Suna's Ninja (Gaara Love Story)

40: Finding Friends

Akimi's eyes stared at the boy in front of her. "Connie!" The boy beamed back at her, while Sasha popped out from behind another tree. "Potato Girl!"

Both ex-soldiers wore civilian outfits like Akimi had seen them a few years ago. 3dm gears strapped around their waists, and Connie had a stack of wood on his back, and Sasha had donned a large leather sack filled with ingredients, presumably herbs.

"Akimi, how did you get here?" The brunette asked, wide-eyed.

"Kidnapped," Akimi grunted. "Where are we?"

"Up north of the Walls," Connie said, jerking his chin towards Akimi's left. "The government and stuff kicked us out, so Captain Levi and Doctor Hanji are taking us up north. We spent the past year traveling and mostly just moving. Lost of the people from other districts got tired of living inside the walls and wanted to see the world. Apparently, Doctor Hanji wants to see the rumored 'white bears' up north, so we're getting outrselves ready. I heard it's super cold!"

"So now, we're scouting ahead for any dangers before going back to inform Captain!" Sasha said.

"And hunting," Connie added, showing the crossbow over his shoulder. Sasha had a rifle on her back.

"I see. Are Eren and the others back to their normal teenage selves? Or is Levi still giving them baths?" Akimi teased.

"No, they're back thankfully," Connie shot back, grinning. "But I see you're going to have kids yourself. Congrats!"

"Thanks, Connie. Right now, that also means I'm decades away from home," Akimi sighed.

"True that. It took us, like seven years to move from the Walls to here. Even if we speed-traveled, it would still take forever to get you back home."

The pair stared at the red-haired girl, who groaned and leaned against a nearby tree.

"Oh wait! I set a Manchineel tree on fire not too long ago, but I don't know where it is! Either we put it out or run away to wherever your campsite is," Akimi spoke hurriedly. "Can you he--"

"Sure! This way!" Sasha seized Akimi's hand and pulled her towards the opposite direction from where the pair came. "Doctor Hanji will be happy to see you!"

"I'm sure!"

Thirty minutes later, the trio arrived at the campsite of numerous tents of all sizes, little children running around and a good deal of adults maintaining the fires and food.

"Over here, over here," Connie directed, waving hello to several campers. They walked around the camp and to a dark green tent bearing a faded Survey Corps emblem.

"Knock knock!" Sasha called, stepping into the tent.

"Oh look who's here!" Doctor Hanji screamed in joy, smashing Akimi into a hug.

"Watch her stomach!" The girls warned, causing the doctor to back off.

"Oh congrats! Are you expecting a boy? Or a girl?" Hanji babbled, rubbing her hands together.

"Twins," Akimi smiled. "Gaara is so happy...actually, about that."

"What's wrong, dearie?" Doctor Hanji flew around, making some tea from them all.

"I'm miles away from home and have no clue how or where to go," Akimi admitted. "I have been kidnapped, killed my ex-teammate, and am pregnant with twins. Let's not mention I think I'm in my eight month of pregnancy."

"You're due date is arriving fast," Hanji added, nodding. "No matter! You just stay with us then! You can give birth in my humble hospital and when your adorable little children are capable of walking, you can go home!"

"True, you're still a ninja or something," Connie added. "You helped us take down tens of hundreds of Titans."

"And our food is delicious!" Sasha beamed as if this point was their greatest offer.

"I guess the idea's better than going back to a war zone and giving birth in the streets," Akimi agreed, smiling.

"Fantastic! Connie! Tell Jean to set up a tent right next to mine! I'll be your doctor for the next few days!" Hanji exclaimed, clasping the girl's hands.

"Er, right! Just don't do weird things to me..."

"If she does that, Eren replaces her and she gets beheaded personally by me," Captain Levi said from the doorway. "If you're going to be stay for awhile, I expect you to work and not leech off like other previous travelers." Akimi looked at him, taking note of his soiled apron protecting his shirt and pants. Ah, the good old days of torture...

"Of course, sir! I won't be able to do heavy duty but I can cook--"

"I get it. You're welcome so long you help out." With that, he left the tent.