Venus and Rose

Chapter Four: Kindness

[Reiner's POV]

***Spoilers for Season 2 and Season 3***

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It was different. So different from what he had anticipated, and he could barely comprehend what was happening around him anymore. They had breached the walls expecting to find monsters; the same devils they'd been raised to believe were lurking behind those walls. Once they had entered and played the roles as helpless children to wait until joining the military, that was what he still believed. Even when strangers showed Bertholdt, Annie, and himself kindness, he had convinced himself that the kindness was fake and hiding nefarious evil.

But things changed. They had joined the cadets, and then the world he had understood began to crack. These kids around him were just like him and as hard he tried, he could not find the evil devils he expected to find on the island. The boys in his dorm always tried to talk to him, asking for advice; and although part of him wanted to ignore their pleas, he couldn't, he wanted to help. When Eren had begged for help with the ODM gear he had helped, and when Armin couldn't keep up on their run, Reiner carried Armin's pack. Little by little and against his better judgment, he got to know them; even when he tried to distance himself, they managed to pull him back and help them.

Even last night, he had to help Connie and Marco find their friends. Although he couldn't admit it to anyone, barely even himself, something about you interested him.

His interest was first caught when he saw you smuggle food out of the dining hall, and you had given him a small smile when he caught your gaze. He'd wondered why you had done it. Reiner had recognized you from earlier in the cadet's assembly lineup; upon your reaction towards the commander, you seemed as callous as he had expected for an island devil. And so, he followed you to see the reasons for your misdeeds. You were so peaceful on those steps watching the stars above and somehow Reiner felt calm while watching you. Yet, the moment was broken by your sister's return and he learned you had saved the food for your sister. Guilt filled him over misjudging you so much, and he needed to sharply remind himself that this was why he was here; to study and gain intel. Reiner didn't stay much longer after Sasha fell asleep on the steps, but he couldn't help watching you stroke her hair delicately and lovingly.

It was the same motion his mother used to comfort him as a child. He could not comprehend what he was seeing, and before he fell into mental turmoil, he silently fled the scene. 'They were devils, evil monsters that will destroy the world', he chanted silently as he fell asleep.

However, in his dream you looked like an angel. You were sitting on those same steps watching the moon, your hair fluttering in the light breeze and your eyes shining brightly in the moonlight. You turned towards him as he approached, that same sweet smile and bright eyes were upon him as you reached for him with one hand in invitation. A sense of peace he hadn't felt in many years washed over him as he looked at you, but before he could take your hand, he woke.

And then last night...

He couldn't help but be impressed when you threw the knife at Jean. However, Bertholdt and Annie had brought him back to their reality; both of them wondered what other kind of abilities you might be hiding. Without thinking, he had suggested that they should keep an extra close eye on you, and perhaps he could try to befriend you. The other two warriors agreed with his plan.

So, when Connie and Marco had approached Reiner and Bertholdt, they quickly agreed to help them find you and Sasha. It was already night by the time the four of them reached the clifftop. As they neared the spot, Reiner could hear soft voices and recognized yours instantly. Once the group had settled to watch the stars, Reiner listened carefully to what you and Sasha said about the stars; not to gather intel, but because he couldn't help but be drawn to the enamored way you spoke. Your eyes were shining in the moonlight the same way they had when he first followed you, and at that realization his breath stuttered.