A Study Session with Blueberries

"Agh!- Reiner, could you at least be a little more gentle?"

Reiner releases his hand out of shock at seeing your face twist from the sharp agony. Once he sees you bite your lip does it provoke a response out of him as his hands move back to your wrist to focus on wrapping the bandages. "Sorry. I shouldn't have purposely done something like that to make the instructor pair you up with Bertholdt, especially at something like hand-to-hand combat."

Shooting him a reassuring look, you move your wrist gingerly, testing the capabilities and frowning when the bandages didn't provide much mobility. "Thanks, Reiner. But I have given him way too many chances at talking. He never seems to be very open with any subject whenever I bring it up, and today proves that I need to do something about it."

You knew that Bertholdt was quiet most of the time and liked to stick with Reiner most of the time, only speaking when it was necessary. Surely he was like this for everyone, but you felt a different sort of tone with his voice whenever it was directed at you. He seemed excited, more at ease when you'd laugh and joke around with Reiner and him, though his feelings for you were crystal clear; you could tell from his eyes and the way he treated you throughout the day.

Reiner stood up, wiping his forehead where a couple drops of sweat gathered. You proceed to get up too, reminding yourself how tall his massive form was as your head only reached up to his shoulder. His large hand covered the roll of dressings, putting it back into the rusty drawers along with the other medical supplies as you anxiously imagined how your encounter with Bertholdt tomorrow was going to be like, the thought sending an uncomfortable nausea through your stomach.

You jumped as Reiner suddenly hummed in contemplation, eyebrows furrowed and a hand moving to scratch at his scruffy blonde hair. "I might have an idea."

Peering up at him, you nodded eagerly as he continued. "I've never told anyone, but today's his birthday. Maybe you could buy him something? When we were little, he loved blueberries and he'd always eat them whenever I came over to his house to play."

He gave you a thoughtful smile, moving ahead of you to open the door while you shared his excitement, a slight hop in your steps upon laying a mental plan for when you would strike.

"Also..." he paused, hazel eyes flicking to your wrist and then back at your face, "I don't think you should worry about that wrist. I'm sure it'll heal just fine; Bertholdt isn't one to hurt anyone seriously. Even though he is very well physically capable of doing so, he would never if it was avoidable, especially for you."

You weren't sure how Bertholdt could ever get along in life without such a supportive and amazing friend like Reiner. Oh, how you couldn't want to see how he would react; mentally squirming in apprehension as you confronted him and let your arrangement fall into place of wishing him a happy birthday. "I heard he's a bit concerned about the upcoming tests on the different behaviors of titans, so he's most likely going to be going to the library after dinner."

Reiner gave you a smirk, closing the door while his footsteps fell in pace with yours down the hallway. "Perfect."

Turning around a corner, you were met with the usual loud chatter of your comrades in the lounge, people lining up and eating meals, scattered in every nook and cranny possible. You spotted many different colours of hair; brown, black, blonde, even red, but what caught your eye in the far left side was the familiar tall figure and pale green eyes of Bertholdt. Your gazes locked, sending a strange flutter inside your stomach while you quickly turned to Reiner, trying to calm your racing heart. "I know I shouldn't be having doubts about this, but are you sure this is a good idea?"