Chapter Text
Day 1:
Innocence
It’s no surprise that the only reason Marco has to be here running laps around the perimeter of the training grounds is because Jean had thought it would be a good idea to start another fight with Eren. One that had escalated to include dragging not only Marco into this, but as well as half the trainee corp cadets and the only meals they’d be getting for the rest of the day.
It could’ve been worse. At least the sun was tucked behind a layer of clouds, thankfully none of which looked like they harbored rain, and he wasn’t running around alone. Although it was unfair that half of his classmates also had to be running with him. Annie and Reiner had both given their distaste towards Jean, and even the slightly annoyed look on Bertholdt’s usually calm face made Marco cringe. He’d have to give another round of apologies as soon as their punishment was over.
"You’re going to have a hard time today aren’t you Marco?"
His gaze snapped up from watching his feet pound against the floor to catch the bounce of pigtails and smile pointed in his direction. Mina’s face was flushed, the toll of such a long run evident on her face.
"You too?! Mina I’m so sorry about that! I didn’t think Jean would go so far—"
Her laughter sounded sweet against his ears as he patted his shoulder gently. “Don’t worry about it Marco, it happens to all of us.”
"Still…"
She smiled again. It was a struggle to keep up with Marco, his longer legs and better physique made this run much easier for him. Still, she never got around to spending the time she wanted with him. “Really. Besides, if he hadn’t gotten all of us in trouble, we couldn’t talk right?”
The smile was all she needed.
"You’re right! I guess, it’s not all bad."
"See Marco? It’s been too long since we’ve talked, I’ve kind of missed it." She turned her head back to focus on the dust clouds of the other runners in front of them, cheeks slightly puffed out as she tried to steady her breath.
"Me too. Training with the 3DMG, and being friends with Jean.. It kind of takes up all my time." Marco gave a small nervous laugh as he slowed his pace down. He notice her struggles, and even if he could get chewed out for taking it easy on punishment, it was only so he could watch her.
"I know how it is. Annie’s kind of got my time tangled up too."
"Say, let’s just go back to first day Trainees. Innocent kids of 13 and 14."
"Well, if that’s the case, It’s nice to meet you, I’m Mina Carolina."
"Nice to meet you Mina Carolina. Marco Bodt. Tell me all about you."