"Heh, got your ass thrown back in jail again, huh?"
I keep my mouth shut as a brawny man, almost twice my size flops down in the couch beside me. He chuckles mockingly as he places a cigarette between his teeth. "Was it fun seeing your friends again?"

"Shut the hell up, Reiner," I growl furiously. I keep my eyes on the rustic, brick wall before me as I cradle a bottle of beer in my hand.

It's only been two days since my bailment and I was still furious as ever. Mainly due to Reiner, he hasn't got off my back about it since. I've been doing my best to ignore his immature jibes and mockery, but it was slowly biting away that small patience I had left for him.

"Let me guess," Reiner continues as he puffs out an air of smoke. "That blond loser bailed you out again."

I don't reply, I was considering the options of either choking him to death or slamming this bottle over his head. Both seemed plausible at the moment. It only stoked the fire in Reiner's teasing though.

Through the corner of my eye I saw that wicked grin of his widen at my brooding silence. "Oh, I know!" He grins. "That hot friend of yours got you out. Ah—what's her name. . . ?"

I growl lowly in warning. I was in no mood for this. Being betrayed—better yet, being played by Ymir's gang made my stomach churn.

My veins pulsed hotly under my skin while my glare burned into the wall in front of us. How dare she play me like a fool? And how dare did the cops show up just before I was going to make a point with one of her goons.

I click my tongue suddenly unaware of Reiner. She was going to get what's coming. All I need to do is figure out a way to make her pay.

"Mikasa, right?" Reiner suddenly exclaims. "She's that sexy chick I see in town!" He releases a whistle before chuckling to himself. "Honestly, I dunno how you got a babe like her to bail you. I'm guess she lets you do her dirty in the bedroom, right? Is that why she's always at your beck and call—hrrgh!?"

A loud thud bounces off the walls as well as a deep groan. Reiner was on the floor with me atop him. I'd tackled him with all my might when I released an animalistic snarl.

Pining him roughly to the concrete floor, I grip the collar of his shirt as I glare menacingly down at him.

"What the fuck did you just say?!" I roar. The cigarette that once was between Reiner's lips now lays besides him. It stilled burned silently, the smell of nicotine greets my nostrils. It only fires me up even more. "Don't get up in my damn business, Reiner! I never asked for you fucking opinion so don't give me one!"

Reiner laughs darkly, his eyes glinting in amusement. "All I'm saying is you got a hot chick sticking to you like glue. If I were you I would mess her up so good that—!"

The knuckles on my fist stung harshly when I made contact with his cheek. Damn him, damn everyone that's been pissing me off. But no matter how pissed off I was, I wasn't about to let Reiner degrade Mikasa and her actions. Especially in front of me.

"Say another word and I'll rip out your tongue, Reiner." I growl when I watch him spit blood. "You got no right to speak about her or even tell me how to use her. You got me?"

He doesn't speak but glares daggers at me instead. I knew that look—it was the look of hate. The way his eyes burned like a bonfire resembled my own.

Hatred—that's what this relationship was built upon. Despite being in the same gang and being known as some of the strongest members, there was no room for kindness. To us, kindness didn't belong in our dictionary. Not when all we cared for was beating each other to the pulp.

"Hey, hey, hey. What's going on here?"

Loud footsteps greeted our ears along with a tired sigh. Hearing the calm, collected voice brought an even bigger damper on my mood. Every time, he shows up last minute and ruins the fun. Still, I didn't move and kept my nasty glare on Reiner.

"Are you two fighting again?" The man standing before me questions tiredly.

"He started it," I grumble as I tighten my grip. "He shouldn't get all in my damn business."

"Well, you should quit hanging around with outsiders."

I open my mouth for a nasty retort, fist raised in threat if he spoke another word. A firm hand wraps around my wrist, resisting me. "Eren, I think that's enough." Zeke's voice was both calm and assertive.

It was a warning, one I must heed. Like a child throwing a tantrum I huff in displeasure before yanking back my wrist.

I get off Reiner who snickered at my behavior. "You know I'm right, Eren," he states as he stands. He wipes away the trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth. "You know that hanging out with people who don't belong in the gang is dangerous."

I click my tongue, who the hell does he think he is?

"You're going to get caught," Zeke adds with a nod. I don't say a word. I notice the broken bottle on the floor and frown at the sight. I wasn't even done with it.

"No, I'm not," I mutter. "What makes you think anyone cares if I'm in a gang or not? People don't give a shit unless it's about them."

"Fine, but you know the rules," Zeke counters. "You place the entire safety of the gang in danger if you keep associating with those who aren't apart of it. Someone might just slip out some little secret you foolishly told and next thing you know—the police are onto us."

I roll my eyes, "Why else are we given aliases? So that doesn't happen." I shoot my glare towards my leader. "In other words, get off my back."

Zeke doesn't show anger, he rarely does. But I could tell his patience with me was dwindling. He fixes his glasses before releasing a loud sigh.

"You are one of the best members in this gang, Eren. Don't make me rethink the position I gave you."

That was my cue to leave. Storming out of that room I quickly disregard Zeke's words. He wouldn't demote me, I was the Attack Titan.

The only person who can pull such ruthless schemes to get what we want. Who could he find someone better than me? Interrupting my trail of thought, my phone vibrates in my pant pocket.

Without thinking I quickly answer it. "What?" I snap.

Immediately a soft groan emits from the other line. "Is this how you're going to answer my calls now?"

I stop in my tracks, my eyes softening just a bit. The rush of raw anger suddenly ceases. I take in a short breath. "Sorry, Mikasa," I apologize. "I'm just—it's nothing."

"I figure as much," she mumbles. Disappointment coats her tone. I can already imagine that downturned frown taking shape on her lips.

My stomach churns at the mere imagination of her. I never tell her anything—at least, not anymore. Not ever since she married Jean. Now it was like there was unbreakable rift between us.

"What's up?" I inquire in hopes of turning her attention away from my usual answer. "Why did you call me?"

I could hear her hesitate. Still, I waited till she was ready.

"If you're not busy right now, want to head to Marely and grab a few drinks?"

I narrow my eyes instinctively, "Why?"

"Why not?" She counters. "I'm sure you're having a tough since that arrest—"

"I'm fine." I had said that last part a bit too harshly and cursed my temper. I think I do need to get out of the hideout for a bit. It's already hard for me to keep my anger at bay.

"Then—you don't want to then?" Mikasa questions solemnly.

I sigh with my shoulders slumping. "No, I want to. It'll be nice." Going would be great, I tell myself. It's been awhile since it was just Mikasa and I.

Besides, I'll do anything to get away from the idiots that reside here. I may punch a wall at this point.

"Great!" Mikasa exclaims happily. "See you in twenty?"

I nod with a faint of a smile coming to my lips. "Yeah."

\/\/\/\/\/\/

"Now, when you said, grab a few drinks," I begin with a look. "I didn't think you meant—grab a few drinks with everyone."

I watch as a group of individuals horde the bar counter. There was two men and two women. One woman with brown hair attempted to reach over the bar for more alcohol but ended up fighting with the bartender.

A man with buzz-cut hair tries to stop her from angering the bartender. Then I see to other man sitting next to them laughing his ass off. I glare at the sight.

The last woman was a blonde and seemed like she wasn't enjoying herself. Well, that was until her eyes were set on Mikasa and I who stood at the entrance. Annie waves us over and I couldn't help but groan.

"Really, Mikasa? Why didn't you tell me they're coming too?"

She sends me a puzzled look. Her raven hair falls to the side as she tilts her head. "I figured you already knew all of us would be here."

I blink as I try to withstand my temper. I didn't want them here. Even if we were all friends in high school or even now, I thought it would be Mikasa and I. I wasn't in the mood to deal with their stupidity.

"Look, maybe I should just—"

"No." Mikasa grips my wrist, stopping me from heading out the door. I look at her in bewilderment. Has she lost her mind?

But as I study her figure, my annoyance disappeared. Still wearing her business outfit with her hair falling down to her shoulders, and with light bags under her eyes she looked tired. Her onyx eyes stare into mine, pleading for me to stay.

"It's been awhile, Eren," she says. "You haven't hung out with us in months. I figured it would be nice if we—did this again."

I hated how she looked at me, it always made a part of me melt. Every time I would give in even though my brain screamed me not to. I just had the unrelenting urge to keep her happy.

So with a low sigh I step back and she lets me go. When I showed didn't show signs of leaving she gives me a tentative smile before turning back to the group.

She rushes towards Annie who seemed somewhat relieved she arrived. As they begin to converse I saunter my way to the others. Taking a seat next to Jean I immediately gain myself a scoff.

"Why are you here?" He demands with a pointed look. I pretend I didn't hear him as I order my drink.

When it came I realized Jean and I ordered the same thing, except for one thing. I had to snicker, "Are you that much of a wuss?" I mock with a smirk. "Can't take it hard, huh?"

Jean darts his eyes to my hard whiskey and to his that was on the rocks. He clicks his tongue, "What's that got to do with anything?"

I notice Connie and Sasha now stopped their idiotic behavior to observe us. Surprisingly Sasha given me a small wave before stuffing her cakehole with a chip. I was surprised when a part of me was happy that she acknowledged me in a civil manner.

I shrug carelessly as I take a sip. "Oh, nothing," I muse. "Just surprised that someone like who tries to act tough can't even take their alcohol straight. Pathetic, don't you think?"

Jean slams his glass on the counter, I knew I hit a nerve.

"H-hey, Jean, cool it," Connie warns with a sigh. "He's just playing."

"Playing, my ass," Jean sneers. "You know I can arrest you, right?"

"For what?" I chuckle dryly. "For having a simple drink? You can't abuse the power of the law, Horse-Face."

He growls in answer, clearly disliking my presence. I couldn't help but feel the same. We both hold each other's icy glares as we feel each other out.

Who would strike first? Would be a fist in the face or nasty comment? I had many ideas of ways to pummel him but I wanted him to make the first move.

"Hey, guys! Sorry I'm late!"

Armin suddenly steps into view, his sheepish smile spreading across his lips. Jean and I reluctantly break our glare and face him. I decide to stand and step away from Jean. I didn't want to cause Mikasa trouble.

When Armin catches sight of me he gives a tentative nod. "I'm surprised you're here," he says in way of greeting. "Was a night for gang member stuff tiring or are you just bored?"

"Give me a break," I say with an exasperated sigh. "Mikasa invited me."

"Hm, I'm not surprised, I guess," he mutters. "You worried the hell out of her the other day when you stormed passed her."

I try not to grimace, the mere thought of upsetting her made my stomach churn. Acting as though I wasn't bothered I switch the subject.

"What were you up to anyway?" I question. "You left your wife here alone." Motioning my head to Annie who was still caught up in a heated conversation with Mikasa.

Armin chuckles lightly before rubbing the nape of his neck. "Ah, well—I was picking up some paperwork at the office then ran into someone." Raising a brow I watch as he turns his attention back to everyone. "You guys won't believe who I ran into today," he begins with a wide grin.

Both Connie and Jean stare at him quizzically before gazing at each other.

"Who?" Sasha inquires with curiosity. "Is it someone we know?"

Armin nods enthusiastically as if he were high school kid again. "Yeah! I invited her here and—"

"Her?" Annie abruptly takes a stand with her cool, blue eyes firmly on her husband. She walks towards him before crossing her arms. "Who's this friend of yours? Is it someone you dated before?"

Armin laughs loudly as if Annie was kidding. I could tell she wasn't.

"Don't be like that, hun," Armin assures before wrapping his arm around her waist. "I never dated her. She was actually my study buddy back in high school. She moved away after graduation though."

"Wait. . ." Mikasa rushes towards us, eyes wide. "You're telling me it's—"

She didn't have to finish her sentence for Armin nodded her way. I was left in dust as usual. I looked at them continuously wondering who they're talking about.

It wasn't until the door to the bar opened. Everyone's chatter had ceased with their attention turning to the sound. There stood a woman who wore the finest clothing.

She stood with such elegance I almost thought she was some sort of royalty. She looks around for a moment before turning to us. My breath was suddenly blown away.

And it wasn't because of the way she stood or what she wore. It was her eyes. They were color of milk chocolate—ones that I once considered lovely beyond compare.

Now they glanced about the bar till they landed on me. My whole body stiffens with my heart stopping in place.

She was back. And she stood just a mere few feet from me. Only one word slipped out of me and that was her name.

"Suri."