Never Left Behind

5

"Does that really work?" Gabi asked.

"I don't know, you'd have to try and see for yourself," Reiner replied.

"You're impossible," Gabi said.

"Nope, you're the stubborn impossible one here," Reiner replied.

"So mean!" Gabi pouted.

"Just take your medicine!" Reiner replied.

"Ugh fine!" Gabi said.

"But if this maple syrup trick doesn't work, I get to punch you."

"Fair enough," Reiner replied.

He gave her the cup with medicine and poured the maple syrup onto the spoon. Gabi shuddered looking at the blue liquid.

"The longer you stare at it, the worse it gets," Reiner said.

"Ugh..." Gabi muttered.

She as quickly as she could, downed the medicine. Gabi scrunched her nose up at the awful taste. Reiner followed up with the spoon of maple syrup.

"So?" he asked.

"...it worked," Gabi replied.

"Told you it would," Reiner said.

Gabi stuck her tongue out at him.

"You big baby," Reiner muttered.

Gabi poked him.

"So, you want to play that game huh little sis?" Reiner asked with a smirk.

"Then, you have awoken the...TICKLE TITAN!"

He gently tickled Gabi's sides. Gabi laughed and squirmed.

"I give! I give!" she said.

Reiner laughed and stopped.

"Okay, time for breakfast," he said.

Gabi sat up. Reiner positioned pillows behind her back to allow her to sit and lean back comfortably as well as draping a blanket over her shoulders to keep her warm. Gabi smiled and started to eat.

"This is so good! Thanks Reiner!" she said.

"Glad you like it," Reiner replied.

"Have you eaten yet?" Gabi asked.

"I'll eat later, right now I want to make sure you're doing okay," Reiner replied.

Gabi scowled. She divided up the breakfast in half.

"Here," Gabi said, giving him a plate.

"Oh, thank you," Reiner replied.

"Little sis gotta take care of her big bro too," Gabi said with a smile.

Reiner smiled.

"You're the best Gabs," he said ruffling her hair.

"I know," Gabi replied with a giggle.

"Modest as usual," Reiner said.

Gabi smiled. The two ate breakfast and then watched cartoons and movies the rest of the day. Reiner took great care of Gabi and made sure she was okay. Gabi did her best to relieve any stress Reiner might have due to her injuries. Once early evening rolled around, Reiner got Gabi bundled up and helped her onto his back.

"Where are we going?" Gabi asked.

"Just for a little walk, figured you'd like to see the snow as the sun sets," Reiner replied.

"It's like a field of sparkling diamonds."

The pair headed out. Reiner took Gabi up to a small hill overlooking a field. Gabi's eyes widened.

"Wow..." she breathed.

"It is like a field of diamonds."

Reiner smiled and nodded. After having a little outing, they headed back home. Gabi was now dozing with her head-on Reiner's shoulder. Reiner shook his head and smiled. He took her upstairs and woke her up. Gabi got new pj's on, took her medicine and then crawled into Reiner's bed again. He wanted her to stay there so he could keep an eye on her and in case of any nightmares. That night passed by peacefully. All was as it should be and Reiner was going to make sure Gabi wasn't hurt again. He was going to protect his little cousin, always.