Get in the car. Or stay with Jean? This decision will have consequences.
chapter warnings: swearing, some violence, alcohol
The cool wind kisses Violet’s cheeks as she makes her way all across campus to meet Armin at the science library. She wears just a thin, lacy, long-sleeved top and some jeans. Violet’s beginning to think she should have brought a light jacket or sweater.
Could he not have chosen the furthest possible building?
Violet was already running a bit late since she decided to make a pit stop in her room after the fire alarm fiasco. She desperately needed to lay down for a few minutes and process everything. And a snack, of course. Now, her legs move quickly as she walks across the grassy campus quads. Violet is not too sure just how much studying she will be able to get done with Armin after everything that happened the last few hours.
Should I tell Armin what happened? That I…time traveled? And saw Jean Kirstein get shot in the heart? And that I stopped it?
Would Armin believe her? Armin’s a massive science nerd, with his degree being in physics. Perhaps he could have some insane explanation for these series of events from today. That, or, he will think Violet’s lost her damn mind. Quantum physics can have an explanation for this…right? Violet curses her communications degree in her head.
The wind seems to pick up as Violet finally makes it to the main student parking lot, letting her know she is getting closer to the science library.
She nearly trips on her feet when she sees Jean Kirstein standing behind his car, trunk open, shoving his school bag in. He talks rapidly on the phone.
You’ve got to be kidding me. He’s everywhere now! And always on the phone. Violet wonders if it has to do with Floch.
Jean is suddenly aware of Violet’s awkward standing presence and quickly glances at her. She doesn’t have time to react before a voice behind her suddenly calls out.
Violet turns her head to see a giddy Armin Arlert making his way towards her, smiling as wide as can be as his blonde hair flaps in the wind.
“Hey, Armin! Are we not going to the library?”
Armin fixes his glasses. “Yeah! You just took a while so I went and got some snacks. Here, some for you too.” He passes her a bag of Violet’s favorite sour gummies from the student store.
Violet smiles genuinely. “Aw, thanks, Armin. Sorry I took so long. You would not believe the fucking day I just had.”
Armin chuckles as he zips his bag open on the floor to stow away his snacks. “Tell me everything!”
Violet still senses Jean on his phone outside of his car. She ignores it.
“No, like, you literally would not believe me.” Violet says it quiet enough so Jean cannot hear.
“Well, tell me, then!” Armin laughs, adjusting his bag on his back once more.
Violet opens her mouth as they take their first step towards the direction of the science library. Before a single word leaves Violet’s mouth, a sudden voice booms across the parking lot.
“You BITCH!” Floch Forster comes marching down, face red and hot.
Armin gasps at the speed he makes his way towards the pair. He instinctively grabs Violet’s arm, but Violet freezes, in complete shock at the sight in front of her.
Floch pushes up against Violet angrily, sending her stumbling back a few steps.
“HEY! What’s your deal?” Armin pushes Floch back by his chest with one arm while holding Violet steady with the other.
“Shut it, you freak.” Floch spits in Armin’s face before turning to Violet, only inches away from her face. “Tell me what you saw, bitch.”
Violet breathes heavily. “What the fuck are you even talking about?”
“I know it was you in there. You takin’ pics, you little pervert? Huh? You fucking snitch. What did you tell Smith?”
Violet refuses to budge. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, dude. Now, step the fuck back or I will sock you in the fucking face!” Violet shoves him back again.
Floch’s eyes narrow in disgust as he lunges at Violet again. Armin steps in between, much to Floch dismay, and Floch punches Armin with no hesitation. Armin falls to the floor with a yelp. Violet gasps loudly.
Violet briefly checks on Armin and checks that he’s conscious before turning back to Floch with nothing but pure hatred in her eyes.
Violet is interrupted yet again when Jean Kirstein suddenly appears and swings a large fist across Floch’s pathetic face, sending him to the ground, as well. But he doesn’t stop there. Jean moves on top of Floch, throwing a couple more punches until he stops attempting to fight back.
Violet crouches down to help Armin stand back up, but she cannot take her eyes off of Jean’s tall figure on top of Floch. From across the lot, Violet briefly spots Levi Ackerman angrily stomping towards the scene. As a matter of fact, many people passing by have seemed to stop to watch. Violet realizes they are all about to get in trouble real soon. Especially Violet, who already had a run-in with Levi today.
Out of pure instinct, Violet reaches over and yanks on Jean’s shirt.
“Jean, stop! You’re going to get in trouble! Levi’s coming!” But no pleading snaps him out of it. He is still on top of Floch, gripping his letterman jacket - now sprayed with blood - holding his own face very close to Floch’s.
“Forster, I swear to god. Stop making this worse for yourself.” Jean yells, but Violet senses the twinge of desperation and pleading within his voice.
“HEY!” Levi screams and Armin and Violet go stiff. Oh, fuck.
A second briefly passes, and a large, old truck suddenly pulls up to the scene, tires screeching as it stops right by Violet. The window rolls down, revealing a dark-haired girl with probably the best skin in all of Shiganshina.
“GET. IN.” She demands once more. Violet glances at Jean on the floor. He looks up at her as he continues to pin down Floch. Levi is half way across the lot now.
“Go.” Jean mutters under his breath.
Violet does not have time to question anything as she forcibly grabs a visibly shaken Armin and pushes him into the back seat of the car before jumping into the passenger seat. Levi calls out to them, but Mikasa does not hesitate for a second before slamming on the brakes and driving out of the lot as quickly as possible.
Violet turns to watch Jean in the rearview mirror get further and further away.
At this point, they’ve been driving for 5 minutes and no one has said a word. Violet’s breathing has finally slowed. She feels tears form in her eyes, but she refuses to cry at this moment.
Violet slowly glances behind the seat to check up on Armin. He sits quietly and still, but his eyes are still wide. There’s a faint mark on his cheek.
“Does it hurt, Armin?” She asks softly.
Armin blinks a few times, as if returning to reality, before smiling softly.
Violet purses her lips. “I’m so sorry. I don’t even understand what just happened.”
Armin shakes his head softly.
“We’ll get you ice.” Mikasa cuts in, her voice firm. Violet takes the time to look at her side profile. She still looks the same, after all these years. Violet has seen her on campus since, obviously, but never this close up. Hearing her voice gives Violet a sense of nostalgia that makes her stomach turn.
“Thanks, Mikasa. For getting us out of there. Levi will probably be on the hunt for us, anyways. But thank you.” Violet says quietly.
Mikasa shrugs, hands still on the wheel and sharp eyes on the road. “He’ll probably be too focused on Jean to care about you two.”
Violet sighs at Jean’s name. She feels a horrific guilt in her chest for leaving him behind like that. What if he gets suspended?
“What the hell is even going on between them? Jean and Floch?”
“Jean’s been weird ever since Marco. Especially towards Floch…I think he just riles Jean up too much. But you tell me, Vi. You were there.”
Vi. Violet hasn’t heard that nickname in so long.
“I have no idea what is going on! How did you even know we were there?”
“I didn’t. I was leaving class when I saw Floch punch Armin. What was I supposed to do, just stand there?”
Violet barely flinches at the sudden change in Mikasa’s voice.
“Right…Well, thanks again.”
Mikasa sighs. “Sorry. I guess I’m still mad at you.”
Violet looks at her again, her face falling. Fair enough.
“Wait…how do you guys know each other?” Armin cuts in from the back.
Violet is quiet for a moment, fully willing to let Mikasa tell the harsh truth. Violet regrets the way she handled a lot of things in her life, but this especially.
“We used to be friends growing up in Shiganishina. But she moved to Marley in high school.”
Violet’s eyebrows furrow. That’s it?
At a red light, Mikasa says nothing but looks at Violet briefly. Her gaze somewhat softens before turning back to the road.
“Oh. You just never mentioned each other, that’s all.” Armin coos.
Violet looks back at Armin. “And I didn’t know you knew Mikasa.”
Armin shrugs. “Me and Mikasa have been friends for a bit. I mainly know her through Eren.”
Ah, right. Eren Jaeger. Practically the leader of the Scouts. The first time Armin mentioned he was close with Eren, Violet nearly spat out her drink. Obviously, cliques were so overrated in university, but the Scouts were basically their own world. Full of basically frat boys and girls who seemed too-cool for you. Not all, of course, but most. Armin had grown up with Eren, so naturally, they stayed friends. Violet realizes more people are connected in this town than she thinks.
“You know Eren, too, Mikasa?” Violet turns to her. Mikasa shrugs shyly. Violet does not miss the sudden rush of red that rises to her cheeks.
Armin cuts in. “Oh, yeah, she does. I think she has a little crush on him.”
Mikasa suddenly grips the wheel of the car as they pull into a parking garage. She whips around.
Violet’s eyes widen. This is the most expressive Mikasa’s been the entire car ride. Armin apologizes quietly, sitting back in his seat. Violet tries to hide her growing smile and lets it go.
Mikasa’s voice falls to a whisper. “Yeah, we’re friends. Most of the Scouts aren’t too bad.”
“I believe that. Reiner’s always been nice to me. Annie Leonhart, on the other hand…not so much.”
“Reiner’s cool.” Mikasa scrunches her nose. “Annie…yeah, she’s a bit…defensive.”
Armin whispers quietly from the backseat. “She’s always nice to me…”
Mikasa snorts. Violet looks at Armin’s redding face. No way. Violet has no chance to pry before Mikasa parks and tugs off her seatbelt.
“C’mon, let’s get you ice, Armin.”
They follow her out of the car and into her studio apartment without a word. Mikasa’s place is oddly nice for a university student. It’s quite minimalist, with plants sprouting in every corner, and books crammed in multiple bookshelves. There’s one large window by the couch-and-bed situation, bringing in insane natural light.
Violet looks around the space with curious eyes, while Armin walks in and gets himself situated, having been there multiple times in the past. Huh, I guess all these people know each other better than I thought.
A few minutes pass, and Armin’s been given ice on his face. He doesn’t stay very long, claiming he really does need to get some studying done. Violet also thinks part of that has to do with the awkward tension between Mikasa and her that he probably doesn’t want to be a part of, but Violet doesn’t question it.
Armin leaves, and the apartment is quiet. Violet has a glass of water in hand, offered by Mikasa. She watches Mikasa from her couch as the black-haired girl quickly wipes something up in the kitchen. In her lap is a black kitty, purring softly with her eyes closed as Violet gently caresses her. According to Mikasa, her name is Mira, and she was adopted a year back.
Violet decides to speak first. “How’d you even get this place? I didn’t know we could even live off-campus.” Unless you were filthy rich and had connections.
“It’s technically still university-owned accommodation. I wasn’t allowed to live directly on campus if I wanted to have pets. It’s more expensive, obviously, but worth it. She seems to like you.” Mikasa makes her way towards the couch and sits politely a few spaces away from Violet. Her hands are in her lap. The same way she always sat growing up.
Violet smiles down at the cat. “Yeah, she’s a cutie.”
It’s silent for a beat. Then Mikasa speaks quietly.
“Why did you leave Shiganshina like that? In high school?”
Violet’s face turns warm. The dreaded conversation.
She shrugs, nerves wracking her body. Mira seems to sense it because she perks up just slightly.
“There was a lot going on. And my dad had gotten a new job. It’s a long story I’ll tell you one day, I swear.”
“You left without telling me.”
Violet sighs, looking up at her old best friend. “I know-”
“You were my best friend. And you didn’t tell me that you were moving. You literally disappeared one day.”
“Not even a text, Vi. You literally abandoned me, and then I found out through someone that you transferred here last summer for junior year of college? Like-”
“Mikasa, I KNOW!” Violet raises her voice. Mikasa sits up straight with wide eyes. Violet deflates a little. At this point, Mira has scurried off her lap.
Neither of them say anything for a moment.
“I am so sorry, Mikasa. Really. Believe it or not, the regret of it has literally taken over my entire being for the last, what? Four years? I…I should not have done that to you. You were my best friend, too. There was never a single moment I doubted that.”
Mikasa speaks softly. “It didn’t feel like that. I just don’t understand why.”
“It’s a lot to explain right now. Part of it was my dad’s job. Marley had better opportunities for him, I guess. But…some other things for me, personally, were just crazy in Shiganshina. I wasn’t well. At all. And I guess I couldn’t bear letting anyone see me like that. Not even you. Especially you.”
Mikasa’s eyebrows furrow a little and Violet sees her walls come down slightly.
She bites her lip. “We can talk about this more in the future. You don’t have to tell me now. I’m not here to make you feel worse, but I was really caught off guard. And I missed you.”
Violet holds back her tears and resists the urge to reach over to her. “I missed you more than you know. I’ve seen you around campus the last few months and I’ve been dying to say something to you, but I literally thought you hated my guts. Which you should.”
“I don’t hate you.” Mikasa shakes her head. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first saw you. Then I just…didn’t know what to say. But I don’t hate you.”
Violet feels her chest deflate and her shoulders drop in relief. She feels as if she could actually cry. Years of regret and not knowing whether or not her oldest friend hated her no longer pent up. Violet wants to hug her, but she decides against it for now. She simply sends Mikasa a smile that says enough.
“You don’t know how good it feels to hear you say that. And to talk to you again.”
Mikasa smiles back. It’s subtle, but Violet will take it.
“So…what made you transfer here? Were you at MarleyU before?”
“Yeah…” Violet sighs, watching Mira quietly walk around the kitchen area. “Did two years, and realized it wasn’t for me. Remember that summer intensive I did for photography like, sophomore year? It was that camp Shiganishina thing for high schoolers.”
“Yeah, it was run by Professor Zeke, right?”
Violet nods. “Yep. It was insane. I loved it. Zeke taught me so much. After a couple years at Marley, I realized why not come back to that, you know? Dip my toes again in something I really enjoyed, taught by a genius who already knew me somewhat.”
“Zeke is good. And I have nothing to do with the arts.” Mikasa smiles softly.
“What are you majoring in?”
Violet’s eyes widen as she looks at Mikasa. “Damn. Holy shit, Mikasa. Good for you.”
“Thanks. And you’re doing photography?”
“Communications. With a minor in photography. Nothing crazy.”
“Well, good for you, Vi. You’ve always been really talented with that stuff.” Mikasa looks at her with gentle eyes. Violet gets shy and doesn’t say much besides a quiet ‘thanks’. A couple seconds pass in silence.
“Well, thank you for saving my ass today. It’s been the most insane day, I can’t even explain it. My head is going to explode.” Violet groans, sitting back against the couch.
“What happened? Do you know Floch? Or Jean?”
Violet shakes her spinning head, with all the memories of today rushing back to her. Violet still can’t bring herself to explain what has happened in the last couple hours.
“No. I’ve spoken to Jean maybe twice in my life. Floch I remember from growing up here, but never spoke to him. I just…let’s say that I saw him doing stupid shit and I guess he knows I know.”
“If I ask what it was, are you gonna tell me?” Mikasa asks with a hint of harmless sarcasm in her voice.
“I want to. There’s just so much more to it. You would legitimately think I’m crazy.” Violet sighs. “How about this? Let me process today and if I wake up tomorrow and realize it all really happened, then I’ll tell you. I fear if I keep this to myself, I’m gonna lose my mind.”
Mikasa furrows her brows before nodding slowly. “Okay…you’re kind of worrying me. But okay.”
“Thank you.” Violet leans over and grips Mikasa’s hand. She doesn’t pull away, to Violet’s surprise. “And I am so glad to see you, Mikasa. I wanna be friends again, if that’s okay with you. Talking to you again feels right.”
Mikasa stutters for a second. But she pauses, then learns over and wraps her arms around Violet’s shoulders. Violet does not hesitate to hug back.
“Of course, Vi. You still owe me. But, of course.”
“Fair enough.” Violet smiles wide for the first time in a while.
Mikasa shuffles back again. “So, are you busy tonight?”
Violet has never been one to shy away from a good party. At least, not in college. Her high school self was always nestled in books and her studies, parties never an option for her.
Violet definitely found a way to…balance that, at Marley University. Ever since coming back to Shiganishina, Violet never really felt a reason to go out into the night scene. Besides, most of what was considered a party was pretty much just a Scouts event. Violet didn’t feel like it was her vibe.
Violet didn’t think a Scouts party would be MIkasa’s thing, either, but when she told Violet that the function that night was hosted at Eren Jaeger’s house, everything suddenly made sense.
Also, Violet is most definitely not passing up any opportunity to have Mikasa back in her life again. The girl is fully aware that it will be a long time before Mikasa warms up to her and trusts Violet again, but Violet takes what can get.
Hours later, Violet finds herself back at Mikasa’s apartment, but now dressed up for a party and liquor in her hand. Violet tugs on her denim short skirt before taking a seat at the stool by the kitchen counter.
Mikasa’s got music blasting from a speaker, and the lights are dimmed for ambiance to get the vibes going. Sasha Braus and Connie Springer pretend-wrestle each other in the corner of the room as Violet sips on her drink. She winces at the overbearing taste of tequila. Her hand definitely slipped when pouring. When Mikasa invited Violet over for pre-drinks before the party, Violet was in for a surprise when she realized Mikasa was also friends with the iconic Sasha-Connie duo. Armin decided a party wasn’t his scene tonight and opted to stay in. Violet was starting to remember how small Shiganshina is.
“Here, Vi. Try this.” Mikasa’s calm voice makes its way to Violet’s ears. Mikasa walks towards the girl and places a long necklace around Violet’s neck. Violet looks down at the borrowed necklace and smiles softly. It’s a big silver butterfly sitting on a long silver chain, hanging perfectly at Violet’s abdomen over her black tube top.
“I know you’ve always had a thing for butterflies.” Mikasa says genuinely.
“It’s perfect, thanks, Mikasa!” Violet sends her a wider smile, the couple drinks in her system already starting to affect her ever so slightly.
Fuck, I missed this. A fun pre-drinks before a party.
Violet is more than ready to put the events of today behind her. For now, at least. The alcohol would either repress what happened until tomorrow or…the exact opposite. Violet only prays it is the former.
“YEAHHH, VIOLET! SHOT!” Connie screams from across the apartment, scurrying over to place a shot of tequila in front of Violet, completely ignoring her nearly full drink already in Violet’s hand.
Connie was by far the drunkest so far, and they weren’t even walking over to Eren’s for another 45 minutes or so.
Violet laughs as Connie puts his arm around her shoulders, encouraging her with a wide smile. Violet only knew Connie and Sasha as a duo from a class they take together, but she cares for them deeply. The two have always been more than kind to her, bringing her treats in class and inviting her for a smoke after a study session.
“Connie, I already have a drink. With tequila.” Violet giggles. Mikasa watches with amused eyes.
Sasha pops up behind Connie. “Let’s all take a shot! Please!” She looks at Mikasa with her big, brown, puppy eyes. Mikasa’s clearly buzzed, too, because she gives in a little too quickly.
“Ah, fuck it.” Mikasa pours herself a shot. Connie and Sasha follow in suit.
Violet shrugs, lifting her little glass as the others do.
“Let’s fucking goooo!” Connie screams. He clumsily clinks his shot glass with the others and they all chug it back at once.
Violet winces at the burning sensation down her throat. She feels her head go light, the alcohol from her previous drinks already affecting her. She laughs almost involuntarily at everyone’s disgusted faces.
Oh, this will be interesting.
Eren Jaeger’s house is absolutely booming by the time Violet and her friends arrive. And Violet’s body is buzzing - with both alcohol, and excitement. She thoroughly enjoyed the pre-drinks a little too much. Reuniting with Mikasa again felt exhilarating, almost right. Violet knows their friendship has a long way to go, but she will take it. Mikasa is also more than kind to pretend like nothing happened between the two of them for tonight.
Sasha - already close to being shitfaced - drags Mikasa and Violet into the house by their hands. Violet giggles, adjusting her tube top before entering the house.
Violet can barely see. It’s dark, with some strobe lights as the entrance leads straight into a huge kitchen and living room. An insane entertaining space for anyone. There’s cups and bottles scattered everywhere. Bodies are sweaty and loud, taking up most of the open space.
“How does Eren afford this place?” Violet yells over the booming music.
“Rich parents. And Zeke funds him a little, I think.” Mikasa yells back, her eyes clearly searching the room for the special someone. Her words are only slurred a tiny bit.
Ah, that’s right. The Jaeger brothers. Professor Zeke mentions Eren very rarely. They seem a bit distant, which could be attributed to their glaringly different personalities and ages.
Connie suddenly waves his bright phone screen in the girls’ faces.
“They’re in the other room! C’mon, my ladies!”
Sasha and Mikasa immediately follow Connie, like this is a natural instinct at their parties. Who’s they? Eren, I presume?
The hallways reek sweat as they make their way through numerous people standing, talking, and some making out. A blonde head suddenly whips towards Violet.
“Bradley? No fucking way.” Annie Reinhart’s annoying monotone voice suddenly rings Violet’s ears. She’s standing there with Hitch, drink in hand, and annoying smirk on her face.
It seems the alcohol has more than taken effect because Violet rolls her eyes at Annie with barely any regard. Mikasa, Connie, and
Annie continues, “Since when do you go out?”
“Since when do you give a fuck? Leave me alone.” Violet turns around and continues through the hallway. Mikasa simple grabs Violet’s arm in solidarity.
“Y’all beef?” Connie asks a little too loudly.
“No, she beefs with me for some reason. I don’t know what her problem is. I barely know her!” Violet shakes her head.
“Fuck the haters.” Connie sticks a middle finger up. His eyes are bright red, even in the dimmed room.
Violet cackles as Mikasa shakes her head. “Corny.”
They finally enter a room off to the side. Seems like another den, full of couches, a beer pong table, and more people. Eren Jaeger stands up from the arm of a couch and waves the small group over.
Mikasa keeps her cool, but Violet can’t help but smirk a little bit as Mikasa’s grip on her arm gets slightly tighter. Violet will definitely wanna get more details on their history later on. She watches Mikasa walk over to Eren who wraps her in a sweet, yet tight hug. Eren doesn’t seem so…fratboy-ish all of a sudden.
Violet barely turns her head before she’s swept from her feet and into Reiner’s arms. Violet steadies herself in his arms before he sets her down again. His cheeks are red and he’s sweating. The goofy smile on his face and the unusual hug tells Violet he’s way past his alcohol limit.
“And I thought you said parties weren’t your thing, huh?”
Violet laughs, “Well, I needed it today. Today’s been a day-”
Her words are caught in her mouth when she sees Jean Kirstein sitting on the couch behind Reiner, staring right at Violet. His eyes are calm, but his hands are fiddling. He wears a white t-shirt and jeans, casual and comfy.
Seeing Jean again makes all the memories of earlier today rush back to Violet’s mind.
I saw him die. And then I went back in time and saved him. Now he’s here. And he’s everywhere. The alcohol makes her mind run a mile a minute.
Jean is the first to look away as he takes a sip from his drink and says something to Connie. Violet focuses again on Reiner’s slurred voice.
“Sit! Sit! Let me get you a drink! Whatchu want?” Reiner leads her to the crammed couch. Right next to Jean. Violet glances around the room but sees her friends way too deep in conversation.
“Um…anything with tequila, please?” Violet musters a smile. He gives her a thumbs up and strides towards a long table with a plethora of liquor bottles.
Violet feels the room spin slightly as she sits back against the couch and takes a deep breath, observing everyone’s conversations. She is way too aware of Jean’s arm basically touching her left one.
Connie pulls away from the conversation to go grab Sasha, and Jean suddenly turns his head to Violet. It takes Violet a full ten seconds to notice.
“Hey,” He says non-chalantly, “You were in the bathroom today, weren’t you?”
And Violet wants to throw up.
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