-Chapter 33: Fond Feelings-

It was early in the afternoon. After a rigorous training session out in the Marian forests the commander had called for an all hands meeting among his veterans, in order to discuss their plans and operations for their future expeditions.

Inside the war room located in their central building, the squad leaders, captains, vice-captains, lieutenants, and team leaders were assembled as the commander began to go over the many possible objectives they could accomplish while out in the field. At the current moment the topic of the cavern discovered by Darius' group was currently being debated on. The room was alive with many voicing their thoughts regarding the logistics of such an operation, and whether the objective itself was a worthwhile endeavor.

But there was one voice among the group that was strangely quiet, that being Squad Four's leader. In fact, Hange hadn't spoken much since they arrived back at HQ. Instead, she simply kept her eyes on the grand map of the exterior plastered on the wall, but even then her attention wasn't even on the map, or on the conversation going on.

No, her thoughts were on a more personal topic, that being the wellbeing of her missing squad mate. How was Maverick, her dear giant comrade, doing? Was he enjoying himself at the mysterious industrial city? Was he getting along well with the people? Were they treating him well?

"Hange?"

How long was he actually going to reside in the city? She remembered he said at least two weeks tops, but with all those scrolls strapped to his body, who knew how long they would take to design just one of the many weapons? She knew a few of the ones he drew, all quite advanced, for them at least. It would probably take more than a month, maybe even several to get the allowed model of choice functioning.

"Hange."

That thought brought her mood down a little. She was hoping he could make it in time for this year's harvest fair. Sure she and the rest of the squad would have an enjoyable time, but there would be a very empty feeling inside her, knowing they were one man short. She enjoyed her time with him, always giving her a warm and fuzzy feeling in her gut.

"Oi, Four Eyes."

That familiar unemotive, slightly dead, yet brash tone brought her out of her dream like state and back into the real world and her current surroundings. Blinking a few times she turned her head to the left, seeing her vice-captain with an ever-worried expression, with Miche, Dirk, and the rest of the veterans giving their own fair share of questioning looks. With her mind still coming too she could only voice out a single response.

"Wuh?"

A heavy sigh caused her to turn to see Levi, trying his hardest not to pinch his forehead at her seemingly absentmindedness. Nearby Erwin stood in silence, his bushy brows raised in surprise at Hange's abnormal behavior. "Are you even paying attention?"

A few silent moments passed before Hange tried to make it seem like she was listening to the current topic the entire time, emphasis on tried.

"Of course I am!" She said, speaking with her usual peppy tone, giving a big ol' grin to the unamused halfling. His eyes narrowed as he asked her a simple question.

"Then what did Erwin just say?" She gritted her teeth, but still managed to keep the smile on her face as a hundred possible answers generated in her head. Minutes seemed to pass in her mind as she answered with her best possible answer.

"Obviously it was something about the objectives our next expedition." A sea of flat expressions, and a few groans, filled the room. Erwin's expression was that of slight disappointment, while Levi's was as always, deadpanned, for he had expected something like this since minute one. Hange's smile deflated soon after, followed by a resigned sigh.

"S-sorry Erwin, my head was somewhere else." Breathing through his nose the commander let go of his minor exasperation and informed Hange of the big news.

"I'm greenlighting your squad's plans for the flare gun modifications."

Those words alone were more than enough to get Hange truly excited, as her face lit up and a genuine smile formed on her face.

"Really?!" She said, clasping her hands as the light from the windows reflected on her goggles. Further groans sounded off from the gathered scouts, while others were glad to see the woman back in form. Nodding his head Erwin elaborated.

"With Maverick off in the Factory City, I believe it's time we got to improving our ranged arsenal." Hange bit her bottom lip in anticipation, already imagining the absolute joy at seeing Mav's creations come to life, while Moblit was beginning to sweat bullets.

"Whatever he and the engineers create will be brought out alongside the regiment, as well as a crew from the Garrison to man it." Turning around Erwin pointed at the large formation drawing next to their grand map, specifically at the additional arrows in the center representing said artillery. "They'll both provide us with fire support, as well as to serve as live tests to see if exterior artillery is something viable."

"Meaning well have to watch the artillery crew's back." Dirk remarked. The thought of having to watch over a group completely inexperienced with titan combat, while also trying to preserve their own hides was not something he was exactly excited about. A sentiment shared by some.

"Which is why they'll be the first to be equipped with our modified weapons." Erwin countered. "Many in the Garrison already have experience with firearms. Should a titan make its way to them, they'll be able to protect themselves, or at least cripple it long enough for one of us to finish it off.

"Gonna take time to train them." Levi remarked. "Considering they'll be working with something made from that oaf's mind."

"It'll be worth it the end." Erwin replied. Whatever their large friend would cook up in the city will be invaluable to the fight to reclaim their lost lands and deliver a much-needed gut punch to their foes. If they needed more time to send some wall wardens on a refresher crash course in exterior combat then so be it. Turning to the squad leader he gave an apologetic smile. "I apologize for having to request such a tall order Hange."

She smirked while readjusting her goggles. "Ha, don't be! Mav's really descriptive with his plans, so it'll be a sinch to get these mods developed!"

-oOo-

Inside Zoë Laboratories

Not even a second after the meeting concluded did Hange practically fly out of the war room, dragging poor Moblit and the rest of her squad mates by their jacket collars. With her invigorated spirit she dashed across the halls of the main building, swerving from hall to hall, until she reached her workshop.

Letting the boys go she scrambled around, looking for some certain items she had stockpiled some time ago, while the rest of the squad were trying to recover from their recent ordeal.

"Guhhh, threw up a little in my mouth." Keiji said trying to keep himself balanced. Abel went to assist him while the sounds of clattering bits and parts sounded off in the back storage room. Seeing that the squad leader was making a mess of things Moblit approached to help, only to be met with a resounding gleeful shout.

"Found them! Catch Moblit!"

The vice-captain had seconds to react as a large box of empty flare barrels, anchors, and tops came flying out of the storage door. He quickly held his arms forward shielding his face, just as the box collided. The force and speed nearly knocked the wind out of him as he was sent falling rear first onto the floor. "Feast your eyes boys! With these well be able to make our explosive dreams a reality!"

"Can't believe you kept all these around Ma'am." Rashad spoke, eyeing the many flare canister barrels that were quite literally spilling from the large box. All the while Moblit tried, and failed, to lift the box off of him.

"I always thought they'd come in handy one day!" Hange exclaimed, puffing out her chest with pride, glad that her hoarding habits had been fruitful.

For the next few hours Delta had made themselves busy, crafting their newest ammo variation for their standard flare guns. As described in Maverick's plans these new explosive barrels would be filled with gunpowder and the bottom would be fitted with a fuse, while the top of the grenade would be fitted with a cone head, with one of their ODM anchors attached, allowing the grenade the latch onto a titan's flesh.

Based on Mav's stories, explosives such as these served well when dealing against massive creatures, or with large formations of troops, as he once recounted a rather chilling tale of seeing said weapon in full effect, when an unfortunate drummer was impaled with an arrow strapped bomb.

Horrid thoughts aside they continued on into the late afternoon, stopping only for food and trips to the latrines, though if Hange had her way, they would have pushed on through the entire day. Luckily, she was outnumbered five to one. After the evenings dinner they continued to work until they had run out of supplies.

"Jeez, that took longer than I thought." Harold voiced, waving back his hair.

"Imagine if we went with the full stocks." Keiki joked, looking back at the drawings of the rifled variant Maverick had drawn, something for the future he supposed. In the end they had managed to craft close to six dozen of the things.

"Nice work everyone, now…" Hange picked one of the canisters up with a visible grin and audible chuckle, with the men sending each other some slightly worried expressions. "Let's test take em out for a test run!"

-oOo-

Testing area, somewhere inside Wall Maria

The fact that the sun was setting mattered little to Hange, for she wanted to test their newest creation, and she would not be denied. And so, she once again dragged her squad to the interior of Maria, where a makeshift testing area she and Maverick had constructed a while back was awaiting. The area itself consisted of a few testing dummies surrounded by a wall of sandbags, with some large rectangular and reinforced shields serving to provide some protection, a courtesy from their giant friend. Barely containing her excitement Hange quickly loaded the explosive barrel while the rest of the squad sought the safety of the shields, looking through the slots provided.

"Alright, fingers crossed boys!" She exclaimed, pulling back the guns hammer. Moblit gave her a thumbs up and a smile, though his thoughts were anything but joyous.

'Please don't blow off her fingers, please don't blow off her fingers, please don't blow off her fingers!'

The others could only cross their fingers as she asked, and pray to Maverick's gods of luck and fortune, while Hange relaxed her body and took a breath, aiming at the dummy. Exhaling she squeezed the trigger and…

*BANG*

The barrel shot forwards, with the anchor successfully sinking into the dummy's chest. Seconds later the fuse ignited the grenade, turning the dummy into smithereens. Despite shielding herself from whatever fragments shot out Hange could still feel the force of the explosive, as she was sent stumbling back. Looking up seconds later she saw what remained of her target and began to laugh with glee. "HA-HA! SUCCESS!"

"…Hey, Squad Leader's still in one piece!" Came the surprised voice of Keiji, who poked his head out to see the damage.

"You doubted his designs?" Abel responded, causing the young man to sharply turn around and accost the goggled scout. "Look who's talking! You were biting your nails!"

Leaving the arguing duo to be calmed by their other members Moblit began to make his way to his comrade, whose laughter had died down to a light chuckle, before falling silent entirely, simply staring at the now empty flare gun in her hands. "Hange?"

Looking back she gave a halfhearted smile as she rubbed her thumb on the guns grip. "*Sigh* Just wish Mav was here to see it…"

He figured. She wasn't really subtle in her fondness for the giant. Keeping a chuckle to himself he tried to cheer her up. "I'm sure he'll be happy enough to know they work."

Of course he'd be elated, she thought. However, she couldn't help but feel that today would have been even better had the entire squad been together. For all intents and purposes this moment was nothing short of historical, wasn't right for the one responsible for this creation to be absent.

"Just doesn't feel right without him."

Moblit was a bit stumped on how to respond, watching as she rubbed the now empty firearm with a thoughtful expression. This new, tender feeling, side of Hange was something he was not experienced with. Sure, she showed affection to the titans they caught, but this, this was something else entirely. It was a far cry from that vengeful blood knight he met so long ago when he first joined the scouts, and the highly enthusiastic, bordering on obsessive, titan researcher of now.

While he wasn't a counselor of such emotions, he was determined to try and improve her mood. With a few seconds of thought he found a possible solution, and approached his squad leader, offering a supportive hand on her shoulder.

"Well…maybe you and him can shoot off a couple rounds here when he comes back?" Her hand stopped caressing the gun. As if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders she raised her head, a look of realization plastered on her face.

"Yeah…Yeah!" Her mood turned a complete one eighty, as she turned to give her vice-captain an appreciative hug. "Just me and him!"

Patting her back she released him from her iron hug, thanking him for his wonderous idea. Chuckling he told her to think nothing of it. With their test a success the squad packed up and mounted their steeds. Along their route Hange looked back to the test site, replaying Moblit's words in her head. She imagined that perfect scenario, picturing her and Maverick spending the day away turning the testing grounds into a crater filled landscape happily laughing and enjoying in each other's company. A short giggle escaped her lips, as the warm feeling in her stomach returned.

'Just me…and him…'

-oOo-

Later, back at Headquarters

By the time they returned to Shiganshina the sun was already setting over the outer wall. Entering the main plaza the group headed off to the barracks for some well-deserved rest. Though Moblit questioned why Hange hadn't gone off to the women's side of the building.

With a bright smile she replied by saying that she wished to bring their modified flare gun to Maverick's room, to surprise him with it once he returned from the Factory City. Seeing no issue he simply advised her to get some rest soon. Thanking him for his concern she continued to walk down the familiar hall, eyeing the numbers on the doors, humming a little tune as she went.

She eventually arrived at Maverick's abode, taking note of the "Please Knock First!" sign posted in front. Looking down she let out a snicker at the small sign attached to the bottom.

"*Especially you Hanji.*"

Deciding to play along she knocked three times and patiently waited, fiddling with the still armed firearm, before barging in and making herself at home, like she had done many times before.

"Hello Jesus!" Hange greeted the small wooden man on the cross installed atop Mavs' bedside wall. Her eyes then darted across the room, despite its current resident off on business, the room felt anything but empty.

In the year that it had been occupied by Maverick it had changed much from its original grey and lifeless look to something more pleasing to the eye, a bit homier some might say. Besides some new furnishings and bed covers, he added in a large assortment of collected and handmade items. Like the cider jugs he purchased with all his money from last year's harvest fair, which he now often used to fill with other drinks. Her cheeks flushed recalling the fond memory, for it was when their relationship reached the nickname stage.

Leaning next to his bed in a dormant state resided his obsidian club of doom Skullsmite, waiting patiently for its creator to wield it once more. She ran her hand from the pommel to its engraved shaft, the cold obsidian sending a slight chill through her.

His old scout cloak hanged on a hanger stand nearby, gifted by a craftsman from one of the bordering towns in Maria. With the pelts becoming a permanent part of their uniform Hange doubted the olive capes would see further service.

Near his large dresser was a bookshelf filled nearly to the brim with all sorts of literature, both gifted and purchased whenever he had the time. Placing the firearm on his bedside cabinet she decided to take a quick look. She chuckled as she saw the three volumes of the Early Language Practice for Children books, picking one up she smiled as it still had an assortment of bookmarks and old notes inside.

"Bloody moon runes *Chuckles* Oh Mav."

Placing it back on the shelf her eyes drifted to the walls of the room. Vertical banners of both the Survey Corps and of his following were proudly displayed, as well as some that her eyes always drifted to, those being the otherworldly emblems and factions, which offered glimpses into his previous lives. One had the image of an eagle, standing atop a globe with a small banner in front with the English initials UNSC. Below it was a single phrase written in English as well.

"*Remember Reach.*"

She asked him once what it meant and was met with a solemn look from her friend, and a tragic tale of the planet he awoke on, a planet later beset by threats equal to, no, greater than the titans. Afterwards she was weary to ask him again, even after he said those old wounds had long healed, and he had paid those responsible back a million-ton.

Another banner displayed a shield with the head of an angry bull with steam emitting from its nostrils. At the bottom were two "chain-guns" as he called them, with two small banners on both sides with the words "Taurus Maximus."

Her eyes drifted down the banner as there was a few verses written. A song, he claims, that had stuck with him for millenniums. Thanks to her time studying his language she was able to read the first verse.

"*I'm a thinker, I could break it down.

I'm a shooter, a drastic baby.

Agitate, jump out, feel it in the will.

Can you talk about the deep-sea with me?*"

Followed by the second.

"*The deep-sea fish loves you forever.

All are as you're thinking over.

Out of space, when someone waits there.

Sounds of jet, they played far out.*"

She joked about it the first time she read it, asking if Maverick was plastered when he wrote it. With a humored look he claimed that those were the lyrics, at least he thought. It was apparently a common point of discussion (and serious arguments) between his fellow mercs, whenever they had down time.

She recalled having asked of his life as a mercenary, and later spent the entire day asking question after question about the massive war machines he piloted, wondering with childlike wonder if he could recreate them. To her disappointment he said that many of the delicate and advanced parts needed would take decades, centuries, to recreate. Though he reassured her that he could maybe whip up something less advanced but equally powerful. She smiled warmly at the memory, for he always knew how to make her feel better.

Other banners included the emblem and names of many other groups he had served with and been affiliated with such as their squads' namesake, the Wreckers, and the heroes of Big Green. Each had a story to tell, stories that always showed her of her comrades' more warrior-like qualities.

While they were grandiose and awe-inspiring, she held a fascination for his more faithful aspects, such as the shrines of his gods.

Near his desk, next to the open window were said shrines, dedicated to deities Mav held a greater reverence to. They were crafted with logs and carved into unique shapes, with an assortment of runic engravings. The one to her left was shaped like a downward blade, with a large cross guard, and a U-shaped pommel. On the blade was a carving of a man, wielding a floating blade horizontally. Carved also on the stand was a single name.

"Talos…" Speaking his name brought a certain memory into Hange's mind, a conversation between her and Maverick concerning this member of the Divines.

"Talos. Hero-God of Mankind, Heir to the Seat of Sundered Kings, and Emperor of the Third Empire."

"Emperor…So he walked among us humans?"

"Mhm. In life he was Tiber Septim, patriarch of the Septim Dynasty. While most of his history and exploits is reduced to myths and legends, one thing about him is absolute."

"He was the man who not only united his nation of Cyrodiil, but unified the entire continent of Tamriel, turning it into a grand Empire. Thus, beginning the Third Era. They say that upon his death he ascended into godhood, taking the name Talos and his place among the Eight Divines, thus making Nine."

"*Chuckles* Something to aspire to?"

"Hmph, already have my dear Hanji. I was the God of War to the Greeks after all."

"*Chuckles* So what was he the god of exactly?"

"Many believe Talos to be both god of war and governance, which makes sense. Gotta have both brains and brawn to make and keep an Empire running."

"You ever meet him?"

"Met him in spirit near the end of my life, though he often spoke to me through my dreams and in his places of worship. Like this one time where he warned me of the return of this prick called Umaril, and the absolute shit storm that was gonna go down with the Dominion."

"Dominion? Sounds like a heck of a story."

"Oh it is! I'll tell you and the squad later at dinner."

And quite the stories they were, a grand quest to gather the lost relics of a fellow ancient crusader to fight an equally ancient sorcerer-king, and a five-year war against a race with a major superiority complex. He should seriously consider making a book about his adventures, would absolutely sell like hotcakes.

Turning to her right was the other shrine, this one very familiar. The symbol was exactly like the one on his right shoulder, the flaming orb with the letter S inside, as well as the image of a cross and a warhammer. Like the previous, she recalled her talk with the giant.

"Ol' Sigmar Heldenhammer, a lot like Talos. Both were once mortal men, started an Empire, and ascended to godhood."

"Ohhh, these icons are like the tattoos on your arm!"

"*Chuckle* Yep. Each one of these symbols tells the tale of the Heldenhammer."

"Born under the Twin-Tailed Comet, the young son of one chief Bjorn Unberogen would grow to unite the twelve surrounding tribes of man through words and mighty deeds. Only after a fierce battle with the Orks in Black Fire Pass, did the Empire of Man truly begin."

"For fifty years he reigned, protecting his people from all manner of threats. Be it the first Everchosen, the machinations of the Great Enchanter, or the armies of the living dead led by the foul Nagash. All tried and failed to bring the Empire down, their only recompense, a blow from the mighty Ghal Maraz to the head."

"Then, he left."

"What?"

"Legend says that in his last year of rulership he rose from his throne, left his hammer, and traveled east, to the Worlds Edge Mountains, never to be seen again."

"Leaving, just like that? T-Then who did the Empire pass down to? Did he leave any heirs?"

"Aye, the Empire needs heirs. And you are all my heirs. Everyone who lives in this land is my heir. Everyone who fights and bleeds to protect the Empire. They will all be Sigmar's heirs…Those were his words to the last of his retinue, if legends are to be believed."

"Pshhh, what a guy."

She saw the pattern with these two, and it was no wonder her dear comrade held them in such high regard. But the third in the center was the outlier, but nonetheless important. The shrine was in the shape of a bull, with a thunderbolt carved into its forehead. Written in the ancient Akkadian language was the name of the God of Storms.

"Adad." Her hand caressed the idols forehead, her smile becoming far warmer than before. For this deity was far more connected to her comrade, as he revealed during a conversation from many months ago. Back to the days when he first appeared, when she and Moblit wanted to know more about their newest member.

-oOo-

Flashback, a year ago...

After dealing with the approaching titans the three members of the fourth squad found a quiet place to continue their talk form before.

"Alright! So Maverick, there's been something that I really want to know." Hange began, crossing her legs while seated in her seat. "Oh?"

"Your real name!" She exclaimed, closing the distance between the two. Maverick's brow raised in response, while also slowly backing his head away.

"My real name?" Hange nodded vigorously with a twinkle in her eye, leaving Moblit to actually provide some explanation.

"The higher ups requested we get some more information from you, seeing as we have only your first name on file." He pointed to the clipboard in his hands, showing they indeed only had his name on his official personnel file.

"Ahhh, right, right…" Maverick said. Picking up on what seemed to be little enthusiasm the vice-captain tried to alleviate him.

"I-If it's not too much to ask of course." The giant man shook his head.

"Oh no, of course not. If anything, I should have said something sooner *Chuckle*" Getting up from his seat he stood tall and firm, towering over his companions, clearing his throat he offered a smile down to the scouts. "Then allow me to reintroduce myself then." With a short bow he spoke.

"Maverick Adad Henderson, a pleasure." The two scouts remained silent, processing and contemplating his full name. While Henderson was quite a common surname, his middle one was the most intriguing.

"A-dad?" Hange worded out. It was certainly foreign, as she couldn't recall anyone she knew with a similar sounding name. She supposed it was fitting for the man traveling from worlds beyond.

"Yep. Named after the Assyrian god of storms and rain." Hange smirked. Of course it was the name of a god. Explains why it sounded so odd to repeat in her own tongue.

"It suits you well." She said, earning a smile from the giant. "Really?"

"Yeah!" She replied rocking her legs back and forth as she remarked. "You did find us while it was raining, plus the sound Skullsmite makes when it hits things, exactly like thunder!"

Maverick chuckled, while giving her a very happy look, as the name was very special to him. "Well, you can thank my mother for that one."

The two remained silent, their brows raised in surprise. For this was the first time they had heard him speak of those that brought him into existence.

"Your mother?" Moblit asked, his questioning tone amusing Maverick. It was as if the idea he was conceived by normal means was far too unbelievable. He would of course have to enlighten him with a tale.

"It's a story my parents loved to tell me when I was young." Leaning back he began. "You see when I was born, there was a big ol' thunderstorm outside the hospital, that's where she thought of the name Adad. But my father wanted to call me Maverick."

"She always told me they argued about it for almost ten minutes, with me just sleeping on her bosom without a care in the world." He chuckled, recalling how his father would defend himself, by claiming it only lasted two minutes, as if it made a difference. "Eventually they decided to let the fates decide."

His two squad mates looked on with intrigue, as he made it sound far more grandiose that it actually was. "My dad had a quarter on hand, so he flipped it. Heads for Maverick, tails for Adad." A smirk formed as he closed in. "I think it should be obvious where it landed."

"A quarter?" Hange asked, another foreign word to her mental thesaurus.

"A coin." He responded flatly. "Ohhhh."

"Thats one way to settle an argument." Moblit said. His thoughtful tone elicited another low chuckle from the man.

"Hehe, yeah. It sort of became a thing in my family. If we can't decide on one thing or the other, flip a coin. Or play rock, paper, scissors."

"Your parents must have been quite a couple." Hange remarked. Maverick's eyes narrowed slightly, though his smile remained ever present as their faces flashed in his mind.

"That's one way to describe them."

-oOo-

Back to the present moment…

That memory held a special place in her heart. It reminded her that underneath all the god-like powers there was still a man underneath it all, a man she was more than happy to call a friend.

She looked out the window nearby and at the darkening sky, thanking those higher powers for bringing her comrade along. It was still an odd feeling, the idea of these higher beings actually being out there, and sometimes even communing with and walking among mankind. This train of thought would make her remember yet another conversation she had with Maverick.

"So Mav. Do we have a God? Or Gods?"

"I definitely feel some higher force. Though it seems that the powers that be in this world are more content with just observing, following the prime directive if you will."

"Oh…"

"Yeah, sometimes they just like to watch us, see what we do, and how we do things. And see if were worth it…Though they'd usually contact me by now, or send a messenger at least. A man from another world just popping in is more than enough to get them off their chairs."

"Well, you got Skullsmite back, maybe that was a message?"

"Yeah, last I saw it was back in Athens…Well whatever, I'm sure they'll make themselves known, one way or another."

She rubbed the bull-headed statue one last time, before stretching her back. Deciding she had spent enough time reminiscing on the past she turned back to the door, eyeing the firearm she left atop the cabinet, the original reason she had even come here in the first place.

An idea suddenly popped inside her head. While seeing their new modified gun in plain sight would definitely be surprising, finding it inside the cabinet would be even more surprising! Giggling at her genius idea she removed the explosive barrel, and opened the bedside cabinet, assured there was a spot for it. Only for her to stop as her eyes spotted a journal.

'Hmm? This a new one.'

While it was similar in size, the coloration of the cover was much darker than the one she gave him a year ago. Curious she took it to examine its contents, casually invading her comrades' privacy. She figured it was more notes on their language lessons, maybe even some plans to introduce the squad to another language. With that expectation in her mind she slowly and carefully opened the journal to a random page, and her eyes widened.

"Oh wow…"

For on the page wasn't notes or reminders for the day, but a sketch of a woman. Her short neck length hair had been darkly shaded, while her seductively smiling visage remaining completely white. However, one unique aspect of this woman was the large dot-like circle shaded on her left eye. Whether it was some sort of tattoo or birthmark didn't really concern Hange, as when she turned the page she was shocked to see a few more sketches of two young men and a young girl, who seemed to take quite a lot after the woman, besides the two boys whose skin was shaded. But what was truly shocking was the eyes of the children, which had either white irises, or completely white pupils. As well as the intricate markings on their faces and necks

Very much like their resident giant.

Turning another few pages she was met with another woman, who had a flower border surrounding her figure. The woman's long and lightly shaded hair flowed as her smile gave off a saintly air, judging by the tiara adorned on her she must have been royalty, or some priestess. Hange took a moment to admire the tiara itself, its design was like nothing she had ever seen. A heart shaped center, tassels, and blooming flowers on both sides of her head, secured entirely by what looked like beads, made the woman seem more otherworldly.

That otherworldliness would pass on to her children it seemed, as the next few pages had five kids drawn! Two boys and three girls, all seemingly in the midst of their young adult years. Getting past her initial shock at their number, she noticed their similar features to the woman, just like the last. Though what took the cake was their ears, their pointed ears, like the elves in Maverick's tales.

"Ohhh…"

Her mind was soon in a tizzy, trying to make sense of these drawings, but there was a small part inside her that knew the answer, and it grew with every second. Suddenly a memory resurfaced from the back of her mind. A moment she shared with him, back at Slayer's Keep.

"Me and an old…companion…would listen to it quite often…"

"Oh God…" How could she forget? She even made the initial assumption back then. With everything going on, with the new weapons designs, the expedition, and just generally enjoying the time she spent with him had made that thought leave her mind, at least that's what she told herself.

"Oh Mav…" She whispered. Nearly every page in this journal was filled with images of those he knew in his previous lives. Her stomach churned as her mind was in complete turmoil, her feelings for the man shifting to concern for his wellbeing, as she began to question everything she knew about him.

"Watcha doing?"

"GAH!" Hange shrieked, the journal falling from her hands. Her hands quickly went downwards trying and successfully catching the journal, securing it in her shaky fingers. She turned to meet the one who had spooked the living daylights out of her, and was surprised to see her old childhood friend. Despite her minds' still shocked state she tried desperately to defend herself.

"Marlene! Uhh, I-I-I-I was just…uhhh…" Her eyes darted in all directions before settling back on the open cabinet. "C-Cleaning his cabinet! Y-you know, with Mav gone and all, there's no one to keep this room dust free!"

She tried to put on a smile, though Marlene simply leaned on the doorframe and crossed her arms. The flat expression on her face was a clear sign that she wasn't buying her friend's words. As her response implied.

"Y'know, going through your boyfriend's personal stuff while he's gone is a sign of severe distrust."

Hange laughed nervously, trying to come up with another excuse to her actions. "W-Well as the one who was appointed responsibility for him, I have to keep track of what he's up to!" Tapping on the journal she elaborated, trying her hardest to sound convincing.

"I-I mean he could be plotting to take this place over after all! Can't be certain after all…."

"Uh-huh." But Marlene remained unconvinced, seeing through Hange's words once more, not that it was difficult. She had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar, in this case, her hand in her boyfriend's journal. She wasn't even denying the relationship, much to her amusement.

Though it seemed her words finally processed in Hange's brain as her smile quickly dropped, her cheeks going nearly beet red, and her eyes widened like saucers. With a loud gasp she uttered the words Marlene had never thought she would hear from the woman.

"We are not in a relationship!"

Realizing how loud she was she quickly covered her mouth, silently apologizing to the other scouts in the other rooms. Her comrade grinned and chuckled in response to her denial, as she could hear her tone of voice shift when she said relationship. Her laugher subsiding, a cat like smile formed on her face, further flustering the squad leader.

"*Chuckles* Whatever you say Hange…" She retreaded back into the hallway, giggling as her comrade quickly put the journal back into the cabinet and quickly pursued her.

-oOo-

In the hallways of the Barracks…

"There is nothing romantical between us! He's a good friend and comrade who just happens to be a man!" Hange continued to downplay her obvious attraction to her large friend, all the while Marlene continued to prod and pry at her defenses.

"Is that so?" Marlene asked, with Hange responding in a surprisingly composed tone. "Mhm, he's a valued squad mate and friend, who were all very lucky to have."

"Hmmm? So that time we went outside the Walls, and you literally jumped into his arms, meant nothing?" Marlene countered.

"UGH!" Hange nearly fell over herself, her knees nearly buckling under the critical hit to her defense. She could feel the skipping beats as that memory suddenly flashed in her mind.

"I-I-I was just excited we got our prototype working that's all." She explained, placing her hands on her hips she tried to prove her friend wrong. "He was a big help in its development!" Marlene sighed and closed in on her friend, giving a look that said, "come on now."

"Hange. We all know you like him." Her clear statement caused her to take pause, allowing Marlene to continue. "You don't exactly try to hide it you know."

Hange tried to speak, but no words left her mouth. She herself knew that, yet tried to make some form of defense, only to hear her friend's voice again. "Like the Captain says…" In a lower pitched voice, she repeated what she'd heard from Levi ever so often, whenever Hange wasn't around.

"She sticks to him like a fly to a horse's ass." Hange's brows furrowed, her unamused look causing Marlene to hold out her arms, now defending herself. "The captain said it, not me!"

Sighing she slumped on the wall of the barracks. Her mind was all over the place, conflicting emotions battling it out for supremacy, making the once tingly feelings in her stomach now making her rather queasy. Seeing this Marlene sat down next to her friend, placing her hand on her shoulder.

"Sorry Hange, got a bit carried away." She heard a very exaggerated "*Hmph!*" from the goggled scout, who had managed to calm herself down.

"A bit? Hate to see when you actually try." Snickering Marlene placed her arm around her friend. While she enjoyed to tease and poke a little fun, in truth she was more than elated to see that Hange had found a bright spot in this doom and gloom world of theirs.

"Sorry, but seeing you like this is pretty…well…" She chuckled before continuing on. "It's like a whole new side to you!" She exclaimed, to Hange's slight bafflement, causing Marlene to try and further explain.

"Seriously! You never showed any interest in boys back then before you joined the Corps, always in books and frogs. And from what I've heard from the vets, you weren't always so enthusiastic about the titans."

Hange gave an uneasy smile as she scratched her neck, cringing as the memories of those early years in the regiment resurfaced in her mind. Honestly with how she acted, it was a stroke of luck that she didn't get killed on her first outing. Though she was a bit insulted as Marlene's wording made it sound like she wasn't human.

Of course she had such interests, but besides a short infatuation with the previous commander there was just no one who she found to have such strong feelings for in the past. Besides, she was a scout after all, they had a reputation for their short life spans, no time for forming such bonds as you never knew when your next fight with the titans would be your last.

Though with Mav now, it seemed that stigma was beginning to change.

"Alright, suppose I did have such feelings for him, what's your point?" She hypothesized. Marlene just gave her a bright smile and a hug.

"I mean I'm happy for you." Hange's expression shifted to one of surprise once more, as she didn't expect to hear her friend sound so genuine, especially with how she had been relentlessly teasing her for the last few minutes. "Guess your heart was just waiting for the right one, though didn't expect him to be from a completely different world." Hange's eyes widened as Mav's words replayed in her head.

Marlene's face changed from content to slightly worried as she felt her friend detach herself, her shoulders dropping as she crossed her arms. Had she said something she shouldn't have? Releasing her she saw her eyes cast downwards.

"You okay?" Raising her head Hange placed her hand on her friend's shoulder, and with a near whispered voice she pleaded with her.

"Can we talk about this, somewhere more private?"

-oOo-

Zoë Laboratories, a few minutes later…

The squad leader had led her friend to her workshop, in order to continue their conversation. Taking some seats near the workbench Hange raised up her goggles, idly fiddling with one of the many weapon parts scattered about, while Marlene was content with simply taking in the sights of the room. She was about to question the many drawings of the giant plastered about until Hange finally spoke.

"Your right…" Hange began, taking a deep breath, before exhaling, letting out a small chuckle as she did. "I…am very fond of him."

Marlene lightly snickered. Even when admitting her feelings for the man, she couldn't just say those words. She remained silent though as Hange continued to play with the gear in her hands, continuing to spill her beans. "Every day we spend with one another is a joy. We have similar interests, hobbies, and I always get this feeling in my stomach every time I'm near him!" To Marlene's confusion the smile on her face began to lower "But…"

Sighing she lowered her head onto the table, her chin resting on the wooden surface as she continued. "I'm not his first…"

"What?" Her friend asked.

"Remember when I said I heard him sing back at the castle?" Marlene took a few moments to recall the event, nodding as she wondered where she was going with this. "He said he and an old companion would listen to that song a lot." Hange's brows furrowed slightly, but not out of some sense of envy, as Marlene was deducing.

"The way he said companion, and the look on his face when he spoke…they were clearly more than that."

Marlene's eyes widened in surprise. She quickly deduced and realized what kind of relationship Hange spoke of. Before she could even attempt to offer some words Hange continued.

"And that journal, there was a drawing of another woman, with children that looked like her. And another, then another." She placed her elbows on the table, her finger rolling the gear around as her mind began to wander. She would have continued to stew in her supposed melancholy, had not a hand on her back brought her attention.

"That doesn't matter." Turning she was met with Marlene, her tone completely serious. "So what if you're not the first love of his life? Whatever relationships he's had, they're all in the past." She said, only for the squad leader to interrupt her.

"That's my point!" Hange exclaimed, confusing her friend. "His past! He had family! People he cared for before arriving here, before all of this." She gestured towards the sketches of his markings on the walls of the lab, trying to explain her plight. "Back in his trial he said he remembers every lifetime after he dies. A-And from what he says he's lived about over a hundred, maybe even more!" Dropping her shoulders she thought more about his odd situation, felling utter sorrow for her comrade.

"Having to leave those he's cared for behind, to not be able to join them…can't even imagine what he must be feeling inside." She said, leaving Marlene very dumbfounded. With how she was speaking earlier, she assumed her trouble was dealing with the idea of his past lovers, which she was confident she could console and offer her advice. But this had completely thrown her off.

"Have you talked about it with him?" She asked. Hange shook her head, grasping the gear in her hands.

"No, the last thing I want to do is make him upset." Marlene sighed. While the idea of other worlds and past lifetimes was still something she struggled to fully accept, what she saw and heard from Hange's comrade and interest conflicted with what her friend had believed. Taking a few moments to think she started to speak her case.

"Hange, when you hugged him-" The fourth squads' leader turned with a questioning expression. "I'm serious. When you jumped into his arms, what did he do?"

Hange remained silent, recalling, and reliving that day. She remembered his look of surprise when she pressed herself to his body, though it was for a few seconds before he let out a scoff, and the lips under his moustache curved upwards.

"He…smiled." Nodding Marlene pressed on, speaking in a much softer tone. "If he was still mourning all those special ladies in his life he would have pushed you aside, right?" She slowly nodded, seemingly in agreement.

"And surely the topic of his family has been brought up between the two of you right?" Hange nodded again, recalling the moments she remembered back in his room. "How did he sound whenever he spoke of them?"

Hange looked back to the wall of sketches and plans, thinking back on Maverick's behavior. While certain topics certainly seemed to bring his mood down, whenever he reminisced about his immediate family, those who brought him into the world, he always had a clear and warm smile. Whether this was just centuries of keeping his true feelings concealed was still unknown to her, but from what she saw and heard, he could recount their stories with no issue. With that in mind she answered her awaiting comrade.

"He always sounds so…happy, for lack of a better word." Marlene nodded in agreement, as she too could recall the time he spoke about his family tradition of growing large beards.

"Listen, I'm not gonna try and relate with whatever he's had to go through in his entire life, but I'm sure he's made peace with everything that's happened." Marlene placed her hand on Hange's shoulder once more, giving her a supportive smile. "And whether we really know it or not, I think that deep down he's ready to move on, to find someone to share his life with."

Hange remained silent, pondering her friend's words. While the thought of becoming something more than just comrades in arms was something grand, the images of those women in his journal kept eating at her, wondering those lives he lived, and if they still pained him. She could only ask herself if he was truly okay and not trying to put on an act.

"Thanks Marlene, really. But I think I want to hear it from him. I don't want to pressure him into something he still doesn't feel ready for."

Marlene let out a breath, while patting her back. She was simply glad to have been able to help her dear friend deal with a problem not even her admittedly greater intellect could solve, and totally because she had not made a bet in regard to who would win the giant's affections first, of course not.

"Well, I hope for the best. But don't wait too long Hange." Her cat like smile returned as she closed in on Hange's ear, and in a whisper, she spoke those worrisome words. "You're not the only one with all these tender feelings for the big guy."

-oOo-

Meanwhile, in the Mess Hall…

Lynne had made her way back to the Mess Hall, as she had forgotten something, and deduced that she had dropped it somewhere in the dining area. Opening the large double doors she was surprised to hear and see that someone was still up and about. Slowly making her way to the kitchen she peeked her head and saw the person to be none other than her fellow squad mate and superior. "Captain?"

Nanaba raised her head and turned to the familiar voice. Making eye contact with her junior she gave an acknowledge nod and a small smile.

"Oh hey." She greeted, rubbing her eyes with her arm. a small hint of nervousness that went unheard, as Lynne's focus had turned to the boiling pot of eggs and the many other ingredients the captain was currently cutting up.

"Watcha making?" She asked noticing her watery eyes. Nanaba attempted to keep a calm and collected face as she continued to chop the vegetable, before taking a look at the small hourglass next to her. Grabbing a pair of tongs, she fished out the steaming eggs and placed them in a bowl.

"Just pickling some eggs." Lynne's interest was piqued, as she got closer to see her captain literally peel the shells off.

"Oh wow, I always wondered how they're actually made." She chuckled as she opened a bottle of vinegar, taking one whiff before putting the cork back. "Bet this'll drive Miche's nose crazy."

Her jest went unacknowledged as Nanaba turned away from her squad mate, hiding her flushed cheeks.

"Uhhh… T-There for Mav actually, when he gets back." A few moments of silence passed until a cheeky laugh erupted from the junior scout.

"Should have guessed." Lynn said. Of course it was for him, who else would the captain be spending her late afternoon on. "Gotta say, he's got some weird tastes."

This comment earned her a genuine laugh from the older woman, who continued to peel the shell off of the last egg as she began to reminisce about a little bonding session she had with the large man.

-oOo-

Flashback…

Nanaba and Maverick were back in the kitchen, just the two of them, working on another dish, this time it was a simple meatloaf. Nanaba was familiar with this one, as it was quite a popular in the interior towns of Maria. Right now, Maverick was showing a technique to keep the meaty form from drying.

"Now we'll put an egg in the mix, for moisture…" With careful and strong dexterity, he grasped a single egg into his large hand, before squeezing it into oblivion. The yolk seeped through his grip and into the bowl of meat, with no eggshell in sight.

Nanaba was left stunned, that was certainly one way to crack and egg. Her pause would be her undoing as Maverick shook his hand after disposing of the shell bits, causing some of the remaining yolk to splash onto her, especially her face.

"Augh!" Maverick turned and let out a surprised "*Pfft!*" at her quite risqué appearance. A short but audible wheeze sounded from him, flustering her as she flicked the yolk off her lower lip.

"Sorry, sorry *Chuckles*" He got a few more chuckles in, all the while Nanaba remained silent. "Pass the breadcrumbs please?"

"Here." Her hardened tone was all Maverick heard, as suddenly he felt the sensation of thousands of small crumbs smack into his face. Slowly he turned his head to meet the innocent-looking expression of the woman, though the smirk on her lips was anything but.

"Oh, that's real mature." A concealed laugh was heard from her in response. He ran his hand through his beard, sighing as he felt the many bits of crumbs drop down, with many still more inside. "Gonna be days before I can wash all the crumbs out."

Seeing as they were even Nanaba apologized, promising to get him as much soap as he needed. Making their amends the two continued to make the meatloaf, with Maverick showing Nanaba how to make the current era style of ketchup sauce, something she had yet to learn herself. Letting the sauce settle they finished with forming the loaf, before saucing the top and moving it to a baking tray, and into the kitchen's main oven.

"Now we bake and wait." The two relaxed and stood silent for a few minutes, listening as the meat cooked, till Nanaba decided to break the ice.

"I didn't expect meatloaf was a favorite of yours." Maverick smiled while rolling his shoulders, his eyes shifting to the woman, though from her perspective he was still looking at the oven.

"Sure it's a bit plain, but there's a lot you can do to spice it up." His smile turned to a grin as he reminisced of the good ol' days. "Hell, for my birthday, I used to get a seafood and pork mix."

Nanaba gave him a questioning, and slightly worried expression. He made it sound like the actual dessert was a rarity. "Was cake that hard to come by where you're from?"

Fully turning to her he corrected her. "Oh no believe me, we always had more than plenty in my homeland." Crossing his arms he further elaborated. "I just don't have much of a sweet tooth to be honest."

Nanaba was intrigued. She figured a man like him would eat just about anything, considering how much he consumed on a daily basis. Though now that she thought more on it, she realized she hadn't seen him consume many sweets at all since he arrived, besides the few he was gifted by his following.

She remained silent, watching as he scratched his beard, her lips curving upwards at the sight of more crumbs falling off.

"Less it was sour candy, like these lemon ones I used to get at dollar stores." He smiled as his mind went back to those days, before his life turned upside down. "Whenever I got the chance, I'd buy at least two packs."

He chuckled as the image of that small yellow package formed in his mind. His mouth began to slowly water as he remembered the sour but enjoyable taste of the candies, feeling them sting his cheeks and tongue. "Made my tongue all jacked up for days, but it was always worth it." His companion snickered, endeared by his words.

"Any other favorites?" Running his thumb and index finger down his beard he pondered. Out of all the questions asked, this one was always the most difficult, as he had more than many favorite foods. Biryani, liver and onions, lambs fry, sarma, grilled barracuda, the list was ever expanding. Suddenly one food came to mind, as he had it a few months ago.

"Oh! Pickled eggs are always a favorite of mine!" Nanaba just stared at him dumbfounded in response. Pickled…eggs? Was he serious? Thinking she had heard him wrong she spoke. "Really?"

"Yeah! A bar me and Moblit went to on the westside had some on the counter for like two coins each!" He laughed, remembering both his comrade's and the bartender's face when he consumed both the eggs and brine. "I went through them all in like twenty minutes! *Chuckles*"

Nanaba just remained silent as he continued to have his little moment. He certainly had a…peculiar palate, she thought. She for one wasn't very fond of pickled foods, so to hear him speak of them with such glee, it was completely alien to her, just like him...in a good way of course.

"You're an odd man." She said with a small smile. Turning to tower over her he tilted his head while a look of disbelief was on his face.

"You're noticing this now?!" He exclaimed with fake surprise, gesturing to the markings on his face. "Did the fact that my face and body glow like the stars above just fly right past you?"

The two shared a laugh, as their jives were all in good fun. In the end the meatloaf was finished, with Maverick complimenting that it was as good as the ones made by his mother (rest her soul). Her heart skipped a beat at his praise, leaving her with a very warm and tingling sensation throughout the rest of the day.

-oOo-

Back to the Present…

Lynne was left a little baffled as she watched her superior go about and make the pickled eggs, all with a far-off yet warm looking expression. She could only wonder what was going in her head as she seemed to come to, just as the brine was poured into the large jar along with the eggs. "They should be ready by the time he gets back." Nanaba said, as if she wasn't off in la-la land for the past few minutes.

"Seems like you and him are really getting along." Lynn said reclining on the door to the kitchen. Nanaba noticed her smirk and tried to play off her previous behavior.

"Well were comrades, it's natural to want to form bonds." Lynn chuckled. Yes forming bonds, by becoming a model housewife. The thought made her laugh aloud, to Nanaba's questioning look.

"Well, I'll leave you to it." See saw herself out, only for Nanaba to stop her.

"Oh before you go. I think this is yours." Turning she nearly gasped as Nanaba held out a coin pouch, with her name stitched on the side. "Found it under one of the tables."

Lynne quickly grasped the hefty pouch, cradling it like a newborn. "Oh thank you captain!" She exclaimed, relief in her voice. "I was gonna ask but I completely forgot!"

Nanaba's lips raised to a smirk "Well just be sure to keep a closer eye on your belongings."

Nodding Lynne made her way out the dining room door, but not before delivering one last remark towards her captain.

"Good luck with your endeavors Ma'am! My mom always said the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, hell it's how she snagged my dad!"

Nanaba's head quickly appeared through the kitchen door, her flustered look very much clear to see. Giggling like a teasing schoolgirl Lynne left the scene leaving Nanaba to stew in her heated thoughts.

"That girl I swear…" She thought, her junior was certainly a mischievous one when out of battle, she made a mental note to go extra hard on their next round of training. Though her thoughts turned to the utensils and ingredients she still had to put away, as well as Lynne's words.

A smile returned to her lips. Suppose she was going that route. Besides with how much time she spent with him, she had to find some way to get him away from the lab. Plus, it was a fun experience to try out all these dishes, as well as getting to know him better through his culinary likes and dislikes.

Cleaning her prep table she sighed, as a certain word spoken by Lynne brough her mood down, it always did. She wondered if that was how she had done it, to get than man to ask the question, or maybe...

She quickly shook her head, getting those thoughts out of her mind. She promised herself she would never think back to those days. Instead shed focus on the now and future, a possible future with someone her mother would approve of.

A/N: So, I really wanted to get this out on Valentine's Day, and I was pretty close too, but two things kept me. One, being a weeklong trip to a resort in Cancun, that I completely forgot to mention about the last AN. I tried to write every day, but some days just left me completely exhausted.

Two, an overall rewriting. Like I said, I was close to completion. But the more I reread it the more dissatisfied I was getting. In the end I reworked almost half of what I originally wrote for this chapter.

Anyways, this chapter was of course all about the women in Maverick's current life, as they're starting to get more serious about their feelings for the man. In Hange's case, I think it's been quite obvious how she feels, as I've written her to not be exactly subtle with her infatuation. Though her discovery of Mav's past lovers has certainly shaken her a little. Of course, this will all come to a head and be resolved once the confessions actually come around. But that's still quite a bit away.

We also get to know a little more about our dear demigod…33 chapters in. Goes to show how well I thoroughly I planned this story out :/

Next chapter well switch back to Maverick and the folks in the Factory City and see how he's doing.

Edit 2/24/23: Fixed some spelling mistakes I found. I swear, they only appear after I upload the chapter.

Edit 6/27/2023: Added some more named dishes that Mav considers favorites.

Also looked up Hange and Nanaba pics for motivation throughout writing this. By the almighty I found an utter goldmine.