A meal shared-II

He wasn't used to this level of kindness, and it felt foreign yet so welcoming.

"Come on, you need to eat!" Mikasa said, practically bouncing on her toes. She hurried to the table, her excitement contagious. "Dad made stew, and it smells amazing!"

Alaric followed her to the table, his heart racing with an odd blend of apprehension and delight. He sat down, taking in the scene before him: a family gathered around a meal, laughter echoing off the walls. It felt almost surreal. He hesitated for a moment, fingers hovering above the bowl in front of him. Would this happiness last?

Kurumi served the stew, her movements graceful and practiced. "I hope you like it," she said, her tone warm and inviting. "Yuuta always tries to add a little extra flavor for everyone."

As Alaric took his first bite, the flavors exploded in his mouth, rich and savory, like a comforting blanket against the chill of the outside world. He couldn't suppress a smile as he savored the stew, realizing how much he had missed simple pleasures like this. "This is incredible," he said, genuinely impressed. "You're a great cook, Yuuta."

"Thanks! I'm glad you like it," Yuuta replied, visibly pleased. "I've been honing my skills for years. It's about all I can do right now."

As they ate, Mikasa shared stories about her day, her eyes lighting up as she talked about the things she had seen. "We saw some kids playing by the river," she said, her voice animated. "They were trying to catch fish, but it was hilarious because they kept falling in!"

Alaric couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. "Sounds like a lot of fun. Did you help them?"

"No," she said with a playful pout. "But I wanted to! I thought about showing them how to catch fish, but Mom said we should come home and help Dad instead."

"That was probably a good idea," Kurumi chimed in. "You wouldn't want to miss dinner, would you?"

Mikasa shrugged, still beaming. "Dinner is good, but I want to catch a fish next time!"

Alaric watched her with admiration. Despite the weight of the world outside, here was this little girl, full of dreams and the innocence of childhood. It reminded him of how he used to be—before everything changed. He yearned for that simplicity, for moments where laughter and joy were not overshadowed by darkness.

"So, Alaric," Yuuta said, pulling him from his thoughts, "what do you like to do for fun? Other than hiding in the forest, I mean."

Alaric hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He didn't want to reveal his past or the strange powers lurking beneath his skin. But maybe he could share a little bit of himself without exposing everything. "I used to like drawing and reading a lot," he admitted, keeping his voice light. "I liked to create stories and escape into different worlds. It helped me… forget."

"Drawing?" Mikasa's eyes widened in delight. "That's so cool! I want to see your drawings! Can you show me?"

Her enthusiasm warmed Alaric's heart. "I can try. I'm not as good as I used to be, but I'd love to share."

"Great! Maybe we can draw together!" Mikasa suggested, her excitement bubbling over. "I'm not very good at it, but I love trying!"

"Yeah, I'd like that," Alaric replied, feeling a sense of comfort in the idea. Maybe drawing together could help bridge the gap between their worlds.

"I think you'll enjoy it," Yuuta said, a smile on his face. "Mikasa is always trying to improve. She's very determined."

"I want to be strong," Mikasa declared, her small fists clenched in determination. "Like the soldiers who fight the titans. I want to protect the people I love."

Alaric's heart ached at her words, recalling the struggle for survival that plagued them all. "You will be strong, Mikasa," he said, his voice earnest. "I can tell you have it in you."

Mikasa beamed at the compliment, her cheeks flushing with pride. "Thanks, Alaric! I'll make sure to train really hard!"

Kurumi chuckled softly. "You already have a strong spirit, Mikasa. Just remember that strength comes in many forms—not just physical."

Alaric couldn't help but agree. "Yeah, and being strong means knowing when to fight and when to stand back. It's about protecting those who can't protect themselves."

Mikasa nodded thoughtfully, her expression shifting to one of contemplation. "I want to protect everyone, not just myself. I want to be like the heroes in stories."

"They're good heroes," Alaric said, remembering how he had always admired those characters, how they had inspired him to keep going, to survive. "But heroes also have to carry a heavy burden. They face hard choices."

"What kind of choices?" Mikasa asked, her brow furrowing as she leaned closer, her curiosity palpable.

Alaric hesitated. "Sometimes, they have to choose between their own desires and what's best for others. It can be really difficult." He met her gaze, trying to convey the weight of his words without burdening her innocence.

"I'd choose to protect everyone," Mikasa said resolutely, her determination shining through. "I won't let anyone get hurt if I can help it!"

"That's a noble goal," Yuuta said, his voice filled with pride. "But remember, even the strongest heroes need help. Don't be afraid to lean on those around you."

Alaric found himself nodding in agreement. "Exactly. None of us can do it alone. We all need a little support, even when we're strong."

A moment of silence settled over the table, each of them lost in their thoughts, reflecting on the words shared. Alaric felt a swell of gratitude for this family, for their openness, their willingness to include him.

As the meal continued, laughter filled the air, echoing against the walls of the small home. Alaric found himself slowly relaxing, the warmth of the stew and the company making him feel lighter, as if a burden was being lifted.

"You have to tell us more about your drawings, Alaric!" Mikasa insisted, breaking the silence again. "Maybe we can make a whole book of stories together!"

"Yeah, I can start a new adventure," Alaric said, feeling a spark of creativity ignite within him. "We could create our own characters, heroes who battle titans!"

Kurumi smiled at the thought. "That sounds wonderful! Stories can take us anywhere we want to go."

"Then it's settled!" Mikasa declared, clapping her hands together. "Tomorrow, we'll start our adventure!"

Just as Alaric was about to respond, he noticed something shift in Mikasa's expression. Her playful demeanor momentarily faded, replaced by a shadow of concern. "But… what if it's too dangerous?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Alaric's heart sank at her vulnerability. "Danger is everywhere, Mikasa. But we can face it together. You won't be alone."

The resolve in her gaze returned, stronger than before. "Together," she echoed. "We'll make it through anything."

"Together," Alaric affirmed, a sense of camaraderie growing between them.

As the evening wore on, they shared stories, laughter, and dreams that intertwined, each one weaving a tapestry of connection. For the first time in a long while, Alaric felt like he could breathe—like he had a place, a reason to hope.

Outside, the world may have been filled with darkness, but inside, there was light—a flicker of possibility that shone brightly against the shadows.

And for Alaric, that light was worth everything.