Because Of You

Chapter 45

"Excuse me?" He challenged, clearly not used to being opposed by his subordinates.

"My squad hasn't rested for days, we haven't eaten, haven't showered, and haven't had a moment to consider the sacrifices we made." She continued. "We did this in order to protect the scouts. So, each of us deserve at least a days rest before returning to our duties."

Erwin looked at her sceptically, assuming she'd eventually give in and do the paperwork - he was greatly underestimating her. Eventually, after the staring match had reached a clear standpoint, Erwin realised the problem. Her glares, her hatred, her distance from him - it all added up.

She knew.

"I'll allow it, however tomorrow each of you shall continue your duties and write up the reports." He gave in, the squad held in their smiles at their victory as Carmen turned away from the Commander - not even sparing him a thank you.

After descending the wall, the lively members of her squad celebrated, thanking Carmen profusely. "You should use this time wisely, we're headed back to one of our older bases so you'll each be in shared bedrooms. Make sure to keep them clean - Levi tends to do checks once a month."

"He's such a clean freak, is he a germyphobe?" Sasha asked curiously, complaining about the duties that they each had to endure.

"A germyphobe?" Connie questioned, confused. "What's that?"

Sasha only smirked. "An idiot like you wouldn't understand." She teased.

"Sasha, I told you that's not how you say it." Armin corrected. "It's germaphobe."

"It's not that he's scared of them." Carmen intervened as she mounted her horse, the others following. "He just doesn't like unclean environments." She added on, remembering a piece of informations she'd heard him say once. His past in the underground added some logic to her theory.

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Within no time, the squad arrived at their base, being the only ones there other than a few injured scouts. They each took the opportunity by claiming rooms, the girls in one while the boys were placed in a room right beside them. It made things easier for everyone.

Quickly, Carmen unpacked her bag, claiming the bed closest to the doorway. Her main goal was to get rid of the evidence of her hardships in the prison, everything was red and bruised, she also had a few wounds that needed to be tended to.

"Hm, guess I did get a bit roughed up." The woman leaned towards the shower room mirror, observing the large bruise over her eye, her busted lip and the blood that was stained over her chin. She wasn't a pretty sight, in all honesty, she didn't know why anyone bothered looking at her when her appearance matched that of a corpse.

At least most the blood wasn't hers, the stains on her face were likely from her fight with Helga. Plus, her vision was still clear despite the black eye. It was mostly her cuts that posed the worst threats, although they'd stopped bleeding, they were quite deep.

Taking off her black shirt, she looked at the damage that Helga did to her torso. Bruising was all over her body, though thankfully, her muscles had managed to combat most of Helga's blows.

After removing everything else, Carmen stepped into the shower letting the cold water wash away the red from her skin. She stood there for a while, taking her time before stepping out and grabbing a towel. Her clothes were casual, a simple long navy blue skirt and a brown shirt, she was comfortable and that's all that mattered.

"What're you gonna do today, Carmen?" Sasha questioned her as she stepped into their shared room.

"I promised Levi that I'd rest." The woman replied as she rummaged through her clothes, grabbing the things of importance and placing them into her clothing drawer - including her list.

"So you're just going to sleep all day?" The girl wondered, she seemed disappointed by Carmens answer.

"I might read a book or something, but I haven't slept in a while." It was true, she hadn't slept in what felt like forever, at first she stayed awake to protect her squad in the cottage - the constant threats from the dolls kept her up at night. Then, when they lost Eren, she didn't have the opportunity.

Maybe she'd feel better after a bit of rest? It could potentially put her mind at ease, or even take away the images of the girls she massacred? Though, she doubted that she'd forget so easily.

"Some of us are going to the market if you want anything?"

"No thanks, you guys should enjoy yourselves while you're out." The woman declined. "Eren can't go with you, it's too dangerous."

"Mikasa's with him right now, they're in his room." Sasha winked, but Carmen doubted that anything was going on between the two, for some reason, Eren never recognised Mikasa's feelings for him - always pushing the thought aside.

After smiling suggestively, Sasha left the room, saying her goodbyes and finally allowing Carmen a moment in peace. Setting her head onto her pillow, the woman's eyes gradually closed, engulfing her into the sleep her body craved.

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Mostly just a filler chapter but it established the relationship between the squad and Carmen. She kinda acts like their mother most of the time.

I also did a personality quiz and answered the questions based on how how I view Carmen's character. She's an ISTJ - which is quite fitting.