#oc: zakai eriko

[nixie-writes-aot]

From Darkness We Flee

Chapter Six: Silent Companions

Warnings: canon typical violence, canon typical angst

Characters: Zakai Eriko, Eren Yeager, Ymir

Word Count: 1.3k

Zakai had grown to enjoy sparring, it was a comfort. A way to get her thoughts and feelings out without blowing up. Zakai could remember seeing her aunt train all the time, she eventually asked to join. It became a habit back then, something that connected her to someone else. Now it was a form of avoidance. Zakai didn't want to acknowledge that Bertholdt and, especially, Reiner had gotten under her skin and shifted the comfort in the familiar to a level of unease Zakai scarcely felt before. Eren, in particular, was fun to spar with. Eren saw the same urgency in earning freedom as she once had, she saw a genuine desire in his eyes. It wasn't just about revenge, his hope for the future was there too. Zakai enjoyed Eren's presence. 

"Geez, you could go easy. You and Annie, I swear." Eren huffed.

Zakai looked down at Eren, offering him a hand and pulling him up. "Yeah. I was lost in thought." Zakai admitted, glancing away. "You get that way too, don't you?" 

Eren was quiet for a moment, "Kind of? Never been that good before though. This about that whole deal with Reiner? A week ago?"

Zakai scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Hardly. Jean thought that, too." 

The brunette boy offered a weak, half-smile, "Yeah. Whatever you say, I just think its pretty dumb to get caught up with shit like that when we could die once we're soldiers." 

The teenager sighed, Eren did have a point. At least, he would've. It was different for her, for Reiner and Bertholdt. Hell, even different for Annie. "You're a hypocrite, Yeager. If I'm dumb then so are you and Pretty Boy." She retorted with another scoff, "Besides, dumb or not… It's Complicated." Zakai admitted, rubbing her hand against the back of her neck. 

Eren groaned, "You sound like Mikasa. All her "stop fighting" bullshit." 

Zakai chuckled, "Mikasa is a smart girl. Listen to her a little more." 

Zakai didn't pay attention to whatever it was Eren had said next. No, she was distracted. Her eyes fell on the two tallest of the Training Corps. It was ironic, wasn't it? The two tallest and they were both massive titans hellbent on the destruction of the Walls. Those grey eyes fell onto the two, Reiner was laughing and joking and being so damn friendly with Jean and Connie. It wasn't much of a surprise, really. Bertholdt was only following Reiner. Again, not surprising. Zakai had spent her time avoiding yet remaining observant of them. Zakai was jostled out of her thoughts by an impatient Eren. 

"Did you hear me? Geez, you're so bad about that whole zoning out there today." Eren's tone was lighthearted even as his words betrayed his annoyance. 

Zakai looked up at the taller brunette, "Yeah. You're right." Zakai hummed, "It is dumb." 

"Gonna talk to him then?" Eren asked.

She shook her head, "All I did was agree that it was dumb. Not that I was smart about that petty shit." Zakai paused, "Go on ahead, I need a few moments to think about that." 

Eren seemed almost discouraged, furrowing his brows and sighing. "I'll never get you, Zakai, honestly." With that, Eren made his departure. Zakai blinked slowly, watching him jog up to Reiner, Bertholdt, Jean, and Connie. Zakai didn't blame him for not understanding. After all, a caterpillar can hardly understand a bee. That's what Eren was to her. A caterpillar with so much to learn about this world they shared with one another. In fact, Zakai didn't truly understand him either. What point was freedom if it only hurt to maintain? Zakai was content enough to just exist within the Walls, for the most part. Well, she had been content. Her expression turned sour, narrowing her eyes into a glare as she recalled that day. She had at least gotten early warning, helped to the boats before anything could get to her, then her so-called "mother" ran back into that hell, trying to help as many as she could. Zakai could remember the death, the anguish, the fear. All because of Bertholdt and Reiner. 

Zakai shook her head, that didn't matter. It didn't matter what they did, Zakai would survive. No matter what. She had to, she promised her that she'd survive.

Zakai couldn’t help but watch the group. She watched how Reiner pulled Eren close, ruffling his hair with a loud laugh. Zakai remembered exactly what that seemed like. Who that seemed like. Zakai closed her eyes, recalling a face that hurt to remember before shaking her head again. Zakai turned away, dismissing those thoughts, and hurried off. The brunette pushed her hair out of her face for once, her mind was occupied. Those days were painful to think about now, faces that likely paid the price for her own foolishness. Names of family members forever lost to time now. There was nothing anyone could say to convince her otherwise. Zakai had a mission. Zakai made a promise. Zakai could no longer fail. 

The brunette cadet ended up near the forest, the same forest that surrounded the training grounds. She stepped past the perimeter, letting a hand softly brush against the bark of a tree as she considered what everything meant. What was Reiner planning? Why was he so different? Most importantly, when did Reiner become the leader and why did she hesitate to beat Bertholdt into the ground awhile back? Zakai could hardly press them for questions as to what happened, they were no doubt here to reclaim her. To steal her away, into a life short as could by the knife of misery. Zakai felt the soft breeze, much better than the dry heat from a few weeks ago when she broke down in these very woods. Zakai pressed her back against the harsh bark of another tree, sliding down with little care as to the scrapes and cuts it no doubt gave her back and simply sat with a small thud. Zakai closed her eyes, letting the sounds of the wooded area drift past. There was always so much stress after having learned that her tormentors were here after all. Zakai couldn’t just run again. Lost in thought, she didn’t hear the footsteps approaching until she felt the bread fall into her lap. Zakai’s eyes shot open, Ymir was standing above her with that trademark smirk. 

“You owe me now.” Ymir stated, dropping the canteen in the fellow cadet’s lap, “All I could stand to take without Shadis catching me but it should be more than enough.” 

Zakai watched Ymir sit beside her, looking out towards the training grounds while Zakai stared at her lap with a sizable piece of, albeit stale, bread and the canteen of water. Zakai huffed, narrowing her eyes yet didn’t question Ymir’s motives for once. No, instead Zakai merely accepted what Ymir had done and nodded her thanks, taking a chug of the water before starting to eat the dry bread. Somehow, despite everything she thought of Ymir, that was the best meal she had in days. Some stale bread and simple water. Once Zakai was finished, she looked to Ymir who was simply observing the sky. 

“... Shadis is going to kick our asses if we both keep acting weak.” Zakai remarked. 

“Then stop.” Ymir bluntly stated, “Stop acting and just show your strength.”

Zakai thought for a minute before shaking her head, “I can’t.”

“Me too.” Ymir admired. 

Zakai accepted the silence after that, the both of them silent and at peace in that silence. Zakai was sure Ymir was thinking about her own turmoil but she wasn’t entirely certain what that might be. What did Ymir stress and grieve over? Zakai only silently pondered that question without entertaining it enough to actually vocalize her curiosities about the strange, brash soldier that accompanied her this afternoon while everyone else strayed far from Zakai. Zakai didn’t mind her presence for once, simply watching the sky with Ymir during the rare quiet moment. It didn’t need to be full of joking and ribbing one another. No, Zakai could simply exist in this moment even when once it was over, she’d be right back to silently plotting against everyone for her own benefit. 

[first] - [previous] - [next]

[astraldoesart]

And here she is. The oc I ship with mostly Reiner but sometimes Bertholdt too. I think her canon has her with Bertholdt and Reiner on Paradis before Bertholdt dies and then with just Reiner. I love her sm I could marry her

[nixie-writes-aot]

From Darkness We Flee

Chapter Three: It's Just Paranoia

Warnings: canon compliant angst, paranoia, oc x canon

Pairing: Reiner Braun x Zakai Eriko, Bertholdt Hoover x Zakai Eriko, Reiner Braun x Bertholdt Hoover

Author’s Note: No, neither Reiner or Bertholdt are stalking Zakai. Stating that outright jdghjgd. More is explained in the next chapter(and yes this one IS fairly short)

Word Count: 1.3k

The brunette laid against a tree, the shade of its leaves protecting Zakai from the hot summer heat beating down. Yet even with that, the dryness and the heat still got to her. Sweat dripped down her arms, now bare with her jacket in her lap. The turtle neck she wore was tight against her skin and sleeveless to boot. Her shoulders, biceps, and forearms splattered with a constellation of dark brown, almost black, freckles. Unlike Ymir and Marco, both of which only seemed to have a handful of freckles spread across their faces. Zakai stared up at the obscured sky, gazing at how the tree's leaves were a lush, vibrant green from the seasonal shift between spring and summer. Branches twisted and firm, the bark a deep brown. Zakai let out a sigh, muscles relaxed and breathing calm. It was a fine afternoon, honestly. Yet something was still bugging her. It went past just sitting there and sorting herself to get her head in the game, to move forward. This was a stop, wasn’t it? A break? Wasn’t that what Zakai had been fighting since that day? Zakai closed her eyes, feeling a breeze rush past. When was the last time she felt like this?

Zakai didn’t know. How could she? Her world had been flipped upside down twice in her life. Moments when uncertainty, doubt, and fear flooded her every sense. What would her mother say? What would Nathalie say? Zakai couldn’t know that. No, things had moved too quickly for that. Zakai, instead, would just continue moving forward. She had to. Didn’t she? What would happen if she stopped running and stood still? Zakai didn’t know the answer. A lot of her questions remained with no answer, not a very solid one at the very least. Zakai inhaled deeply, exhaling softly. She had no idea what to do except fight. Zakai had to fight. Yet was it really so selfish to want to dream of a better tomorrow? To wish to be able to lay down under a tree, the sun shining above with no need or want to move forever onwards? 

Zakai furrowed her brows, stop thinking like a coward, she mentally chastised herself. 

Guilt wormed itself inside her mind again, chiding and scolding as Zakai shoved that thought down again and again. Only a cadet or not, war was no place to think of such fallacies. The fallacy such as being able to leave a peaceful, still life within the walls like so many believed just two years ago. No, that fallacy would only lead to Zakai’s eventual death. Maybe murder. Zakai had to survive, she had to push onwards. It was the promise she had made that day. Zakai would never let herself weaken or slow, she didn’t care what refusing that would do to her. She just didn’t care. That was what Zakai convinced herself, opening her eyes and grabbing her jacket, rising to her feet. Zakai tugged the jacket on, pushing her arms through the sleeves and hiding most of her freckles from view. Except the ones that were scattered across her face and the ones down her arms, almost at her hands. She ran her fingers through her bangs, grunting in annoyance at the resistance of the lightly tangled brown locks. All the same, Zakai departed from that tree. She was certain that she was fine now, that nothing nor no one could get to her. Not even Ymir with her staring problem. Zakai was sure of herself, the doubt was gone. Zakai was certain of that. She had nothing to fear. Wasn’t that right? The brunette’s every step towards the training grounds put her on edge despite her own self reassurances. Zakai shook her head, refusing to buckle just because of one confrontational cadet. Zakai was strong, stronger than Ymir. This much, she was certain of as she passed every tree. Nothing was wrong, Zakai was fine. Everything was fine, perfectly fine. Zakai was certain. Zakai had to be. What would ever be wrong? Yet her breathing grew sharper, muscles tensing as she stepped away from the treeline. What was wrong? What could’ve been wrong? Zakai’s eyes darted around, as if the commandant would come down from nowhere and scream at her like he had Sasha. 

Zakai’s mind had shifted away from Nathalie yet… Was this better? The feeling of being watched, eyes narrowed as she was looking for whoever was just watching. Was this how others felt with her? No, surely not. Zakai was crafty, sneaky. Zakai was subtle. This was all but slamming her into the ground, a fist around her heart and screaming ill intentions into her ears. Zakai couldn’t even be sure this was Ymir. Was it? If not her then who? Was it someone who knew her parents? Had they finally come for her too? Zakai shook her head. 

“No…” she whispered, “Don’t be absurd, they’d never come here.” 

Zakai’s words were reassuring, if nothing else. Calming, even. She took her words as fact, dismissing the feeling. “Paranoia. You’re paranoid. That's it.” Zakai murmured to herself. 

Yet the anxiety was unwavering. Zakai could hear her heart in her head, the pounding causing a distinct throb to swell up and steal away her focus. Zakai crossed the training grounds, noting that no one was there. Not anymore, the chill of the evening started to sink into her bones even as the heat was still persistent. Zakai didn’t care anymore, they could eat dinner without her. She wasn’t hungry and she wasn’t there to make friends. It was high time Zakai remembered her purpose. So, she swung open the door to the barracks. For once, it felt peaceful. That paranoia fading to the back of her mind, mind calm and still like the night. Yet the feeling wouldn’t completely go away. Would it ever? Zakai didn’t even bother with much more than taking off her boots and laying down. 

Sleep never came easily anymore. 

It was days of this, an ever building sense of dread and paranoia. Never knowing what was happening, who was around the corner. Days overflowed into a week. A week of Zakai watching the beginning of training with the ODM gear. Teaching how to operate, repair, and manage this gear. A week of fear, a week of low marks. A week of disappointment. It built and built, no reprieve. What was even happening? What was wrong? Zakai couldn’t help but question silently if Nathalie was to blame. Was it guilt? Zakai wasn’t talking or socializing, she wasn’t there to make friends. Zakai couldn’t trust them. She doubted any of them even noticed. Zakai would eat with them, shower with them, train with them. Albeit, the training had all been either learning about the titans or the ODM gear. Finally, finally it was different. Zakai felt at ease, finally. It had been a week. Zakai stood around, all of them waiting for their respective sparring partners to be assigned. Although, Zakai hardly cared. She was tired. She was always tired. 

Zakai sat down, muttering for Eren to, “Tell whoever ends up fighting me to just seek me out.” Both of them were off to the side, by the treeline. The brunette looked to her, she could see the hesitance in his eyes. Eren didn’t know her, not really. So, for him to show any concern was laughable. Zakai didn’t at all think it whatsoever possible that he could be concerned about her isolation. 

“Alright.” Eren agreed, walking away towards the charts where Shadis had it announced. 

Zakai didn’t care enough to try and worm her way with how many there were. In fact, after seeing Jean and Marco depart, alongside Mikasa and Sasha. She closed her eyes, letting herself just enjoy the peace. Zakai had noticed that Eren seemed friendly enough, he probably even knew whoever Shadis thought to match up against her for a first round. She knew he’d be watching and that's what she counted on. There was a slight breeze, blowing through her hair. Zakai heard steps approach, not even caring to open her eyes. What was the point until they properly greeted her? Maybe it would be Daz or Floch, even Samuel. Those that Eren seemed to talk with, among others. Yet Zakai heard nothing, just a low sigh. Driven by her interest at who actually was just blatantly staring, she opened her eyes. The sight before her had her face paling, eyes widening as she took in every detail. That feeling of fear tightened around her throat, around her heart. Zakai felt cold yet validated. His hand was outstretched towards her, pale green eyes peering down and a frown on his face. Zakai had garnered a reputation among the 104th for being particularly aware yet apathetic to much of their infighting, particularly Eren and Jean. Yet when she moved, it was to slap the cadet’s hand away and stand. Zakai was frozen still, muscles tense as she took in his appearance. She knew who it was. Of course she knew. The cadet withdrew his hand, gazing downwards and no longer meeting her glare. Neither spoke for a good few moments then Zakai did, voice firm and almost bitter.

“Bertholdt.”

[first] - [previous] - [next]

[astraldoesart]

I found some old art hensjsks so take this

[nixie-writes-aot]

You're a Warrior Now!

Warnings: violence, mentioned child soldiers and war, angst

Characters: Zakai Eriko, Valentina Reitz, Marcel Galliard, other characters mentioned

Word Count: 1k

Zakai ripped herself out of the titan, three hot marks from the titan stuck to her cheeks. Yet her memory was fuzzy, staring at the crowd around her in the cavern. None of their faces were kind nor nice, especially given the armband was gone as was her proper coat. Something that was a given considering her lack of experience with a titan she had just gotten. Yet the faces were shocking, scary even. The child wrapped her arms around herself, looking up to Magath. The man approached, a red armband in his hand. 

"Here." He grunted, "And good job, Warrior Eriko." 

Zakai meekly grabbed the armband, tugging it onto her arm as she weakly nodded. Whatever this was, it didn't feel like the honor everyone told her it would be. She stumbled through the crowd, voice near silent as she excused herself. For Zakai, there was no reason to stick around. Despite herself, she couldn't help but feel that this power would prove more trouble than it was worth. Her mother's sharp words still fresh in her mind from last night.

"Zakai! You can't! They just want to use you like the Eldians were used before!" 

Zakai stepped outside, she was the last of them. Her eyes settled on Marcel, speaking with Zeke. Beside them was Annie, she's always alone, and Pieck who was smiling sweetly and waving to Zakai. Not far were the two tallest, save for Zeke who was also the eldest, both thrilled and wrapped up in their own emotions. Zakai's blue grey gaze fell on Porco last of all. He was bitter, staring at his feet with a scowl contorting his face. Being the brother of her best friend, she knew it would only be right to comfort him yet… What right did she have being so unnerved and in shock when Porco was so… So upset? At something she got, nonetheless. 

Zakai looked to her hands, staring at the faint veins that wrapped around them just under the surface. She had decided to walk away, only faking a smile and giving Porco a sympathetic nod. His hazel eyes never spared her even a glance. Yet Marcel was there, the brunette running into his chest with a soft oof. Zakai looked up, meeting his gaze. His eyes were soft, concerned. Zakai wanted to scoff, of course he would notice. Marcel was perhaps one of the few she ever considered bringing to meet her family. Her "best friend", in a way. So, of course he took notice. 

"I'm okay. I just need to get home." Zakai reassured with that same fake smile, albeit it was brighter even if it wasn't genuine. Marcel only nodded, muttering a soft "take care". Zakai departed from the group quicker, all too aware of the eyes that followed her form from the Galliard brothers. 

Zakai walked down the street towards the walls that separated Liberio from the rest of Marley. Blue grey eyes meeting the eyes of the two Marleyan guards. Two men of average height. 

"Congrats, kid!" The taller of the two exclaimed, "You're a Warrior now!"

The other was quiet, nodding as he opened the gate to let her through. Zakai turned down the first street, smiling and waving at each Eldian that tried to stop her. Normally paired with a "gotta get home, let's talk later". She stopped in front of her own house, a modest place that had room, barely, for the five kids that remained inside. A shared room for Selina and Melissa, a room for Valentina, a room for Zakai, and an extra that Lucien used to sleep in but now went to young Soren. Alongside a shared room for her mother and stepfather. Yet, no one was home at the moment. Well, almost no one. Zakai made short work of pushing into the house, eyes locking with the blonde.

"Zakai." Came the cold voice of her sister.

Pale green eyes stared into Zakai's blue grey eyes. Valentina was already taller than Zakai, everyone was. She stood, walking over to Zakai, muscles tense. Valentina slammed her fist into Zakai's face. Pain reared its ugly head as Zakai fell to the floor, tears filling and falling her eyes as she looked up at her younger sister.

"... Why?" Zakai whispered, hurt and confusion dancing in her eyes.

The mask of cold indifference shattered, Valentina staring down at her. She grabbed Zakai by the collar of her shirt, slamming her into the wall. 

"Are you fucking kidding me!?" Valentina snapped.

Zakai could only stare down at her sister, grabbing her wrists and hanging there. Zakai felt no ground under her feet, cold fear sinking into her bones. Valentina had never been violent before. Zakai studied her sister's face, contorted in anger and dismay, pale green eyes glittering with frustration. Zakai could already feel the bruise forming on her cheek, hair falling to cover one of her eyes. 

"You flaky, flighty little rat!" Valentina growled, "You're leaving us behind again! Pushing everything onto me!" 

Valentina dropped Zakai, watching the brunette fall to her knees. "You're pathetic, Zakai. I don't even get why you wanted to die for anything! Too much of a scared little girl to stay and help yet bold and brave and honorable enough to get yourself killed for fucking Marley." 

Zakai didn't look up, staring at her hands as Valentina spat out poisonous words, tearing Zakai down and ripping her heart apart. Was that really how Valentina felt? Even the compliments were spat out so angrily and venomously that they just shattered the child.

"Look at me, sister, look at me while you run away like the family outcast you are." 

Valentina's voice was cold, seemingly indifferent, even as the once endearing term turned as lethal as frostbite. Yet that only made it worse. Zakai refused to look up, only pressing her head against the ground. Her shoulders were shaking, sobs too loud to be ignored even. Valentina had become quiet. Zakai didn't care anymore, not even moving when she heard the slam of the front door that sounded Valentina leaving. Zakai eventually just laid there, her sobs of "please" and "why" and "I can't" the only things that filled the silence. 

Zakai had decided that day, she'd never cry like that ever again and she'd never show when anyone got to her. 

[astraldoesart]

Y'all rolled the dice and got the 1% chance: actual fluff

[astraldoesart]

"My daughter, I know you'll have a wonderful mother who would stop at nothing to give you the world."

So. Rayko. He loved Zakai and died just a few short months after she was born. She looks more like him than she looks like Lore. Rayko and Lore loved one another so saying goodbye to Rayko and then, shortly after, having to hope that none of the Restorationists ratted her out. Thankfully, Lore got off extremely lucky. Rayko's death was unrelated to his status as a Restorationist.

[astraldoesart]

ALRIGHT LET ME JUST. SLIGHT ART DUMP.

1. Baby Zakai with her stepdad Eric because I love them sm AND SHUT UP I'M NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING

2. After a late night convo with @afterhourswjay my sleep deprived brain went "Zakai throwing titans at Bertholdt's ass" AND I CAN'T EXPLAIN IT BUT I HAVE SOME TERRIBLE SKETCHES ONLY MADE BETTER BY THE GOOD SKETCHES ON THE CLOSE UPS HDJDJSJ

3. The family(minus the twins) :] Soren is damn pretty and so is Lore and Valentina :]]

[nixie-writes-aot]

Sing To Me, Songbird

Chapter Three: Mine To Claim

Warnings: NSFW, cheating, band au, degradation, penetrative sex, dom/sub themes, unprotected sex, mentioned dumbification, aftercare, fluff

Pairing(s): Bertholdt Hoover x Zakai Eriko, Armin Arlert x Zakai Eriko

Word Count: 2.1k

Zakai stepped out of her car, which Ymir had the night before last, wearing a red long sleeved turtleneck shirt with several holes at the shoulders. It was paired with a short skirt, fishnets, spiked leather straps on her right thigh and a belt with the excess hanging down to her knees. Zakai pressed a button on the fob, the car beeping to signal that it was locked. She looked at the cafe. It was a hole in the wall place, fitting what she had figured from Bertholdt, with creams and browns. Zakai walked in, quickly being beckoned over by the familiar voice. 

Bertholdt was in a corner booth, a coffee already in his hands. Zakai walked over, sitting across from him with a smile. He seemed equally as happy to see her. Which was a welcome surprise.

"You look stunning." Bertholdt complimented. 

Zakai finally took him in. The tall brunette had his hair slicked back again, a few strands falling in his face. A dusting of pink stretched across his face, pale green eyes staring down at her. He wore a long sleeved grey shirt with a swoop neckline paired with a pair of simple blue jeans. Nothing too extravagant. 

"You flatter me." Zakai hummed, leaning forward with a soft smile on her face, "It's awesome to see you, you're really-" Zakai awkwardly laughed, "I really like you is all." 

Bertholdt perked up, smiling brightly at her. "You deserve to be flattered." He whispered, reaching across the table and setting his hand on her own. Bertholdt absolutely lived for the way her face lit up, as if she hadn't gotten what he was giving to her in a long time. Bertholdt didn't need to be complimented, not in his eyes, all he needed was her. All he needed was what he was striving for. 

Zakai softly chuckled, "From what my friends told me, you seemed ever the shy one. Yet you seem bold." 

"I used to be a lot less… Decisive." Bertholdt stated, "But I wanted to be decisive, bold." 

Zakai was only pulled in more by the mystery and intrigue, the man that sat across from her in that small cafe was dorky, easily flustered, and had to be what was easily the hottest man she had ever seen. Sasha had been right. Zakai's mind drifted again, to Armin. He hadn't messaged her since yesterday when he stormed out. Zakai didn't want to hurt him, per say, but… Zakai shook her head with a gentle laugh, disguising her inner turmoil.

"Yes, you seem to know what you want." Zakai commented, not meaning anything by it yet getting a look from Bertholdt all the same.

"I do." He confirmed, "I want you, Zakai, or… Can I call you Zai?" 

Zakai's face fell away into surprise. No one had given her a nickname before, a smile replaced her expression. Soft and gentle. Bertholdt was fascinated by her. He wanted her. Zakai was what he wanted to steal from Armin. 

And he would.

"Yeah. You can call me Zai, Berty." Zakai agreed.

Zakai looked up, pulling her hand away with a sheepish chuckle as a waiter stopped at their table. Not someone she knew. He had stupid, red hair that looked like a bird nest. His nametag, on the apron he was instructed to wear, read "Floch". Zakai opened her mouth to order but Bertholdt almost shyly muttered, "We'll take two breakfast platters." Bertholdt looked at her, "That's okay, right?" 

Zakai perked up, "Yeah, yeah, breakfast and uh… An orange juice." She hummed, watching Floch walk off with their orders. She looked to Bertholdt, "Why breakfast?" The brunette questioned.

"Because, you never got the one I was getting you from here yesterday." Bertholdt answered. 

Zakai smiled brightly, "Thats beyond sweet, Bertholdt." 

That was the first time that she had actually uttered his name. Not a nickname but his name. He wanted her to say his name like that, and in different ways, more. 

"So, we're both in bands." Bertholdt hummed. 

Zakai chuckled, "I should have expected that you'd figure it out." 

Bertholdt nodded, watching as Floch returned with the two platters of breakfast food and an orange juice. Bacon, fried potatoes, and eggs. He really did like this place, its food. Even if Floch, in particular, had always been an annoyance. It was why the others refused to go here. 

The two swapped conversation as they ate, each new piece of information about Zakai fed into Bertholdt's desire to have her, to hold her, to know her. So, with that in mind, he knew what he wanted. Bertholdt just wasn't entirely certain how he was going to get what he wanted. Not yet, anyway. 

Zakai stood, "This was nice, Bertholdt." She whispered. 

Bertholdt hadn't even realized that he went quiet, standing and approaching her. Zakai looked at him, feeling the tall brunette stand in front of her. Bertholdt was surprisingly calm, tilting her head upwards, and leaning in. Zakai was still, lips just barely parted as she looked into those gorgeous pale green eyes of his. Her face was warm, bright red. 

"Can I kiss you?" Bertholdt asked.

"Y-yeah.." Zakai whispered without a second thought.

Bertholdt was amused, to say the least. He pressed his lips against her own, closing his eyes as he trailed his hands downbto her waist and tugged her close. Zakai gasped into the kiss, feeling him deepen the kiss before pulling away just barely. Zakai opened her eyes, face even redder than it was before.

"... Why'd you stop?" Zakai whispered, heart racing.

"We should go to my place." Bertholdt leaned in close, growling in Zakai's ear. 

Zakai nodded, Bertholdt pulled away and intertwined their hands. Zakai followed him to his car, deciding she'd deal with her own car later. In his car, he wanted to already do so many things to her. Yet, he remained patient. 

Soon enough, Bertholdt pulled Zakai into his room. He slammed her against his door, now shut, pressing his lips against her neck. He pressed himself against her. Zakai whined, biting her lip as she felt Bertholdt's teeth mark her neck. 

"Fuck. Pl- please." Zakai whispered.

Bertholdt growled, "The next time we fuck, I'm going to really take my time in ruining you." 

Zakai felt his hands tighten before he stepped back, unbuckling his pants. Zakai had gotten used to the sweet, easily flustered Bertholdt. Yet this Bertholdt was vastly different, dominant and calm. Teasing, even. Zakai watched him, watched as he slowly stripped. First, was his pants, leaving him in boxers. His erection, well the bulge of it, on display. Zakai looked at him with wide eyes. He pulled his shirt off, the woman before him watching him. Oh how Bertholdt was going to love this. He knew that the morality of it was grey at best. 

"Oh fuck." Zakai whispered.

"I know, don't worry." Bertholdt hummed, he turned around and walked to his bed before stripping off his boxers and sitting down, his legs spread. "You can go as fast or slow as you want, sweetheart." 

Zakai was much quicker than he had been, peeling off her shirt and bra first. She could practically feel his eyes on her yet… Not on her breasts, like Zakai assumed he'd be looking, but rather her thighs. Next came the fishnets but as she moved to remove the skirt, Bertholdt spoke up.

"Leave it on and get on my cock." Bertholdt hummed.

Zakai looked up, beyond flustered and crawled over his lap. Bertholdt found himself immediately grabbing her thighs. The plush, pillowy thighs that Bertholdt found himself fantasizing about since he first saw you. Zakai lowered herself, both of them groaning. She pressed her hands against his chest, the stretch bordering between pain and pleasure.

"Oh my fucking-" she whined, "Fuck!"

"Yeah, fuck, I know." Bertholdt grunted, "Say my name, Zakai, I want you to scream it."

Zakai felt Bertholdt push her down, her head pressing against his chest as she groaned. "God!" Bertholdt only chuckled before flipping the two over, his arms caging her in place. "You know what? Fuck this. I really want to see what you look like when you cum on my cock." He growled. Zakai had gasped, looking up at Bertholdt before wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Do it, Bertholdt." She whispered, "Ruin me." 

Bertholdt only chuckled, pulling out only to thrust back in. He was slow, deep. His cock was large, larger than Zakai had ever taken and it had the brunette losing her mind over the feeling. It hit every feel good spot she had, feeling his cock dragging along her walls. It was slow, deep. It pulled moans out of her, Zakai's voice carrying the pleasure many had claimed online that the backup singer couldn't give. No, many assumed that the tall brunette was nothing but a selfish, submissive pillow prince. Yet, he wasn't that. Not with how he was fucking her now. 

"Bert- fuck. Go-" she started.

He slammed his cock into her, making the guitarist cut herself off with a loud moan. Bertholdt hummed, "If you want me to fuck you dumb, just say it." Zakai felt Bertholdt's pace since she opened her mouth, returning to the torturously slow yet deep pace. She whined under him, each drag of his cock that hit that sweet, gummy spot yet that wasn't enough. Zakai had already thrown away all her potential moral high ground. Sure, before she could defend herself with "its not like I slept with him" but now she is. 

"Fuck. You." Zakai growled before caving, "I want it."

Bertholdt stilled inside her, "You want what?" He questioned.

"You!" She huffed, "I want to be fucked, please. I want your cock, I want to be yours to claim. Berty, I want to think about nothing but how well you fuck me, please!" 

Bertholdt chuckled before pushing Zakai down full on her back by her neck. He gripped it, keeping a firm grip around it and just barely squeezing the sides. After all, choking in bed is all a matter of the blood and not the trachea. Zakai looked up to him, a low moan leaving her lips before she could stop it. 

Bertholdt leaned forward, whispering in her ear, "You will be mine, sweetheart. Mine to fuck and ruin, making you nothing but a dumb cock hungry whore." 

Zakai felt him slam in after degrading her, moaning loudly. Each slam of his cock, hitting that sweet spot was wonderful to Zakai. Earning her the bliss she wanted, making the last thing on her mind the problem of her cheating. Bertholdt didn't slow, his pace fast. Both of them were vocal, particularly Zakai. Low groans and grunts leaving Bertholdt and moans and whines from Zakai. The obscene sound of Bertholdt fucking her was nothing quiet, the sound if slapping skin. 

"Oh fuck- please, god!" Zakai whined, "Fuck! Bertholdt!" 

Bertholdt was more than content to hear her losing her mind, just slamming into her and fucking her. He could feel her tightness around him. It felt absolutely heavenly, his pale green eyes watching her face, watching the reddened gleam. Bertholdt could feel her walls practically sucking him back in.

"Fuck. You're so goddamned tight." Bertholdt grunted, "So fucking tight that your pussy is sucking me back in, sweetheart." 

Zakai only moaned in response, arching her back as she leg out whimpers of "please", "fuck", "god", and his name. She was close and so was he. 

"Fuck. Can I cum inside?" He groaned, each slam of his cock driving Zakai over the edge.

"Yes! Fuck! Please!" Zakai screamed as she came. 

Bertholdt fucked her through her orgasm before slamming in once more, nearly collapsing on her as he came. Bertholdt rode out his orgasm with a moan, pulling out and collapsing beside her. 

"Fuck. Me." Zakai hummed.

"I just did." Bertholdt chuckled.

Zakai rolled onto her stomach, smacking his chest as she looked at him. His beautiful pale green eyes, the brown hair that was now down and beyond messy. There was no secret to what they had done. Zakai took in the sweat that was on Bertholdt's skin, his chest. 

"And you loved it." Zakai stated.

"And you did too." Bertholdt murmured before sitting up, "Let me-" 

Zakai pulled him back down, "No way. You and I are going to bask in the afterglow before going the fuck to sleep." 

Bertholdt smiled, pulling Zakai close to his chest. "You certainly know what you want, Zai." He whispered, "I'll relent."

"As if I was going to give you a choice." Zakai joked, earning a deep chuckle from Bertholdt.

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[nixie-writes-aot]

From Darkness We Flee

Chapter Five: Ice Queen Zakai

Warnings: canon typical violence, canon typical angst

Characters: Zakai Eriko, Connie Springer, Jean Kirschtein, Marco Bodt

Word Count: 1.3k

Zakai was simply going through the motions again. She was tired and this life was crumbling under her touch, she stared into her potato soup as life happened around her. How long had it been? A week? Just a week? Zakai sighed, her mind was always elsewhere these days, wasn't it? From her paranoia to this hopelessness, it was far from where it should be. Zakai couldn't help but think about Reiner, about Bertholdt, about Annie. Yet it was a shocking reveal to herself, one that burned and blazed within her own heart. You still need to atone. Zakai reminded herself, closing her eyes. What was she meant to do? With them? Tell Shadis? Who would believe her? Zakai tilted her head downwards, all the more conflicted. Zakai could make him believe her but at what cost to herself? Was that the best course of action? Zakai couldn't decide which would garner the best results. Let them rip this world apart limb from bloody limb and survive in whatever they leave behind? Tell the instructor and likely be ignored or dismissed? Zakai wouldn't really blame him either, not realizing the horror that is a reality ripped out of their very memories. Zakai could show Shadis that titan shifters do exist, show herself off as a sacrificial lamb. What will stop him from slaughtering me? Scratch that, torturing me for days on end while they get to escape with little consequence? 

Zakai stood abruptly, she knew eyes on her. It was a burning feeling. She looked beside her at Eren, the brunette was beyond bewildered. Those teal eyes wide, similarly Armin was just as surprised. Zakai wordlessly left as Eren opened his mouth to speak, leaving those at the table to come to their own conclusions. Anger blazed its way through her veins, fear gripped her heart with its icy tendrils. A clash of hot and cold, searing and freezing. Zakai slammed the door to the mess hall shut behind her, narrowing her eyes. Zakai would not let them dictate what path she would take. As she originally ascertained, she needed someone. Zakai could not be caught by either side, she knew that much. Zakai slowed her pace to a stop, staring up at the dawn above her. The way the chill in the air felt on her skin, causing goosebumps to rise along her arms. 

It was just a moment of peace, with no one around to see how she settled and let the sky draw her in. It felt like freedom. 

Zakai never wanted to stop feeling this clarity ever again, the way there was orange and pink along the sky as the sun rose with every passing minute. Zakai inhaled deeply before letting her stress melt away as she exhaled. Zakai let a small smile grace her face. However, it fell in an instant as she grew rigid, feeling someone wrap their arms around her torso from behind. Zakai scowled, annoyance flickering in her blue grey gaze. 

"If you value your life, let go before I end it, worm." Zakai growled, voice giving away her irritation. 

Zakai felt the person hugging her go stiff and tense at her words, another bursting out in laughter. Zakai was certain there was only one moron who would be convinced to sneak up on her. So, with a cold calm that could terrify far too many, Zakai grabbed one of the arms that had been slowly releasing her. 

"No, no, no, NO!" Came his panicked voice, "HEL-"

And in a split second, Zakai swung the person's entire body over her own. It wasn't unlike Annie's own move except it wasn't using the momentum and weight of someone else to execute the throw. Zakai stared down at the boy who had shrieked as he was thrown. A resounding thud resonated from the bald boy's body. Connie laid there, staring up at the sky in both shock and pain. As if on cue, the laughing got louder. 

"Kirschtein." Zakai growled, turning and letting her gaze focus on the taller culprit. 

Jean was doubled over, holding his stomach as he laughed. Zakai was hardly impressed but looked to the small chuckle of the other beside Jean, she sighed and chuckled just as small as the freckled cadet. Zakai pressed a hand against her cheek, watching as Jean recovers and stands up straight. 

"You torment me, Pretty Boy, you really do." Zakai sighs.

Jean felt his cheeks redden, "Thats not my name!" 

The freckled boy stepped forward, "It was nice seeing you so calm before… Connie and Jean." He stated with a friendly smile and an awkward chuckle, "I'm Marco."

Zakai recognized him immediately. The boy she was sure would die for the military, after all… Wasn't he just way too nice? Those people either get corrupted or die. Either way, his reputation thus far would help her so she needed him. 

"Zakai, it's a pleasure." She hummed.

Zakai ignored how Jean rolled his eyes, stepping towards Marco. "Ignore Pretty Boy, he's just jealous of you. I'm sure." Zakai added on with a tilt of her head, "Not everyone can be as… Nice as you are." 

"You are such a bitch." Jean grumbled, approaching Connie and helping him up.

"An Ice Queen!" Connie remarked, "... You didn't have to throw me so hard!" 

Jean smirked, "Yeah. Ice Queen Zakai, huh?"

Zakai glanced over her shoulder, lazily glaring at Connie and Jean, "Then don't be such a moron, I won't have to beat intelligence into you." 

Marco sighed, "... Man, what a first meeting. Jean and Connie meant well! It's just… You left so abruptly and looked so…" Marco trailed off, shifting under Zakai's gaze.

Zakai stared at Marco. She felt a twinge of guilt. Was she really going to use him? Corrupt him all herself? This scene felt almost familiar as she furrowed her brows, shrugging, "I'm fine. Don't you worry, Marco, was it?" 

The black haired cadet perked up, "Yeah. That's right." He muttered, cheeks a touch red. 

"Marco's got a-" Connie began to ask, looking to Jean. The latter slapping a hand over his mouth, "Shut it." He growled, "You really are a moron, Ice Queen over there was right." 

Zakai finally turned to face the two, Marco by her side. She perked a brow but otherwise didn't show her reaction to the scene at hand. She snickered hearing Connie let out a muffled, "Ouch." Jean looked to her. The two at a standstill. Zakai knew he was observant, that much had been picked up through how fast he was improving at the ODM gear. She also knew she was highly skilled at covering her bases. Yet did he know? 

"Hey, what was that whole thing between you and Reiner a week ago?" 

Zakai grew stiff, staring at Jean for a few moments before sighing. "Why? What has the brute been saying?" She questioned, eyes narrowed.

Braun… You bastard. Zakai was cross, to say the least. Jean shrugged with a scoff, "Yeah, thats the weird thing. For all he does say, he's not really telling anyone much. It's damn annoying. I just want to know what stupid drama you've got going on, Captain's Daughter."

Zakai tapped her foot impatiently, "Nothing of any real note." She lied flawlessly, "I just don't like him. He's annoying and weak." 

Connie stared, "Am I just stupid or does that make no sense?" He questioned.

Jean scoffed with a loud hah, "If thats not the freshest load of bullshit I've ever heard. Weak? That guy? He tackled me and I felt like I got hit by a horse. If you call that "weak", how strong are you? 'Cause I saw you go down the other day pretty easily. Against Ymir." 

The brunette pressed her lips together in thought, "He… Used to be different, let's just leave it at that." Zakai grumbled.

Zakai thought for a second, about Reiner. About everything, just for a moment. Zakai had to navigate whatever he was saying, decide whether or not to expose those as lies or play along as he had told her. Zakai could say confidently, she hated Reiner Braun. That much she would never hide. Not now nor ever would she make the mistake of keeping quiet regarding that man ever again. 

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[astraldoesart]

I made a thing 👉👈

Original and credit under the cut!

This is by no means originally by me! Its by @unusannustextposts! You can find it here to be exact!

[nixie-writes-aot]

From Darkness We Flee

Chapter Four: What Happened To You?

Warnings: canon typical violence, sfw

Pairings: Reiner Braun x Bertholdt Hoover x Zakai Eriko

Author's Note: This chapter took a BIT but chapter 4 is here! I think I like it. The next five chapters are gonna be fun!

Word Count: 2.3k.

Zakai lowered herself into a fighting stance, arms by her face. “We’re here to spar, so you’re going to fight me.” She growled, eyes narrowed. They were there already, like hell was she going to let Bertholdt say whatever he wanted. No, she didn’t care. Not anymore, she couldn’t. The past had to be forgotten, she had to push forward forevermore. That was the promise she made. Zakai wouldn’t let Bertholdt jeopardize anything. Bertholdt was quiet for a moment, sighing and nodding. Zakai watched him match her stance, both keeping their distance. Zakai watched Bertholdt, his every move, like a hawk. Yet the taller of the two, and its not like it was by a little, didn’t move. Bertholdt was waiting for her to move first, Zakai knew that much. Zakai saw no point in the standstill, not after what he did. Zakai was familiar with his every tactic, she was familiar with him. Zakai could remember how they grew up, how he was just as familiar with her tactics. Zakai felt him move, his hand on her back for moments before she stumbled forward. Well, that was new. Zakai spun around, staring at Bertholdt.

“Did you just fucking push me?” She questioned, her tone incredulous. 

Bertholdt shrugged, offering a weak smile. Zakai narrowed her eyes. To hell with what she knew about him and what he knew about her. No, this was a fight. They were sparring, training. Zakai had to stop getting so damn distracted. Yet it was there, at the back of her mind. What she saw that day, the titan who allowed the floodgates to open. The one who had opened them. The hell he and Reiner flung this island into, the hell that those around her were ignorant as to why or how. Yet she wasn’t. Zakai bit back a harsh retort to his shrug and his smile, trying to push away the fear that he was here for her. That they both were. Zakai wouldn’t go back, she’d never go back. Zakai couldn’t. Zakai threw a punch at the cadet who towered over her, he always had, and leapt back as Bertholdt went to return his own. Yet there was something else, even as she felt that notable anger. Zakai felt bad for hitting him. The distracted brunette forgot to dodge or counter, instead being met with a punch that hit her face. Zakai was almost shocked, Bertholdt had always been a “gentle giant” of sorts. Although, she supposed, she had told him to fight her. Bertholdt’s voice softened. 

“Are you- are you okay?” He questioned.

“Fuck off with that bullshit, Bertholdt.” Zakai spat out.

How dare he! Zakai caught herself thinking, considering how he had to have been there to drag her back. Right? Among other things, of course. Zakai didn’t need his pity. Zakai huffed, pressing a hand against her cheek for a moment. The pain that settled there wasn’t too bad yet was definitely there, a faint numbness going hand in hand with the burn of pain. Zakai wanted to slam him into the ground, maybe trip him and grab him by the back of his jacket. She could do it, Zakai was sure of that. Yet… Zakai only let her arms fall to her sides. Zakai’s blue grey eyes fell on Bertholdt, the tall dark haired cadet let out a relieved sigh and relaxed just as Zakai seemed to have.

“What happened to you?” His voice was soft, almost nervous.

Zakai narrowed her eyes, looking over to a blonde that she wasn’t sure how she hadn’t seen before. He was wrestling in sparring with Eren, his figure tall and imposing matched with short, light blonde hair. Zakai’s gaze shifted back to Bertholdt who was sweating. 

“What do you think?” Zakai shot back. 

Bertholdt looked to almost want to collapse in on himself, frowning. Zakai turned away, her back to Bertholdt as she walked off. Zakai knew who’s stare was lacking now. Zakai knew. Zakai let a sigh leave her lips, the buzz of fear made her heart pound. She hated that any comfort she had found today was stripped away. Yet there was something else, awakening that had not been there for years. Zakai couldn’t understand why she didn’t just beat Bertholdt into the ground. Did she pity him? Was that what this was? Pity? Zakai felt that she was spinning out of control, a spiral like no other. Her mind tangled in the ruthless tendrils of anger, fear, and whatever the emotion was that made Zakai simply walk away from Bertholdt. Zakai frowned, mind shifting to his voice, how the first thing he said was nothing more than a question. How he asked if she was okay. Zakai gritted her teeth, her head starting to pound with an incoming headache. Zakai rubbed at her temples, she felt drained yet not tired. No, with the adrenaline pumping through her veins she wouldn’t feel tired until she had properly calmed down. Zakai felt the sting of tears at the corner of her eyes, making short work of her walk to the barracks. Zakai swung open the door, slamming it shut. Zakai didn’t care that she’d likely get in trouble with the Commandant for skipping out on the latter half of training. 

Zakai flopped onto her bed with a loud groan, feeling her eyes water as she thought about Reiner and Bertholdt. She hadn’t been particularly close to Annie back then, who ever was, but found that thus far she trusted the girl more than the two boys. 

Here it was, the thing she wanted to push away. Yet… Running from it hadn’t worked in her favor, had it? No matter, Zakai mentally grumbled, if they want to try me, they can fucking try me. Zakai wouldn’t go back. She wouldn’t. A plan began to blossom in her mind, a ghost of a smile spreading across her face as she thought about her next steps with careful consideration. If they wanted to drag her back into hell, she'd just prove her loyalty to Paradis. That had to work, right? Zakai had an idea on how she would prove that loyalty, too. Zakai just had to, no matter the cost. The plan was to indebt someone to herself. 

Zakai had decided when to start that plan of hers, start reconnaissance. In part, she was hesitating. Who would even fit the bill? Who would make sense? Obviously, it had to be a well liked person. Kind and loyal, empathetic. The antithesis of herself. Worth a damn in general, Zakai thought to herself. Zakai swung open the door to the mess hall, those blue grey eyes scanning the area. Each table had been selected by a group of people, groups of friends that people had made during training. Comrades. Her eyes fell on Ymir and Christa, joined by Sasha, first before shifting to a few others. Franz and Hannah hung around Mina, Wagner, and Daz. A group of titan fodder, none of those will work. Zakai decided, her gaze shifting to Christa again. Ymir would skin me alive, I think. As Zakai and that fairly soft spoken, polite boy locked eyes her mind sparked. He smiled kindly, returning his gaze to Jean. Him. He's perfect. Zakai smirked before it vanished from her face as a voice beckoned across the dining room.

"Yo! Zakai!" 

Zakai's grey eyes met with a pair of hazel eyes. They were warm in the moment, paired with the pale hair of the blonde and a large grin. Zakai spotted Eren at that table, this time. Zakai hesitated, especially seeing the blonde and brunette nearby him. 

Bertholdt and Annie… Zakai internally growled, sighing and approaching. Reiner motioned to the empty seat beside him with that friendly grin. Zakai tensed her jaw, feeling eyes on her. Zakai could hardly blame them, of course, it's not like much happened outside of Eren and Jean picking fights with one another. Reiner leaned closer to her, voice dropping to a mere whisper at first. His words were calm, certain. If Zakai hadn't remembered what he once was like, she might've even been scared. 

Play along. 

That had been his demand before he chuckled, "Have you been here this entire time? I can't believe we hadn't run into each other before!" 

"... I was focused. You know me. All work, no play." Zakai remarked, shooting the much taller blonde a sideways glance. 

Eren scoffed, "As if! You were skipping training just today!" He retorted with his own grin. Reiner only laughed. 

Zakai grew quiet, eyes focused solely on Reiner. Here, in this moment, she didn't feel nearly as watched so Zakai knew it had to be true. Zakai knew that it had to be true, what Bertholdt's presence meant. They were the ones watching her and it spelled out trouble. The brunette could play along, just for the moment, just until Reiner said his piece. Zakai looked to Eren. 

"Your strategy against Reiner seemed a bit clumsy. It might be in your best interest to use his size against him." Zakai stated, "But from what I could see, good job." 

Zakai could almost feel the narrowed eyes she got from Reiner.

"Like Annie, you mean." Eren pointed out.

Zakai looked at the blonde down the table, she looked up at that moment and both of their respective blue eyes met. Zakai looked back to Eren, shrugging, "I guess." She muttered, "I haven't seen Annie's technique before. I think it would beat me though. I couldn't even win against someone like Connie." Zakai paused, glancing to the table where Jean and Marco were, more accurately to the bald cadet who was sat across the table from Jean. 

Zakai could feel Bertholdt's eyes on her. Zakai wouldn't speak up about it, not now. Reiner tilts his head. "I thought you used to be able to beat Bert here." He remarked. 

Zakai looked to Reiner, muscles tensing. "... Right. Yeah, well, he got taller and I didn't." 

"Doesn't stop Annie." Reiner shot back. 

Zakai's frustration was growing with the blonde, narrowing her eyes. She looked to Armin and Eren, "Anyways, it should be fairly easy to tighten your stance and use his size against him. Especially if you know the weak points. Like the joints." 

Reiner seemed to stiffen and tense this time. He leaned forward, "Hey, Eren, wanna see something?" He asked with a large grin.

Eren looked from Zakai to Reiner and before the brunette could even answer, Reiner lifted himself to his feet. Zakai sighed, relieved that the much larger cadet seemed to have shifted his attention. Of course, her relief was short lived as she felt two hands snake under her arms and hoisted her up. Zakai felt her face quickly flush bright red as she saw much more than she was normally capable of doing. 

"Reiner! You sad sack of horseshit!" Zakai snapped. 

Albeit all her yelling had accomplished was garner more attention than Reiner had originally intended. Zakai saw Ymir, Sasha, and Christa in particular look her way. Christa quickly covering her mouth with a sympathetic yet mostly hidden smile, Sasha had looked to Jean's table quickly and giggled to Connie, whereas Ymir was quiet for once. No. Those brown eyes and freckled face were trained on Zakai. Zakai growled, "Reiner, if you don't let me go then you find out the limits of the human body when someone gets a foot shoved up their ass!" 

Reiner only laughed, leaning his head closer to Zakai's own and opened his mouth to speak. Of course, not one whisper left his lips before the small girl in his grasps had slammed her head backwards in full force. Reiner's grip loosened as he had to stumble back to catch his balance, using that moment to take advantage of his surprise, Zakai freed herself. 

"Brutal." Jean commented. 

"Badass!" Eren remarked. 

Others had made similar observations. Remarking on Zakai's quick thinking and assuming that was all planned. Especially as Reiner sat back down, laughed, looked directly at her with a wink, and hummed, "Good show, Zakai." 

Zakai would kill that man one of these days, she swore it. 

Regardless, embarrassed and humiliated, Zakai made her departure from the mess hall, leaving Reiner to socialize while she sought the comfort of the lonely forest. 

Of course, there was but one that thought to follow her. 

Zakai slammed her fist into the bark of a tree, absolutely seething for the moment. "Fucking Reiner," she sneered at the tree. The tree and her, now very scratched up and bleeding, knuckles. 

"It's impressive how you keep composed yet he pissed you off without even saying a word." 

Zakai recognized the voice, turning to face the freckled brunette and slumping against the tree. "What are you implying, Ymir?" Zakai demanded. 

"Short fuse tonight?" Ymir asked, albeit was beyond rhetorical, "It's just an observation." 

Zakai sighed, shrugging, "Reiner knows all the right buttons to push." 

Ymir nodded, "So it would seem." 

Zakai wasn't blind. She could see the gears turning, how Ymir seemed to be churning out potential answers. It was almost remarkable. 

"I never expected to see him here. We… grew up together." Zakai admitted with an annoyed huff.

Ymir leaned against the tree, staring down at Zakai with half lidded eyes. "I think there's more to that but I won't push my luck. Tonight, at least. I'm more interested in why you seem to act like you're this remarkable, Captain's daughter who just wants to live up to expectations but it's bullshit." 

Zakai scoffed, "You're observant." 

Zakai and Ymir let the silence settle, Zakai slowly closing her eyes. It was comfortable, if only in that moment, but they both knew it would never last. The day would restart, the sun reminding each of their stances pushed onto them by memories long since buried and both women would fall into their roles once more. 

Ymir, the abrasive and brutal cadet who saw more than she let on. 

Zakai, the composed and sarcastic cadet who's grief led her to the military. 

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[astraldoesart]

I love my gals

[astraldoesart]

Zakai's titan form :3