Growing Feelings 2 (Bertholdt x Reader) College AU

Beach Party (part 1)

- Beach towel? Check

- Sunscreen? Check.

- Bikini?

I took a look at myself in the mirror. I was wearing a bikini filled with flowers and ruffles. 

- Check. - I said with a smile.

I was going through my bag to confirm that I had everything for the day. I would bring some food along with those beach items. 

Today is going to be fun.

I was surprised when I got a call from Reiner a few days ago inviting to go to the beach with them. Apparently, it started as a girls day out but Mikasa invited Eren and Armin, Sasha invited Connie and Jean and so on until all the guys ended up going as well. Since Christa would be going too, Reiner was specially eager to be there.

- You should come too (y/n)! - he said enthusiastically over the phone - everyone is going and I'm sure Bertholdt wants you to go too.

I was taken back by the fact that Bertholdt wasn't the one inviting himself, but I figured it was because he was just being shy. Ready to surprise him I ended up not saying anything about the beach to him until the day arrived.

- I'm ready, time to go! - I said as I closed the door of the apartment behind me.

_____

When I arrived at the beach, I saw a bulky guy at the distance waving for me enthusiastically. Reiner had seen me coming and wanted to make sure I knew where they were.

I took my sandals out and felt the sand bellow my feet as I started to walk faster, wondering what kind of face Bertholdt would make once he'd see me.

As I got closer, I noticed Reiner's beach towel carelessly laying only a few meters from the water. next to it there were a few more already wich indicated the others were arround as well.

- Hi! 

- Hey (y/n)! What's up?

Noticing how I was scanning the beach with my eyes, Reiner went straight to the subject.

- He's over there - he said while pointing, sporting a mischievous smirk - go get him.

I gave him an afected smile, since he didn't even spare a minute to let me answer or have a chat with him. Even so, I started to walk towards the figure of a tall man, staring at the ocean, with the waves nearly touching his bare feet. 

The sea that day was calm, and the small waves allowed for people to venture a little more into the water. I saw Connie and Sasha a bit further down in the water playing with a beach ball.

I stopped for a bit, admiring his bare back with his well defined muscles. Maybe I could try a 'guess who?' Would that be lame?

- AH!

Bertholdt turned arround before I could decide, jumping as soon as he saw me. He stayed in an awkward pose, clearly trying to process that I was standing right there.

- Sorry, did I scare you? - I said, trying not to laugh.

- I... well... (y/n)! - he muttered while his cheeks started to turn red - I didn't know you were coming...

- I wanted to surprise you... and it seems like I did - I giggled.

He looked away, not sure if upset for getting scared that easily or for the fact that I came without saying anything.

- (Y/n)! - I heard Christa shouting - You came too! That's wonderful!

She had just returned from the water, with Ymir trailing right behind her. 

- Reiner told me he had invited you, but since you haven't show up yet I wondered...

- Oh, am I late? Everyone is here already then?

- Actually, some have already left... we've been here since morning you know. Oh but don't worry-she added since she noticed me looking down - plenty will stay the whole afternoon. Come let's meet with the others!

She grabbed my arm, wich caused Ymir to give me a stinky look, and dragged me along to join the others.

______

- You could have told me you guys were coming in the morning - I said as I lightly punched Reiner in the arm.

- Aaah sorry sorry, we didn't have any hour planned or anything. Also I forgot.

He shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows, in a way that made him look like he didn't care. I narrowed my eyes and sunk my hand in the water. With a fast movement  I took my hand out of it, causing the water to splash right in the middle of his face.

- Oh now you've done it... - he blinked while frowing, and with a single sweep he raised me from the water, wich had me wave my arms in vain.

- W-what are you doing! Put me down!

- Ah ah no way, you mess with me you'll have to deal with the consequences! - his vilanious tone made it all too funny but I was trying hard to keep balance as it seemed like I would fall on my back any minute.

- Reeineeer - I said with a threatening tone that didn't sound so hostile since I couldn't help but smile.

- Be gone, foul beast! - Jean said while pretending to hold a sword - Leave that fair lady alone!

Focusing on maintaining a ridiculous knight-like pose, he didn't notice Eren aproaching him from behind.

- Gee I wonder where the knight went - Eren said with a mocking tone - all there's left is his horse.

- Uh?!

Jean turned arround and grabbed Eren's head, trying to sunk him in the water. Eren got up right away and did the same to him.

- Oh no, I guess no one can save you now! - Reiner proceeded, still holding my back firmly in the air.

I took a glance arround and saw Bertholdt just a bit further in the water.

- R-Reiner maybe you should put her down...

- Make me.

Bertholdt began to move towards us but stopped when people started to leave the water towards the girl that had just arrived.

Reiner slowly put me down again as the two of them were looking in the same direction, forgetting all about the play we were doing just a few seconds ago.

- Oh boy... Annie is here.

I observed her with curiosity. I was pretty sure she hadn't been to Christa's house at that time, and the only time I saw her was at the coffe house. So I didn't have the chance to talk to her or get to know her better. Or even understanding why she coming was such a big deal.

I looked at Reiner, that took a glance at Bertholdt before looking back at me. 

- What is it? - I asked, not being able to read what was on his mind.

- Nothing. - he replied as he forced a smile.

I felt the frustration starting to build up inside me.

Maybe it was because I was having fun and the mood was gone.

Maybe it was because there were still things about Bertholdt I didn't know about.

Or maybe... it was because Bertholdt hadn't treat me as his girlfriend a single time ever since I got there.

And that was one thing I simply had to change.