Friend or Foe... (AoT Reader Insert)

Chapter 1: Innocent Dreams

"Get out of the way, runt!"

A cloud of dust rose around me as I was shoved into the ground. Snickers filled my ears as pairs of feet jogged past.

"Do you need a hand?"

I shook my head at the sound of the forign voice. That didn't stop them from reaching out to me anyways.

"Just leave her alone," another voice urged, "she's not your problem."

"Come on," the first voice urged, "the group is getting further and further away!"

A little bashfully, I grabbed their hand and allowed myself to be pulled along. I didn't say anything. Not even when someone put their hand onto my shoulder.

"Marcel, just leave her alone already!" the second boy scowled. The first boy, Marcel, just shrugged him off.

"Are you alright?" Marcel inquired between shallow breaths. I nodded. "Do you... do you speak?"

My eyes shot up from the floor and met with those of a brown haired boy. He gave me a grin, the blond boy beside him simply looking away in contempt.

"If she could speak, she would've said thank you already." The blond boy murmured.

The brunet slapped the blond's shoulder lightly, as though telling him off.

"She doesn't have to do anything, you know."

"I'm just saying, she could've shown a little more-"

"T-thank you!" I stammered, my face becoming flushed.

"It was no problem!" The brunet smiled, but his expression was quick to change when the blond began to berate me.

"Why'd you let them push you in the first place?" He jeered, "I mean, it's giving a whole new meaning to push-over, don't you think?"

The blond let out a short grunt as the brunet hit his shoulder. A little harder this time.

"They're... my friends..." I mumbled. This time, both of the boys turned to look at me.

"Those are... quite the friends you have." Marcel muttered.

I don't think I was supposed to hear him. It's probably why he was so surprised when I responded to his statement.

"They're the only kids I know who are around my age."

The three of us go silent as we make our way up a hill, too focused on our breathing to converse. Once we were all the way up, we had managed to catch up with the main group.

"Not anymore." Marcel suddenly exclaimed. I shot him a confused glance, and so did the blond who was accompanying him. "What's your name?"

"(Y/n) (L/n)."

"Well, (Y/n) (L/n), you have two new friends starting today! My name is Marcel, and this is my brother, Porco."

I nodded my head, "it's very nice to make your acquaintance, Marcel and Porco."

"Geeze. She's so formal!" The newly introduced Porco groaned, "I think she can just be your friend, Marcel."

I looked down, but Marcel was quick to put a hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry about him, (Y/n). Before you know it, he'll be begging you for your friendship!"

Marcel laughed. My face flared with warmth.

It wasn't long before our two gazes had managed to meet with one another. For what seemed like the first time in a long time, I was happy.