Chapter 10: Fitting In
"Come on, Sarah; please?" begged Adam.
"You know I don't feel comfortable with you driving without supervision," said Sarah.
"But I'm a good driver," pleaded Adam. "Plus, I'm not going to be alone. Alex and Harry will be with me."
"I meant adult supervision," added Sarah.
"I've had my license for almost a year now. How can you not trust me?"
Sarah stared at Adam for a moment, then sighed.
"How long will you guys be gone?"
"About three to five hours," replied Adam.
"Fine," said Sarah, dropping her keys in Adam's hands. "Drive safe."
"Thank you!" beamed Adam as he dashed back upstairs.
He then entered the guest room, where everyone was waiting.
"Harry, what did your parents say?" asked Adam.
"They said they're okay with it," replied Harry.
"Sweet. Alright, let's go," Adam exclaimed as Harry stood up and followed him out the door.
"Where are you guys going?" asked Alex.
"Don't worry, we'll be right back," replied Adam.
Adam and Harry then left the room, confusing Alex and the cadets. fifteen minutes later, both men returned to the house.
"So where'd you guys go?" asked Eren.
"Harry and I just had to pick up something," replied Adam. "I want to take you guys out."
"Take us out? Where exactly?" asked Reiner.
"It's a secret," smiled Adam. "But let's just say I'm going to help you guys fit in. Come on, follow me."
The group then got up and began to follow Adam out, but he quickly turned around, halting the group.
"Wait, hold on," said Adam.
"What is it?" asked Armin.
"You guys should probably leave your cadet jackets here," replied Adam.
"Why?" asked Marco.
"Just so you don't draw attention to yourselves," replied Adam. "People might recognize you guys."
The group then dumped their cadet jackets and headed downstairs. Exiting the house through the front door, they were surprised to see two "cart-things" in the driveway: a modern Ford truck with a crew cab, red body paint, silver accents, and a silver Chrysler minivan.
"You have a cart-thing- I mean car?" asked Jean.
"Well, it's technically not mine," replied Adam. "It's Sarah's, but she's letting me borrow."
"What about the other one?" asked Eren.
"That would belong to me," answered Harry. "Or technically, my mom."
"They both look so different from each other," said Armin.
"So what are you gonna do with them?" asked Sasha.
"We're all gonna get in," replied Adam.
"Wait, you want us to get in that?!" asked Reiner.
"Relax guys, they're not dangerous," said Harry. "Well, only if you know how to drive."
"But Jean was nearly killed by one of those things," added Marco.
"I'm sure that guy didn't mean to hit him," explained Adam. "In his defense, Jean literally appeared out of nowhere."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" grumbled Jean.
"Nope, but at least now you know to look both ways before you cross the street," smiled Adam. "Come on, get in."
The group then began to pile into the pickup truck and the minivan. Marco, Annie, Bertolt, and Reiner got into the truck with Adam, while Harry, Alex, Eren, Mikasa, Armin, Jean, Sasha, Connie, Ymir, and Krista piled into the minivan.
"Hey, there's not enough room," said Eren as he and Krista were the last to enter the van.
"Really?" exclaimed Harry.
"Aw man, what do we do?" asked Alex.
"I don't know, maybe one of us will have to stay back," suggested Harry.
"Krista, you can sit on my lap," said Ymir.
"Uh, okay," replied Krista as she squeezed into the car.
"What about me?" asked Eren.
"It's fine," said Mikasa. "Eren, you can sit on my lap."
"What?!" exclaimed Eren.
"Are you fine with that, Mikasa?" asked Alex.
"Yeah, it's not a problem," replied Mikasa.
"It's a problem for me!" complained Eren.
"Come on, Eren, just sit on her lap like a little baby," laughed Jean.
"Shut up, horse face!" barked Eren.
"Eren, it's not a big deal," said Mikasa.
"Mikasa, I'm not your little brother or some snot-nosed toddler!" snapped Eren.
"Come on, Eren, it's only not gonna be forever," said Harry. "Just get it over with."
"...Fine," mumbled Eren as he reluctantly sat on Mikasa's lap.
"Everybody alright?" asked Harry
"Yeah."
"We're good."
"Good, let's just hope we don't get pulled over," muttered Harry.
Adam and Harry started their cars, causing the AOT characters to jump in surprise. Adam then pulled out of the driveway and onto the road with Harry in tow. While driving, the AOT characters looked out the window, taking in everything they saw. Fascinated by everything moving so fast, they could barely see anything.
After driving for a few minutes, the AOT characters riding with Adam became increasingly curious.
"So Adam, where are we going again?" asked Marco.
"We're going to help you guys fit in," replied Adam.
"So, what does that mean exactly?" asked Annie.
"I'm taking you guys shopping," replied Adam. "Specifically, I'm going to get some new clothes so you won't stand out."
"How much further?" asked Reiner.
"Perfect timing, we're here," replied Adam as he pulled into the parking lot.
The first thing that caught their attention was the stunning architecture: towering structures adorned with sleek glass facades and elegant curves. The blend of modern design and timeless beauty created an atmosphere of sophistication and wonder. The group couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within as they ventured farther.
Adam and Harry parked in empty parking spots next to each other and turned off their cars. The teens then exited the car and began walking toward the mall.
"What is this place?" asked Sasha.
"It's a mall," replied Alex. "It's where everyone does their shopping."
"Try not to stray away from the group," said Adam. "I wouldn't want any of you guys to get lost."
"We're not gonna get chased outta here like that last place, right?" asked Jean.
"Nah," smirked Harry. "Not unless you do anything illegal."
"We'll be fine," assured Adam. "Just try not to draw unwanted attention to yourselves."
"Is there anything major we need to know? Just in case anyone gets suspicious," asked Armin.
"Well, once you've got a change of clothes, you should be fine. The chances of you getting recognized should be small," replied Adam. "But, if anyone asks while we're shopping, tell them you're doing something called 'cosplay,' and you're dressed as characters from Attack on Titan."
"Uh, what the hell is 'cosplay?' asked Ymir
"It's when someone dresses up like a famous or fictional character. People do stuff like dyeing their hair and making costumes," explained Adam, choosing his words carefully.
"I did the same thing when I went to Los Angeles last year!" stated Alex, raising a few eyebrows.
"You've done 'cosplay' before?" asked Mikasa.
"Yeah, I cosplayed once," said Alex. "I was dressed up as a character from another anime called "Tokyo Ghoul."
"Yeah, I remember that," smiled Harry. "You looked pretty badass cool with purple hair!"
"Purple hair?"
"Wait, how did you change the color of your hair?" asked Connie.
"You can use dye on your hair to change its natural color," explained Alex. "For example, maybe someone might change from blonde to black. Or some people might try more daring colors like blue or pink."
"So people really change their hair like that?" asked Eren.
"Yep. Did you think Alex naturally has cherry-red hair?" Adam rhetorically asked, earning a playful little biff from the redhead.
"This world just keeps getting weirder," said Sasha.
"Speaking of this world, I've been wondering, how many people are alive right now?" wondered Armin. "Just so I can compare it to our current population. Our numbers are probably smaller due to our 'Titan' problem.
"I don't know the exact number, but I think it's close to eight billion," guessed Adam, raising eyebrows and widening eyes once again with such a staggering figure.
"Eight billion?!"
"That's over a hundred times our population!"
"How the hell do you have enough room?!"
"That's so many people!"
"With those numbers, the Titans wouldn't stand a chance!"
"You're still thinking about fighting the Titans?"
"So what if I am?!"
"Guys, relax!" yelled Adam, lowering his voice before continuing. "As I was saying, there are almost eight billion people worldwide. As for fighting Titans, it's probably best to push that idea back for now. The truth is we have more pressing matters to deal with."
"He's right, you know," admitted Marco.
Adam then looked at Eren, who was scowling in silence. It bothered him that he could provide them with crucial information concerning the Titans, but he knew that he couldn't say. It was best that they just focus on the situation at hand.
"We should probably head on in," suggested Harry as he gestured to the shopping mall.
The large group arrived at the entrance and walked through the front doors. The interior unfolded before their eyes, revealing a bustling tapestry of vibrant colors and delightful sounds. Their gazes swept across the expansive space, taking in the kaleidoscope of stores that lined the wide corridors. Each shop was a universe of its own, adorned with captivating displays that beckoned passersby to explore further. The air hummed with the buzz of conversation and the soft melodies drifting from hidden speakers, creating a symphony of excitement.
"Whoa, this place is massive," breathed Reiner.
"Like I said before, the mall has pretty much anything you need—food, clothes, you name it," said Adam.
"So, how are we gonna pay for the stuff we buy?" asked Marco.
"Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me," replied Adam as he pulled out his phone. After pressing a few buttons, he put it back in his pocket.
"What did you just do?" asked Alex.
"Check your phone," replied Adam. "You too, Harry.
The teens then checked their phones, and instantly, their eyes widened, and jaws dropped.
"You sent us $900?!" exclaimed Harry.
"Yeah, that should be enough money to buy everyone enough clothes," said Adam. "Anything that's left over, you can keep."
"Wow, thanks, Adam!" beamed Alex.
"No problem," smirked Adam. "Just don't tell Sarah. She'll kill me if she finds out."
"So where do we start?" asked Bertolt, looking at the multiple stores in the mall.
"We'll get things done faster if we split up," replied Adam. "When we're all finished, we'll meet up again here. Deal?"
"Sounds good to me," said Alex.
"Let's do it," added Harry.
"There should be something here that you guys like," stated Adam as he walked down one of the many clothing aisles.
Adam, Eren, Armin, and Marco decided to start at H&M. The group walked down the aisles and shelves full of men's clothing. Jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, you name it.
"Anything you'd recommend?" asked Marco as he eyed one of the black leather jackets on display.
"Well, you can just pick out anything that catches your eye," replied Adam. "But I guess the best thing to do is to dress like people our age."
"So, like you and Harry, then?" pondered Armin.
Adam nodded in reply, confirming his assumption before elaborating further.
"You can pretty much take what Harry and I are wearing as a basis," said Adam. "For footwear, most wear casual sports shoes. For pants, you got jeans, sweats, and shorts. For tops, you have jackets, hoodies, or you can keep it simple with a T-shirt."
"T... Shirt?" questioned Eren.
"It's like a regular shirt, except the sleeves only go halfway to your elbows," explained Adam. as he lifted his dark green hoodie to reveal a Superman T-shirt.
"What's that symbol on your shirt?" asked Marco, gesturing towards the shield on Adam's chest.
"It's from a movie called "Superman," hence the large "S" on the front. It's about this hero with amazing superhuman abilities, and he uses them to protect innocent people from evil."
"Sounds pretty cool. Would be nice to have someone like that on the team," stated Eren, to which Adam suppressed a small giggle.
"You have no idea," thought Adam before bringing his mind back to the present, addressing the group with a brief set of instructions.
"I think each of you should get a set of three pairs of jeans and sweat pants, five shirts, a jacket or hoodie, and two pairs of shoes. That should be enough for now."
"Consider it done. We'll be ready within a few minutes." Marco stated as he grabbed a green hoodie from the clothing rack.
"So... Is there a reason people can see my stomach?" asked Krista, as Alex held up a crop top to the blonde.
Alex, Mikasa, Sasha, Krista, Ymir, and Annie decided to start at American Eagle. So far, things weren't too bad. She sorted Sasha out pretty quickly, finding her a medium-sized olive green skirt coupled with a small shirt saying, "I 'mustache' you a question, but I'll 'shave' it for later." Alex tried not to groan at the joke, having heard it a million times before, but instead went along with it.
Mikasa and Annie weren't as enthusiastic as Sasha and Krista, but they were able to pick out some T-shirts, jeans, and skirts. Fortunately, Krista could pull off any look she wanted, making finding a style that worked relatively easy.
"It's mostly just for fashion," Alex replied, removing the clothing from her chest before placing it back on the rack. "It doesn't really suit you anyway. Let's try something else."
"What about that shirt you're wearing?" asked Ymir.
"What about it?"
"Does everyone wear shirts like that, or is it just you?"
"Well... It depends on who you ask. Some girls mainly wear T-shirts, and others just wear plain dresses."
"Whatever, Krista looks great in pretty much anything." Ymir half complimented, half bragged as she draped her arm around Krista's frail frame.
"S-stop it, Ymir!" Krista gently protested, her playful tone bringing a small smirk to the brunette.
"So, have you guys found something?" Alex asked the rest of the group before noticing that Annie had spaced out as she looked towards a particular jacket.
"Something catch your eye?"
"Nothing much." The blonde replied, her face returning to a stoic expression.
"You know, if leather jackets are your style, you can try one on," Alex suggested, taking it down from the display and holding it up to the blonde beside her. "Come on, you'll look awesome with it on!" Annie eventually caved in as she walked towards the changing rooms.
After a while, most of the girls had gotten a good enough set of clothes to wear.
"Are you guys happy with what you got?" asked Alex.
"Yeah, these dresses are really pretty," exclaimed Krista.
"I'm happy with what I got," said Sasha.
"Annie, Mikasa?"
"Yeah, these clothes are nice," said Mikasa.
"Same." agreed Annie.
Alex was ready to purchase all the clothes until she noticed someone had no clothes in hand.
"Ymir, you didn't get anything?"
"Nah, the clothes here aren't really my style," explained Ymir.
Feeling bad that Ymir didn't find anything, Alex thought momentarily. Soon, a smile began to form on her face.
"I have an idea. Let's buy these clothes first."
After checking out, the group of girls began to walk through the mall, anticipating what Alex had planned.
"So where are we going now?" asked Mikasa.
"I know the perfect place where Ymir will find clothes she likes," explained Alex.
After walking for a little, the group arrived at their destination.
"Hot Topic?" asked Ymir.
"Trust me, I know for a fact you'll find things that you like here."
After Adam had split the group up, Harry took the lead, guiding Reiner, Bertolt, Jean, and Connie through the bustling mall. They moved past the various shops, dodging groups of people while the cadets marveled at the architecture and sheer size of the place.
"This world never stops surprising me," muttered Reiner as they passed by a large electronic billboard, flashing with vibrant colors.
"No kidding," said Jean. "It's hard not to get distracted by all of this."
"You guys seriously look like tourists," Harry chuckled, watching them gawk at the sights. "Come on, let's stay focused. We're going to Forever 21."
"Forever what?" asked Connie, his face scrunched up in confusion.
"It's just a store," Harry explained. "They've got a lot of trendy clothes. Nothing too fancy, but it's perfect for blending in. Trust me, we'll find what you need there."
After a few more minutes of navigating the wide corridors and colorful storefronts, they finally arrived at the entrance to Forever 21. The store's large, bold letters loomed above the entrance, glowing against the sleek glass doors. Inside, the place was packed with racks of clothes, vibrant displays, and rows of mannequins dressed in the latest styles.
Harry motioned for them to follow as they stepped inside. "Alright, let's do this."
The moment they entered, Jean's eyebrows shot up. "This place is... huge."
"Feels like we walked into another world," said Bertolt, glancing around the brightly lit store.
"We kinda did," replied Harry. "Stick with me, though. The goal is to pick out clothes that'll help you blend in with everyone else. Nothing too flashy, but something comfortable."
They began moving down the aisles, each of them scanning the rows of jackets, shirts, and pants. Connie was the first to dive in, grabbing a graphic tee with a grin. Jean, Reiner, and Bertolt followed behind, still a little overwhelmed by the sheer variety of clothing options.
"Alright guys, we're looking for basic stuff—hoodies, T-shirts, sweatpants, and maybe some jeans," said Harry, glancing over his shoulder to the group. "Just pick out what you think looks good."
"How do we even choose?" asked Reiner, looking skeptical as he scanned the racks filled with bright neon colors. "Half of these clothes look like they'd get you spotted from a mile away."
Harry chuckled. "Welcome to modern fashion, man."
Connie grabbed a graphic T-shirt with a quirky logo on the front. "What about this? Looks like it says something, but I don't even get it."
Jean snickered. "It's probably supposed to be ironic. He shrugged and grabbed a plain black hoodie, eyeing the fit in a nearby mirror. "I guess I'll just go with something safe."
"Are we sure we need all this just to fit in?" questioned Bertolt, holding up a pair of ripped jeans, which were far from anything he was used to wearing. "It feels... strange."
"Hey, you guys can't walk around looking like we just stepped out of the 800s," said Harry. "If you're gonna blend in, you gotta at least look the part."
Reiner finally gave in and grabbed a couple of items: a simple gray hoodie and some comfortable joggers. "Fine, but I'm still not sure about these..." he muttered.
Connie, on the other hand, was embracing the spirit. He tossed another graphic tee into his basket, this one with a cartoon character on it. "You know what? This stuff's kinda cool. It's way more relaxed than I thought."
Jean shot him a look. "You're seriously taking fashion advice from a T-shirt?"
"Whatever, horse face, at least I'm trying something new!" retorted Connie with a grin, earning a glare from Jean.
After about half an hour of picking and choosing, the group finally made their way to the checkout line. Harry had managed to grab a few simple items for himself—a navy blue hoodie and a pair of faded jeans. He glanced at the others' selections: Reiner had stuck to neutral tones, Bertolt had found a casual jacket that didn't look too out of place, and Jean had settled on a minimalist look, refusing a more flashy appearance.
As they stepped out of the store, Connie hoisted the bag of clothes over his shoulder. "Alright, that wasn't so bad."
"I still feel weird about some of these choices," Bertolt admitted quietly, staring at the bag in his hands.
"Don't worry, man," said Harry with a small laugh. "You'll get used to it. Just think of it as your disguise."
Reiner raised an eyebrow. "Disguise or not, we better hope these clothes don't rip too easily."
The group shared a small laugh as they made their way back toward the center of the mall.
"So, how did it go?"
"Pretty well. Annie managed to find herself a cool new look," Alex reported, as she told Adam about the girl's shopping spree. "I never thought leather would suit her so well. What about you and the guys?"
"Not bad... We've mostly gone with a T-shirt, hoodies, sweatpants, and jeans." Adam told the redhead. "Eren picked out a hat, and Marco got himself a nice brown jacket."
"Did the jeans happen to be 'Levi's?'" asked Alex, unable to repress the cheesy grin on her face.
Adam groaned both internally and externally.
"What?"
"That pun was unbearable. Even by your standards," said Adam, with a smile on his face.
"Fine! Fine," chuckled Alex in defeat. "So, are we ready to bail?"
"Not yet. We're still waiting on Harry and the others," replied Adam.
"Got it. So what are we gonna do when we get home?" asked Alex.
"Well, I was thinking we could watch a movie," suggested Adam.
"That's not bad. Do you have anything in mind?"
"Not exactly," replied Adam. "It has to be something simple; I don't want to confuse or overwhelm them."
"Alright, let's do rapid fire," suggested Alex while Adam ran off the different options in his head, shooting down every option that presented itself.
"Hmm, 'How to Train Your Dragon?'"
"Nah, it's that's too early to show them something like that."
"How about, 'Inside Out?'"
"Probably not. They won't get most of the references."
"'Avengers?'"
"Superheroes are cool but not the best start for them."
"'The Nun?'"
"We're trying to have fun, not traumatize them."
"Maybe 'Tron'?"
"Way too complicated."
"Well, I'm out of ideas," sighed Alex.
"You think there'd be just one simple show they could watch-" Adam trailed off before slapping his hands together. "I got it!"
"What is it?" asked Alex.
He then gestured at a child wearing a brown shirt with a familiar cat-and-mouse character.
"Tom and Jerry?"
"Yeah, it's the perfect one to start with," explained Adam. "Just a cat chasing a mouse; nothing more, nothing less."
"I guess so," smiled Alex. "So, what are we doing now?"
"I was thinking we could chill out in the food court for a few minutes," said Adam as they walked back toward the group. "We have been shopping for a while."
Adam and Alex made their way back to the group, who were still lingering by the mall's central fountain. The cadets were in a light-hearted mood, chatting about their new clothes, when Adam clapped his hands to get their attention.
"Alright, everyone, we're heading to the food court to chill for a bit. Follow us."
As they walked through the brightly lit mall, the buzz of conversation and footsteps echoed all around. When they finally entered the food court, the air was thick with the mouthwatering smell of various foods. Burgers, pizza, pretzels, and fried chicken—all the scents mingled together, hitting them in waves.
Sasha stopped in her tracks, eyes wide and nostrils flaring as the smell overwhelmed her senses. "Oh my god... what is that smell?" Her eyes darted from one food stall to the next, barely containing her excitement. "It smells... incredible!"
The rest of the group exchanged curious glances, also taking in the tantalizing aromas, though none of them seemed as affected as Sasha, whose stomach growled loudly.
"Adam!" Sasha called, practically bouncing up to him. "Please! We have to try this food. You have to buy us something!"
Adam hesitated, biting his lip. He'd already spent a lot of money on their clothes, and while he wasn't exactly short on cash, he wasn't sure it was a good idea to splurge even more.
"I don't know, Sasha. I already spent a ton—"
"Please?" she begged, giving him a pleading look that made Adam sigh.
"She's right, you know," added Connie, his eyes fixed on a nearby pizza place. "We should try it."
"Come on, Adam," Jean chimed in with a grin. "We haven't had a real meal in forever."
"I literally made you guys breakfast this morning!" scoffed Adam.
"Please, Adam!"
Armin and Mikasa also gave Adam encouraging looks, while even Reiner and Bertolt stood there, expectantly waiting for him to cave.
Adam rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't know, guys..."
Eren crossed his arms. "You did say you wanted us to experience this world, right? Well, this is part of it."
With everyone now staring at him, Adam knew he was outnumbered. He sighed, giving in. "Alright, alright! I'll get you guys something."
The group erupted in cheers, Sasha looking particularly victorious at convincing Adam.
Overall, the shopping spree had gone well so far, at least in Adam's mind. The cadets had all bought new sets of clothes that would help them blend in for the time being. So, all in all, it had been a good day thus far. Wanting to try every food they could, Adam ended up bringing the group to the food court, where they could relax.
The teens then split into small cliques, with Adam, Harry, and Alex taking a small table by the window. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin chose a table by the wall and the bathroom. Jean and Marco by the escalators, Sasha and Connie sitting closest to the pretzel stand, Reiner and Bertolt by the fountain, Ymir and Krista in a booth, and Annie alone, but not too far from the group.
Adam and Harry leaned back in their chairs, staring at the menus of different restaurants, before Alex came with a box of pizza and drinks. Within a few minutes, the trio proceeded to relax and talk. It was a nice change of pace from the usual hustle and bustle of school—a chance to talk or, in Adam's case, doze off.
"Err, Adam, you alright bro?" asked Harry, bringing the brunette back to reality.
"Huh? Yeah, what's up?" Adam stuttered, snapping his focus back to his two companions.
"I was wondering if it's okay for you to spend so much money?"
"Oh, I mean, it wasn't too much money."
"Adam, the receipt for just the girls was longer than my arm," said Alex with a hint of concern.
"Fine... It was a shitload of money, but it's not like I had a choice anyway. They needed clothes asap. With their perfect uniforms and the fact that they're literally from the show, they'd draw too much attention to themselves."
"Well, you're not wrong. But did you have to buy everyone so much food?"
"You saw the look on Sasha's face; I just couldn't say no," sighed Adam. "Anyway, while it's just us three, I wanted to lay out a few ground rules."
"Uhhh, whatever you say, boss-man," moaned Alex as she rolled her eyes and leaned back in her chair. "Since when did you become the responsible one?"
"Since yesterday," replied Adam. There's only a couple, so it's nothing crazy. One. Like I said yesterday, we don't tell them what happened in their world—for obvious reasons."
"Lame," grumbled Alex.
"It's just the way it has to be," explained Adam. "Even if we told them just a bit of information, it would pique their curiosity, and they would look for more, which brings me to my next point. Rule two is that we explain modern stuff slowly and carefully to them. They don't even know how to use a microwave, let alone a cell phone. So we need to be careful how we introduce things to them."
"Fair point."
"And finally, after introducing them to technology, we have to monitor what they do. So no Tumblr, Wattpad, FanFiction, or DeviantArt."
"Awww... But they make great stuff."
"It ties into the first rule: reading that stuff will lead to spoilers and make them curious," explained Adam. "They also make weird ships and...sex scenes. It would be a pretty shitty thing to do to them."
"Oh my gosh, could you imagine?" chuckled Harry.
"They'd be scarred for life!" laughed Alex.
"My point exactly," smirked Adam.
"So where are we going after this?" asked Harry.
"Walmart or Target," said Adam. "We still need to buy basic things like toothbrushes and towels. We also need to buy suitcases, so Sarah can't ask how they have no luggage."
"Speaking of how they got here, were you seriously not able to find anything on how they might've gotten here?"
"Not a damn thing," sighed Adam. "I searched for hours, but I have no clue how any of this is possible."
"Damn, so what are you gonna do now?" asked Harry.
"Well, if there's an answer to all of this, it seems like I'm not gonna find it on the internet," replied Adam.
"It's fine. We still have a lot of time to figure things out," reassured Alex.
"True, but I don't want to slack off and act like it isn't a big deal," explained Adam. "Sarah thinks they're exchange students here for the holiday, and that itself is temporary."
"So, what exactly are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying we have until the end of summer break to figure this out," said Adam.
The revelation left a long silence between the trio.
"Way to kill the mood," exhaled Alex.
"Sorry, but I don't want to sugarcoat the truth," replied Adam.
"So what's the next step?" asked Harry.
"Well, for now, I'm gonna continue researching through other avenues," replied Adam. "Also, we probably shouldn't mention anything to the AOT crew from now on, just as a precaution."
"Speaking of the AOT crew, how do you think they're doing?" asked Alex.
"All things considered, they seem to be doing pretty good," Harry pointed them out while answering.
"Hopefully, things stay that way," sighed Adam.
Suddenly, Adam, Alex, and Harry's conversation was interrupted when they noticed Sasha standing up from her table, her eyes locked on the pretzel stand once again.
"Oh no, she's going for more food," muttered Adam, leaning back in his chair. "I told her we're not getting any more."
But instead of heading directly to the pretzel stand, Sasha veered off course, walking toward a lone woman seated near one of the nearby tables. The woman, a Black woman, was quietly enjoying her meal when Sasha approached, her face full of curiosity.
"What is she doing?" Alex asked, alarm rising in her voice.
Before any of them could react, Sasha innocently asked, "Why is your skin so dark?"
Adam, Alex, and Harry's faces paled in horror. Time seemed to freeze for a moment as they processed what had just happened.
Without a second thought, the trio shot up from their table and rushed over to intervene. The woman looked up from her meal, her expression a mixture of confusion and growing frustration as Sasha stood there, waiting for an answer.
After the uncomfortable encounter with the woman in the food court, the group decided it was time to leave. Adam, Harry, and Alex gathered the AOT crew, who had scattered around the food court, each immersed in their own meals. The cadets had finally begun settling into their surroundings, with a mix of laughter and conversation drifting between the tables. However, Adam couldn't shake off the lingering tension from Sasha's earlier question, and he was eager to move on from the moment.
With everyone gathered, Adam led the group out of the food court and back into the winding halls of the mall. The atmosphere was calmer now, a subtle buzz of post-shopping satisfaction settling over them.
They finally reached the sliding glass doors of the mall, and the group stepped out into the warm afternoon sun. The heat was still lingering, though not as intense as it had been earlier in the day. Adam squinted as the sunlight reflected off the cars in the parking lot, guiding the AOT crew toward his truck and Harry's minivan.
After loading all the shopping bags into the back of their vehicles, Adam and Harry quickly exchanged glances.
"Alright, next stop is either Walmart or Target. Which one's closer?" Adam asked, pulling out his phone to check the map.
"Target is only about five minutes away," replied Harry. "Let's go there. It's a bit more organized than Walmart anyway."
"Agreed," said Adam, hopping into the driver's seat of the truck. "Follow me."
The group split up into the same pairs they had earlier, with Adam driving the truck and Harry taking the minivan. The AOT crew, now familiar with the cars, settled in with less hesitation than the first time. Adam glanced in the rear-view mirror, seeing Reiner, Bertolt, Marco, and Annie sitting quietly in the backseat. They seemed more relaxed, their earlier awe at the 'cart-things' having worn off.
As Adam pulled out of the parking lot, the drive was mostly quiet, with the occasional comment about how strange this world was compared to theirs. Marco was particularly curious about the layout of the city, pointing out various buildings and asking questions about their functions.
After a short drive, they arrived at Target. The bright red bullseye logo greeted them as they pulled into the parking lot, and Adam parked his truck alongside Harry's van. The group got out and headed toward the entrance, with Sasha already darting ahead, her energy seemingly boundless.
As they walked into the store, the cool blast of air conditioning hit them, offering a much-needed reprieve from the lingering heat outside.
"Alright, let's get the essentials," Adam said as he grabbed a shopping cart. "Toothbrushes, towels, some toiletries, and suitcases."
The group scattered into the various sections of the store, with Adam, Harry, and Alex leading the charge. Adam quickly gathered the toiletries and other bathroom necessities, tossing them into the cart. The AOT crew followed suit, curiously picking up items and examining them, trying to make sense of things they'd never seen before.
"Adam, what are these for?" asked Armin, holding up a package of Q-tips.
"They're for cleaning your ears," Adam explained, trying not to laugh at Armin's perplexed expression.
After filling their cart with everything they needed, Adam led the group to the luggage section, where they selected several suitcases that looked practical yet sturdy.
With the essentials in tow, Adam pushed the cart toward the checkout, where the AOT crew watched intently as Adam paid for everything using his phone. Even something as simple as electronic payment fascinated them, and Armin, in particular, asked a barrage of questions.
Once they were finished, the group made their way back to the vehicles, stuffing the new bags into the already crowded backseats. Adam could feel the weight of exhaustion settling in, and he let out a long sigh as he climbed into the driver's seat.
"Alright," he said to himself, "last leg of the journey."
The drive back to Adam's house was peaceful, with the sun beginning its slow descent toward the horizon. By the time they reached his large home, the sky had turned a soft orange, casting long shadows across the driveway.
Adam pulled into the garage, followed closely by Harry. The AOT crew clambered out of the vehicles, looking just as tired as Adam felt. As they began unloading the bags, Adam turned to Harry and Alex.
"Well, here we are," Adam said, managing a small smile despite the exhaustion creeping in.
Harry stretched his arms above his head. "Man, that was a long day."
"Yeah, and we're not even done yet," Adam replied, glancing at the pile of bags they still needed to unpack.
Alex chuckled, but there was a hint of fatigue in her voice. "At least we survived."
Adam felt a sudden weight settle in his chest. He tried to hide it, but the thought of being left alone with the entire AOT crew gnawed at him. "You guys are leaving already?" he asked, his voice tight with concern.
"Yeah, my parents want me home, so it can't be helped," replied Harry.
"Same here," added Alex.
"It's cool, I understand," said Adam. "So, you guys think I can handle all of them on my own?"
Harry's frown deepened. He glanced over at the group, who were haphazardly unpacking the mountain of bags from their shopping spree, then back at Adam. His expression was far from reassuring. "Well, it's a lot of responsibility, and, dude... they're not exactly gonna be easy to manage."
Adam swallowed, glancing at the AOT crew, who were now playfully arguing about who had to carry what. He knew Harry was right—it wasn't just the sheer number of people but the fact that these weren't just normal teens. They were warriors from a completely different world with no understanding of how things worked here. The pressure mounted on Adam's shoulders.
"You got the right. I mean, the worst part is that they're all wildcards," Adam muttered, voicing his worst fears. "What if I can't keep them in line? What if one of them freaks out or, I don't know... they do something that makes Sarah suspicious?"
Harry ran a hand through his hair, visibly anxious. "I know, man. It's... a lot to take in. You're already doing so much, and it's only been one day."
Alex stepped forward, sensing Adam's unease. "Look, Adam, you're not alone. We're all in this together. Just keep them occupied tonight. Just stick to easy things, use a movie or something, like you were planning."
"I'll try," Adam said, though the doubt in his voice was clear.
Harry hesitated for a moment longer, clearly uncomfortable leaving his friend behind with such a huge responsibility. "Look," he began, lowering his voice, "I know this is a lot to handle. They trust you, though. You've already kept them from losing it all day. But if anything—anything—goes wrong, you text us. Alright? We'll figure it out."
Adam appreciated the sentiment, but the knot of worry in his stomach didn't loosen. He nodded anyway, trying to muster up some confidence. "Okay... I'll text you guys if anything comes up."
Harry stared at him for another moment, his brow furrowed with concern, but then he finally relented, knowing there wasn't much more he could do. "You got this, Adam. Just hang in there."
Adam forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah... thanks, man."
Alex, sensing the tension, gave Adam a quick hug. "Don't let them get into too much trouble. We'll be back soon."
Harry and Alex packed their things, giving quick goodbyes to Adam and the AOT crew.
"See you guys soon!" Alex, called as she and Harry walked toward their Harry's car.
"Good luck!" Harry added with a grin.
Adam watched as they drove off, feeling a strange sense of both relief and anxiety. He was grateful for the quiet, but the thought of handling everything alone made his stomach knot. Turning back to the house, he sighed and joined the others.
Inside, the cadets were scattered throughout the living room, sorting through the day's purchases. Jean was inspecting a pair of sneakers, while Sasha happily munched on a pretzel she bought from the mall. Eren and Mikasa sat side by side, organizing their new clothes into piles.
As the evening wore on, the group settled into a rhythm, discussing their uncertain future while unpacking. Adam sat down on the couch, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on him. The conversations around him were mostly light, though occasionally they drifted into more serious territory.
"So, what are we going to do for summer?" Armin asked, his voice soft but tinged with concern.
"I guess Adam will figure it out," said Eren, though even he sounded unsure.
"I hope so," Mikasa added quietly, her brow furrowed as she folded a shirt.
Adam listened to their concerns, trying to think of something reassuring to say. He wanted to help them, but the truth was, he didn't have the answers either. There was a ticking clock on this whole situation, and they all knew it.
As they continued unpacking, Adam's mind wandered, trying to find solutions to their predicament. He wasn't paying attention when he turned to Krista and asked, "Hey, Historia, can you hand me that bag?"
The room went silent.
Krista froze, her eyes wide with shock. Everyone turned to Adam, a mix of surprise and confusion on their faces.
"Wait... what did you just call me?" Krista asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Adam's heart sank as he realized his mistake. He hadn't meant to say her real name, Historia. He'd been so caught up in his thoughts that it just slipped out. Now, the entire group was staring at him, waiting for an explanation.
The tension in the room was palpable, and Adam swallowed hard, searching for something—anything—to say.
But the words wouldn't come.