Aubrey did as she was told and readied herself for the day ahead. No matter what kind of training they did that day, she would need to be just as prepared mentally as she was physically. They hadn't even begun yet and she already didn't like the looks she was getting from her new squadmates.
"Well, before we start, I guess we should do some introductions."
Saru still looked bored and annoyed by having to go through the whole process of adding a new member but she did her job nonetheless.
"Alright, everybody listen up. This is Aubrey Daremo. I'm sure you all know that already since she can kill more titans in one minute than any of your sorry asses will kill in your entire lives."
Saru paused for a small dramatic effect and Aubrey saw many faces twist in dislike. She internally groaned. Saru wasn't doing her any favors by making her teammates hate her right off the bat.
"And, lucky for us, starting today she has been transferred to our Special Ops Squad."
More expressions of animosity emerged from the group and Aubrey felt her heart beat faster.
"Anyway, all of you go ahead and introduce yourselves. Leo, you first."
Aubrey's eyes skimmed the group in front of her before a tall man stepped forward. His dark hair was cropped against his skull and his tan skin contrasted against the white of his shirt. Aubrey could see from the way that his clothes lay against his body that Leo was quite muscular. He was a big man and he was definitely someone that would scare just about anyone.
But Aubrey wasn't scared. Which was good because the last thing she needed was to let the members of the Special Operations Squad believe that they held any sort of power over her. All of them would no doubt be poking and prodding at her walls to see if they could find any hidden cracks. Unfortunately for them, they would find none. There was only one person in the whole world who had ever managed to get Aubrey to crumble even the slightest bit, and he was on the opposite end of the training field.
Leo crossed his big arms over his chest and looked down at his new teammate. Aubrey was a whole foot shorter than him and he towered over her with an intimidating presence. His brows lowered over two small blue eyes and his thin lips were pulled into a small scowl.
"I'm Leo."
Aubrey waited, perhaps expecting him to say a bit more, but nothing ever came. Apparently, Captain Saru wasn't satisfied with his introduction, either.
"Oh, come on. That's it? Tell her how old you are, what your favorite color is, do anything besides this shit. Guess it was too much for me to hope that you all knew how to say a proper hello."
Leo's scowl deepened and he shot a glare at his Captain. But he followed her instructions.
"Fine. I'm twenty six, if you must know and I have 18 kills and 35 assists."
Aubrey grinned at him and extended her hand. His intense demeanor didn't affect her in the slightest and even though she already had a somewhat negative image of her new squadmates, she wanted to do her best to make friends where she could.
"I'm Aubrey Daremo. I'm sixteen and I have 52 kills and 23 assists."
For a moment Aubrey waited, but no hand met hers. When she finally lowered it back to her side, she became painfully aware of the awestruck faces that watched her. She'd completely forgotten about the effects that her stats had on people. Her numbers were higher than those of even the most experienced soldiers and yet, she was just sixteen and had only been on one real expedition outside the walls.
Aubrey waited awkwardly and shifted her weight from side to side. The air was filled with tension and she didn't know what to do next. Should she move on to the next person? Continue a conversation with Leo? Default to Captain Saru?
Suddenly, a pealing laugh broke through the silence and Aubrey turned to see Captain Saru with a hand to her chest and her head thrown back.
"Hah! Nice one, kid. Okay! Next person! Jacob, how about you?"
Another man stepped forward, a bit younger than Leo and a bit shorter as well. His frame was slim and sleek but Aubrey could tell that he, too, was made of a good amount of muscle. His brown hair hung across his forehead and a few strands fell into his brown eyes. A strong jaw framed his face and what seemed to have a permanent look of indifference etched into his features.
Aubrey forced her lips to curl into a gentle smile and once again she extended a hand, hoping that this time it would be met. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
Jacob only stared at Aubrey's offered hand and it wasn't long before she once again awkwardly retracted her arm. The Special Operations Squad was definitely not welcoming.
"Yikes, Jacob. The least you could've done was shake her hand."
Saru walked past Aubrey and gave Jacob a light slap on the cheek before she pulled forward the next member of the squad.
"This here is Lena."
Aubrey shook herself free of any lingering thoughts and focused on the woman before her.
Lena's hair was an ashy brown that she'd pulled back into a lumpy ponytail and she was quite a bit taller than Aubrey. Her brown eyes were hidden behind a set of heavy eyelids and dark circles and it gave her a look as if she were constantly sulking. Her lips were turned down at the corners and Aubrey could tell that she, too, wasn't very happy about the newest addition to her squad.
Aubrey didn't know if she should go through the trouble of raising her hand again or if she should simply smile and avoid the awkwardness of once again being rejected.
But, Aubrey's deliberation didn't last very long, as Lena extended her own slim arm and offered it. Aubrey was a bit caught off guard but after a second of slight shock, she quickly shook Lena's hand. Her handshake wasn't very strong and Aubrey could tell that she wasn't really putting much effort into it, but she appreciated Lena's gesture all the same. A half-hearted handshake was still better than no handshake at all.
As soon as she could, Lena allowed her hand to drop back to her side, her jaw clenching and unclenching as she stood.
Aubrey waited to see if anything more would be said but nothing came and eventually Saru came to the rescue once again.
"Okay, well, let's finish this off. Last but definitely not least, we have our darling little Chris."
Saru moved behind the final member of the squad and Aubrey's eyes sparkled as she took in the sight of her final teammate. Saru wasn't joking when she called Chris adorable. The girl was small, perhaps an inch or two taller than Aubrey and she had fair and clear skin matched with long locks of flowing blond hair and a set of dazzling blue eyes. Thick lashes and a small nose gave her a young and innocent appearance and her slight frame made Aubrey feel like she would break in half with a gust of wind.
"Hi, I'm Christina, but everybody calls me Chris." The girl's voice was quiet and timid as she stepped forward and, yet again, presented Aubrey with a hand.
Aubrey took it eagerly and was pleasantly surprised to find that while Chris's shake was gentle, it was firm and intentional. It seemed Aubrey had found one member of the Special Operations Squad that she might actually get along with.
"I'm Aubrey. Nice to meet you."
A small smile made its way to Chris's lips and her eyes fell to the ground as their hands dropped away.
Aubrey smiled back at her. The girl was obviously a bit shy but Aubrey had never had a problem making friends before. She could usually chat up any kind of person, even the most reserved ones.
"Right, well now that the show's over we should get a move on, kids. Erwin has team training planned for the morning and then formation training in the afternoon. There's nothing fancy for us to do today, so just try to get used to the addition to the squad."
Displeased mumbles and grunts came from both Leo and Jacob, Lena remained completely silent, and Chris just gave a small nod.
Aubrey allowed her eyes to linger on each of her new squadmates before Saru turned on her heel and headed toward the crowd. When Aubrey finally looked up, she spotted Erwin staring straight at her, a questioning look in his eyes.
All Aubrey could do was give him a small nod. The worst was over, now she would just have to survive the day.
Aubrey rubbed the back of her neck in exhaustion as she finally made her way off the training field. At her side was Chris, whom she had stuck close to for the entire day. In fact, after a few ice breaking comments, Aubrey had even gotten the girl to open up a bit. In between drills and practice runs, she'd found out that Chris was nineteen years old and was originally from a small town in the eastern part of Wall Rose. She'd been ranked first in her class in the Cadet Corps and had always planned on joining the MPs. But, ultimately, she ended up following her sister, who had been dead-set on becoming a Scout. Chris later told her that her sister had died on their third expedition outside the walls. It wasn't hard for Aubrey to tell that the wound still ran deep.
After learning a little bit about her new teammate, Aubrey felt herself growing quite attached to Chris. They'd spent the entire day at each other's sides and Aubrey was absolutely amazed at her skill and ability. Being on the Special Operations Squad, it was a given that Chris was capable on the battlefield, but it was still hard for Aubrey to connect the timid and shy girl she spoke to with the expert soldier she saw during drills.
And the drills themselves had definitely not been easy. Even if Saru usually came off as bored or disinterested, she was absolutely ruthless when it came to the performance of her squad. She'd made them run drills over and over again to the point where they'd all practically missed lunch and Aubrey had only had time to run to the Mess Hall and down a few leftover rolls and a ration bar. She'd missed her time with Levi and Erwin completely.
After that, everyone had participated in formation training, which, while not physically demanding, was still exhausting. Aubrey had been bent over sheet after sheet of paper describing the exact layout of the formations for the upcoming expedition and by the time training had ended, she'd felt as if her head were about to explode.
So, as Aubrey finally made her way to the Mess Hall for dinner, with Chris at her side, she felt an overwhelming sense of relief that her first day as a member of the Special Operations Squad was over. If anything, it had been interesting. Leo and Jacob were two peas in a pod and played off each other like they'd been doing it for years… which they probably had. Lena kept mostly to herself but every once in a while spoke up to make some kind of suggestion or useful comment. As for Chris, Aubrey was really starting to like her.
Aubrey groaned as they rounded the corner to the Mess Hall. Now that she'd joined another squad, she had yet another choice for where to sit during meal times. She internally cursed as she realized she'd probably have to ditch Chris for Erwin and/or Levi. Both of them were staring at her with an intensity that made Aubrey want to turn around and go out the way she came.
"Chris, I think this is where I have to leave you for today. I have some… business to take care of."
Chris nodded, understanding visible on her features. She, too, had seen the stares that Aubrey was receiving.
"No problem. I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good night."
After squeaking out her timid response, Chris gave Aubrey a quick nod and made her way to the back tables, filling up a tray for herself.
Aubrey smiled at the back of her new friend. She was grateful beyond belief to have found somebody to connect with on her new team. Even if she'd been prepared for all of them to be unwelcoming, she was glad that she'd found somebody to lean on.
Breaking herself from her thoughts, Aubrey turned her attention to the two pairs of eyes that were boring into her. Which stare should she meet?
Aubrey didn't have to think very long before she had her answer. Erwin. He usually left dinner early to get a headstart on paperwork so if Aubrey wanted to speak with him at all before tea time, it would have to be now.
But that left another set of eyes that were destined to turn unhappy when she walked in the other direction.
Aubrey turned to face Levi and held up a finger, signaling to him that she'd be over eventually, she just had to do something first. Levi's eyes only narrowed in response and Aubrey was sure that he wasn't pleased with her making him wait. She ignored him. If he'd waited all day, he could wait a few more minutes.
Turning in the other direction, Aubrey finally made contact with Erwin's eyes. As soon as she looked at him, a small smile graced his lips and Aubrey beamed back at him.
She was suddenly overcome with how much she'd missed him during the day. Not being able to have lunch in the Mess Hall had deprived her of his company and it seemed that it had taken a serious toll on her. Apparently, she was still more dependent upon him than she liked to admit.
"Hi." Aubrey came to an abrupt stop before her friend and rocked back and forth on her heels as she greeted him.
Erwin raised an eyebrow. "You're not going to fill a tray?"
Aubrey suddenly became very aware of the gnawing hunger in her stomach.
"Oh, shoot! I completely forgot!"
Erwin chuckled at her rambling but continued.
"Here, take a seat. I'll keep my speech short and then you can go get something to eat. Besides, I'm assuming you have someone else you need to speak with as well."
Aubrey found it difficult to hide the flush that automatically came to her cheeks. She cleared her throat and took a seat, hoping that her discomfort wasn't quite so obvious.
"Um, yes. I think he might strangle someone if I keep him waiting too long."
Erwin chuckled once again.
"Well, we certainly can't let that happen."
Aubrey nodded and poked at a scratch in the table as she waited for Erwin to continue.
Sensing that it was his opportunity to speak, Erwin finally rattled off what he needed to say.
"Essentially I just wanted to know how your day went. I'll see you for tea in a bit so you can go into more detail then. Right now, I just want to know if there's anything urgent that you need to tell me."
Aubrey furrowed her brows.
"No, nothing bad happened, I suppose. I mean, the day went as well as could be expected, considering that they are the Special Operations Squad."
Erwin suppressed another laugh as he remembered Aubrey's negative perception of the group.
"Alright, good. Saru, at least, treated you well, I hope?"
Aubrey nodded. While Saru had certainly held her to a high standard, she'd been encouraging enough. Plus, she'd walked her through all of those horrifying introductions in the morning.
Erwin shifted in his seat. "Good. I won't keep you any longer, then. You're coming to tea?"
Aubrey turned and grinned at him. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."
Erwin smiled again and stood from his seat, taking his empty tray with him.
"See you then."
Aubrey watched his back for just a moment before turning to face the eyes that she could still feel boring into her back.
Levi's silvery stare was just as intense as ever and Aubrey felt a shiver run down her spine as she took him in. The pull in her chest was so strong that she felt like her feet had a mind of their own and, before she knew it, she'd stood from her seat and taken a few steps forward.
But… there was something she had to do first. Food.
Aubrey gave Levi another aching glance and scurried to the back tables, filling a tray as quickly as she possibly could. Even though Levi was impatient, her stomach was even more so.
After slapping an unreasonable amount of potatoes and green beans onto her plate, Aubrey finally made her way over to the recruits' table.
"Well? How was training?"
Aubrey flashed her bright teeth as she easily took a seat next to Levi. She allowed herself to scoot a bit closer to him than was probably considered 'normal' but, for once, she didn't really care. The pull in her chest had been distracting her all day and she felt like she deserved at least a little reward. The closer she got to Levi, the more at ease she felt and, considering the stressful day she'd had, Aubrey was practically dying to relax a little bit.
If Levi noticed that Aubrey was sitting just a few inches from him, he didn't show it. His face remained as calm as ever and his body matched his expression. The only hint of feeling that Aubrey could detect in his features was a slight burning in his eyes, though she couldn't really tell what emotion they were actually conveying.
"It was fine."
Levi answered her in the most monotone fashion she's ever heard and she raised a quizzical brow. She really doubted that training had gone off without a hitch for them.
Aubrey turned her attention to her two other table mates.
"Is that true?"
Isabel instantly cracked a smile and Furlan simply averted his gaze.
"Well, we didn't get in any real trouble." Isabel looked like she was holding back a laugh and Levi was glaring at her in a way that sent a shiver down Aubrey's spine.
Aubrey sighed and felt her shoulders slump forward. She supposed that was the best answer she could've hoped for. It would be foolish to expect that those three would bow their heads like obedient dogs just because she'd requested it.
"Am I allowed to ask what kind of not real trouble you did get into?"
The table was silent for a moment and Aubrey witnessed some kind of unspoken battle going on between Levi and Isabel. Their eyes were locked and as Isabel's smile grew wider, Levi's scowl grew deeper.
It didn't take long for Levi to lose the battle and for Isabel to break into a half laugh, half wheeze explanation.
"Well, that girl, Kate, I think you said her name was? Anyway, she kept on calling Big Bro 'Shorty'. That was bad enough but then that stupid Captain started joining in and eventually Big Bro told him to go eat his own shit."
Aubrey stared open mouthed at the group.
"What is it with you and shit jokes?"
Isabel laughed even louder and Furlan found himself unable to conceal a smile for any longer.
"Tch." Levi looked away and Aubrey couldn't help the smile that came to her own lips.
"Flagon didn't reprimand you too harshly, I take it?"
Aubrey knew that Kate must have been involved in their lessened punishment. Otherwise, Aubrey was sure that all three of them would be shoveling the stables rather than enjoying their dinner.
"Oh, yeah… I think we would've gotten something pretty bad if it hadn't been for that other girl. The Captain looked like he was about to explode but before he could say anything, she pulled him aside and said something that made his face go white. Maybe she blackmailed him or something."
Aubrey chuckled and nodded. She didn't think that Kate had any real dirt on Flagon but she certainly had her ways. Kate could be very intimidating, even to a Captain.
Aubrey shoved a fork into her pile of mashed potatoes and took a heaping bite. She'd have to thank Kate later.
"Well, good. I'm glad you have someone new to look out for you when I can't be on patrol."
Furlan raised an eyebrow. "Patrol?"
Aubrey chuckled again and took another bite of her dinner. "Yes, you three are a full time gig."
Her joke was followed by a sigh from Levi and Aubrey tensed as she felt him shift toward her. He was close. Very close. So close that she nearly choked on her green beans.
His leg was touching hers and she could feel the flames rippling through her body as she struggled to swallow.
However, Levi didn't seem to be having the same reaction. He sat, calmly and cooly, as if he weren't even aware of their situation. His movement had been subtle and well-concealed, but Aubrey was sure that it had been intentional. She knew for a fact that Levi felt the same flames she did.
Aubrey tried to remain as calm as possible, even with her heart beating so loudly she was sure it could be heard across the room.
Aubrey turned her attention back to her food, hoping that focusing on something mundane and normal would slow her pulse.
While shoveling her dinner into her mouth, Aubrey quickly found that it wasn't the distraction she was looking for, as the flames burned just as hot and bright as ever on her skin.
The influence that Levi could have over her actions, moods, and feelings was absolutely ridiculous. Aubrey had never met anyone in her entire life that could affect her in such a way. Even just sitting here, eating dinner with him, she felt vulnerable. Her defenses were only weak to him and she knew that, even in this very moment, he could do or say something that would make her walls crumble.
"Oi, slow down. You'll choke."
Aubrey was brought back to the present by a hand on her wrist and from the way her skin burned at its touch, there was no doubt that it belonged to Levi.
Aubrey glanced down at her tray to see that she'd devoured nearly her entire meal. When had that happened?
"O-Oh. Yeah, you're right. I guess I got lost in my own thoughts."
Aubrey gave a weak smile and Levi released her hand, allowing the iciness that always followed his disappearance to creep up her arm.
Shaking off her sudden feelings of exposure, Aubrey finished the rest of her meal, being sure to take slow bites and chew properly.
When she finished, she gingerly set her fork onto her plate and glanced up at her tablemates. All of them had finished eating some time ago and had since lost themselves in their own minds. Isabel was staring into space, Furlan was methodically running his fingers over a scratch in the table, and Levi sat with his arms crossed over his chest, his face covered with an expression that suggested deep thought.
"Ahem." Aubrey cleared her throat and all three of her friends snapped back to reality: Isabel even shook her head as if to rid herself of lingering ideas. "Should we get going?"
There was a slight pause before anyone responded but eventually Furlan answered.
"Y-Yes. It's getting pretty late, isn't it?"
Aubrey nodded and reluctantly rose from her seat. As soon as she stood, she regretted having been the one to move first, as Levi's warmth faded away. She should have waited for everyone else to get up and taken in as many extra seconds as she could.
Sighing, Aubrey moved away, feeling the cold air hit her skin. But, the chill didn't last long.
To her surprise, Levi stood next to her and left very little gap between them. He was close enough that she could still feel the heat radiating off his body.
Aubrey smiled to herself. It looked like she was going to get her few extra seconds.
"All of you should go on ahead. I have to go see Erwin before I turn in for the night."
At the mention of the Commander's name, all three of their faces took on a distasteful look but no one objected.
Aubrey waited a few beats before she broke the silence that had settled over them.
"Right, well, I'll see you all tomorrow, then."
With one last grin, Aubrey turned away, but not before she allowed her fingers to brush against Levi's in a silent goodbye.
Aubrey moved away without glancing back at her three friends. She was afraid that whatever she saw in Levi's eyes would be enough to make her heart stop.
But just as Aubrey made her way into the kitchens to prepare her evening tea, she saw a familiar figure waiting for her. Kate.
Aubrey paused, meeting her gaze as a slight smile came to her friend's lips. Aubrey returned it and approached her.
"Kate! What are you doing here?"
Kate kicked at the stone floor with her boot as her eyes drifted to the ground.
"I wanted to talk with you and I know you always come in here after dinner. So I waited."
Aubrey, who had already busied herself with putting the kettle on the stove, whirled around to face her.
"Waited? Why didn't you just come find me? I was just eating with the recruits."
Kate rolled her eyes and waved her hand in the air.
"Well, I didn't want to talk to you in front of them because I wanted to talk to you about them."
Recognition flickered across Aubrey's features and she instantly felt dumb for even asking.
"Oh, right. Of course. What is it that you wanted to tell me?"
Kate fell silent for a few seconds before she began to speak hesitantly, her voice quiet and reserved.
"I know that you wanted me to look out for those weirdos. They're doing just fine, Aubrey. Shorty's a bit of a hothead but if I'm being honest, he's the best form of entertainment I've had in a while."
Aubrey chuckled. "Yes, he can be pretty amusing at times."
Quiet filled the air and the only sounds that could be heard were distant murmurs of whoever remained in the Mess Hall and the heating of the kettle on the stove.
For what could have been seconds, minutes, or hours, Aubrey and Kate stood in the kitchen, their eyes on the ground as both of them considered what to say next.
Aubrey was just beginning to feel the quiet turn uncomfortable when Kate spoke up.
"Whatever it is that you're doing with them, Aubrey, just… make sure that you won't regret it."
Aubrey raised her eyes to meet Kate's and found her friend's gaze filled with genuine concern and care.
A piece of Aubrey's heart melted. She'd truly found a place where people cared about who she was and not just what she could do.
"I know what I'm getting into, Kate. You don't have to worry about me."
Aubrey felt a tug in her stomach. She wasn't really sure that she knew what she was getting into and she wasn't really sure that everything would be okay, but there was no use in making her friend worry about her. There was nothing she could do now: Aubrey was in far too deep.
Kate nodded and seemed to accept Aubrey's answer, the worried look receding from her eyes.
"Well, I'll be on my way, then."
Kate pushed off the wall she'd been leaning against just as the kettle started to squeal and Aubrey turned to remove it from the flame.
When she turned back, Kate was almost out the door.
"Wait! Kate!"
Kate froze and turned back, waiting for whatever Aubrey had to add.
Aubrey smiled. "What exactly did you tell Flagon to get him to back off so easily?"
Kate's features molded into a smirk and she crossed her arms over her chest proudly.
"I told him that if he said another word, I really would make him eat his own shit."
Aubrey's grin grew so wide that her cheeks hurt and it was all that she could do to get out her next sentence.
"Thank you, Kate. For everything."
With that, her friend turned and left the kitchen. This time, for good.
A/N: Hey, y'all! I hope you enjoyed this EXTRA LONG chapter after a short break. Like I said, I've been writing at a slower pace lately, but thanks to all of you leaving such encouraging comments, my motivation has been returning. KEEP LEAVING THEM.
As for the chapter itself, I'm actually SUPER happy with the way that it turned out. I liked editing it, which is usually how I know it's a decent chapter, LOL.
Next chapter will have a lot of Levi action and then there might be one more after that before we get to the expedition. But, like I said, I'm gonna start moving things a bit quicker now.
Anyway, I love you all and thank you sooooooo much for the support on this story. It melts my heart to know that so many people are enjoying it. I love you 3 :)))))))