#and continued with reiner and gabi

[lifeofmarvvel]

Supremely underrated but iconic dynamic is cousins who are close. Like, no, they're not technically siblings, but they're just as, if not more, close than any siblings they may have. Yes, they're willing to do anything for each other, to die for each other. Yes, it's going to make me sob my eyes out no matter what

[dcive]

after the war, and following the final spoken timeskip, reiner takes a lot of time to rediscover just who exactly he is. it's his first time he doesn't have to be anyones warrior or soldier, the first time he lives with the knowledge his family are happy he's alive for being him ... while he lost the majority of his youth for this, he survived something he once never willed he would.

and in that instance, he recognises that he shouldn't waste that either.

[murasakiyuzu]

i think the one mistake wit studio made (and the one thing they Were kinda bad at in the beginning) was in showing the younger characters physical growth here

u have the scene where eren, armin and mikasa vow to join the military NEXT YEAR, and then theres the one-year time skip, at the entrance ceremony (and in this scene post-ceremony) wherein theyre supposed to be 12yo, and they look Considerably older than the year before

and then theres the three-year time skip of sorts when they graduate at 15, but they look The Same as when they were 12 lol

i was p confused w this and i Know ive seen other people getting lost in the timeline in part bc of this lol

[laurixs]

reiner braun x fem! reader! nsfw

❗️smut, unprotected sex, almost passing out while fucking, fingering, p in v sex, reiner calls you doll! first time

“He’s back!” Gabi’s footsteps could’ve been heard far away.

He’s back. Reiner’s back. Your beloved is back.

Four long years imagining the worst finally came to an end as you wrapped your arms around his neck, enveloping Reiner in a long, warm hug. He had gotten so big in these years and so charming. However something was missing in his eyes, that little spark of a warrior he had when he left didn’t come back with him. After hugging everyone, his attention sticked to you, framing you up and down, with a smile on his face “Look at you, you’ve grown so much” Of course you did, you’ve become an adult now, your body has changed so much. Little did you know Reiner was already fantasizing about every position he would have you in, how tight your welcoming walls would be, the sweet sounds you would make, the stress he would be relieved of after being done with you and the babies he would give to you later on. It was no secret that you had a crush on Reiner since you were little, always following him everywhere and always helping him. Everyone was so welcoming to him, and after some time everyone left the living room due to their sleep schedule. Only you stayed, listening to Reiner’s adventures inside the walls, laughing and biting your lip… and flicking your eyes back and forth, eyes to lips, lips to eyes. Reiner wasn’t stupid, he could see the desire in your eyes and the way your thighs started squeezing. “Have you missed me?” He whispered getting closer to you. “Everyone missed you” “What about you?” He insisted getting closer and finally placing a hand above your knee. Your eyes immediately fell to his hand. “Reiner” you whispered while the air started to feel heavier. His eyes were sticked into yours still waiting for your response. “Of course I missed you” you finally let out. That was all Reiner needed, that was the green light he needed to continue as he ravished you into a passionate and deep kiss. Your first kiss with your favorite person. Breath in, breath out. His hands found your waist rapidly as he continued to deepen the kiss entering your mouth. You both stopped at the necessity to breathe as your chest heaves, gasping. “Let’s go in your bedroom” You whispered knowing what was about to happen, and you even prepared for it. But Reiner didn’t seem to move as his lips found yours again, this time it was more rushed as he pushed your head back on the couch and your hands found his shoulders for balance. You wanted it to be perfect, your first times, but sometimes it doesn’t go as planned: that doesn’t mean that the quality won’t be the same or better maybe. Your body was pressed together and you swear your could feel something, something poking at your lower body. Fuck. His hands found your boobs as he started leaving love kisses here and there all over your neck and you swear the pressure of the air was becoming heavier and heavier as your breaths got slower manifesting in small gasps and whimpers as your couldn’t even keep eye contact with the man in front of you, even though this is all you wanted. “Feel that?” He whispered in your ear as you nod at the loss of words. His fingers found your lower body still fully clothed as he started massaging your clit delicately. “Fuck, I don’t even need to prepare you, ‘s wet” And you could almost feel ashamed. “You’re beautiful.” It was way too overwhelming, he knew what he was doing while his gentle words came out of his mouth. Suddenly, your shorts are scarted somewhere in the couch leaving you only in panties. His fingers slipped through the fabric reaching your folds and you swear he grunted at tht moment as he searches your eyes, your face which was contorted in pleasure, eyes shut from the pleasure and brows furrowed. He could’ve cum just there in front of the sight. “Ready? I’m going to prepare you first doll” The gentle words couldn’t prepare you at his fingers entering you painfully slow and as soon as he lets you adjust the width and length, he starts pumping them at an inhumane speed making you see stars. “Ah, ngh! Reiner” Your hand found his wrist to make him go slower but you admit you were starting to like it.

His hand found his crotch palming it down, he swears he would cum as soon as his tip makes contact with your wet folds. “N-need you” you suddenly let out with a whimper following. “Need you deep in me..” And he couldn’t believe it, what a welcoming present he found back home. “You’re so beautiful for me baby, patience. I will make you feel so good I promise” He let out as he continued with his relentless peace. “R-reined i feel something coming!” You reunited all your breaths to put two words together, but Reiner knew you were about to cum, he knew from how you already tight pussy was tightening and pulsating in pleasure. “Yes love, cum on my fingers” But you couldn’t even hear him too lost on your pleasure and trying not to be loud. This was the moment you felt like you lost your senses, it was too much but you didn’t want to stop, you wanted to feel how was it, you wanted to pleasure yourself and Reiner. The next thing you know was Reiner pushing his cock past your folds oh, so slowly that you felt you were going to die. Your arms were so weak yet they found their way on top of his shoulders trying to ease the pain away. Everything after that was a blur, Reiner started to fasten his peace but still searching to be as gentle as he could. His whole body pressed against yours and everything was so sticky, so wet and warm. Hot. As the second wave of pleasure was hitting you again, your second climax. He swear he could’ve seen stars as your walls started tightening around his dick already so thick that your insides were being shaped. When you woke up you found Reiner on top of you beathing heavily, he had just came. You probably went too cockdrunk and couldn’t process any of what was happening anymore. Reiner got up pulling himself together after what happened as he kissed you again once, twice nd a third time. Little pecks all over your face. “My doll.” He said sweetly.

[seeingivy]

soulmates 

levi ackerman x f!reader 

a game of taboo makes you wonder if levi is your soulmate

content: post war levi, domestic fluff, mentions of nightmares, falco + gabi, kinda manga spoilers?, blood

- 

Every weekend, you and Levi open up the likes of your tea shop and your home to your two favorite kids - Falco and Gabi. Not that Levi would ever tell them that. It was a tradition the four of you adopted after Reiner went out of town on a trip that you continued after he returned. The four of you enjoy each others company more than most. 

Falco and Gabi always help you and Levi with the shop on Friday, granted creating more of a mess than actually helping. While you and Levi had adopted a pace to making drinks at the shop, like a well oiled machine, Falco and Gabi were anything but. 

Gabi was all about speed. She wanted to make all the orders as fast as she could, not caring who or what, she had to trample over to get there. You swear the girl has nearly knocked you off your feet a few times, which earns her a scolding from Levi. 

Falco was all about precision. He wanted to make all the orders as perfect as possible, not caring how long it could take. You swore he could spend an entire day steeping if he could. You’re sure the habit is no thanks to Levi, who always sends the poor kid back whenever he asks him to make his tea. 

After finishing up at the shop, you and Levi close up, letting Falco and Gabi play the board games or read the books you have set out in your apartment for them. Games, from you. Books, from Levi. It goes to say that the spines of the book are in perfect state from never being opened. 

On this lovely Friday, Gabi and Falco had picked out Taboo for the four of you to play. You and Falco chose to team up like you did every week, the two of you a dream team of sorts. Meanwhile, Levi and Gabi begrudgingly worked together, butting heads every time the game started. They were both used to taking charge and making the plays, which led to arguments on how they should strategize and win. Meanwhile, you and Falco worked out a system - taking turns calling the shots which fared very well for the two of you.

The game is chaotic, with Levi and Gabi aggressively trying to guess the words at the top of the card. You and Falco can’t help but laugh at their turns, the two of them arguing about the semantics of the words and scolding each other for losing out the points each time. Meanwhile, you and Falco have a civilized conversation, high fiving every time you could figure out the word together. 

On your turn, you lift the card to your forehead, Falco smiling in excitement. 

“This one’s easy. You and Levi.” 

“Me and Levi? Is it business owners?” 

“No. Think about what you guys are.” 

“Adults? A couple? Short?”

Levi grabs the back of your head, turning your face towards his. 

“I’ll pretend like I didn’t hear that last one, brat.” 

You see Gabi and Falco laughing from your peripheral and you roll your eyes at him in response. 

“Military? Leaders?” 

The buzzer rings and you remove the card from your forehead to check the word. You hear Gabi and Levi taunting you in the background, but you’re too busy staring down at the card. Gabi leans over, flipping the card from your fingers to read the word. 

“The word is soulmates, Mr. Levi.” 

“Soulmates?” 

You turn your head at Levi saying the word. 

“Soulmates, Mr. Levi, are people who are made for each other. The person who balances you out, the one you’re destined to be with. You can swear you’ve met them before, your souls together in the previous life and the next too. Like you and Miss Y/N. ” 

Levi turns to Falco, his gray eyes glaring at him. He turns to  you, his gaze noticeably softening. You’re sure your cheeks are beet red by now and you try to divert the subject. 

“I’m going to start dinner. Whose turn is it to help me?” 

“Mine.” 

Your eyes widen as you turn to Levi, cursing yourself for asking in the first place. 

“You guys only played a few rounds. Stay here, I can handle it this week, Lee’.” 

You stand up before he can respond, basically running to the kitchen. 

“But Mr. Levi, wasn’t it my turn?” asks Falco, turning his head to the side to look at Levi. 

“Yes. Shut up and play the game brat.”

- 

After dinner, you and Levi pull out the air mattress the four of you sleep on. While you used to set up the guest rooms - you and Gabi in one and Falco and Levi in your bedroom - the four of you had been sleeping together in the living room as of late. 

It all started a few weeks ago, on a particularly bad night for you. Falco and Gabi ran into your room to find you screaming in your sleep, Levi hunched over you trying to pull you awake. When you came to, you held onto Levi, the tears streaming from your eyes. 

“Miss Y/N. What happened?” 

You turn to your side to find Falco and Gabi crying at your side, their faces pink. You motioned for the two of them to join you and Levi on the bed, the four of you sitting criss cross to face one another. 

“Nightmares, Falco. I’m okay.” you whisper. 

“I get those too. Bad ones.” 

The three of you look over, Gabi’s head in her hands. You move her hands, guiding her face to meet your gaze. 

“Mine are always about Hange. I see them in the air, skin on fire. I try to stop them in the dream, but they’re gone by the time I get to them. They never get up, no matter how hard I try, how fast I move.….they still die in my arms every time I close my eyes.”

You feel Levi shift behind you, his hand making its way into your hair. He brushes through the tangles, attempting to fix your bedhead. You warm at the thought, Levi’s touch comforting you all together. 

“I’m killing Sasha, watching her blood spill onto the floor. Or watching Eren become the Attack Titan, his skeleton spinning into the air while the walls come down.” 

She pauses, the words dying in her throat.

“Falco turns into a titan, his warm eyes replaced with that lifeless, horrifying look in his eyes. He’s gone. And it’s all my fault.” 

Falco reaches for her hand, the three of you squeezing your hands together. 

“You didn’t tell me, Gabi.” whispers Falco, turning to face her. 

“It’s embarrassing. That stuff is over but I can’t stop thinking about it.” 

“It’s not over, not for us anyway. Sometimes I swear I can still see that girl, Ymir’s memories. I wake up in a cold sweat, dreaming of being her as she’s crushed in Galliard’s teeth. Or I see Colt. Him embracing me while I kill him.” 

You hold your arms open, the two of them moving into your arms. You feel the two of them crying onto your shirt, as you press a kiss to the top of their heads. You turn to face Levi, his expression steely. You knew the look all too well, after being at Levi’s side for years. He felt guilty. You’re not sure what for.

“I have them too.” 

Gabi and Falco turn to face Levi, shocked at his words. While you opened up to the two of them often, Gabi and Falco rarely had heart to hearts with Levi. They never hated him for it, understanding that he had every reason to be guarded, more than most. The only person he really talked to was you. 

He reaches over, his hands brushing across the scars on your forehead and then your neck. You’re taken back to the moment, being nearly crushed in Zeke’s grasp as you guys stood on the Attack Titan. Levi had gotten to you in time, severing you out of Zeke’s hold, but he wasn’t fast enough to catch you before you fell down. 

“My nightmare is that I killed you. Every time I close my eyes, all I see is you falling, after I cut you down. I reach you and you’re dead. No sparkling eyes looking at me, no stupid remarks when I talk to you. You’re still. Quiet. Lifeless. And it’s all my fault. I wake up every night, pressing my fingers against your neck just to make sure you’re still here.” 

You reach forward, pulling him into your embrace. You place your hand on the side of his hair, the other arm still slung around Gabi and Falco. The four of you sit like that for a while, no one reaching to breaking the silence. 

“Mr. Levi. Can we sleep here?” he whispers, looking up at Levi. 

You and Levi move, opening up the covers for the two of them to climb in between you. Within a few minutes, the two of them are fast asleep, the tear stains now dry against their cheeks. You and Levi face each other, interlocking fingers over the two of them. 

“Whatcha thinking about, Miss Y/N?” 

You turn to find Falco, pulling out his pajamas near the mattress. You shake your head, throwing away the memory all together as you finish putting the bed together. 

“Nothing, Falco. Levi’s in the bathroom. Go brush your teeth.” 

He jumps off, retreating to your bathroom. You move towards the guest bathroom, finding Gabi brushing her teeth by the sink. You join her, the two of you making faces at each other as you finish up. 

“Braids, Gabs?” 

She nods, sitting up on the counter as you start brushing your fingers through her hair. You section off parts of her hair, getting to work on braiding her brown hair. 

“Do you not think Levi is your soulmate?” 

“What?” 

“It’s just that earlier, the card. You seemed uncomfortable when Falco said you guys were.” 

You sigh, twisting her hair in your fingers. 

“It’s not that, Gabi. Don’t soulmates have to be reciprocal?” 

“You don’t think you’re his soulmate?” 

“I don’t know. He’s lost so many people but I’m unsure of how he felt about them and how he feels about me. Sometimes I wonder if they were still here, I wouldn’t be the one next to him. Maybe he would want it to be one of them instead.” 

“I don’t think so, Miss Y/N. He loves you. The thing he’s most scared to lose is you.” 

“That’s because I’m the only thing left, Gabi.” 

Levi and Falco burst in, Falco nearly falling face first into the floor. You and Gabi turn to your side, glaring at the two of them for interrupting your conversation. You see Falco’s eyes shine at the sight of you braiding Gabi’s hair. 

“Gabi! You look so pretty.” 

You watch Gabi flush at his words, running out of the room to avoid making eye contact with him. He follows, screaming an apology at her. 

“Brats. They’re hopeless.” 

“She’s hopeless. I bet she does this everyday, because there’s no way Falco walks around without saying something like that to her.”  

He nods in agreement as you clear the sink from the brushes and elastics you were using in her hair. You look into the mirror to find Levi staring at you. 

“What? Do I have something on my face?” 

“No.” 

“Then why are you staring?”  

He reaches forward, crushing you in his arms. You feel his heart pounding in his chest as he holds you even harder in his arms. He lets go, running his eyes over you. 

“You okay, Levi?” you whisper, staring into his gray eyes. 

“Yeah, it’s just-” 

He’s cut off by Falco and Gabi, who barge into the room again. 

“Oh, sorry. We were just going to ask when you wanted to sleep.” 

Levi turns to you, giving you a smile before turning to glare at the two of them. He pushes Gabi out of the room and you sling your arm around Falco as you follow them. 

“Did no one teach you brats how to knock?” 

“No. My parents died in the rumbling before they could teach me that.” 

“Your parents dropped you off here. You’re real funny brat.” 

 - 

You wake up, a cold sweat running down the side of your back. Sasha in a pool of her own blood. You look over, Gabi and Falco are still fast asleep under the blanket. Levi is absent from the mattress and you peer around for any signs of where he went. 

You spot his black hair through the window of the balcony, him sitting on the floor out there. You pull your jacket (it’s Levi’s but who’s paying attention?) and join him out there, moving to sit next to him. He tenses at the contact, before opening up his arm for you to rest against him. You lean your back against his chest, his chin resting on top of your head. 

The two of you sit in silence, staring out at the neighborhood over you. You lean into his embrace, thanking whatever gods there were for letting you be the one next to Levi in this moment.

“It was always going to be you.” 

“Hm?”

“The person next to me. It was always going to be you.” 

You sit up, turning your back to face him. You’re unsure what he’s talking about, confused by his admittance all together. 

“I heard you talking to Gabi earlier. If they were still here, you would still be the one I want by my side.” 

You feel your cheeks burning, embarrassed Levi had heard you confessing your insecurities to a twelve year old girl. 

“I’m sorry, Levi. I didn’t mean it like that. I know how you feel about me.” 

Hie expression pinches and you can feel him tense behind your back. You curse yourself for placing doubt in his mind after everything he did for you. 

“I…loved them. They were both special to me, my best friends.” 

You nod, cradling the side of his face in your hand. 

“I know, Levi. You don’t need to explain.” you whisper. 

“But they’re not special the way you are. It sounds bad but I don’t love them like I love you. I’d be done for if you were the one gone instead of them.” 

You smile, glowing at his words. You knew Levi loved you, but he was hardly one to ever say it. Make no mistake, he showed it to you everyday - leaving tea out for you, making the dinner you like, buying flowers that remind him of you. But he was never the best at saying it, which did leave you to wonder at times. 

“Me too, Levi. As weird as it is to say, sometimes I feel lucky that you and I get to do this. Run a tea shop. Have the kids come around. Walk in the markets. I mean this time last year we were cradling each other's nearly dead bodies.” 

He pauses, swallowing hard before answering. 

“The next life will be nicer to us. I mean the odds are fucking impossible - anything is better than this.” 

“The next life?” 

“Soulmates. Your souls are together in the previous life and the next.” 

You feel your chest warm at his words, at him calling you his soulmate. You lean forward, pressing a kiss to his soft lips. 

-  

Levi walks Gabi and Falco home the next morning, leaving you snoring in the mattress behind. Gabi and Falco press kisses to your head, telling Levi they’ll bring dessert when they come next week. 

Levi returns, groceries in hand. He makes breakfast, starting a cup of tea as you pad into the kitchen. Still half asleep, you swing your arms against his torso, leaning your face against his back. 

“Kids gone?” 

“Mhm. Dropped them off earlier. I got the apples you wanted yesterday while I was out.” 

You turn to the counter, rummaging through the bag Levi brought. You take out the flowers he brought from the market - a bouquet of red tulips. You smile, setting them aside to put in a vase later. 

As you look for the apples, you find a small green box. You take it out and click it open, a simple silver band in the box. 

“Levi.” 

“Hm?” 

“Did you buy me a ring?” 

You see his expression pale, as he reaches over trying to take the box from you. You’re able to avoid his grasp for a few seconds, but he gets it back in the end. 

“You’re so damn nosy, brat.” 

“Why are you trying to hide it? Buy it for your secret girlfriend instead of me?” you tease. 

“You get stupider as time goes on. It’s obviously yours. I was waiting to give it to you.” 

You smile, holding your hands out so he can give you the box back. As he reaches out to place the box in your hands, you pause spotting an identical silver band on his ring finger. 

“You have the same one!” 

“Yes. That’s the point, idiot.” 

You look up at him, staring into his eyes. You suddenly feel nervous. Last night, Levi called you his soulmate. And today he bought you rings. Matching ones. 

“What does it mean? I mean, am I really all that?” you whisper. 

“It doesn’t mean anything.” 

You deflate, dejected by his words. While the implication of matching rings made you nervous, nauseous even, his fast rejection made you feel even worse. 

“Oh. Okay, yeah.” 

“I didn’t-” 

You can see the frustration rising to his face, his eyes squinting at you. 

“I didn’t mean it like that. You mean everything. I just mean we don’t have to do anything. If you don’t want to. They’re just rings. We can do all that whenever we want to.” 

You look up at him, smiling at his nervous expression.

“I mean everything?” you ask, smirking at him. 

He prods his fingers into your forehead, pushing you back into the chair. He places the breakfast he just made in front of you along with a cup of green tea. 

“You’re hopeless, brat.” 

-  

Falco and Gabi return the next week, accompanied with a box of mochi Reiner had bought for the two of you. As you and Levi take to make dinner, Falco and Gabi lean over the counter, whispering at the sight of you. 

“They’re wearing matching rings.” 

“What? Where, Falco?” 

“On their ring fingers. Look.” 

“They’re getting married, Falco! Does this mean I get to be a flower girl?” 

You and Levi smile at each other, trying your best not to laugh at the two of them whispering (yelling) over the counter. Levi turns towards them, placing their food in front of them. 

“We’re not getting married, brat. Not yet, anyways.” 

“YOU COULD HEAR THAT?” 

You turn to join the three of them, balancing your plate and Levi’s in your hand. 

“You’re not the best whisperer, Gabs. Sorry.” 

“Who bought them, Miss Y/N?” 

“Levi did, Falco. Last week after he dropped you off.” 

“Told you he was whipped for you. He looks like a kicked dog every time you walk away from him.” 

“Keep talking, brat. I can easily convince her to pick another flower girl.” 

You and Levi turn to Gabi, a wide smile spreading across her face. 

“Wait, so you’d actually consider me?” 

“Well yeah. Who else would do it?” 

She runs across the table, pulling the both of you together in a hug. Falco jumps up as well, running to join the three of you. The two of them shout in their excitement, shaking the two of you in their hold. Gabi grabs Falco’s hand, dragging him onto the balcony to look at which flowers would be best for the ceremony. 

“Since when does that murderous brat like flowers? It’s sickening.” 

“She’s just excited, Levi. Getting to be a part of it all and everything.” 

“We aren’t even getting married yet.” he deadpans. 

“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” 

You turn to him, interlocking your fingers with his as the two of you eat your food. You hear the two of them chattering outside and thank the gods, for keeping the other half of your soul next to you. 

[keischreiber]

Tailored For You

Synopsis: He's your boyfriend, isn't it only natural that he observes you the most?

Contains: Fluff

Pairings: Reiner x reader

Reiner's your boyfriend, so it's only natural the he observes you the most.

You're always eager to do things with your boyfriend, however you also know that he's busy. This is why you never demand him to go with you. Instead, you always invite him, giving him the option to say either yes or no.

※ "You do know that you can ALWAYS just tell me to go with you, right?"

He had a semi-apologetic look on his face, as if it was his fault why you can't just ask him upfront. But you explain that you don't want to bother him if he's busy because when it came to Reiner and work, things just tend to happen last minute.

This was one of the reasons why he can't help but to continuously grow in love with you. You were always so considerate.

As usual, he agrees to go with you. He never says no unless there was something more important. Thing is, there was simply nothing that was as important as you.

When you arrive at the mall, he knows that it's to get the essentials which often consisted of: Food, cleaning supplies, toiletries— the basics. Sometimes, he'll see that you'll get some things that he knows was for him.

※ "Is this really necessary?"

He'll ask, to which you just say yes because it's for him. You tend to spoil him when you can, knowing that he hardly does that for himself. He uses his money mostly for his mom, his cousin, his aunt and uncle, you.

The one thing that he doesn't usually see you get are things for yourself outside of the essentials. Sometimes, he would see you looking at a dress or two only to walk away mumbling things like, 'my pair at home is still pretty decent, I don't need that'.

He knows that you love stuffed animals, plush toys, anything that was soft and cuddly. There were instances where he'd see your eyes sparkle at the oddest looking one in the store, and then he remembers how your perception of cute was… unique. He saw your collection of monster and other odd plushies amid your zoo of a collection. Even from that you'd walk away, muttering to yourself that 'it's not within this month's budget, so maybe next time'.

Reiner also knows how fond you were of trinkets. You liked jewelry, no matter the price. You always seem to be in a good mood when you pass by a trinket shop that sold all kinds ranging from hair clips to anklets; some plain, others intricate in make. But again, to you it's more of a want than a need. So, it'll have to be for another time.

He knew why you were so tight when it came to money. The both of you have talked about your future together, and you wanted to save as much as you can so that he didn't have to shoulder everything. You even told him not to spend needlessly on you, but rather, spend it on his family. They come first.

And, to be honest, the fact that you care about the people who were important to him made you very endeared to him.

Which was why he honors this request.

But that doesn't mean that he can't spend a little. He never splurges, as per your request, but he does do what he can with what he has.

Because you'll scold him if he buys you new clothes, one time, he would invites you to his house, telling you to bring a few old white shirts, and maybe some old jeans while you were at it. You were curious why you needed to bring clothes, but you did anyway.

When you arrive at his modes home, he's waiting there for you with a do-it-yourself tie-dye kit. Gabi's there too, happily offering her help in turning your old white shirt into a masterpiece.

While you and Gabi did that, Reiner was with some needle and thread, sitting with his mom. There, Reiner was getting a quick lesson on how to do some embroidery, and when the day was over, you had a bunch of colorful shirts (Some being Reiner's whites which will now be yours), and jeans that looked like new because of the embroidery.

※ "I know it's nothin' special, but I hope this makes you happy."

But it was special. Not only that, it's priceless. A full-on Braun effort.

You love him for his consideration of you; and you love his family for making this day more memorable than just sitting alone at home with a good book.

These were now your favorite things to wear. Sometimes, when Reiner sees you in his (now yours) oversized tie-dyed shirt, he'd be a blushing mess. He always found it… uplifting… to see you in his clothes.

There was also a time when you caught Reiner red-handed.

※ "Wait, I can explain. This— I… I mean… I know it looks like a mess right now but I'll—"

But you cut him off with the tightest hug. Reiner thinks that it wasn't the cutest plush, after all, he had handmade it himself. He didn't really know how to sew, and everything skill that he employed into making the patterns and actually sewing was something he had asked his mother's help for. Teaching him how to make sure the patterns made sense, how to ensure that when he turned the material inside out, all the stiches were invisible… the success rate was… well, it was messy. But it was a plushie. Reiner wasn't satisfied with it, and was about to undo the stitches when you found him with it.

To Reiner, it looked like an abomination, but to you it was the most adorable thing. You take it from his hands and hugged it to yourself.

"Can I keep him?"

You ask him, and he just smiles in defeat, before pulling you against him.

※ "He's supposed to be yours to begin with… so of course you can."

You had noticed prior the bandages on his fingers. He worked so hard on this cute plush doll for you. It's now your treasure, something that means the world to you.

And then there was a day that was especially tough on you. You normally don't vent out to him, and instead, simply want to be close to him on days like these.

※ "Hold on, I have something for you."

He'll tell you, before reaching into his pockets. He's been waiting for a good opportunity to give you something, but felt short on occasions. However, today was as good a day as a birthday, or anniversaries, or Christmas. Today, you were feeling down, and he wanted to try and remedy that.

When his hands emerged from his pockets, he was clutching at something.

※ "C'mon, your hand. Give it."

He would demand sweetly of you, to which you show him your hand.

What he began putting on you was a bracelet. It was made of tumbled stones of varying shapes and sizes, stones whose colors complimented each other. Accented with small white beads that almost looked like tiny stars.

※ "I would've gotten you something more expensive, but I know you'll get mad."

He began to explains with a grin, trying to comfort you with a light joke.

※ "So, I picked everything out instead and made something myself. It's not much… but I hope it can cheer you up."

And since you were already vulnerable, you ended up crying against his chest. He said nothing thereafter and simply allowed you to cry for as long as you needed. He held you carefully, offering your back with gentle pats and soothing stroked up until you fell asleep in his arms.

As you drifted into the land of slumber, all you could think about was how every bit of Reiner's love and kindness meant everything to you.

You didn't need fancy, expensive things.

After all, the things that you've receive were enough.

More than the material things, you had Reiner who chose to stay in your life.

And that in itself was priceless.

[selene-moonie]

AOT: Faith in the 'Cause' and Social vs Inherent Value

NOTE: SPOILERS for the entire series. Also, I'm not saying anyone is right or wrong here. I only hate the shitty parents. Each character worked within the worldview they were raised with, and each of their decisions matter in the story.

Let's get a few definitions out of the way to start:

The 'Cause' - whatever you believe in that's bigger than you. Saving your country, ending the titans, getting a better life.

Social Value - when your worth comes from your ability to support others or your accomplishments.

Inherent Value - the idea that everyone has individual value regardless of their social accomplishments.

There are a few different types of parents. Some raised their kids to believe in a 'cause', others didn't, and some originally believed in a cause and then started valuing their kids as individuals.

Let's start with one of the original villains - Grisha Yeager. He raised his first son to believe in the 'cause' and valued him mainly for his ability to progress this cause. He will be written into history as a monster, like his brother, but it started when Grisha and Dina removed his humanity.

Zeke valued himself so little that he got his parents killed, endured years of spinal injections (and essentially became a male brood mother which is horrifying), had no close relationships other than the one with his mentor, and died for his sins right after he finally started smelling the roses. That is a fucking tragedy if I've ever read one.

His brother didn't get it any better either. Eren grew up with more love, and less of a cause than Zeke, but Eren picked up his own cause and inadvertently copied his dad. Eren's mom is a black haired woman, and Eren kept everything secret from his loved ones till it was too late. He's also dead because he valued himself more for what he could do for his friends than actually living his life.

Which is a shame because Mikasa deserved better than beheading the man she loved. I know Eren couldn't end the cycle of violence himself, he could only save the people loved, but it sucks that he had to die to do that.

I do want to say here that the parents who pushed their kids to further the cause are the ones aware of the reality of the world, like the fact that there's a war, the discrimination against the Eldians, etc. The parents who raised their kids not to believe in a cause, but instead valued them as individuals are the parents unaware of these things.

That doesn't mean they lack awareness of their immediate reality, as in the case of Artur Braus, Sasha's father. He straight up told her she could hide out in the forest and choose to not adapt, but he would change his family traditions to cope with the changing world. Her response was to rebel by joining the military but Sasha eventually came into her own and was one of the best members of the Scouts.

I think of how Sasha and her dad were key players in making sure another Eren wasn't created in Gabi. Her entire character arc was her learning that the Paradis Eldians were people just like her. The kindness, courage, and fighting skills that Sasha brought to the table years prior paid off in Gabi's interactions with her family, which is eventually what changed her mind. I just love seeing the cycle of violence end.

Jean is another one who was brought up with inherent value. He was self-absorbed and self-interested, but also ended up having one of the biggest character changes throughout the story. Jean quickly realised that his skills weren't as useful inside the walls as outside. He also chose not to kill a child soldier, in addition to saving Reiner, despite everything Reiner had done. He was one of the pettier characters, yet he grew into a really responsible man who chose to do better than continuing the cycle of violence as well.

Now the third type of parent is the one who originally valued their children for their social value, but eventually came to love them for their inherent value. These include Karina Braun and Leonhart. Karina straight up used her son to get a leg up in their society, and Leonhart adopted Annie for that purpose which is wild to me. I'm not sure how, or why they started loving their kids after they'd gotten them into the war criminal stuff, but hey, their kids eventually started making decisions that aligned with their true identities. Annie just wanted to go back home, and even though Reiner developed borderline personality disorder and suicidal ideation, he turned out ok as well.

I do wanna talk for a sec about the fact that the ones who were valued socially engaged in the most self-sacrificial behavior. Eren was in love with Mikasa since day zero or something, but he never told her. His relationships were strained and eternally kept at arm's length for his cause. Zeke didn't even have close friends, and Pieck apparently always knew he was a liar.

Meanwhile, the ones who saw inherent value in themselves ended up being the most well-adjusted of all the kids. They were also the ones to reach out and bridge the gaps between the Eldians in the end. Sasha probably never went a day wondering if her best friends loved her, and even though Niccolo hadn't proposed, she probably fantasized about marrying him as well. She lived fully, though she became a casualty of war. I don't think the ones with the causes got to do that.

The kids who eventually learned to value themselves as individuals (Rei, Annie, and Historia) had to assimilate their shadow selves, and they also learned to live life for themselves.

Each of these kids' parents had an active role in the decisions they made and how they valued themselves. The ones who were valued socially died alone and sad, while the ones who did die but were valued inherently had happier relationships. And the others just had to find ways to deal with the shadows they had collected along the way.

[moonspirit]

Okay we had pappaarmin, mammaannie. Now we need uncle Connie, Reiner and jean and auntie Pieck, hutch, mikasa

I headcannon that Connie spoils his niece. He also definitely loves those baby bear suit things and buys one in every size possible. (Kids remind him of his siblings and therefore loves them (also is generally good with kids as he has experience))

As for Reiner…let’s be honest Annie teaches the kid to bully him. “Sweetie we don’t hit unless it’s uncle Reiner in that case aim for his balls”

Tbh I have no clue for Jean but he definitely has an obnoxious baby voice.

Hitch spends most of Annie’s pregnancy waiting for her to be able to drink again

Pieck is being sweet and motherly as per usual, and overall is such a sweet aunt. She and Connie teach Annie how to do hair as their kids hair is thick like armins and Annie isn’t used to that as her hair is so thin in comparison

Finally mikasa, the god mother (I don’t know who they will choose to be godfather) she bakes cookies.

Ahaha xD Good call!

The Alliance being parents to Aruani kids!

Connie's definitely the least intimidating of the bunch and Aruani kids have a blast of a time with him! He definitely does see his lost siblings in them and sometimes cries about it. Signs them up for all the local events, takes them along on market runs, is game at any hour of the day to go have some fun. Connie's also reliable in that Aruani can trust him not to let the kids get into any danger because he's been a big brother before, and he's still a great one.

Reiner's the resident sandbag - or that's what Annie tells the kids. Not that he minds particularly, because the Aruani kids make him very emotional. Watching them running around having fun reminds him of Gabi, Falco, Udo and Zofia during the Liberio festival. Two of them are still alive ofc, but the latter are long gone, and he misses the children and what he wanted to be to them. In that respect, Reiner's the man to go whenever there's a festival going on. A source of free money for all the delicious street food and sweet treats because all they have to do is give him large wet puppy eyes and he's spending every last penny of his Ambassador paycheck on them.

(The next day they continue their martial arts lessons under Annie's tutelage with Reiner as the punching bag).

Jean is... a little awkward with kids, but he's not bad at it per se. He's a little boisterous and loud, sometimes coming across as a bit aggressive but he's definitely got that protective streak (because remember, he was veeeery protective of Gabi & Falco during the final battle). The kids look up to him because he's always so well-dressed and perfectly groomed so they're definitely picking up some hair-care tips from him. Wouldn't surprise me if Armin wakes up one day to find his daughter and son standing on little chairs in the bathroom, working pomade into their blonde locks with their tongues out in concentration. "Hey, hey Papa! Do we look like Uncle Jean? What do you think?!"

Pieck is your cool aunt! She knows everything, and will teach you anything! Do the aruani kids want to dress up for the harvest festival? Auntie Pieck's got them! Do the kids want to sneak off to that abandoned windmill because there's rumours of ghosts haunting the place? Auntie Pieck's got them! Do they kids want to commit slight murder? Auntie Pieck's got them (and she'll get them out of it too!). On the rare occassion that Pieck also finds herself stuck, she's hollering out for Jean to come get her and the kids out of the mess and he's grumbling and groaning about it - but he does it anyway. Because it's his crazy girlfriend and his adorable nephew and niece.

Mikasa is the calm and cool godmother to the kids. She's definitely the most attached to them because I think she'd have liked nothing more than to start a family with Eren, and because that was never a possibility from the start, she spends her life longing for the reality she never will have. The Aruani kids make her emotional and protective in a very particular way. She loves spending time with them and even urges Aruani to drop them off at her cottage so they can take some time away for themselves. She takes them mushroom picking, teaches them horseriding, cooks them all the classic Paradisian food and snacks. She also reads to them at bedtime, but the kids beg her to tell them stories of her days in the Survey Corps and about titans.

Papa Levi is burdened with yet more children, and while he looks pissed to be having more unruly kids trying to clamber up on his lap and messing with his wheelchair, he humours everything they do T^T Because Papa Levi!

Hitch is, well, Hitch. She's bored when Annie's pregnant and is still bored once they become parents. What she needs is entertainment and she's getting none :<

[multifandoms27-blog]

Reiner Braun Relationship HC's 2

• ───────────────── •

Content: Post-Marley Reiner Braun x GN! Reader

Warnings: Simpage (from me), mentions of kidnapping, mentions of Marco, Zeke. Also slight suggestiveness at the end, but nothing explicit.

Notes: No S4 spoilers, even though this takes place in Marley. Anime watchers can read this 👍

• ───────────────── •

Okay so, a lot of this is going to be based off an rp between me and a friend you know who you are but I feel it's close enough to his character in S4, so bare with me

Reiner took you with him to Marley by force so now you're kinda stuck with him

If you can forgive him after the whole Marco/traitor thing, I would then this will be no problem for you

He's super serious in government meetings and anything pertaining to Titans and Paradis, but when with you he's anything but

Sometimes he needs to be held and told he's okay, sometimes he wants to take you out for a walk, sometimes he just needs your presence with him but don't talk to him...it depends

I feel like he would tell you what's going on within the government and what's happened over at Paradis, even though he's not supposed to and you both could be killed for it

He only does that so you're in the loop and are safe. Although, since you'd be from Paradis, I doubt the government wouldn't make good use of you.

Reiner would do anything to make sure they wouldn't send you back over to Paradis, or make you fight again. Obviously this can only extend so far, unless you gain the favor of Zeke. But that's a discussion for another day.

Reiner would still like some PDA, or just being semi clingy in general, as you're one of his only lights of happiness. But he wants the PDA to be restricted to hand holding in front of Gabi and the others.

He's going to lean on you a lot more in Marley than he ever did in Paradis, and it might be a little overwhelming, maybe annoying, but he's a broken man and is just trying to make you happy while also trying to be happy himself.

He can get jealous pretty easily - he's always worried about losing you. So when he sees you with Zeke once you've gained his favor, he's going to start comparing himself and the older man. He's going to lash out at you and Zeke for it, but will really only beg for forgiveness from you. Please show him the wonderful ways of communicating problems.

When you're alone and you grab his tits chest, he might give you a confused look before letting you continue to mess with him. He doesn't understand your fixation with his chest, but if it makes you happy, they're all yours.

Reiner please give me a chance I beg of you

• ───────────────── •

Here is my Masterlist in case you want to request, or look for more of your favorite character!

[dorminchu]

another wip for wednesday — aot (despicable animal); annie, gabi & falco ft. survivor's guilt

I do really like this scene too. last one for a while. ft. some author's notes in bold

"Oh yeah? What about that other guy?"

"What other guy?"

Falco looked as if he'd been forced to Shift again. The color drained from his face as Leonhardt turned to him. Gabi gave him a withering glance and said, "Oh, Grice was telling me there's a guy you'd been seeing." She brightened. "I didn't really think you were interested in anyone. He won't tell me anything else."

"It's not your business," Falco snapped, looking like he'd rather sink through the floor than continue the conversation.

Leonhardt gauged their expressions. After proving herself a ruthless killer for Marley this was the last conversation she'd expected to have with the cadets.

"Mr. Krueger is an outlander," said Gabi. "He emigrated to Liberio."

"Many people chose to come here after the armistice," Leonhardt said. "Some of them don't care if I'm Eldian."

Grice's shoulders relaxed but he still looked as if he was going to be sick.

Gabi scowled, churlish. She planted her hands in her pockets as if to disguise her clenched fists. "He's not Marleyan. I heard he served in the conflict a year ago, he blew himself up. He was going to bomb us all to hell. And you can just forgive it because he said he's sorry?"

"There's no point in holding a grudge," Leonhardt said without really believing it. "I might as well direct the anger at myself if I'm going to blame the other side for everything Marley has done."

Gabi shook her head as if to clear it. "Mum doesn't want to believe it. I mean, we let him into our country just 'cause the Queen said so. What should Marley want to do with him? He's just a devil-blood from that stupid island and he's allowed to live in Liberio like any other Warrior. If he were one of ours maybe he'd have some reason to be here."

"He's Eldian," Leonhardt said in a cold voice. "As am I. As was your cousin. It was off the backs of us that Paradis's fate was secured. None of us asked to sign up for the Warrior Unit. We were selected and we'll be cast aside. I doubt the Warrior Unit will still exist within your lifetime."

"You don't care about Marley at all," said Gabi in disbelief.

Leonhardt drilled a hole into her with her eyes. "So you'd die for your beliefs. Either you'll grow out of it, or you'll come back home in a box and break your mother's heart. It really doesn't make a difference to me and I'm sure it will make less to Marley." Gabi tensed. An argument she couldn't win, a slap in the face to everything that had been ingrained into her since childhood. Leonhardt had already suffered enough zealous idealism for one lifetime. "I did what I had to so I could see my father." She still kept the trick ring. The only souveneir from her time on the island. "Now I'm back home, and I've made peace with the fact that my father will outlive me."

Falco said, in a quiet voice, "Ms. Leonhardt, she didn't mean to imply that you were unpatriotic."

"Don't speak for me!" Gabi snapped. "It's not my fault that Reiner and Bertholdt and Marcel are dead."

That'll probably earn a slap. THEN Gabi wells up, angry and hurt. Gabi for all of her experience on the front lines was just a kid. She didn't know any better because all she'd ever fought was cannon fodder. She stormed out of the room and Leonhardt didn't watch.

Falco started to go after her. "Grice," she started to say through a tight throat.

His footsteps paused.

"Why didn't you say anything? During the festival. You knew enough." His voice was shaking. "You stayed quiet."

What good would it have done to turn him in? He'd have escaped and killed more civilians. The words she could not say weighed heavy on her tongue. She'd never smoked, but she found herself longing for a cigarette. "It wasn't my choice to make," she said, unable to meet Grice's eyes. "Just as it wasn't yours or Gabi's. We fought the wrong enemy and we'll be paying the price as long as Paradis exists." She turned. "Mr. Krueger and I will be dead in two years, but it makes no difference."

Grice swallowed dryly. His eyes flickered to her. "We're the enemy of his motherland."

Leonhardt bit her tongue. "You think I'm weak."

Grice looked up at her in alarm. "You're not weak at all, Ms. Leonhardt."

Leonhardt sucked in a frustrated breath. Braun would've listened to the kids. Even Hoover would've known what to say. Leonhardt was here to fill the absence left in her fellow Warriors' wake. A replacement no one was happy about. Another hand-me-down, like Braun to Marcel. No one had to say it even if Gabi all-but had. She was Vice Captain. She ought to be happy after all. The sole survivor from that devil island.

"What else should I have done?" she snapped. "Hoover and Braun were dead. Jaeger lost his mind. He's nothing like he once was. He'd just as well sacrifice anyone for his suicide mission, I don't give a damn how sorry he feels."

She turned to meet Grice, who flinched.

"He's a renegade," she said, in a tone she couldn't disguise past her tightening throat, "and I deluded myself. I thought he could be convinced to stand down. I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

She hadn't meant to take it out on him. Grice listened where anyone else would fix a placid smile and think about what flowers to bring in a year. Too good-hearted to understand, but he wasn't a fool and she was no better than Gabi to snap at him.

"So don't blame yourself," she said. "This isn't your fault."

[melishade]

Attack on Prime Alternative Scenes Part 4

Part 3

Now this is going to be a long one and I am going to hate it, because guess who we're talking about today!

Gabi!

Look, full disclaimer. I am neutral about Gabi in terms of how she was written in AOT. I get what Isayama was going for with her, but because we knew her for so little, or course many people were obviously going to get mad that she killed a long time fan favorite. Sure, we've spent time with Gabi, but not enough to care about her compared to the main AOT cast.

I did write one scene where Megatron's confrontation with her is much more violent which prompts her to reflect on his words:

Megatron felt his anger rise to a level he hadn’t felt since he was the leader of the Deceptions. He kicked Gabi hard in the stomach, causing her to fall to her knees and clutch her stomach in pain.

Reiner and Colt tried to interfere, but Megatron raised his hand in front of the both of them.

“She needs to learn,” Megatron hissed in an ominous tone.

“You!” Gabi hissed as she stood up, “You don’t know a damn thing about honor! About serving a country! I’ve worked hard to get to where I am, and you still treat me like I’m a child!”

“Because you are!” Megatron shot back, “At least Falco and Colt listen! You always make one impulsive decision after another without a care in the world! That type of stupid attitude is going to get you killed!”

“Then I’ll die as a hero!” Gabi shouted, “Unlike you, who runs away from everything like a coward!”

“Gabi!” Reiner yelled.

“You’ll die as a fool and a waste!” Megatron shouted.

“You don’t know!” Gabi shouted, “You run away and have the audacity to tell me that I’m a coward! You wouldn’t know sacrifice! Or honor! Or glory! You-!...you…,”

Gabi stopped when Megatron lifted up his shirt. Pieck gasped in horror while Reiner looked ready to throw up. Zeke grew tense while Porco took a step back. They all could see the jagged scar that was smacked dead center of the titan’s chest that ran down from the top of his chest to the bottom of his abdomen.

“Go on,” Megatron challenged, “What were you saying? It must be such an honor, right? To die a hero?”

Gabi didn’t open her mouth as Megatron let go of his shirt. “It’s easy to die a hero, but it’s harder to live with the consequences of the horrible things you’ve done. You are a soldier! Not a child! Yet you act like a fucking fool! An arrogant stain on Marley military! Stop acting like an idiot! The world is never as simple as you think! Grow up!”

Gabi jolted when Megatron threw the rifle to the ground and stormed off.

This scene was supposed to contribute to her character development later, but I changed it in order to make Megatron more calm when it came to confronting Gabi. Also, also, I was originally going to have her be the reason they were captured by enemy forces in the other alternate scene and have Megatron go berserk, but that got scrapped. Here's the scene though:

Gabi walked outside to see Matthew sitting on the bench, wrapping his arms in bandages. She tensed when she saw him without his shirt, seeing the huge scar on his back match the one on his front along with other multiple scars.

Gabi took a deep breath and walked up to the man. “Um…Matthew?”

Matthew stopped wrapping the bandages and looked behind him to see her. Gabi wanted to cry when he saw him glaring at her with such disdain.

“What do you want, brat?” Matthew demanded as he continued wrapping the bandages.

“I…I wanted to apologize,” Gabi began, “It…was because of me that we got captured. I was brash…and reckless…my friends were hurt…and you were hurt. It was because of me. I’m sorry.”

Matthew finished wrapping the bandages before grabbing his shirt. “I don’t want to hear your half-assed apologies. I want to see action, which you clearly haven’t been able to demonstrate since day one. I would’ve cut you out a long time ago, but your unbridled devotion is what’s keeping you here. And because none of your superiors know whose fault it was that caused your capture.”

Matthew placed the shirt over his head. “I would tell your superiors it was you, but that would cause you to be stripped of your rank and being turned into a titan along with your family at the next battle.”

“I deserve it,” Gabi said without hesitation, “I’m a devil.”

Matthew smacked Gabi in her head hard. The girl clutched her head in pain and glared at him.

“What’s your problem?!” she shouted.

“You’re an idiot; that’s your problem,” Matthew answered, “Because you believe your life has no worth, you’re completely and utterly reckless in your actions. Wanting to be the best and not caring how you get there. You think the world is simply black and white. If you kill this person, Marley recognizes you. Follow their orders, Marley rewards you. Sacrifice your lifespan, Marley gives you an ‘honorary title’. You believe that Marley will grant you freedom once you get the founding titan. That all the discrimination and hatred will go away over night. It doesn’t. The world is more complex than you will ever know, and if you keep looking through rose colored glasses, you won’t get very far.”

Matthew stood up. “Your actions will reflect badly on your score in becoming a titan shifter. You will have to work to earn my confidence that you won’t blow yourself up on the next battle. Prove to me that you can grow and learn, and not shove my teachings down the gutter. Do you understand?”

Still, writing her in AOP was going to be a problem because I had to redeem her without having Sasha killed off! Then I remembered that Arcee was there and I was writing her to get attached to the humans. Originally, she and Sasha were going to be partners but that didn't work out. And then Ymir is still the Jaws Titan, so...Falco has no use in the story. So he gets shot!

But instead of Falco being knocked into a coma, he was supposed to survive and have a confrontation with Megatron, before Sasha takes Falco to stay at her parent's place with Arcee to protect him:

Falco slowly blinked as he opened his eyes. He found himself looking up at a brown ceiling and that he was lying down on a bed. He sat up and winced in pain when he looked down to see a bandage wrapped around his stomach.

“What…happened?” he asked himself.

“You were shot,” a voice answered.

Falco turned his attention and gasped in surprise to see Matthew standing at the foot of his bed with his arms crossed.

“Matthew,” Falco said, “W-what happened? Where am I?”

“Eren Jaeger attacked Liberio after Willy declared war,” Matthew explained.

“No, after,” Falco corrected, “I-I followed Gabi onto the ship. I must’ve gotten shot and fell over. Everything else was blurry after that. Matthew, where am I?”

“You’re on Paradis island,” Matthew explained before his voice dramatically changed, “And I am not Matthew Hayes.”

Falco felt a sense of dread and betrayal when the man’s voice changed. “No…not you too. Who are you?”

‘Matthew’ lifted his arm up and it began to change shape. Falco watched as it changed into one of that of the flying titan.

“You…you’re the flying titan,” Falco realized.

“Yes,” he answered in his true voice.

“All this time,” Falco began, trying to process the situation, “You lied to us. You’ve been lying to us for four years.”

“It’s clear that I’m not wanted. I’ll leave. I have to be informed about plans regarding the next attack.” The flying titan proclaimed as he was making his way out of the makeshift infirmary.

“Wait!” Falco exclaimed as he tried to reach out for him. Falco fell out of bed for reaching too far and landed on his side. He clutched his wound in pain as he curled in on himself.

Megatron heard the boy’s cry for pain as he was at the door. He debated his options and sighed to himself before walking back over to him. He picked the boy up before setting him back down on the bed.

“You shouldn’t exert yourself,” Megatron advised, “You’ll reopen your wound.”

“Why do you care?” Falco demanded as he still held onto his side, “You were sent to destroy us.”

“I was sent for recon,” Megatron declared as he grabbed a chair and sat down, “If I wanted to destroy you, believe me, I would have done it a long time ago.”

“Was anything you told us even true?” Falco asked.

“Some of it,” Megatron admitted, “A good lie holds some truth to it. The story regarding the scar on my shoulder was true to an extent. The creature I mentioned was of Cybertronian origin, not this world.”

“So the idea of leaving?” Falco asked.

“I had to play on the idea so I wouldn’t get caught,” Megatron explained, “I did have to come up with a reason to permanently stay until recon was finished.”

“…when you saved us,” Falco realized.

Megatron hummed in response. “Honestly, I’m not fond of seeing sparklings going to war and then dying immediately. At the very least, I wanted to ensure that you were ready.”

“But…that doesn’t make sense,” Falco admitted, “I’m a threat. I was one of the warrior candidates. You were teaching me to fight you.”

Megatron chuckled. “You are the furthest thing from a threat. I taught you how to fight, but I never taught you how to beat me. The style I’ve been teaching you in was one I wasn’t good at.”

“And…you still managed to fend off Annie during training,” Falco retorted.

“I’ve been fighting for my entire existence,” Megatron declared, “It’s nothing new.”

“I see,” Falco said before remembering something, “Gabi! Where is she?!”

“Prison,” Megatron answered, “She shot a Survey Corps member and nearly killed another. The two wheeler saved the other one, and that bullet she shot deflected off of her and hit you in your side. The one who nearly died saved you from falling to your death.”

“But you know her!” Falco exclaimed, “Can’t you do something for her!”

“She killed a human, injured another, and almost killed a second one,” Megatron deadpanned, “Even if I wanted to help her, there’s not much I can do for her.”

“But-!”

“Falco, this is war,” Megatron reminded, “Remember that. Not everything I taught you should go to waste.”

“So then…what will happen to me?” Falco asked, “Will I be thrown in prison?”

“No,” Megatron answered, “Because you didn’t do anything entirely stupid, I was able to create a case for you. The human that brat nearly killed decided to take you to her home for the time being. You’ll be staying with her family.”

“Why can’t you take me back home?” Falco demanded, “My brother. My family.”

“If I go back, I will be attacked by Marley troops,” Megatron explained, “While it will take time to kill me, it doesn’t change the fact that I can get injured and that there is no medic here.”

“But I’m still a prisoner,” Falco proclaimed.

“It could be worse,” Megatron reminded, “You could actually be thrown in a cell.”

“I guess,” Falco agreed, “But…why did you advocate for me? I’m your enemy, right?”

“I respect you to a degree, and your brother,” Megatron proclaimed as he stood up, “I figure it was the least I could do after everything. And you two are able to see Marley for the fools they are.”

“I didn’t think you’d care, considering what I’ve heard about you,” Falco admitted, “You still seem…okay.”

“Once you do here the entire story, that opinion will change. I can guarantee it,” Megatron proclaimed, “You’ll see me as a monster.”

“But…you’re all just normal people,” Falco reasoned, “You and everyone else here are not demons at all. You just want to live and survive. You only attacked because we attacked you first.”

“I’m surprised you’re taking this as well as you are,” Megatron admitted.

“That doesn’t change the fact that I am hurt,” Falco declared, “Eren made me send that stupid letter to his comrades, and you’ve been lying to us since day one.”

“…that doesn’t mean my actions were not real,” Megatron proclaimed as he turned to walk away.

“Wait!” Falco called out, “What is your real name?”

Megatron touched the handle of the door and sighed to himself. “Megatron.”

“Megatron,” Falco spoke before smiling, “Thank you…for advocating for me.”

Megatron didn’t respond as he opened the door and walked out the room.

===

Falco tensed up and hid behind Sasha when he saw Arcee in her bipedal mode. Sasha noticed this and held his hand.

“It’s okay,” Sasha whispered, “She’s not going to hurt you, I promise.”

“I…I’m not sure,” Falco admitted.

Sasha decided to ease the tension and greet Arcee. “Hey ‘Cee,”

Arcee looked down at Sasha and smiled before kneeling down. “Ready to go home?”

“You have no idea,” Sasha sighed with relief.

Arcee noticed Falco hiding behind Sasha. “You’re okay.”

Falco lifted his head from behind Sasha. “You…were worried?”

“You have no idea,” Arcee answered, “I’ve been through a lot. The last thing I wanted was a dead kid on my conscious.”

Falco fully removed himself from behind Sasha, but still stayed close to her.

“Call me Arcee,” she introduced herself.

“Falco,” he replied in kind.

“Well, Falco, I’ll be taking you to Sasha’s home,” Arcee explained, “You’ll be staying there until we figure something out.”

I still have more scenes with Falco but this whole portion of the storyline gets scrapped because of Arcee. The way I was building up Arcee throughout the story is to break down her ideology about black and white, good and evil, blah, blah, blah. She sees that through the victims of the war on Cybertron, but she obviously can't accept that so she ends up leaving. She's put in a situation where she is considered an enemy of the world, but she still can't stomach the idea of working together with Megatron. I needed Arcee to have one more break, which was Falco getting hurt and knocked into a coma, to ultimately break her black and white mentality. She needed to recognize in the worst way possible that she is a villain in the story.

Anyway, back to Gabi. There was one scene that I had written where Optimus does confront her about being from Marley instead of Megatron technically outing her:

Optimus noticed ‘Mia’ glaring at him after he waved goodbye to the vender. He walked over to her and offered her his hand so he could take her to his alt mode. She immediately swatted the hand away and took a step back.

“I assume you are still scared of me,” Optimus assumed. He wanted to get a truthful answer out of whoever this girl was. He knew she was lying to him; he just had to pinpoint exactly what it was.

“Stop trying to be nice,” ‘Mia’ hissed as she walked away from him.

“I am trying to help you,” Optimus reasoned, “I wish to make sure you are safe.”

“So you can rectify your unforgivable sins, you devil?!” ‘Mia’ exclaimed.

Optimus stared in surprise while ‘Mia’ covered her mouth in fear.

“You are…from Marley?” Optimus asked in surprise, causing the girl to take steps back away from her.

“N-no,” she shook her head, “I’m not.”

Optimus knew she was trying to lie again and instead tried to put the pieces together of who she was. No one besides the Eldianrestorationists should be back from Marley. He remembered that two enemy soldiers stormed Wheeljack’s ship. One of them was with Sasha, and the other…was thrown in prison.

“You are,” Optimus concluded.

“No I’m not!” the girl cried, “Leave me alone! Or I’ll scream!”

“No, don’t scream,” Optimus pleaded, “The island will take my word over yours. If they so much as learn who you are, you’ll be sent back into military hands and I cannot control what will happen to you then. You have to trust me.”

“Why should I do that?” the girl hissed.

“Because I can get you off the island and back to Marley,” Optimus answered, before listening to footsteps approaching them, “I know you have no reason to trust me, but I can find you a way back to your home.”

The girl still looked like she was debating her options as the footsteps almost rounded the building. Optimus thought quick and grabbed the girl and picked her up.

“Pretend you are sleeping,” Optimus whispered to her as a woman rounded the building and saw them.

“Is everything alright?” the woman asked, “I thought I heard fighting.”

“Everything is fine,” Optimus reassured, “Mia was just tired, that is all.”

Optimus felt the girl tighten her grip on the holoform jacket and tuck her face into his neck.

“Oh, the poor thing,” the woman sighed, “I can loan you something for her if you’d like.”

“Do not worry. I have what I need for her,” Optimus proclaimed, “Thank you for the kind offer.”

Optimus watched the woman walk away before quietly sighing with relief. He then turned his attention to the girl, who still hid her face in his shoulder.

“It is alright now,” Optimus reassured as he was about to set the girl down, but she tightened her grip even more now.

“You…didn’t tell her,” the girl addressed him without moving her face.

“Of course I did not,” Optimus said.

“Why would you save your enemy?” the girl demanded.

“You are not my enemy,” Optimus declared.

“Then why would you save me, devil?” the girl demanded, “You’ve caused destruction of lives throughout the world for over 1,000 years. You’re a demon. You hate anyone that isn’t like you. You attacked my home, killed my friends, and killed my mentor. He wasn’t even my mentor. He lied to us all.”

“Mentor…?” Optimus questioned before realizing who this girl was, “You are Gabi Braun?”

The girl finally lifted her head and glared at Optimus. “So Matthew told you about me?”

Optimus noticed the pain and shame in the girl’s eyes and felt guilty. “What exactly did he tell you?”

Gabi didn’t respond as she placed her head back on his shoulder. “That I’m a failure. That I’m incompetent. That my recklessness gets people I love killed.”

Optimus placed his hand on Gabi’s head as he walked over to his alt mode. “You are just frightened and terrified. That does not make you a failure.”

“I’m a warrior,” Gabi declared, “I’m not supposed to show fear. I’m supposed to gladly lay down my life for my people and my country. I must atone for my sins.”

“What sins?” Optimus asked.

“The sins my ancestors have caused,” Gabi explained.

Optimus arrived at his alt mode and placed Gabi by the passenger door. “What have you done specifically that would warrant you to be called a devil?”

Gabi looked up at the Prime. “My ancestors-,”

“I am not talking about your ancestors,” Optimus interrupted, “I am speaking of you, specifically.”

“I…I stormed your ship,” Gabi explained, “Tried you kill one of your own. I…I’ve killed so many people so that I could gain respect from Marley.”

“Because you were not given much of a choice,” Optimus proclaimed, “You were given so few options in order to survive, and you were placed into war, which forces people to sacrifice their morality in order to survive. You were told that you had to give your life because of what your people have done in the past. A single person should not be defined by what their ancestors have done.”

“What my ancestors have done is unforgivable,” Gabi proclaimed.

“But you have not done those things,” Optimus proclaimed.

“You have no right to tell me this,” Gabi proclaimed, “You’re a demon. You’ve plundered and destroyed the world and left nothing but blood. You’re a murderer.”

Optimus sighed as he sat down in front of her. “Perhaps you are right,”

Gabi blinked in surprise before scowling. “Of course I’m right.”

“But not in the way that you think,” Optimus continued, “I have killed many. I have killed many of my own people in a civil war that destroyed my world. I have had to make difficult choices that would result in heavy consequences. And I had to fight Matthew: someone I once considered brother. I was not there for him when he needed me, and…he lost his way.”

Gabi scowl disappeared as she stared at Optimus in surprise. She remembered the tale Matthew told her years ago and the pieces finally fell into place. “You…you’re the librarian?”

Optimus was startled by Gabi’s question, but continued. “Yes, I am. I did not expect you to know about me.”

“Matthew told us about you,” Gabi explained, “He was…trying to teach us a lesson.”

“And what was he trying to teach you?” Optimus asked.

“That…the world is not black and white,” Gabi answered.

Optimus blinked in response before huffing and giving a sad smile. “That is the unfortunate truth of the universe. If the world were black and white, I would have killed Matthew to end the war and stop the destruction of our planet a long time ago. But I let my attachment to him cloud my judgment, and as a result, it prolonged our war to unforeseen circumstances. I lost my home, my mentor, my brother, my lover. I lost so much.”

“Then…why?” Gabi asked, “Why would you continue to fight when you’ve practically lost?”

Gabi was startled when Optimus placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“I continue to fight, so that someone like you will never have to experience the pain and sorrow that I have felt,” Optimus declared.

This scene wasn't included or it had to be severely changed. I originally was going to have Megatron bring up Orion to the Marleyans, but that ultimately got scrapped because Megatron would never talk about that to the enemy, no matter how fond he's gotten of them. He does end up calling Orion a 'naive little shit' Lol. But I mainly wrote these scenes because in order for Gabi to be redeemed I thought that having her be around Optimus would be a good start.

And before that, Kiyomi was originally supposed to find out about Gabi, and offers Optimus to help watch her when in reality she wants to interrogate her. Also, ignore the misspelling of Kiyomi's name. I wrote this a while ago:

Gabi glared at Kyomi as the woman sat down and poured herself some wine. She clenched the chair she was in as she felt eyes on the back of her head as she glanced back at the two guards behind her at the doors.

“I’m just a simple child,” Gabi tried to reason, “What’s with the security?”

Kyomi took a small sip as she looked Gabi dead in the eye. “Do you really think I’d forget your face? I saw all four of you when I helped your friend avoid getting turned into a titan when he spilled wine all over me.”

Gabi began trembling.

“And what do you know, two Eldian warriors storm the titan’s ship and kill a Survey Corps member,” Kyomi added, “And by the flying titan’s account, both were trained warriors.”

Gabi growled in anger. “You traitor.”

Kyomi huffed in response. “That was fast.”

“Shut up!” Gabi shouted, “You could’ve told someone about these demons! Instead, you’re working with them! You’re just as evil as them! Eldian sympathizer!”

“That should be good for you,” Kyomi reminded calmly, “Considering the fact I could just as easily turn you over to the government and probably have you executed.”

Gabi’s face dropped and her whole body filled with dread.

“Or I could tell Optimus, since he clearly doesn’t know who you are,” Kyomi continued.

“Y-you can’t do that,” Gabi proclaimed.

“Says who?” Kyomi demanded.

“Marley will come for me,” Gabi warned, “They’ll come and-,”

“I doubt they would come for an expendable warrior,” Kyomi proclaimed, “They’ll just pluck another Eldian to take your place. When they come, they’re coming to avenge the non-Eldians. Not you.”

“My friends are dead,” Gabi hissed, “Zofia was crushed by a boulder. Udo was trampled to death. Falco…falco…,”

“He’s dead because of you,” the flying titan’s voice echoed in her mind.

“It’s because of those titans,” Gabi hissed, “It’s because of those demons. Eren killed my friends. Those titans trampled my home! It was because of them!”

Gabi looked at Kyomi with such fury. “WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO LECTURE ME WHEN YOU’VE BETRAYED YOUR OWN KIND?!”

Kyomi put the glass down. “You want my personal opinion: I’m just doing this for profit. I think it’s just better to work with the person that has the goods instead of trying to blow them up. If people thought like that instead of the nonsense they think of now, this world would be better off.  If you took the time to actually talk to the people at the harbor, you’d realize that they’re not demons.”

“They are,” Gabi declared, “Especially that flying titan and the metal titan!”

Kyomi broke face and began to snicker. Gabi felt insulted when the woman began giggling.

“The flying titan destroyed my home!” Gabi shouted.

“He did,” Kyomi said, “He also could’ve destroyed it four years ago if he wanted to but he didn’t. Matthew doesn’t deny that he’s a demon. He’s played that role for so long that he’s come to accept the backlash. I’m laughing about your opinion on the metal titan. Optimus Prime has done nothing but take care of you, and all you’ve done is curse and spit at him.”

“He’s a demon!” Gabi exclaimed, “He wanted to destroy my home!”

Kyomi sighed. “I’m going to let you in on some confidential information.”

“Ma’am,” one of the guards spoke.

Kyomi raised her hand in response before turning to Gabi. “Optimus never wanted to attack Liberio. No one did.”

Gabi stared in disbelief.

“Eren went rogue on his own,” Kyomi continued, “He left the island without informing anyone. The original plan was to find Eren and bring him back to the island before he did anything dangerous. When it became clear that Eren had full intentions of attacking Liberio on his own, everyone was cornered with a decision: help Eren attack Liberio and kill innocent people, or let Eren attack on his own and have the Founding Titan power redacted. The flying titan already had the information he needed, and had no issue with killing. The other two titan were complacent; they had their own friends they needed to protect. Optimus kept up vocal opposition until the end. He said he would remain on the island to defend it in the event a fleet came and attacked. In reality, he just didn’t want to kill any humans.”

Gabi shook her head in response. “I-I don’t believe you.”

“Did Optimus hurt you?” Kyomi asked, “Did Optimus attack you? Did Optimus harm you in any way?”

Gabi didn’t respond.

“There’s your answer,” Kyomi said, “Optimus protects humans; he doesn’t hurt them.”

“He’s still a demon,” Gabi whispered.

“Still in denial,” Kyomi sighed, “I should tell Optimus who you are, or any official for that matter, but I know that you just want to go back to Marley.”

Gabi grew worried at her statement.

“I clearly can’t take you,” Kyomi proclaimed, “The Amizubitos will be outed and attacked. I can’t risk my nation being destroyed. My advice to you, if you want to stay alive: stay with Optimus Prime.”

“Stay?!” Gabi shouted.

“There are others still outside,” Kyomi reminded.

Gabi closed her mouth.

“The fact that you killed one of their own will no doubt get you killed,” Kyomi explained, “Breaking out of prison doesn’t help your case either. Staying with Optimus will increase your chances at survival. He doesn’t harm human, and you’re a child. He’ll give you special treatment and make sure your safe under his care until he can get you a home. It’s not like you have any other options, anyway.”

“…what if…he finds out who I am?” Gabi hesitantly asked.

Kyomi thought it over. “I don’t think he would hurt you.”

“Why?” Gabi asked.

“Every sentient being deserves an opportunity for redemption,” Kyomi quoted, “His words. Not mine.”

Gabi scoffed in response. “That’s stupid.”

“It’s what he believes,” Kyomi proclaimed, “It’s not something bad to hold on to.”

Also the final confrontation between them was supposed to be a little bit different too:

“Gabi, are you alright?!” Optimus asked with concerned as he examined the bruise on her arm.

Gabi grew angry and pulled her arm from Optimus’ grip. She tried to shove him away, but she merely fell backwards and hit her head on the side of Optimus’ alt mode.

“Gabi-!”

“Stop it! Just stop it, you devil!” Gabi shouted.

“Gabi-,”

“Is this some kind of sick twisted joke to you?!” Gabi demanded, “I am a devil! A demon! Why are you risking your life for me?!”

“Gabi, they would have killed you if I handed you over to them,” Optimus reasoned.

“I’m your enemy!” Gabi shouted, “You were supposed to hand me over to them! Instead, you protect me?! Are you out of your mind?! You’re an idiot! A fucking idiot! You’re trying to manipulate me to trust me before you kill me yourself!”

Gabi stood up. “You’re a demon! A devil! Do us both a favor and die!”

Gabi didn’t know what came over her as she punched Optimus square in the face. She felt her heart stop and dread go through her as Optimus touched his cheek. What did she do?! The titan saved her, and she decided to punch him! Now he would no doubt try to kill her now! She doomed herself! She was going to die! The flying titan was right! Her idiocy was going to get her killed!

Gabi fell back down as Optimus stood up and looked down at her. She trembled in fear and was ready to cry. She then watched in confusion as Optimus walked away from her towards a small bush of blue flowers.

“I understand your hatred of me,” Optimus began as he knelt down and picked the flowers one-by-one, “I understand you want me dead after the attack of your home. If it was my choice, I would not have attacked a place full of innocent humans, but it is war. War does not spare the weak. It only takes as it leaves nothing in its path but death and destruction. It does not matter who is in the right or wrong, many will die.”

Gabi tensed when Optimus stood up and walked over to her before sitting down in front of her. “You are a soldier because you were given such few options. Because of your heritage. You are seen as a demon by the people you serve, and as a result, you believe yourself to be a demon.”

“That’s not-,”

“You wish to become great,” Optimus continued as he weaved the flowers together, “You wish to become powerful so that you will mean something to someone. You wish to be recognized by the ones who do not care for your own life at all. When you are met with others who wish to help you that have no alliance with Marley, you curse them and say they do not matter. Marley only wishes for you to become great because they wanted to use you as a weapon. They do not care for you as a person.

“You’re afraid that everything Marley taught you is wrong. You’re afraid of the reality that someone you loved attacked and killed innocent people. You scream and cry out in fear. You’re afraid of being considered weak. You do not believe your life has value.”

Gabi watched Optimus finish weaving the flowers into a crown. “The island sees you as an enemy. That is understandable. The world sees you as a devil. That is unforgivable.”

Gabi shut her eyes in fear as Optimus placed the crown on her head. “All I see, is a little girl. I see a little girl who wants nothing more than to return home.”

Gabi shakily touch the crown on her head as looked Optimus in the eye. “What…what do you want from me?”

“I just want you to see that you are human,” Optimus answered.

“I’m…I’m not,” Gabi whispered, recalling her memories of the four year war. She began recalling the way she treated her friends, and how they were now six feet under. She remembered the way she killed her enemies, both Eldians and others. She remembered Falco, and how her foolishness got a bullet in his side and caused him to bleed out. It was her fault. She was the one who did that, and she was powerless to do a thing.

“I’m a devil,” Gabi whispered as tears rolled down her cheek, “I killed people. I was cruel to my friends. I didn’t get to tell them that I cared, and now their dead. They’re dead because of me. I deserve to die. I…I…”

Gabi covered her eyes with her hands and began crying. “I’m so horrible!”

Gabi screamed and cried as she sobbed loudly. Optimus could only watch with sorrow before wrapping his arms around her. She tensed in fear as Optimus placed his hand on her head.

“It is alright,” Optimus reassured, “You are allowed to cry. You are allowed to be human.”

Gabi felt her hands move to Optimus’ arms and she gripped them tightly. She put her face on Optimus’ shoulder and continued crying. The tension in her body leaving, realizing she didn’t fear the titan. The titan would protect her, and keep her safe.

Yeah, in the original outline, Pieck was never in the scene. She was supposed to be tailing Eren originally. Then I had the whole 'shadow' idea so I had to change course. Also, I thought Optimus making Gabi a flower crown would have been nice but I don't think he would know how to do that.

So originally I was going to have Levi and Kenny find Optimus together, after Kenny and Levi have a rather heated conversation after the Killer saves the Captain's life from Zeke. Optimus remembers Falco's location and ends up going to the cabin with all three of them to drop of Gabi and pick up Sasha:

Optimus helped Gabi out of his alt mode before kneeling down in front of her. “I need you to stay here.”

“No!” Gabi exclaimed while shaking her head.

“Gabi-,”

“No, I want to stay with you!” Gabi pleaded.

“Gabi, where we are going is dangerous,” Optimus explained, “You could be killed.”

“He’s right,” Levi reasoned, “The military wants you dead, and there’s a chance Eren and Zeke are raising hell as we speak. You’d be dead in an instant.”

“But-!”

“Gabi, look at me,” Optimus pleaded, earning the girl’s attention, “This is the best option for you. I will come back for you; you have my word, but you need to stay here.”

“…I’m scared…,” Gabi whimpered as she hugged the Prime.

“I know you are, but this is the safest place for you right now,” Optimus declared.

“How are you sure?” Gabi asked.

Gabi gasped when the door opened to reveal the woman who went to rescue Falco on the ship two months ago. She was now in civilian attired with a bow in hand and arrows in her quiver. Gabi yelped in fear and hid behind Optimus as she drew her arrow.

“It’s not for you,” Optimus whispered.

Gabi peaked over Optimus shoulder to see the woman directing her weapon at Kenny who had his hands up in surrender.

“Stand down,” Levi ordered, “He’s on our side.”

“I’m not convinced,” Sasha declared.

“Too bad sharpshooter,” Kenny hissed, “You’re gonna have to work with me.”

“Why the hell should I do that?” Sasha demanded.

“Zeke escaped,” Levi explained, “He’s infected the wine from Marley with his titan fluid and has been feeding it to the military.”

Sasha stared in fear as she lowered her bow. “Hanji and the others? Where are they?”

“Fine,” Kenny answered, “They didn’t drink the wine and Erwin got them out in time.”

“We are heading over to them now,” Optimus declared as he stood up, “I know this is much to take in, but we need as many soldiers as possible.”

Sasha turned her attention to Gabi, who was trying her best to hide behind Optimus. “And what about her?”

“Can she remain here with your family?” Optimus asked, “Where we are going, it will not be safe for her.”

“Depends,” Sasha answered before turning to Gabi, “You’re not going to try and kill me, right? That bullet would’ve gone through my heart if Arcee wasn’t there,”

Gabi furiously shook her head. “No, I’ll be good. I promise.”

Sasha thought over her options, but sighed in irritation. “Doesn’t seem like I have a choice due to the time crunch. Fine, she can stay. Falco, Gabi’s here!”

Gabi heart stopped as she stepped in front of Optimus. Falco? Falco was here? No…Falco was dead…her bullet when through his side. He bled out…right?

Gabi’s breath got lodged in her throat as she saw Falco walking out the house in perfect health. She noticed the bandage wrapped around his waist under his shirt and began trembling. Falco didn’t seem to notice as he smiled with joy.

“Gabi!” Falco exclaimed as he ran to her and gave her a hug, “I’m so glad to see you! Did they let you out of prison?! What’s with the flower crown?!”

Gabi couldn’t handle it anymore and her legs gave out. She fell to her knees and out of Falco’s grasp, startling the boy.

“Gabi, what’s wrong?” Falco asked in surprise.

Falco didn’t know what to do when tears began forming in Gabi’s eyes. She ended up taking a deep breath and loudly sobbed. Falco immediately got on his knees as a fountain of tears poured out.

“Gabi-!” Falco wasn’t able to get a word out as Gabi tightly hugged her friend.

“I’m sorry!” Gabi sobbed through her tears, “I’m so sorry!”

“It’s fine! I’m fine!” Falco tried to reason before turning to the three men in front of him, “Why is she like this?!”

“Right, forgot to mention. Megatron told Gabi that you were dead,” Kenny answered.

“What?!” Falco exclaimed.

“What the hell?!” Sasha demanded.

“Permission to shoot buckethead in the face,” Levi said.

“Granted,” Optimus allowed.

Mr. Blause came walking to the door with coffee in hand when he heard the loud sobbing. He was startled to see all these people at his doorstep and looked down at his coffee cup.

“I think this ain’t healthy,” he commented.

“Pa, I gotta go,” Sasha told him, “Take care of that girl, Gabi, okay?”

“’Kay,” Mr. Blause agreed before hugging his daughter, “Be safe. Love ya’.”

“Love ya’, too,” Sasha replied back as he hugged him. She let go of her father before running towards Optimus’ alt mode. She hopped into the back while Kenny jumped into the passenger seat. Optimus deactivated his holoform and opened the driver door for Levi. The captain jumped in before Optimus revved his engine and drove away from the house.

Mr. Blause sighed in irritation about the chaos before looking down at Falco and the newcomer still crying. Mr. Blause set his coffee cup down and walked over to the two and kneeled down.

“Heya,” he greeted, “Ya’ look tired,”

Gabi glared at the man while tightening her grip on Falco.

“Gabi, it’s okay,” Falco reassured, “His family let me stay with them.”

Gabi was still unsure as she watched the adult with caution.

“How ‘bout I take you to a nice bed and ya’ get some rest b’foreya’ eat somethin’?” Mr. Blause suggested.

Gabi was really tempted by the offer, and gave into her exhaustion. She let go of Falco and nodded her head quietly.

“I can carry ya’,” Mr. Blause offered.

Gabi felt her guard go down as Mr. Blause picked her up and carried her into the house with Falco following behind.

So originally, Megatron was going to tell Gabi that Falco was dead instead of alive in order to break her mentally and keep her in the prison. He didn't want her having the motivation to escape. She ultimately did in this version, and she ends up under Optimus, who leads her right back to Falco.

There were also a few other scenes on the farm:

Gabi opened her eyes and rubbed her head before sitting up. She noticed that she was in someone’s room and the bed she was on was right next to the window.

Gabi felt the blankets shift and looked down to see Falco resting his head on the bed while he was sitting in a chair. Gabi was going to cry again when she saw Falco breathing. He…he’s alive. Falco’s alive.

Gabi slowly reached out and touched Falco’s head. The boy slowly opened his eyes and raised his head. He rubbed his eyes before looking directly at Gabi.

“Hey,” Falco said.

“Where…are we?” Gabi asked.

“We’re at Sasha Blause’s home,” Falco explained, “She let me stay here instead of getting sent to prison.”

“Oh…,” Gabi weakly responded.

“Gabi, are you-…,” Falco stopped himself short. She probably wasn’t okay. She thought for months that he was dead, and from the looks of it, she blamed herself for it.

“Gabi, I’m alive,” Falco told her, “I’m here, and we’ll find a way to get back home together.”

Gabi looked down at Falco’s shirt to see the bandages around his waist. Falco noticed the direction of her gaze and pulled down the shirt. He then pulled her into a hug, startling the girl.

“But…but I hurt you,” Gabi reminded, “You almost died because of me.”

“You would’ve never hurt me on purpose,” Falco proclaimed, “And I’m here now. It’s okay.”

Gabi wrapped her arms around Falco’s waist, causing him to wince. Gabi quickly let go of him with fear and concern.

“The wound’s not completely healed yet,” Falco explained, “I’ll be fine though.”

Gabi wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“Gabi-,”

“I was always mean to you. I always looked down on you,” Gabi cut him off, “I never…,”

Gabi began crying again in his shoulder. “I hurt you. I almost killed you.”

Gabi obviously needed to apologize to Falco for calling him a bad friend. And there's a much more positive interaction between Kaya and Gabi:

”Can’t believe Megatron told you I was dead,” Falco admitted.

Gabi looked at Falco. “That’s Matthew’s real name?”

Falco nodded his head. “I wasn’t aware he faked his death, so when I woke up in the hospital, kind of thought I was back in Marley. Then I heard him talking differently, and he told me who he was and what he was doing.”

“So…why were you sent here?” Gabi asked, “How come you weren’t put in prison?”

“Megatron advocated for me,” Falco explained, “He told the military here that I was much more rationale and wouldn’t try to kill anyone. He even said I most likely got on the ship to try and stop you. So the woman, Sasha, decided to take me here and allow me to recover. When I asked him about you, he said there was nothing he could do since you tried to kill one of their own.”

“…He could be lying to you,” Gabi proclaimed, “He lied to me. He lied to everyone. Udo and Zofia are dead. Liberio’s been destroyed.”

“From what I heard, Eren Jaeger was the one who launched the attack by himself in the first place,” Falco proclaimed.

“How could you have heard that?” Gabi demanded.

“I heard some of them talking,” Falco explained, “They said they threw Eren into prison.”

“No excuse for what Megatron did,” Gabi declared, “Did…did he even care about us? Every action he did, was it because he cared, or was it because he was trying not to get caught?”

“…can’t say for certain,” Falco admitted, “Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t. I don’t know.”

“I hate him,” Gabi declared.

“…I don’t know if I can,” Falco admitted.

“Hi,” a voice greeted.

The two looked up to see a blonde girl holding two sandwiches, offering both of it to them. Falco smiled and took the both of it from her hands. He handed one to Gabi, and she took it from his hands.

“Can I sit with you two?” she asked politely.

“Sure,” Falco answered.

Gabi grew tense when the girl sat down next to her. She grew even more nervous when she held out her hand to her.

“I’m Kaya,” she introduced herself.

“…Gabi,” she meekly responded as she shook Kaya’s hand.

“You’re from Marley, like Falco, right?” she asked.

Gabi nodded her head.

“So…you probably think I’m a devil right?” Kaya asked.

Gabi pulled her knees up to her chest. She didn’t know what to think anymore.

“I…,” Gabi trailed off, unable to come up with a response.

“It’s okay,” Kaya reassured, “You were raised in Marley. I can’t blame you for your way of thinking.”

Gabi was startled by the girl’s response. She didn’t yell at her, or curse her out.

“Falco, do you know when my sister’s coming back?” Kaya asked.

“I’m not sure,” Falco answered, “It seemed pretty urgent when she left. I don’t know what’s going on.”

“…Zeke broke out,” Gabi declared.

“What?!” Falco exclaimed while Kaya looked in surprise.

“He broke out, and now he might turn people here into titans,” Gabi proclaimed.

“…that’s terrifying,” Kaya remarked.

“How are you not worried?!” Falco exclaimed.

Kaya quickly shushed him before continuing. “I am worried, but I know that the Survey Corps and the Autobots will do everything they can to stop it.”

“’Autobots’?” Gabi questioned.

“Arcee, Wheeljack, and Optimus,” Kaya listed, “They’re called Autobots, and they advocate for the protection of life. I don’t know about Megatron though. Every time I ask Sasha about it, she would give me this uncomfortable look and said that ignorance was better.”

“Do you know anything about Megatron?” Gabi asked.

“Not really,” Kaya answered, “Arcee would tell us tales of battles she had on both her home and on Earth, but she didn’t really talk about Megatron much.”

“Who’s Arcee?” Gabi asked.

“The blue Autobot,” Kaya explained, “She’s extremely agile and fast. She’s my sister’s partner.”

“I hate her,” Gabi hissed, earning a worried look from Falco.

“Is it because she was part of the Liberio attack?” Kaya asked.

Gabi looked at Falco and felt a wave of guilt rush over her.

“Arcee didn’t mean for me to get injured,” Falco explained, “She felt guilty when the bullet hit me and was glad that I was alive. She even came to me in the hospital and apologized to me.”

“Arcee wanted to apologize to you too, but since you were in prison, she never got the chance,” Kaya continued, “She never wanted to attack Liberio. None of the titans did.”

“Then why did they?!” Gabi exclaimed, “Why did they trample my home into the ground?! Why did they kill Udo and Zofia?! Why did those devils attack us?!”

“Gabi!” Falco exclaimed before grabbing her hand.

“…because it’s war,” Kaya answered, earning both of their attention, “Arcee has always told me and Sasha that war was terrible. She had to get her hands dirty in order to survive. She struggled so much to keep her morality while fighting a group that wouldn’t hesitate to kill their own in a heartbeat. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done. People will end on dying, because one side feels right. It’s why…,”

Gabi felt her stomach turn as Kaya began to cry. “It’s why my mom was devoured by a titan. It’s why our country was devastated. It’s why Arcee lost her home, and why the Survey Corps attacked Liberio. It was because of war.”

“War is a cruel and terrible thing,” Gabi remembered Optimus saying, “It kills and destroys until no one is left. You’re only given the option to survive, and must sacrifice everything in order to do so.”

“…I’m…sorry,” Gabi said quietly, earning a shocked look from Falco.

“It’s okay,” Kaya reassured as she wiped away her tears, “You were born in Marley, and told to think a certain way.”

Gabi removed her hand from Falco’s grip as he stared in disbelief. Gabi would never say stuff like this. She would never apologize. She would never be kind to the people she had been told were demons. What the hell caused this change?

“So…,” Kaya began, wanting to change the topic, “What’s Optimus like?”

Gabi stared at her in surprise. “Huh?”

“You actually got to meet Optimus and spend time with him,” Kaya said, “I’ve always wanted to meet him, but I missed my chance when Optimus came here. Arcee always told me and the others stories of battles they fought together. I’ve always wanted to know what he truly was like. You spent time with Optimus, so what did you think of him?”

Falco became worried once more. What was Gabi going to say? She already hated Megatron, what could she say that could possibly make this-

“Kind,” Gabi answered, “Optimus is…really kind.”

Falco stared in shock. What?!

“Optimus protected me and was willing to take care of me,” Gabi continued, “Even when he figured out that I was from Marley, he was stilling willing to help me get back home to safety. He protected me from his own allies and saved my life over and over.”

Gabi let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Even when I called him a devil and cursed him out, he saved my life. I…just hope I get the chance to apologize to him when he comes back. And tell him thank you for protecting me.”

Yeah, there was a lot going on, but this originally happened because Sasha was supposed to be bringing Arcee to the farm more often, and the Autobot would tell stories to Kaya and the other kids, which is why Kaya knew more than the average person.

I think that's all I have for right now because this is a lot. And as I'm scanning through my old documents, I'm realizing I'm missing a lot more shit. Lol. I'll post it later with time. Just enjoy.

[stinkysam]

Reiner Braun - Birthday

Warning : nsfw, blowjob (giving)

Genre : smut

Synopsis : "you find a way to celebrate Reiner's birthday"

Reader : Male (you/yours)

A/N : I'm late.

Since he's been back in Marley, Reiner wasn't big on birthday parties.

Preferring much more discreet and private celebrations.

Though, he didn't mind when Gabi and her friends loudly wished him a happy birthday. Jumping on him as they yelled their good wishes.

Still, he preferred when you kissed his cheek softly, whispering a gentle "Happy birthday" against his ear while lightly squeezing his arm.

But things were different now, you were dating. He deserved more than a simple "happy birthday".

You still wished him that way of course. Because you loved watching him get sheepish, knowing his heart was beating faster because of you, keeping your other surprise for later, when it's just the two of you.

You made it pass for a simple cuddle session, kissing him fondly, cradling his face with your lips until you both landed on his bed.

Your strong arms held him close as he held you as equally tightly as you did, keeping you pressed against him.

Your knee naturally went between his legs, slowly pushing against his crotch as he let out a soft gasp, pulling you closer, as if it was possible.

You kissed his jaw down to his throat, giving a kiss to Adam's apple, making him smile at the gesture.

"I love you." He whispered, eyes closed.

"I love you." You whispered back as your lips trailed downward, pulling on his shirt to kiss his collarbone and his chest.

You continued to move down until you reached his navel, kissing it too as your hands caressed his hips, slowly pulling his pants down. He was breathing loudly, watching your every move.

You kept pressing your lips to his skin, giving his thighs some love as well as you kissed them thoroughly, making sure you got every inch of them. You felt his legs twitch under your hands, muscles clenching and unclenching while you could hear his ragged breath.

You could watch his dick slowly grow hard under your touches, as you slowly removed his underwear. 

You kissed the inner of his thighs, slowly moving to the base of his cock, licking it as one of your hands fondled his balls gently.

Reiner couldn't take how delicately and tenderly you kept touching him, your feather-like kisses and caresses driving him insane. He felt like he didn't deserve such softness but he couldn't help but selfishly want more.

His hands went to your head, fingers pressing against your scalp as he held you there against him. Stopping you from wanting to pull away. As if you wanted to.

He huffed and sighed in pleasure as his dick was fully hard by now. You continued to kiss his base, cock leaking pre-come.

Reiner shuddered as your fingers still worked on his heavy balls. Tongue spreading hot saliva from the base to the tip of his dick.

He gasped when you finally took him in your mouth, slowly moving your head up and down his length.

He moaned your name, making your dick throb under your clothes. But you decided to ignore it, wanting the focus to be on him and him only.

"Don't stop." He pleads between breaths. Eyes half lidded. He wanted to close them but he couldn't stop looking at you between his legs. He didn't want to miss a thing.

You hum, sending vibrations down his dick, making him moan louder as his fingers dig into your hair.

You kept bobbing your head slowly, taking your time. You were not in a rush. You wanted him to feel the pleasure and to get lost in it.

One hand by his balls while the other gently soothed him, caressing from his hips to his thigh. You touched him as if he was made of glass. Delicately. Tenderly. Lovingly.

You knew he was close with the way his legs twitched, almost squeezing your head between his strong thighs, muscles clenching and unclenching quickly. Broken moans escaped his lips, like music to your ears, almost making your dick ache.

His hands still in your hair, keeping you close, you could feel them tremble against you.

"Wait- I'm gonna-" He tried to say before letting out another loud moan as he came in your mouth, making you swallow everything.

You continued to caress his shaking thighs before kissing your way back to his lips. He panted, looking at you with lovestruck eyes before shyly apologizing for cumming in your mouth like that.

You tenderly kissed him again, chuckling lightly, caressing his cheek as you cupped his face.

"Happy birthday." You whispered against his lips. He closed his eyes as he captured your lips in a loving kiss, wrapping his arms around you.

[spaceisout]

A desire that was not meant to be.

Pairing: Reiner Braun x F!Reader, Slight Jean Kirstein x F! Reader

Plot: You had put off your meeting due to the conflict with Marley but due to circumstances everything ends up erupting all at once.

Warning(s): cursing, yelling, slight violence

A/n: there might be a few mistakes since it's not fully proofread.

It was a quiet night to say the least, there were no titans in sight. The only sound you could hear were beetles and some animals roaming around at night.

A campfire inside the forest would have seem like a good choice to gather with some friends.

Friends.

Nowadays the people you had known for years were disappearing little by little. You did not know who to trust now. Anyone could have ill intentions that might get you tracked and dragged back to Paradis by the jaegerists.

Your lives were on the line and in return you'd get nothing.

The current group that was at each other's throats years ago were now sitting together sharing a meal.

It was a sight you'd never thought you would see again.

Well see Reiner again.

After parting that day during the invasion all you thought was about seeing the love your life. Waiting to kiss him again one day, but of course it turned out differently.

Now having him front of you brought mixed feelings and no reassurance that your love was as strong as it used to be.

Reiner kept glancing your way from time to time.

There were some instances that you'd both look at each other and let your gaze rest until one of you looked away.

His stare did awaken some of those feelings you'd used to get whenever he was around. But with a current situation it was difficult to tell if it was wrong to still feel something for him.

"Reiner Braun," Yelena said bringing your catching your attention. "You're the one who reached Shiganshina's inner gate. Do you know how many Eldians we're devoured by pure titans because of that?"

Reiner looked away feeling the guilt rushing back to him as he recalled the events.

You could tell how regretful he was. The look on his face said it all.

Yelena looked at Annie, "Annie Leonheart. I heard you killed a few more than survey core members on your time. And that's before we get into all innocents you trampled on and to fight your way out of Stohes."

"But let's not forget the brave liberators of Paradis." She added, "There's Armin the level headed one, who seems far too kind to cause that blood bath he did at Marley. How high do you think you can stack those corpses. And don't forget the civilians there were plenty."

Armin looked down at his lap closing his eyes.

"Not to sell the rest of you too short." She continued, making you feel annoyed by her voice already. "Everyone gave a heroic performance in Liberio. Jean most of all, Little Falco here threw himself in front of you to protect the cart but you didn't let that stop you from firing your thunder spear did you?"

You could feel the air change as her words continued on. Pouring venom into the open and getting everyone riled up to cause a scene. You knew her game play very well. She did not care about saving people. Elena never cared about anyone but herself in this whole situation. She easily bent down to Eren to stay in power even if that meant killing her own friend in return.

"You'd thought you all made it out clean until Gabi gunned down Sasha. What a sweetheart that girl was, even I couldn't help but feel sad for her." She said, "And to you she was family, you went through training together, went through hell together. Losing her must have been more painful than I can imagine.*

You rolled your eyes at her fake sympathy.

"This stew is pretty good Hange." Jean spoke smiling slightly at her, "Got enough for seconds?"

"Oh we've got more than enough so don't be shy." Hange grabbed his bowl and began to pour more stew.

Jean leaned back holding the bottle of liquor in one hand while keeping the other flat on the ground.

"I wanna thank you for this Yelena." He said, "You're baiting us out to air our grudges so we can get it out of our systems and get our heads on straight. Right? You'd have someone to vent to yourself if you hadn't blown out all you friends brains out to keep your fantasy alive."

He took another sip before continuing, "Now all you have a head full of cutting remarks and death wish. So this is actually pretty selfless of you."

"What can you expect?" You spoke leaning back against the large tree trunk. "She's all about getting what she wants but when her life is in danger that's all she actually cares about."

You looked at her as she avoided eye contact, "Isn't that right? You're all talk about everyone else's mistakes but you keep yourself shut on your own. I really hope that if you make it this far someone doesn't come along and take you out for not wanting to deal with your crap anymore."

"Now now we need to all be on the same page, (name)." Hange said, "Let's all take a break yeah?"

A sigh escaped from your lips, "How can I when people like her exist? She's a selfish prick."

Yelena lips started to curve up into a smile but stopped herself.

"Right... almost forgot." She said, "I didn't mention another name, he was already dead by the time we met. But I remember you said you were good friends. What was it, Mar―co."

Both your and Jean's eyes widened hearing his name.

Everyone's eyes were now on Yelena as well.

"As I recall you told me Annie had something to do with his death didn't you? Did you ever ask her for details?" Jean gasped in surprise. "I bet she'll tell you."

You held your breath waiting to hear an answer, an explanation as to why your close friend had to face death that day.

"I stole his odm gear and left him where titans could get to him." Annie admitted avoiding eye contact, "Marco got eaten because of me―"

Was surprised you was how quickly Reiner spoke.

"Annie was only following orders that I was giving her."

Hate started to fall deep in the pit of your stomach. Jean noticed your change in behavior, he placed his hand on top of yours giving it a gentle squeeze.

Of course it did not go unnoticed by Reiner, seeing how close you two were.

"During the fight in Trost, Marco over heard me and Bertholdt discussing something secret. If we let him go he could have exposed us and we decided we had to silence him." He continued but his explanation only angered you more. "I figured nobody would think twice about a scout getting eaten by a Titan. So I tackled him under a roof and I pinned him down and ordered Annie to strip him off his ODM gear. Then we just left him there... Marco was stranded on that rooftop without a way and a Titan got to him."

Silence rested upon the group, no one could grasp what Reiner had admitted. It was devasting seeing how someone could be so selfish about leaving another human being stranded to die.

"So... did Marco say anything before he was killed?" Jean asked.

"He asked why I wasn't willing to talk to him." Reiner answered.

"I think that question applies to everyone, why we haven't been willing to talk. We all just started fighting and assumed it had to be to the death."

"But we can still change that," Hange added. "We were all ready to kill each other. And now here we are talking it's something right? To think we would all be sitting around a campfire, sharing a meal with people we once called enemies."

"I stood and watched as a Titan devoured Marco and then a switch flipped and I couldn't figure out why it was happening."

Hange gasped.

"I just snapped flew into a rage, hell-bent on avenging Marco. I cut down the titan myself―"

"We get it Reiner." Jean interrupted him, "You're saying the guilt of carrying out the mission screwed with your head."

"Don't forgive me... I'm truly worthless."

"I said we get it." He spoke louder as his voice trembled with rage.

"I'm sorry."

It was enough to make you and Jean explode. Tears started to fall down your cheeks as you tried to understand why he was covering for her. Why he decided to go along with those orders.

Jean leaped from his place and threw a punch at him, throwing Reiner back and blood to come out of mouth. In a moment Jean was on top of him without a thought, it was all starting to become too much for you.

As they were killing each other you tried to suppress the sobs that wanted to escape. Armin walked over to you, rubbing your back and trying to calm you down.

"Try to breathe, okay?" Armin softly spoke, "Let's try and get your breathing back to normal."

You weakly nodded but it was impossible seeing how Jean was trying to kill the person who you thought was the love of your life.

Armin then left your side as he and Connie tried to get Jean off of Reiner

You stood up along with Hange and Mikasa to see what was going on.

Gabi then stepped in, but she was hurt in the process by Jean's strong hit. Falco kneeled down beside her worried about her health.

"I'm sorry... we came here," She spoke in pain. "To kill everyone in Paradis... we wanted to stage a massacre not prisoners. We thought the world might forgive us the sins of the Eldian Empire. If we wiped you out, they'd recognize us as good Eldians you see and save them from the Eldian devil's. And now my mom and dad and everyone back in Liberio."

"I'm sorry..." Gabbie got her knees trying to beg for forgiveness. "I understand I have no right to ask anything of you but we can't save our families without your help. So please... please don't let out homes get trampled. I'm beging you."

Falco held Gabbie up, looking everyone. "Help us please, we have to stop the rumbling together."

"We're begging you." She said.

We're begging you." He said.

"Let go." Jean said.

Both Connie and Armin let him go and he walked away.

"Jean." You said jogging behind him.

He stopped, turning to look at you, "I'm sorry― right now I need some space."

"I understand." You mumbled.

Jean gave you a small smile and headed into the woods.

Reiner slowly sat up, his eyes landing on you. They were filled with regret and sorrow.

You looked at him, feeling sorry for him for the way that Jean attacked him but not for what he had done.

Slowly you walked up to Reiner, Mikasa stood beside you as Armin and Connie stood aside.

"I used to think we'd see each other again," you said. "I wished for days upon days to see you... to maybe rekindle what we had."

"(name) I'm so sorry―"

"Don't apologize." You said, "I know for hell that you weren't the one who ordered to kill Marco. Were you?"

"I did I swear I didn't mean―"

"Stop lying!" You exclaimed as tears formed in your eyes. "You're covering for Annie, Reiner. She is the one who decided to kill Marco off not you."

Annie stood up, "I shouldn't have done what I did (name). I know I can't take back what I did―"

"No you can't." You clenched your jaw, "You're the reason Marco is dead! My friend died because of your selfish pathetic reasons. Do you realize how it felt to tell his parents how he died?!"

She looked down as her vision started get blurry.

"You don't get to feel sorry for the way you treated him." Sniffling you continued, "Marco was an innocent person who wanted to get to the ranks and serve the king just like you did. He was the kindest person who did not turn away anyone who needed help. He even helped you for crying out loud and this― this is how you repaid him?!"

"(name) we know what we both did was wrong but you shouldn't take it all out on her―"

"You both disgust me."

Reiner and Annie both stayed quiet.

"To think that I fell in love with you..." you voice cracked, "I―I wanted to spend the rest of my life next to you after this cruel world was over. But I was s fool."

"No that's not true!" Reiner stood up looking at you with broken eyes. "It was never your fault and I meant everything I told you... everything I felt about you was real (name). You have to believe me."

"How can I, huh?" You took a step forward, looking at him eye to eye. "I can only remember the person you were with me... and every time I look at you it's someone else I'm seeing."

"I'm the same person as I was back then." He desperately spoke, "I―I haven't changed! I still love you with all my heart (name)."

"I can't believe you..."

"(name) please," he begged holding both your upper arms in his hands. "I love you (name), I can't loose you... I―I don't want to loose you."

"Let me go, Reiner..." You quietly said as you cried.

"Please don't walk away from us―"

"Reiner."

"(Name) please..." He rested his forehead against yours trying to remember your warmth, your touch that he had craved to feel all these years.

"R―Reiner... please let me go." You let the tears fall, seeing them land on his arms.

"I love you so much..."

"Reiner let her go." Armin spoke.

"I'm not going to let the person I love walk away from me."

"Reiner... you already messed up." Connie said, "Let her go and let this end while she's giving you the chance to do so."

"Reiner, please listen... I don't want you to get hurt." Gabbie pleaded as she pulled on his shirt.

Tears were already rolling down his cheeks as he pulled himself away from you.

You were already missing his warmth. But you knew you couldn't forgive him, not for the way he acted.

"(name) don't blame him for my actions... he doesn't deserve the hate I do." Annie looked at you. "Reiner cares about you―"

"Then you should have thought about that before you did what you did." You said full of hatred, "If it was for me I wouldn't dare help you rescue your father for the crap that you pulled. You killed innocent people, for no reason! I don't even begin to understand why you should be alive instead of my family."

"I know..."

"But I'm not heartless," you explained wiping away your tears. "I wished that I was but unfortunately I'm not. There's innocent people on both sides that shouldn't suffer because of us. They deserve to live no matter what."

"I knew you'd end up doing the right thing." Yelena spoke, "It's what you do."

"Shut up, Yelena." You glared at her, "If it weren't for needing you, I would have left your ass behind to rot in hell. You don't deserve to be here. You're the least person to suggest anything with the ill intentions you have."

"All I did was help like Jean had said." She in innocently said.

"Oh please deep down you enjoy seeing this going down. You don't care about who gets in a fight, all you want is to tear people apart. That's your game, it's what you enjoy because you have nothing else in your pathetic life."

Looking at them one by one you saw what they all all had in common.

"Once we're done with this... I don't want to ever see your faces again." You said looking specifically at Yelena, Annie and Reiner.

You walked away from the group feeling like the air was being sucked out of you. It was getting heavier by the minute as you walked further into the forest.

Once you managed to get far enough away from them you let it all out. Sob after sob escaped from the heaviness of your chest, every emotion that was pent up was coming out.

All you could feel was a giant hole within you.

You had already lost your friends in the past, you'd thought that Reiner would be the one constant person in your life. But you were wrong and it hurt you so much seeing him for what he truly was.

Slowly you slid down against a tree with tightly closed eyes as the feeling of emptiness surrounded you. You wanted to run back into his arms, to have you hold you. Console you, in hopes of that pain going away.

But all you could do was hold yourself and try to get through the pain alone.

A pair of arms wrapped themselves around you, smelling the all too familiar scent.

"I'm sorry for leaving you alone to deal with him." Jean said pulling you into his chest.

"I―It's alright... you needed time." You mumbled into his chest.

"What a hell of a life we live huh?" He asked. "I wonder if Marco is waiting to scold us for the way we are."

"I miss him."

"I miss him too but we can't let him down... as much as we're in pain right now Marco wouldn't want us to do this to ourselves."

"I'm sure he would understand," you smiled weakly.

He chuckled lightly, "Knowing him he would drag us out of bed no matter how bad it would be."

"Yeah..."

"You deserve better... Reiner was privileged to have known you." He rubbed your back gently. "You're a badass who will get back on her feet I just know you will."

Your grip on him tighten.

Reiner was out of your life.

He chose what he wanted and now you had to do the same.

That's all you could do.

[vintagealloy925]

nerd!reiner - gn reader pt.2

some people wanted me to continue, so here it is! thank you guys for the love. pt.1 here 

the next lab, reiner tries really hard to make things normal. i mean really hard. like it is so incredibly obvious that he doesn’t know what to do, but he clearly cares.

the second he mentions some extremely obscure show that you said you liked, you knew he really was sorry. he’s just not sure how to interact with most people, so you try to be as normal as possible too.

after lab, he walks with you and tries to talk. you stop him and tell him that it’ll be okay, and you admit that you just thought he was attractive and wanted to get to know him better.

he’s stunned.

he’s not attractive? why would you say something like that? 

so he immediately assumes you mean as friends, even though he wants so much more. but you are just so beautiful, so interesting, such a lovely person, that he thinks you can do better.

but when you invite him into your dorm again, he won’t lose this opportunity. he comes in and immediately tells you what he considers to be the most embarrassing thing about himself.

“i’ve never had someone... pay attention to me before. i’m sorry if i don’t know what to do. all of the friends i have, i’ve known since i was a kid.” he says

‘he just wants to be friends’ you think to yourself. that’s fine, you suppose. maybe he already has someone special.

so the two of you just sit in your room, watching a movie. at an awkward distance apart. you don’t dare remove your eyes from the screen, but he can’t stop stealing glances at you.

every time you giggle or have some sort of reaction to the movie, he smiles. eventually, he decides to try something risky.

he does that stupid yawn and put the arm around your shoulders thing.

to his surprise, you look up at him and smile, lean into his, and kiss his hand. he thought you would push him away. you aren’t interested in him.

and you thought the same thing.

soon, you guys start talking over the movie, ignoring the epic fight scene on the screen. the conversation takes a turn, and suddenly reiner is listening to you talk about your last partner and how they were not that good to you.

on one hand, reiner wants to scream out that he could treat you better. he would buy you anything you wanted. post you on his socials every day. hold you hand everywhere he goes and never, ever, look at some other person. you are all he wants.

but he also knows that he has no idea how to act like a boyfriend. i mean, he’s never even kissed someone, much less been in a relationship.

but he is willing to try. for you.

he kisses your cheek, trying to comfort you, which leaves you both blushing and quiet.

he thinks he messed up, you can’t believe he feels the same way as you, but you know you have to do something about this.

so you kiss him.

he gets all flustered and his mind is running a mile a minute and can’t help it but to say:

“ireallylikeyouandiwantyoutobemypartnerbuti’veneverhadonebeforebutipromisei’lldomybest.”

how does he talk so fast?

but now he’s your boyfriend! and he is faithful to his promise

he got you your favorite coffee/drink the next day and brought it to you before your first class, almost making him late to his own.

the best listener in the world. like any time you want to vent or just ramble, he is all in

in your lab, he does all the hard work, not that you can’t, but he wants you to be able to relax.

you worked out today and your muscles are sore? massage time

buys you dinner at least once a week, and desserts like ice cream almost every day.

and he is trying to get better with physical affection

after the first kiss, he can’t get enough but also doesn’t know how to approach it

he will, however, not hesitate to play with your hair, no matter the length. if it’s long enough, he will braid pieces without thinking (yes he learned how to braid how bc of gabi, no he does not want to be praised for it don’t make him nervous)

he also loves cuddling together. any position is good with him. will have you sit on his lap in front of people. he does have a slight thing about claiming you as his ;)

but as time goes on, he finds so much comfort in you and your presence. you make him so happy, and he makes you happy too.

everything he does is in the hope that it will make you happy and proud

[helenbagheera]

Another What If?

Hello guys!

You know, before I continue with the main story, I would like to share one more thing. There is a legend that on Christmas Eve the souls of loved ones who passed away come to visit us. My grandma alaways used to leave some food on the table for them as long as I remember. What if those ghosts visited Levi, Mikasa, Reiner, Armin, Jean, Connie, Falco and Gabi? This is how I imagine this possible meeting.

(You can also find the story in AO3 https://archiveofourown.org/works/52510798)

P.S. I nearly cried my eyes out

*24th of December, after the Rumbling*

"Kids, did you seriously bring THIS into the house??? " Levi stared in horror at Falco and Gabi, who were trying to get a...Christmas tree into the house. A fucking real Christmas tree. Everyone has gone crazy with this...holiday thing. Why would one bring a tree into the house?

"It's an old tradition!" Gaby replied cheerfully, putting her arm around his shoulders. "Falco had picked this one himself."

"By the way, parents said hello, they will come later.”

"Captain, let the children be happy. They need it," Yelena came into the room, shaking snow off her short blonde hair. Yeah, you're the one to talk about damn holiday.

"As if there was something to celebrate," the Captain muttered. "Don't talk about this day as if this Christmas of yours were anything more than an ordinary day that some individuals had turned into another excuse to get as drunk as shit."

"Captain, there're kids in here!"

"These two?" Levi looked skeptically at Falco and Gaby. "Those two must be familiar with a vocabulary that would make your ears curl, they just pretend to be sweet and innocent."

"Hello everyone!" several bodies wrapped in warm clothes piled into the room, among which Ackerman recognized Jean, Connie, Armin, Mikasa, Pieck, Reiner, and Annie. Even she was here. A great celebration. The cold from the bodies that had just come inside from the street felt so distinct that Levi wrinkled his nose.

"Hello, brats. Please don't tell me you believe in this whole nonsense of... Fuck-what-knows-stmas?" said the man, eyeing his charges from the one hundred and fourth. Of course, he called them that rather because of an old habit: even the once tiny Connie had managed to become taller than him, and the Survey Corps itself was now...left to live only in their memories. Like those they had lost in the war with the Titans and the rest of the world.

  It's been almost a year. Almost a year had passed since that fateful day. The twenty percent of humanity that had miraculously survived had just begun to recover. Cities and towns began to be built. Political ties between the survivors began to build anew. In small steps, tentatively and timidly, but the world began to come back to life, bringing back what had been trampled under the feet of hundreds of colossal titans.

  More than once, and more than twice, Levi asked himself a single question. Why? Why had Eren committed genocide after all? Did the little brat really only see this version of the future? A future in which the only option to save Paradis was to destroy all of humanity? Or did he not even try to find another way to solve the problem? Surely it must have existed! Surely there had to be a way to solve the problem, in which now his brats would not have to become ambassadors of peace, and he himself would not live in the hell knows how many kilometers from his native land with the eternal coddling of these two brats, that sometimes do not even make a step away from him. And even if every survivor tells him that, Levi will never believe that they had no choice. There was, is, and will always be choice. And it's only when you face the consequences that you can understand if your decision was the right one. And the consequences of Eren's choices are now being handled by them. And it was certainly not the right choice if it had caused billions of innocent people to suffer and de... At the thought of Hanji's memory, something stabbed at his heart painfully. After all, it was he who had agreed to make Eren the part of the Scouts after the battle for Trost. It was he who had taken responsibility for his future actions and...upbringing. And it was he who had made the grave mistakes that had led the younger Yeager to the decision to destroy all the people beyond the Walls of Paradis...

"Captain, are you with us?" Connie's voice brought him out of his reverie.

"Huh?" Levi asked, a little confused.

"Yelena said that the tree should be decorated with toys, and then we should prepare a festive table."

"Do I look like a clown to you?" Levi immediately interrupted him. "If Yelena's the one who started this bacchanal, she's the one who's going to decorate the corpse you dragged in here."

"And we don't want to do it without you," Armin said in an insistent tone. "And... And that's an order. An order from the Commander. You are my subordinate. And I'm ordering you to spend Christmas with us, decorating this stupid tree. We're not going to let you sit alone in your room while the house and table are being prepared. Who knows when else we'll all get together like this?"

"Yeah," Ackerman grimaced, blinking a healthy eye. Somewhat, though, the brat was right about one thing: he was really glad to see those naughty kids again. The surviving soldiers of his squad, Falco, Gabi... That was all he had left. A bunch of knuckleheads who gave his life the slightest bit of meaning. Ackerman shook his head, trying to push away the bad thoughts that had been on his mind too often lately.

"The titan smote me, all of this? Right up a tree?" Jean stared in surprise at the several boxes that stood at Yelena's feet. Inside were some balls of almost all colors and sizes, some huge star, something remotely resembling snowflakes, and a bunch of wires, the purpose of which only the Founding Fucking Titan knew.

"Oh, Yelena, I have to admit, you're a very thoughtful woman. Did you bring me the noose in advance so I wouldn't bother looking for something I can hang myself with?" Levi asked sarcastically, holding something that looked like a spruce branch in his hand.

 "The assumption is wrong, Captain," the blonde replied. "It's called a rainstorm. It is being hung...

"Hung. Nice."

"It is not you who hangs someone with it, it is the decoration that is being hung. On this very tree."

"That is, on this Christmas of yours, not with the help of a noose a man is turned into a corpse, but the ready-made corpse of a tree is being hung with nooses. Art goes to a new level," Ackerman replied, but still hung a bright red ball on the tree, realizing that otherwise he would not be left in peace. Work began to speed up: Jean and Connie began to argue about whether to hang the bright star on top, Falco and Gabi jumped up and down around Ackerman, trying to put a bright shitty tinsel around his neck. After much resistance, the strongest warrior of mankind sighed doomfully and, to the cheers of the others, let the children do what they wanted.

"Here, Gaby, one mini-Jean to hang here, too," Connie said, handing the horse figurine to the girl. Almost everyone in the room burst out laughing as Springer hid behind a tree from the fist that was about to hit him.

"Look what we've got!" Falco pulled some red hats from the last box, handing out one to each of them.

"Oh no..."

"Oh yes..." Mikasa and Armin, smiling, put a red hat with a white brim and some stupid balloon on the tip on Levi's head.

"Either you take THIS off my head, or I'm going to strangle you both right now. Believe me, three fingers and one eye will be enough for that," Levi said in a threatening tone.

"Not for any money in the universe!"

"Resistance is futile, Levi," Reiner said. "Shit, I have to take a picture of that, or no one will believe us!"

"Bastards..." Levi replied in a threatening tone.

"You're such a sweet Santa!" Gaby looked up at Levi, wrapping her palms around her face.

"I'm still waiting for my noose," replied Levi.

"Well, it's almost done here," Jean said, looking at the tree appraisingly.

"What about someone telling any Christmas story? I wonder if there are some Christmas legends."

"A long time ago, my father once told me one," Pieck said, helping Gaby hang the figure of a funny old man with a beard in a red suit on the tree. "They say that on this night the spirits of the dead come down to visit their loved ones."

"What?" all the people of Paradis stared at the girl in surprise. Mikasa's hand froze in the air instead of hanging up another toy. An awkward silence filled the room. The girl, clearly not expecting such a reaction, lowered her head down in embarrassment, tucking a strand of messy hair behind her ear.

"After dinner, Dad and I always left food on the table for Mom, too," the brunette added.

“That's...a very beautiful legend," Connie said with a sad smile.

"Is it...is it really possible?" Mikasa asked with a trembling voice.

"How I wish I could see you one last time, Eren..."

"If...if only it were possible..."

"It's all just a legend. A fairy tale. Such a thing is impossible. The dead must be let go, moving on..."

"Why do people believe in such fairy tales? It's too cruel to give a man hope for something that can never happen..."

"I never dared tell you what I should have told you, did I?... And now you're gone forever. Just like everyone else..."

"Well, we never saw her, but then... ghosts aren't supposed to be seen, right?" The girl answered.

"It's because they're all just legends," Levi said, handing Gaby the toy that was in his hands and headed for the exit, leaning on a stick. His injured leg ached: the doctors had recommended that he sit in a wheelchair, eliminating all movement, but he'd rather die than let that happen. Stopping at the door, he turned around for a second. "Not a single idiotic holiday would bring back those who had died."

"He's right," Annie said after the door closed. Sitting down in the chair, the girl wrapped her arms around her knees. Armin carefully sat down next to her.

"We'll go after him," Gabi ran to the door, but she was stopped by Mikasa.

"Not now, Gaby. We will come for him later," she answered and left the room as well.

*** 

  A blizzard was blowing outside, so Mikasa wrapped herself tightly in her red scarf. A few snowflakes fell on the tip of her nose. Although this residence was relatively far from the main street, her keen hearing picked up the sounds of singing. Mikasa crouched on the porch of the house.

"I miss you, Eren," she whispered, trying to push the tears away. "If it's possible, please come to me tonight. Just for one night... I don't need anything else... That night, you asked me who you were to me... Why couldn't I tell you the truth... I'm such a coward...."

"He died because of me," not expecting anyone to follow her, Ackerman's hand abruptly reached for her belt where her weapon had always been before. In response to her action, Reiner only furrowed his eyebrows and sat down next to her on the porch.

"It's cold out here," the brunette only replied, turning her gaze away. "You shouldn't be sitting out here without your warm clothes on."

"Neither should you," Brown said. "Or don't you Ackermans mind the cold?"

"We do," Mikasa said. "Did you... talk about Berthold?

"After Marcel was eaten by Ymir, he and Annie wanted to cancel the mission and return to Marlia. But I was the one who insisted we go ahead and infiltrate the Walls. Things would have been different if I had agreed to their proposal then. Maybe now Eren would still be alive instead of being... well, what he'd turned into. I could say that a thousand times. Too bad it can't rewrite the past."

"You were on a mission. And it's not your fault you were born as an Eldian and wanted your parents to be proud of you."

"I'm sorry you had to do that," Reiner said in response. Mikasa looked away. Now, noone is going to see her tears, especially Reiner. "I have to admit that even I miss that asshole sometimes. Hey, Eren, Berthold, if you can hear us, you should know that we miss you here!" He added louder, looking up at the sky.

"I don't think they can hear you," Mikasa said. There was the sound of a door opening.

"Hey, how long are you going to sit there?" It was Yelena. "It's time to make dinner, let's go to the kitchen."

After Levi, Mikasa, and Rainer had left, Yelena and Pieck decided to start cooking, and the kids went to get wood for the fireplace. Annie and Armin, and Connie and Jean were the only ones who remained in the living room.

"Jean..." Connie said. "Let's cook her some potatoes. I think she'd like it."

"Potatoes?" Jean answered. "You know...let's cook it. And lots of seafood. I remember one of Nicolo's recipes. She almost bit off my fingers back then when I asked her to share. I even have marks left."

"Are you guys with us?"

"We'll be there soon," Armin replied. Loudly discussing the paella recipe, the guys left for the kitchen. Annie continued to sit with her arm around her knees, and the Arlert threw a plaid over her shoulders.

"Do you think... Will he ever be able to forgive me? No matter how many times we agree not to remember the past or blame each other, he'll always remember," Annie said.

"You mean the captain?"

"That was his crew, wasn't it? In those woods. Trying to catch Eren, I killed all his men. I still remember... The crunch of bones, the body slamming into a tree trunk at high speed... I remember everyone now. Everyone who died by my hand..."

"Annie..."

"I had no choice," a tear rolled down the blonde's cheeks, her voice sounding as distant as if she were talking to herself. "Erwin had practically driven me to a dead end. If you'd managed to take me alive, I'd never have been able to come back."

"Now I understand why."

"He's right," Annie's voice was extremely quiet. "He hates me for a reason. There is no forgiveness for what I've done."

"Then let's go to Hell together," Armin, gathering his courage, covered the other's palm with his own. "We're all already doomed."

  The girl's head rested gently on his shoulder. The fire crackled cozily in the fireplace, lulling her to sleep with its melody.

*** 

  Slamming the door of the room shut, Levi tossed the stupid hat off his head. His leg ached in protest as he sat down in the chair, covering his face with his hands.

  His eyes glazed over, his hands treacherously trembled, and something inside burned like hellfire. What's the matter with you, Ackerman? Is your age catching up with you? Why do you feel so lame? It's not like you're not used to everyone around you ending up dead. It's not like you're not used to the fact that living in isolation has always been the only defense, the only defense for everyone, even for yourself. And yet, the stubborn feelings won't go away. Maybe it's because you're just a human being? People are supposed to feel love, fear, hatred... Have you experienced all these emotions? Have you always lived with a stone in your chest, or have you hidden your true feelings under a mask of indifference? Ah, Levi, what do you think? Why did you let Erwin die? Let him rest? That's what you've been telling yourself all along. Maybe your decision was wrong then, too. It could have been completely different now. Did you let Hange die because she wanted to die too? Did she really deserve to be burned alive? They call you the strongest warrior in the world, but you didn't have the courage to tell her the truth, you didn't have the courage to stop that madwoman from dying... Why do I remember you now, Stupid Four Eyes? All of you?

"I wish the Titans ate your stupid Christmas," Levi muttered. Someone knocked. Mikasa came in.

"Captain," she said. "We're cooking dinner, come with us."

"Is there any tea?" Levi asked. The corners of the girl's lips turned upward slightly.

*** 

Dinner was indeed a festive affair: boiled potatoes, turkey, paella, baked cod, carrot cake, broccoli soup, meatloaf, appetizers... The table seemed to be filled to the top. A luxury that few people could afford nowadays. Falco and Gabi's parents arrived just in time for the evening. Marlians and Eldians, dining at the same table without even trying to kill each other. What the dead would have to say about that? What would it be like for the soldiers who had given their lives to defend the Walls to learn that the Walls were long gone, and that they were all now living in the very country that had been trying to destroy them? Would Erwin have supported the idea of this strange Union? The idea of working with them in the future? Perhaps they won't know that until they themselves die. At least being around those brats was much more pleasant than living side by side with Yeagerists.

*** 

  During the night, all sounds had practically subsided. After the family dinner, the town went into hibernation. The house was large enough, so all the former scouts had decided to stay here for the night, and were probably sleeping peacefully in their rooms. Truth be told, Levi tried to sleep himself, but sleep stubbornly eluded him. His body wasn't known for its ability to fall into the eight-hour sleep that was an integral part of a normal person's life, but now it was almost a miracle to get an hour of sleep in three days. And even that sleep was constantly interrupted by visions of the past. Tonight was no exception, so having brewed a mug of strong black tea, Ackerman sat in a chair, silently observing the sleeping city. The clock on the wall beat a smooth rhythm, counting down the mercilessly running seconds.

"And when will my moment come?" he suddenly asked himself. Great, you're already talking to yourself. It won't take long to get to a mental institution.

A sharp gust of wind blew open the window. Suddenly Levi had the sensation of someone's presence in the room.

"Your time has not come yet," said a woman's voice.

The cup fell to the floor with a clatter, probably shattering into dozens of small pieces.

He... He knows that voice... Her voice...

No... No, this can't be...

It's just not possible...

A small hand gently touched his shoulder, making his whole body shiver. How is this possible? No, Levi, you're just crazy, you're imagining it, it can't be, purely physically...

The same hand gently touched his hair.

"I'm so proud of you," she was really standing right in front of him. Looking exactly the way she did before the disease that took her away....

"Mom... But how..." he whispered. The warmth of that hand, the gentle touch, the feeling of warm skin on his cheek was more than real! "Am I crazy? Did one of the dishes turn out to be poisoned and I died?"

"No," Kuchel replied. "You couldn't see it, but I always came to you. Always. After the power of the Titans left - something changed, and now we can interact."

"So, it's..." Levi immediately remembered that stupid story from Pieck. "That legend wasn't stupid at all..."

"I wish I could take all your pain away. The pain that you try to hide so hard and stubbornly. Your path has always been very difficult," a tear must have welled up in the corner of his healthy eye.

"No one ever promised it would be easy," he replied. A crippled hand clasped his mother's body tightly, realizing he wouldn't get another chance like this. "I wish we had more time together."

"And yet that time was the best one I'd ever had. My happiest day was when you came into this world. On this very night. They don't even know it's your Birthday, do they?"

At that moment, Levi realized another thing that made his heart beat frantically. So strange, because he thought that everything had died there long ago.

"Are they...are they here too?" Levi asked. As if to confirm his predictions, these words were followed by a noise in the living room. Levi immediately rushed out of the room as fast as his crippled leg would let him. Once...One more time...He wouldn't get another chance like this for sure...Why did this fucking hallway seem so long right now? His leg whined protestingly, but he ignored it. Probably not the best idea. When it was a few steps to the stairs, a sharp pain already pierced his whole body. Staggering as if he had just been grabbed by a titan, Levi collapsed to the floor and would surely have rolled down the stairs, counting all the steps with his teeth, if a strong hand hadn't grabbed him. Levi froze, breathing hard.

"And he's the one who's always telling me I am reckless," came the cheerful voice of his rescuer. Warm brown eyes sparkled merrily behind her glasses.

*** 

"Hey, sleepyhead," Springer only covered his head with the blanket in reply.

"Let me sleep, Jean," the man muttered. In response to the request, the blanket fell safely to the floor.

"What the hell is wrong with you, horse-face?" shouted Connie, exasperated. "Go eat some oats if you're hungry, why bother me!"

  Lifting the blanket, Connie was surprised to see Jean sitting on his bed, staring in shock at someone behind him.

"Connie..." he whispered in a voice full of surprise. All the curses that had been ready to come out of his mouth at Kirshtein evaporated when he saw... Sasha.

"Seems like even titans won't wake you up," she said.

"I'm completely crazy..."

"Me too..."

"Hey, take it easy, guys," Sasha carefully took a step towards Connie, who still couldn't even move in surprise.

"We are here just for a short visit today," Sasha continued. "Look at this, this place is soo messed up, just like both of you without me. How did Levi even let this happen?"

"So it's true..." Jean was the first to regain the ability to speak. "That legend about the spirits... Sasha..."

  Connie, tears streaming down his cheeks, jumped off the bed and hugged his friend tightly.

"Hi, potato girl..." he whispered. "We cooked something for you... Only without you it's not so delicious....."

"I know," Sasha replied. "When you come here, we'll cook together."

"When, Sasha?"

   Falco and Gaby came running into the living room, both looking like they'd just seen a ghost.

"They're here!" Falco shouted. "We just saw them... All of them... Udo, Zofia..."

"It's... " Gabi looked at Sasha with tears. "You..."

"Oh my... So you... You're just a girl..." Sasha studied the girl who had taken her life intently. "You're not even fifteen, are you?"

"I...I..." Falco looked at her friend's face with surprise, her eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry, I'm sorry... Now... Now I realized a lot... If I could go back in time, I would have knocked myself on the head, I was such an asshole..."

"I was angry with you at first," Sasha moved closer to the girl. "But just like you, I realized a lot of things. I came to your town, helped kill your friends. It was normal for you to be angry with all of us. There's no way of fixing the past. But I'm glad we both realized the same thing: we're all the same people who just happen to be on different sides of the Wall."

"It's a shame we realized that after Eren had committed genocide," Jean added, his head down.

"What's done can't be undone," Sasha said. "Just try to keep an eye on each other. And now let's talk about something more pleasant, Connie, we're here for a dinner, actually..."

*** 

"What's all this noise," Reiner muttered as he stepped out into the corridor. "Everyone has gone to bed, who is the fucking fan of late parties ...?

"Reiner..." the man froze on the spot when he saw... Berthold, Marcel and Galliard. Quite real and alive... What's going on?

"Wh... what's going on? How..." the man fell to his knees, wrapping his arms around his head. "It's... it's..."

"This was made possible after Titans' power disappeared," Berthold explained.

"Now we'll be coming to you on every Christmas Eve."

"So don't think you'll ever get away," Galliard added.

"Reiner," Marcel helped his comrade stand up. "Don't be a fool: try to let go of the past, you can't change it. Live for all of us. Start a family. Don't miss the chance you've been given."

"Otherwise, the next time we come back, we'll kick your ass," Berthold added. "The universe needs you for a reason. Also, keep an eye on Annie. No matter how much that punk loves her, she needs you, too."

"I... I promise..."

*** 

  Mikasa was woken up by a flash of light outside. How strange... The last time she'd seen such a light she'd only seen it when the shifter transformed. Could it be... Walking over to the window, she desperately peered out into the darkness. So far, nothing was happening. Still, her heart screamed desperately: he was here. He was here, somewhere very close by. Mikasa jumped outside in just a sweatshirt and pants, not thinking about the very real threat of catching pneumonia.

"Did you...did you really hear me?"

  A few meters away from the house, by the apple tree, she noticed a figure standing alone. The figure of a man she would recognize among a million others.

"Eren!!!" Her throat choked with sudden tears. He turned his head toward her. The same turquoise-sky eyes, in which the tear had flashed, were looking at her fondly.

"Mikasa..." came a whisper. Lifting her off the ground, he pulled her against him so tightly as if those arms could hide her inside his heart for eternity...

"Eren..." Eren's light-colored shirt was soaked with her tears, but he seemed to pay no attention to it, hiding his face in her dark hair, as if it gave him a sense of... comfort.

"Why aren't you wearing a jacket? It's cold in here," he said with a note of concern in his voice. Eren covered the girl, whose head rested on his chest, with his cloak.

"You heard me..." Ackerman whispered. "You heard me... Eren, I miss you..."

"I will always hear you," Eren replied, stroking her cheek gently. "I always see you, always follow you whenever you go. Mikasa, I'm sorry. I acted like a complete asshole with you, never daring to tell you the truth. To tell you that..."

"Eren, I never could tell you either," her voice was unusually quiet. "Then, when you asked me... Who you are to me. I told you that you were my family, but I never dared to tell you that...."

"I love you," Eren suddenly blurted out. "I've always loved you. I'm just realizing it now. You were always there for me, always willing to protect me with your life, and I never appreciated it. I'm a real idiot."

"I love you too..."

  The tears made the kiss a little salty, but at the same time, so long-awaited and warming. Strong hands gently stroked her shoulders, which shuddered with sobs every now and then. They held each other until their lungs began to protest, demanding air.

"I will come to you. This night, every year," Eren whispered, rubbing his nose against the dark top of her head again. "And you promise to take care of yourself and try to be happy. You hear me?"

"I'll... I'll try," Mikasa replied.

"EREN??? EREN!" Armin and Annie were standing on the porch of the house. Seeing his best friend, he rushed forward.

"Armin," whispered Eren, hugging his best friend.

"How... How is it possible... Are you the one who did all of this magic?"

"We just saw Armin's parents," said an equally shocked Annie. "And his grandfather too... And now..."

"Hi, Annie," Eren said, turning his attention to his friend's companion.

"You... How did you do that?" asked the still shocked Armin.

"The souls of the dead always came to visit relatives at Christmas Eve. Only now, after the Power of the Titans is gone, you can see us. This connection only works today. Guys... Thanks for stopping me back then. I'm glad you did it. It was necessary. I'm happy to have had you in my life. Please take care of yourselves," Eren's figure began to slowly dissolve into the air, turning into silvery dust.

"See you later, Eren," Armin whispered his farewell.

*** 

"Hanji..." Levi whispered, looking at the face in front of him. She smiled back, to which Levi clutched her tightly to him.

"If it isn't my bro Levi!!!" Levi only had time to notice the redhead flash before he was swept off his feet and squeezed in a tight hug.

"Isabel," the man whispered in amazement. She was as perky and smiling as she had been that fateful day. Levi hugged his friend back. "Hello there, girl..."

"Look at that old grouch," Furlan hugged his friend just as tightly. "He hasn't grown an inch since the last time I saw him."

"It's chronic and untreatable," Hanji teased, helping Levi up. "And I don't mean his height, I mean his grumpiness."

"It didn't stop him from being one of my best soldiers," Erwin's voice came out, and he, like the others, put his arm around his friend. "Hello, Captain."

"Erwin... So... So, you're all here..." Levi said in surprise.

“We never abandoned you, Captain,” came the voice of Petra. Next to her Levi saw his entire squad. Ackerman was never known for his displays of emotion, but at this moment he didn't care at all that he might look like a snotty little boy. Now, just in front of him were all people he had once lost; everyone he would like to see again; everyone with whom he wanted to spend at least one more day... And if this became possible thanks to shitty Christmas... Then this will be the best holiday of his life��

“The life never spared you, did it?” Furlan said, looking at the scars. Levi just grinned in response.

“The job has some disadvantages,” Ackerman answered, but then another attack of pain pierced his leg. Levi managed to hold back a cry, but Zoë immediately noticed how his face had turned pale and grabbed him. Erwin grabbed him from the other side.

“You’re such a stubborn old goat,” she grumbled, helping him downstairs. “Why don’t you listen to doctors and follow recommendations? You were practically forbidden to walk, why aren’t you in a wheelchair?”

“Getting Levi to calm down his spirits is the same as trying to calm a mad monkey. Not only will it not work, but it will also tear off your fingers, right, Levi?” Moblit could not restrain himself.

  The team walked into the living room, where the rest of the scouts and Eldians from Marley had already gathered. Well, brat...thank you. For such a chance...Levi thought, watching how the people most dear to him chatted among themselves, sitting at the festive table. Yes, this night will be only one and very soon they will all disappear, but even these short moments revived something what had long been lying somewhere deep inside, not showing any signs of life.

“Captain,” Gunther turned to him, “Before we go, I want to ask you one thing.”

“About what?”

“Annie. She did what she was forced to do, back then in the forest. Don't hold a grudge. It won't bring you anything good.”

“That doesn’t mean I can forget what she did to you,” Ackerman answered gloomily.

“Levi,” Erwin probably heard this part of the conversation. “He is right. You always have to move forward. You can't change what happened. But you must draw conclusions and leave the past in the past. Promise me that you will do this.”

  The ringing of the city's huge clock interrupted the quiets chats. Erwin looked towards the window and closed his eyes for a second.

“Well, soldiers,” he said, getting up from his seat. “Our time has come.”

Why so fast?

  Hanji, who was sitting next to Levi, smiled sadly. It's now or never, coward.

“Oi, four eyes,” Levi grabbed her hand, turning her towards him. “I... I really wish we could have stayed in that forest... Perhaps even with the little brats. Our brats. ”

  Hanji's hand gently touched his face and Levi closed his eye, feeling a tear roll down his cheek.

“I would be a horrible mother...”

“Well, we somehow raised this bunch of brats,” Levi tried to joke. “I can’t make it without you. Everything sucks when you are not here. ”

“I’ll come to you again. We will all come to you,” she answered in a whisper.

“Then I will have a reason to somehow survive the remaining three hundred and sixty-four days...” Levi said. Taking a deep breath, he pulled her close to him. For some reason, it always seemed to him that these lips tasted like something bitter and sour, with the smell of laboratory samples. In reality, Hanji’s lips reminded him a tender ripe peach.

“By all the saints, it took him more than ten years to gather his courage!” Moblit exclaimed, watching the kiss. “I always knew there was some chemistry between these two!”

  Erwin smiled mysteriously and put his hand to his heart.

“Farewell, Levi,” he said, disappearing into thin air with the last stroke of the clock.

“I’ll wait for you,” Levi whispered as Hanji’s face gradually turned to dust in his hand. The peach scent was still on his lips. Soon only a few teens with eyes full of tears stayed around him. The room was unusually quiet, but this time the silence did not press on chests like a huge boulder.

“Next year we’ll prepare more dishes,” said Ackerman, slowly rising to his side, clutching a pair of glasses in his hand. “And... Merry Christmas, brats.”

[moonspirit]

I imagine Annie having hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy which basically is severe morning sickness that continues throughout pregnancy.

So like vomiting constantly throughout the day (4+ times), struggling to keep things down, maybe even loosing some weight, feeling dizzy and weaker etc.

This would lead to her basically living in bed, Armin having to take care of her. Him encouraging her to eat even when she doesn’t feel like it, holding her hair back for her and rubbing her back.

She may even end up in the hospital sometimes due to dehydration, needing an IV drip and he will be there by her side.

The others help too, someone staying with her if Armin can’t, visiting her, buying her favourite treats

Hi anon!

I suppose the best part of this hc is Annie being taken care of by literally everyone else. From Armin to Levi and even Falco and Gabi, everyone's trying to help their favourite kitten-shifter feel better 🥺

I can see the Ambassadors collectively sharing cooking duties to make Annie foods that don't make her want to throw up as much while also sharing the workload between themselves. It also means Annie gets different chefs throughout her morning sickness period hahaha xD Because I swear to god, if it's just Jean and Reiner cooking all day everyday, she'll bury someone in the garden outside.

They're all there, no matter how much she insists on some days that she's fiiiiine she doesn't need heeeeelp bla bla, they're always there by her side for whatever she needs. It actually makes her very emotional and she admits to Armin in secret that she's so touched by everyone's love for her T^T