But that's the biggest problem with all this. Melissa has no reason to feel like this, and no reason to suddenly be so worried about the wellfare of the two boys in front of her, and yet what settles in her chest is a simple understanding that whatever happens, she will be there to help.

She doesn't feel the need to comment on not telling anyone. It's not like she has anyone to tell, Eren's mother included. But when Eren nearly calls Arthur by a different name, she finds herself a little taken back by the fact he stopped. What...what? She shakes her head, trying to shake the near-headache that is starting there.

"They shouldn't think you're an easy target." She follows Eren easily, almost too easily, feeling like that spot to his side and a step behind is where she's always supposed to be.