The acrid smell of evaporating Titan blood filled the air, mixing with the dust and smoke that hung over Trost like a shroud. Captain Aaron Mustang stood atop the wall, his uniform splattered with blood and grime, chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. The impossible had been achieved – Eren Yeager, in his Titan form, had successfully plugged the breach in Wall Rose with an enormous boulder.
As Aaron wiped sweat and blood from his brow, the distinctive sound of ODM gear caught his attention. He turned to see Captain Levi and the rest of the Survey Corps elite landing gracefully on the wall beside him.
"You're late," Aaron growled, his voice rough from shouting orders and inhaling Titan steam.
Levi's impassive gaze swept over the scene of destruction below before settling on Aaron. "It's not like you needed us," he replied coolly.
Aaron let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly as the adrenaline began to wear off. "True, but I could have worked less if you'd been here."
Commander Erwin Smith approached, his commanding presence drawing the attention of nearby soldiers. "Aaron," he called out, his voice calm despite the chaos around them, "what's the situation?"
Aaron ran a hand through his sweat-soaked hair, leaving it sticking up at odd angles. "Let Neil fill you in," he said, gesturing vaguely towards his squad. "I'm going to rest."
Without waiting for a response, Aaron trudged away, his exhaustion evident in every step. Erwin watched him go, a small smile playing on his lips. "He never changes, does he?"
Levi clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Still the same spoiled brat as always."
"Perhaps," Erwin conceded, "but he's efficient. Thanks to your training, Levi."
Levi merely grunted in response, his eyes following Aaron's retreating form.
---
The next morning found Aaron in the military dining hall, a tray of unappetizing food in his hands as he scanned the room for a place to sit. The atmosphere was tense, with soldiers from the Garrison and Military Police averting their eyes as he passed. Whispers followed in his wake – tales of the fearsome Aaron Mustang, the temperamental soldier who wouldn't hesitate to break faces if crossed... or so the rumors said.
Aaron sighed, resigned to eating alone in a corner, when a familiar voice cut through the murmur of the crowd.
"Aaron! Over here!"
He turned to see Christa waving enthusiastically, her bright smile a stark contrast to the somber mood of the hall. Ymir, seated beside her, quickly pushed Christa's hand down, shooting Aaron a suspicious glare.
Grateful for the invitation, Aaron made his way to their table. As he approached, he realized it wasn't just Christa and Ymir – the entire gang from the 104th Training Corps was there. Armin, Mikasa, Jean, Connie, Sasha, Annie, Reiner, and Bertholdt all looked up as he arrived.
"Well, well, well," Jean drawled as Aaron sat down, "if it isn't the rejected captain himself."
Aaron's eyes narrowed slightly, but a hint of amusement played at the corners of his mouth. "Funny," he retorted, "I don't recall you being captain of anything, Jean. Or ever likely to be."
Before Jean could fire back, Christa leaned forward, her blue eyes bright with curiosity. "How are you, Aaron? How did the mission go yesterday?"
Aaron's expression softened slightly as he met Christa's gaze. "I don't think I've ever killed so many Titans in a single day," he admitted, his voice a mixture of pride and weariness.
Christa's face lit up with admiration. "You looked amazing out there! The way you were flying through the air and taking down Titans – it was incredible!"
A faint blush colored Aaron's cheeks, and he ducked his head slightly, suddenly finding his food very interesting. "It's not that big a deal," he muttered, unused to such open praise.
Mikasa, her dark eyes intense, leaned across the table. "Mustang," she said, her voice low and urgent, "where's Eren? Is he alright?"
The question sobered Aaron immediately. He met Mikasa's gaze steadily, knowing how much Eren meant to her. "He's in an underground prison, guarded by the Military Police," he explained. "Commander Erwin, Captain Levi, and I interrogated him yesterday. There's going to be a trial later today."
"A trial?" Armin's voice was filled with concern. "What for?"
Aaron sighed, running a hand through his hair. "To decide what to do with him. Commander Erwin wants him for the Survey Corps, but the Military Police... they want to execute him."
A tense silence fell over the table. Reiner was the first to break it, his deep voice carrying a note of genuine curiosity. "What about the Garrison? Where do they stand?"
Aaron's lip curled slightly in disdain. "Commander Pixis might like the idea of having Eren as an ally, but they're staying neutral. That old drunk has always been a coward when it comes to taking a stand."
Mikasa's hands clenched into fists on the table. "Can't you use your influence to help him?" she demanded, a hint of desperation in her voice.
Aaron let out a humorless laugh. "Who do you think I am? The Survey Corps is the least influential of the three military branches, and I'm just a squad captain. We might be the most skilled fighters, but politically? We're the weakest. To most people, we're just a bunch of suicidal maniacs."
As if on cue, the doors to the dining hall swung open, revealing two stern-faced soldiers. Their eyes scanned the room before settling on their table. "Armin Arlert and Mikasa Ackerman?" one called out. "You're needed for testimony."
Armin and Mikasa exchanged a glance before standing. As they prepared to leave, Aaron leaned back in his chair, a look of relief crossing his face. "Well, after an extremely exhausting day yesterday, I think I'll take it easy today."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a swift kick sent his chair tipping backwards. Aaron flailed, barely catching himself before he hit the ground. He looked up to see Captain Levi standing over him, his expression as impassive as ever.
"Stop being lazy," Levi ordered. "All squad leaders are required to be at the trial."
Aaron groaned, pulling himself back upright. "What a pain. Can't Nanaba go in my place?"
Levi's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Stop talking nonsense and hurry up."
With a heavy sigh, Aaron got to his feet. "I'll see you all later," he said to the stunned group at the table. As he followed Levi out of the dining hall, he couldn't resist one last quip. "Hey, Levi, how long until I can retire?"
Levi glanced back at him, a hint of dark amusement in his eyes. "Do you really think any Survey Corps member has ever lived long enough to retire?"
The doors swung shut behind them, leaving the 104th trainees in a state of bemused silence.
Ymir was the first to speak, her voice dripping with disdain. "Good riddance. I thought he'd never leave."
Reiner chuckled, shaking his head. "Come on, Ymir. It's always good to have old Mustang around. He keeps things interesting."
"I don't want him anywhere near my sweet Christa," Ymir growled, wrapping a protective arm around the smaller girl's shoulders.
Armin, ever the voice of reason, piped up. "They barely even talked to each other, Ymir. You're overreacting."
Christa nodded in agreement, gently extracting herself from Ymir's grip. "That's right. Besides, Aaron and I are just friends. There's nothing for you to worry about."
But even as she spoke, Christa couldn't help but recall the warmth in Aaron's eyes when he looked at her, the way his usual gruff demeanor softened ever so slightly in her presence. She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing instead on the more pressing matter at hand – Eren's upcoming trial.
"I hope Eren will be okay," she said softly, voicing the concern that hung over all of them.
Jean snorted, leaning back in his chair. "That suicidal bastard? He'll be fine. He's too stubborn to let something like a trial bring him down."
"Jean's right," Reiner agreed, his voice carrying a note of confidence that seemed to bolster the group's spirits. "Eren's tough. And with people like Mustang and the Commander on his side, I'm sure things will work out."
As the conversation drifted to speculation about the trial and what it might mean for their future, Christa found her thoughts returning to Aaron. She wondered what he was doing now, how he was preparing for the trial. Despite his complaints about having to attend, she had seen the determination in his eyes. Whatever happened in that courtroom, she knew Aaron would fight for what he believed was right.
.....
The courtroom was thick with tension, the air heavy with the weight of decisions that would shape the future of humanity. Captain Aaron Mustang sat between Captain Levi and Squad Leader Hange Zoë, his posture slouched and eyes heavy-lidded as he fought against the overwhelming urge to sleep. The trial had been dragging on for what felt like an eternity, the Generalissimo's voice a droning backdrop to Aaron's increasingly wandering thoughts.
As he stifled yet another yawn, Aaron found his mind drifting to the subject of the trial – Eren Yeager. The boy was an enigma, a human with the power to become a Titan. It was a concept that should have fascinated Aaron, but in truth, he found it hard to muster much enthusiasm. He had only known Eren for three months, and that was three years ago. In the grand scheme of things, Eren was little more than an acquaintance, someone Aaron found mildly amusing but not particularly close to.
In fact, as Aaron's bleary eyes swept across the courtroom, he realized he felt more attachment to Nanaba, a member of his own squad, than to any of the 104th Training Corps. Well, perhaps with one exception... His thoughts briefly flickered to Christa, her kind blue eyes and gentle smile, before he shook his head slightly, pushing the image aside. Even his feelings towards her were complicated and unclear.
A sharp pain in his side jolted Aaron back to alertness. He turned to see Levi glaring at him, the captain's fingers still poised from the vicious pinch he had just delivered.
"Mustang," Levi hissed, his voice low and threatening, "don't you dare fall asleep."
Aaron rubbed his side, shooting Levi an annoyed look. "Try killing 30 Titans in a single day," he grumbled, "and see how you feel the next morning."
Levi's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You didn't kill 30 Titans, you idiot. It was barely 17."
"17, 30," Aaron shrugged, a hint of his old cockiness creeping into his voice. "Only 13 numbers separate them."
From Levi's other side, Hange leaned forward, her eyes glinting with amusement behind her glasses. "My, my, Mustang. I'm surprised you can subtract."
Aaron's lip curled in a smirk. "I'm not Levi. I actually know what two plus two equals."
The words had barely left his mouth when Levi's foot connected solidly with Aaron's shin. Aaron bit back a yelp, shooting the shorter man a glare that promised retribution.
Their squabble was interrupted by a sudden outburst from the center of the courtroom. Eren, who had been silent for most of the proceedings, suddenly exploded with rage. "All of you, just shut up!" he roared, his voice echoing off the high ceiling. "Use me as a weapon! I don't care! Just let me fight!"
Aaron found himself struggling to contain his laughter. The kid had guts, he had to give him that. But as he turned to share an amused glance with Levi, he realized the captain's seat was empty.
In a blur of motion that even Aaron's trained eyes could barely follow, Levi had crossed the courtroom. Before anyone could react, he launched into a brutal assault on Eren. Kicks rained down on the boy's body, each impact reverberating through the stunned silence of the courtroom. With the very first kick, one of Eren's teeth went flying, skittering across the polished floor.
As Levi continued his onslaught, spouting something about provocation and strength, Aaron found his amusement fading. He watched Levi's movements with a critical eye, years of training and sparring with the man allowing him to see what others might miss. Levi was holding back. His kicks, while undoubtedly painful, weren't delivered with his full strength.
A surge of indignation rose in Aaron's chest. Levi had never held back when training with him. Every spar, every punishment had been delivered with ruthless efficiency. The realization that Levi was capable of restraint, just not when it came to him, made Aaron's blood boil.
The trial concluded with Commander Erwin proposing that Eren join Levi's squad, placing the Titan-shifter under the captain's direct supervision. The Generalissimo accepted the proposal, bringing the proceedings to a close.
As the courtroom began to empty, Aaron stood and stretched, his joints popping audibly. "Well, I've had about enough of Titans for one day," he announced to no one in particular.
Hange looked up at him, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Oh? Where are you off to, Mustang?"
Aaron was already moving towards the exit, his long strides eating up the distance. "Just going for a walk," he called back over his shoulder. "Before Erwin ropes me into helping escort Eren."
Hange's laughter followed him out. "Always trying to dodge responsibility, aren't you, Mustang?"
Aaron didn't bother to respond, merely waving a hand dismissively as he pushed through the heavy courtroom doors.
The cool night air hit him like a splash of cold water, instantly refreshing after the stuffy atmosphere of the courtroom. Aaron took a deep breath, savoring the crisp scent of approaching autumn. It was only then that he realized how late it had gotten, the street lamps already lit and casting pools of golden light on the cobblestone streets.
As he began to walk, letting his feet carry him aimlessly through the quiet streets, a familiar figure caught his eye. Christa stood at the corner of an intersection, her golden hair glowing softly in the lamplight.
"Isn't it a bit late for you to be wandering around, Historia?" Aaron called out, using her real name without thinking.
Christa turned, surprise flickering across her face before it was replaced by a warm smile. "I could say the same to you, Captain," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of teasing. "I was just out for a walk. Needed some fresh air after being cooped up all day."
Aaron found himself moving to her side, falling into step beside her as naturally as breathing. "Mind if I join you?" he asked, though he was already matching his pace to hers.
Christa shook her head, her smile widening slightly. "Not at all. I'd appreciate the company."
They walked in companionable silence for a while, the quiet broken only by the sound of their footsteps on the cobblestones and the distant calls of night birds. Aaron found himself stealing glances at Christa, noting how the years had changed her. She was still small, still radiated that aura of kindness that had first drawn him to her, but there was a new strength in her bearing, a quiet confidence that hadn't been there before.
Suddenly, the silence was broken by a loud growl. Aaron's hand flew to his stomach, a sheepish expression crossing his face as he realized the sound had come from him.
Christa giggled, the sound light and musical in the quiet night. "Hungry?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Aaron rubbed the back of his neck, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "I guess I forgot to eat during all the excitement," he admitted.
"Well, we can't have that," Christa declared, her tone brooking no argument. "Come on, I know a place that should still be open. My treat."
Before Aaron could protest, Christa had taken his hand, tugging him gently down a side street. Her small hand felt warm in his, and Aaron found himself marveling at how such a simple touch could send a jolt of electricity through his body.
They soon found themselves in front of a small, cozy-looking tavern. The warm glow of candlelight spilled out from its windows, and the scent of fresh bread and roasting meat made Aaron's stomach growl again, this time loud enough to draw curious glances from a couple leaving the establishment.
As they entered, the tavern keeper looked up, recognition flashing in his eyes as he saw Aaron. "Captain Mustang!" he called out, his voice warm with welcome. "It's been a while since you graced us with your presence!"
Aaron nodded in greeting, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Been busy keeping humanity safe, old man. But I see you're still serving the best food in the district."
The tavern keeper beamed at the compliment, ushering them to a quiet corner table. "Your usual, Captain?" he asked, already moving towards the bar.
"Make it two," Aaron replied, glancing at Christa for confirmation. She nodded, settling into her seat across from him.
As the tavern keeper bustled away, Christa leaned forward, her elbows on the table and chin resting on her interlaced fingers. "So," she said, her blue eyes sparkling with curiosity, "are you going to tell me about the trial? How did it go?"
Aaron leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as he considered how to answer. "It was... interesting," he said finally. "Eren's got more fire in him than I remembered. Stood up to the entire courtroom, declared he'd be humanity's weapon."
Christa's eyes widened. "He did? That sounds like Eren, alright. Always rushing headlong into danger."
Aaron nodded, a wry smile crossing his face. "Yeah, well, Levi made sure to cool him off. Gave the kid quite a beating right there in front of everyone."
"What?" Christa gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "But why?"
"To prove a point," Aaron explained, his voice taking on a harder edge as he remembered his earlier irritation. "To show that even with Eren's Titan powers, Levi could still control him. It worked, too. The court decided to let the Survey Corps take custody of Eren."
Christa was quiet for a moment, processing this information. "So, what happens now?" she asked finally.
Aaron shrugged, his earlier weariness returning as he contemplated the challenges that lay ahead. "Now? We prepare. Eren will join Levi's squad, train to control his Titan powers. And the rest of us... we keep fighting. Keep trying to take back what the Titans stole from us."
As their conversation lulled, Aaron felt a familiar discomfort that he'd been trying to ignore for the past hour. He shifted in his seat, trying to find a position that would alleviate the irritation, but to no avail.
"Excuse me for a moment," he said, pushing his chair back. "I need to use the restroom."
Christa nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Of course. I'll be here."
Aaron made his way to the back of the tavern, weaving between tables and nodding to the few patrons who recognized him. The restroom was small but mercifully clean, a rarity in establishments like this. As soon as the door closed behind him, Aaron reached up and untied his hair, letting it fall loose around his shoulders.
He bent over the small basin, splashing cool water on his face before running his wet hands through his hair. The relief was immediate, the persistent itch that had been plaguing him all evening finally subsiding.
"Damn," he muttered to himself, studying his reflection in the smudged mirror. "I really need to wash this more often."
With practiced movements, he gathered his hair back into its usual style, tying it securely. He took a moment to straighten his uniform, brushing away imaginary dust. Despite the casual nature of their evening, he was still acutely aware of his position, of the weight of responsibility that came with the wings of freedom emblazoned on his back.
Satisfied with his appearance, Aaron emerged from the restroom, his eyes automatically seeking out Christa. What he saw made his blood run cold.
Two men in Military Police uniforms stood on either side of Christa's chair, their postures aggressive and invasive. Even from this distance, Aaron could smell the alcohol on them, could see the predatory glint in their eyes as they leered down at Christa.
Christa's discomfort was palpable. Her shoulders were hunched, her usual warm smile replaced by a tight-lipped expression of barely concealed fear. As Aaron approached, he caught snippets of their conversation.
"Come on, sweetheart," one of the MPs slurred, his words running together. "We can get you a cushy position in the Interior. All you gotta do is come have some fun with us."
Christa shook her head, her voice firm despite her obvious distress. "No, thank you. I've already made my choice about where I want to serve."
The other MP laughed, the sound grating and unpleasant. "Don't be like that. We're offering you a good deal here. Better than ending up as Titan fodder with the rest of those suicidal idiots in the Survey Corps."
"I told you, I'm here with someone," Christa insisted, her eyes darting around, seeking Aaron.
The first MP waved his hand dismissively. "Doesn't matter. Whoever they are, they can't offer you what we can."
It was at that moment that Aaron stepped into view, positioning himself directly behind the two MPs. His presence was like a sudden drop in temperature, the air around him seeming to crackle with barely suppressed violence.
One of the MPs turned, his bleary eyes focusing on the wings of freedom embroidered on Aaron's jacket. A sneer twisted his features as he looked Aaron up and down.
"Well, well," he drawled, his words slurring together. "Is this suicidal maniac your date, sweetheart? You could do so much better."
Before Aaron could respond, the MP reached out and grabbed Christa's arm, his fingers digging into her soft flesh. It was the last mistake he would make that night.
In a move too fast for the drunk MP to follow, Aaron's hand clamped down on his shoulder. With a strength that belied his lean frame, Aaron bodily lifted the man and hurled him through the nearby window. The sound of shattering glass and startled cries from outside filled the tavern.
The second MP barely had time to register what had happened before Aaron seized him as well, tossing him out to join his companion on the street. The tavern fell silent, all eyes fixed on the Survey Corps captain as he strode purposefully towards the broken window.
"I'm going to beat you within an inch of your miserable lives," Aaron announced, his voice eerily calm as he stepped out onto the street.
The first MP was struggling to his feet, blood streaming from cuts caused by the broken glass. As he raised his head, Aaron's fist connected solidly with his face, sending him crashing back to the ground.
"My nose!" the MP wailed, clutching his face. "You broke my nose! Do you have any idea how serious it is to assault a member of the Military Police?"
Aaron ignored him, turning his attention to the second MP, who was backing away, his eyes wide with fear.
"Wait," the man stammered, recognition dawning on his face. "You're... you're Aaron Mustang!"
His companion, still sprawled on the ground, looked up in confusion. "So what?" he spat, blood spraying from his lips.
The second MP's face had gone pale. "You idiot! Don't you know who this is? Mustang once beat up a Military Police captain. They locked him up for two months, but the day he got out, he went straight back and beat the captain even worse than before. They kept him in for three months that time, and when he got out, he put the captain in crutches. The captain was too scared to press charges again, afraid Mustang would come after him a third time!"
The injured MP's bravado evaporated instantly. He scrambled to his feet, swaying unsteadily as he backed away from Aaron. "W-we're sorry," he stuttered. "We didn't know. Please, just let us go."
Aaron took a step forward, his green eyes cold and hard. "If I ever see either of you near Christa again, what I did to that captain will seem like a gentle caress compared to what I'll do to you. Understand?"
The two MPs nodded frantically before turning tail and running, their drunken stumbling adding a pathetic note to their hasty retreat.
Aaron watched them go, his fists slowly unclenching at his sides. He turned to find Christa standing in the broken window frame, her expression a mixture of concern and something he couldn't quite identify.
"Was all that really necessary?" she asked softly, her eyes searching his face.
Aaron's expression softened slightly as he met her gaze. "Sometimes, violence is the only language idiots like that understand," he said, his voice tinged with regret. "I'm sorry you had to see that."
He turned back to the tavern, addressing the wide-eyed owner. "Put the cost of the window on Captain Levi's tab," he called out, a hint of his usual mischief returning to his voice.
The tavern keeper, seemingly unfazed by the destruction, nodded with a grin. "Will do, Captain Mustang. It's always exciting when you stop by."
Aaron turned back to Christa, offering her his arm. "May I escort you back to your quarters? It's getting late, and I'd feel better knowing you got back safely."
Christa hesitated for a moment before linking her arm with his. "Thank you, Aaron. I'd appreciate that."
As they began to walk, the cool night air seemed to clear away some of the tension from the evening's events. The streets were quiet, most of the city's inhabitants already tucked away in their homes. The moonlight cast long shadows across the cobblestones, giving the familiar streets an almost otherworldly quality.
"Where do you sleep?" Christa asked suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence that had fallen between them.
Aaron glanced down at her, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "The Survey Corps has its own lodgings," he explained. "It's not much, but it's a place to rest between missions and training."
Christa nodded, her brow furrowing slightly. "It must be nice, having a place that feels like home."
Aaron's smile faded, his eyes growing distant. "Home is a luxury we can't really afford in the Survey Corps," he said softly. "We lose too many people, too often. But... we have each other. Sometimes that's enough."
They walked in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts. As they approached the barracks where the trainees were housed, Aaron felt a strange reluctance to let the evening end.
"Christa," he began, then paused, unsure of what he wanted to say.
She looked up at him, her blue eyes shining in the moonlight. "Yes, Aaron?"
He struggled for a moment, trying to find the right words. "I... Thank you for tonight. For reminding me that there's more to life than just fighting and surviving."
Christa's smile was radiant, warming Aaron in a way he hadn't felt in years. "Thank you for protecting me," she said softly. "And for showing me that there's still gentleness in you, even after everything you've been through."
They had reached the entrance to the barracks. Aaron reluctantly disentangled his arm from Christa's, already missing her warmth.
"Goodnight, Christa," he said, his voice low. "Sleep well."
"Goodnight, Aaron," she replied, her hand lingering on his arm for a moment before she turned to go inside.
As Aaron watched her disappear into the building, he felt a mix of emotions he couldn't quite untangle. There was warmth, certainly, and a lightness he hadn't experienced in years. But there was also a nagging sense of unease, a voice in the back of his mind reminding him of the dangers of getting too close to anyone in their line of work.
He was so lost in thought that he almost missed the hushed whispers coming from nearby.
"Psst! Christa!"
Aaron's keen ears picked up Sasha's excited voice, followed by Connie's more hesitant tones.
"What were you doing out with Captain Mustang at this hour?"
Aaron couldn't hear Christa's response, but he could imagine the blush that was probably coloring her cheeks. A small smile played on his lips as he turned and began the walk back to the Survey Corps lodgings.
As he made his way through the quiet streets, Aaron found his thoughts continually drifting back to Christa. Her kindness, her strength, the way she seemed to see past his hardened exterior to the person he used to be. It was dangerous, he knew, to let anyone get that close. In their world, attachments often led to heartbreak.
The moon hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets as Aaron Mustang made his way back to the Survey Corps lodgings. His mind was still buzzing from the events of the evening - the trial, the confrontation with the Military Police, and most of all, his time with Christa. A small smile played on his lips as he remembered the warmth of her arm linked with his, the way her eyes had sparkled in the moonlight.
But as he approached his quarters, a sense of unease began to creep over him. Something was off. The light seeping out from under his door, the muffled voices within - it all spelled trouble.
With a resigned sigh, Aaron pushed open the door, bracing himself for whatever awaited him inside. As expected, the sight that greeted him was far from welcome.
Commander Erwin Smith stood by the window, his imposing figure silhouetted against the moonlight. Captain Levi leaned against the wall, arms crossed and a scowl etched on his face. And perched on the edge of Aaron's bed, eyes gleaming with barely contained excitement, was Squad Leader Hange Zoë.
"What are you all doing here?" Aaron groaned, running a hand through his hair in exasperation.
Erwin turned from the window, his blue eyes sharp and focused. "We need to discuss the details of the plan, Mustang."
Levi's scowl deepened, if that was even possible. "If you weren't such an irresponsible slacker, we could use the meeting room like civilized people. But no, we had to come all the way here to make sure you didn't run off."
Aaron rolled his eyes, closing the door behind him with a soft click. "Yeah, yeah. So what's this brilliant scheme you've cooked up?"
He moved further into the room, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it over the back of a chair. The familiar weight of the wings of freedom emblem seemed heavier tonight, a reminder of the responsibilities he sometimes wished he could forget.
Erwin's voice was steady as he replied, "An expedition beyond Wall Rose, into Wall Maria territory."
Aaron froze, his hand halfway to unbuckling his ODM gear straps. "And what exactly is the point of that suicide mission?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral.
"To prove Eren's necessity," Erwin explained, his eyes never leaving Aaron's face. "To show the brass that his Titan powers are an asset we can't afford to lose."
Aaron let out a low whistle, resuming the task of removing his gear. "That's a hell of a gamble, Commander. You're betting a lot of lives on a kid who can barely control his powers."
"It's a risk we have to take," Erwin countered. "But we'll need more than just our current forces. We need fresh recruits, people who've seen what the Titans can do and still want to fight."
A moment of silence fell over the room as the implication of Erwin's words sank in. It was Hange who finally broke it, her voice uncharacteristically serious.
"Aaron," she said, leaning forward, "what are the chances your old comrades from the 104th will join us? After what happened in Trost, we could use soldiers with that kind of experience."
Aaron sighed, dropping heavily into the chair he'd draped his jacket over. "Honestly? It's a long shot. Mikasa might follow Eren into hell itself, and where she goes, Armin usually follows. But the others?" He shook his head. "After what they saw in Trost, I'd be surprised if any of them volunteered for more Titan action."
Erwin nodded, his expression grave. "We'll see. Sometimes, people surprise you. We'll make the announcement soon and let them decide for themselves."
As the others began to discuss the finer points of the expedition plan, Aaron found his mind wandering. He thought of Christa, of the warmth in her eyes when she looked at him. Would she choose to join the Survey Corps? The thought of her facing the horrors beyond the walls made his chest tighten with an emotion he wasn't quite ready to name.
---
Meanwhile, in the trainee barracks, a very different scene was unfolding. The common room was alive with laughter and chatter, a stark contrast to the somber mood that had permeated the air since the battle of Trost.
Christa sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by her friends. Sasha and Connie had somehow managed to convince everyone to play a game of truth or dare, a rare moment of levity in their otherwise grim existence.
"Alright, Christa!" Connie announced, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Your turn. Truth or dare?"
Christa hesitated for a moment, her blue eyes scanning the eager faces around her. There was Sasha, practically vibrating with excitement. Jean, trying and failing to look disinterested. Reiner and Bertholdt, watching with barely concealed amusement. And Ymir, her sharp gaze never leaving Christa's face.
"Dare," Christa said finally, lifting her chin in a show of bravery.
A chorus of "ooohs" went up from the group, and Connie's grin widened. "Alright then, I dare you... to tell the truth!"
"What?" Christa blinked in confusion. "That doesn't make any sense, Connie."
"Sure it does," he insisted. "I dare you to answer a question truthfully. And here's the question: Do you like Captain Mustang?"
The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on Christa. She felt her cheeks heat up, the blush spreading down her neck as she struggled to find the right words.
"I... well..." she stammered, her usual composure deserting her.
Ymir leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "Come on, Christa. We all saw you two earlier. Spill it."
Christa took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Alright," she said softly. "The truth is... yes, I did like Aaron. But that was three years ago, when we first met during training."
The admission sent a ripple of excitement through the group. Sasha let out a squeal of delight, while Jean muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "of course she did."
"But now," Christa continued, her voice growing stronger, "we're just friends. A lot has changed in three years. We've all grown up, seen things... it's different now."
As she spoke, Christa couldn't help but remember the events of earlier that evening. The way Aaron had looked at her in the tavern, the gentleness in his touch as he tended to her hand. The fierce protectiveness he'd shown when those MPs had harassed her. Were they really just friends?
Reiner's face had gone pale, his usual confident demeanor shaken. "You and Mustang?" he asked, his voice strained. "But he's... he's..."
"A homicidal maniac?" Ymir supplied, her tone sharp. "A violent, unpredictable beast barely kept in check by the military?"
Christa frowned, turning to face Ymir. "That's not fair," she said, a hint of steel entering her voice. "Aaron's been through a lot. We all have. You can't judge him based on rumors and speculation."
"Oh, can't I?" Ymir shot back. "Need I remind you of what just happened in town? He threw two MPs through a window!"
"They were harassing me," Christa countered. "Aaron was protecting me."
A tense silence fell over the group. Jean was the one to break it, his voice uncharacteristically thoughtful.
"You know," he said slowly, "I used to think Mustang was just a violent thug. But after seeing him in action during the battle for Trost... I don't know. There's more to him than that."
Bertholdt nodded in agreement. "He's an incredible soldier. The way he moves, it's like he can predict what the Titans are going to do before they do it."
"But that doesn't make him a good person," Ymir insisted, her fists clenched at her sides.
Christa's voice was soft but firm as she replied, "No, it doesn't. But I've seen the good in him, Ymir. There's kindness there, and a desire to protect others. He's not perfect, but none of us are."
As the conversation devolved into a heated debate about Aaron Mustang's character, Christa found her mind drifting. She thought about the boy she had known three years ago - brash, cocky, but with a hidden gentleness that had drawn her to him. And she thought about the man she had seen tonight - harder, more scarred, but still capable of warmth and compassion.
Had her feelings really faded, as she'd claimed? Or were they simply changing, evolving into something deeper and more complex?
The game of truth or dare continued around her, but Christa was only half-listening. Her thoughts were with a green-eyed captain, wondering if perhaps he was thinking of her too.
---
Back in Aaron's quarters, the meeting was finally winding down. Erwin had laid out the broad strokes of the expedition plan, with Hange enthusiastically interjecting her theories about Titan behavior and Levi occasionally grunting in agreement or dissent.
As Erwin and Hange filed out, deep in discussion about supply logistics, Levi lingered behind. He fixed Aaron with a piercing stare, his grey eyes unreadable.
"What?" Aaron asked, fatigue and irritation coloring his voice. "Got something to say, Captain?"
Levi was silent for a long moment, studying Aaron's face as if searching for something. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and intense.
"Don't get too attached, Mustang," he said. "To any of them. The rookies, the veterans, doesn't matter. In this line of work, attachments are a luxury we can't afford."
Aaron's brow furrowed, a mixture of confusion and defiance crossing his features. "What are you talking about, Levi?"
"I saw you with that girl earlier. The little blonde one from the 104th." Levi's eyes never left Aaron's face, watching for any reaction. "I know that look, Mustang. I've seen it before. It never ends well."
For a moment, Aaron was tempted to deny it, to laugh off Levi's concern. But something in the older man's eyes stopped him. There was pain there, buried deep but unmistakable.
"Is that why you keep everyone at arm's length?" Aaron asked softly. "Because you're afraid of losing them?"
Levi's expression hardened, his walls slamming back into place. "This isn't about me. It's about you, and the mission. Don't let your feelings compromise your judgment. We can't afford any mistakes out there."
With that, Levi turned and strode out of the room, leaving Aaron alone with his thoughts.
The cool night air was a welcome relief as Aaron stepped out into the courtyard of the Survey Corps headquarters. The stone walls seemed to close in on him after the tense meeting with Erwin, Levi, and Hange, and he found himself desperately in need of space to clear his head.
The moon hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the well-worn cobblestones. Aaron took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp autumn air. The scent of fallen leaves and distant woodsmoke mingled with the ever-present undercurrent of leather and steel that seemed to permeate every corner of the military compound.
As he walked, his boots echoing softly in the quiet night, Aaron's mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming expedition. The risks were enormous, the potential for loss staggering. And yet, a part of him thrilled at the prospect of venturing beyond the walls once more. It was a complex mix of emotions that he had long since learned to live with – the fear, the excitement, the grim determination that came with being a member of the Survey Corps.
Lost in thought, Aaron almost didn't notice the figure leaning against one of the stone pillars that lined the courtyard. It was only when a familiar voice called out that he snapped back to the present.
"Burning the midnight oil, Captain?"
Aaron's head jerked up, his eyes focusing on the source of the voice. Nanaba stood before him, her short blonde hair glowing silver in the moonlight. She was still in full uniform, despite the late hour, and Aaron couldn't help but wonder if she ever truly relaxed.
"Nanaba," he acknowledged with a nod. "What are you doing out here so late?"
A small smile played at the corners of Nanaba's mouth, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I could ask you the same thing, sir. Trouble sleeping?"
Aaron snorted, running a hand through his hair. "Something like that. Erwin's got some big plans brewing. Looks like we'll be heading out beyond the walls again soon."
Nanaba's posture stiffened slightly at the news, but her voice remained steady. "I see. Another expedition?"
"Yeah," Aaron confirmed, leaning against the pillar opposite Nanaba. "It's going to be a big one. Risky, too. But when isn't it?"
A moment of companionable silence fell between them, both lost in thoughts of past missions and comrades lost. It was Nanaba who finally broke the quiet, her voice softer than before.
"I saw you earlier, you know. In town."
Aaron's brow furrowed in confusion before realization dawned. "Oh? I didn't notice you there."
Nanaba's smile turned a touch rueful. "No, I suppose you wouldn't have. You seemed... preoccupied."
There was something in her tone that made Aaron look at her more closely. Nanaba had always been difficult to read, her emotions kept carefully in check. But now, in the soft moonlight, he could see a flicker of something in her eyes. Was it hurt? Jealousy? He couldn't quite place it.
"I was with an old friend," Aaron explained, feeling an inexplicable need to justify himself. "Christa – you remember her from the 104th Training Corps?"
Nanaba nodded, her expression carefully neutral. "The small blonde girl. Yes, I remember her. She's grown into quite the young woman, hasn't she?"
There was a weight to her words that Aaron couldn't ignore. He studied Nanaba's face, trying to decipher the emotions she was working so hard to conceal. Suddenly, pieces began to fall into place – the lingering glances, the way she always volunteered for missions with him, the subtle changes in her demeanor when he was around.
"Nanaba," he began, his voice gentle. "Is everything alright?"
She let out a soft laugh, but there was no humor in it. "Everything's fine, Captain. Why wouldn't it be?"
Aaron pushed himself off the pillar, taking a step towards her. "Come on, Nanaba. We've been through too much together for you to lie to me now."
For a moment, it seemed as though Nanaba might continue to deflect. But then her shoulders slumped slightly, the carefully constructed mask slipping just a fraction.
"How long have we known each other, Aaron?" she asked, her use of his first name catching him off guard.
"Years," he replied, thinking back to when they first met. "Since I joined the Survey Corps. You were already a veteran by then."
Nanaba nodded, her eyes distant as she recalled those early days. "You were so brash back then. Angry at the world, desperate to prove yourself. I thought you'd get yourself killed within a week."
A wry smile tugged at Aaron's lips. "I nearly did, if I remember correctly. If you hadn't been there to save my ass during that first expedition..."
"I've always had your back," Nanaba said softly, her eyes meeting his. "Always."
The weight of unspoken words hung heavy in the air between them. Aaron felt a tightness in his chest as he began to understand the depth of Nanaba's feelings – feelings he had been blind to for so long.
"Nanaba, I..." he started, but she held up a hand to stop him.
"Don't," she said, her voice firm despite the pain evident in her eyes. "You don't need to say anything. I've known for a long time that you'd never see me that way. I just... I suppose I always hoped that someday, maybe..."
She trailed off, shaking her head as if to clear away the wishful thinking. Aaron felt a surge of guilt wash over him. How long had Nanaba carried these feelings? How many times had he unknowingly hurt her with his obliviousness?
"I'm sorry," he said, the words feeling woefully inadequate. "I never meant to-"
"To what?" Nanaba interrupted, a hint of her usual strength returning to her voice. "To not return my feelings? To fall for someone else? Aaron, you can't help who you love any more than I can."
The word 'love' hung in the air between them, heavy with implication. Aaron opened his mouth to protest, to insist that what he felt for Christa wasn't love – couldn't be love, not in this cruel world they lived in. But the words died on his lips as he realized the futility of denial.
Nanaba seemed to sense his internal struggle. Her expression softened, and she reached out to place a hand on his arm. "It's okay, you know. To care for someone. Even in this hell we live in – especially in this hell – we need something to hold onto."
Aaron looked down at her hand on his arm, then back up to meet her gaze. "How can you say that? After everything we've seen, everything we've lost..."
"Because I have to believe it," Nanaba replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Because if I don't, then what are we fighting for?"
The question struck Aaron like a physical blow. What were they fighting for, if not the chance for a better future? A future where people could love freely, without the constant shadow of death looming over them?
"Nanaba, I-" he began, but once again, she cut him off.
"Don't worry about me, Captain," she said, stepping back and straightening her posture. The use of his title was deliberate, a way of reestablishing the professional distance between them. "I've carried these feelings for years. I can carry them a while longer."
Aaron wanted to say more, to somehow ease the pain he saw in her eyes. But he knew that anything he said would only make things worse. Instead, he nodded, respecting her desire to maintain their working relationship.
"You're one of the strongest people I know, Nanaba," he said finally. "I'm honored to have you by my side, in battle and out."
A small, genuine smile flickered across Nanaba's face. "And I'll always be there, Aaron. No matter what."
With that, she turned and began to walk away. Aaron watched her go, feeling a complex mix of emotions – guilt, admiration, and a deep appreciation for the unwavering loyalty she had shown him over the years.
As Nanaba disappeared into the shadows of the courtyard, Aaron turned his gaze to the star-filled sky above. The upcoming expedition loomed large in his mind, but now it was tinged with new considerations. He thought of Christa, of the warmth he felt in her presence. He thought of Nanaba, and the steadfast support she had always provided. And he thought of Levi's warning, the grim reminder of the cost of attachments in their line of work.
The night air, which had been refreshing when he first stepped outside, now felt cool against his skin. Aaron shivered slightly, wrapping his arms around himself. The weight of responsibility, of lives that would depend on his decisions in the coming days, settled heavily on his shoulders.
As he made his way back to his quarters, Aaron's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. The upcoming expedition, the complexities of his relationships, the ever-present threat of the Titans – it all swirled together in a dizzying maelstrom.