"I... I like you. A lot," he stammered. "I think you're the most incredible girl I've ever met. You're always on my mind. I know it sounds crazy, but... I think I love you."
Reiner was Blair's first love-the one person who treated her with kindness...
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In my place by Coldplay ~~~ Present: Age 22
I do everything in my power to avoid Reiner the rest of the week. Surprisingly, the chaos around me has worked to my advantage. I've been pretty busy. Hange constantly sends me off to do tasks that are well below my rank and pulls me into meetings that don't involve me. She hasn't admitted it, but I know she's doing it for my sake. She's keeping me occupied so I don't have a run in with Reiner. But I know I'll have to deal with him, eventually.
I mindlessly walk into the common room scanning for Armin and Connie. I spot the back of their heads as they sit at a table. I halt when I notice Reiner talking to them. He looks up, noticing me immediately.
His mouth parts. "Um, I'll leave." He mumbles, quickly standing up.
Armin and Connie turn to me as I hover in the doorway, with my arms crossed.
"Yeah, you do that." I mutter, eyes fixed on the space behind him as he brushes past me. I feel his gaze lingering on me, but I refuse to acknowledge it.
"We were just—" Armin starts, but I wave him off as I take a seat.
"It's fine, I don't care." I do care, but I made a promise to Hange.
Armin and Connie exchange an awkward glance.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Armin asks cautiously, his voice soft.
"We have bigger things to worry about. Let's move on."
Connie fidgets with his hands. "If you ever want to talk about it..."
I cut him quickly. "I don't want to talk about it okay." I notice my tone is sharper than I intended. "Sorry. I don't want to talk about it." I say in a softer tone. "Let's just focus on what's next."
Armin gives me a small nod. "Right, let's prepare for tonight's meeting. The Marleyans will be there." He pauses looking at me for a reaction. When I don't react he continues. "This is our chance to gather intel on their military and technology.
The time for the meeting comes quickly, I've barely had a chance to emotionally prepare. We are all gathered in the conference room discussing the next courses of action. But it's hard to concentrate when it feels like Reiner's gaze is burning into me.
Armin sits beside me along with Hange. They both take lead on the discussion and take notes. I try to focus on the conversation, but it seems like everything warps together. I glance over to Reiner; his face tenses and he immediately looks away. I wish he would just disappear again.
"Blair?" Hange's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. I blink, realizing everyone's attention is on me.
Armin speaks up. "Hange asked if you had anyone in mind to take your place for greetings since we need you here? It can't be me or Connie—we'll be needed here as well."
