Attack on Titan: Bloodline -- Version 2

• Chapter 15 •

Lorraine awoke the next morning, feeling bright and cheery in the early morning light. Although she had slept a little bit later than usual, she smiled. Her heart was still light and she still felt the warmth in her heart that made her smile.

"Was it all a dream...?"

She sat up and rubbed her eyes. She yawned deeply and climbed down her wooden ladder. She picked up her uniform, which someone, presumably Mikasa, had laid out on top of the dresser, folded meticulously and walked into the nearly empty shower room. She ran her fingers gently through her tangled hair, thinking about the events of the night before. Walking through the beautiful Night Market, the rambunctious and energetic music in the tavern, dancing with Reiner, not once, but twice, and the kiss that she had never wanted to end. She sighed and stepped into one of the stalls, slipping off her light blue shorts and camisole that were honestly just the tiniest bit too small for her. She stepped into the running water and ran her fingers through her hair, letting the lukewarm water run through it and over her body. She took her washrag and ran it once over her body, cleaning off the sweat and dirt from the few days earlier. After her relatively short shower, she stepped out and wrapped a towel around her chest. She was greeted outside by Annie, who had just finished her own shower and had already clipped on her bra and put on her underwear.

"Hey, Annie."

Annie looked up and said monotonously, "Hello, Lorraine." Lorraine hummed absentmindedly, dressing with a smile plastered onto her face. Annie said, "I suppose you and Reiner had fun last night?" Lorraine nodded and said, buttoning up her white shirt, "Yeah. We went to the Night Market, which was beautiful, and he treated me to this food called rice milk." She shook her head a little, trying to shake the water out of her ears. "After that, he took me dancing and..." She sighed and said in a low voice, "We kissed." She stared into space for a moment, her cheeks flushing pink again. Annie looked up at her out of the corner of her eyes.

"I see."

Lorraine said, chuckling softly, "Sorry. I-it's just kind of...it's like a dream...you know? Like, it almost doesn't feel real." Annie pulled on her hoodie and hummed in acknowledgement. Lorraine said, pulling the leg straps of her gear tight and changing the subject, "I just hope...I'm strong enough to protect him." Annie sighed and grabbed Lorraine's hand.

"Believe in your strength. Trust me when I say you are more than capable. I should know."

Lorraine smiled. Annie's lips curled up, too. A rare sight, but one that Lorraine welcomed. She hugged Annie tightly and said, "Thanks, Annie. You really are the best friend I could have asked for." Annie hesitated for a moment, then patted Lorraine on the back, giving her a light hug. Annie said shakily, "I-I...thank you...Lorraine."

After they finished getting dressed and fixing their hair, the girls made their way into the mess hall. Lorraine greeted Reiner with a hug, but he turned and kissed her on the cheek. He said warmly, "Good morning!" Bertholdt and Annie glanced at each other, though Bertholdt quickly averted his gaze, turning to look out one of the windows. Lorraine said shyly, "Morning, Reiner. Sleep well?"

"God, that was cheesy. Just shut your mouth, Lorraine..."

Reiner said, "Yeah. I had a great time with you last night." Lorraine giggled and said, "Me too." Annie smiled gently. Bertholdt had already gone to grab a tray of rations. Reiner wrapped his hand around Lorraine's and they walked together to grab their own trays, followed by Annie. The four of them all sat at the usual table, Lorraine sitting next to Reiner. She looked around and saw a few folks staring at the two of them and even some pointing their way. It felt like the whole mess hall was talking about them, even if it was only the odd few. Reiner said, not noticing the people talking about them, "Well, today's the day. We finally get to choose our regiment." Lorraine sighed lightly and took a bite of her rather bland porridge. Reiner reached over and asked, running his fingers through her still damp hair, "Are you still planning to join the Scouts, Lo?" She nodded and said, "Yeah. Ever since I joined the Cadets, I had made up my mind. I want to try and help humanity win." She looked up at him.