Yourself

Two friends meeting

Reiner was serious about having this weekend as at least some kind of distraction.

He promised to see Gabi on the weekend, so pretty early on the Saturday morning he set off to her house - he had another insomnia wave for the last few days and he wanted to be busy to keep his mind away from bad thoughts and worst-case scenarios of everything, basically.

He reached Gabi's house, but she was, of course, asleep. He lingered in the little frontyard of the house, doing basically nothing but walking circles on the small area.

Maybe I should just accept the way I feel. I have to be honest, I always liked her, I was just too afraid to confess when I was a child and now I am afraid to bother her. - Reiner thought as he was walking - Why did I actually decide that it's reciprocated? Many years has passed, very possible that she is just... No, she patted my cheek. Or maybe she does it with any friend? I saw her hugging Porco. And she also hugged me. Probably it's just being friendly. Yeah.. - he thought and pursed his lips in disappointment.

When Reiner lifted his eyes, he saw Gabi, all dressed, and staring at him with pure interest.

"You know that you look weird?" - she said.

"Well, good morning to you too." - Reiner said, slightly embarrassed, that Gabi caught him off-guard while he was brooding and probably behaving weirdly without realizing it.

Time with Gabi was passing really unnoticeably. She was speaking a lot, running, screaming, even a little whimpering, when something happened not in the way she wanted - Reiner caught himself thinking that Gabi didn't change much in those 5 years except for getting bigger. And becoming a candidate. And one more thing - Gabi found out what money is and also found out that Reiner has some. At least enough for 3 buns for sure. For some strange reason by the evening Reiner felt pretty much enthusiastic. Gabi was full of life, didn't ask him anything and didn't trigger his memories, and with her constant chattering she kept 120% of Reiner's attention on herself - and that was the kind of destruction he craved for.

When it was already time to leave for a walk with Leda, Reiner walked Gabi home. Before letting her go, he pecked her forehead.

"WWWOOAAAH" - Gabi protested.

Reiner looked at her confused. I am sure I always did it when she was small, what's wrong? She's my cousin - he thought, taken aback by that reaction.

"I am not a little girl anymore, meeeh" - Gabi rolled her eyes.

Ah, she's not a little girl, now clear. That's the reaction - Reiner held back a laughter.

"Sure. From now on I will be much more respectful, young lady" - he extended his hand for her to shake.

Gabi, with a pretentious expression, with some effort, shook Reiner's hand.

She's ridiculous. But I love her - he smiled, watching Gabi getting up the steps to her porch and then to the front door. He was already turning away to leave, but Gabi called him over. Reiner turned his head to her.

Gabi propped her hands to her sides, with another "serious" look.

"Just for your information, I love you" - she said in a sassy manner. Her bossy attitude quickly fell apart when she couldn't hold back the little laugh.

Reiner smiled. Sincerely.

"I love you too. I see you tomorrow." - he said and left, once Gabi entered her house.

What a girl - he headed to his house, thinking.

Now I just need to change into something fresher and meet Leda.