𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑳𝑨𝑺𝑻 𝑩𝑨𝑻𝑻𝑳𝑬 ⇢ 𝘙𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘹𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳

an instant regret

You clinked your drink with Sasha, your childish laughter combining together in one harmonious song. Just over an hour had passed since you had arrived at the old-fashioned pub, and you were sat on the opposed side of the table to Reiner.

Your friends were beginning to ready themselves to leave the table: half of them deciding to call it a night and return to the Barracks, whilst the other half were preparing to go for a late-night walk through the city. You, alongside Reiner, would be going for the walk.

The evening was growing late; there were less people strolling through the city by the second.

Reiner, walking ahead of you with Jean by his side, turned his head over his shoulder to meet your eyes. Only, your gaze was locked onto the canals your group walked beside. He brushed his long, slender fingers through his scruffy, blonde hair as his glare upon you eased.

Your body was lit up by the rays of silver moonlight seeping from the sky above; each inch of your skin highlighted by the pearl-coloured moon. A warm grin stained your expression as you turned your head to speak with Mikasa. You looked at peace: genuinely happy.

Reiner forced himself to look forward, looking at the concrete floor as his fingers curled into his palm.

You quickened your pace to match with his, "Where are we going, anyway?"

"No where in particular." Reiner responded, instinctively entwining his arm with yours as Jean fell behind: leaving you alone with Reiner once more.

You simultaneously flinched at the soft sound of laughter coming from behind, witnessing a joyful Christa listen to something that Eren had said. Whilst feeling your body tense with envy, you turned to Reiner for guidance; surprisingly, his face seemed unaffected - you could only assume it was due to his confidence.

The group decided to sit down beside the canal to enjoy the view: the crescent moon perfectly reflected off of the silky-smooth water. Reiner had sat further away from the other Scouts, using his index finger to gesture for you to come closer to him. You did as the blonde commanded you, comfortably perching yourself beside him.

"What do you want, Braun?"

"I overheard Eren and Christa talking earlier," His stern face multiplied the anxiety that intoxicated your system, "It sounded like Christa wants Eren to help improve her form on her ODM after-hours."

"Alone?"

"From what I could hear, it sounded like it would just be the two of them together. Eren told her that he was 'happy to help her train', since every soldier can always improve their skills." Reiners voice rose mockingly before he settled into a laugh, "It was quite typical of Eren."

You wrapped your arms around the length of your stomach, inhaling a shallow breath: "I always assumed that Mikasa was the girl that Eren would most likely fall for. To be honest, the idea of him having feelings for Christa was out of the question."

"Listen to me: I'm not saying that they like each other, I'm saying that anything is a possibility." Reiner attempted to reason, "It could have been completely innocent, for all I know."

"But, what if it wasn't?" Your tone softened into a whimper: "I'm so tired of being the second choice; I'm so tired of being in the background."