha, do you have any books on the history of the walls? I'm interested in learning more about it."
Grisha, curious about my request, agreed to get the books for me later. "Sure, I'll get them for you. It's always good to learn more about our history."
Thanking him, I settled back down, and Mikasa resumed her familiar position beside me. With the day's events still fresh in my mind, I needed to gather as much information as I could about this world.
A few hours later, after bathing, an ordeal made more challenging by Mikasa's insistence on being with me every step of the way, I found myself in our room, surrounded by the books Grisha had provided. Mikasa had fallen asleep on my lap, exhausted from the day's events.
As I picked up a book and began to read, I reflected on how my life had changed in such a short period. The past had taught me the importance of knowledge and preparation, and now, in this unfamiliar world, I was determined to uncover its secrets and adapt to its challenges.
In the dim light of the room, with Mikasa sleeping peacefully and the book in hand, The world outside the walls held many mysteries, and I was prepared to face them head-on, and adapt to this world I begrudgingly was put into
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A/N: MC's look here.