#reiner x kristina

[keischreiber]

Touchdown!

I have one more, which I received yesterday from Crook.

I SWEAR. EVERY TIME I FEEL MY SCHOOL CASTE AU BRAINROT SETTLES DOWN, IT DOESNT. And the commission from Crook fuels me. It fuels me so much.

I'll write the story behind this eventually, but the over all gist of this is that Reiner's team was having a particularly difficult football match, which they ended up winning. Kristina who wasn't even supposed to go because of prior engagements ended at the game, giving them a cheer. Something that, for this story, is a pretty big deal for her because 1) She doesn't like sports, 2) She doesn't like crowds like this, and 3) She did decline Reiner's and the team's invitation to watch the game. So, seeing her there and hearing her cheer them on or rather threaten them that if they didn't win she'd beat them up gave them a little morale boost. After all, every little support from everyone does help. It's just funny that it was the first time someone actually (and someone who the entire team saw as their nerdy little mascot) threatened them to win.

To commemorate the win, they take pictures, and Reiner decided to take one with her too, because they are "buddies" and he appreciates her going to the game.

PLEASE APPRECIATE REINER'S WIDE SMILE WITH ME.

[keischreiber]

I love all the art I have of them, but the one that has a very special place in my heart is definitely this one, which was done by @adrienwithane. Looking at it gives me so many many feelings, even now. The expression on their faces are just so endearing.

kinda want to see some positivity on the timeline so 🌸

selfshippers! rb this post with your favorite art of your selfship(s) please!!

whether it was commissioned, gift, your own art, picrew, doodles, OR FAV PART FROM YOUR FIC! anything! i want to see some!! 🧡 show the love!

mine under cut :3 ↓

here's mine :3

by @literally-just-there !! 🧡 its so colorful 🥹

[keischreiber]

I want to share this, I want to share this because it's absolutely adorable. Kristina and Reiner in their natural habitat. This piece is drawn by crook from twitter, whose Tumblr is @okcrk0. They are super nice and fun. Absolutely adore their work~ Y'all should check them out.

Their expressions are so cute here, captured so perfectly. Especially Kristina's who will often mask her concern with irritation because she knows she can't wear her heart on her sleeves carelessly around Reiner.

I can also imagine that Reiner's been sitting there 6 hours straight AFTER the work day is over. Which makes her extra annoyed because he isn't taking better care of himself.

Watch her hug that clipboard to herself when she walks away.

[keischreiber]

Tutor

So, a while back I commissioned CrysIS for a School Caste AU. And this is the absolute unit of a treasure that was birthed from that.

Yes, Kristina is the one that's being tutored. Yes, that goofy birthday boy in the background is, indeed, the tutor.

I'VE GOT MY SCHOOL CASTE LORE IN THE WORKS. And it does start with them being practically strangers, which unlike my Canon AU, one of them is at least aware of the other's existence.

She's in the library, trying to figure out her calculation subjects because she sucks at it. Has the formula written down but does not understand. Reiner who happens to pass by hears the grumbling and just out of no where begins to explain the logic behind the math. Kristina's like, "What?" because she doesn't know him. And he's like... he pulls up a chair and continues to explain. At some point, he's like, "can't believe the day would come when I'd come across a nerd who can't compute." And she responds with, "well, I can't believe a jock can."

Taking slight offense, he lectures her about not stereotyping, and she stares at him, and he goes, "Oh." because he did just that. So he apologizes and offers to tutor her. She agrees because she needs to pass. And that was the start of their friendship. Kristina MAY OR MAY NOT have been adopted by the football team like she's some kind of mascot. xD

[keischreiber]

God, I love @nihaalart. This is absolutely stunning, gorgeous, and everything in between.

Okay but I really love their expressions. So much. Reiner looks so soft in the first, a little flirty in the other. Kristina looks so soft in the first, looks like she will bite anyone who touches Reiner wrong in the other. xD Literally she has two moods.

[keischreiber]

Jean 🤝 Kristina @ making sure Reiner does not hurt himself because he has a hard time adjusting to not having his titan anymore.

Reiner not being used to living without his titan after having it for half his life so he's still knowingly gets into accidents expecting that his regeneration would take care of everything and Jean has to whisk him away to safety each time

[keischreiber]

Every time I look at this art piece by Hano (@nyaaan63) I smile like a dang schoolgirl. I'm never going to get over this commission.

Actually, the fun little tidbit of this piece is that it's set in Hano's SNK Rock Band AU, which ever since I saw it for the first time, have absolutely been captivated by it. As someone who likes rock in general, the over all energy of their Rock Band AU is just so good. The boys on stage, looking like they're having the best time of their lives. Some of the gang, in the audience cheering for their favorite band member. It's amazing. I hope you guys have seen that artwork because it is absolutely fire. (Hano also has a lot of great artwork in the canon setting as well as in other fandoms, definitely recommend their work).

So, just having the chance for Kristina to be in this particular AU is such a dream~

As always, in every universe, she has a hard crush on Reiner. She loves Reiner in every universe. I don't make the rules. And having this guitar lesson with the man himself is an experience and a memory that she will always cherish.

[keischreiber]

I'm here with another artwork done by @okcrk0. This has been long overdue for posting because originally I wanted to write the story behind it too, but I just can't words at the moment for my stories. SO.

To give an idea of what's happening, this happens sometime during the time where Marley is actively fighting a war with the Mideast Alliance. Most of the time, Kristina would accompany Magath and Koslow along with the Warrior Unit. However, for this instance, she was left behind in Marley along with the Warrior Candidates who were still in the middle of their training.

However, she received orders from Magath for reinforcements, and that along with the Warrior Candidates, they'll be part of the extraction team that tags along with the additional troops.

Safe to say, when they got there, they saw the current state of their mission. I can imagine this would be the time when the first Anti-Titan artillery was introduced by the enemy. It was an underestimation on Marley's part. They've been through a few missions where they were under siege. However, the enemy had never been able to truly make a dent in Marley's shield... until now.

So, it wasn't surprising when the extraction team was welcomed by the sight of the Armored Titan, lifeless on the ground, and severely damaged. Maybe everyone was in shock due to how severely destroyed their trump card was, and that affected their ability to move. It's hard to accept being defeated by enemies that would have otherwise yielded on any other occasion.

No one would blame anyone from cowering in their boots. Eldians who were conscripted just to be used as weapons probably never imagined something like this. Movement was slow in this bitter taste of defeat. For now, it was important to extract their shifters out, see the damage that this had brought about. Just because they could heal didn't mean that they were exempt from dying.

Kristina would join in the efforts, and eventually, managed to cut through the nape of the Armored. She knew that they could fix themselves up again, so when she saw how Reiner was still heavily injured despite that ability, it shook her to the core.

Often times, she's so good at keeping her emotions buried beneath the surface. However, she was once again reminded that the world they live in was an unforgiving one. The slightest mistake is all it takes to lose everything. And in this instance, if they weren't careful, Marley could lose the only thing they bank on for victory.

Something that she was once again reminded of. That the Eldian race was no different from her. That even they, if they weren't capable, can be welcomed into death's embrace.

She could hear Reiner mouthing off the words "Sorry", to which she answered him sharply to stop talking.

Something fell on his face. Water.

Reiner would ask himself if it was raining... only to realize that the water that fell onto her face was accompanied by the sound of withheld sobs and curses; probably too quiet to be heard in such a chaotic area, but just enough for someone like him who was close enough to the source to hear.

He thinks to himself that he definitely owes Kristina an apology now, not knowing that the only apology that the officer needed was for him to keep on breathing.

[keischreiber]

I was supposed to post art during Valentine's but guess who got sick~ 😂

But now that I am feeling better I have no choice, I have work later I am gonna share some lovely things.

This one is an art piece commissioned from Mary, an artist who I've met on twitter.

I love how absolutely soft this piece is. They look so baby~ Listen, she is easily flustered if Reiner even so much as initiate anything. Kristina is very good at keeping her poker face in public, but in moments where they are just alone, it varies depending on how long into the friendship / eventual mutual feelings they are into.

Like, the Warrior HQ isn't the most ideal place to show any sort of affection, especially verbal, because let's face it. Those phonographs are bugged. I had scenarios where Kristina is the one putting the listening device herself because she was originally placed with the Warriors to spy on them. Lol. Backfired when she friendlied up with Zeke. So it's usually little gestures or she disables the bug so they can actually talk more if she knows they are in a 'compromised' room.

Anyway, it's just so cute to see them having a moment, where Reiner is comfortable enough around her, and Kristina's walls go crumbling down.

Very Armored Titan of you, Fukuchou.

[keischreiber]

I was supposed to share this earlier but work called so.

I am here now and I will share a Valentine's related commission!

This beautiful piece was made by Hiragii Tsukasa (@iwanttobeaseme) of tumblr. I absolutely adore how this turned out. Hiragii-san was such a pleasure to work with, and was so accommodating with my requests.

I can just see how this is probably a year or so into Reiner's return to Marley. Where, throughout that time, him and Kristina had developed a friendship which eventually ended up with them secretly just wanting a little more.

I mean, Kristina from the get-go was alright with some one-sided pining on her end (because she just wants to see Reiner happy, first and foremost), so despite wishfully thinking that it's nice to have his affection, she was fine if he had eyes for someone else.

After all, their agreement was that... Until Reiner finds someone who he truly wanted by his side, Kristina was willing to be the friend who kept him on track as he atones for the crimes that he committed.

Despite their odd setup as friends, Reiner always ends up appreciating Kristina's often aggressive pep-talks. It didn't take him too long to realize that her callous words and sharp-tongued remarks were facades to ensure that she wasn't considered 'friendly' with him. Reiner knew the repercussions better than most, if a Marleyan was even suspected of having an affair with an Eldian. He knew that she didn't want to cause any trouble or misunderstandings. And frankly, that sort of consideration for him, was something that he found... endearing? He didn't know what to make of it, but it was something that surely made him feel seen, and also cared for... in a way. He didn't want to read too much into it.

When thoughts like "gotta marry her one day" enter his mind every time Kristina seems a little more caring than usual (usually when they are alone, thus catching him off guard), he chases the thought away quickly. Often times he would convince himself that he was just remembering Krista, that one girl from Paradis who always treated him with so much care and kindness. Convinced himself that it was wrong and unfair to project these feelings onto someone who he assumed was simply being kind. It was just tough at times since it's not every day that someone cared about him like this. So, there were days when even he was just lost in a little haze of far-fetched wants and what-ifs. Plus, he knew better than to pursue something with a Marleyan. Just because he was an Honorary didn't mean they were the same. Because he painstakingly understood this at a young age, he knew better. As his eyes sometime follow her steps when she leaves for the day, all that he could tell himself at the back of his mind was that he knew better. He knew better...

So, it was a real shock to them when they ended up receiving a little something from one another; leaving both quite flustered. Kristina, for one didn't expect to receive a handful of her favorite flowers from Reiner. When and how did he even learn about it? On the other hand, it didn't even cross Reiner's mind that Kristina would bother giving him something.

However, perhaps what flustered them the most was the surprise of acceptance. The intent behind the gifts... the effort and the emotion, were not rejected.

Without saying a word or explaining themselves in that short span of time, they have come to realize that perhaps they were both on the same page after all.

[keischreiber]

I havent had the chance to write the actual story behind it but I guess I will just share the art here because it's super cute and I love the work that @zuzusexytiems did.

Just look at them. They are so precious.

So, the general idea behind these images is that Kristina discovered the ODM Gear that Zeke had brought back from Paradis (RIP Miche, you are forever loved with us) and wanted to understand it. That's why she asks the person who she feels would understand it, Reiner. And asked for OMD Gear 101.

She royally failed. xD

But seeing her upside down reminded him of his time in Paradis as a cadet when they were first introduced to it, and how some of them also struggled. A little bit of nostalgia for Reiner. He tried not to laugh, but apologizes when he fails to hold it in. But despite Kristina just getting annoyed as she asks to be let down... she kind of liked seeing Reiner with a happier expression. ADMITTEDLY very rare. So. There.

That's the synopsis.

[keischreiber]

I don't always mention it... but like.

My guilty pleasure is Kristina and Reiner just being kind of stupid together. Like. They are usually very sensible and logical folks, but I want Reiner to have moments where he feels like he's with his friends back in Paradis. Like I know this will trigger something And just genuinely have fun with or without him noticing it.

[keischreiber]

I have been trying to draw. And finally, my hand actually cooperated with me. Been working on this for a while now.

Here's a redraw of that one cover from "Veil" by k0tterI.

Kristina, the poster girl for enlisting new Warrior Candidates. She hates it. She looks so angry on the billboard. xD

[keischreiber]

A Sweet Hope

So, for my birthday, a friend of mine (Aevi) told me that they talked to a writer to commission a story for me. And what a way to cap March, by receiving it today.

This story was penned by Andrew Anderson and his website is: https://ibelieveinahappilyeverafter.com

I love this. It's absolutely brilliant. This is canon to me now.

Title: A Sweet Hope

Author: ibelieveinahappilyeverafter | Andrew Anderson 

Fandom: Attack On Titan 

Relationship: Reiner Braun/Kristina Qual (OC) 

Word Count: 2,104 

— 

It was official. Years of work within the military working for the Warrior program had left Kristina Qual with many concerns on how the program was currently run and how it could be improved, but she had finally discovered the worst part of the program. 

The paperwork. 

“Training went well today, then?” Slightly startling at the voice, Kristina looked up from where there were far too many files and notes spread across her desk. She was only mildly surprised to see that it was Zeke Yeager at the door to her office, fist raised up as if he had just knocked. 

“Training was fine,” Kristina finally responded, sitting up in her chair more as she shuffled a few papers into the proper folder. “They followed the instructions that were given to them to a satisfactory degree.” Kristina followed up promptly, the perfect expected response even as she wanted to gush just a little about how Gabi had finally managed to complete the obstacle course they ran all Warrior candidates through. 

“Prompt and succinct as always,” Zeke chuckled, making a show of looking around as if checking to make sure no one was listening. Once he was ‘certain,’ and while Kristina was debating whether to laugh or roll her eyes, he leaned in to ‘whisper,’ “Gabi completed the course, then?”

Well. She could be a little honest, right? “Yes, she did,” Kristina sighed, giving in just enough to let a little of her pride color her words. “And Falco beat his previous record.” 

“Looks like our future warriors are shaping up to be something worthwhile.” Mm. She could tell there was more that he wasn’t saying, but she was willing to let it lay for the moment. With Zeke, it always seemed like there was something he wasn’t quite saying. “Well, I suppose I’ll leave you to your paperwork, then.” 

Instead of leaving, Zeke closed the distance to her desk, setting down a clipboard with a small ribbon tied across the clip of it. She was a little surprised Zeke had even remembered that her clipboard had broken last week. “What’s this for?” 

“Something to make your birthday slightly less miserable today.” Her… Snapping her gaze to Zeke, she saw that smug, self-satisfied smile he always had when he was fully aware he knew something that others had thought was secret. “Just because you don’t tell anyone doesn’t mean it’s a secret.” 

“You just don’t know when to leave something well enough alone,” Kristina said sternly, even as she picked up the clipboard and gently untied the ribbon. “Thank you, though. It’s appreciated.” It was nice, and Kristina was delighted that she wouldn’t need to prop up a file against a wall in the middle of the hallway in order to make a note anymore. Still. She couldn’t be seen playing favorites, especially with Zeke Yeager, or, more accurately, especially with an Eldian. 

Zeke, against all odds, was still her best friend, though, and she knew he could hear what she hadn’t said by the way his smile grew a little more real. “Well, I have my own work to accomplish today, so until I see you next, Officer Qual.” Zeke gave her one last smile and a quick wave before heading out, Kristina calling out a parting goodbye. 

While it was true spending her birthday updating files and doing paperwork for the Warrior program wasn’t her first choice, there could have been worse ways to spend her day. There also could have been better ways, of course, but she didn’t see a possible surprise party in her future, thankfully enough. 

She only managed to pick up her pen and open a file when she heard a knock against her office door again. She expected to hear Zeke’s voice cheerfully saying he had forgotten something, but instead there was a silence that finally made her look up to see that it wasn’t Zeke standing at her door, but instead it was Reiner Braun. 

“Hi,” he said after Kristina, like an idiot, continued to do nothing but stare at him. “I-Well. I was tasked by Commander Magath to go into town and pick up a couple of items needed for the program, linens and such, and I wanted to ask, if you weren’t too busy, if you’d like to accompany me? You know the current trainees better than I do, after all, and would be able to make better decisions.” 

Kristina very carefully did not jump to her feet and blurt out that she would love to go with Reiner Braun on a shopping trip around town and that hey, while she was at it, she actually had a stupidly huge crush on him ever since he had helped her when they were little kids and she had been lost inside the Internment Zone. 

Instead, she capped her pen, set it down, and then calmly got out of her chair. “Alright. I don’t see any problem with that.” Definitely, absolutely not a problem seeing as she got to spend her birthday with the man she had had feelings for since she was a child. (Feelings she could never share. She knew the dangers of a Marleyan and an Eldian being together.) “Commander Magath provided you with the needed funds, I take it?” 

“Yes, he did.” Reiner stepped out of the doorway as they both left her office, Kristina closing the door behind her and making sure it was locked as per protocol. When she looked back to see Reiner smiling at her, she had to work to remain as detached as she could. Blushing and beaming back wouldn’t do either of them any favors. 

Still. She could pretend, just to herself, that this was more than a casual offer to pick up supplies. Likely she was the only one available at the time, and Kristina had made it clear that she was always ready and able to help those within the program. Still. She could pretend that maybe this was something like a date? 

Neither of them spoke until they were outside of the Warrior Headquarters and onto the streets. While it wasn’t the end of day, it was certainly later in the evening, so many of the streets were slow or empty with people beginning to head home or having already arrived there. It was a lot more relaxing than the usual hustle and bustle of the town, although they should probably hurry if they wanted to reach any stores before they closed- 

“So.” Reiner’s voice interrupted her thoughts and completely scattered them, which at least was a familiar feeling. “How has your day been?” 

It was not a date, Kristina told herself firmly before burying her delight and surprise at being asked something so mundane. “Nothing too terribly exciting.” 

The silence returned to sit between them and Kristina hated that even with how she wanted to be kind to him so desperately, she still always treated him so coldly in fear for both of them. But… the streets were calm, and no one was looking their way, so… She was allowed to be a little selfish on her birthday, right? 

“Gabi finally finished the course today.” The words were rushed out more than anything, almost tripping over each other, but Kristina saw Reiner look over at her, his expression showing something like surprise before it broke for a genuine smile of delight. It was an expression she could easily get addicted to. “And Falco beat his time. New record and everything.” 

“Really? His last record was already among the highest in the entire program!” From there, with those excited words, it was so easy for Kristina to talk and praise her students and the work they had been putting in to become Warriors. It wasn’t the most riveting of conversations, but it was genuine, and it was the most she had talked with him since… 

Well. Since she could remember, if she were being honest. It made her greedy, trying to memorize each smile he gave her or each laugh that slipped out of him. She wanted to remember him as this, happy and relaxed after that failed mission to Paradis. She wanted to remember his teasing jokes and his insistent urge to carry all of the bags once they bought what was needed. 

Before she knew it — before she was ready for it — the two were once again standing out in front of the Warrior Headquarters. The sky had grown even darker, now awash with pinks and oranges, and Kristina knew that the Headquarters would be even emptier and quieter. 

“Thank you for coming with me today,” Reiner said softly, all thoughts of quiet offices and lonely spaces disappearing. “I appreciated it.” 

“As I said earlier. Anything to help the program,” Kristina said promptly, face back into its neutral mask even as she wanted, with everything in her, to say No, thank you for asking me, Reiner, I had a really great time today. Maybe we can do something like this again? 

“Of course. I hope you know that I’m always available as well, if you need someone to help with the other kids. There’s been no talk of new missions, so…” Reiner ended his words with a small shrug. It wasn’t hard to see that the dismal outcome of the Paradis mission weighed heavily on his mind. 

“I’m certain you’ll be given one soon,” Kristina rushed to say, letting the words out before she could overthink them and then edit them until they were as cold and cruel as the world expected her to act. “You were — are — one of the best in the program. The kids always talk about you. About how they want to be as great as you became.” 

“Oh.” The word was little more than a breath of air, but Kristina felt something like hope build up within her anyways. “Thank you, Officer Qual-” 

“Kristina.” Too far. That was far too far. Far too friendly. She shouldn’t be seen being that friendly to an Eldian, but the streets were still quiet, no one was listening to them, and it was her birthday. Just a little more selfishness wouldn’t change things. “When we’re outside of the office, you may call me Kristina.” 

“Kristina,” Reiner repeated softly, quietly, in a tone that Kristina immediately wanted to memorize and never forget for as long as she lived. “Ah. That’s right. I had something that I wanted to- Well. That I wanted to give you, actually.” 

Reiner shifted the bags from hand-to-hand as he dug in his pockets, obviously searching for something and appearing almost flustered. She almost hoped that it was her that made him feel that way. 

Before she could offer to hold some of the bags for him until he found whatever he was looking for, he was holding out an arm with a clenched fist. 

She moved automatically, catching the item that Reiner dropped into her hands and curious as she felt a plastic-like texture that took her by surprise. Before she could ask what it was, she brought it closer and rotated it around to see that it was… a piece of candy. 

It was the piece of candy. 

Oh, it certainly wasn’t the piece that he had offered her when he had found her as a crying nine-year-old in a place she shouldn’t have been, doing his best to help her find her way to her father, but it was the same brand. The same flavor, shape, and color and he had given it to her.

Slowly, not sure what she wanted to see, she looked back up to meet his eyes. He was- It wasn’t that he was flustered, it was that he was flushed. He was smiling at her and something there about him made him look… hopeful. Was he hopeful? 

Why would he be hopeful? Had he remembered that first meeting of theirs when they were children? Or was this some attempt at a birthday gift, maybe? He didn’t say anything, but something about his smile and his look made her think that he remembered at least one of those. 

“Thank you for asking me to go with you today,” Kristina blurted, honest words pouring forth before she could think better to press them down. Somehow, speaking her mind didn’t terrify her as much as she thought it should. “I had a really great time today and maybe- Maybe we can do something like this again.” 

“I would really enjoy that,” Reiner said softly, gently, and Kristina somehow felt like she had received the best birthday present she could have asked for.

[keischreiber]

Me just thinking of the before and after of how Reiner and Kristina interact with one another as they got to know each other better…

∘ Before: First few weeks of being… friends? Acquaintances? They didn't know. ∘

Kristina is working late because she has documents that needed to be reviewed for tomorrow's war council meeting with the brass. Reiner who also stayed behind because he had his own share of work to finish notices that the lights were on inside the room which Commander Magath shares with his officers. So, he knocks before carefully pushing the door that was already ajar to begin with, open. Reiner: Is anyone still— Kristina whose ears twitches at the sound of the familiar voice looks up from her pile of documents with a dirty look. Kristina: What do you want? Reiner: O-oh, I, uh— Kristina: Spit it out Eldian, otherwise, get out. Reiner: I— sorry to bother you. He leaves. Somehow, he felt a little disappointed, because they thought they had put a dent in their relationship as strangers. But that didn't seem to be the case. The next morning, Reiner finds a sorry note written in code, tucked away inside a map that was to be used for that day's meeting. The map was with him because he'll be discussing routes and logistics later. The sender? Kristina. It explained that there were listening devices inside the room, which was why she acted the way that she did. Somehow, Reiner found himself stunned. He simply shook his head, a defeated smile barely tugging at the corner of his lips. Reiner thought to himself: She really didn't need to apologize and explain herself.

∘ After: Almost a year and a half of being friends ∘

Kristina usually finds herself staying late at the Warrior's HQ. With the Warrior Candidates training being sped up because of the current war that Marley had with the Mid-East Alliance… there's always a lot of data about the children that need to be filtered, reviewed, and evaluated. At this point, Reiner would know that it was her who had stayed behind if the door was kept ajar. Regardless, he can't just take his chances, so he still knocks before entering. Reiner: This is the third night you're working late, Instructor Qual. The instructor doesn't even look from her pile, a look of disinterest was hanging over her features though. Kristina: Data doesn't collect itself. Why are you even here, Braun? Your War Chief already left hours ago, the other warriors, an hour ago, and the warrior candidates even earlier. Go home. Reiner: You're right, it doesn't. That's why the Commander handed this. Happened to be on the field when he did. Looks like he needs you to look at this too. He hands her an envelope with the words CONFIDENTIAL stamped on in. Kristina: If that's all, you can leave. Reiner: Here. She still doesn't look up, but sees him sliding a ration packet, and a small thermos. Raising a brow, she finally lifts her head from her papers only to look at the Vice Chief. Kristina: What's this? Reiner: Used to eat this a whole lot during missions back when we infiltrated Paradis. Downed it with some tea, when we could. She looks at it again. Kristina: I didn't ask for a sob story. Reiner: I know. Just thought you might need it. Kristina: Who'd want to eat or drink something that came from you monsters��� Shaking his head, it was then that Reiner made gentle taps on the desk, too soft for any hearing device to pick up. It caught Kristina's attention for a moment, only to realize that he had already turned and began walking away. He raised a hand as if to say goodbye and then 'click', the door was closed, and the instructor was now alone inside the quiet office. Kristina: I feel like a jerk… he even shared something about his past… When she remembers how he really tapped, "I understand" on her desk, she sighed. For now, she placed her pen down and reached for the thermos. Pouring its contents in cup, she found the warmth comforting on such a cold night. She sighed and took a drink. She could only really think to herself at that point. Kristina: Where the hell did he learn to make such a good cup of tea? It was warm. The tea, and most likely, her face.

tagging: @mobolanz Not entirely a story but, it is an example of how they interact. @sandosa Hi, this is erudianokabe. I remember you asked to be tagged too if I ever made content for Reiner and Kristina. xD

[keischreiber]

Remembering What's Important

So, I wanted to start of this blog by sharing commissions that I've ordered during the year of 2023.

And to start it off, here is a lovely little piece by @arteastica. I commissioned this to celebrate Reiner's birthday last year.

With how Reiner often treated himself during the time he returned from Paradis, it was pretty easy to imagine that he'd be the type to bury himself in work when there's work that needs to be done.

He had a lot of things to prove after the massive failure in terms of retrieving the Founding Titan. So, it's not too far-fetched to think that he'd forget his birthday completely... or he may even ignore that fact on purpose.

That, and he may not see the reason why it should be celebrated, given the things that he had done; given how he eventually began seeing himself.

Despite that, however, there are still people who would like to remind him that he's worth celebrating. One such person is Kristina, who, often does argue with him about matters concerning his worthiness in more aspects than one.

Kristina sees Reiner as a modest man, and with the way that he was at the moment, felt that he'd be uncomfortable with something outlandish, loud, or showy. So, what she does is simply prepare something hearty for him. She also knows that apart from being the Shield of Marley, Reiner had other tasks when he's not designated on the field of battle. He's diligent, so it wouldn't be a stretch to say that he'd finish things that need to be done even if it meant extending.

That being said, the hearty thing that Kristina prepares for him is soup and a few slices of bread. She'd be the type to notice how he doesn't have much appetite, so something easy to take in would be ideal. Enough to give him the nourishment that he needs. She also adds some candy. It's not like he listens to reason when it comes to his responsibility, so rather than upsetting him with an argument about why he should rest up for the day, she provides him with something that'd give him a bit more energy to push through his work.

She'll probably stay to help too, so that he can go home, thinking that his family is waiting for him a little extra because of what the day meant for those who had him in their thoughts.

I don't think Kristina's the type to greet him outright... based on the fact of how Reiner sees himself. But she's going to say it in passing, inserting it in a conversation which'd let him realize that it's his day.