Aubrey watched as Erwin walked away, exiting the Mess Hall and ultimately leaving her at the mercy of her sole remaining tablemate.
"You're transferring to Special Ops?"
Hange spoke for the first time that morning and Aubrey felt her blood run cold. She had a feeling this wouldn't be the last question she would have to answer before she left the table.
Steeling herself for what was to come, Aubrey nodded her head and answered. "Yes. I start today."
Hange raised an eyebrow. "That's awfully sudden."
Aubrey tried to hide her swallow as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She would have to tell Hange the truth. She would find out sooner or later and Aubrey would rather be open now than have to explain her lie later.
Sighing, she responded. "Yeah, well... I had a bit of an… incident with Flagon yesterday. He said some very unkind things and so Erwin has decided to take me off the squad."
Hange scooted closer. She'd been sitting a couple of seats to Aubrey's right but now she was at her side, leaving very little space between them.
"Unkind things?" The curiosity had returned to Hange's face and her reservation from before had gone out the window.
Aubrey's jaw clenched. Hange was really going to make her relive the whole thing… again. After a moment of silence, Aubrey finally continued her story.
"Yes. He insinuated that Erwin does me favors because I'm… because I'm sleeping with him."
Aubrey hung her head, her embarrassment and discomfort becoming visible on her features.
Hange leaned away, her eyes widened and her mouth hanging open. "And Erwin's not reprimanding him?"
Aubrey shook her head. "No, I asked him not to. It would only set Flagon off and make life harder for the recruits."
Hange lowered her eyebrows. "I see…"
For a moment, the two of them sat in silence, both working through the countless thoughts in their brains before Aubrey finally spoke up.
"Hange?"
Hange tore herself from her mind and turned to look at her friend.
Aubrey scrunched her face in discomfort.
"Can I ask you a question?"
Hange blinked a few times before nodding adamantly.
"Sure! Go ahead."
Aubrey swallowed nervously. She was about to ask a question that she wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer to.
Taking a deep breath, she attempted to calm herself.
"Does… does the entire regiment think that I'm sleeping with Erwin?"
Hange felt her mouth fall open and her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. That was the last thing she'd been expecting.
"What?!"
Aubrey reached out, desperately grasping at her friend's hand. The question had been eating away at the edges of her mind ever since the thought had entered her brain.
"Please, Hange, you're the only one I can ask. Be honest with me, even if it's not what I want to hear."
Hange felt like her head was spinning and for a few beats, all she could do was gape. But, eventually, she settled her dizzying thoughts and felt the reality of Aubrey's question sink in.
Her face darkened and her brows lowered over her eyes. The topic would not be an easy one to approach. It was awkward all the way around.
"Aubrey, if you want the truth, I don't think I'm the best person to ask about this. I'm not really the one that people gossip with."
Aubrey squeezed Hange's hand even tighter. "I know, but you're the only person I can ask. Erwin sure as hell doesn't know and I can't ask the recruits since they just got here. I guess I could ask Kate but she would probably just avoid the question and tell me to stop worrying about it."
Hange stared back at her. "She'd be right, you know. You shouldn't care so much about others' opinions."
Shaking her head, Aubrey pulled Hange even closer. "Please, Hange. I feel like I've been deceived! If that's what people really think of me, then I guess they've just been putting up a front when I'm around."
Hange paused. She really didn't know much besides her own experience, but she figured it could be applied to nearly every soldier in the regiment. Sighing, she gave in.
"Okay, I'll tell you what I think, but again, I'm really not the most informed person."
Aubrey nodded vigorously. Happy that her friend was finally going to tell her what she'd been fishing for.
"When I first arrived, I suspected that the relationship between yourself and the Commander was beyond professional and I think everyone else felt the same."
Aubrey felt her heart sink and she could swear that she heard the walls of her world crumbling around her. Was the kindness and respect that she received from her fellow soldiers all a sham? Had they been putting up a front just to avoid a bad image in the eyes of 'the Commander's girlfriend'?
"But…"
Aubrey's eyes snapped up, her heart pounding in her chest. There was a 'but'?
"I don't believe that's what everyone thinks anymore."
Before Aubrey could ask what she meant, Hange continued.
"I think everyone sees now that the relationship between you two is nothing more than loyalty and friendship. The respect you get from your comrades is genuine, Aubrey. Don't let your own mind run you into a hole."
For a moment, all Aubrey could do was stare. She couldn't tell if she was feeling relief or anxiety or panic or perhaps all three at the same time. She'd prepared herself for the worst and Hange had just given her the exact opposite. She'd been worrying over nothing.
As Aubrey's processing came to an end, she became very aware of an analytical Hange watching her every move. By the look on her face, Aubrey could tell what was coming next. Questions. And lots of them.
But, before Hange could get a single word off her tongue, Aubrey spoke up.
"Hange, I know you're about to interrogate me but I need to say something first."
Hange blinked, unaware that her attempt had been so obvious.
"First, thank you for seriously telling me the truth." Aubrey was truly thankful that Hange had dropped her usually chaotic demeanor to tell her what she needed to know. It turned out that when Hange was calm, she was actually quite steady and wise.
"Second, I know you have questions about me and I know that I promised to answer them but I can't do that just yet."
Hange's face finally formed a reaction to Aubrey's words and her eyebrows scrunched together in confusion.
"Yet?"
Aubrey nodded. "Yes. There's someone I need to tell before I tell you."
Understanding flickered across Hange's features. "Erwin?"
Aubrey bit her lip and shook her head before she mumbled a response. "Actually, no…"
Hange didn't need Aubrey to say a name out loud in order for her to understand. She had turned her head and was staring straight at an oblivious Levi.
It took all of Hange's willpower to avoid gasping, jumping out of her seat, or laughing. She was enamored with the idea of Aubrey finding a companion and she couldn't think of a more interesting person to pair her with.
Aubrey bit her lip and turned back to her friend, hoping that she would see some understanding on Hange's face.
"Can you wait, Hange? I… I'm not ready to tell anyone the answers to the questions you have but I know that when I am, Levi is the person that has to know first."
Hange couldn't deny that a part of her wanted to demand answers that very second. She'd been boiling in her own questions ever since Aubrey had left her hanging in the middle of her confrontation. But, Hange could see the pleading in Aubrey's eyes and if she was being honest, she found Aubrey's desire to reserve her truth for Levi to be irresistibly cute.
"But you will tell me eventually, right?"
Aubrey sighed, turning her eyes to the ground.
"Yes, Hange, I will tell you eventually. You'll be the second person to know, okay?"
Hange's face scrunched as her internal battle came to an end. As badly as she wanted to know Aubrey's truth, she would wait until her friend was ready to tell her.
"Okay."
Aubrey's features instantly lightened and she looked up at her friend, her eyes glowing with relief and delight. Before she knew what she was doing, Aubrey had leaped forward and embraced Hange in a crushing hug.
"Aubrey... can't… breathe…" Hange wheezed out her words as she struggled under her friend's strength.
Upon hearing Hange's gasps, Aubrey instantly withdrew. She always let herself get out of control when she got excited.
"Sorry! Sorry!"
Hange nodded to acknowledge her apology but took a moment to catch her breath before she spoke again.
"It's alright... "
Aubrey cringed as she saw her friend bent over and gasping. It seemed that no matter how many times it happened, Aubrey got too excited when it came to hugs. But, pushing her embarrassment away, she continued her thanks.
"Thank you again, Hange. It means a lot to me that you're willing to wait. I know how your brain demands answers."
Hange glanced up at her and saw the gratefulness carved into Aubrey's features.
"Just so long as you promise to tell me eventually. And don't use Levi as a way to stahl. I can wait, but I can't wait forever."
Aubrey nodded, smiling gently. "Right. Got it."
Hange took an exasperated breath, sitting up straight and then standing from her seat.
"Well, we should get going. Training will be starting soon."
All of the relief that Aubrey had been experiencing flooded away as she remembered what was coming next.
Glancing around, she could see that most of the soldiers had either already exited the Mess Hall or were on their way out. Training would begin momentarily and Aubrey could feel her stomach churning.
While the majority of the regiment had filed out of the room, a few remained and among them was a face that Aubrey gulped anxiously upon seeing. Levi had stayed in his seat and his face still held its stony look. Plus, he was staring straight at her.
Aubrey turned to Hange.
"You go ahead. I think I have some loose ends to tie up with a certain someone."
Hange didn't need any further clarification before she grinned, nodded, and quickly scampered out of the Mess Hall with a crazed look in her eyes. She was having far too much fun observing such a strange relationship.
After seeing Hange run out the door, Aubrey turned her full attention to the task before her. Levi was avoiding looking at her now, seeming to pay attention to whatever words were pouring out of Isabel's mouth but Aubrey knew that he was waiting for her. She had a feeling that Levi wasn't one to stahl, even if it was something like training, which he hated so much.
Cautiously, Aubrey crept toward the three recruits, keeping an eye on their expressions as the talking continued. Isabel seemed as carefree as usual, Furlan was smiling at her no doubt ridiculous banter, and Levi's features were hard and distant as he attempted to remain neutral.
It didn't take long before Aubrey's advance was noticed and a stony Levi turned to look at her.
Aubrey smiled brightly as she came to a stop before him.
"Are you three waiting for me?" Aubrey's tone was light and teasing and she wiggled her eyebrows as she clasped her hands behind her back.
"Tch." Levi turned his head away and adopted an annoyed expression.
Aubrey only giggled at his reaction.
"Aw, That's so sweet of you."
She could see Isabel and Furlan holding back their snickers as Levi shot them a death glare.
"Whatever. Let's just go."
Aubrey chuckled again and nodded, taking a step back as the other three stood from their seats.
Levi rose and walked next to Aubrey, matching her pace as they made their way outside. Isabel and Furlan joined and all four of them walked in a line through the corridors of the castle.
It didn't take long before the sound of their footsteps was covered by the sound of conversation.
"So, Aubrey, if you don't mind my asking, what exactly does the Special Operations Squad do?" Furlan called to Aubrey from the opposite end of their line.
Aubrey turned her head and smiled. She was glad that Furlan was starting a conversation with her. She'd had a good talk with Isabel that morning but she hadn't had a chance to talk with Furlan yet.
"Well, the Special Ops Squad is usually assigned to go ahead of the rest of the regiment and take out as many titans as possible before the rest of our soldiers arrive. I guess you could say that it's less of a "Special Operations" Squad and more of a "Protection Detail". Because the soldiers on the Special Ops Squad have more skill and ability than most, they can spare a lot of lives by leading the charge."
Furlan nodded and lost himself in thought for a moment before his eyebrows scrunched together and he asked another question.
"If the Special Operations Squad is made up of the best soldiers then why are you just being placed in it? From what I've seen, you're one of the most skilled people here."
Aubrey shrank back into herself, flattered by Furlan's compliment.
"Thank you, but if I'm being honest, I'm not really a huge fan of the members of the Special Operations Squad. They're a bit too proud of themselves."
An understanding look crossed Furlan's face.
"Proud, huh?"
Aubrey nodded again. "Yes, they tend to use their skills as an excuse to see themselves as superior."
Furlan smiled. "Well, I don't think we have to worry about you turning out like that."
Aubrey turned to look at him, her eyes widening and her mouth popping open.
"Th-Thank you, Furlan."
Furlan shrugged his shoulders.
"Anyone who would willingly befriend the three outcast thugs probably doesn't have that big of an ego."
Aubrey turned her eyes to the ground and tried to suppress the grin that threatened to take over her face. It made Aubrey unspeakably happy to hear that Furlan considered her a friend.
It took a moment before Aubrey could compose herself enough to speak with a straight face.
"Well, I think that any thugs bold enough to befriend the freaky experiment girl can't be too bad, either."
Furlan gave her a half smile and a small chuckle before he turned his head back forward.
Aubrey allowed her eyes to drift over to a still emotionless Levi. His stare was cold and distant and Aubrey wasn't able to decipher the thoughts running through his mind.
Aubrey watched him closely, waiting for a crack in his facade… but none came.
In fact, Aubrey had been watched him so intently that she lost all track of time and space and before she knew it, all three of them had arrived at the training field without so much as a flicker of emotion crossing Levi's features.
After coming to a stop and finally tearing her gaze from Levi, Aubrey examined the field before her. Flagon and Kate were on the far left, with Kate already looking annoyed by whatever Flagon was saying to her.
For a brief moment, Aubrey's eyes met with her friend's and she sent her a nod, hoping that Kate would see the meaning behind it. Aubrey felt an overwhelming sense of relief when Kate returned the gesture. She would remember her promise to Erwin and watch over the recruits. Even if it was a small thing, it seemed a huge reassurance to Aubrey. Kate didn't put up with anyone's crap, even her own Captain's.
Having the small boost that she'd needed, Aubrey turned back to her three friends, who were all failing horribly at trying to hide the fact that they were waiting for a goodbye.
Aubrey smiled.
"Well, I guess this is where we part ways. Be on your best behavior and don't react to any of the stupid stuff that Flagon says. He's just an old buffoon and he's not worth anyone's time."
Aubrey got a pout from Isabel, a nod from Furlan, and a displeased grunt from Levi but nobody openly objected to her statement.
Aubrey grinned even wider, trying to make up for their obviously negative attitudes.
"Right! Now go on! Get over there!"
Aubrey made her way behind Isabel and Furlan and gave them both gentle nudges on the back in the direction of Squad Flagon. Isabel huffed and Furlan just stumbled forward before they finally adopted a slow shuffle toward their destination. Levi didn't wait long to follow after them but Aubrey caught his arm before he could slip away.
Aubrey expression turned somber and her brows lowered over her eyes.
"Levi, remember what you promised me. Take this seriously."
Aubrey didn't say anything more but her gaze conveyed all of what she had said the night before. She was genuinely concerned for the safety of her new friends and this training would be their best bet at surviving outside the walls.
To her surprise, Levi answered with a simple nod and a light squeeze of her forearm before he smoothly walked away.
Aubrey watched his back in awe. She'd never expected him to take her so seriously. At best she'd been expecting a 'tch' or at least a 'whatever' but Levi had actually listened to her. It seemed that he would be sticking to his promise.
After a few more seconds of staring, Aubrey felt the knot return to her stomach as she tore her eyes away from the person she so desperately wanted to be near. No matter how strong of a pull she had toward Levi, she had an assignment.
Aubrey scanned the crowd and soon discovered Saru and the rest of the Special Operations Squad on the opposite side of the field.
They stood apart from everyone else, an obvious sign of their high opinions of themselves. Captain Saru was with them, but her face only held a bored look as she inspected her nails and waited for training to begin.
Aubrey took a deep breath before she began her trek across the grass, each step feeling heavier and harder. By the time she finally reached her destination, her legs felt like lead and her breathing was ragged. Aubrey couldn't tell if her reaction was due to her separation from Levi or her finally meeting up with her new squad or perhaps it was a mixture of both. No matter what it was, it was exhausting.
When Aubrey came to a slow stop before her new squad, Captain Saru finally turned her attention to her new member.
"Ah, Aubrey."
At the sound of their Captain's voice, all of the members of the Special Operations Squad turned to look at their new squadmate.
Aubrey took a deep breath, feeling the weight of all of their combined stares.
Saru flashed a sly smile and placed a hand on her hip as she spoke."Suit up and get ready for team training. Welcome to Special Ops, kid."
A/N: Okay, I KNOW it's been too long since I last updated but here it is. If I'm being honest, my motivation to write this fic is waning a bit and I'm feeling a little burnt out. BUT I promise that I will keep going with it. No hiatuses here.
Once again, we have another transition chapter. Ugh. Oh well, this one was necessary. Like I said, tying up some loose ends before the juicy stuff comes into play.
Anyway, I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter, even if it was a bit dull compared to some others. I PROMISE THAT MORE JUICE IS COMING, PLEASE BE PATIENT.
Please leave a comment! As I said earlier, my motivation is waning and nothing inspires me to write more than comments! Ask me questions, tell me what you liked or didn't like, or even just ask me if a hotdog is a sandwich… I'm happy with anything. I am a literal comment pig.
I love you guys. Thanks for reading this story and actually enjoying it. :)