3rd POV
.
.
"EWEEEN BABYYY~"
Colith chirps before crashing into the unsuspecting teen who was barely conscious and unceremoniously landed in a heap on the ground, successfully cutting Hanji off who blinked in surprise, heavy bags under her eyes. She must've realized what time it was by the way her tired gaze flickered between the two shifters and the window while a cheerful 19-year-old was busy cooing her bean's ears out. She laughed nervously.
"Oh."
A slightly embarrassed Ilse entered the mess hall as well and took a moment to look at Eren and Colith in bewilderment before sweat dropping. She was a bit peeved by her new friend's declaration since nobody ever had the guts to affirm their love? Admiration? For the corporal that way. Not to her knowledge anyway.
"Good...morning, Jaeger." she nods to the unresponsive teen who kept blinking rapidly then went back to the tired scientist. "See that you went at it again?" she threw her superior a blank look before sighing. "this is unhealthy. You look like-."
"shit? Yeah I know"
Hanji had the decency to look sheepish. She was in the middle of a gruesome description and stopped when they entered. only god knew what the hell she did to those titans and well, it's not hard to feel sorry for them.
"Gee...I didn't see the time pass. It's not every day I find anyone willing to listen to my researches!" she exclaims with a yawn. "plus Eren here is a great audience! He even asked questions! Can you believe it?! "
Ilse deadpans then rolls her eyes. "wow, that's amazing." tone dripping sarcasm, she took a seat next to a sputtering Hanji.
Said boy visibly jolts awake when a sloppy kiss made contact with his cheek and begins wiggling like a fish out of water while sprouting annoyed protests.
"eh, Eren, language." Colith chastises sweetly. "I don't recall teaching you curses, do I?"
"Hmpf-What was that for?!" he tried to push her off, disgust giving him power which didn't really work, she had an iron grip on him. "AND YOU ALWAYS CURSE-"
"yeah yeah, whatevs~." she peppers his face with kisses to his dismay, fully aware that he'd start trashing around with vengeance and oh, he is! Turns out the little rascal wasn't fond of her random PDA in front of strangers which she clearly didn't give a damn about.
"are you two perhaps, a couple?" Hanji remarks making both pauses. The two looked at each other, Eren's exhausted teal clashing with puzzled gold for a moment in silence before they meet back Hanji's curious gaze with blank looks. That...was a first.
You'd be surprised to learn that no one ever asked them that question until now and It must've been because they hung around Armin and Mikasa so often that the question never popped up, plus Colith always acted sweet with everyone...and people were probably still scared to ask. Some of the cadets still found her intimidating and her exploits during training didn't arrange anything. Colith could be terrifying sometimes. Sure, she's of the kind who easily shares affection with those she deems as friends, and the majority of them knew that. She gives the best hugs after all, her beans, Historia, Sasha, Connie, and Annie said so despite the latter's reluctance at first. This, however, did not prevent some of them from developing puppy crushes- Ahem, JeanReinerBertholdt- ahem. So yeah, the question never came. She occasionally receives questions about her hair, skin, or training regiment, never about her relationships with any of the boys. Even during nights where girls from her class tend to gossip about love and boys, nobody ever thought of including her, and this, she was thankful for it. She couldn't see herself with anyone below 18 and the boys were, well boys.
Although now, strangers like Ilse and Hanji who weren't aware of that were confused, so it was bound to happen.
Speaking of Ilse, she leans forward with sudden interest. To her that...was a good question actually since like said earlier she never witnessed this kind of affection aside from married couples and even that was extremely rare. Hell, the way Colith's acting right now is a dead give away but she couldn't be sure of it now because she freaking asked if the corporal, LEVI of all people was SINGLE. Sure the man was strong, capable, and quite attractive but he wasn't her type. Despite his height, the man terrified her to no end. She wondered if Hanji had a death wish sometimes with the way she tends to taunt him but quickly put it on the count of Hanji being...well Hanji and no one could stop her if she was set on something. Not even God. Still, Ilse couldn't see him in any kind of relationship with anyone who wouldn't find him intimidating. Well, she wasn't close to the man anyway to know how he'd do in the romance department and it was a secret to no one that some female soldiers found him handsome but never tried anything. Except Colith, that menace.
Her musings were interrupted by a loud snort. Both women blink in surprise when Colith stood up, chuckling all the way to a chair. Eren mimicked her albeit with an uncomfortable scowl/pout.
"A couple? That's a good one but nope." she snickers. "Sometimes I forget y'all never saw me being affectionate."
"affectionate my a-OW!" Eren squawks in indignation when he receives a slap on (titan) the back of his head and throws a glare with no real heat toward Colith who ignores him.
"Is this normal from where you're from then?" Ilse asks curiously, catching both Hanji and Eren's attention.
"you could say that?" She massages her nape, a sad glint flashing through her eyes which vanish as soon as they came. The thought of her family still hurts so she quickly shoves the thought away before she ends up moping the rest of the day. Without Connie here to distract her, she'll certainly do just that, so go away depressing thoughts! "I mean, I'm always like this, mostly to friends, and Eren here already has a crush! So no! Plus I'm into older men."
There was a muffled choking sound from Ilse but Colith ignores it while Eren's voice cracked in horror. "Do not!"
"bruh, your voice cracked! Do too!" she chirps.
"do not!"
"Do too!"
This went on for a few moments to the women's bewilderment until the table dissolved into light conversations and attempt at questioning that Colith skillfully avoided like a pro, then the door opens with a bang, startling the four as a disgruntled man barges into the mess hall. They all turn toward the newcomer and Colith immediately recognizes him. It's Moblit, best boi Moblit. Le sang de la vaine Moblit. The most underestimated character to ever exist and props to him for handling Hanji's craziness. He must've been running by the way he panted and his wide eyes portray urgency.
"Squad leader Hanji come quickly! The test subjects were attacked!"
Hanji's eyes widen in horror, suddenly very awake before her gaze snaps toward Colith in bewilderment. Ilse does the same.
"w-what ?"
A frantic rush to the inner walls later found our four soldiers the members of a barely awake Levi squad in front of a sight Colith knew would happen. However, a new development occurred which surprised her because-
"BEAAAAN!!!"
As you can guess, the subject of Hanji's grief, Bean was the sole victim of the attack. Poor fella's steaming remains laid on the ground next to the unfazed dirty blond titan still strapped in place. Aside from Hanji's cries, some garrison soldiers stood far from the bawling scientist with uncomfortable looks, whispering among themselves. Her face was red as wild tears poured down brown eyes, truly upset with the situation to the point where she forgot that soldiers were witnessing her breakdown with different reactions. Some were weirded out, not comprehending how she could grieve over titans of all things?! So they choose to keep their distance from her while others seemed more amused than anything. Of course, annoyance prevailed too. Only a few were sympathetic.
Levi squad Colith and Eren stood among them as Ilse and Moblit tried their best to calm the woman down without success.
"there's still one alive at least," Eld mutters to his companion as he watches the scene. "They said they weren't able to catch the one responsible, they fleed the moment someone raised alarm. It's said the bastard was on ODM gear."
"Whoever it was must've had a lookout to warn them about the guards. It still amazes me that nobody saw anything." Gunther looks solemn. "thankfully it's better than I thought or Hanji would've gone nuts."
"the hell? don't you hear how she's screaming? How's that better?" Eld asks incredulously.
"Just think about it. If that's how she is after losing...whatever that thing was named, imagine if both died?" Gunther raises a brow (not that he got any-)
"Ah I see your point."
"thought so."
they spoke for a few moments until both and few noticed the hooded tall figure of Colith- for those who knew her- approach the bawling scientist and the two worried soldiers. After exchanging hushed words with the two who then reluctantly drew back, they watched with surprise as she wraps her arms around the distraught woman in a show of comfort which Hanji surprisingly accepts. If Colith heard whatever Oluo said next, she ignored it and instead smirked a little when Petra choose to elbow him harshly for the rude comment.
'you go girl.' Insensitive prick.
A certain praying mantis garrison soldier and his friend scouted away in fright for some reason.
"shh shh, girl, come on look at me, " Colith gently rubs Hanji's back like someone would do to a friend. She knew the scientist was genuinely upset by the sorrowful aura flowing from her. It must've been worse in canon if she reacted that way with the loss of Bean. So both...yikes let's not think about this. A sob escaped Hanji's throat but she manages to look up at the one comforting her with glassy eyes. Her goggles were upon her forehead so tears won't stain them. "it's okay to be upset, I know how important he was to you, but look at the bright side" she looks toward Sawney, Hanji follows her gaze with a sniffle. "you still got one alive so all hope's not lost." with a squeeze on the shoulder, Colith continue, tone firm . "don't worry, we'll catch whoever did this! Even if one's still alive, it doesn't mean we'll let the fiend who did it run free!"
The scientist blinked. "you...You knew right?" a sniffle "you knew that would happen right? that's why you told me to reinforce security around them? But how?"
Colith grimaced a bit at the sight of snoot but regardless spoke so only Hanji would hear. "I suppose whoever was after Eren and I would attempt something like this, I mean, why would they let you guys learn more about titans that easily? If y'all gain more data, it'll be harder for them to achieve whatever shenanigans they got." she finishes with a shrug. She wasn't about to explain her foreknowledge. "Come on get up, don't want dumbass making fun of you anymore." She said loudly for those trying to eavesdrop to hear and received scowls and slight ashamed looks.
Hanji chuckle at the jig while wiping leftover tears."... Thanks for the warning, really appreciate it." after a sad look toward the remains she got up with Colith's help. "But how are we gonna find the culprit? They left nothing and the guards weren't quick enough to identify them since they moved fast...quick use of ODM gear I assume, they're agile then..." She mumbles, accepting a tissue from Colith with a thanks. "that's all we know...Urgh! What's the point of strengthening security if nobody saw shit?!"
Colith stilled.
'GOD DA-LA PUTAIN D'SA GRAND MÈR- FUCKING TDTJIFQDSESHDDH-'
she forgot about a tiny lil detail...
Annie
With Marco's rescue, she completely forgot that they identified Annie because she used his gear. Now she could've used anyone's and nobody will notice, not even Armin. Oh well.
'So what now? Clearly didn't think bout that...How do I go about this? Can't be throwing hints here and there, they'll definitely find this sus- I mean I'm already sus but that'll be the cherry on top. Hm...'
She stood here thinking as she tuned Hanji's ramblings out for a few seconds. That is until she felt eyes on her, not that there weren't any already since she was, like, in everyone's line of sight, no the look was from something different. Something inhuman...and what was there that wasn't human? Colith looked up and met beady blue eyes staring at her...
A light bulb goes on in her head.
"who's this tall chick next to titan freak? And what's up with her skin? It's so dark..."
"didn't you hear? That's the cadet who rescued lotta people at trost! The Grey titan, remember? Heard she scared the shit out of people at the trial... And oh I dunno why she's like that but I heard she doesn't take lightly those who make fun of it so watch your mouth."
"eh? Wasn't there, like, a lot of nobles? How is she not dead?!"
"She threatened them."
"pardon?"
"Like they tried to harm her 'family' and she went nuts. Wallace says she broke her cuffs and took a shot to the chest and stood up as nothing happened. What a legend."
"?! HOW ARE YOU SAYING THIS WITH A STRAIGHT FACE?!"
"We live in a world with man-eating naked giants and turns out she chooses to save our asses instead of, ya know, kill us. I mean she's a titan. So maybe a shot won't do shit to kill her and the other one. And I'd rather not mess with her."
"this is crazy..."
"you tell me...
But she's kinda cute tho."
"she is? Never got to see her. "
"Yeah. If she wasn't in the Survey Corps or you know, a titan, I'd ask her out."
"You have a wife and kids, Albet."
"So?"
Meanwhile, Eren and Levi stood among whispering soldiers and Eren definitely didn't eavesdrop on them. Nope, nuh-uh. He was just making sure nobody insulted Colith. Yup. His concerns were apparently unnecessary since it seems like a major part of the garrison saw her in a good light thanks to the casualties being low. Only 32 people died including cadets and Garrison which was a shock given the fact that a lot of titans entered, though a significant amount just strolled with no purpose in the district which was odd but who were they to complain?
"she managed to calm shitty glasses down with whatever bullshit she said, impressive." Levi remarks arms crossed as he watches the tall annoying pest with narrowed eyes. He wasn't sure how to feel about her, not with the weird sting he felt whenever she was close which pushed unusual feelings in his chest. Protection, loyalty, adora- what kind of bullshit was this?! It didn't happen around the other titan brat so it was confusing the hell out of him! Tch.
Despite the suspicion, he was glad that someone stopped shitty glasses cries. He truly hates it when she gets hysterical over her 'babies'.
Eren laughs awkwardly, still a bit uncomfortable around the man "that's Colith for you... I guess haha" the blank look he receives from Levi prompts him to change subjects. "erm- w-why would they do that, though?" He stutters as he watches the subject of their discussion whisper something at the scientist's ear before both looks at the remaining titan whose eyes were on Co-
'why is that thing staring at her?'
"who knows?" Eren almost misses Levi's reply "They didn't catch whoever did it even when shitty glasses asked for more protections. Tch, talk about incompetence." His eyes squint at the sight of said shitty glasses who was now gaping at the bane of his existence. "still have no idea what made her ask that though..."
Eren hummed in agreement until two hands grasp his shoulders which scared the shit out of him. He thinks he saw his mom for a sec.
[A commander entered the chat...Literally]
"What can you see?" Erwin voiced, gaze focused forward.
"Huh?"
"who do you think the enemy is?"
Outside, Eren looked somewhat calm however inside he was all "??????" what the hell did he mean by that? Enemies? Wha-
"... I think Colith sai-"
"Erwin! Got a minute?" Hanji called out, approaching rapidly with renewed joy which puzzled the heck out of everyone. They separated like the red sea to let them pass. Wasn't she crying a second ago? What the hell did Colith do?! Said person was casually following after her at a leisurely pace.
"Hanji, you're...well it seems, how can I help you ?" Erwin raises a bushy brow which Colith can't help but stare at. His eyes eventually shift to the woman who tenses a little at being caught staring but keeps eye contact. She surprises him with a warm smile instead of the fidgeting mess who couldn't even keep eye contact two years ago. What brought this change though? "Hello, Colith." ah it seems like he kept her words in mind and used her name instead of "Cadet Tobe" 3000 points to gryffin- anyway.
Colith's smile widen "Commander Smith," she salutes " How have you been?" her voice was smooth like a river, with no trace of stutter or embarrassment in it.
Levi's eyes narrow for reasons unknown to him.
Before Erwin could reply, Hanji interrupts with a shout. "No time for this!" she adjusts her goggles then claps hands together. "we may or may not've found a way to find the culprit!"
Ilse, Moblit, Eren, the rest of Levi squad, and Erwin's eyes widen in pure surprise.
"excuse me?" Erwin.
"How? Nobody saw shit!" Oluo.
"What the fuck Hanji." Gunther.
"????" Eren and Petra.
"JUST HEAR US OUT YOU FOOLS!" she poses dramatically.
" 'Us' "? Oh that was Levi.
"Actually," they immediately turn to Colith who grimaces at the attention. 'LEVI'S LOOKIN AT MEEEE-' "I wish to experiment something."
"What is that supposed to do with finding the culprit? What the hell are you planning? Don't do anythin-"
"Levi." Erwin warns, earning a 'Tch' in response. He sighs " What is it that you wish to do exactly?" he turns to Hanji for an answer but simply receives a wide galvanized grin. Not worrying at all.
Colith gauges their faces, eyes shifting to everyone, barely (not) missing narrowed grey eyes before huffing and gesturing behind her.
"I need you guys to un-bind Sawney."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"who's Saw-"
"WHAT?!"
Hiii SORRY FOR TAKING SO LONG!
I HAD AN EXAM WHICH WAS KINDA...HARD.
Anyway
I've been wondering who shall I add to Colith's love interest... then i just :
"Meh fuck it"
Here are the choices:
Levi (my man)
Erwin (Daddy)
Mike (man-dog)
Eld (that cool dude)
Jean (Cheval)
Reiner (Mister Trauma)
Bertholdt (I just wanna go home)
(I'll add names as the story goes on)
Oh I've been wondering. Should I keep the slow burn pace or do you prefer going straight to the point with a lot of time skips?
Personally, I'm good with either. The choice is yours to make!
Well that's it!
Have a good day!!
Bisous