The Wings Of Our Dreams
AN: Hello there, my dear readers. Sorry for the wait, but I made this chapter a bit more plentiful so I hope this makes it up a bit. Hope you enjoy.
Now to reviews.
Guest: Nice to see that you think Collin and Nanaba make a good team.
Yoyon586: You're very welcome.
Guest(2): You'll have to wait and see.
Lachlan: Okay, that's a neat idea, but it does feel a bit too fancy for them.
Alph4Scorpion180: Hope you like this one.
Guest(3): Right now.
Guest(4): Jesus, calm down! My life is pretty busy and inspiration hits me when it hits me. It ain't easy managing that. But here is the next chapter
24 Date Night
"Quite a dignified position we got, isn't it, Collin?"
"Heh, honestly can't complain 'ere. If anythin', this job reminds me of home and me workin' at the family farm."
The day after Team Levi and others had that meeting, Levi ordered Collin and Eren to go and do some manual labor. Though, the labor in question was… cleaning up some horse manure. Though in all honesty, it could have been much worse than that.
"Well, that's a weird way of being reminded of home," Eren said as he swept the horse droppings.
"I helped my pa with chores since I was seven. Nothin' too big, but there were areas where I'd help," Collin said while getting his own sweeping done.
"That's surprising. Usually, kids are pretty unwilling to do chores and they'd rather play or something."
Collin smiled at him. "Shows just how my folks raised me, don't it? 'Sides, not like I didn't play with anyone. I did, it's just…"
Eren stopped when Collin paused and turned to see him seemingly lost in thought. "Are you all right?"
"Oh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine," Collin said as he resumed his chore. "Just thought about the past, ya know?"
"Yeah. I do," Eren thought softly. There was a bit of silence between the two as they swept the droppings. But Eren thought of something else. "Say, we haven't really talked about it, but… You and Annie really are a thing?"
Collin grinned widely. "Yup! We've been official for months now. Trust me, I was surprised too, but sometimes those things just happen."
"It's just that, well, I didn't think Annie would be the type for romantic interests. Besides training, she is always so distant."
"Yeah, but I was pushy enough that she opened up to me. Worked better than I thought it would, as you can see."
"It still surprising that it was Annie of all people," Eren said. "If I'm being honest, I thought you would end up with Mikasa."
Collin blinked in confusion. "Um, why on Earth would ya think that?"
"Well, I dunno," Eren said with a shrug. "I mean, both of you are pretty strong, you get along with her well enough…"
"Look, buddy," Collin interrupted. "Mikasa's quite a catch, I ain't gonna lie, but I've no idea what on Earth made ya think I'd get with your sister. Hell, I'm surprised you'd even consider me."
"I guess I just thought it fitting," Eren said. "And besides, unlike a lot of the other cadets, your drive is evident. You yearned to join the Scouts since the start, knowing that the future will never be ideal for you. If I'm being honest, it's something admirable. So I wouldn't have minded if you got into a relationship with her."
Collin stared at Eren for several moments. He was honestly surprised to hear all of that from Eren. Then again, the two of them had a similar motivation and intent for joining the Scout Regiment. So Eren could probably relate more.
"Oh, stop it, you're makin' me blush," Collin said. "Well, how's about we focus on work? Don't wanna risk Levi seein' us and sayin' we're slackin' off."
Eren shuddered at the thought. "Yeah, we better do that."
Once they finished cleaning the stables, the two departed. Eren's next job was cleaning some rooms, while Collin was sent to assist Hange in some of her research. Of course, it probably had something to do with what happened yesterday, and since they pretty much asked Eren every question imaginable it was now his turn.
"Hello, Collin!"
Collin turned to see Hange waving at him, Moblit standing next to her and shaking his head a bit. He still wondered how someone like her got to the position of Section Commander with how she behaved like a child a lot of the time.
"Sorry to bother you, but we have some things to discuss concerning Eren's situation," Hange said.
'Looks like I guessed it right,' Collin thought as he approached the scientist and her assistant. "Whatcha need of me, Section Commander?"
"Oh, nothing special really," Hange said with a shrug. "I just need you to go over what happened yesterday on the field. You know, with Eren only partially transforming." She pouted. "Man, I wish I was able to examine him more."
Moblit sighed. "Section Commander, you really need to check your priorities sometimes."
"But studying Eren is our priority!" Hange protested. "Hmm, if only we had some recordings. Moblit, do you think you can draw Eren's partial transformation from memory?"
Moblit rubbed his chin in thought. "Well, I didn't get to look at it for too long, but I might-"
"Here," Collin said before taking out a piece of paper from his pocket. Moblit looked at it curiously while Hange's eyes shone in excitement. On that piece of paper were two drawings of Eren's partial transformation. One from the back, and one from the side.
"You…" Hange smiled widely. "You actually drew it?"
"Well, the thought didn't really cross my mind, but then I remembered ya might wanna have somethin' like it, so…"
In less than a second, Hange was already upon him as she wrapped her arms around his torso and pressed her cheek into his chest.
"Oh, thank you! That's very thoughtful of you! Thank you!" she squealed like a child getting a present.
Collin blinked in shock. "Well, uh… It was no-"
The scientist then detached from Collin and quickly snatched the paper from his hand before examining it. Her eyes moved like crazy as she examined every little detail of the drawings.
"Oh, this is great!" Hange exclaimed before turning to Collin. "Are you certain this is accurate?"
"Uh, yeah, I have a pretty good memory."
"Great! I'm gonna put it with our findings," Hange said before running off straight towards the castle and giving a short but audible laugh as she did so.
"Ya know," Collin spoke to Moblit. "At this rate, I might replace ya as her assistant."
Moblit gained a somewhat hopeful look in his eyes. "When?"
"Uh… Well, I… Um…," Collin stammered out in shock, his eyes blinking. That honestly wasn't the response he was expecting. "Um, I… Let's just go after Hange and make sure doesn't trip on her way back."
"Well, I guess I hoped for too much," Moblit said with a small sigh, which Collin couldn't figure out was serious or a bit of an act.
Well, whatever the case, they better not leave the borderline mad woman alone.
"Hurry, clear out the area!" Levi commanded as he swiftly sliced off a nape off a nine-meter and continued forward.
Collin swung around, Nanaba right in front of him. They saw a thirteen-meter approach. Nanaba looked at Collin before giving a nod, with Collin gave a nod back. Nanaba maneuvered around the Titan's arms as they went to grab her, and she sliced the giant eyeballs. The Titan staggered for several moments before Collin swung at the back and sliced the nape.
The two zipped across the area, looking around for any other Titans but they found none. Soon they descended down from some trees and landed close to Miche.
"How's the situation? Are there any more Titans?" Nanaba asked.
"No," Miche said with a shake of his head. "I don't smell any near here. The area is cleared up. I'll give the orders to others that we are ready to put up a supply base. You two go assist with anything necessary."
Collin and Nanaba nodded before quickly zipping away into the treelines.
The expedition to Wall Maria was very soon to begin, only a week in fact. The mission they were on currently was to establish a supply line for the soldiers embarking on the upcoming operation. It was something that was needed just in case they had to deal with too many Titans. Better be prepared as best as you can.
"Hey," Nanaba called out, getting Collin's attention. "Good job."
Collin smiled. "Heh, thanks. Though honestly, it's just 'cause I have such good comrades helpin' me."
That made Nanaba smile back. "Indeed. But you definitely know how to carry your weight. That'll help you immensely on the 57th expedition."
"Don't worry 'bout me," Collin assured. "I'll try my best not to die."
Nanaba nodded. 'Make sure you don't. You're a good kid. It'd be a shame to lose someone like you,' she thought. Her memories went back to five years ago, during the Fall of Wall Maria, and how many friends and comrades were lost.
So many lives were snuffed out, and so many dreams disappeared. Nanaba couldn't count how many times she had woken up from having nightmares about that day. Seeing the happy smiles of her friends, only for them to be crushed under a Titan's foot or devoured.
Nanaba hoped this mission succeeded. For all their sakes.
Nightfall soon came, and Collin entered his room, uncaringly dropping his Scout jacket unto the chair as he did. He gave a deeper sigh before sprawling on his bed. If the day wasn't physically exhausting it was mentally exhausting.
All the preparations they did over the course of this month were soon to bear fruit. 'Hopefully, it won't be a rotten fruit. Those are nasty' as his grandfather would say. Collin chuckled at the thought of his gramps. Honestly, knowing that Ferris was alive and safe put Collin's mind at ease. It meant he had something to look forward to when all this was done.
He could already see it. Wall Maria would be retaken, he would find his gramps, and they would finally visit their home after five long years. The more he thought about it, the more Collin's smile widened.
And Collin was also eager to introduce Annie to his gramps. He was certain that Ferris would be proud of him to have someone like her as a girlfriend.
"The hell is this supposed to be?"
Collin gasped at the sudden voice. He turned his head to see Levi standing in the middle of his room, flipping through the pages of a small leather book.
Realizing what it was, Collin's eyes widened before he sped over and snatched the journal back. "Sorry, cap'n! That's private."
Levi scoffed. "Who'd peg your oversized ass for doing something like that? Writing in a bloody journal," he said before walking past Collin. "Though I have to admit, I'm shocked?"
Collin pocketed the journal before raising an eyebrow. "'Bout what?"
"I could actually read those scribblings of yours. Thought they'd be morphed like your speech."
"Hey!"
"Also, try not to open those girl drawings too often."
Collin's cheeks flushed before he frowned and grumbled under his breath. Honestly, the small man could be too annoying for his own good.
"Oh right, there's something I need to tell you," Levi said before turning back. "Hange wanted me to inform you that you have a day off tomorrow."
Collin looked surprised when he heard that. "Wait, what?"
"Don't think this is a special treatment. Hange said we've done a lot these days that everyone deserves at least a day of rest. She would've told you herself, but four-eyes is busy examining the data she got from all the Titan research we did so of course she pestered me about it."
A day off? Really? Collin was honestly surprised to hear something like that. What would he do with it, exactly? It came so suddenly that he didn't have any plans for it. After trying to go through his options, he thought of something.
"Um, Cap'n, do we have to be on the premises tomorrow?" Collin asked.
"Ugh, look, it's your day off so do as you wish. If you don't want to spend it here, then be my guest," Levi said. "Thought what exactly are you planning to do? Do you have someone to visit?"
"Well… Yeah, that's exactly it," Collin answered.
"Fine then. You can spend that day visiting someone," Levi said. "Just make sure to be ready the day after tomorrow. I hardly need you to be tardy, understand?"
"Crystal, sir," Collin said with a nod.
"Right," Levi said before turning away. "Oh, and here's some advice. Make sure you close the damn door next time. And if you don't want people to read that journal of yours, then don't drop it on the ground. Honestly, I expected better of you after all the time you spent here."
"Duly noted, Cap'n," Collin simply said.
With that, Levi left and closed the door. Collin let out a sigh as he thought about what he'd do with his day off. Honestly, he really wanted to use it to visit his gramps. It would be so good to actually see him before the mission.
But then he remembered something. He didn't know where his grandfather was. All he heard from Pixis was that he was in Klorva District, but other than that, he didn't know where. He berated himself internally for not getting more details from Garrison Commander when he had the chance. At this rate, he might end up just spending his entire just trying to find Ferris in Klorva. And that would just waste time.
But then, what else was there? What else could…?
'Of course. Annie!' Collin thought. He couldn't believe he didn't realize it before. He could give Annie a visit. The official graduation was over and the cadets should be assigned to their regiments, meaning that Annie would certainly be with the MPs, in the Stohess District.
Well, his gramps would have to wait. But he was glad he'd at least see Annie before the expedition was underway. That was good enough for him.
He opened the journal, ready to write about today's events. But when he turned to the last written page… he saw that it was the last page of the journal. 'Ah right. I forgot I finished it,' he thought before closing the book and putting it on the table. 'Guess I'll have to get a new one.'
With that, he locked the door and laid back on the bed. Tomorrow was going to be great, he could tell.
So, after telling the rest of the team what he was planning to do, he got permission to leave. Eld was very understanding about Collin's situation. In fact, the blond man was planning on visiting his fiancé as well. Petra honestly thought it was adorable that Collin wanted to see his girlfriend. Oruo tried to act dismissive like Levi would be, and Guther just said to have a good time.
Collin took one of the horses they had and rode towards Stohess. After a little while, he found himself near the gate where he dismounted and pulled his horse along. This was definitely gonna be a new experience for him as Stohess was one of the cities in the Interior, meaning it was better off than any of the districts from Maria or Rose.
First, he made sure to leave his horse at the stables. Couldn't have the stallion follow him around, now could he? Up next, he needed to make a reservation at a hotel for a night. It was actually easier than expected considering they had signs advertising it.
While he walked across the city of Stohess, he noticed the obvious difference between the people living here and in the outer walls. For one, a lot more of them dressed more "fancy" if that was the right word. Seeing men with canes, top hats, and suits isn't something he'd seen even in Trost. Of course, there were also more women wearing expensive dresses. The living conditions here were obviously better if they could afford it.
Some of them gave him curious looks, no doubt because he was still in his soldier uniform, and a Scout's one at that. But Collin paid it no mind.
He stopped one of the men, a middle-aged one wearing a brown suit and hat. "'Scuse me, I'm new here. I'm lookin' for the Military Police Headquarters. Was hopin' ya could help me with directions."
The man examined Collin's apparel first before answering. "Is this a military matter?"
"Rest assured, the business' serious," Collin said.
"Very well, soldier. At the next crossing go to the right, and three more blocks before going left. After that, you can't miss it."
"Thanks for the assistance, sir," Collin said with a nod before resuming his walk.
Okay, so he may have exaggerated a bit by saying this was serious business, but he was visiting his girlfriend before a dangerous mission so to him, it counted as serious. Besides, it was pretty harmless in the long run.
So, once he arrived, all he had to do is ask for Annie, and when her shift was finished, and then surprise her. Seemed like a perfect plan.
"I reported the theft two weeks ago! Why hasn't anything been done?!"
Collin stopped when he heard someone yell next to him. A dozen feet away there were two men, one looked like a regular citizen, and another was a tall young man with short black hair and blue eyes dressed in the uniform of the Military Police and a musket over his shoulder.
"Look, I'm tellin' ya, you're askin' the wrong person," the MP said in a very familiar accent. "I got 'ere recently, and I got no idea 'bout your case. So please, stop pesterin' me."
Collin took a closer at the MP soldier. Not only was his accent familiar, he even looked familiar. Collin focused more on the young man's features before his eyes widened.
"Ugh. MPs are really nothing but a bunch of lazy fucks and drunkards!" the civilian protested. "You're really no different, you inbred bastard!"
The soldier growled before grabbing the civilian by the shirt, making him gasp as he was being lifted. "Now listen 'ere. Ya say that one more time, and I'll show ya the true meanin' of police brutality."
Collin decided to approach. "Well, look who the cat dragged in."
The MP groaned. "Ah, bloody hell. What is it now?" he asked before turning to Collin."What do ya want?"
Collin shrugged. "Nothin' much. I'm honestly surprised to see ya here. And as an MP no less. Though thinkin' about it, that seemed like a position you'd have been interested in, eh Phillip?"
"What? How do ya…?" the soldier stammered before he gained a look of surprise. "Wait a minute. That… that you, Collin?"
"Happy to see ya, too, buddy," Collin said with his arms spread. "Also, ya might wanna let 'im go."
Phillip looked at the still-frightened man before showing him away. "Get outta here. Find some other MP to pester, why dontcha?"
The civilian fixed his shirt and walked away frustrated, mumbling something about incompetence and dirty policemen.
"Well, I…" Phillip said before letting out a deep sigh. "God dammit, I dunno what to say."
Collin wanted to say something as well, but he was also finding it hard to get the right words out. He didn't think he'd ever see Phillip again, especially since he never saw him in his Cadet Corps. Though eventually, some words did break through.
"How 'bout sayin' hi to your old friend?" Collin suggested.
Phillip snorted. "Yeah. Friend. That's exactly it. Like ya really consider me a friend after everythin'."
"Heh. After all this time, I find it hard to hate ya. Or are ya sayin' you're still the brat from eight years ago?"
Looking away in shame, Phillip shook his head. "I can tell ya, I ain't. And, well I… I'm just glad to see ya alive."
"Me, too, buddy. Me too."
There was some awkward silence between them that was soon broken by Phillip. "Well, I'm s'posed to be patrollin' the area, but this neighborhood's got nothin' interestin' here. How's about we catch up?"
"Right. We got plenty to talk about."
"Yeah. Like why the hell did ya grow a horse mane?"
Collin looked at him annoyed. It seemed like the 'hating him' part is slowly coming back.
Collin and Phillip sat on one of the benches located near the waterway that was used by the ships, with Phillip's musket laid on the ground. There weren't that many people there at this point, so things were pretty quiet.
"So, where've ya been all this time?" Collin asked. "I mean, shouldn't we've been in the same Cadet Corps if we both made it?"
"My pa took me and your gramps to Klorva District," Phillip answered. "That's where we were for the first two years 'fore I enrolled into the Cadet Corps."
"Oh, I see," Collin said. "And… I heard your pa saved my gramps when the breach happened. You've no idea how grateful I am."
Phillip waved his hand. "Please, I hadn't done shit when it comes to that. My pa did all the work. He's the one you should be thankin'. If he were still around that is."
Collin looked at him sadly. "The reclamation?"
"Yeah," Phillip said with a nod.
"That's a shame. Wish I could've talked to 'im again. Clear things out between us."
Phillip looked at him curiously. "Despite the fact he's the one who spread all those rumors in the village about ya?" He looked away. "Well, not like I was any help durin' that."
"You were a kid. Listenin' to your parents was expected."
"Still, it did cost me a good friend."
Collin gave him a look that lingered for several moments before he ended up smiling. He put his arm around Phillip's shoulders, surprising him. "Well, we got a shot at startin' again, don't we? Why not start now?"
Phillip slowly smiled as well. He remembered the old days in Karno when he and Collin were still hanging out. And all the mischief they got into. Well, that was before Phillip's dad told him not to spend time with Collin again, not to mention saying a lot of nasty things about Collin and his mother. Looking, it was obvious that Frank was just jealous of Karlo and resentful of Amelia not picking him instead. And Phillip wasn't going to let this get in the way again.
The two sat in silence for a few moments before Phillip spoke again. "Hey, um… 'member how we used to sneak out when it was late so we could continue hangin' out? An' how we used to listen the older folk singin' around a fire?"
Collin gave a small nod. "Yeah. We listened behind some bushes so they didn't see us."
"And how we tried to memorize the words, and then sing 'em ourselves."
A grin etched on Collin's face. "Pro'ly wasn't a good idea since that's how they found out we were sneakin' out."
Both of them laughed. They both got a good scolding for that one. Probably the last time their parents seemed to be friendly with each other.
"Say, ya still recall the one your gramps used to sing?" Phillip asked before snapping his fingers. "Soldier's Sweetheart, I think they called it. If I remember correctly it went…
Phillip took a breath
I asked a soldier's sweetheart,
"Why do you sit all day?"
He gained a smile as the lyrics came back to him.
"And cry your pretty eyes out,
For a man so far away?"
Collin then smiled back as he listened, the words they used to sing resurfacing in his mind.
Now it was Collin's turn.
The soldier's sweetheart answered,
"I'll tell you, yes, I can.
I'll have no other lover,
Than a military man."
Both smiling and in a very good mood, they began singing it at the same time like they used to when they were kids.
Oh, no, she'll have no other,
You can promise anything,
She will only sigh "I'm waiting,
For a soldier of the King."
Collin tapped the ground with his foot rolling the rhythm while Phillip slightly swung his head.
"Oh, dear soldier's sweetheart,
No matter what you do,
Oh, my sweet fair lady,
Lonely tears are not for you!"
The two of them looked at each other as they stopped before letting out some laughs.
"Man, who'd have thought that it would be somewhat appropriate considerin' where we are," Phillip joked.
"Yeah, true," Collin said before giving his old friend a one-armed hug again. "It's good to have ya back, Phil."
Phillip returned the hug. "Yeah, me too."
"Oh, I just remembered," Collin said. "What happened to Tom and Pip? Did they make it with ya?"
"Well, yeah, they did," Phillip answered, remembering his two friends. One of the only ones he had after he ended up rejecting Collin's friendship. "We actually went to the same trainin' camp. But it was too much for 'em so they ended up goin' to the fields while I continued. Haven't heard from 'em in three years." He leaned back into the bench. "Well, can't blame them. A soldier's life ain't for everybody."
"Yeah. From what I heard, other kids from our village that survived the attack went to the fields as well. Including Jaina."
"She's alive as well?" Phil asked.
"I only heard about it, so I ain't sure."
"So… the two o' us are the only ones from our village to make it to the military, eh?"
"Looks like it."
"Well, just proves how special we are," Phillip said with a smile before they laughed. "So… you're with the Scouts?"
"Indeed. And I see you chose the MPs."
"Of course. Ya know how I always wanted to live in big cities? Well, ya think I wouldn't use the opportunity?"
"Right, right, fair enough," Collin said. "But while you're here, I'm gonna be out there, takin' our village back."
"Ya think that's possible?"
"I'm certainly gonna try."
"Well, that's very admirable, I gotta admit," Phillip commented. "Heard the Scouts are havin' some big operation to Wall Maria soon."
"Yeah, we got it in 'bouta a week. Right now, I'm usin' my day off for a visit."
"Huh. I was honestly wonderin' why you were here. A visit, eh? Well, ya didn't I was here, so who were ya visitin'?"
"My girlfriend. She should've joined the your regiment 'round the same time as you?"
Phillip's eyes widened. "A girlfriend? Damn, ya lucky sunovabitch. Good on ya."
"Well, thanks. I was plannin' on surprisin' her when I get there."
"And what's the lucky gal's name? C'mon, tell me."
"Annie Leonhart."
Phillip's expression dropped when he heard that, something that surprised Collin a bit. "Annie Leonhart? Really? The short girl with that nose? That Annie Leonhart?"
"You… you know her?"
"Yeah, I do. Seen 'er coupla times. And from what I've seen, she didn't seem the type to be in a relationship. I'm surprised."
"Well, the world's full of surprises. And, would ya by any chance know when she's free?"
"Well, we've similar shifts, so she won't really be free for a good while. However, there's a lunch break in 'bout an hour. You can come with me if ya wish. I'm sure Annie'll be there."
"Really? Thanks, Phil. You're the best."
"Yes, I know."
"Humble, too."
"Definitely."
The two laughed once again.
Annie walked in silence towards the dining hall. After today's patrol, she was eager to get some good food. She also reminded herself about the upcoming Scout expedition that was soon to happen, which meant-
"Hey, Annie!"
Annie silently groaned at the familiar upbeat voice of her roommate. She turned to see Hitch, a girl her age though taller with light-brown shaggy hair, and green eyes. And of course that annoyingly cheerful smile on her face.
"What are you doing here by your lonesome? Come on, let's go together. I'm sure we're both starving."
Annie sighed. "Whatever you say."
"There we go," Hitch said as she lightly patted Annie's shoulder. "It's no use being a lone wolf here, Annie. Come, let's not keep Boris and Marlo waiting."
Sighing internally, Annie joined Hitch in their little trip to the dining hall. As annoying as the Dreyse girl was, Annie had to admit it was a bit admiring at how determined she was to be her friend. In a way, it reminded her of Collin.
"Hey, you two!"
"Well, speak of the devil," Hitch said as she noticed the two boys in front of them.
Marlo Freudenberg, the boy with black hair done in a bowl cut and black eyes, stood there as serious as ever. Apparently, he even took bloody lunch as something serious. And next to him was Boris Feulner, a young man of similar age with silvery hair combed to the left and yellow eyes.
"You done with your patrol?" Boris asked.
"Indeed we are. Time to get a bit of leisure time," Hitch said.
"I wouldn't be surprised if work was also your leisure time."
Hitch shrugged. "We see things differently, then."
Annie rolled her eyes internally. This type of behavior is what reminded her that Hitch definitely isn't like Collin, as he would've taken the job a lot more seriously if he was in her position. Hitch was definitely one of those who took the spot of the MPs just so she could slack off as much as she could.
"You should take your job seriously, Hitch," Marlo said. "Otherwise you'll never rise up in rank."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Mr. Big Partypooper."
'Why do I miss the banter in the 104th?' Annie thought. For some reason, it was actually more interesting seeing people squabble there. She couldn't really put a finger on it, but the group she was currently with just annoyed her.
Something suddenly tapped her on the shoulder, making her lightly gasp and turn around. Someone tall was casting a shadow over her, and when she looked at the grinning face of the person. Her stoic face dropped as her eyes widened and her mouth opened.
"Hey, shortcake. Ya miss me?" Collin asked.
"C…Collin?" Annie spoke. "What…What are you doing here?"
"Heh, surprise! I got a day off!" Collin said with a jovial tone.
"Huh?" Hitch said as she noticed the tall man smiling at Annie and the said blonde looking shocked. "Hey, Annie, who is that?" She spent a bit more looking at Collin and her smile widened. "Can you introduce me to him as well please?"
"Hands off, the man's taken?" Phillip said as he arrived at the scene.
Hitch sighed. "And here I was hoping to not see you today."
"Tough luck, I ain't goin' anywhere."
"Collin," Annie spoke. "Why are you here?"
"What?" Collin said with a curious brow. "I just told ya. I got a day off, and I'm usin' it to visit ya."
"Um, I hope I'm not interrupting," Marlo said. "But, who are you exactly?"
"Really? Ya haven't told 'em about me?" Collin told Annie. "Man, I'm hurt, Annie. Ya didn't tell your new friends 'bout your boyfriend?"
"B… Boyfriend?" Hitch said as she blinked in shock. She then looked at Annie like she grew a second head, with the said girl actually blushing shyly and moving her fingers on the hair above her ears. "He's your boyfriend?"
Annie looked at her for a bit before averting her gaze. "Um… Yeah. He is."
"Oh. My. God!" Hitch practically squealed as got close to Annie. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? Oh, I can't believe this! I never would've guessed you already had a boyfriend." She once again looked at Collin. "Gotta admit, that's quite a catch you got, mmm mmm. I'm honestly jealous."
"Oh come on, I ain't that special," Collin said.
"Not special? Come on," Hitch said before walking around Collin. "Tall, handsome, long hair that actually fits you." She then grabbed Collin by the bicep before giving it a squeeze. "And you got some good things packing here. Bet you got some other good thing-"
Annie forcefully coughed, her face showing her annoyance.
Hitch let go of Collin before putting her hands up. "Sorry, sorry. Hands off the bought merchandise, I get it."
Phillip chimed in. "Well, if you're done molestin' my friend, guess I'll introduce ya. Guys, this is my old pal from Karno, Collin Holt. Collin, bowl cut o'er there Marlo, the plain one's Boris… And this is Bitch."
Hitch actually growled at that. "That's Hitch, you lumbering moron!"
"I know what I said."
"Good luck getting a girlfriend with that attitude!"
"If she ends up like ya, I ain't missin' much."
While the two started arguing Collin addressed Annie again. "Sorry if this came at ya outta nowhere. I just wanted to see ya 'fore I go off into the Titan territory."
Annie was silent for several moments before answering. "Right, I… I'm sorry, I just didn't expect this. I… thought I wouldn't see you for a long while."
"Kinda felt like that, to be honest. Got a lot of work at the Scouts since I joined 'em," Collin said before putting his hands on her shoulders. "Hope ya don't mind havin' your boyfriend come over."
"N-no, I don't," she said before sighing. "Tell me, how long will you be here?"
"'Till mornin'. Rented a hotel room for the night."
"I see. And what exactly did you have in mind when you came here?"
"Well, I thought of waitin' 'till your shift's over, and then we'd go on a date," Collin said. "Ya know, a proper one. We didn't really have that durin' our Cadet days. Not sure if the trainin' sessions and lookin' at lakes count."
Annie couldn't believe what she was hearing. No, it actually made perfect sense for Collin to do something like this. But she still had a bit of a hard time wrapping her head around it. God, Collin really knew how to push her buttons.
"So, do ya have some free time later?" Collin asked.
"Yes. Yes, I do," Annie answered. "I have some free time later in the afternoon."
"Then can we go on that date?"
Annie smiled. "Yeah. I'd like that."
"Aw, that's so cute."
Collin and Annie turned to see Hitch looking at them. Her signature grin returned.
"Honestly, Annie, I didn't think I've ever seen you so happy since… Honestly, I'm not sure I ever saw you even smile. You really got yourself a good man."
Phillip leaned next to her ear. "Yeah, how 'bout we leave 'em for a bit? Pretty sure Annie would appreciate it more."
Hitch frowned a bit, but then gained a thoughtful. "Hmm, I suppose. Fine, we'll leave the lovebirds alone," she said before looking at Annie. "I honestly can't wait to hear the details from you later. Don't take too long or you'll miss lunch."
Hitch and Phillip then headed back to the dining.
Marlo decided to speak up. "While there's nothing wrong with you dating someone, I hope this doesn-"
Phillip then pulled him by the jacket, getting a loud 'Hey!' from the Marlo. "Don't ruin the moment with your yammerin', bowl cut," he said as he dragged Marlo with him. Boris just shrugged and went with them.
Once the four were out of sight, Collin spoke. "Well, now that they're gone…" He put his arms around Annie before kissing her on the lips. While shocked at first, she returned the kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck. After several moments, the two separated, slightly out of breath.
"God… I missed that," Collin said.
"Yeah… me too," Annie said. "Collin, I… I'm… happy that you're here. I honestly thought that something might-"
"Hey, hey, enough of that," Collin said. "We'll be together for a little while and that's all that matters."
"Yes," Annie said with a smile. "Yes, it does."
"Hey, don't let me keep ya," Collin said. "Go to your lunch, and I'll go look 'round the city. We'll meet together after your work is done, and then we get the date. Deal?"
Annie nodded. "Sure."
"Good. See ya later, shortcake," Collin said before walking off with a wave of his hand.
Annie smiled as she looked at him leaving. But her smile turned into a thin line. God, why on earth did he have to be like that? He wasn't a perfect person, but he had a good heart. Maybe if he didn't, her life would've been easier.
Groaning, she rubbed her face with her palm. "God, what am I doing?"
The hour soon came, and Collin waited for Annie to finish. He was dressed in a black shirt and dark blue pants. He wanted to be more casual on the date. Seemed better than being in the military uniform.
Though he still found it hard to believe that this was an actual first date. The one where you take the girl with her and buy her food, drinks, and all that stuff. Hell, even if ya didn't live in a city, you still brought your girl to picnics. His pa often did that with his ma from what they told him.
As he waited near the MP HQ, he suddenly noticed his date approaching him. She was also dressed more casually, with her gray hoodie and dark pants.
"Well, my lovely, lady," Collin said as he brought his arm up. "Shall we?"
Annie smiled before shaking her head. "Please, stop that."
"Come on. It's s'posed to be a date after all."
"Fine then," she said with a shrug before wrapping her arm under his. "By the way, you don't have to worry about disappointing. It's not like I have any experience with dates either."
"Um… right. We'll just see how this goes, yeah?"
"Indeed."
The two of them walked for a little while, with Collin taking in the sights of the city he wasn't used to seeing. Something which Annie honestly found endearing. They decided to visit one of the restaurants on the main street and grab something to eat.
"Mmm, that's some good fish," Collin said before taking another bite of his meal.
Annie just nodded as she took a bite and drank some water. "After the slob we ate as cadets, anything seems like an upgrade.
Collin chuckled. "You can say that again. Think I ate 'nough of that damn soup for life," he said before eating a piece of bread. He was also grateful that he got paid for the work he did so he can afford to buy the meal in the Interior. "So tell me, how's your job at the MPs?"
"Well, not too eventful, I admit. But I'm satisfied," she said before taking another bite. "And how is your position in the Scouts?"
"Well, if your's uneventful, mine's kinda plenty eventful. Even got to fight Titans on occasion."
"You… fought Titans. Already?" Annie said. The hint of concern in her voice was evident to Collin.
"Yeah, but dontcha worry. I got enough skills to see me through. Not to mention all the great soldiers out there havin' my back."
"I hardly think those positions were risk-free."
"Nah, they weren't, but that's the risk I decided to take," Collin said. "It's been workin' out so far. But trust me, the Scouts know what they're doin'. Especially under Commander Erwin's leadership."
"Right. Of course," Annie said. "Have you seen any of our comrades?"
"Just Eren since I'm tasked with watchin' him. Ya know, the whole Titan form and all that stuff. But other than that, I haven't anybody else," he explained. "Though, as you saw, I also met Phillip today. Quite a surprise, I tell ya. And from what he told me, he knows you."
"We see each other, but we didn't really talk. I thought he might've been the same person you were talking about but it may as well have been a coincidence. So, he actually is the same person who bullied you. I'm surprised you wanted to talk to him with how you described him."
"Well, we were also friends once," Collin said. "But, I can't stay mad at him for how he was actin' as a little kid. What's the point of that? 'Sides, I can see he's changed. And I'm glad that he's alive so we have a chance to start over. Not many people get that."
"No, they don't," she said as her mind went back to Trost and all the people who died there. Especially Marco. "It's… It's good that you didn't hold an unnecessary grudge against him."
"As I said, such a thing's pointless. We're back to bein' friends," Collin said as he took another bite. "But, enough 'bout me. I see that ya got used to life in the big city."
Annie shrugged. "More or less. Though I can tell you it isn't as great as everyone says."
"Yeah, I kinda figured that. Still, if you're happy livin' here, then I don't see the problem," he said as took the last bite. "Well, that was great. What's our next stop?"
Annie started giving it some thought before she thought of something. "How about the marketplace? I think we might find something there."
"Sure. Lead the way."
The rest of the day they spent walking across the marketplace, looking over what they had to offer. It was quite busy with people, but they managed. They bought themselves some fruit to eat, even some sweets that they never tasted before. And those almost tasted heavenly.
They spent some more time looking over some stuff to buy. The things they could actually afford. Collin didn't get a whole lot of money for his work, and Annie was just starting out so she wasn't loaded either. However, they were satisfied with what they got.
"…and then the man bites his tongue again," Collin said as the two slowly left the marketplace, each with a shopping bag. "I swear that's the universe tellin' him to stop actin' cool, but he ain't listenin'."
Annie chuckled as he finished the story. Well, he definitely led a more interesting life than her at the moment. All she had to suffer was some boredom and annoying colleagues, but that didn't really leave much excitement in her life.
"Damn, it's late," Collin said. The sun has already set and the street lights illuminated the area. "Guess time really flies by fast when you're havin' fun."
"Yes, it did, but… I had a good time," Annie nodded. Indeed, this day passed faster than any other since she's been here. It was really a curse that good things went by so fast.
Collin smiled at her. "You've no idea how happy I am to hear that. Means I didn't screw things up," he said. "Well, shall I see you back to the Military Police HQ?"
"Actually… I… Can we go to your hotel room?" she asked with a slight blush on her face.
"My… My hotel room," Collin said as he blinked in shock. "I… I mean… If ya wanna."
"I want to."
"Then… Then come on. Let's go."
They spent several minutes walking before they reached the hotel. Once they entered, Collin lead her up the stairs to the upper floor where his room was located.
"So, this is it," Collins said. "If this is where ya-"
"Will you show me or not?"
"Uh, right." Collin took out a key and opened the door. His room wasn't all that spacious but it had all the necessities. Some the same as his room in the castle the Levi Squad was staying at, but definitely in better condition.
Collin closed the door before they put the bags on the floor near the table. There was some awkward silence between them, with Annie finding it a bit hard to look at Collin, while Collin himself wasn't sure what to do next. His girlfriend wanted to go to his hotel room, and… well he wasn't sure if the ideas he had were applicable in this situation.
"So, Annie," he broke the silence. "Maybe-"
Annie quickly approached him, pulled him down by his shirt, and gave him a kiss. He quickly got over his shock as he returned the kiss and wrapped his arms around her.
Annie then actually began pushing him, not an easy feat considering their size and weight difference, but she accomplished it. Collin's legs hit the side of his bed, making him fall on the mattress and blankets, his grip on Annie making her fall as well.
Their kiss was broken, but while Collin was slightly shocked at the situation, Annie didn't seem deterred. She crawled closer to his face and kissed him again, this time using her tongue which he answered by using his own, letting them intertwine as they kissed.
After several moments, they separated to get some air, their breaths slightly rapid.
"Annie… A-are ya-"
"Collin," she interrupted, her gaze showing the lust behind those bright blue eyes, along with a hint of desperation. "Collin, please."
"Annie… I…" he stammered for a moment but then decided to resume their tongue-filled kiss. Their hands soon began roaming each other's bodies as they got lost in their passion.
AN: And that's it for now, my dear readers! I really hope you like this chapter. We got a surprise returning character in the form of Phillip, and Collin got to reunite with Annie again. And yeah, I know that it's a bit cliche for stories to have an OC paired up with Annie, and they end up boning just before all things go to hell in the Female Titan arc, but it did fit my story, so I included it. And you have to admit, it does work for some good drama. So I hope you were satisfied.
Also, please check out my other stories. Trust me, they are worth it. And leave a review, they are great motivators.
See ya next time!
