A/N: A million thank yous to anyone who has made it this far into the story! As a fanfic reader myself, I know that OC's can be polarizing sometimes, but this whole idea was begging to be free from my brain. Reviews and feedback of any nature are encouraged and appreciated. I'm just happy to be here! Of course I don't own diddly squat. I'm just a poor girl with a pen. Thank you all again!

Chapter Five

"See, what I had heard was that she was from the deep underground. That's why I was expecting her to look all deformed," Ymir smugly stated at the dining table.

Evening had fallen and the cadets and captains all gathered in the mess hall for their last meal of the day. The group of recruits all huddled over their plates, eager to exchange theories.

"She looked pretty normal," Sasha observed.

"Define normal," Ymir cut in.

"Ymir!" Christa exclaimed.

"So you guys actually saw her?" Eren excitedly inquired. "Up close?"

"Yah. What about it?" Ymir replied with disinterest.

"Well, I don't know. If she's not from here, what are the odds she knows where the titans come from," Eren explained, almost lost in a daydream.

"Something tells me that's why the commander wants to keep her around," Armin suggested.

On that last thought, the hall began to fall into a hush as their new comrade had arrived.

Adeline knew it would be inappropriate to follow Hange to the Captain's table. Still, when the woman left her side it felt akin to a safety line being severed. Despite all the poking, prodding, and swabbing throughout the afternoon, the scientist had a gentle and exciting presence; touch even. Hoping for alone time, she did happen to spot an empty place against the wall in the back.

"Eventually we're people you're going to have to trust with your life, just like we'll have to put that same faith in you," Hange's encouraging voice rang through her head. "Do your best to get to know everyone. I know it won't be easy, but we all have to start somewhere right?" She'd flashed the girl a sincere smile.

Adeline knew she had been advised to mingle and make friends. She just didn't really have an appetite for conversation or anything else.

On her way to the secluded corner she was stopped by a spritely blonde who somehow seemed nicer than Hange. Adeline recognized her from the locker room earlier.

"Hi! My name is Christa Lenz, nice to meet you!"

Adeline was just a bit taken aback by such a warm greeting after her previous couple of days, but welcomed the feeling nevertheless. "Hi," she said, "I'm Adeline." She mustered a smile as best she could, but it was still quite small. "It's nice to meet you too," she replied, bowing briefly.

"You're too kind. I'm a cadet just like you," Christa giggled at her formality. "Would you like to come sit with us?"

Well now she had no choice. "For sure," she said much more confidently than she felt.

Adeline followed Christa to a table full of unfamiliar faces. As though Christa had known the girl for years, she linked arms with her and said, "Hey everyone, this is Adeline!"

The table couldn't manage to match her enthusiasm. A couple of heys chimed out in acknowledgment.

"Hello!" she replied with a small wave as she took her seat.

After an awkward moment the table and the rest of the hall carried on with their previous conversations. Adeline was glad no one was asking her any questions, she much preferred playing the observer.

She learned who the three girls were from the locker room earlier. There was a more reserved blonde male named Armin and it seemed his best friend was the same Eren the commander had mentioned in the council room. Even though she could gather he was a rough around the edges kind of guy, she wondered how he could possibly be a weapon. She was sure that it, like everything else, would be revealed in time.

Suddenly her heart stopped when her eyes met a familiar amber set from across the room. Reiner? What was he doing here of all places? When did he get here? She could tell he was just as shocked to see her as well. They were just children back then in Marley, so many years ago. She wanted to talk to him, but decided it best to steer clear of any suspicious behavior.

Instead she tore her gaze away and focused on simply digesting the food in front of her. It was more difficult now than before. After what felt like an eternity, the dining hour had concluded and the Survey Corps was shuffling out in groups to retire.

"I can show you the girl's quarters if you want," Christa politely offered.

"I-,"

"I'm afraid she's coming with me for now," an authoritative voice cut in.

"Of course, Captain," Christa acknowledged with a salute.

Levi briefly exchanged glances with Adeline before turning to walk away. Taking the queue, she quickly thanked the girls for being so welcoming and turned to catch up with him. She had to nearly skip to keep up with his pace, but she already knew where he was taking her. To the commander's office.

Once it sunk in that she would be face to face with the stoic blonde man again, she felt her blood vessels constrict. All she could picture was his steel hardened gaze, set frown, and broad shoulders. How he towered over her in the courtyard when he decided to conduct his own impromptu interrogation.

The commander was a man who meant business. Adeline's anxiety had enveloped her so, she hadn't noticed they had arrived in front of a door with a placard that read "E. Smith" in gold leaf letters. Levi rapped on the door twice before they heard a deep voice say, "You may enter."

Levi promptly opened the door for the woman and stood by as she entered. Just as swiftly, the captain left and she was alone with the man behind his desk who was diligently scrawling away.