AN: Sorry about that, i uploaded the one i didn't spell check, but i changed it now! I'll come back later to do another check to make sure i haven't missed too much.

Chapter 10

Moblit knocks on the door of the barracks where the cadets are located. He waits and a short bald cadet opens it then salutes, with the wrong hand Moblit notes. Noticing his mistake Connie quickly corrects himself, his stance clearly tense and in distress, his eyes haunted as well.

"Sorry sir! Good morning Sir!"

Moblit salutes as well and says, "Good morning, I'm looking for Cadet Howlett."

"Right here."

Said cadet is seated on his bed, pulling his boots into place. He gets up and salutes Moblit as well.

"Ah, Good morning Cadet Howlett, The Section Commander has been looking for you. She wanted to inform you more about your… 'internship' with our squad."

"Huh, alright then lead the way."

Moblit escorts the cadet to the Section Commander and as they get near he comments, "Since the Section Commander has decided to take you under her wing, I feel… compelled to warn you of a few things."

"What is she really mean or somethin?"

"No! Well I mean sometimes, she's really scary when she's mad!" he shudders.

Calian raises a weary eyebrow as he notices how tense, or rather stressed the assistant, "look sometimes the Section Commander has a habit of asking the impossible from you. So I just want you to remember you can always say no. (sigh) that is if you even manage to get a word in."

Calian watches the Executive officer in concern. Taking a closer look he can clearly see dark heavy bags underneath his eyes. And despite his youth, worry signs were forming along his forehead as well. Calian has to hand it to him, everything about Moblit screams exhaustion and yet his still fulfilling his duty to his superior. How long he can keep it up is anyones guess though.

"Ya sure look like you've had a lot of experience with that lately, if ya don't mind me sayin. Maybe ya should take a break or somethin."

Moblit let's out an exasperated chuckle of despair, "I need a vacation and an entire week to sleep. And maybe something to bring my blood pressure down too." He scoffs, "in your dreams Moblit."

… What the hell did I get myself into? "HEY! If it isn't Calian Himself!"

Said Section Commander comes to a stop after running to meet them halfway. She smiles brightly, "Eren's filled me in all about you! So is it true that you were already wowing people before we'd arrived in Trost?"

"Not really wowin but rather just survivin honestly." He shrugs. Sure he'd gotten praise but he was never really one to live for it, plus he had a lot on his mind to really care about other peoples reaction to his performance… until the court case.

"Well heck big guy, surviving's just as impressive! Why didn't you say so earlier?"

"I ain't much of a braggart—"

"If you're half as capable as Eren says, I'd love to have you on the squad for the next mission… what do you say?"

Calian stares in surprise at the smiling enccentric, ignoring the worried grimace that's grown onto Moblit's face. He couldn't believe, all these years yearning to be a part of the Scout Regiment and so soon after graduating from the Cadet Corps, he's already being given the golden opportunity!

He smiles like a child seeing snow for the first time and says, "HELL YES!... I-I mean, ahem, yes Sir! Er Ma'am or—"

Hanje waves off his confusion, "I don't care about formalities you can just call me Hanje."

"Sure thing Boss."

Hanje accepts the nickname with stride, "Well then I'm off to iron out the details with Erwin, Moblit will fill you in on the mission parameters, Seeya!"

And not a second later the Section Commander is off. Calian stares after her then looks back at Moblit, "I understand what ya meant by not gettin a word in."

All he gets is a sigh in reply.

"Ya, look like ya need a drink."

"Oh trust me I get plenty of it." He grumbles.

Calian snickers but then asks, "So what's the mission entail?"

"It's both to finish off cleaning up Trost as well as in preparation for the 57th expedition we'll be undergoing in one month. There's still a large group of Titans on the wall and some in the government are afraid that if their not eliminated they'll be able to knock back the boulder Eren placed to seal the gate."

"huh I mean, they're cowards but I guess it's not an unfounded fear."

Moblit nods, "Exactly, we're also hoping to set up a supply base as well but between you and me, I don't think that'll be possible."

Confused he asks, "Why'd you say that?"

"I'm sure you're well aware of public perception concerning the Scouts. We're always managing by the skin of our teeth. Right now us helping in Trost gave Commander Erwin enough sway to protect Eren. But that means everything has to be a success including the Expedition. If not then not only could we lose Eren, but the Scouts might even be disbanded!"

Calian can connect together what the executive officer is getting at, "So Erwin might not wanna risk setting up a supply base cause it's got a high chance of failin."

Moblit grimaces as he confirms his deduction, "Exactly. Ugh this is all too stressful and Section Commander is so reckless! Please for all our sakes, don't do anything rash!" he begs.

Calian can't help but pity the man, clearly he's under a lot of pressure. "Ya got my word."

The other man sighs in relief, "I'm trusting you on that. Anyway, The mission begins in two days. So I'd normally advise you to train but, I'd also advise you to spend some time with your friends or family… You just never know when it comes to the life of a Scout."

Bidding his fair well, Calian decides to head to the training area. He's very excited about being chosen to be a part of an actual Survey corps mission! But I'm still a rookie. If I'm gonna prove myself I gotta be in tip top shape. So with renewed purpose, Calian walks tall towards the training area but stops when he sees that there was someone already there.

"Mikasa?"

the stoic beauty focuses her unblinking eyes to his, stormy grey meeting stormy grey. "Calian."

"You've been waitin for me haven't ya?"

She nods. "Let's spar."

The courtyard of the training area was surprisingly barren despite it now being midday. Probably cause higher ups actually decided to give us fresh recruits a break, Trost made a mess of everythin. The quiet emptiness was an unwelcome feeling for the pair. Normally it's always bustling with people and life. But it worked for Mikasa. She had kept a careful watch to make sure that there were no prying eyes around, this needed to be as private as possible for her.

She stands a few feet ahead of Calian and then faces him. He crosses his arms, "Ya serious about this?"

"I am."

"So what, ya want me to just come at ya or—"

Mikasa rushes at him mid sentence, and he has just enough time to move his head from the flying knee she threw. She lands like a cat on the ground and shoots her leg in a back kick, catching Calian square on back, launching him forward and rolling in a heap. He groans as he gets up, "Engh, clearly ya ain't holdin back."

He grimaces as his back stings from the hit. "No. and I expect you not to hold back either."

He cracks his neck, "Well this is gonna hurt." He says to himself.

Mikasa rushes him again and he once again dodges the round kick she threw, but is caught in the face with a hook from her continued motion and is knocked back on the ground. He rolls back to his feet and evades and dodges the series of hooks and jabs that Mikasa threw, she then tries for another round kick to which Calian expected and he catches it. He then lifts and throws her away. This time it's Mikasa who's left rolling back to her feet. Calian has actually surprised himself as he sees just how far he's thrown her.

That's… new. This time he rushes her like a brawler. He throws a cross then a haymaker to which she is quick to evade but he catches her with a knee to the gut that stumbles her and he picks her up then slams her to the ground. She grunts but isn't fazed and she rolls out from under his massive legs and kicks out his knees. Dropping to the floor, he puts a hand up to cover his neck as she goes for a rear naked choke. He grits his teeth and throws his arm back, catching the back of her jacket. He heaves and throws her off him. Not giving her a second to recover, then push kicks her round kick, knocking her off balance and he tries grabbing her but she rabbit punches him off the ground. He's flat on his back, slightly dazed when she comes running. Her fist comes forward ready to hit it's mark but amazingly he catches her punch. He throws a punch as well but she in turn catches it. The two are at a stalemate, their feet digging deeper and deeper into the ground from the force the two powerful individuals are exerting. Calian couldn't believe his eyes as he realizes he's actually pushing back Mikasa. The Mikasa Ackerman, the strongest person in the Cadet corp, probably second to Levi himself. Until now? Mild shock was evident in her eyes,

"You're stronger." She notes.

Then in a flash of speed he didn't think possible, she sweeps his leg and forcefully slams him back to the ground as she catches him with a crescent kick to the chest.

Small smirk is adorned by Mikasa, "But I'm still faster."

He coughs, his chest definitely bruising under her heel. "Goddamn I kinda was hopin to never be on the receivin end of your wrath."

She smiles and offers her hand to which he takes it. He rubs his sore chest. "… Mikasa be straight with me, the hells happened to me?"

She looks away, deep in thought, her hands tug slightly on her scarf as her mind races.

"Tell me what happened in Trost."

Even though he's slightly annoyed that she didn't answer his question, he figures might as well tell her since she's the one who wanted to talk anyway. "Well, I'm sure ya read the report. Titans were all over the place and none of us stood a chance. Everyone… everyone just kept dyin. Thomas got swallowed up and Mina was…" he shudders, " I was so angry. I went after the titan the swallowed Thomas. I-I needed to believe he was still alive. I mean he was but when I cut that fucker open, he didn't last long."

He has to stop himself from speaking for a minute, his throat thick with emotion and he doesn't trust himself to not start crying. "I'm sorry."

He shakes his head, "Ya got nothin to apologize for. Actually I should apologize to ya. If I hadn't lost my head, Eren wouldn't of been eaten."

She smiles gratefully and squeezes his arm assuringly, "You don't need to apologize. He's still here with us."

"From pure luck. I should've done more." He looks down.

"You did what you could. You fought and you won. Thomas and Mina would be happy for you."

Calian allows himself to smile at that thought. He hopes that wherever they are, they're happy. He's at least happy they're not trapped in this hell. Suddenly he remembers something, "there was one more thing."

With Mikasa waiting attentively he continues, "When Thomas d-died. He said somethin to me. And when he did, somethin just clicked inside me."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know how to describe it. It was like my entire body was hit with lightnin and suddenly I felt so much power awaken in me. I felt like my entire bein was under my control. Like I could do anythin. Then the rest was history."

He finds Mikasa gaping at him, like she saw a ghost. His hand instinctively comes to his face, "What did a bird shit on me or somethin?"

"No… Something like that happened to me."

"What really?! When?"

A pained expression mars her face, Calian guessed right away what it could be. "oh, when you and Eren."

"Yes, at the time. I felt like I could do anything. And I've been strong ever since."

The two are silent for some time after, digesting the new information. "I've got so much more questions now." Calian whispers to himself, but Mikasa agrees with him.

"What did Thomas tell you?"

"Oh he, he said to 'live for both of us'… I don't know if he meant he and Mina or for me and him, heh it was the same thing the Garrison soldier who saved me in Shinganshina said. What're the fuckin odds."

He turns to Ackerman, "How about ya? Did Eren say something to ya?"

She nods, her heart warming as she remembers the words Eren told her that gave her strength. "He said the only way to win is to fight. Fight or die."

Calian isn't exactly surprised to hear that. Over the years Mikasa and Eren sometimes had said that same quote in some way or another. "Words to live by I guess."

A few moments of silence pass when Calian decides to broach the subject, "Hey Mikasa, is it alright if I asked what happened that day?"

She stiffens and has a guarded expression. He quickly takes it back, "nevermind if it makes ya uncomfortable—"

"No. it's fine." She sighs, "It was true. Some men kidnapped me. But Eren, he found me and he saved me. I will always be grateful for that." Her expression abruptly turns furious, "Those pigs had no right to say those things about Eren! They weren't there! They don't know what it was like! What it was like to have to fight to survive! We aren't monsters."

Calian, for several seconds, is silent as he tries to figure out what to say to all of that. "Ya know, when I was 8, my dad decided to take me into town with him to sell pelts from the animals he hunted. I was excited cause he had a wagon and for a kid growin up in the forest, that was like a ride, specially since I wasn't allowed to ride horses yet. On our way back home, 3 guys were followin us on horse back. I didn't know any better back then but I remember how tense my dad got. He made us move a little faster then stopped the wagon and told me to hide behind a fallen tree. He waited till those men arrived. I don't remember what they said, I could barely hear them cause they were whisperin, but they took out some weapons and they attacked my dad… that was the first time I seen him kill somethin that wasn't an animal."

Mikasa is surprised by the story her friend is telling her, normally whenever he would talk about his parents, it was always a happy memory or something that always brought a smile to his face. It was unnerving seeing him wear the stoic expression for a change. "My mom fussed when we got home but she was just happy we were alive. I'll never forget what my dad told me later that night. He told me how he tried to talk, end things peacefully. But, 'some men are just bad to the bone. And they just wanna hurt people and they wanted to hurt ya son, they wanted to hurt ya bad. That's just how cruel the world is sometimes. I wish it ain't have to come to this. But I had to make a choice son, between those men and the people I love. I choose ya son. And I'm always gonna choose ya.' " Calian beams sadly to himself, "and he did, to the very end."

He takes a few controlling breaths before facing Mikasa, "You're right. Neither of ya are monsters. Cause ya both fought to protect the people ya cared for. And if that's what is considered a monster, then I wonder what those cowards who'd sacrifice anyone but themselves are."

Calian is surprised as two arms circle around him and embrace him tightly. Mikasa lets go and beams at the giant. "Thank you Calian, I needed to hear that."

"S'what friends are for."

"You're dad, he seemed like a good man."

"The best! Hey it's almost dinner time, we should probably head back."

Agreeing with him, the two begin their trek to the mess hall, neither one noticing a short man watching them from the shadows.

Once they're almost to their destination Mikasa stops him. "Calian, you will be with Section Commander Hanje Zoe's squad right?"

"Yea… let me guess, ya want me to keep an eye on Eren?"

She blushes and hides her mouth in her scarf, which brings out a chuckle from the tall cadet. "Ya got my word Ackerman, I'll do everythin in my power to keep him safe."

She smiles brightly, "Thank you Calian, I truly appreciate it."

"Sure thing, now come on before Sasha eats all our portions."

After enjoying their meal the Cadets all prepare their selves to sleep but Calian is still up, staring at the leather notebook in his hands, the one that belonged to his departed friend Thomas Wagner. His hands shake slightly as he opens the book to a random page, too nervous to even read from the beginning. He begins reading,

May 5th,

I should've realized a lot sooner what this day meant. But I guess Cal's right when he says that when I stare at Mina it's like I completely lose track of the world. Boy I should stop doing that before it gets too creepy. Aw who am kidding it's already creepy as it is! Ok let me stop before I work myself into a panic attack. Anyway, I should've realized sooner why Cal was so gloomy the entire day. He wasn't snappy like Eren was but he definitely wasn't a good mood. But I heard Jean say what day it was and I felt like such a screw up when I realized that today… it was the anniversary of his parents death. Poor guy, I can't even begin to imagine a world without my parents. Cal has been such a good friend to Mina and I, always watching our backs and helping us whenever we can. I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to do the same, that I owed it to him!

So naturally I went to Mina. Heh I can already feel Calian laughing it up and poking fun at me if he ever read this. But she's as smart as she is pretty and she proved it again when she helped me brain storm some ideas for how we can cheer up Cal. It's pretty lucky that my Uncle was a carpenter and he taught me a few things, she gave me the right wood and I carved up a Dalhlia, his mothers favorite flower. I gotta say, the smile that grew on his face that day, it could of outshined the sun! It was even the first time I've seen him cry, I was gonna freak out. But Cal told me it was happy tears and that made it all the better . He was already saying that he wanted to do something for us, man Cal you really need to know how get back as much as you give! He's always giving so much for us, it felt great finally doing the same. Bonus was how happy it made Mina too! God it doesn't mater what happens from here on out, I'm always gonna be grateful I got to meet these two.

He wipes the tears that were blurring his vision. He remembers that day vividly, he still has the wooden Dahlia in his bags. Whenever his parents anniversary comes up, holding it in his hands always manages to calm his tormented heart. Thank you Thomas, Mina. Thank you for being you. Looking back, the last 3 years, before Trost, they were honestly the best years of his life. Yes the training was grueling and brutal. Many times even dangerous. But he wouldn't trade it for the world because of everyone he's met. He can't stop the smile from growing on his face as he remembers all the good times. He takes a second to glance at his fellow cadets. The marks left by Trost is still clearly affecting them, their time together at the mess hall making it all the more evident. But an idea forms in Calians head, a way for him to help his friends and for him to honor Thomas and Mina.

The following morning, Howlett goes through the market on a mission. Even before he was living on the streets homeless he had always been somewhat frugal with his money. Not to say that he was cheap, but selling pelts meant his parents instilled in him to make every cent count. Which is why he had saved quite a lot of money since he had started Cadet corps training. And now it's time to blow it! So for the next few hours Calian goes from one end of the market to another, buying gifts and n assortment of food for the surprise he's thought up for his friends. Satisfied, he heads back and goes to the Cliffside spot he frequents and places all the gifts in a safe place. Finally he goes to the kitchen and gets to work cooking. All in all, it takes a good portion of the day to finish everything but once done he allows himself to look proudly at his work.

"Now to get everyone here."

"ugh, wht's so important that the big lug had to drag us out into the woods for?" Ymir complains.

Christa lightly smacks her arm, "Ymir! Be nice!"

She shrugs in return, "All I'm saying is, this better not be a waste of my time!"

"What you got something better to do?" Connie asks with a knowing smirk.

Ymir lightly glares at him, "why yes actually, I was planning on watching grass grow. Which coincidentally is already matching your height."

"Why you! Uh um dammit!" He struggles to think of something back, which brings another ruckus round of laughter from Ymir.

"Ymir!"

"Aw it's ok Connie, I'm sure you'll eventually think of something!" Sasha tries to help out, but can't keep herself from smirking as well.

"Come on knock it off you guys." Reiner lightly scolds but holding a smile of his own.

"Idiots." Annie says with a roll of her eyes.

"Come on guys, Cal's meet up spot is just ahead." Armin tells everyone, hoping that'll calm them down long enough.

Once they find the spot some gasp at the sight. A makeshift picnic with a campfire set right near the Cliffside with the setting sun casting a beautiful light that's being reflected by the water. The gentle evening breeze blowing the smell of the enticing food, making Sasha drool at the tempting aroma. "Did he set this up?" Mikasa asks.

"Yea I did."

They all turn to the tall Cadet who's come out from the woods, holding a bag full of stuff as he smiles sheepishly. "I uh, saw everyone was still in pretty bad shape from Trost so I wanted to do somethin that could maybe cheer ya'll up. Here."

He sets the bag down and starts opening up the basket holding food, he hands all of them a sandwich each and they take a seat wherever they find comfortable and begin digging in. They all share comments of amazement when the food hits their taste buds.

Sasha even begins to cry, "Ahhhh! Calian! You're a chef god! How did you think up such a wonderful meal?!"

She tears up her sandwich even as tears fall down much to his amusement. They all share varying noises of agreement, "Seriously Cal! This is the best sandwich I've ever had, what did you do to this pork?"

"Oh I just slow roasted it after marinatin it with a bunch of spices I uhh, borrowed." He explains.

Sasha rolls her eyes, "He means he stole it!"

Come on Sash really?"

She smiles cheekily, food caking her face and she continues to stuff her mouth with another sandwich Calian provided for her. "Man I think you could make a killing as a chef!" Armin says.

Mikasa nods, "It is very delicious, you have a great talent Calian."

He rubs his neck awkwardly, "Eh it's not that good."

"You kidding me? I'll give you a months salary if you'd cook for us once a week!" Jean exclaims.

A mischevious look creeps onto Connie's, "Too late, he's already doing it for Sasha for free."

Said redhead squeaks and blushes as all the attention goes to her and Calian, who's stammering and blushing as well. "Is that so?" Ymir raises a eyebrow and smirks.

"w-well I mean yea I have."

"Oh yea Sasha admitted to everyone that they both sneak out a night and he cooks her a meal right here!" Connie reveals to the pairs embarrassment.

Reiner throws a arm over Calians shoulders, or at least tries to and smirks. "Oh ho ho! Howlett I didn't think you had it in you!" he leans in, "Made it to pound town yet?"

"Oi oi oi, watch your mouth!" he throws Reiners arm off him, his face bruning red, to the blondes amusement.

Ymir drops herself next to Sasha and starts poking fun at her, "So how longs this been going on? You two dating or is it just physical?"

"YMIR!"

She howls laughing as does some of the group, even Bertholdt chuckles quietly, Annie allowing a small smirk to appear. Calian sighs, "Yea yea laugh it up, I might as well return the gifts I got ya'll since ya wanna be jerks."

They stop at that, "gifts?"

"You got us gifts?"

"Oh Cal you didn't have to!"

He shrugs as he opens the bag, "It's like I said, I wanna cheer ya'll up."

He starts handing them out, "for Mikasa, I got ya some new leather gloves, I know ya tore up your last ones training."

She beams gratefully and tries them on, happy to see that they're a perfect fit.

"Armin I got ya a chess set." He hands it to him and he takes it graciously, "thanks Cal!"

"Remember ya still owe me a rematch!"

"Heh, I'll be ready!"

"Ya better." He turns to Reiner, "I got ya some pomade but with how slick ya comments have been I'm not sure ya need it."

Reiner snickers, "Ill take it, thanks."

Cal then turns to Bertholdt, "I honestly wasn't sure what ta give ya Bertie, cause ya never really talk about your hobbies other than wantin to explore the interior so I got ya a sight seein map."

The tall lanky Cadet stares in shock at the gift, "I don't know what say."

He shurgs in reply, "ya don't have to."

"Annie! I remember when we were trainin in Trost how ya stopped at one store and kept starin at this book for the longest time before leavin, I was kinda surprised it was still there but here."

He hands her a book titled, 'Where Mom Lives.' Her jaw drops a little as she grasps it, her fingers lightly touching the embroided title. She clears her throat and tries to put on a mask on disinterest again, but everyone present was witness to the small window of childlike wonder that broke through. "ahem, thank you."

Cal grins as he gets to Jean and he tosses him a wooden toy Horse. The deadpan glare Jean shoots at him makes the whole group break out in laughter, "I'm not a damn horseface!"

Clutching his sides Connie gasps, "Yes you are horseface!"

"Hehehe but for real, here's your gift." Cal tosses him a gold necklace.

Jeans' eyes widen as the jewelry lands in his palms, "Wow Cal, how could you even afford this?!"

"I actually came across a socialite who was flashin his money and gamblin. He was playin poker with a few people and he wanted to 'prove is intellectual superiority to even our military errand boys', and challenged me to a game. Let's just say he kept losin a lot."

Ymir's impressed, "I think I might have to challenge you to a game one of these days."

"Let's hope your pride can take the blows." He returns a challenging grin to her.

He goes to Connie, "that gold Necklace wasn't the only thing I won." And he hands him a Regiment Medal.

Connie's eyes nearly pop out when he realizes what he's holding, "How!?"

"The socialite wasn't the only player!" he grins triumphantly as he realizes what door just opened for him, "Now ya can tell those kids you're half the super soldier ya tell them ya are."

Connie tenses as he shakes his head, begging for Calian to stay quiet.

"What do you mean?" Mikasa asks.

"Please Cal don't!"

"Oh but before ya had plenty to say, why stop now!"

He then announces to the group, "Connie's spent most of Cadet trainin tellin a bunch of kids that he's the top of the class and that Levi himself is handin him the title of Humanity's Strongest Soldier."

Sasha spits out her food, guffawing, as does everyone else. Sasha points at Connie, "YOU?! HUMANITY'S STRONGEST!? HAHAHAHAAAAA!"

"What kinda idiot kids would buy that!?" Ymir has tears streaking down her face.

Even Christa can't stop herself form laughing, though she does try hiding it behind her hands.

Connie turns red as a tomato, "Hey what's so funny about that!? A genius like me has a better chance at being the top soldier than an idiot like you!"

Sasha growls angrily, "hey who you calling an idiot!?"

"I'm calling you an idiot, idiot!"

Howlett cuts in, "Ya think that's bad? He begged me to help him and we went to Armin to help him with his grades—"

He can't continue as another round of laughter bursts out and he's doubled over slapping his knee, he begs Armin to continue for him and Armin send an apologetic look to Connie, "I asked him to tell me what about an abnormal titan makes abnormal titans distinct from a pure titan and he tells me, 'they look gross! And they really know how to piss you off!'"

Jean falls to his but wheezing and crying, Even Mikasa giggles as Connie tries to hide behind his hands. "He said that with so much confidence!" Calian wheezes out.

The next 5 minutes is nothing but laughter between all of them before the hilarity finally dies down. Catching his breath, the tall cadet goes to Christa, "I found an emergency kit that I thought be used by ya well since ya keep goin to the hospital to volunteer, thought it might make life easier for ya."

She elegantly takes it into her hands and smiles brightly, "Thank you so much! You should visit too, a lot of the paitents miss you."

"Ill drop by when I can."

Ymir crosses her arms expectantly. "Let's see if this is good."

Cal grins and pulls out an real Gold bar. Dead silence envelops the area, Ymir's jaw nearly unhooks from her skull, "is that- is that, real?"

"Yup! I practically robbed the man blind in the 3rd round of Poker! I already knew that money is the only other thing than Christa that can wrinkle your nose. Have fun!"

Her speechlessness is enough thanks for him.

"And last but definitely not least, this actually is what took the rest of my money."

Sasha couldn't believe it when he hands her a brand new Hunters Armory set. Tears from at the edges of her eyes as she gazes at the beautiful craftsmanship. She jumps and wraps him in a tight hug and cries into his shoulder. "Thank you! Thank you thank you!"

He smiles and returns the hug, whispering to her, "Anythin for ya Darlin."

She's too grateful to even realize what he said as she lets go and tests out the bow. "This is amazing!"

"Yea Cal, thanks, I think I speak for everyone when I say we really needed this." Armin says and he looks away sadly. "If only Eren was here."

"don't worry, I got something for him too."

The mention of Eren does bring back some tension, but thankfully it wasn't nearly as bad as before, "Man, I still can't believe he's a titan and that he's joining the scouts too."

Connie perks up, "Hey you're joining them too aren't you Cal?"

He nods, "Yea, I'm actually gonna be takin part of a preliminary mission in preparation of the next expedition."

He shakes his head in wonderment, "Man, barely graduated and your already taking missions."

"Be careful out there Cal." Sasha pleads.

"Yea, we don't want to—lose you too." Christa says heavily.

"Ya got my word guys."

"tch, you have no control of what happens out there, don't make promises you can't keep." Ymir says with a roll of her eyes.

"Are you always a bitch or do you ever take breaks?" Jean asks.

She glares at him, "Between the two of us I'd say the bigger bitch is you."

"actually Jean, ya might be surprised to know that Ymir ain't as bad as ya might think!"

Connie scoffs, "You're kidding right?"

Ymir narrows her eyes, "What're you playing at?"

"Telling the truth like ya. When I was in town once, some kids came up to me and asked me if I was gonna give them food too? I asked, what they meant and they said that the symbol on my jacket, the cadet symbol, was worn by a lady who kept providing them food."

Ymir's eyes widen in realization but he continues, "I asked them to describe her and they said 'really scary eyes,' right there I just knew it had to be Ymir and I was right!"

Dumbfounded they all turn to the subject of the matter who crosses her arms and looks away angrily, "I just wanted them to stop begging me everytime I rounded the corner."

Christa lays on hand on her arm and smiles, "that's so selfless of you!"

"Oh don't start with that, it was just to get them to stop bothering me!"

"Nuh uh, you're just a big softie!" Sasha exclaims.

She quickly pipes down once she's at the receiving end of a fearsome glare, "You wanna run that by me again potato girl?"

"(Gulp), No!"

Ymir smirks, "Speaking of food, are you still sore you lost to Jean boy?"

A look of rage grows on Sasha and she growls at him, "Only because he cheated!"

"No I didn't!"

"Yuh huh! Calian told me he found out you used your mom's omelette as your dish! And to think you'd desecrate the long standing tradition of a cook off," she sniffles, "You heartless monster!"

Jean glares at him, "Why'd you tell her that!?"

He shrugs, "Ya pissed me off that day, I thought she was gonna smack ya or somehtin but she forgot about it." He deadpans.

Armin rubs his chin, "Huh, so the real winner that day was Sasha!"

Connie high fives her, "I knew it!"

"No you didn't." Mikasa quickly retorts.

Jean glares at Cal but smirks too, "If we're gonna start revealing things, how about the time Connie pranked you!"

"Don't. You. Dare."

"Oh I dare!"

He stands up dramatically, "One time when Calian was in the showers, connie stole his clothes and towel so Cal had to streak back to the barracks bare ass naked!"

Once again the cadets laugh at his expense, "And he ends up getting caught by Shadis and was made to swim in the lake for the entire night in the middle of winter!"

"Oh yea I remember that!" Bertholdt says as he snickers.

Ymir smirks, "So do I."

Christa is taken aback, "You did?"

"Yea some of us were still awake and got to see the big lug run around camp with his ass out. Though there weren't that many complaints." She smirks more as Calian blushes madly.

"Oh yea," Connie rolls his eyes, "Most of the girls in the corp gave him even more attention and ignored guys like me."

"You mean midgets?" Jean replies with a shit eating grin.

"Oh don't hurt the baldy's feelings, he's feeling insecure enough as it is!"

"No I'm not! I have nothing to be insecure about!"

"Oh there's plenty for you to feel insecure about!" Ymir retorts.

"What do you mean by that?" Christa asks.

"Let's just say everything's in proportion to Cal's height." She gives her a wink.

Sasha has to fan herself as her face is heating up to an insane level at the thought of Calian streaking. Her hearts hammering but a feeling of jealousy is also present. Why am I feeling Jealous? It's just Ymir poking fun, it's not like she's interested in him… OR ME OR ME! She decides to stuff her mouth with another sandwich.

"ok can we please change the subject?" Calian asks.

Reiner then smirks and says, "ok I got a good one here!"

And that's how the evening went on, the cadets feeling free of worry and sadness for just a while and enjoying the times they all had together and the friendships they've grown.

After a few hours the cadets called it quits and decided to turn in for the night. Sasha offered to stay behind and help him clean up to which he was grateful for. They walk together and begin reminiscing once again.

"Thanks again for the hunters gear, I can't wait to try it out!"

"Heh remember the first time we hunted together?"

"oh yea, dat was some good fun! I reckon yer the only one that's worth a damn with the bow!"

Calian smiles warmly as he gazes at Sasha. "That was also the first time ya used your normal accent around me too."

She gasps but relaxes. "Yea, youre right. Thanks again for, you know helping me with that."

"anytime, I still don't know why ya felt embarrassed by it, I think it's neat."

She dips her head a bit to hide her burning face with her hair, "T-thanks, I just was afraid people would think I'm stupid or something."

"no offense but eatin in the middle of orientation is probably what did it."

"Arghhhhh!" she grips her hair tightly in frustration, "is anyone ever going to forget that!"

"Nope! Hahaa!"

She sighs. "Hey, sorry, just wanted to light up the mood a bit."

"It's ok, but seriously thanks. If it wasn't for you, I'd never feel confident enough to be my true self." She bumps her shoulder to him affectionately.

"I ain't did much, it was all ya."

"Yea but you believed in me and encouraged me!"

"I'm always gonna believe in ya Darlin."

There it is again, Darlin. He's always called her that and to her knowledge, she's the only one who he's ever given that name too. She doesn't know why and neither does he, but they both realize that they like it and it feels like some kind of special connection between them has been built from that. She can't stop the grin from growing as she replies, "Right back at ya Cal."

Man she really looks good in the moonlight. He shakes his head at the sudden thought but can't help but agree with the voice. The two bid their farewell as they head to their respective barracks. As he gets into bed, he slowly begins heading into a restful sleep, but his mind starts racing with different thoughts and memories. This time, they're about Sasha. The first time he met her, the first time he called her darlin. He smiles warmly as he remembers when she finally talked to everyone with her normal accent.

(Flashback)

Sasha whoops and jumps into the air, her fists held high in triumph. "Finally I did it! Okay then Calian, let's ace this training shall we? And then it'll finally be time for dinner!.. mmmmm… dinner!" she drools at the thought of food and tries to rush forward but notices her friend wasn't moving.

She crosses her arms confused, "Oh? What's the matter, Calian?"

"Ya lost your accent again." He points out.

She scratches her head, "y-yeah, I know… I've just kinda gotten into the habit now. It's hard to stop."

This somewhat saddens Calian because if he were to be honest with himself, he really likes her accent and was looking forward to hearing it more.

"But even if it was only that one time, I still managed it! I talked to Christa and the other's with my real accent! And that's thanks to you!"

He can't help but smile at her happiness, "I'm glad I could help darlin."

"Haha! I showed everyone my true colors and they accepted me, that's huge! I-I mean I still might not be able to use my real accent all the time, but I've gotten the confidence to be true to myself, plus I can use my accent with you!"

This catches him by surprise, "Ya would?"

"Mhmm!" her eyes were bright when she replied.

He feels himself staring into them as he replies, "I'd very much like that darlin."

"Me too! Now come on let's go train so we can eat!"

(Flashback ends)

He shakes his head as he lays down and closes his eyes. Man she was so happy that day, finally seeing her be open and use her accent, seein her free like that was better than any gift in the world. And I swear the sun was makin her eyes look like a pot of honey. So damn beautifu—Calian sits up his mind racing and his hear beating loudly in his ears. His mind was finally connecting to what he couldn't see. How his heart would beat so strongly in his chest whenever he watches Sasha smile or laugh, how much it pained him to see her sad, how much he valued her skills and her person. How relived he was when she was safe during Trost. And how much he longer he wanted to hold her in his arms when she hugged him. How right it felt. And that's all because—

"holy shit…. I'm in love with her."

AN: And there you have it folks! Thanks to everyone who answered before and you know what, I'm gonna continue my story as is, i like how it's going and after writing this chapter, it just felt right. Thanks again to everyone who favorited, followed and reviewed and thank you for the suggestions! to be honest writing this from the beginning and giving more moments of happiness for everyone in the cadets is kinda helping me with the overwhelming sadness that season 4 is giving me XD. I hope it does the same for you, enjoy! Till the next one!