I'm going to start to try to add in more interaction with Eren's group, for people who like them more than Jean/Connie/Sasha or Reiner/Bertolt. Also, I *might* bring back a character that shouldn't be able to be in this story (a canon character at that). As always, reviews, comments/questions and constructive criticism are/is welcome.

By the time dinner was being served, Hiro and Allen had made their way to the mess hall hand in hand. Daniel, Tsuna and William had engaged themselves in several extensive conversations until William was dragged away by Amy, who wanted some couple time. And eventually Gumpert had found Tsuna and they were currently waiting in line for food.

"Did you have a good class today?" Gumpert tried to start a conversation, breaking the mostly peaceful quiet that had enveloped the two of them.

"Yea, I guess. I don't care for class work too much" Tsuna said with a shrug. "How was your class?"

"Oh, mine was fine. I had biology and anatomy so it was pretty uneventful" Gumpert could even talk about classes with a smile, something really must be wrong with him Tsuna thought to herself, half joking and half serious.

"Better than history" Tsuna scoffed just at the idea of that class.

"You don't like history? It's a very easy class" Gumpert looked somewhat surprised, but only half-heartedly.

"Well it's not that it's hard, I just don't think learning about humanities last hundred years of imprisonment is very interesting."

"Hmm," Gumpert seemed to be contemplating something, "I think it would be better if they would teach us about what happened before the walls- no, before the titans actually." After a few seconds Gumpert looked down at Tsuna with an expression of surprise and a hint of worry, "Oh, but please don't go around telling people I said that, I wouldn't want to go to prison or end up worse, you know" Gumpert offered a sheepish yet charming smile as he rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.

"Of course I won't, I completely agree with you" Tsuna was both impressed and shocked that Gumpert actually said and thought those things. She never pegged him for that type of guy. "Hey, um, do you know Colin?" Tsuna asked. She wanted to make sure that Gumpert wasn't just trying to sound cool but actually had just gotten the idea from her conversation with Colin earlier that day.

"Colin? Oh, you mean the tall, shy fellow?" Gumpert seemed to be genuine in his curiosity.

"Yea, with the blondish hair?"

"Well, I wouldn't say I know him, but I have seen him around. Not that I have something against him, but, he just doesn't seem like the type of guy I could easily talk to" Gumpert said with a more natural smile, he looked fairly attractive when he sincerely smiled, even Tsuna would admit to that much. "Why do you ask?" His question caught Tsuna off guard.

"Oh, uh, well I just had a conversation about the same kinda thing earlier in class with him and it just made me wonder if maybe you two were friends" Tsuna gave an uneasy sort of chuckle that she hoped wasn't obvious.

"Oh, well fancy that" Gumpert said, his 'perfect' smile back in place. They had reached the front of the line by now so the conversation was, fortunately, interrupted before things got awkward. After gathering their food, Tsuna followed Gumpert to a table that she didn't usually set at and that she assumed was Gumpert's usual meal time hang out. Tsuna noticed Sierra and Meg were both seated at the table and that things could get kind of messy. Before any of that could happen though, Gumpert smiled at both the girls.

"Hello ladies" he greeted both of them with a small nod of his head. "Would you mind if Tsuna and I sat here?" Tsuna couldn't pin-point it, but something was off about the way he was speaking. His tone had this minuscule difference to it that actually seemed worlds apart from how he usually spoke. Not only that, but the two girls were both slightly taken aback.

"Um, s-sure, Gumpert" Sierra stuttered, her eyes were practically glued to the blonde's face but instead of the usual admiration there was that uneasiness.

"Yea, of course" Meg also muttered, her eyes were everywhere except Gumpert's face. Both girls stood to leave, giving quiet goodbyes to the boy, and fairly intense glares towards Tsuna, before leaving to eat somewhere else. Tsuna was about to ask Gumpert what he did to make those girls hop on the looney wagon but he spoke first.

"Please, have a seat Tsuna" He said as he gestured towards the end part of the bench, presumptuously across from where he would sit. Tsuna took a second to register what he had said before giving a small 'Oh!' and quickly sitting down. After Tsuna had taken her seat, Gumpert sat down across from her like she expected. Tsuna started nibbling her bread, noting rather happily that there were more vegetables today than anything meaty. Gumpert watched her for a few seconds before eating a spoonful of the small portion of stew. After maybe a minute, Gumpert used a napkin to wipe his mouth off before speaking.

"Tell me, is it true that you don't eat meat, Tsuna?" He said before taking a drink of his water. Tsuna was sure that her vegetarianism was common knowledge among the 105th trainees, most people had gotten their questions and snide comments over with the first year or so of them being here.

"Um, yea, I suppose it is" Tsuna said curtly, she was suddenly wary of the boy in front of her.

"That must be hard for you" Gumpert said with a smile as he took another bit of stew, this time a chunk of meat took up the majority of his bite.

"No, not really. I mean, I haven't eaten meat in a long time so I don't even remember the taste really" Tsuna said matter-of-factly, taking her own bite of the steamed vegetables on her tray.

"Well then tell me, what's your favorite food?" Gumpert asked and their conversation went on casually for a while. Back at Tsuna's usual table, Hiro, Allen, Daniel, William and Amy sat with Survey Corps members Jean, Connie, Sasha and surprisingly Bertolt and Reiner. They took up all the seats of that particular table, which was currently dedicated to watching Tsuna and Gumpert's dinner.

"This doesn't look good" Hiro exclaimed from next to Allen who nodded in agreement. "She looks so uncomfortable."

"I told her it was a stupid idea" Daniel chimed in, an 'I-told-you-so' tone apparent in his voice. Daniel hadn't bothered to turn around and watch, he knew she wouldn't have much fun talking to a guy she hardly knew.

"Who is that guy anyways?" Connie asked from next to Sasha the two had been watching Tsuna and Gumpert just as enthusiastically as Hiro and Allen.

"Oh, he's that one guy who thinks he's all that because a few chicks dig him. Total stick-in-the-mud, and rich boy" Daniel spoke like it was no big deal.

"You're just jealous that he has more lady friends than you" William said with a chuckle, Amy giggled from next to him with a weak 'don't be rude'. Daniel turned to glare at William, both boys started laughing together after a few moments of a staring contest. Hiro brought them out of their shenanigans by waving his hand in front of their faces.

"Guys, guys! We have a problem here" Hiro said with a 'duh' sort of tone.

"What problem? She has to eat dinner with someone 'cause she was too nice to say 'no'" Daniel said with a smug tone. "This is what she gets for not listening to me."

"How cruel can one guy be?" Allen asked with a shocked and disappointed look on his face. Daniel snorted at him and offered an incredulous expression.

"Really?" Daniel's words did nothing to soften the glare-pout-thing Allen was giving him, now joined by his boyfriend. "You two" Daniel left the sentence there with a shake of his head.

"Is he a bad guy or something?" Sasha asked now.

"No, he isn't bad at all. These guys are just over reacting," Amy said with a 'don't-worry-about-it' look, "all of them are" this time her look was pointed at the three boys who had spent the majority of dinner arguing over the subject at hand.

"Don't listen to her, he's a total weirdo" Hiro's voice was hushed like he was telling everyone a huge secret.

"And a pompous ass brat" Daniel added.

"Tsuna totally doesn't like him, she says he acts too artificial," Allen joined in, "and quite frankly, I agree."

"So why'd she agree to eat with him?" Reiner finally joined the conversation.

"She was just trying to be polite, she's not really good at being openly rude to people she hardly knows" William, who was across from Reiner, answered. Reiner seemed to contemplate something for a moment.

"I don't see what talking about it is going to accomplish, she made her bed now let her lay in it for a while" Daniel said between bites of stew, intentionally aggravating Hiro at this point. Towards the back of the mess hall Tsuna and Gumpert were currently discussing ODM techniques.

"Well, the way I see it is if you push your feet forwards while leaning your body back, you'll get the most momentum on your way back up from the drop" Gumpert tried using his hands to explain what he was talking about.

"For me it's kind of like swinging. And I honestly think it depends on where the wire is at in correlation with your body" Tsuna added. While she wasn't completely at ease around him, having dinner with Gumpert was going a lot more smoothly than she thought it would, albeit boring as all get out. She still would prefer to be at her regular table among her friends. Her and Gumpert's conversation continued on, somewhat dully but Tsuna tried her best to grin and bear so as not to offend Gumpert. It wasn't him so much that made things boring, it was just that compared to her usual dinners this one was quite bland. There weren't enough people and things were too quiet, whereas at the other table tings were as lively and busy as usual. Reiner and Bertolt had been quiet talking back and forth for a few minutes, Amy and Sasha were having a discussion about cooking while Connie listened intently although not able to offer much input. Daniel, Allen, Hiro had taken to telling Jean about all the people that they, and Tsuna, did not like out of their fellow trainees. Reiner and Bertolt both stood and told everyone that they would be back before walking off. The others took a few moments to see where they were going before returning to their activities. Reiner and Bertolt made their way to a certain table where a certain white haired girl sat at. Tsuna was startled out of her conversation by an arm around her shoulders and a body sitting next to her.

"Hey Tsuna!" Reiner said with a cheesy grin. Bertolt sat on Tsuna's other side and offered her a smile.

"Hey there" he said. Tsuna had nearly choked on the piece of bread she had been swallowing when the two startled her.

"H-hey, guys" she said still somewhat shaken and confused.

"Hello" Gumpert said, drawing the two guy's attention towards him. He had that perfect façade up again, Tsuna noticed.

"Oh, hey there. Gumpert, right?" Reiner asked knowingly.

"Yes, and you are?" Gumpert played along.

"I'm Reiner and this is Bertolt. You don't mind if we join you, right?" Tsuna wondered what the two Survey Corps members could possible want, their company wasn't unwelcomed though, at least by her.

"No, of course not" Gumpert's expression and tone had changed slightly just like before. Tsuna felt like there was something she was missing, like there were two conversations going on and she could only hear one. Reiner finally let go of Tsuna's shoulder and relaxed into his spot on her left.

"So I saw you're performance earlier, you're not half-bad" Reiner told Gumpert, who still had that look on his face. Tsuna looked up at Reiner and noticed that he, too, had a similar look on his face.

"Oh? I wish I could say the same for you, but regrettably I can't" Gumpert said before taking a drink from his glass. Tsuna heard Reiner let out a small breath of a chuckle.

"With your skill you might even make it to top ten" Reiner said casually, but the underlying challenge wasn't casual at all. "Now that Mason guy, he was pretty impressive" Reiner had that matter-of-fact tone, along with an undertone of smugness.

"Mason? Hardly" Gumpert scoffed like he found saying that very word disgusting. "That kid never tries at anything, he's always slacking off. Not to mention that he almost always falls short of beating me by one or two 'kills'" Gumpert sounded haughty.

"And I suppose someone like you takes training seriously" Reiner said somewhat dubiously.

"Of course, I try my best at everything I do" Gumpert's eyes were gauging Reiner, sizing him up as they played word games.

"Wow, that other guy must be pretty good then if he can slack off and do better than you when you try so hard" Reiner's tone was taunting, Tsuna could hear the laugh in it. "It must be pretty frustrating actually, someone like you who tries so hard getting beaten or outmatched by someone with such talent."

"I don't quite care so much for being beaten but his obvious disregard for his blatant talent is questionable." Although he had said he didn't care, Tsuna could tell that Gumpert was upset by Reiner's words. Things were going to get awkward and Tsuna didn't want that. She went to say something but Bertolt grabbed her attention before she could.

"How was your dinner Tsuna?" He asked with a smile. Although his question was honest, Tsuna could also see that he had purposefully cut her off from interrupting the other's dispute.

"Uh, It was fine" she said trying to understand just what was going on.

"That's good, I'm glad" his smile remained in place and Tsuna couldn't help but enjoy the sincerity behind it and notice how much more handsome it was than Gumpert's. Reiner and Gumpert's 'friendly' dispute continued but Bertolt kept Tsuna too bust too say something about it.

"You know, I found it pretty impressive to hear about your reasons behind not eating meat. It takes a kind heart to think the way you do" Bertolt said and Tsuna couldn't help but blush at the compliment and the fact that he, like Jean, had commended her on her choice.

"Th-thank you, that means a lot" her voice was quiet and rather shy. Bertolt's smile grew when he noticed her blush and that she was made happy by his words. He reached over and gently ruffled her hair.

"I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true." Tsuna found that, in that moment, she had fallen ever so slightly for that smile of his. Their moment was interrupted by Reiner.

"Hey you two, let's go. Daniel wanted to talk to you about something Tsuna" Reiner said as he stood up and offered Tsuna a hand, which she took. Before walking off she stopped and turned to Gumpert.

"Thank you, dinner was nice tonight" She said with a smile on her face, interrupting Gumpert's glaring contest with Reiner.

"No, thank you Tsuna. I really enjoyed talking with you" his words were accompanied by his real smile and Tsuna found herself pleased by that notion. She nodded her goodbye before joining Bertolt and Reiner in heading back to her usual table. After a few moments of silence Tsuna spoke up.

"So, uh, what was that about?" She asked, still following the duo.

"Didn't look like you were having a lot of fun so I guess we thought we'd intervene, or something like that" Reiner answered with a nervous chuckle. Bertolt nodded his head in agreement.

"Did Daniel set you up to this?" Reiner chuckled at this.

"Actually no, he thought you deserved it for not listening to him."

"Yea, I figured as much. Well, thanks for rescuing me from death by boredom" Tsuna snickered as they arrived at her usual table. She rested her arm on Hiro's shoulder, startling the boy.

"Oh! Tsuna, hey" he offered his greeting when he realized who had startled him.

"'Sup dudes?" Tsuna greeted the table with her signature grin, which widened when she noticed that Jean and Connie were also at the table. Tsuna noticed that Daniel was giving her the cold shoulder and faked a pout.

"Daniel" Tsuna said, trying to get his attention and failing. "Daniel" louder this time. "Daniel" she had moved from her place on Hiro's shoulder to stand right behind her offending friend. She let out a huff when he still hadn't answered. After taking a few moments to think, Tsuna grinned wickedly before wetting her finger with a fair amount of spit and then promptly shoving it in Daniel's ear. Daniel immediately retracted from the intruding digit and whipped his head around to glare holes into Tsuna's existence. Everyone at the table burst into laughter, a few of them covering their mouths in guilt.

"What the fuck?!" Daniel shouted as he tried to clear the saliva out of his ear.

"Yea, what the fuck" Tsuna copied, her hands on her hips and her own glare pointed at Daniel. Their glaring contest continued for approximately thirty seconds, the others at the table quiet with anticipation. They both suddenly burst out in laughter, Daniel patting Tsuna's shoulder in a 'good job' and Tsuna nodding her head at Daniel like 'I know right'. Hiro, Allen and William all chuckled along, having known both Tsuna and Daniel for quite some time they expected something along the lines of what happened. The survey Corps members looked at each other to see if they missed something, and poor Amy looked like she almost had a heart attack. Thing's didn't always end so peacefully between Tsuna and Daniel and Amy was left to break things up since the others in their group always took sides.

"That was freaking gross Tsu'" Daniel had calmed down enough to speak.

"But it was amazingly hilarious" Tsuna said as she erupted into more laughter, bringing Daniel with her. "I mean, did you see your face?" At this point the S.C. members had caught up to speed and were grinning or chuckling.

"You guys are great" Connie said with a grin. Daniel and Tsuna reminded him of Sasha and himself, always goofing off or getting into trouble. Next to him, Jean found himself smiling, finding the white haired girl completely endearing. He thought briefly that he should be grossed out, but the thought quickly vanished. Everybody eventually calmed down and dinner continued as cheerily and boisterous as usual. It didn't take long before it was time to retire to the barracks. Reiner and Bertolt had left a few minutes early, they didn't tell anyone but they liked having time alone every once and a while. Amy and William also went to have couple time, as usual, before they fell asleep. It was a nightly routine where the two would hang out at Amy's bunk talking and cuddling. The others took to hanging out at Tsuna, Hiro and Allen's bunks which were all by each other, Hiro's across from Tsuna's and Allen's above Hiro's. The barracks were co-ed but there were separate changing and shower areas. Tsuna had been lucky to be placed by two of her friends, Amy and William were almost the whole barracks apart and neither of them were by any of the other people from their group. Amy's top bunk partner was Meg, much to Amy's displeasure. Daniel, who was also separated from his friends, ironically shared a bunk with Mason, neither of them were happy about the arrangement. The Survey Corps members had all gotten the unused group of bunks that would normally be reserved for the members who had dropped out.

After a few minutes of playful conversation, Connie and Sasha said goodbye to Tsuna's group and headed to their own bunks for the night. Tsuna watched as the two of them walked away and she found herself thinking that they would make a good couple and Connie wasn't wrong in liking Sasha. Briefly Tsuna thought about what type of guy she would fall for, if she ever did. She was brought from her thoughts when Daniel said he, too, was going to his bed. Tsuna smiled and extended her arms for a hug, a nightly routine between the best friends.

"I should probably go too" Jean spoke up. He offered a smile, mostly to Tsuna. She returned the gesture, the slightest of blushes tinting her features.

"Well, goodnight" Tsuna said, her connecting briefly with Jeans before she diverted them to the floor. His own cheeks blushed and Hiro could be heard chuckling at the two of them.

"Y-yea, night" Jean let out stiffly before turning and fast walking to his bunk. On his way he ran into a boy that Tsuna recognized as Eren, the two of them seemed to exchange somewhat friendly, somewhat harsh, banter. Tsuna let out a breath of a laugh at Jeans embarrassment before realizing that she had also been embarrassed and flustered. She thought back to her previous considerations of what type of guy she could see herself and wondered if maybe it would be someone like Jean. Someone she felt comfortable around, someone who made her laugh and whom she could make laugh.

"Watcha thinkin about Tsu?" Hiro asked from across from her. He had reclined in his bunk to read from one of the texts they had been assigned and Allen had already gone to his bunk above Hiro's. He had changed into his night clothes which consisted of a loosely fitted white shirt and three-quarter lengths khaki colored pants. Tsuna remembered a time when she would have found him attractive, she had never told anyone but he was her first, and only, crush as a young teen. She had quickly resolved her feelings and started looking at him as just another boy.

"Me? Nothing, just things I guess" she said as she sat down on the side of her bunk that face Hiro. He looked up from his text to examine Tsuna.

"What kind of things?" He had the beginnings of a grin on his face. "Anything that might have to do with how you've been staring at Jean a lot?" He now grinned in full.

"I don't like him" she stated simply and somewhat defensively, giving Hiro a look that said 'drop it'. He didn't listen.

"Didn't say you did, Tsu" he said and Tsuna knew he wasn't finished. "But in all seriousness, what do you think of him?" Tsuna took a few minutes to contemplate Hiro's question.

"I don't know… he's attractive, I think" Tsuna looked up the ceiling as if looking for answers.

"He is" Hiro agreed.

"He's… nice?" Tsuna said questioningly, Hiro nodded his head and made a noise of agreement. "He's funny" another nod "and, well, I don't know. I do like the guy but I don't, like, like him… you know?" Tsuna tried her best to put her thoughts and feelings into words; something that didn't always come easy to her.

"But you've thought about liking him, haven't you?" Tsuna hated how Hiro could see through her.

"I suppose, but nothing serious really. Just if I had to be with someone, I could see myself with someone like him." Tsuna laid down and arranged herself so she was under her covers but on her side so she was still looking at Hiro.

"I know you think I'm trying to hook you guys up, but I'm not doing anything really. If you don't want to be with the guy, fine. If you do, fine, I'll help if you want. But I'm not going to pressure you into something you don't want or aren't comfortable with. So, if you want to talk to someone about how you feel or you need help figuring things out, I'm completely prepared to be there for you" Hiro said, the look in his eyes told Tsuna that he was being completely serious and she was relieved. They smiled at each other and Tsuna was glad she had someone like Hiro around, her big brother figure that she could go to about serious things that she couldn't talk to Daniel or Allen about. Tsuna took a few moments to think about what she wanted to say to him, Hiro waited patiently.

"I've never really been good with the really heavy emotional things, especially romance related," Hiro nodded to show that he was listening, "so I think that I've kinda just avoided those kind of things." Tsuna took a few more seconds to think about how to put her thoughts to words. "To be honest, I probably do somewhat, just a little bit, like- and I mean like hardly at all- like him. I don't want to though, I don't really know what to think of that kind of stuff. I mean, I'm like fifteen and I've never been drawn towards girly things like romance, or whatever normal girls do. I like hanging around boys, I always have and I don't really think about anything besides training and you guys." At this point Hiro had shut his book and rolled to face Tsuna as well, still listening intently. "I don't know how having someone to love would work out when I plan on spending my life fighting the titans. I wouldn't want to leave someone behind while I went on expeditions, and I definitely wouldn't want to bring someone along with me. So I guess I actually have thought of things, just not with intentions of finding someone to like or whatever. I just want to kill titans, and see the world with you guys" Tsuna finished. She awaited Hiro's response as he thought things out.

"Well, that was a lot more deep than I thought it would be" he had a grin on his face as he teased Tsuna. She rolled her eyes and mentally shoved him. "Here I thought you were a one track mind… Seems to me like you don't want to change, so just don't. I didn't change for Allen, I still have my plans and dreams and my friends. I didn't plan on loving him, it just happened. If you find someone, it'll either fall into place or you'll move on, either way you gotta do what feels right. If you don't feel right liking someone or trying to like someone then don't. If you want my opinion on you and him, I think it would work out because he's in the S.C. and you want to join the S.C.. I think your personalities match and I think he's just as awkward as you are, and it's cute, but all that really matters is what you think." Hiro said, he was surprised by how serious Tsuna was taking things. She's probably confused about her new feelings, he thought to himself.

"Yea," Tsuna said distractedly like she was thinking, "I shouldn't worry about that stuff right now, huh?" Hiro chuckled.

"Exactly, it's not really like you to worry about things anyways. You always just act, no thinking" Hiro said with a soft smile. "And I mean that in a good way" he added before she could take offense. Tsuna again wished she could smack him. Yea, she was glad she had this dork around. "You should really just try to befriend him and things will go from there. Now, what I really think is that you should get some sleep, little girls need their rest" Hiro winked at her and laughed as she threw her pillow at him.

"Whatever, you're only like a year older than me" she called him out.

"A year and a few months, remember I already turned seventeen" Hiro said haughtily as he threw Tsuna's pillow back at her. She went to say something but her face had caught the pillow. Hiro chuckled when he heard Tsuna mumble something about him being an ass. "You know you love me."

"You're lucky I do" Tsuna said with a fake pout before yawning. She shot Hiro a glare when she heard an 'I told you so'. "Yea, yea. G'night smart-ass."

"Goodnight Tsu."

The next few weeks went on as usual, Tsuna and her friends began to spend their free time with their friends in the Survey Corps on a regular basis. It was normal for Tsuna's group to hang out with Jean, Connie and Sasha and sometimes even Bertolt and Reiner. Tsuna had also gotten to know Eren, Armin and Mikasa better and found that she and Eren had quite a few similarities and on top of that she found out that he was actually the titan shifter that helped take Trost back from the titans. Tsuna followed Hiro's advice and stopped trying to like Jean and, instead, just take things as they come. Jean on the other hand had long since fallen head over heels for the girl. Amy had formed a close friendship with Historia and therefore Ymir. Overall, Tsuna and her friends got along quite well with the members of the Survey Corps. It was currently lunch break on a Wednesday which meant that break was extra-long in order for Shadis and the other instructors to have meetings and what not. Tsuna's group of friends, which now included Jean, Connie and Sasha, were seeing who could balance a cup of water on their head the longest. Amy, Allen, William, Hiro and Connie had already been eliminated, leaving Tsuna, Daniel, Sasha and Jean with water cups on their heads. Daniel was starting to wobble.

"Looks like you're starting to lose it" Sasha said mockingly, she had been trying to get him out since she noticed his weakness. "Be careful, don't wiggle around too much." Daniel was trying his best to ignore her but he had never been good at mature things like that. "Don't mess up," another jibe from Sasha.

"Would you just shut up woman" Daniel said, he was looking up towards the ceiling like he could see his water cup. Sasha laughed at his comment. Tsuna smiled at their competitiveness. She was doing wonderfully, balance was a natural thing for her. She looked at Jean who was trying his hardest to stay completely focused on not dropping his water all over himself. When he looked over at her and their eyes locked, Tsuna smiled at him and received a blush and smile in return. Jean started wobbling and had to hurry to correct himself. Don't get distracted Jean, he thought to himself but still ended up sneaking a few glances at Tsuna, each time losing a little balance. He was awoke from his thoughts by a commotion to his left, looking over he found that Daniel had spilt his water all over himself. Daniel wore a sour expression and a glare that was pointed directly at Sasha, who was laughing and cheering. Tsuna started laughing too and Jean couldn't help get distracted, her laugh was so enrapturing and innocently beautiful. He found himself loosing balance as he tried to look over at the girl who had captured his affection, he turned his head to fast and ended up stumbling backwards and tripping over his own feet. He landed on his butt, his water split all over his head and front. Everyone took a turn laughing at him, as they had done with everyone who had been eliminated, and his cheeks burned in embarrassment, but it was okay because he got to hear Tsuna laugh again. Both Sasha and Tsuna lasted a few more minutes before Daniel decided he would push Sasha when she wouldn't stop making fun of him, it was a friendly push and they both laughed when Sasha was doused by her water cup. Tsuna took her water cup from her head and put it down but Connie decided that she wouldn't be spared from it and decidedly dumped the cup's content on Tsuna's head. Tsuna stood there in shock for a few moments before grinning and joining everyone in their laughter. Overall, it was an eventful lunch, full of laughter and enjoyment. The group decided that they needed to change clothes or at least dry off so they headed back to the barracks before lunch ended. Tsuna's hair got the worst of it, complements of Connie, so she figured she only needed a towel to dry off. She retrieved one and proceeded to dry out her hair. As she was walking to the bins where the cadets put their dirty laundry, so she could tend to her towel, she passed by Reiner and Bertolt.

"Hey" Reiner caught Tsuna's attention and she stopped.

"Oh, hey guys" Tsuna said with a smile. Bertolt gave her a wave in greeting. Tsuna had gotten used to his shyness and had started to find it rather adorable.

"Did you lose or something?" Reiner gestured to the towel that draped around her neck. Tsuna laughed.

"No, I actually won but Connie decided to dump the water on me anyways" Tsuna explained. Reiner chuckled.

"Sounds like him" he added.

"What are you guys up to?" Tsuna asked. She had seen them during lunch and during part of the water balancing competition but they must have slipped out when she wasn't looking.

"Oh, Ymir was being obnoxious so we just came here to escape" Reiner said with a laugh.

"She can be pretty hard to be around sometimes" Tsuna understood what Reiner was talking about.

"More like most of the time" Bertolt finally spoke up and Tsuna laughed and nodded her head. She felt a lot more comfortable around the two of them, she thought it had something to do with not trying to overcomplicate things like Hiro suggested. She even thanked them for taking her to the barracks when Daniel had asked them to, it had allowed her to cool her head and make up with Hiro. Tsuna also accompanied the two on so walks sometimes, to the same spot they had taken her the first night they arrived. They had this weird, but awesome, habit of giving Tsuna piggy-back rides on their way to their favorite spot, by request of Tsuna herself. It wasn't tense and uncomfortable like the first time they had taken her there, and Tsuna learned to just go with the flow when things got awkward or too intense.

"You're awesome Bert" Tsuna applied her newly found nickname for Bertolt. He grinned at the compliment and the name.

"Yea he is" Reiner said as he wrapped his arm around the taller male's neck to ruffle his hair. Tsuna felt privileged to be around the two of them when they were like this. She had long since asked them about their relationship and discovered that they were, in fact, a couple and she also noticed that not many others got to see them being open with each other. She didn't know why they chose to let her see them like that but she wasn't complaining. She liked to see people happy together and she especially enjoyed feeling special, but who doesn't.

"I gotta go brush out my hair, but you guys wanna hang out later?" Tsuna asked.

Without much contemplation or hesitation Reiner answered, "Sure," followed by a smile from both him and Bertolt.

"Alright then, see you dorks later" Tsuna laughed and waved as she continued her trek to the hampers. She saw Sasha and Amy who had already changed and dried off and decided to join them in waiting for the others. Tsuna looked around and saw Daniel changing his shirt, not bothering with privacy, and Hiro toweling off his hair. William was making his way towards her group, most likely for Amy. Jean, Connie and Allen were nowhere to be seen so Tsuna figured they were off changing or something. Tsuna decided she would wait outside for everyone. It was a sunny day, clouds scattered here and there, and there was a nice breeze making the temperature quite pleasant. Normally she'd gripe about how bright it was or how the sun burned her skin but she couldn't find the words today, it seemed far too peaceful and almost perfect. She imagined that spot, the one that Reiner and Bertolt took her to, was amazingly beautiful that day. The calm lake would have a flawless reflection of the scenery around it, the mountains dusted lightly with white clouds here and there. She imagined that there would even be some wildlife around the shores or grazing in the nearby forestry. She could see herself sitting there, feet hanging over the edge of the cliff they always stood at, and just enjoying the serene atmosphere. For the briefest of moments Tsuna wished that everyday could feel like those few seconds of bliss, but she quickly shook that thought away before she was able to get attached to it. Peace wasn't an option for someone like her, or anyone really.

"Tsuna?" She heard off to her side. She opened her eyes, which she didn't realize were closed, and turned to the source of the voice, Jean. He was looking at her with a look of slight confusion, that silly half-smile of his graced his features.

"Oh, hi Jean" Tsuna said, still not fully recovered from her daydreaming.

"Did I interrupt something?" He asked with a small chuckle. Tsuna gave a small smile that she thought would probably look solemn. Jean's smile faltered slightly.

"No" Tsuna thought her voice sounded weird and apparently Jean did too because his smile had dropped completely from his face.

"Tsuna? You okay?" Tsuna was confused and she felt rather odd. Jean was looking at her like she was an alien. Tsuna felt something wet hit her chest and looked around to see if it was raining.

"Y-yea," her voice broke, "of course I am" Tsuna had no idea what he was talking about. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"You're crying" Jean said like it was the most obvious, and weirdest, thing in the world. Tsuna stared at him for a few seconds like she didn't understand what he was saying before realization touch her features. Her hand found it's way to her cheek where it was met with moisture. Tsuna pulled the appendage away and looked at it like she couldn't comprehend what was going on. She felt more drops hit her chest.

"I- I don't, I don't know what… why…" Tsuna searched for words that she couldn't find. She heard her nose sniffle and she mentally told herself to cut it out. The scene of the mountains flashed in her mind again and she felt herself sob.

"Whoa, um, don't cry?" Jean was bad at this kind of thing, "Here, uh, let's sit down" Jean gestured to the stairs since there weren't any chairs. Tsuna nodded her head, confusion plastered on her face. Jean tentatively grabbed her hand and led her to the stairs where he prompted her to sit. She complied as he looked around for possible help or someone more acquainted with that type of situation, finding no one, before sitting down next to her. Tsuna was trying to wipe her tears away, her cheeks red with embarrassment. "What's wrong?" Jean asked, he thought briefly that the two of them probably made a funny scene; him completely confused and not knowing what to do about the girl who was crying next to him, equally confused and unsure.

"I, I really don't- I just- I don't know" Tsuna was exasperated with herself for crying without even knowing why. Jean noticed her frustration.

"Well, uh, are you, like, hurt or something?" Jean was searching for an answer for both of them. He glanced around again to see if anyone had noticed or could help. Maybe I should go find Daniel or Hiro, he thought before his attention was brought back to Tsuna by a sob.

"No" she shook her head, once again wiping the tears from her face. "I was thinking about- and then," another sob interrupted Tsuna's explanation.

"What were you thinking about?" Jean said, hoping he would find some sort of answer. Tsuna took a few moments to reply.

"I was just thinking," she whimpered and Jean felt his heart strings pull, "I was thinking about how nice it is. I mean, today… it's really nice out and… I felt really peaceful… I think" Tsuna tried her best to explain what she had been feeling. Now Jean was really lost; those were good thoughts, good thoughts aren't supposed to make people cry. "I-, it's just that… it's not really, y'know…" Jean didn't know, but he let her try to think things through. If nothing else, he could at least listen. "Things aren't okay… they aren't peaceful… I hate it" Jean barely heard those last few words, but he did and he understood. He used to do it too, he'd let his guard down and then reality would smack him in the face. He never cried because of it, if anything he got angry. He would always take his anger and sense of dread out on everyone around him before he learned to deal with it, to live with it. And now, he never had time to let his guard down, he knew things weren't okay because he faced reality every time those gates opened and they went on a new expedition.

"Me too" he heard himself saying before he could even think about it. Tsuna's sobs quieted and she looked at Jean, he thought maybe he had made her more upset but he didn't have time to think about that either before she had latched herself onto him in an awkward hug. It was awkward because Tsuna had to lean over and twist her body and even then she barely reached far enough to wrap her arms around his stomach and bury her head in his side. Jean startled slightly and looked around, he was clearly unsure of what to do. He eventually rested his hand on her head and gently rubbed her hair like he remembered his mom would do for him when he was upset. He wasn't sure what to think and he was suddenly aware of how dangerously watery his eyes were getting. They sat there like that for a few minutes, Jean wouldn't admit it but a few tears had made their way down his cheeks. He felt relieved, he knew he wasn't the only one who had thought that way, who felt utterly hopeless or who had had their hopes completely crushed, but nobody ever said anything about it. It was sort of forbidden in a way and he was glad that he could finally let some of his feelings out, albeit discreetly. Neither of them heard the footsteps approaching behind them until it was too late.

"-and then Sash…a… Jean?" Oh shit, Jean thought as he hurried to erase all evidence of tears.

"Tsuna?" that was definitely Daniel. Jean felt Tsuna tense up and he figured she was in a similar state as him, neither of them needed their friends to know about their little outburst.

"What are you guys doo…ing?" Sasha had popped into Jeans field of visions and he froze. "Are you crying?" Sasha took a few moments to inspect him before announcing it to the others, "he's crying," well she was blunt about it.

"What?" Connie asked like it was a joke before he appeared on the side that Tsuna was on. "Oh shit dude" Connie's playful smile fell from his face and his eyes dropped down to Tsuna. "Is she?..." Connie left off the crying part and instead gestured down to Tsuna like she wouldn't know he was asking about her if he wasn't too loud about it.

"Tsuna?" Hiro joined the group on the stairs this time. He sent a warning glare up to Jean as if it was his fault. Tsuna thought this was the perfect time to detach herself from Jean's side with a smile like nothing happened.

"Oh, hey guys! What's up?" her red cheeks and poufy eyes gave her away, despite her unconvincing acting. Hiro gave her a look that said 'don't' and the façade slowly fell from her face. "Listen, nothing's wrong and Jean didn't do anything" she said, not wanting to be interrogated.

"Then why are you crying?" Hiro said, unimpressed. Tsuna gave him a little glare before answering.

"I don't know, I was having a girl moment or something" she really wanted to just leave it at that.

"Then why is Jean crying?" Hiro gave her a disbelieving look.

"Yea, was he having a girl moment too?" Connie teased Jean, earning a threatening look.

"Yea" Tsuna just wanted to be left alone about it already. Jean gave her an incredulous look. Connie and Sasha snickered.

"Tsu" Daniel added with his 'just tell the truth' voice.

"Nothing. Really. I seriously just got a little emotional. Honest" Tsuna looked Hiro straight in the eye as she tried to be convincing as possible. Hiro sighed in defeat with an 'alright'. Tsuna turned to give Jean a little look so he wouldn't say anything but he was already standing. She felt she could trust him. Connie offered her a hand and she took it as she stood. "Thanks" she offered as she brushed her backside off. The mood was slightly awkward and tense but fortunately Shadis arrived and thoroughly distracted everyone with training. Shadis explained that today the cadets would go through a different type of training that would also involve the Survey Corps members. Looks of excitement and confusion could be seen on both the 105th cadets and the S.C. members. Shadis went on to explain that the exercise would involve groups, each led by a member of the S.C. and some of the lower ranked officers that helped oversee the trainees on a regular basis. The groups would be picked based on skill level and skill sets. Each group would be assigned a spot in surrounding areas, where a certain number of dummy titans and/or other objects would be found along with a set of instructions and goals. After the group completed their assignment they would meet up with another, predesignated, group where the group leaders would switch off and another assignment would be given to the cadets to complete. Both tasks were to be completed before sundown or both the cadets and their group leader would be given extra tasks the next day. Shadis also mentioned that the first three groups to finish would get special treatment the next day. Tsuna heard murmurs of how unfair that was, and how there were obvious advantages for certain people, but she figured that the only thing holding anyone else back from winning would be their own self-doubt, or poor leadership. Shadis called the Survey Corps members up so that he could explain things in more detail and Tsuna wondered briefly who she would get as her group leader, or leaders, and she hoped that it was one of the Survey Corps members because the officers that Shadis mentioned were usually bitchy or too serious. Each of the group leaders had received a paper with their destination and group members on it. Tsuna was put in group one, led by Mikasa, along with Mason, Colin, Gumpert, a girl named Irene, and two boys named Umar and Hugo. Mikasa started going over a few rules and told them vaguely what they would be doing. Tsuna didn't think the group leaders knew exactly what they would be doing either. Mikasa also told them their destination, which Tsuna new was on the edge of the forest where trees were sparse.

"Also, anyone who cannot keep up, or who slows the group down will be left behind and will have to return here alone." Mikasa's words were sharp and devoid of sympathy. Tsuna wasn't worried about being left behind herself, and she knew that Mason and Gumpert felt the same. She was somewhat worried about Colin, he wasn't as good as Mason or Gumpert, but Tsuna quickly banished that thought from her head. Colin didn't stand out, but he was actually better than most of the other cadets. The other three- Irene, Umar and Hugo- were on a much lower level than the rest of the group and would be the most likely to fail. Tsuna almost felt sorry for them. "We'll cut through a part of the forest using our ODM gear to get to our destination so you will need to go equip that. Be back here in five minutes, ready to go." Tsuna and the rest of them, including Mikasa, went to put their ODM gear on, along with nearly everyone else who was taking part in the activity.