Jason was furiously scrubbing the floor of the dining area. No matter how much he scrubbed, the dark red stain wouldn't disappear. Forgetting he was under the dining table he rose to stretch. Bumping his head, he cursed. Glaring back at the stain, he began scrubbing again.

Eren crouched in front of him. "You're still on that stain?"

The fifteen year old was holding a broom in his left hand, and balancing himself by holding the table leg in his right. He was wearing two handkerchiefs to protect from the dust. One covered his hair and the other his mouth.

Jason scrubbed a bit harder, "I'm not slacking off if that's what you're suggesting."

"I know," his tone did not indicate sympathy, "But if Captain Levi comes and finds the safe house like this." The titan shifter rose and began brooming. "I don't even want to think about it."

The third party of their group was silent. Connie Springer was wiping the table Jason was currently under. Jason was introduced to the boy when it was announced to the others he would join the new makeshift Levi Squad. He tried to recall the names on the list.

Sasha Blouse, ranked ninth in the 104th cadets graduation. A hunter gatherer from the mountainous region within Wall Rose, Sasha provides an arrayed skill set to the group. Jason doesn't know how the girl feels about him.

Jean Kirschtein, ranked sixth in the 104th cadets graduation. A reactionary soldier, Jean adapted well to stressful situations. One of the first people Jason met outside the walls, the salmon haired boy has been an ally and friend to Jason. Hopefully one day they could settle their argument about which one of them would win in a fight.

Armin Arlelt, not ranked in the top ten of the 104th cadets graduation (Jason was surprised when he learned that fact). One of the survivors of the invasion of Shiganshina, Armin has shown great intellect and courage. Not only did he save Jason when he first arrived here, but he did everything in his power to keep him safe. Jason considered him a true friend.

Mikasa Ackerman, ranked first in the 104th cadet graduation (Jason was not surprised to hear this fact). Another survivor of Shiganshina, she has the strength of a daughter of Mars, and bares her fangs at anyone who would harm Eren. While she did teach Jason how to use ODM gear, she also punched him in the face for asking to carry her. Jason was unsure of his status with the girl.

And lastly on their team was Connie Springer. Ranked eighth in the 104th cadet graduation, Jason didn't know much about the boy. All he knew was that he was from a little village called Ragako. And no one on the team dared to mention his birthplace in front of him. Jason had no idea what Connie thought of him, but his glare made it clear that he did not want to get to know the demigod.

Their mission: to protect Eren and Historia. But knowing the Commander, Jason felt there was another reason for their objective. He just wasn't sure what it was. (Conveniently, he was put on guard duty the night Historia explained her origins to the squad).

Too focused on his thoughts, or the stain, Jason failed to notice the deadpan eyes glaring at him under the table until a leg kicked his calf. Captain Levi glared at the stain, then back at him. "I'm quite sure I gave you ample time to clean." He rose from his kneeling position. "I don't know why it's still a mess." He slid his finger under the table and shook his head at the dust. "No matter. We'll have to discuss this another time."

Jason crawled from under the table, leg still in pain. He glared at Jean. "You didn't have to kick me." He whispered. Jean shrugged his shoulders.

From standing position, Jason saw the group more clearly. Mikasa held an ax, Armin, a piece of bread, and Historia held chopped wood. Sasha had her hands held in the air in surrender and Eren held his forehead in despair. Connie didn't make an expression.

"Eren," The boy put his hands down, "Hange is itching to get the experiment started. Everyone except Connie and Sasha will join us." He then looked at Jason. "You'll meet up with Nifa to train."

"Train?" Jason raised an eyebrow.

Everyone in the room stared at him. Levi sighed, "You use way too much gas, have no clear understanding of 3D space, and you're extremely reckless. Nifa will train you how to properly use our equipment." He returned his gaze to the group, "We move out in ten."

The team walked towards the kitchen to grab their equipment. Jean snicked quietly, "I still can't believe you ran out of gas that quick." Jason shoved him, "At least it didn't take me three years to learn how to use it."

They grabbed their gear and exited the safe house with the others. Jean and Jason found a grassy area that was empty and set down their light equipment. Jean closed his eyes, "It doesn't count when the person using it is a… what did you call yourself… a demigod."

"Oh, now you believe me?" Jason put his arm through the gun holster like leather.

"Of course not. But it's better than believing the rest of us are that incompetent."

Jason couldn't help smiling. He never thought in a million years he would agree to join the Scouts, let alone be a part of Levi's squad. He wasn't sure why he blurted it out that night in the Commander's office. Maybe it was because Armin and Jean were meant to join? Or maybe it was because it was the only way he could get home.

What he did know was, he didn't like his position one bit. His position required him to take orders from 'Captain' Levi. He kept having to remind himself that he wasn't Praetor here. Just a lowly soldier.

Out of the corner of his eye, Jason saw Levi speaking to Connie and Sahsha through the window of the living room they were just in. While Sasha looked extremely nervous, Connie still held that lifeless expression. Jason decided to ask a question that has been on his mind since he met the bald headed teen.

"What's wrong with him?" He pointed his chin towards the window while failing to put on his sash. Jean, more adept on putting on the equipment, was already placing one of the metal boxes on his waist. When Jean noticed who he was asking about his smile faded.

"He… Connie's going through a tough time right now. He's usually more cheerful." He began focusing on placing his other metal box in its place. "I know you don't know him, but if he gives you trouble, don't take it personally. Armin and Eren won't be a problem, but it'll take time for the rest of the group to trust you." Placing his blades in their sheaths, he concluded with, "Just… don't screw it up? Okay?"

Jason, struggling with the sash, said, "Thanks for the advice." Jean, ignoring his comment, tisked. "You can't even put the sash on right." The scout began helping him with his equipment. Jason was thankful.

"I have a question for you." Jean began.

"Shoot."

"How come you're not scared of Levi?"

Jason thought about the answer. Remembering all his interactions with the Captain, and recalling his conversation with Moblit, he answered, "I'm not gonna lie, I was scared of him when we first met. He threatened me twice with a blade." Jean winced. "But… he's more like us than you think."

Jean stood straight up. Jason couldn't comprehend how he put the ODM gear on him so quickly. Jean gave him a skeptical look, "What? That makes no sense? The Captain is the best soldier we have. How is he like us?"

The two began walking towards the horse stables. Jason held his hands up, "I'm not really sure how to explain it." He admitted.

"You're an idiot."

"Why is that always your conclusion?" Jason genuinely asked.

"Both of you are idiots." A cold voice said. Levi, already wearing his equipment, was on a horse ready to go. The others were grabbing their horses reigns. "Get your horses."

Jean and Jason gave a quick yes sir and proceeded to follow orders.