Time hadn't flown by; each day felt heavier, stretched taut under the weight of our training, our hopes, and our fears. We were nearing the end of our second year, with just a few months left until we marked three years in the Training Corps. But I was grateful for that time. During these years, I hadn't merely met comrades; I had found people who became something more. Together, we faced battles-our own insecurities, our doubts, and the looming question of who we would become when it was all said and done.
We were no longer just soldiers-in-training. Somewhere amidst our struggles and triumphs, we had become a family.
Eren, of course, clashed with nearly everyone at some point-his fire too fierce to be contained-but that was how family worked. You fought, you challenged one another, yet at the end of the day, you were bound by something stronger than words. And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Standing before reiner, I knew i wasn't even taking this seriously. But I had to at least try. Gripping the wooden knife tightly, I locked eyes with him, attempting to project some semblance of intimidation. Instead, he responded with that charming smile of his, as if he didn't see me as a threat at all.
"Whenever you're ready, sweetheart," he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.
I struggled to maintain a serious expression but couldn't help the smile that broke through. "You'd better be prepared, Reiner. This rogue's not going easy on you."
He crossed his arms confidently, a smirk forming on his lips. "I wouldn't expect anything less. Show me what you've got."
With a dramatic lunge, I charged at him, aiming my knife for his side. He sidestepped effortlessly, as if he had anticipated my every move. "Not bad, but you'll need to do better than that."
I shook my head, stifling a laugh. "Oh, I'm just getting warmed up."
Determined to catch him off guard, I feigned a left jab before pivoting to the right, making a quick stab toward his midsection. This time, I surprised him, and he stumbled back slightly.
Before I knew it, he had grabbed me, and we both went down, landing with me on top of him. Our faces were inches apart, and my heart raced at the sudden closeness, his breath warm against my skin.
"Looks like you've got me pinned," he said, a mix of amusement in his voice. "What's next, sweetheart?"
A flutter of something... nervousness?-ran through me as I held the knife near his shoulder, grinning despite the tension in the air. "Well, I could finish the job, but... you're kind of cute like this."
