Chapter 16

Week 1

Cal was both happy and annoyed at the moment. Happy because not only has he finally confessed his less than innocent feelings for the famous Potato Girl, but she had in turn revealed that she herself returned those same feelings! Now normally this would be a cause for celebration if it weren't for the fact they both were going into Scout Regiment training. But thanks to Calian's special 'circumstances', he will have to be separated and train exclusively with both Captain Levi and Section Commander Hanje Zoe. If it were any other time, Cal would be ecstatic, but really neither of the two really had a chance to define their relationship, or even what their own expectations were. This especially drove Sasha insane as she was being overwhelmed by anxiety. The thing is, as she had confessed to Calian many times before, she has never had much experience talking about her feelings, she's never had a crush before and certainly never had been someone else's crush. It took a lot of reassuring from Calian's part to calm her down. What from assuring her that his feelings were genuine as well as the fact that he himself was not experienced with it either and that they were on the same boat. In the end, they agreed to take things one day at a time and even though they both will be away from each other for a month, they will continue to write constantly in the mean time.

Barely been a week so far and I already miss her like crazy, he thinks to himself. But he still smiles at the thought of reuniting with the redhead.

Speaking of which, Howlett already has plenty to tell Sasha as he has once again arrived at the Old Scouts Headquarters where his and Eren's training will be done. And the first thing he sees… is Oluo face down in an alarmingly large puddle blood that seems to be originating from his mouth. Petra passes by deadpan and drops a handkerchief onto the hapless Scouts head, not even bothering to try to help him up. Petra smiles as she notices Calian in the doorway,

"Hi Calian! You can come in, don't mind Oluo he just bit his tongue again."

Cal steps over the unconscious Scout and comments, "Ya know I would ask what happened but, I'm more curious as to how he can bleed so much from a tongue bite. Is he gonna be ok?"

She waves off his concerns, "He'll be fine he does this about… wow 3 times a day."

"… And he's in the Special ops Squad."

"Captain Levi Chose him. He does pull his weight on missions at least."

"Right."

"Tch, so the two of you are gossiping now?" Said Captain asks as he appears behind them.

Petra squeaks and gets right into sweeping furiously, though somehow, she can tell that her superior is not convinced.

Levi immediately sees the scene before him and pinches the bridge of his nose while sighing. "Howlett get Bozado on his feet and clean up the blood from the ground. Once you're done with that you'll start training."

"Right away?"

"You got a problem with that?" He scowls.

Calian bites his tongue as a vicious retort nearly jumps out his mouth before giving the short Corporal a tight smile. "No Sir."

Levi leaves without a word and takes a calming breath before turning to Petra. "Charmin guy really."

"Not exactly what you had in mind when you thought of Humantiy's strongest soldier?"

"Yea, he kinda fell short to my expectations."

Petra struggles to keep the smile off her face, "I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that for all our sakes. It's true Levi is surprisingly short—"

"Pun intended?"

"Irritable, violent and hard to approach. But he does have a caring side to him. It's just hard to discern."

Cal raises an eyebrow, "have ya had any success with that?"

She sighs, "Yes and no, more often than not we're still at a loss as to how he's feeling or what he's thinking."

"Well what better way for me to find out than to train with the guy."

"Good luck! You're gonna need it!"

Cal chuckles, "Not to sound like Oluo but I'm sure I can handle what the Cap'll throw at me."

A few hours later

The cadet drops to his hands and knees, his clothes soaked completely through with sweat and breathing heavily after hours of nonstop and arduous training with Humanity's Strongest soldier. Said soldier looks fine, sweat matting his hair to his forehead to which he grunts in disgust but otherwise looking like he's ready to go another few hours.

"Back on your feet dammit, you think you'll have a chance to take a shit in the middle of an expedition?"

Panting, Cal glares up at him, "Just catchin a breather Cap, I'll be back on my feet in a minute."

Levi sees that the sun is slowly making its descent and he decides now would be as good a time as any to end todays training. He goes to a nearby bench where he had neatly placed some towels for cleaning and grabs two, he throws the second one at the Cadet before using his own to meticulously clean himself as best he can of his perspiration.

"Hmph, I thought you'd struggle more with todays training but you handled it well enough."

Still catching his breath, the teen simply nods in appreciation. "Do you hold it against me for pushing you so hard?"

"Honestly, nah. Strange toilet humor aside, this is exactly how I pictured trainin with ya was gonna be like. Doesn't mean it ain't tough though." He takes a gracious gulp of water from the container he brought with him. Thankfully it was still cold and the chilly temperature from the refreshment revitalized his heated core.

Levi's scowl softens and Howlett notices, "What? Were ya expectin me to rage at ya?"

"Yes. The fact is, if I don't push you that hard, there's no point."

"And I'm guessin not a lot of people are appreciative of your, 'kind gesture'."

"Tch, Most of the recruits I test before adding them to my squad quit half way into the training and curse my name. Many also wrongly assume that not only would it be easy but they'd have a chance to 'impress' me." He frowns in disgust.

"Can't blame em, you're like a legend to most of the soldiers, anyone would jump at the chance to be with the big dog."

A dangerous shadow grows from Levi's fierce scowl, "Was that supposed to be a joke?"

"No I was bein serious… but if the shoe fits…"

"Keep it up and I'll add another two hours of training and this time I won't hold back."

"Sorry Sir, I misspoke." Cal relents while thinking to himself, That's ya holdin back?! Can't tell if I should be impressed or insulted.

Levi is quiet for a second before scoffing, " 'Legend'. That's dangerous thinking there."

"Why?"

"Because I'm still human. There's only a matter of time before I make a mistake, or I get too slow or I get too weak. One day I'll be dead, and that legend will die along with me."

A somber tension grows as Calian remains silent, unsure if he should comment, having a feeling that his superior has more to say. To which he was correct,

"Unless someone else takes up that title." Levi comments.

Cal double takes, unsure if he heard that right. "What do ya mean by that?"

"Who knows? Hit the showers, you reek like the sewers of the underground. Once you're done cleaning up brew up some tea."

"Why do ya want me to make some tea for ya?"

"That's the only skill you've displayed that's truly impressed me." Levi answers as he walks away, not even looking back.

Calian stares after him deadpanned. He stares up into the sky as if he's praying, "One day I'm gonna get to a higher rank than him and when that happens, I'm gonna spend each and everyday pissin him off!"

Week 2

"Section Commander step back! You're too close!" Moblit yells.

The mad scientist cackles loudly as she hops back as the Titan's head surges forward and chomps it teeth down, only a hairs breath away from her face.

"You almost had me there!" she compliments.

Calian looks around to make sure no one was looking and he quickly covers his mouth with his hand, chuckling behind it at the Section Commanders antics and poor moblit's frustration. He knows he shouldn't, but the entire situation is so absurd that he just can't help himself.

Moblit tries to pull back Hanje, "I think you should take it easy for today section Commander!"

Hanje waves him off, "Oh pish posh Moblit, I can't take anything easy right now! We were lucky that Erwin allowed us to run a small sting to capture another titan and I have so much time to make up for! Levi has Eren for today and I need to run experiments on this Titan that I can't on Eren… yet." She grins from ear to ear, frightening her most trusted assistant.

She rubs her chin in deep thought when she snaps her fingers, "Aha! I know what we should do next. Moblit go get me a spear!"

"Section Commander please!"

As they go back and forth The Titan seems to struggle more and more against it's restraints as Hanje was standing tantalizingly in front of it. It's beady and lifeless eyes are laser focused o the bespeckled woman and it put more and more effort into escaping to feast on the nearby human. Nifa sees this and tries to warn the two but suddenly the giant stakes that are pinning the Titan down, become loose in it's right arm. It makes to grab the Section Commander but Nifa had already pushed her out the way. Unfortunately, it left her in the same danger she just saved her superior from and she screamed as she was caught in the hand of the maneating monster. The Scouts begin to rush towards her as She's slowly being brought to it's mouth and Calian jumps into action.

"Don't kill it!" He hears Hanje yell and he makes a last minute change to his plan of attack. In a startling display of speed he shoots forward and slices the Titans fingers off, catching Nifa as she begins to drop and reeling them both a safe distance away. He can hear Hanje ordering the others, "get it's arm restrained NOW!"

And she appears next to Calian, worriedly searching for any injuries Nifa may have endured. "Hey hey, Nifa you hear me?"

The shaken soldier inhales shakily as her eyes remain unblinking as they stare back at the titan. Hanje grabs her chin and gently but firmly forces Nifa to look at her. "Hey, you see me right? You're ok. You're not hurt, thanks to Cal here ok?"

Nifa swallows thickly but nods and Cal Gently helps her to her feet. Hanje still keeps her hands on her shoulders in support until Nifa assures her that she's ok. Moblit helps her to the infirmary for a proper check up and Hanje quietly thanks Calian,

"That's some good quick thinking you did there."

"I almost killed it." He admits.

She purses her lips and sighs, "I understand, that's what we're trained to do especially when we see our comrades in danger like that. I hope you don't think I took for granted anyone's lives here when I ordered you not to kill it."

He shakes his head, "Course not. I understand why, especially with what happened to the last two. I know how important these experiments are to the rest of humanity too. Plus I've seen ya in action enough to know that ya care for everyones lives more than your own."

It's very true. Whenever Hanje has pulled her more dangerous stunts with Titans, it's always been her being the lone volunteer. Whether it's stand physically stand on the titan, or even to step directly in front of it and talk, Hanje has never once ordered anyone else to do so. Most would think it's just the normal crazy antics of a mad scientist, but Calian could see, it's because she didn't want anyone else to be in harms way. And he respects that.

"But I think ya owe your squad a round or two of drinks after this."

Hanje throws her head back in laughter. "I think you might be right on that Howlett. You know what, go ahead and tell the squad they can take the night to go to the tavern."

Calian tilts his head, "Ya wanna leave the Titans by themselves?"

She shakes her head, a shadow over her eyes as she grimaces, "Oh no. I'll be staying here hidden. I'll be watching in case our mysterious assassin decides to strike again."

The teen nods and begins to fulfill her orders until she stops him, "One more thing. I did some research into you Calian."

He crosses his arms, "Ya have?"

She smiles apologetically, "Yea. Curiosity got the best of me. Especially with your battle prowess. Tell me, is it true that you've never displayed this type of strength before?"

"Heh, no offense but I'm surprised it took ya this long to ask me that."

"There's more fun in the chase." She says with a laugh.

He shares the laugh before answering, "No. I haven't until the battle of Trost."

Her eyes narrow deep in thought before lighting up. She holds her hands pleadingly with a big smile, "Would you mind if I ran some tests with you?"

He takes a slight step back in trepidation, "Like Eren?"

"No not like Eren, well kinda. Just to see what you can do and your limits, and possibly to find the answer to the biggest question of them all. Why."

He takes a few moments before saying, "Before I answer that can ya answer me one thing?"

She nods.

"Can this stay between us? I'm all for knowin more and learnin more but, I'd rather not become some big project the rest of the government wants to get their grubby hands on."

Hanje's mouth drops, she hadn't exactly thought of that. She can understand his worry though. Experimenting with Titans is one thing, of course most of the government would be opposed to it because of the overwhelming danger they pose to humanity as a whole. But humans… well all they need to do is look back at the tragic campaign to retake wall Maria that was simply a ploy to rid themselves of most of the human population for the sake of provisions. It's clear how little human lives matter to them. "You have my word Calian." She salutes .

He grins, "Alright, ya got it boss."

She whoops, jumping in the air, "I'll start getting some ideas together on what we can do, go on and have a good night!"

"Sure thing boss."

When word got to the squad, Howlett swore he's never seen a group so collectively relieved to have a night off. He decided to tag along as well, a decision he definitely did not regret. As soon as the group sat down at a table drinks were put before them and Moblit downed 4 mugs full of ale back to back. The Nifa chortles as she points at Calian's gaping mouth, the rest of the group laughing along with her.

"Look at his face! He's like a fish!"

Rashad throws an arm over Calian's shoulder as Moblit orders another round for himself. "Don't worry kid, Moblit's got a strong liver he can handle his drink."

"Can ya really consider that a drink? I think they're bringin him a whole barrel to himself!" Howlett remarks.

Laude stops herself from spitting out her drink while Keiji has no such luck. Nifa slaps his back as she laughs along with him.

"Yea everyone reacts the same way when they see Moblit drink. For obvious reasons, out of the entire Survey corps, he's the heaviest drinker."

Moblit burps loudly and glares at Rashad, "Shut up! You'd do the same if you had my job!"

"You're absolutely right! That's why when we all were asked, you were the only one who volunteered!"

Moblit glares but grabs the full mug and throws his head back, drinking the entire thing in one go.

Practically mesmerized, Calian wonders, "How the hell did ya do that?"

The Vice captain gives him a rueful smile, "I've had plenty of practice over the years."

And he goes on about his difficult job, keeping Hanje Zoe basically alive, all the reckless antics she has and all the times he's nearly had a heart attack from rashness. S time goes on he keeps drinking and drinking and drinking until he's good and well drunk.

"And that was just this week!"

"WE know Moblit, we were with you!" Laude snorts.

The drunken veteran almost falls out of his chair as he turns to face her, a wavy finger trying to point at her. "Then why (hic) didn't you do anything!?" He seems to struggle keeping his eyes open and drops his head on the table.

Calian laughs as he sips on his ale. "ya know, all of ya seem to have a lot of stress cause of the Titan research, why'd ya choose to join?"

They all share a look and Rashad answers for them, "Cause it's for the best of humanity."

"… Goddamn is everyone in the Survey corps some selfless and altruistic idealists or somethin? I feel like the odd one for just wantin revenge."

"And there's nothing wrong with that kid. We all start that way, hell some of us are still that way. But letting that anger be the only thing that fuels you, it's just gonna deplete you instead."

Agreeing with him, Nifa adds, "Sometimes we all need something else to push us forward. Being a Scout we know we can die at any moment. I guess we all wanted to at least die knowing it was worth something. And Section Commander gave us that something to believe in."

Moblit, who the former cadet could've swore was unconscious, lifts his head from the table and raises his unknowingly empty glass. "CHeErS tO sEcTiOn C-(burp) CoMmAnDeR!"

"Cheers!"

Before Cal can take another drink Moblit tips back, Calian shoots his arm out and catches him. Moblit smiles dopily, "WoW yOu ReAlLy ArE sTrOnG! No WoNdEr Sec- Sec-Sec, uhhh ZoE wAnTs To StUdY yOu!"

Calian sighs and heaves the Vice Captain over his shoulders. "Ya know what, I think it's about time I get him to bed. He's gonna hate himself in the morning."

The group grimaces and Calian is suspicious, "Why Ya'll makin those faces?"

Nifa shivers, "The only thing that's almost as scary as an angry Section Commander is a hungover Moblit."

"… Well shit."

Week 3

Sasha sighs glumly as the lecture ends walking slowly out of the hall. Normally leaving such a long and boring class would leave her in high spirits but not today. The reason being a certain 6'7 giant who she's been unable to see since the morning after they confessed their feelings to each other. A warm flutter erupts in her stomach and for the first time it's not because of food, but the memory of that night. It was so perfect, but they had to separate because of their Scout training. They've still made it work, sending letters to each other, which has lead to way too much teasing from Ymir's part once she found out since in her words, ' it's gotta be something good to get some village hick like you to actually write something!'. Though it did hurt her feelings a bit, Sasha smirks as she remembers the reply Calian had when he was informed about that particular event. Let's see how much you'll be laughing when he gets back here! Hopefully he does soon. Out of no where a pair of familiar large arms wrap around her from behind. Her small moment of panic quickly turns into giddy happiness as she turns around and squeals, seeing a grinning Howlett standing before her. She hops up onto him, embracing him tightly as he spins her around in the air.

She lays her forehead on his, lovingly staring into his eyes as she asks, "What're you doing here?"

"what can't a guy surprise his… girlfriend?"

"Why're you saying it like that?"

"I don't think we've officially said what we are."

She chuckles as she lazily places her arms around his neck. "Dat's cause ya haven't asked honey."

His grin grows as he hears her accent, something she only let's slip out around him. A fact that he'll admit, he selfishly loves and hopes it stays that way. "Well then, Sasha Braus, will ya do me the honor of bein my girlfriend?"

"it'd be my pleasure."

A throat clears and they both become beat red as their small group of friends watch them grinning. "Are we interrupting something?" Connie asks with a shit eating smirk.

Sasha quickly pushes off of Calian but forgets he was holding her off the group and falls on her butt. She grunts and rubs her sore behind as she awkwardly stands beside her boyfriend. "um uh n-no, we were just uh just um…."

"Sash's my girlfriend now." Howlett blurts out, his hands smacking over his mouth.

A moment of silence passes before the group erupts into small cheers, making the teens even more red then they were before. "Well it's about time!" Connie says.

"Wait what?" asks Sasha.

Jean rolls his eyes, "oh come on anyone with a brain cell could see that you two were gonna get together. You both practically drooled over each other, it was disgusting."

Connie elbows him playfully, "Jealous someone actually returned his feelings horseface?"

Jean glares at his bald friend, "I'm not! Shu-Shut up!"

Armin and Mikasa both give their congrats to the two, "I'm really happy for you two!" the blonde states with a friendly smile.

Mikasa says the same, and Calian whispers to her, "Next up is your turn."

Embarrassed mikasa tries to hide into her scarf much to Calian's amusement. "So what brings you here Cal? I thought we wouldn't see you for another week!" Armin asks.

"Boss chose me to be the messenger boy today and sent me to deliver a letter to an official in Stohess, i decided it'd be the best time to visit my darlin, been too damn long since I've seen her." His hand drops into hers and he squeezes it gently, his thumb caressing her knuckles. She beams brightly as she does the same, conveying in her actions what her words can't.

"What doya say darlin? Wanna go t—"

"I'm in! Let's go to the market first! Oh I can already taste the delicious food there!" she shudders as drool drops from her mouth at the thought of good meals.

"… Ok then let's go!"

Sasha thankfully had enough patience to allow Calian to deliver the message first before damn near dragging him as she ran full speed to market. It was so full of life with wonderful aromas blessing their noses. They come across a small food stand with tables nearby thankfully serving some meet. Sasha's pupils dilate until they nearly looked completely black as the largest juiciest slab of ribs she's ever seen was put on display. Seeing what has her in a spell Calian holds her hand as he gets to the stand and orders two of the slabs of ribs. He grimaces when told the price but just one look at sasha's unbelieving yet grateful eyes, it was well worth it to him.

The two sit down as the food is placed before them and Sasha instantly starts to dig in, ravenously tearing the meat of the bones and chewing it down. Such lack of manners would normally disgust most people, but Calian wasn't most people. He looked on with a fond smile as his girlfriend eats to her delight. Even with her mouth stuffed with food she's talking with him animatedly, about anything that comes to mind. They talk about their hunting experiences as well as some tips she's gotten about a possible new colossal boar that's been rumored to run in the forest. She talks so passionately and it brings Calian so much joy seeing her like this. But the smile fades as he notices the look of revulsion that some snooty older couple was giving her. The wife comments,

"Ugh, can't believe they let such savages in here. And she's a lady? What kind of man would want such a feral creature." Her husband grunts in agreement.

Sasha stops eating as she heard what they said about her. A hurt look mars her pretty eyes and the tall teen's anger blazes. He stands and glares at them, "A man who knows she's worth more than 10 tired old hags like ya who can't find anything else to do in life except to tear someone down."

The old lady gasps and turns her wide eyed glare to her husband who stammers, "H-Hey you don't talk to my wife like that!"

"And both of ya'll don't talk about my girlfriend like that! Ya ain't getting any respect till ya earn it. Get lost!"

They huff and leave the premises but the soldiers glare follows them until their out of sight. He's still fuming as he takes his seat. He's so caught up in his thoughts, he nearly jumps out his share when a small and warm, and greasy, hand takes his. "You know you didn't have to do that."

"I know. But I hate when anyone talks bad about the people I care for, especially ya darlin."

She blushes and ducks her head down, her loose hair hiding the wide grin. But Cal can still see it and it makes his heart jump. She turns serious though, "what they said was true though, not a lot of people would go for someone like me."

"Do I look like all the other people?"

"N-No."

"Exactly, and you're not like other people either. And that's another thing I like about ya. Trust me how ya eat ain't never bothered me and I can promise ya right now it never will. Even if it did, there's so much more to ya that that wouldn't even register to me."

Sasha's at a loss for words and she suddenly grips her hair and groans frustatedly. Calian freaks out, thinking he might've said something wrong, "W-What what's wrong?!"

"I hate that I don't know what to say to you! I feel SO MUCH for you and but the words just won't come out!" She drops her head onto the table dramatically.

She's still groaning when she hears him chuckling. She glares at him in an adorable way, "Why're you laughing!"

"Cause Darlin, ya ain't gotta say some big speech or any of that. I know ya. You're actions are normally how ya convey your feelings. And trust me ya show me how much ya care everyday. There's not a single doubt in my mind."

She shakes her head and they squeeze their intertwined fingers tightly as they finish their meal. The two get up and after cleaning themselves up begin to walk back home. As they're walking, even though they're still holding hands, Sasha leans in. Wrapping her arms onto his massive arm and leaning her head against his shoulder. He smiles and plants a soft kiss on the crown of her head and she snuggles closer to him in return. Just like he said, she may not have said anything, but her actions spoke volumes anyway.

As they walked, Calian notices a familiar head of blonde hair ahead of them. Once they get closer he calls out, "Annie?"

The blondes normally impassive expression changes into one of surprise before she schools them again, "Oh it's you two. Guess this finally happened."

"Waaaah! Did everyone know but us?!" Sasha screams, to Annie's annoyance.

"apparently, How's life on the interior like?"

Annie shrugs, "It's boring but it's better than dying. You two really joined the scouts then?"

Sasha's good mood turns sour as she rubs her arm, "Yea. We did."

Calian pulls her in and hugs her tightly, assuring her that she'll be ok. Annie looks away, her hair hiding the sorrow look in her eyes at the display fo affection. "Well, try to keep a level head, you know how those expeditions go."

"Is that your way of sayin 'be careful and come back safe cause ya'll are my friends'?"

Annie glares at him before turning away, "Whatever."

S she leaves Sasha purses her lips, "It's like no matter how nice you are to her, she never lets that ice melt from her heart."

"Ehh I think she cares more than she lets on. But like most people we've met, no one emotes in a normal or healthy way."

"Yea you're right. Still she didn't say it, but I will." She stops Calian and steps closer to him, he can feel her body heat even through his clothes.

She places a soft hand on his cheek, her thumb rubbing circles on his cheekbone, "please be safe and come back to me."

His lips curl with love s he closes his eyes and leans into her warm hand. "I'll always come back to ya darlin." Always."

Week 4

"Woohoohohohoooo! Ok Eren, if you can understand me I want you to do what I'm doing!" Hanje yells to Eren's titan form.

She spreads her arms wide and lifts one leg, to which Eren does the same. "Great! Ok try hopping onto the other leg!"

She demonstrates and almost loses her balance as Eren does the same but the heavy weight of his titan form shakes the ground. The horses are startled by this and Levi irritatedly calms his down, shouting, "Hey four eyes, maybe think of something else for Eren to do before you make all the horses abandon us."

"oh come on even if they leave we still have yours to rely on."

"You say that like I won't leave all fo you here to walk."

She grins, "you won't!"

Cal gives her a look, "Ya sure about that?"

Cringing slightly she replies, "I'm bluffing. He might actually do so but I can't back down at this point."

He shakes his head, "Moblit's wrong on one thing, ya definitely are more reckless with Cap'n than ya are titans."

Moblit quickly retorts, "Don't say that! She'll use that as an excuse to push the envelope more!"

"Ya know I'm standing right here Moblit?"

He's unable to make a reply due to the sudden collapse of the titan shifter. Steam quickly begins billowing from the body, more so from the nape, and Calian sprints towards it. He quickly pulls a fatigued Eren out of the massive body, groaning as the sun hit his sensitive eyes. "someone get me some water for him!"

Hanje jumps next to him, a flask in hand and she pours the contents little by little into Eren's mouth. He coughs slightly but his eyes open wide and he yanks the flask out of the Section Commanders hands, gulping loudly as he downs the entire bottle.

"Dammit, you still can't stay transformed for long once you become a titan. I guess we can at least compare how long you're recovery time is compared to yesterdays test." Hanje mutters, with Moblit writing everything down in the journal behind her.

As she continues her hypothesis, Calian helps Eren down, practically carrying him to a nearby chair. "Ugh, Cal I'm alright you don't have to carry me!"

"I'm not carryin ya, I'm just assistin ya."

"My feet are almost dangling in the air!"

"Well ya are pretty damn weak right now I mean normally you're passed out after a transformation."

"I'm not weak! Me being awake right now shows how much stronger I've gotten!"

Calian rolls his eyes, "Ya know what I meant, stop takin it so damn personal! And stop fidgeting so much ya gonna wear yourself out more!"

"Oh come on I get enough mothering from Mikasa I don't need you to do it to me too!"

he yelps as Calian hanldes him roughly, "Easy, she only does that cause she cares and after havin to keep an eye on ya for the past month, I can see why she does it. Swear I've never met anyone who's so dead set on nearly killin himself every chance he gets."

Eren growls, "just shut up, and let me go! I can walk fine!"

He's dropped to the floor unceremoniously as Calian crosses his arms over his burly chest and taps his foot expectantly as he watches Eren struggle to even lfit himself to his elbows quite pitifully. Eren pushes more and more but he's barely rising any higher than an inch, his legs feeling like lead and barely responding to his commands. He glance sup and sighs,

"I… I wouldn't mind a little help."

"oh no please. Ya got this, give it another hour or two and ya might lift yourself enough to sit on your ass."

The titan shifter groans as he buries his face in the dirt before muttering, "Can you please help me? I need it."

"Wow! Yaeger actually swallowed his pride!" Calian states in mock astonishment and lifts up the titan shifter then drops him onto a chair.

"I definitely need to buy Mikasa and Armin a drink or somethin, it's a wonder how they've managed to keep ya out of trouble all these years."

Eren flinches, "Am… am I really that bad?"

Calian scratches hi chin, "Ehh not so so bad. Ya just need to learn how to appreciate everyones efforts for ya. They don't think you're weak or anythin, they love ya. And that's why they do what they do for ya."

"does that include you?"

"well I wouldn't say love, more like I tolerate ya."

The shorter teen snorts, "jerk."

"Ass." He pats his head, "Ya did good today too Eren, told ya ya got this."

He smiles up at him, "Thanks!"

Today was the day. The 57th Expedition was finally here. It had been a long month but it was well worth the wait as Calian and Eren both had learned many things and also have bonded well with this great band of misfits and weirdoes that the Survey Corps consist of. Calian writes his thoughts in his journal,

Still I like it here. I've seen enough of the other factions to know just how rotten and useless they are. Some corrupt to the roots. But the Scouts, I don't know if it's because of the mortality rate, insanity, or hell even the idealism; it's something else alright. No corruption, actual trust in the chain of command, no one tryin to one up the other or tryin to take others down to climb higher. It's a well oiled machine. Full of the bravest people I've ever known. After seein all this, I truly understand why Commander Erwin said so much durin the ceremony. It takes a special kind of person and a certain type of tenacity to join the Scouts. I really hope I can live up to their example.

He finishes writing just in time as Gunther laid out a map before then to explain how the expedition will go.

"We of the Special operations Squad will be here," he points to the far back area of the center formation, "Standing by in the center of the last ranks."

Eren notes, "That's pretty far back." He wonders why.

Petra seems to read his mind as she answers, "It's the safest place in the formation. We're even more heavily guarded than the supply wagons. Calian's job will be relaying information from us to the rest of the formation. Aside from that, We don't have a real objective this time."

Wait what? What the hell is this for then?

"This expedition is so brief because it's a practice run for your journey to Shinganshina."

Calian doesn't say anything but in his mind, a myriad of questions begin forming. Why have such a huge operation for a practice run then? We've done so many preliminary missions to make this possible and it's all for a practice run? It seems like overkill. This doesn't make sense.

"did you understand what the commander's question meant?"

Calian thinks back to when the Two test subjects were killed, Who do you think the enemy is?

He still hasn't gotten a good answer to that. Neither has Eren apparently as he asked the team, "Did you all understand?"

They share a look and Eld answers, "No."

Standing by his horse and looking over his shoulder, Oluo says, "It would be an overstatement to say I understand it all."

"Tch." Calian rolls his eyes so hard, they damn near disappeared into his skull.

"it's possible this mission has another goal." Gunther cuts in before Oluo can continue with a pompous follow up.

That makes much more sense.

"But the commander has decided it'd be best not to reveal that objective. So we should just focus on getting there and back. Trust in the Commander."

There it is again, that incredibly strong trust within the Survey Corp. Calian admires it… But there's a small part of him that's getting increasingly wary about the mission. Just what are we walking into?

He pushes that question for later as they're ordered to return to base, finally reuniting with the rest of the Scouts to begin the Expedition. Of course he's excited for the mission to begin but what the teen was most looking forward to, was reuniting with a certain gluttonous redhead. Almost there darling.

Finally arriving, they hitch their horses to the stables. Eren is quite to find Armin and Mikasa both and calls out for them! He quickly asks Oluo, "May I go talk with my friends for a bit?"

"Jeez just go already."

"Thanks old man." Cal shouts over his shoulder and leaves the man sputtering after him.

"Hey Mikasa, Armin!"

Mikasa's head snaps to the source of Erens voice and Gasps, "Eren!"

She sprints to him and quickly grasps his hands, her eyes wide with relief, "Eren! Did they do anything bad to you? Like dissecting every bit of your body?"

"what no!"

Not believing him Mikasa looks for confirmation from the tanned teen, "None of the above Mik. Hi by the way."

She pays no mind to his sarcasm and continues interrogating the Titan Shifter, "did they psychologically torture you?"

"what? No! Nothing like that." He reassures her exasperatedly.

Her face darkens with fury, "That midget bastard crossed the line. Someday, I'll make him pay for it."

"You don't mean Captain Levi do you?"

As they're talking, Cal notices said Captain in the distance watching them. His demeanor betrays no emotion but as he turns away, Cal can't help but feel like it might've hurt the small man. He suddenly gets an idea and smirks,

"Actually Mikasa it isn't the captain y need to worry about?"

All three stare at him questioningly, "It's that guy right there." He points at Oluo who sneers at the group and turns looks away haughtily.

"yea he's had it out for Eren since the beginning."

"What're you doing!?" Eren hisses.

But Mikasa glares with a dark aura around her. "What has he done?!"

"I kept him from doin anything physical to our Eren don't ya worry, but he's got a tongue like a snake! Ain't that right Eren?"

"Uhh well kinda."

Mikasa cracks her knuckles, "I change my mind. He's first."

Eren pulls Calian aside and asks, "What the hell was that?"

He shrugs, "guy annoys me. Plus if Mikasa's gonna assault anyone, better it be someone not as high rankin as humanity's strongest."

"You play a dangerous game Cal."

"Haha! Ain't no denyin that!"

"Yo Eren!"

They see their friends catching up to them, with Connie leading them and waving, "It's been so long!"

Everything in the world disappears as the two lovebirds lock eyes. Not giving a damn who's watching the two catch each other in a tight embrace, Sasha face firmly planted into his warm chest as he kisses the top of her head lovingly, "ya missed me Red?"

She grins, "So much! I even ate two plates of food in your honor."

He chuckles, "How romantic, I don't know how I'm gonna repay ya."

"I can think of some ways."

"Oh? And what exactly did ya have in mind?" his voice drops into a husky whisper, leaving her embarrassed at the implication.

"I-I Didn't mean that I meant—"

He laughs, "I know. I'm just messin with ya, ya look so cute all embarrassed like that."

"Shut up!" she smacks his chest playfully but are interrupted by the sound of ringing bells, signifying the commencement of the expedition. At that same exact moment Ness comes out holding folded cloaks bearing the Wings of Freedom insignia. "hey newbies! Get over here! Your uniforms are here!"

The soldiers were all lined up, waiting before the gates. Levi and Hanje were placed before their squads ready for battle. Levi looking as determined as ever. And Hanje… wearing a toothy grin that's making her Vice Captain a little too nervous. Erwin begins to shout to all of the soldiers, "it's time! Humanity will take another step forward!"

The soldiers held up their swords and bellowed out a mighty battle cry. Erwin takes in a deep breath, then screams, "OPEN THE GATE!"

It begins to rise, the light from the sun breaking through and illuminating all who're attending to the world beyond. "FORWARD! WE WILL NOW BEGIN THE 57TH EXPEDITION BEYOND THE WALLS! ONWARD!"

Authors note: And so it begins! It hoenstly was a joy writing more lightheartedness after the finale for AOT and thankfully i've recovered enough to not feel so depressed after writing, though i'm pretty that'll change now that i'm about to begin the female titan event. Thanks for the kind words everyone, again it's crazy to me how much you all like it, it definitely keeps me motivated! anyway as always the next chapter will be up soon, till next time guys!