Note * I still don't know why as soon as I publish half my dialog punctuation disappears. It's 5am and I'm too sleepy to fix it. I will do it later. Hope it's readable and you enjoy it anyway!

Part 4

"At ease soldiers." Dr. Zoe said with a sigh. "Now that you are all standing you should introduce yourselves to Talia. Your name and position will do. We will start on my left and work around the room."

With a nod from you, they began.

First was a scrappy little guy even smaller than you. He had a slim build, with gray eyes, and his brown hair was distinctively shaved close to his scalp. He was dressed in a strange military garb of sorts, a white long sleeve tunic and khaki pants tucked into knee high boots. In his hand he held a worn regiment cape with the same with the same wing insignia I'd seen somewhere else. With his arms at his sides and slight smile he said "I am Survey Corp Officer Conney Springer. I am a formerly a member of the 104th training corps where I ranked 8th in my class and upon graduation. I joined the Survey Corp like most of us here. My greatest ambition is to make my village of Ragako within Wall Rose proud, but while out on survey last year we went into a cave and..."

"Okay, Okay, enough, Springe. "Dr. Zoe put her hand up to stop him. "That will do. There will be plenty of time for origin stories later. Just names and job titles now will do. Lets not overwhelm the poor girl with any more than that right now, shall we. Have a seat Conney, dear." The man bowed slightly and took his seat. I could feel the loyalty this man had for his home and for team. I had a feeling I was to know he would be someone I could count on if I had to.

Next up was a young woman with light golden eyes and brunette hair brushed in a messy ponytail that reached the base of her neck. She had long bangs that were slightly parted to the left, cascading down each side of her face and stopped around the middle of her neck as well. They framed her beautifully porcelain pinkish cheeks. She almost looked like a doll, far to pretty to remove from the packaging. However, as I was soon to learn, there was nothing delicate about this doll. "I'm Sasha Blouse, I'm also a former member of 104th and I joined the Survey Corps. Right now I am serving as a....."

"Potato girl!" Laughed a voice from a long faced guy next to her.

"Oh shut your pie hole, Jean!" Sasha said as she elbowed him in the ribs and wailed him across the back. "Before I shut it permanently for ya, Horseface!"

"Stop it!" Dr. Zoe growled. Continue Sasha or we will be here all day. Yeesh, its like kindergarten."

"As I was saying. I'm Sasha. I serve in special operations. I also seem to be the best chef around here. So don't eat anything unless you either cook it yourself or I cook it for you. Oh, with the exception of Captain Levi. He can cook anything!"

Sasha grinned at you like she was pleased with herself and maybe she had scored some brownie points with you. You just gave her small sarcastic smile and quickly shifted into a blank stare. "Uh, no, nice try...now sit down."

You looked sternly at Jean, the one that called Sasha 'potato girl.' You more than looked sternly at him, your eyes shot daggers.

"What?" he laughed. "Okay, Okay, I'm Jean Kirschtein or as Sasha likes to call me Horseface." He turns and glares at her, she sticks her tongue out at him, and he looks back at me. "Not much more to say, I work with the rest of the corps on ammunitions, but my main job around here is to keep our so called auto fleet running. So, if you have any car trouble just let me know and I'll fix ya right up. Oh, and the reason she calls me Horseface is cause I love horses and probably spend more of my free time with them then I do these humans. I'll take you to the barn sometime and take you riding if you like. It's the only thing that reminds me of home around here." As he took his seat he tapped the young man on his left, the one you dragged in earlier.

"Um..I'm Armin. Armin Arlelt." He was nervously ran his hand through his long mangled dirty blonde hair, briefly flashing these large, expressive blue eyes my way. Despite the blonde hair he had thick brown eyebrows, and a slightly upturned red nose. "My job is computer Intel and historical analysis. That's all." He said quickly and sat down curling his legs up and biting his nails in an attempt to make himself small as possible, or so it seemed. He was tall and rail thin. Fit possibly, but could still use a few pounds.

"Well, Im Petra Nalls," said a melodic voice on the other side of the room. I've become sort of a record keeper around here. I handle the day to day logistics of living here. What I mean is assist the Commander. I mean Dr. Zoe and Capitan Levi when needed and act as a liaison with Mr. and Mrs. Young, the land owners, when needed in matters concerning our occupancy here at the Wayside." Petra nods to me with a warm smile. I do hope we can become friends."

Finally someone as short as me I could really see eye to eye with! She was cute too! I was already jealous of her perfectly petite, little, fit, body that probably looked just too cute in anything she wore. Today it was just baggy jeans and white tunic, but it was her perfect shoulder-length light ginger hair and amber-colored eyes that made her just striking! I couldn't imagine her being in any sort of combat situation, but as Dr. Zoe said before, she was a solider and had seen it first hand; which is why she was here.

Next to speak was a man of average height with a slightly darker skin tone than the others. He wore a short crop of brown hair that was kept to a point on the back of his head. He sighed and seemed irritated by this task but participated none the less as his duty required. "My name is Gunther Schultz. I am a solider of many skills in combat, security and protection."

"And few words these days." Dr. Zoe adds as Gunthar nodded and took his seat.

The man next to him had a much older appearance than his peers, having more pronounced wrinkles and some gray hair. I later learned that despite his implied appearance, he was about the same age as his team mates. He had slightly curly, light brown scruffy hair and he was definately in need of a shave. His small hazel eyes could just barely be seen behind the hair falling in his face. "Oruo Bozard, like Gunthar, my job here is combat, security and protection." The man pushed back his hair looked at me and took his seat.

"And last but not least, my girl, Nanaba." Dr. Zoe says reaching out a hand to my shoulder. I think I might pair you to up for some one on one personal training. I bet she's the right person for you. She also leads the group in yoga, palates and Ti Chi when they aren't in more tactical training with Levi. Would that be okay with you, Nanaba?"

Yes, of course, Commander." Said the last remaining person standing. She had short light hair styled in an undercut with bangs, which she parted just slightly off to the right side. Nanaba was not very tall and had a a very petite build even more so then the other women, but she seemed to be the most physically fit of them. I bet she could even take on Levi if she had to.

I wondered how on earth I would keep up with of them; I could barely manage the three flights of stairs in the building. "My name is Nanaba. My job here is fitness, health and nutrition of the squad. I make sure everyone eats right and exercises."

"Okay. Well, thats all for right now children. Levi will brief you all later after we meet with the local brass. You all have your afternoon assignments. Have a lovely day!" After that session Hange dismissed everyone but you and me. She just wanted to see if I was alright and had settled in okay otherwise, and that I was 'happy' with the new living arrangements. 'Happy' was not the word I would have used, but 'content' with would suffice. I didnt even know what 'happy' was anymore.

"So I hope the standard shipment of furniture and supplies will work for you." She said looking through her notes. If there is anything else you need or want just ask let Levi know and he will either just take care of it or contact me.

"It will be my pleasure." You said followed by a slight nod and pursing of your lips.

"So,"Hange burst out while taking my hands and looking me in the eyes. "How ya feeling? Any nausea or vomiting, lightheadedness? Hows the menstrual cycle?"

I was a little surprised by the questioning, but come to think I was having all those symptoms, but had just chalked it up to stress.

"Wow, Doc I pretty much figured I was just stressed and hormonal, but wait.."

You glared at the doc and growled. Not yet Hange."

Then Dr. Zoe burst into laughter. "Oh no, of course thats all it is. I'm sure of it. I will. have Nanaba draw another blood panel before I leave today, but I'm sure its just that and nothing to be alarmed about. Perhaps the anxiety medication I prescribed is exhibiting mild side effects, but nothing to worry about. Why dont you go upstairs and have a rest for a bit. Levi and I have a briefing at the Army Base in town."

As I got up to go, you grabbed my hand and I turned back to face you. I will check in on you when I return and we will go for that drive out to the Ford for a swim. Okay?"

"That will be nice." I said as I let your hand go and left the room to begin the three flight journey up to my apartment. Once there, I stumbled into my room and fell onto my bed trying to catch my breath. The room was spinning and the faces and voices of my new protectors swirled in my head. At some point, I passed out into darkness.

I woke to warm sunlight pouring in from the high floor to ceiling curtain-less windows In my room along with muffled voices arguing on the other side of the wall coming from your apartment. Two of the voices belonged to you and Dr. Zoe and the other was man I did not recognize. I didnt understand what they were saying, but whatever they were talking about the discussion was heated and I could tell you were angry. I made out a few words from the unfamiliar man. "Raped, abortion, and assassinate." From Dr. Hange, "Paternal Study and experimentation." The only words I could understand from you were "Unethical, ridiculous," and a pained question: "What about Eren?"

I stumbled out of bed and into the hall. The voices stopped before I knocked on your door. You opened the door and stood before me in a formal business suit and tie. Not what I was expecting from the dark skinny jeans white tunic and boots I'd become accustom to seeing you in.

Wow, don't you look different." I said in surprise. "No skinny jeans today?"

"Huh? Oh, no...civilian business casual, I'm afraid. I'm only a consultant here."

"I heard voices. Everything okay?"

"Just the Commander and me playing a bit a chess." You lied. "Shes so competitive."

"Well, if you are busy, I can come back."

"Oh no, yeah right the Ford. No, just give me a few minutes to change and get away from Old Four Eyes..."

"Hey!" said a whine from the other room. "I heard that shorty!"

"Just give me five minutes okay?"

"Sure."

You smiled and closed the door. I went back to the apartment and changed into some jean shorts and a fresh t-shirt, socks and sneakers, and wrapped my thinning hair up in a bandana just in time to hear you knock at my door. We left the building and I followed you out back to what looked like an old barn. You tapped a few key strokes on a pad behind a bush and a carport like door opened revealing a normal looking garage with 4 different vehicles. Two SUVs, a JEEP, 2 pickup trucks as well as 4 Yamahas and 2 Harley Davidsons.

You grabbed a set of keys off the wall to your right and beckoned me to follow you to one of the SUVs you opened the passenger door and helped me inside. As we left the vicinity of the Wayside I just had to ask about the other male voice I heard upstairs earlier in your apartment.

"Hey, Levi." I bit my lip nervously, wondering if it was really any of my business, but I had a sinking feeling it had something to do with me. "I know it might not be any of my business, but who was the man in your apartment?"

"Hm? What man?"

"The one you and Dr. Zoe were fighting with just before we left. I have this feeling you were talking about me."

"Oh...um...that was Commander Erwin Smith. He works with Dr. Hange and comes to check up on us every now and again. Nothing to worry about."

Although you didnt lie to me and say he wasnt here about me, my gut still told me I didnt believe you.

We drove for a good thirty or for minutes. The town streets gave way to highway that passed through rural communities and then off to side roads and into the hills. The roads became narrower and the trees thicker and greener. You asked me if there was anything in particular I wanted to listen to on the radio, but I didnt have any preference. You then surprisingly played a Neil Diamond album on your Satellite Radio. I never would have pegged you for a fan.

Other than the music, we rode in silence until you turned down a dirt road drove for about a mile and stopped when it came to meet rushing waters. It wasn't too deep, locals drove through it and there were rocks jutting up along the banks. There was a place off to the side where the water was deeper and muddier than the rest and flowed more free. The road ran into a dead end and off to the left was a field where about a dozen or so horses stood in tall grasses and made their way down to where the water flowed through a ravine in their pasture. You parked at the dead end and opened the tail gate. We sat there, legs dangling, just reveling in the peaceful song the birds and water sang to us. We just sat there. We didnt talk. We didn't need to. I just laid my head on your shoulder and you leaned yours on  mine. I don't know how long we sat there for.

Suddenly you jumped off the tail gate and said I'm going in! You grabbed my hand and pulled me off with you. Come on. You kicked off your shoes and pants and dragged me towards the deeper end of the ford.

"What??!! No. You're crazy!" I laughed. "Its March, you dumass! You may go in like a lion, but I'm not coming out like a popsicle!"

You shrugged and plunged right in popping back up with a holler. "Wahoo!!"

"Gee, dont you think thats a little unbecoming, a man of your command Capitan Levi?"  I tease and stepped towards the waters edge. "You are crazy, not to mention you don't even have a towel or change of clothing."

"I do in the SUV." You said and began to climb out of the water and shake your head at me while I ran in the opposite direction.

"Now why am I not surprised."

You started to strip off your shirt and I had a wet 'Boys of Summer' moment as you stood there glistening in the sun, but then you had to go ruin it buy shanking your wet head at me again and this time running after me and putting your arms around me from behind. I was almost too busy laughing to freak out, feeling your wet half naked body against me as you lifted me in the air and spun me around like we lovers or something!

"Levi put me down before you hurt yourself!" I laughed. I could feel how strong you were and knew you could handle my weight and then some, but this kind of attention from the opposite sex, gay or not, was not something I was use to; not to mention I was suddenly overcome with dizziness and nausea.

"Levi, I'm gonna puke!"

You gently set me down and I ran into the wood behind a tree and offered it the remains of whatever I'd eaten that morning. When I returned you had changed into dry clothing and had a clean wet cloth waiting for me.

"Thanks." I said taking your offering.

You then gave me a bottle of water. "Sip this slowly. I'm sorry; I didnt mean to make you feel sick. I was just having a bit of fun. I don't know what got into me. Please forgive me."

"Its okay, Levi."

"No, it isn't. I am a commanding officer. I am not supposed to let my guard down like that."

"But, Levi...."

"No-It's not befitting someone in my..."

"Shut up, Levi!" I stopped him with my hand on his mouth. "You are not MY commanding officer are you?!"

"Well no, but I am your protector-Its my duty."

"Stop. I have had enough of that today! Connie, Sasha, Armin, Jean, Dr. Hange and the other Scouts. My protectors from Frankie, I get it... I heard you. I heard that Erwin guy too. I dont understand...but I know something more is up here..And you cant tell me what it is, can you?"

You looked me right in the eyes and said flatly "No."

"Then can you do two things for me?" I pleaded. "Just dont lie to me."

"Okay...."

"And what I need right this second, is a friend Levi. Protect me, fine it's your duty, whatever....but can you just be my friend too?"

You stood there looking at me with piercing, dark, coal eyes and a pained look on your face that I could not read. I felt like I was about to get shut out told to get into the car ignored forever when suddenly those same eyes softened and a small smile graced your lips. You placed your hands on my shoulders and said "Yes, Talia. I can be. I'm sorry. Thanks for understanding, as well."

I placed my head on your bare chest and felt your hand on the back of my head as we stood there a few moments, until another wave of nausea came over me and I had to pull away and head back to my tree friend.

While I was away you dressed, readied me another cloth, and had materialized a bottle of tea that you claimed would settle my stomach. After you packed up your wet clothing, and when I was sure it was safe for my stomach to travel, we began to make our way back to the Wayside. Home to ten of the most strange, scary, loyal, brave protectors and friends I was ever going to know.