"Is it time already?"
Lock's expression was complicated. He stood beside Grisha in the quiet hallway of the headquarters. From the window, the soft afternoon light spilled over the man who had given him guidance, shelter, and trust.
Grisha's voice was gentle but tinged with sadness.
"There are only three months left. I'm sorry, Lock. I may not be able to help you much longer. I want to spend whatever time I have with my family."
His eyes drifted toward Dina Fritz, who waited silently beside him.
"Come home with me tonight," Grisha said softly.
Dina blinked, her voice trembling.
"Ca… can I?"
She had learned everything—about Grisha's years on Paradis, about Carla, about Eren. She did not show hatred or jealousy. Only a quiet ache… and longing for the son she lost long ago.
Even Zeke.
Even after betrayal, he remained her child.
Grisha smiled.
"Of course. Carla will understand. And… what we've been hiding must be brought to light. Lock—when the time comes—you'll help explain everything to the people, right?"
Lock nodded without hesitation.
"Of course. They have the right to know."
Information control wasn't meant to deceive the island forever—only to ensure the truth was introduced steadily, safely. Once people understood the reality of Eldians, Marley, and the Titans, plans could finally move forward.
Grisha exhaled in relief.
"Thank you."
Lock shook his head.
"This is what I should do."
Then he paused and asked quietly,
"Does Eren know yet?"
"Not yet," Grisha admitted. "I planned to tell him tonight."
Lock hesitated.
"I'll come too. But… try not to cause too much noise."
He had wanted to dissuade Grisha from forcing Eren to inherit the Attack Titan. But one look at Grisha's resolute eyes silenced him. Some destinies… belonged to the Yeager name.
Grisha nodded. "Alright."
Silence fell as the three of them stepped outside.
They walked through the streets—busy workers rebuilding houses, children running between stands, people smiling with the first warmth they'd felt in years. The peace felt surreal.
Dina watched everything with wide, absorbed eyes. Grisha explained each landmark, each custom, each new change slowly and patiently.
Lock walked behind them, watching their quiet, intimate steps, and felt a pang of envy.
When will I meet someone like that?
One home.
Two people.
Three meals.
Four seasons.
A life shared from sunrise to dusk… until silver hair.
The thought warmed him, then embarrassed him. He shook his head sharply, pushing the fantasy aside and catching up before he drifted too far behind.
They reached the Yeager household.
Carla stood at the doorway, apron tied over her dress, clearly mid-preparation for dinner. She froze when Grisha approached with Dina beside him.
But she did not shout.
She did not cry.
She simply stared, breath held in her chest.
Grisha squeezed Dina's hand.
Lock swallowed.
"Are you sure you're not afraid of Aunt Carla getting angry?"
But Grisha only smiled, then stepped through the door.
Lock followed.
"Dad!!!"
Eren bolted from the living room, barreling straight into Lock's leg instead.
Mikasa trailed behind, quiet as always but strangely brighter when Lock entered the house.
"Brother Lock!"
"Lock!"
Both children grabbed his hands. Lock chuckled and ruffled their hair, earning simultaneous squints of contentment.
But Eren quickly snapped back to alertness.
"Hey—who's the pretty lady with Dad?!"
Lock's mouth twitched.
"'Pretty lady'… She's your father's first wife. So maybe… don't call her aunt."
"What?!"
Eren and Mikasa's voices overlapped.
Mikasa bolted inside instantly. Eren hesitated, then ran after her.
Lock stayed outside.
This is their family matter. Barging in would be inappropriate.
He waited.
There was no shouting. No crying. Only murmurs from inside.
But behind him came a warm, familiar laugh.
"Lock! Why are you standing out here? Aren't you going in?"
Uncle Hannes approached with a packet of dried fish, his walk relaxed, his eyes soft.
"Let's go together," Lock said.
Hannes chuckled.
"That kid—look at you now. Commander of the Survey Corps. You've become a living legend. All of Shiganshina, even half of Wall Sina, talks about you."
Lock smiled modestly.
"No matter how powerful I am, I started as your apprentice. So technically, Uncle Hannes… you're more impressive than me."
Hannes puffed out his chest.
"Of course!"
Then his expression softened.
"But Lock… don't let people down. Your decisions now affect the whole island. You carry more than you think."
Lock nodded.
"I know."
They stepped inside.
The scene surprised him.
Eren and Mikasa sat quietly, still confused but calm.
Carla, Dina, and Hannes's wife, Marth, were seated together, talking.
Laughing, even.
Grisha stood awkwardly in the corner, clearly overwhelmed.
Carla noticed Lock enter and smiled warmly.
"Lock, come in. This is Dina."
Lock bowed slightly.
"Aunt Dina."
Dina returned a gentle nod, relief flooding her expression.
She had feared rejection. Instead, she found acceptance.
A fragile but real peace.
And Lock realized something:
This household, once divided by fate and tragedy, had taken its first step toward healing.
Tomorrow would be difficult.
Next month would be dangerous.
And the future would be a battlefield.
But tonight—
Tonight was a beginning.
And beginnings mattered.
---
A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
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