An Ackerman's secret

35

I had missed out on a lot from recovering and staying with Sasha everyday, waiting for her to wake up.

The others had filled me in on a few things, about how Zackly was assassinated by people who we all call Yeagerists since they work for Eren.

I hadn't seen Levi in a while either, I was told he was staying something with Zeke.

Eren was no where to be seen. He escaped his cell during the assassination from what I heard, and he was planning something with his little group of followers.

I went over everything in my head while we approached the door to where Niccolo was, getting ready to confront him.

Hange opened it and walked in first, the rest of us following behind.

"You guys? What, is it urgent?" He frowned. "My hands are full with some customers."

"Uh, you can get back to work if you want." Hange held their hands up. "It's just, we'd like to talk once you're done."

"Talk, about what?" Niccolo scanned us all, his eyes landing on me.

"Oh you know," Hange kept their voice friendly. "Like any concerns that you have."

Onyankopon stepped forwards, "They're investigating our detainment, we're hoping you can help."

"Yeah, all right." Niccolo agreed and let us out of the hall and into a room. "You can wait here."

The room was pretty bare, with just a few cabinets and a table, but it was also quite fancy at the same time.

"Oh? What a fancy room."

"I bet it's reserved for MPs." Connie pointed out, walking beside me as I headed straight for the wine bottles lined up with Jean following behind me.

"Huh? Is this the wine all the soldiers are gossiping about?!" He exclaimed.

I picked one up, examining it, "Seems like it. I wonder what is so special about it."

"They say only higher ranks can get it!"

Connie joined us, grinning, "Yeah? Aren't we high rank in the scouts?"

"A sip won't hurt." I giggled.

Jean held out the red bottle he found, "Yup! We deserve a bit of fun, too! A sip or two-"

"Don't touch that!" Niccolo ran over, interrupting us and snatching the bottle out of our hands, clutching it against his chest.

I frowned, confused what he was so panicked about.

"Ch-chill out, Niccolo. We're just screwing around." Jean tried to calm him down. "No need to overreact."

Niccolo turned around to us, furious, "This good stuff would be wasted on Eldians!"

I glared back, "Are you serious?"

"Niccolo, you're still saying stuff like that?" Jean hardened his voice. "That booze don't give a damn what race we are!" He grabbed onto Niccolo's collar, pulling him closer.

"Don't touch me, Eldian. Just because I've been nice doesn't make us pals."

"Have you forgotten what you are? You're just a-"

"A filthy captive, huh? That makes us even, Eldian." Niccolo forced Jean's hand off him and walked away while the rest of us stood, shocked.

"What's his problem?" Connie tilted his head, confused.

"Damnit! Hell if I know." Jean scoffed and I placed my hand on his shoulder, trying to get him to calm down.

"Just leave him be." I spoke, wondering what caused that outburst.