(On Hold) Freedom's Wings

Incident Aftermath

Quick An: I do not know how PTSD affects a person. No matter how much I can look into it, I can't accurately describe someone comes out of it. Please bear with me on how Gemini copes with hers. Also I know this can be hard on people so I don't want people believing PTSD is like this in real life.

I noticed that Reiner had lead me to a cluster of buildings which I could only assume was the barracks. After all that had happened in the last half hour, I felt useless and most of all weak for not being able to live up to the expectations of a Survey Corps member.

Before my mind could wonder any further down that path, I felt Reiner gentle tug me towards one of the barracks. Following his lead I wondered through the door he guided me through. Once inside I wrapped my arms around my stomach.Reiner began climbing up to his bed before pausing and glanced over at me and noticed my distant look.

'She must have been through hell in the Survey Corps. Yet here she is able to do pretty much anything better then majority of us cadets.' thought Reiner as he finished ascending the ladder.

"You in there princess." Reiner remarked extending his hand.

Hearing Reiner call out to me snapped me back into reality. Turning my gaze towards his voice, I noticed his outstretched hand offering help up. I took his hand and climbed into what I assumed was his bed.

"I'm not sure how I can be of help Gemini." Reiner remarked leaning against the wall.

I glanced off as I wrapped my arms around myself again. Reiner noticed then remembered that I felt better in his embrace.

"Come you don't have to self-conscious and we don't have to talk about it Gemini. Besides it's probably hard enough being pulled back into a terrible memory." Reiner motioned for me to come closer.

I felt the corners of my mouth twitch upward slightly noticing the gesture. With the offer out there, I crawled over and sat between Reiner's legs with my back to his chest. In a few minutes my heart rate began slowing down and my thoughts began to remain in the present.

We sat there a few minutes before I felt Reiner wrapped an arm around my stomach. I smiled and grabbed ahold of his other hand. With that I began squeezing and drawing a few patterns before finally just holding his hand.

Reiner smiled noticing that I was content with how he was holding me. From there on out we just sat there listening to each other's breathing.

A few hours later.....

Our silence was broke when we heard chatter and footfall outside the barrack door.

"They must of just got done with training." Reiner glancing at the door.

"Sorry you couldn't of been there Reiner." I stat glancing towards the wall.

"Hey don't start getting yourself down again and besides being here for you definitely is better than some training we had." Reiner remarked as he cupped my chin making me meet his eyes.

I smiled and squeezed his hand as I look into Reiner's eyes.

"Oh please no kissing." Jean remarked gagging partially walking in on us.

I blushed and broke out of Reiner's grasp not wanting those thoughts in my head.

"Oooo! Does someone have a crush on the other?" Eren sang noticing both of our crimson faces.

I looked over at Reiner and saw his crimson face as well before glaring at Jean and Eren. Noticing that Eren open his mouth, I grabbed ahold of Reiner's pillow and chucked it at Eren's head. It hit it's target dead on.

"If you don't have anything nice to say don't say it at all cadet." I glared at him and Jean as well. "That goes for you as well."

Both boys put their hands up in defeat and dropped the subject. I finally settled back down before going back to Reiner's and mine former position. Bertolt, Armin, and Eren climbed up into the bunk before Bertolt motioned towards the position.

"It's a comfort coping mechanism for me with my PTSD. Usually just sitting with someone in a comfortable position without talking can really do a lot for me." I explained as I squeezed Reiner's hand again.

"You don't seem like the type to have PTSD, Gemini." Armin glanced over the two of us.

"Looks can be deceiving now can't they. And I suffered with PTSD for almost ten years now." I remarked staring at the other three on the bed.

"Do you mind sharing what causes these moments? If you don't want to share I can understand but I can't say much for the other two." Remarked Bertolt with a gentle smile while Armin and Eren nodded in agreement.

Taking a deep breath I gathered all my thoughts and steeled my emotions. As I straightened them up, I felt Reiner squeeze my hand to reassure me. I smiled and decide that they deserved to know some of my past.

"It started with my mother's death. After that it has been several close calls on Survey Corps expeditions." I explained not wanting to go into details.

They all understood and nodded that understanding to show respect of my decision. Before we could go into anymore discussion, the dinner bell was ringing. Upon hearing that my stomach started to grumble audibly.

"Sorry!" I blushed as the boys all bursted out laughing.

"I don't believe I have ever heard a woman's stomach grumble that loud in my life." Laughed Reiner as he tried to stop laughing.

"At least it's not as loud Reiner's when we get done with a long day of training." Bertolt pointed out making me feel better.

Reiner was about to argue but fell short when his stomach growled making me laugh in return.

"Well we better get going before it winds up being gone." I stated as I moved to get down from the bunk.

The five us got down from the bunk and filed out of the building towards the mess hall. As we were heading there, Mikasa, Ymir, and Krista joined us joining in on the conversation we were having. We neared the mess hall none of us noticed my father, Levi, and Hange outside the door waiting.

"So I'm just curious guys were Reiner and Miss Gemini here doing anything when you got back." Ymir suggested looking between Reiner and me.

"How about you mind your own business? Also if any of you say a word you're dead next time I see you." I remarked with sly smile.

Bertolt, Eren, and Armin zipped their lips and acted like they were locking it and throwing the key. Reiner, Mikasa, Krista, and I all laughed at the trio before we stopped when we heard someone clearing their throat.

I noticed my father, Levi, and Hange and fell into salute out of common courtesy. The other members of the group followed my lead in saluting the commanders. My father waved me and the others off but I fell into my at ease stance while the others let up saluting.

"How are doing Gemini?" Inquired Erwin looking over our small group.

"I'm doing well and thank you for letting Cadet Braun off." I smiled up at my father.

"Nothing happened between the two of you?" Levi remarked eying Reiner.

"Alright Shorty nothing happened and if something did I'm pretty sure someone would be hurt." I glared at Levi before he put his hands up in surrender.

The group looked at me and was partially surprised Levi didn't verbally knock me down. I just laughed knowing I had a lot of explaining to do while we are.

"Before I forget Gemini we leave at dawn tomorrow to return to base so enjoy the last bit of time with them." Explained my father before the three left to do whatever they still needed to do.