(not) your eyes | r. braun

𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗱

*quick disclaimer: these characters are not mine; self insert is female bodied; this was originally and OC fic so if there are any grammar mistakes it's because of that; the fic is meant to be light and satisfying while still in the show, meaning that there is no smut and it is relatively short; k bye<3!

1

You used to train with Reiner and the others.

The others were only your friends that were the chosen ones. After they left, you failed. You were failing at everything until they found another use for you. Before then, you wouldn't sleep, wouldn't eat, and would wallow in your own despair. You had thought about running away, but it was only if you could escape, and that wasn't worth it.

You tuck your head into your legs as you sit in the moonlit night. Another blow of wind pushes you. Your breathing is erratic. It's been months but you were still stuck in your Warrior uniform.

"[Y/N], we need you for something."

Magath's voice rings through your ears. You had half expected them to kill you by this point, but they didn't. He led you to a room full of Marleyan officers. They stare at a map in thought. When you enter, everyone gives a look with a hint of disgust. Then, they continue to study.

"[Y/N], how long would it take us to travel from Odiha to the tip of the southern nations?" Magath asks you.

You weren't really ready for this question. All that was on your mind was getting out of this any way possible. You didn't care about Odiha, didn't care about the Southern Nations. There was no room in your mind to think that way.

"Answer, Eldian."

Magath's hand reaches right for your shoulder in a tight and mostly painful squeeze.

"Through train and ship, it will take approximately one day," you say, your eyes still low.

"On what basis?"

"Train from Odiha to the port can take up to sixteen hours because of the way it was built. Marleyan ships are fast enough to take you to the next southern port in eight." You remember now to stand up straight with your hands resting behind your back. "Sir."

"Smart as a whip, as I said. Agile too."

You were surprised that Magath spoke up for you in that way. Your eyes dropped low again. Not agile enough for a titan, obviously.

Magath escorted your out and left your with these words:

"You are released from your Warrior duties."

❧

A couple months earlier, you sparred with Reiner. You both weren't particularly strong, but you were fast. You were throwing punches before he could even think. Kicks that hurt him so much that he fell to the ground. You knew Reiner shouldn't get the Armor. You still don't know why he did.

"Get stronger," your thirteen-year-old voice rips into him, "You need this, right?"

Your foot plants itself right onto his chest. Your voice goes down to almost a whisper.

"You need to become a warrior. Do not forsake your parents, Reiner. Get it done."

Never would you have thought that he would be one, and you wouldn't. You were so promising, and still they didn't choose you. To be frank, Reiner hadn't built up too much strength either, but he was chosen. All that was left was you and Porco.

Porco's anger got the best of you both. He was difficult to spar with, sometimes leaving you with a bloody nose and unnecessary scratches. You understood his anger, understood it so much that you picked up on it and began to embrace it. Your anger was only second to your sadness.