"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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Right where you want me - Jesse McCartney ~~~
Past: Age 16
Reiner and I sit outside on the back porch as the evening fades. His arm is wrapped around me, and I rest my head on his shoulder, letting the silence settle between us.
"What is your family like?" I ask.
I feel him tense, just slightly, under me. "I'm an only child. It's just me and my mom, but we have family close by."
"It must have been hard on her when you left... being her only child and all."
His chest rises and falls with a heavy sigh. "Yeah, but she's proud of me." He's quiet for a moment before he looks down at me, curiosity in his eyes. "What about your family?"
"I'm an only child, too. My parents... they kind of disowned me when I told them I wanted to join the Scouts."
He sits up straighter, eyes widening. "What? That's horrible."
I shrug, trying to keep my voice light. "I'm not mad. I know they'll come around... someday."
~~~
Present: Age 22
I pace my room, folding and refolding clothes as I pack for our journey to meet the Azumabito clan. Just then, there's a knock at the door.
"Come in." I call, turning to see Reiner stepping inside. He closes the door gently behind him, a small smile on his lips.
"What's up?" I ask, setting down a jacket.
"Nothing." he says softly, stepping over to me and pressing a light kiss to my lips. "Just came to bother you and check on what you're packing for the meeting."
I look at him, a bit puzzled. "How did you know about that?"
He shrugs, his smile shifting slightly. "Levi just told us. Turns out we're coming along too."
"We?" I ask, eyebrows raised.
He gives me a strained look. "Pieck, Annie... and Zeke."
A groan escapes me as I bury my face in my hands, then flop dramatically onto the bed. "Nooo..."
He chuckles, but I catch the tension in his laugh. "I know, it'll be..." He pauses, glancing around. His voice lowers to a whisper. "Is this... Sasha's bed?"
I sigh, my arm folding over my eyes. "Yeah."
A heavy silence falls over us, weighted by the memories and the grief we've both buried. Finally, he clears his throat, his tone turning serious. "I have something to tell you."
"What is it?" I murmur, still lying down.
There's a shuffling sound as he paces the room, footsteps slow and hesitant. The unease in his movements makes my heart race. I push myself up and look at him, concern causing my throat to tighten. "Can you stop pacing? You're making me nervous." I pat the space beside me. "Just sit down."
