The alarm chimed softly at precisely 5:00 AM, though Mikasa had been awake for several minutes already.
Old habits died hard, and the instinct to rise before dawn had followed her from her previous life into this one.
She silenced the alarm and rose from bed in a single fluid motion, her bare feet making no sound as they touched the hardwood floor.
The room was still dark, the first hints of dawn barely visible through the curtains.
Mikasa moved through her morning routine with practiced efficiency. Twenty push-ups, thirty sit-ups, fifty squats.
A brief stretching sequence that combined elements from her military training in her past life with the new techniques Goku had been teaching her.
Her muscles responded with familiar readiness, though she noted they lacked the density and definition they had possessed in her previous existence.
This body had never fought titans. Had never used ODM gear. Had never killed.
After her exercises, she stood before her closet, assessing her options for the day.
Gotham Academy's uniform hung pressed and ready – a navy blazer with the school crest, a white button-up shirt, a plaid skirt, and knee-high socks.
So different from the military uniform she had once worn with pride, yet another type of armor in its own way.
Beside it hung her red scarf, carefully folded and preserved. She ran her fingers over the fabric, a brief moment of sentimentality before continuing with her preparations.
As she dressed, Mikasa mentally reviewed the day ahead. AP Calculus, World History, Literature, Physical Education, and a field trip to the Gotham Museum of Natural History in the afternoon.
A normal day for a normal teenager, which was precisely why she needed to be vigilant. Normal was unfamiliar territory, filled with social protocols and expectations she still struggled to navigate.
Before heading downstairs, Mikasa paused at Lelouch's door. She opened it silently, checking on him as she did every night.
As she had suspected, he was slumped over his desk, face pressed against his keyboard, computer screens still displaying maps and financial data for his nation-building project.
This was the third night this week she had found him like this.
She moved to his side, studying his face for a moment.
In sleep, the sharp calculation that usually defined his features was absent, replaced by a vulnerability that reminded her he was, despite his brilliant mind and ambitious plans, still just a teenager like her.
Reincarnated or not, they were all still growing into their new lives.
With gentle precision, Mikasa slid one arm under his knees and the other behind his shoulders, lifting him from the chair with practiced ease.
Lelouch stirred slightly but didn't wake as she carried him to his bed and laid him down carefully.
She removed his shoes and pulled the blanket over him, her movements economical yet tender.
"You work too hard," she whispered, though she knew he couldn't hear her. It was a ritual they had fallen into without discussion – Lelouch working himself to exhaustion, Mikasa ensuring he at least slept in a proper bed.
Before leaving, she switched off his computer monitors and adjusted the blinds to block the coming dawn.
These small acts of care were her way of showing affection – not through words, which had never come easily to her, but through actions.
Downstairs, the kitchen was quiet and dark. Mikasa prepared a simple breakfast of toast and eggs, setting aside portions for Mark and Lelouch.
As she ate, she reviewed her mental map of Gotham Academy, identifying potential security risks and escape routes.
Another habit from her previous life that she couldn't seem to break, even after months in this peaceful existence.
By 6:30, she heard movement upstairs – Goku, always the next to rise after her. His footsteps were light despite his size, another reminder of the power he contained within his seemingly ordinary frame.
"Good morning," he greeted as he entered the kitchen, his smile warm despite the early hour. "You're up early as usual."
"Good morning," she replied, pushing a plate toward him. "I made breakfast."
"Thank you, but I'll have to skip it today," Goku said, glancing at the clock. "I need to drive you, and I have errands to run afterward. I'll grab something on the way back."
Mikasa nodded, wrapping his portion in foil without comment. She had noticed Goku often skipped meals when he was concerned about them – a small sacrifice that spoke volumes about his priorities.
"How's Lelouch?" Goku asked, accepting the wrapped breakfast with a grateful nod. "I heard him typing well past midnight."
"Asleep. Finally," Mikasa replied. "I moved him from his desk to his bed."
Goku's expression softened with understanding. "You take good care of him."
Mikasa shrugged slightly. "He forgets to take care of himself when he's focused on a project."
"You all do," Goku observed with gentle humor. "It's a good thing you have each other." He paused, studying her with perceptive eyes. "And me."
The simple statement carried weight – an acknowledgment of the unusual family they had formed, bound by shared experiences of past lives and new beginnings.
"The museum field trip is today, right?" Goku asked, changing the subject.
Mikasa nodded. "The paleontology exhibit."
"Sounds interesting," Goku said, though his eyes held a hint of concern. "Large crowds. Public space. Will you be alright?"
The question might have seemed odd to anyone else, but Mikasa understood perfectly. Goku knew about her hypervigilance, her discomfort in crowded spaces where threats could come from any direction.
"I'll manage," she assured him. It wasn't the first time she had navigated such challenges in this new life.
Goku nodded, respecting her assessment. Unlike most adults, he never questioned her capabilities or treated her as less than capable. It was one of the many reasons she had come to trust him so completely.
"Barbara Gordon will be there," Mikasa added after a moment. "She's been... curious since the incident with Scarecrow."
"That's to be expected," Goku said thoughtfully. "She saw things that would be difficult to explain. How do you feel about her questions?"
Mikasa considered this. "She's intelligent. Observant. But not hostile." She paused. "She reminds me of someone I once knew."
"Just remember," he said instead, "you don't owe anyone explanations. Not even to friends. Certain things are simply yours to know only."
Mikasa nodded, appreciating his understanding.
"We should wake Mark soon," Goku said, glancing at the clock. "I need to leave in fifteen minutes to get you to school on time."
"I'll handle it," Mikasa replied, already rising from her seat. "Mark is easier to wake if I do it."
This was true – Mark had developed an unfortunate habit of throwing pillows at whoever disturbed his sleep, a habit Goku tolerated with amusement but that Mikasa addressed with firm efficiency.
She returned upstairs, stopping first at Lelouch's room. He was still asleep, but stirred as she opened the blinds, letting morning light filter into the room.
"Time to wake up," she said, her voice quiet but firm.
Lelouch opened his eyes slowly, confusion momentarily crossing his features as he registered being in his bed rather than at his desk.
Understanding dawned quickly, and he glanced at Mikasa with a mixture of gratitude and mild embarrassment.
"You carried me to bed again," he stated rather than asked.
"You fell asleep at your desk. Again," she countered, her tone matter-of-fact but not unkind.
Lelouch sat up, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Did you turn off my computers?"
"Yes. After saving your work."
A small smile touched his lips. "Always thorough."
"Someone has to be," she replied, but there was a hint of affection beneath the practicality. "Breakfast is ready downstairs. Goku is driving me to school early for the field trip."
Lelouch nodded, already reaching for his uniform. "Thank you, Mikasa."
The words were simple, but both understood they encompassed more than just thanks for waking him up.
It was gratitude for the small acts of care, for the vigilant protection, for the understanding that required no explanation.
Mikasa acknowledged this with a slight nod before moving to Mark's room.
As expected, waking him involved dodging a pillow and issuing what Goku jokingly called her "drill sergeant" commands until Mark finally stumbled out of bed, grumbling about "inhuman morning people."
By the time she returned downstairs, Goku was waiting by the door, car keys in hand and her school bag already prepared.
He had even remembered to include the permission slip for the field trip, signed and properly dated.
"Ready?" he asked.
Mikasa nodded, following him to the car. As they drove through the morning streets of Gotham, she noticed Goku occasionally glancing at her with thoughtful consideration.
"What is it?" she finally asked.
"I was just thinking about how far you've come," he said. "Adapting to this new life, this new world. It can't be easy, especially for someone with your... experiences."
Mikasa looked out the window, watching the Gothic architecture of the city pass by. "It's different," she acknowledged. "But not all differences are bad."
"No," Goku agreed, "they're not. Some are opportunities for growth. For new beginnings."
The conversation lapsed into comfortable silence as they approached Gotham Academy.
The imposing buildings loomed against the morning sky, more reminiscent of a medieval cathedral than a school.
Students filtered through the wrought iron gates, their navy uniforms creating a sea of dark blue against the gray stone.
"I'll pick you up after the field trip," Goku said as they pulled up to the entrance. "Around 4:30?"
Mikasa nodded. "Thank you for driving me."
"Of course," he replied with a warm smile. "No need to thank me so much Mikasa, as I've already said many times, that's what family does."
Mikasa felt a warm feeling bloom in her chest as she slowly nodded.
As she exited the car, she spotted Barbara Gordon approaching, her red hair vibrant against the muted colors of the uniform.
Unlike Mikasa, Barbara moved with natural confidence, smiling and greeting other students as she passed.
"See you this afternoon," Mikasa said to Goku before closing the car door.
He nodded, waiting until she had joined Barbara before driving away – another small act of protection that Mikasa noticed and appreciated.
"Good morning," Mikasa said as Barbara fell into step beside her.
"Morning! Ready for the museum trip? I heard they just added a new exhibit on prehistoric predators." Barbara's enthusiasm was genuine, her eyes bright with interest. "Though I'm guessing you've probably seen more impressive things."
The comment was casual but pointed – a reference to what Barbara had witnessed during the Scarecrow incident. Mikasa noted the subtle probe but chose not to engage with it directly.
"The Mesozoic era has interesting parallels to modern ecosystems," she replied instead, steering the conversation toward safer territory.
Barbara studied her for a moment, then nodded, accepting the deflection. "True. I'm particularly interested in the adaptive strategies of apex predators. The way they evolved to dominate their environments."
They entered the main building together, navigating the crowded hallway with different approaches – Barbara with social grace, greeting friends and acquaintances;
Mikasa with tactical precision, maintaining optimal distance from other students while keeping Barbara in her peripheral vision.
"We have AP Calc first, right?" Barbara asked as they approached their lockers.
Mikasa nodded, retrieving her textbooks with efficient movements.
As she closed her locker, she noticed a group of senior boys down the hall, their attention focused on a smaller freshman who was trying to retrieve books from his locker.
The seniors' postures registered immediately in her threat assessment – slightly hunched, encircling their target, voices low but tones aggressive.
"Excuse me," Mikasa said to Barbara, her eyes not leaving the scene.
Barbara followed her gaze and frowned. "The Thornton brothers and their friends. They've been harassing Jacob Finch for weeks."
Mikasa moved before Barbara could say anything else, her stride purposeful as she approached the group.
The senior boys didn't notice her until she was already among them, her presence suddenly impossible to ignore despite her small stature.
"Move," she said simply, her voice quiet but carrying an unmistakable edge.
The largest of the boys – presumably one of the Thornton brothers – turned with an amused expression that quickly faltered when he met Mikasa's gaze.
Something in her eyes – the cold, assessing look of a predator rather than prey – made him take an involuntary step back.
"We're just talking to our friend Jake here," another boy said, though his confident tone was undermined by the way he shifted his weight away from Mikasa.
"No, you're not," Mikasa replied.
She didn't raise her voice or make any threatening gestures. She simply stood there, radiating a calm certainty that seemed to unnerve the boys more than any shouting would have.
The freshman, Jacob, used the moment of distraction to close his locker and clutch his books to his chest, his eyes darting between Mikasa and the seniors with a mixture of confusion and hope.
"Whatever," the first Thornton brother finally said, trying to save face. "We've got better things to do anyway." He gestured to his friends, and the group retreated down the hallway, throwing glances back at Mikasa as they went.
"Thank you," Jacob said quietly, his voice barely audible.
Mikasa nodded once. "They won't bother you again." It wasn't a reassurance; it was a statement of fact.
Mikasa didn't like bullies and in fighting between people, since she herself was from a life where humans were believed to be near extinct, where they should have worked together rather than let petty grievances get in between them.
As she returned to Barbara, she noticed the redhead watching her with a curious expression.
"That was... effective," Barbara commented as they walked to class. "I've never seen the Thornton brothers back down so quickly. Usually, they only listen to teachers."
Mikasa shrugged slightly. "Bullies are predictable. They target those they perceive as weak and retreat when confronted with strength."
"And they definitely perceived strength in you," Barbara observed. "Though you barely said anything. It was more like... I don't know, an aura or something."
The comment hit closer to home than Barbara could know. In her previous life, Mikasa's reputation alone had often been enough to deter threats.
The same instincts that had made her a formidable soldier still manifested in her demeanor, despite her efforts to appear ordinary.
"We should get to class," Mikasa said, deflecting again.
Barbara nodded, respecting the boundary. "Sure. But that was really cool, what you did back there."
The morning classes passed without incident, though Mikasa remained hyperaware of her surroundings.
In Calculus, she solved differential equations with the same precision she had once used to calculate ODM gear trajectories.
In World History, she listened to discussions of wars and revolutions with the detached interest of someone who had experienced conflict firsthand.
During Literature, when the class discussed the theme of survival in "Lord of the Flies," she found herself thinking of walls and titans and the fragility of civilization.
The parallels were uncomfortably close, and she had to force herself to focus on the technical aspects of the novel rather than the memories it evoked.
By lunchtime, Mikasa had successfully maintained her civilian mask, though the effort left her mentally fatigued in a way that physical exertion never did.
She sat at her usual table in the corner of the cafeteria, positioning herself to observe all entrances while keeping her back to the wall.
Barbara joined her a few minutes later, setting down her tray with a smile. "Mind if I sit with you today? My usual group is obsessing over prom committee stuff, and I could use a break from color scheme debates."
Mikasa gestured to the empty seat across from her, neither encouraging nor discouraging the company.
"So," Barbara said as she sat down, "are you looking forward to the museum trip this afternoon?"
"It should be educational," Mikasa replied neutrally.
Barbara smiled at the response. "You know, most people would just say 'yes' or 'no' to that question."
"I'm not most people," Mikasa said, then immediately regretted the admission. It was the kind of statement that invited further questioning.
But Barbara surprised her. Instead of probing, she simply nodded. "I've noticed. That's not a bad thing, by the way."
They ate in silence for a few minutes before Barbara spoke again, her tone casual but her words carefully chosen.
"My dad says the earthquake during the Scarecrow incident registered on seismographs as far away as Boston. Scientists are baffled because Gotham isn't on any known fault lines."
Mikasa continued eating, her expression unchanged despite the obvious fishing for information.
"He also mentioned that several of Scarecrow's lab assistants were found unconscious, with no memory of how they got that way," Barbara continued.
"And the security cameras in that section of the building mysteriously malfunctioned during the exact timeframe of the incident."
Mikasa met Barbara's gaze steadily. "That sounds like something you should discuss with your father, not me."
Barbara held her gaze for a moment, then sighed. "Look, I'm not trying to put you on the spot. I just... what I saw that day doesn't make any sense.
Your guardian appeared out of nowhere, manipulated air like it was solid matter, and then teleported all of you away. That's not normal, even by Gotham standards. Even beyond that, with our crazy world."
"What do you want, Barbara?" Mikasa asked directly, her tone not hostile but firm.
Barbara considered the question carefully before answering. "I want to understand. But more than that, I want you to know that you can trust me.
Whatever's going on with you and your family... I'm not looking to expose it or cause problems. I'm just curious and am supposed to be your friend."
The sincerity in her voice gave Mikasa pause. In her previous life, trust had been a luxury afforded to very few.
Here, in this new existence, she had Goku, Mark, and Lelouch – her new family bound by the shared experience of remembering past lives.
The idea of extending that circle of trust to include someone else was both foreign and strangely appealing.
"I appreciate that," Mikasa said finally. "But there are things I prefer to keep to myself. Family matters."
Barbara seemed to consider this for a moment, then nodded. "I understand. Privacy is important."
"And some things aren't my secrets to share," Mikasa added.
Barbara nodded slowly, a new understanding dawning in her eyes. "That's fair. Family loyalty is something I get completely."
She took a bite of her lunch, considering her next words carefully. "My dad's the Commissioner, so I know all about keeping secrets that aren't mine to tell."
Mikasa tilted her head slightly, studying Barbara with renewed interest, seeing her understanding and acceptance.
She had always categorized the redhead as "potential ally" rather than "friend," (even though they've been called such by others) but perhaps that assessment needed revision.
"It must be difficult," Mikasa said after a moment. "Being the Commissioner's daughter."
Barbara looked surprised at the observation. "Sometimes. Everyone expects me to either be a rule-following robot or to rebel completely." She smiled ruefully. "The truth is somewhere in between, I guess."
"People make assumptions based on limited information," Mikasa agreed, thinking of her own experiences in both lives.
In her previous existence, she had been labeled "Eren's protector" as if that encompassed her entire identity. Here, she was often dismissed as "the quiet one" or "the serious girl."
"Exactly!" Barbara's eyes lit up with the enthusiasm of being understood. "Like how everyone assumes I want to follow my dad into law enforcement. Don't get me wrong, I respect what he does, but..."
"You want to find your own path," Mikasa finished for her.
"Yes." Barbara studied Mikasa with newfound appreciation. "You know, for someone who doesn't say much, you understand a lot."
Mikasa allowed herself a small shrug. "I observe."
"That you do." Barbara glanced around the cafeteria, then leaned forward slightly. "So, about the museum trip this afternoon - I heard Dr. Langstrom himself might be giving part of the tour.
He's this brilliant zoologist who specializes in chiroptera - bats," she clarified. "His research on echolocation is groundbreaking."
Mikasa recognized the deliberate change of subject and appreciated it. "You're interested in zoology?"
"Among other things," Barbara replied with a smile. "I'm interested in a lot of fields, actually. Computer science, criminology, library science, martial arts..."
"Martial arts?" Mikasa's interest was genuinely piqued now. "What styles?"
"Judo, mostly," Barbara said. "Some Aikido and Krav Maga. I started taking classes after..." She hesitated.
"After an incident a few years ago. Self-defense seemed like a good idea in Gotham."
Mikasa nodded, understanding completely. "It is."
"My instructor says I have natural talent, but I'm still nowhere near black belt level," Barbara continued. "What about you? You move like someone who's had training."
It was a subtle probe, but not an invasive one. Mikasa considered her response carefully. "I've studied various disciplines," she said truthfully. "My guardian believes in being prepared."
"Your guardian," Barbara repeated thoughtfully. "Goku, right? He seems... interesting."
"He is," Mikasa agreed, offering nothing more.
Barbara smiled at the minimal response. "You know, most people would elaborate on that."
"I'm not most people," Mikasa repeated her earlier statement, but this time with the faintest hint of a smile.
Barbara laughed, a genuine sound that drew glances from nearby tables. "No, you definitely aren't. And I think that's why we get along."
The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch period. As they gathered their trays, Barbara said, "We should train together sometime. I'd love to see what you can do."
Mikasa considered the invitation. In her previous life, training had been a solitary activity or something shared only with fellow soldiers. The idea of practicing with someone from this peaceful existence was novel.
"Perhaps," she said finally. "Though I should warn you, I don't hold back."
Barbara's eyes sparkled with challenge. "Good. Neither do I."
As they walked to their lockers to prepare for the museum trip, Mikasa found herself evaluating Barbara in a new light.
The Commissioner's daughter was observant, intelligent, and respectful of boundaries despite her curiosity. Those were rare qualities, in any world.
"The buses should be arriving soon," Barbara said as they retrieved their jackets. "Want to sit together?"
Mikasa nodded, surprising herself with how easily she accepted the invitation. Perhaps this was part of adapting to her new life - allowing connections that weren't forged in blood and battle.
Outside, students were already lining up for the field trip, chattering excitedly about the exhibits they were most looking forward to seeing.
Ms. Bertinelli, their Literature teacher and the trip's chaperone, was checking names off a clipboard with military precision.
"Ackerman, Gordon, you're on Bus 2," she announced as they approached. "And please remind your classmates that this is an educational excursion, not a social outing."
"Yes, Ms. Bertinelli," they replied in unison.
As they boarded the bus, Mikasa automatically chose a seat near the emergency exit, her eyes scanning the vehicle for potential threats before settling. Barbara slid in beside her, seemingly unperturbed by Mikasa's security assessment.
"I do that too," Barbara said quietly as the bus filled with other students. "Check exits, I mean. My dad taught me to always be aware of my surroundings."
Mikasa glanced at her, surprised by the observation. "It's a good habit."
"In Gotham? It's practically a survival skill." Barbara's tone was light, but her eyes held understanding. "This city has a way of teaching you to expect the unexpected."
The buses pulled away from Gotham Academy, heading toward the Museum of Natural History in the heart of the city.
Through the window, Mikasa watched the Gothic architecture give way to more modern buildings as they approached the museum district.
"You know," Barbara said after a few minutes of comfortable silence, "my dad always says you can tell a lot about a person by how they react in a crisis."
Mikasa turned her attention from the window to Barbara, sensing the conversation was circling back to the Scarecrow incident.
"During that... situation at the university," Barbara continued carefully, "most people fell apart. Even I was struggling. But you stayed focused, protective. Like you'd faced worse."
It wasn't quite a question, but the implication was clear. Mikasa considered her response, balancing truth with discretion.
"Everyone has their own battles," she said finally. "Some are just more visible than others."
Barbara studied her for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "I guess we all have our stories. Things that shape us." She looked out the window, her expression thoughtful.
"Sometimes I wonder what makes someone choose to help others when they could just save themselves."
"Instinct," Mikasa replied without hesitation. "Protection is... natural for some."
"For you," Barbara observed.
Mikasa didn't deny it. In both her lives, protection had been her primary drive - first Eren, then her new family. It was woven into the fabric of her being, as essential as breathing.
"You protected that freshman today," Barbara pointed out. "Jacob Finch. You didn't even know him."
"He needed help," Mikasa said simply. "I could provide it."
"Just like that? No hesitation, no weighing the consequences?"
Mikasa considered this. "There were no significant risks. The Thornton brothers are physically imposing but ultimately cowardly. They rely on intimidation rather than actual violence."
Barbara laughed softly. "You sound like you were conducting a tactical assessment."
"Wasn't I?" Mikasa replied, allowing herself another small smile.
The bus pulled up to the museum entrance, a grand neoclassical building with massive columns and wide stone steps.
Students began gathering their belongings, the excited chatter increasing as they prepared to disembark.
"Stay with your assigned partners," Ms. Bertinelli called over the noise. "Remember, you're representing Gotham Academy. Behavior accordingly."
As they filed off the bus, Barbara turned to Mikasa. "Partners?" she asked, extending her hand with a smile.
Mikasa looked at the offered hand, then at Barbara's open, friendly expression. In her previous life, trust had been a rare commodity, extended only after life-or-death situations had proven someone's loyalty.
But this was a different world. A different life. Perhaps different rules applied.
She took Barbara's hand, feeling the calluses that spoke of dedicated martial arts training. "Partners," she agreed.
The museum tour proceeded without incident, much to Mikasa's relief.
Dr. Langstrom's presentation on bat evolution was indeed fascinating, and even Mikasa found herself engaged by his passionate explanations of echolocation and adaptive wing structures.
Throughout the afternoon, she maintained her vigilance, but it was less consuming than usual.
Barbara's presence beside her was oddly grounding - a reminder that not every situation required combat readiness.
As they examined a display of prehistoric predators, Barbara leaned closer to Mikasa. "You know what's funny? These creatures were apex predators in their time - the most dangerous things on Earth. Now they're just bones in a museum."
Mikasa studied the massive Tyrannosaurus skull, its teeth still sharp after millions of years. "Everything ends eventually," she said quietly. "Even the strongest."
"That's... both depressing and comforting, somehow," Barbara replied thoughtfully.
"It's reality," Mikasa said. "Understanding it helps you appreciate what you have now."
Barbara looked at her with renewed interest. "That's a profound perspective for a high school student."
Mikasa simply shrugged, unwilling to explain that her outlook had been shaped by witnessing the fall of humanity's strongest warriors, by losing everything and everyone she had ever loved.
As the tour concluded and students began gathering for the return trip, Barbara touched Mikasa's arm lightly. "Thanks for being my partner today. I know you prefer keeping to yourself usually."
For Mikasa indeed did. Despite their apparent friendship, Mikasa has always been distant with Barbara in a non-malicious way,
it being the cause for Barbara's immense interest in the Scarecrow situation for finally she had something that could possibly bring them closer,
for Barbara truly wanted Mikasa as a friend, for she liked her personality despite her apparent coldness.
"It was... pleasant," Mikasa admitted, surprising herself with the sincerity of the statement.
Barbara beamed. "High praise coming from you. We should do it again sometime - maybe that training session we talked about?"
Mikasa considered the invitation.
A part of her - the cautious, protective part that had kept her alive through countless battles - warned against forming attachments outside her immediate family.
But another part, perhaps the part that belonged more to this new life than her previous one, was curious about what true friendship with someone like Barbara might offer.
"Saturday morning," she said finally. "There's a training room in our basement. If you're serious."
Barbara's eyes lit up with genuine excitement. "Absolutely! What time?"
"Seven."
"In the morning?" Barbara's enthusiasm dimmed slightly, but she rallied quickly. "Alright, seven it is. Should I bring anything?"
"Just appropriate clothing," Mikasa replied. "And be prepared. I meant what I said about not holding back."
Barbara's smile turned determined. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
As they boarded the bus for the return journey, Mikasa found herself contemplating this new development.
Friendship had never been a priority for her - survival had always taken precedence. But perhaps in this world, where titans didn't roam and walls weren't necessary, different priorities could emerge.
Perhaps adaptation meant more than just learning to navigate school hallways and social protocols. Perhaps it also meant allowing new connections, new experiences, new ways of being.
The bus pulled away from the museum, heading back toward Gotham Academy.
Through the window, Mikasa could see Goku's car already waiting in the parking lot, exactly as promised. His reliability was one of the many qualities that had earned her trust and respect.
"Is that your guardian?" Barbara asked following her gaze, trying to strike up conversation once more, since she already knew it was.
Mikasa nodded. "He's always punctual."
"That's nice," Barbara said softly. "Having someone who's always there when they say they'll be."
There was something in her tone - a hint of longing, perhaps - that caught Mikasa's attention. She studied Barbara more carefully, noting the slight tension around her eyes despite her smile.
"Your father is often busy," Mikasa observed, not a question but a statement.
Barbara nodded. "The job comes first. I understand why, but..." She trailed off, then shrugged. "It's fine. I'm used to it."
Mikasa recognized the deflection - it was one she herself had used many times. Without overthinking, she said, "You could join us for dinner sometime. If you wanted."
The offer surprised them both. Barbara's eyes widened slightly before her expression warmed with genuine pleasure. "I'd like that. Thank you."
As the bus pulled into the school parking lot, Mikasa found herself experiencing an unfamiliar sensation - the quiet satisfaction of having made a connection on her own terms, not out of necessity or shared trauma, but simply because she chose to.
It was a small step, perhaps, but significant in its own way. Another adaptation to this new life, another choice that was entirely her own.
And as she bid goodbye to Barbara and walked toward Goku's waiting car, Mikasa allowed herself to acknowledge that not all changes were unwelcome.
Some, in fact, might even be good.
----------------------
(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the chapter!
Mikasa is a litte difficult to write. Lelouch and me are alike a lot as you've probably seen from my other fanfics, so I can get into his head easier.
Mark evokes a lot of empathy, and all that which makes me understand him a lot - not that Mikasa doesn't, but I've always had trouble writing girls, so I hope her and Barbara were written well this chapter.
I wrote Mikasa formal, cause that is a way to keep distance, and Mikasa with those who aren't immediate family, like Eren and Armin were, like Goku, Lelouch and Mark are now, is natural for her to be distant because of her war experience.
So yeah, that's all I wished to say. Do tell me how you found it and I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)