Eren followed Mikasa out the doors. The grownups noticed them heading out the door, but didn't care to stop them, as they figured it would be good for them to get to know each other.

"This way." Mikasa said. Eren followed, wondering where they were going.

They walked through the yard with the small river, and through a gate into the next area. It was the garden he had originally seen her in. It was full of sunflowers, roses, petunias, and many more types of flowers Eren was too stupid to recognize.

"Woah, cool garden." Eren whispered in awe.

"R-really?" Mikasa asked. She pushed a piece of hair behind her ear and blushed. "No one has ever said that."

"But it is cool!" Eren started, a bit confused. "Whoever's taking care of them is doing a good job." He studied the flowers closer.

"I'm taking care of them." Mikasa said, embarrassed by his compliments.

"Well good job then. You really put effort into these." He said thoughtfully. (Who would've thought Eren could be thoughtful?)

"T-thank you." She quivered. "It means a l-lot. N-No one ever really compliments them..."

"Hm? Why not?"

"W-Well, my parents are always busy so..." She clutched the hem of her dress. "I guess I just don't get many compliments."

Eren gave her a cheesy smile.

"Well, if you wanna be friends, I'll come over as much as I can!"

Mikasa smiled back.

"Sure! Thank you Eren!" She jumped at him and hugged him, to his surprise. He stepped backwards for a second, and didn't react.

"O-oh, I'm sor-" Before she could finish and let go, Eren hugged her back.

"It's ok." He said softly. "I understand."

She let go of him.

"Thanks Eren."

"Errrrreeeeennnnnnn!" The duo heard Mr. Jaeger's voice call from a distance.

"I'm going home already? That didn't take long." Eren pouted.

"Well, come over again, please." Mikasa whispered. Eren nodded.

"Of course Mikasa! We are friends after all." With that, he took off with a wave. He followed his dad into the car, and the Ackerman family waved as they left.

"Now that we've paid our dues to Mr. Jaeger, we can put our money back towards a vacation." Mrs. Ackerman quipped. Mr. Ackerman nodded, and looked down at his smiling daughter.

"Did you have fun sweetie?" He asked. He was surprised at the look on her face. It was one of pure happiness and joy, nothing else.

"Yeah! I made a friend! I hope he comes over soon." She hopped up and down as the car drove out of distance, hoping to see him again soon.

Little did she know, she wouldn't see him again for fifteen years.

Carla Jaeger, 32, found dead after a mass shooting.