Bertholdt had kinda stumbled into his relationship with Annie.
They had been friends in middle school, and while Bertholdt had found her attractive he always just thought it best they remain friends. He was also trying to figure out the growing feelings he was developing for guys too. So he thought it would be a good idea not to date for now.
It had been a big surprise to him when Reiner came out to him and Reiner's mom before they started their freshman year. For Bertholdt, it didn't really matter who Reiner was attracted to. Something he didn't forget was the warm feeling he got in just stomach thinking about Reiner liking boys too.
That summer he had started spending more time with Annie. His attraction was growing, and it seemed like Annie was giving the same vibes.
A week before school started the Annie had invited him to go to the lake with some friends. It was there that behind a tree, Annie had kissed him. It had been his first kiss, and had taken him by surprise.
After dancing around the topic of dating, they became a couple a few days after Labor Day weekend.
Bertholdt had noticed that while Reiner had been happy for him, he detected sadness...disappointment...anger?
For about 2-3 weeks Reiner had been distance. Bertholdt wanted to confront him, but things seemed to resolve itself.
************************************************* Reiner knew it hand't been fair to Bert to just ice him for a few weeks. Reiner couldn't help but feel a crushing weight. He was mad at himself, he should have known better than to get his hopes up.
It should have been no surprise when Bertholdt had told him about his relationship with Annie. They had been hanging out a lot that summer, and were close friends.
It still didn't stop him from crying in his room that night.
Now things seemed to be back to normal. Reiner had come to peace with the fact that Bertholdt was straight and had a girlfriend.
************Sophomore Year******************
Winter break was approaching and everyone at school was getting ready for exams and Winter semi-formal. A fun tradition where the girls asked the guys to the dance to kick off winter break.
Luckily, Reiner had a good friend who he had confided in. Seeing as her boyfriend was going to be out of town the weekend of the dance she agreed to go with Reiner.
"But you better be ready, I am going to make a grand embarrassing gesture to ask you" Pieck had said.
She didn't hold back. She had help from Porco, her boyfriend, who looked for any opportunity to embarrass Reiner.
He walked out of football practice one day to see his car filled with balloons, and a few of Pieck's marching band friends playing "Take on a Me".
*************************************************** Bertholdt was smart but also a bit oblivious. The Winter formal was as coming up in about 3 weeks.
Last year Annie had sent him on a scavenger hunt ending with her in a giant cardboard box.
This year Annie hand't even mention the dance. She had been a bit distant for a few weeks, but he just assumed that she was stressed about volleyball, debate team, and school.
Bertholdt wasn't expecting a grand gesture, but he was surprised she hadn't even asked him yet. Yes they had been together for a year now, but she had asked him last year.
He was mulling this over as he heading out of school. He stopped suddenly, realizing he had to turn in an assignment to his English teacher.
Bertholdt swore under his breath seeing from down the hall that her lights appeared to be off. He thought about turning around for a second but, figured he could slip it under her door.
As he got closer he heard voices, and giggling. With a raised eyebrow he picked up his pace. Noticing the door was unlocked, he let himself in.
Bertholdt wasn't sure if he regretted that decision or not.
Annie was sitting on a desk, her arms wrapped around the neck of blonde hair boy. They were exchanging kisses and giggles.
"Annie!" Bertholdt said as he turned on the lights.
Annie's eyes went wide as she pushed the boy off her. Bertholdt was floored to see it was Armin Arlert. The shy freshman who he shared a Spanish class with.
Bertholdt couldn't find his words.
"Bertholdt listen...I-I-can explain"
"Save it" he said, surprised at the coldness in his own voice.
He faced Armin, "couldn't get a girl on your own so you have to go after someone else's"
Armin's face went red, and held hands up, "Dude she's the one who came on to me"
"Doesn't f*cking matter! You both f*cked up"
Bertholdt turned and stormed out of the door, Annie chasing after her.
"Bertholdt, please can we just talk..." she said grabbing his wrist.
"How long?"
Annie was quite.
"How f*cking long?!?"
"It started around the beginning of October after debate team practice, but Bertholdt I-"
"That's all I need to hear, f*ck you and your bowl cut side piece too"
*********************************************** Reiner was trying to read through 1984 for school after his shower, but couldn't seem to focus. Something about being forced to read a book annoyed him, or maybe he just didn't like being told what to do.
He was taken out of the world of Big Brother as someone began banging furiously on his door.
"For f*cks sake" he mumbled, and made his way to the door.
He looked through the peep hole and saw Bertholdt. He look distraught.
Reiner quickly opened the door, and Bertholdt threw himself into his arms.
"Bert...are you ok?"
"Annie cheated on me...it's over"
To be Continued
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