#just.... anything with armin and his parents really just STINGS

[bruhstories]

Home for the Holidays

summary: you come back home for the holidays and get a very warm welcome. pairing: stepbro!armin x female!reader warnings & content: stepcest, fingering, unprotected sex, dom!armin, sub!reader word Count: 2k-ish

a/n: umm, don't go around fucking your stepbros? i mean i can't stop you but sweet home alabama should play in your head if you do it. also sorry if this feels a bit rushed, i don't even have time to breathe | @mikasascabin @armins-futon

Pop!

Incessant, irritating sounds of gum popping, then smacking against your teeth, the annoying chewing that came out of your mouth, the infuriating tapping of your leg, the exasperating drumming of your fingers against the kitchen table — it's driving Armin insane. It's been driving Armin insane for years. And despite the fact that you're both adults now, you still can't get along. He's smart, quiet and a workaholic, you're a social butterfly who works smart, not hard.

"Armin, Y/N, you're not leaving this kitchen until you solve your conflict and apologise." His mom would say. It used to be your punishment when Armin and you were kids — and it's your punishment even know. You roll your eyes, gum popping all over your face and the tip of the nose. Armin snickers at the disgusted look on your face, mumbling a serves you right under his nose.

Sometimes you wondered if the tension between you and him was sexual. But... it couldn't be, could it? You were his damn stepsister, yet when you came back home for Thanksgiving, Armin was a whole different person. Fresh cut, a change of wardrobe, a better attitude — he was hot, no longer the nerd you used to tease. You study him from across the table after cleaning your face, lower lip between your teeth, head in your hands.

"You heard your mommy, Armin, apologise and let's get this over with."

"Me? You're the one who came home and ruined everything."

"Ruined what? A shitty dinner with a family who doesn't give a fuck about me? No, bro, I improved everything." You lean back in your chair and nonchalantly slam your feet on the table. "Not that you would know what it's like to be in my shoes, anyway."

"Your shoes? What about mine?" Armin slams his fists on the table. "At least no one expects anything from you."

"Wow, thanks." You get up and he realises just how nasty he sounded.

"Wait-"

"Fuck off." You dash past him with tears in your eyes. He was right, your father never expected anything from you, nor did your stepmother. Armin, on the other hand, was a genius, a straight A student and now he even received a scholarship from his university. Of course, people had high expectations from him and in a way, that made you jealous.

'Oh, Armin, we're so proud of you!'

'Armin, you did great!'

'Did you know Armin won an international maths competition?'

You shut the door to your room and crawl under your blanket. You always tried your best, but you could never compete with him. And your father, your ownfather, sometimes seemed to love Armin more than you. Minutes pass before you hear your stepmother rushing with your father to go visit some of your relatives and you hope Armin would go with them, but you're unlucky today. Once the car leaves the driveway, a soft knock makes you snap your neck up.

"Go away."

"Y/N, please, I didn't mean to say that."

"I don't care!" You throw a book at the door but Armin still won't budge.

"Open the damn door!"

"Why, so you can brag about how you're the perfect child?"

"So I can apologise, you... you bitch!"

Silence. Your ears ring with the word and Armin knows he fucked up big time. In a flash, the door is open and you're ready to kick him in the shin but for some reason, when you see his face, you stop.

"Apologise, then, and apologise for calling me a bitch, you little shit!"

"God, why do you hate me so much? You tormented me ever since you moved in with us!"

"Well, genius, has it ever occurred to you that maybe I never wanted this?"

"Of course it has! But you're always so cold and all I wanted was to talk to you. I don't even know your favourite colour and you're supposed to be my sister!" His voice is soft and sorrowful and you fold your arms across your chest.

"I don't want to be your sister."

"Then what do you want? You're always bitch but when I bring a girl over, you're suddenly overprotective."

"You do the exact same thing, dumbass! Every time! You act like a sad puppy but the moment you hear I'm going out with a guy you turn into some alpha male." You frown and grab the door handle. "This conversation is over."

"No, it's not." He puts his foot in the door and you narrow your eyes at his low voice and different demeanour.

"Yes, it is. Go do some studying for uni." You try to close the door but suddenly he's so much stronger. Has he been working out?

"You think this is all I do? Work and study? You think I'm some kind of teacher's pet who doesn't break rules?" You don't even realise when he's in your room, hands on your shoulders and his face so close to yours. "You think I'm an angel? A saint?" The words drip from his tongue with so much venom and your body softens. This is so unlike him but you can't help but be intrigued.

"Armin, please-"

"Oh, I'm Armin now? Not some shitty nickname? What’s the matter, can’t come up with a clever insult?" His thumb grazes over your cheek and you feel the hairs on your arms stand up. You like this side of Armin, and the fact that for three years you were his stepsister went down the drain. "I tried to be good, Y/N, I tried to be nice. But you don't like nice, do you?"

You shake your head with lidded eyes, drinking his touch, but a sharp pain from a slap wakes you up from your thoughts.

"Talk."

"N-no, I don't like nice!"

"It's unbelievable what a good girl you are when I press the right buttons."

You know it now, why you've always acted this way with Armin — you don't want him to see you as his stepsister, not even as his friend — you want to be his lover. In his ocean blue eyes, you can see that he wants the same thing — they are filled with lust and desire. You don't want to speak, afraid you might ruin this moment, but at the same time you have questions to ask and answers to get. Armin catches your mind drifting elsewhere and another slap across your already stinging cheek brings your full attention to him.

"I know what you like, Y/N. You fucked enough of my friends for me to know exactly what you want."

"Excuse me? You talk to your friends about how your sister fucks them?"

"Stepsister." He corrects you, his fingers tangled in your locks. "What would our parents say if they found out what a filthy slut you are?"

"I-" You want to say something, come up with a snarky remark, but the words die in your throat and your brain turns to mush. Armin leans closer, his hot breath tickling your ear.

"I bet I can fuck you better than any of them." He whispers and just then you feel your aching cunt begging to be filled with his cock.

"Armin..." You try again, but you still don't know if you want him to stop or carry on. It all feels so wrong but so right at the same time.

"Tell me what you want, Y/N." He nibbles on your earlobe, goosebumps dotting your skin.

"I don-" You choke on your words when you feel his hand slither under your shirt, fingers playing with your nipple.

"Come on, talk." Armin is now gently kissing the crook of your neck and your knees almost give in. Truthfully, no man ever made you feel so weak, so needy.

"Please, I want you!" You tried to whisper but it came out as a desperate cry.

"That's not good enough." He pinches your sensitive bud and you yelp, back hitting the door.

"I want you to f-fuck me, please, Armin! Fuck me good!"

"Much better." He presses his lips onto yours and he can taste the bubblegum you so annoyingly chewed when you let his tongue part open your mouth.

You don't have a clue when your clothes disappeared, scattered on the floor, along with your and his underwear, and frankly you don’t even care. Armin has you down on all fours on the mattress, two fingers pumping into your sweet cunt as you pathetically moan his name.

"Look at you! Such a filthy whore, all wet for your stepbro."

"Oh, God- want you inside-"

"I know, princess. Be patient." He curls his fingers in ways you didn't think were possible, but then you feel his tongue lazily dragging up and down your slit and you let yourself fall on the bed, face down, ass up. You had guys go down on you before, but the way Armin did it was incredible. He was meticulous, attentive, careful to let you know exactlywho owned your cunt. When he feels your thighs shake, he pulls away, earning a dissatisfied sigh of protest from you as you jolt back up.

"No, no. You're not coming yet." He yanks you by the hair, fingers gripping your chin and turning your head to the side. Armin presses his body against yours, and you feel his throbbing cock resting on your ass as he eagerly kisses you. "You taste good, don't you?"

You nod back, unable to form a coherent sentence, all you could do was push your ass against him, yearning to be filled.

"Armin, please, I need to feel you. Please!"

"Shit, I didn't think you'd be so fucking needy. Do you think you deserve it?"

"Yes, yes! I promise I'll be good from now on! Please!"

"You better keep your promise, Y/N." He growls, pushing you back on the mattress, the glistening tip of his cock positioned at your entrance. “Otherwise, I’ll have to punish you.” Inch by inch, he bottoms out and you throw your head back, spongy walls clenching around his cock. Thick and long, Armin was by far the biggest man you've been with, and you really didn't expect this. Yet when he started pounding into your cunt, you didn't regret coming home for the holidays.

"H-harder!" You beg him and you can feel his shit-eating grin burning into your back because he is the one making you feel this way, and he knows that after tonight, you'll always come crawling to him. Armin didn't waste any time, his thrusts became harsher and deeper, cock sliding in and out of you making your head fuzzy.

"You're so tight, so wet. Bet you don't get this wet for others."

"I don't! Oh, fuuuck, right there!"

Beads of sweat form on his forehead, fingers digging into your flesh as you buck your hips against his. It's been a while since he fucked you, your whimpers echoing in the bedroom, his name rolling down your tongue perfectly. You’re made for him. But all good things come to an end, and shortly you felt the need for release, thighs quaking and pleasure flushing through your entire body. Armin is close, too, but Armin also wants to humiliate you and remind you where your place is. He pulls out, cock in one hand, locks of your hair in his other.

"Promise you'll be good?"

"Promise!" You look at him with glossy eyes.

"Close your eyes." The man demands and you obey, hot strings of his seed spilling onto your face, and you lick your lips to taste him. Sinful, yet divine. Right, yet wrong. "Get yourself cleaned up."

You sit on the couch, legs on Armin's lap when your father and stepmother come back home. You can't even focus on the movie, all you can think about is your stepbrother's cock stretching you out and filling you good.

"Huh, I've never seen you two getting along this well." Your father comments. "Look at them, finally behaving like proper siblings."

"Took you long enough!" Armin's mother smiles. "What did you do?"

"We talked." Armin replies with his usual joyful voice but you know better than that. You know exactly the kind of person he is behind closed doors.

"Well, at least now we're finally a happy family." His mother pats you on the shoulder.

"Yeah," you grin, "one biiiiig, happy family."

[jesterlaughingstock]

Fic based on this au.

Here's the link to AO3. I'd suggest you read it in there because i made some slight modifications.

...

It has been 5 years since wall Maria came down, and the zombies ravaged through the lands beyond wall Rose. Many citizens were infected, and much more succumbed under the attacks of the cannibalistic monsters.

The disease we're talking about is a strange one, as in early stages, it gives the infected marvelous, yet uncontrollable powers. If the infected does not control their powers by the end of the early stage -which, by the way, lasts a week on average, but can be as little as an hour-, their skin falls off and they start turning into the cannibalistic zombies that we observe outside the walls.

Armin and his childhood friends had survived the massacre, but paid in terms of loved ones. He had lost his grandfather, the only one to care for him after the passing of his parents, and his friend Eren lost his parent who were also Mikasa's foster family.

And yet, Armin hasn't lost yet the hope and faith in the outside world. His blue eyes glowed whenever he thought about what fascinating landscapes might exist beyond their lands. It was no surprise then that he decided to enroll in the scouts regiment, along with Eren and Mikasa.

But after their first expedition, Armin began to regret his decision.

As soon as he came back, he started feeling chilly. He had always been sensitive to the faintest whim of weather, so he brushed it aside.

The next day, as he was writing some documents, someone had opened the door loudly, startling him. When he looked back at the pen, it was completely encased in ice. Through his confusion, he thought clearly enough to hide it in his pocket for further inspection. By the time he was done and alone, the pen had returned to its original state, as the ice had apparently melted off. And yet, the scary implications of the event still remained.

In a last whim of optimism, he decided to forget about it, and not reconsider it until anything else happened.

Which occured way sooner than he thought.

The same afternoon, as he washed his face from a bucket, he stuck his hands in the water, and between one blink and another, the water froze over, locking his hands in. This time, he properly panicked. The only thing that was between him and screaming in a high pitched voice was the thought of other people being aware of this phenomenon and the terrifying implications of it.

He shook his hands inside the frozen water; they were fully encased in ice, but for some reason it didn't feel as cold as it should've.

This is bad. Bad bad bad.

He inspected the ice even more, it seemed like it won't be melting on it's own for a long time, so he had to melt it off on his own. He breathed in, closed his eyes, focusing on the ice. He tried to imagine the ice warming up and melting. He felt his hands loosen up, which meant his improvised method was working. A few seconds later, he opened his eyes and the water had gone back to it's inital state and his hands were free.

The relief had been washed away by the realisation that this further confirms the obvious; he was infected.

Armin couldn't sleep at night. Infected? How the hell did it happen? He did go in the last expedition, yes, they had encountered a few zombies, some of which has snatched up some of their comrades, but he had been, along with the rest of the rookies, in the back lines. It didn't make sense, and it drove him crazy.

Was this it, then? Was he going to turn into a faceless zombie, or will he seek someone to help him end his life before his state went so bad? He knew what he was supposed to do. In fact, he had gotten up, in the middle of the night, walked up to Commander Erwin's room, and lifted a hand to knock on the door. Were these really his only options? Was there really nothing, nothing else to do?

Maybe there was.. He thought as his palm rested on the door. He thought about that afternoon's event, how he managed to melt the ice he created, how that display of control was contrasting with everything he had learned about the complete chaos that is these powers gained by the disease.

He remembered how the only hope was that the infected should learn how to control these powers in time. It was a long shot, but god, it was better than to rot as a man eating monstruosity or to be executed. Besides, a tamed power would be a huge advantage to humanity. Maybe, with his powers, they might be able to explore what's beyond there lands, what's out there in the world!

After much thinking, he decided that he would try, at least try to control these powers. If they still are as rowdy after a week, then he would do the sensible thing and turn himself in to his death.

In the morning, Commander Erwin Smith woke up, and discovered frost on his door, strangely shaping a handprint.

Armin went on with his mission. Whenever he was free and alone, he practiced. And at some point, it seemed to be going well, but obviously, he still had his slip-ups, accidentally encasing his spoon in ice at breakfast, the temperature of the room dropping whenever he was nervous, freezing another everyday object.. Ect. He had been able to reverse the effect on most of them, though some object were still encased in ice, but that was enough for him. And it seemed that the long shot of surviving the deadly virus wasn't so long.

Until one day when he was hanging out with Eren, Mikasa and the rest of the cadets.

"Your hands are so cold, what the hell?" Eren noticed as their hands brushed together, and attempted to grab Armin's. Armin felt his cheeks flush, but he also felt the familliar cold rush that he always felt whenever his power was about to manifest.

Panicked, he whipped his hands away, yelling : "Don't touch me!". The tempreature in the air dropped. He hoped no one else noticed. "Sorry, that was rude. I'm fine."

"Got it.." Eren raised his hands and backed away. He shared a look with Mikasa and reluctantly reached back. "Um.. By the way.. Are you sure you're fine? You're been kind of.." Eren trailed off and looked at Mikasa for help. She shrugged and gestured at him to continue, to figure something out.

"..distant. You good?" Eren finished off.

"Yeah, I'm good. Don't worry."

"You sure bro? You haven't been sleeping all that well either." Connie tipped in. "I wake up to get a midnight snack and you're still up. You pretend to be asleep but I'm not an idiot"

Armin felt cornered. He felt hot, and yet the room's temperature dipped a little more. He put his hands in his pockets, just in case. "I've just been having too much tea, that's it. Sorry if I woke you up at night."

"Armin, was it something that happened at the expedition? While you were alone?"

Jean's words caught him off guard. Alone? He was never alone in the expedition. He doesn't remember being alone. In fact, now that he thinks about it, his memories from that day seem discontinued, like he remembers being in a place, then being in another, but has no recollection of the trip between the two locations.

What exactly happened the day of the expedition?

"Armin? Are you alright?" Mikasa was now in front of him, when did she get there? It doesn't matter right now, he thought. He felt that he should leave immediately.

"I'm fine. Sorry." He left, headed towards the forest. When he was out of earshot and sight of any human, he let a deep breath out, as frost seeped rapidly from beneath his feet and on the ground around him, and all the nearby tree branches were covered in snow.

He thought harder about the day of the expedition; the hole in his memory was even more prominent.

What the hell happened?

Frustrated, he punched at a nearby tree, and around his fist formed giant ice spikes. He breathed heavily, suddently drained. He looked around and grimaced at the amount of ice he'll have to melt.

It took him a good amount of time to wipe all traces of his breakdown. By the time he was done, it was almost sundown. He made his way back to the headquarters.

At dinner time, Armin tried his best to avoid his friends. And as much as it pained him, he knew that they will ask questions he could never answer.

Instead he paid all his attention to his food, or at least pretended to, until Commander Erwin and Captain Hange joined so that they could discuss strategies together.

Meanwhile, Commander Erwin and Captain Hange were at his office, still discussing. Erwin had showed them the icy handprint he had found at his room's door, and before he knew it, Hange pulled their own collection of random objects completely encased in ice. Naturally, their discussion and planning lasted so long that they were astronimically late to dinner.

Connie had been harder for Armin to avoid, with him being his roommate and everything.

Luckily, the roomate hasn't said a word, which, while it did sting, Armin was very thankful for.

The next day seemed like a good day; Armin had obtained some alone time to practice, (since all his friends were avoiding him,) and it seemed to him that he was really getting the hang of it; he could make a small wand out of ice and manipulate it, then melt it when he was done. It felt almost..natural now. He couldn't believe it. He will survive!

It was a good day, that is until Commander Erwin gathered them and announced another expedition. His hand grabbed into the table a bit too hard. It was about time, wasn't it? Then why was he so scared? Why was his heart beating so fast at the thought of leaving the walls?

He shook those feelings away, and listened to the Commader's plan, and left when all was dismissed. Hange made a quick tour of the table, and held back one of the cadets and asked, just to double check : "Who was sitting over there? At the seat that's in the middle?"

When the cadet in question answered "Armin Arlert", their doubts were confirmed. They dismissed him as they looked at the small shards of ice under the table, right in front of Arlert's seat.

Over the next couple of days, Armin further practised using his power. He could now make various shapes out of ice and manipulate them as he wished. He felt he could defend himself now against the zombies, instead of relying on his stronger friends as usual.

The day of the expedition came way sooner than he'd liked, and on his horse, next to the rest of cadets, and Hange, who was the one assigned to them, behind them, he and everyone else followed their commander into the dangerous lands.

Their first dozen minutes were calm, as they haven't yet entered the zone where the zombies were most prominent, so Captain Hange saw fit to use these few moments to chat, and rely important news too.

"I hope you all kids know how much this disease, despite being terrifying to all of you, interests me. Especially the first stages; powers! Fascinating, almost magical, no?" They prompted, studying the cadets' expressions. "I'd give anything to be able to experience that kind of rush, you know, of having the ability to do such grand things, even if its not controllable."

Armin started sweating. He did not like where this was going. In fact, he was about to hate it even more.

"You know kids, Commander Erwin and I made an interesting discovery this week." She prompted. "We found out that someone among us has been infected."

Armin felt his heart almost stop.

"They have ice powers, This person who was infected. Commander Erwin found an icy handprint on his door the other day. Now, I'd like to think that this person doesn't know aboit their infection, but it seems to me that they've tried to turn themselves in but backed out at the last moment, for obvious reasons."

Armin felt his breathing get heavier, and a familiar rush go through his limbs. "No, no, no, please, not now,' he thought.

But it was too late. Ice had started covering not only the saddle he had been holding, but also his horse's side. Pained, the animal threw Armin off it's back, bringing all attention to him.

Hange took out her gun and pointed it at him. The one they use to fight the zombies, the people infected beyond any help. The closest corporals surrounded him, their weapons out. The rest looked at him in disbelief. So did his friends. He couldn't meet their eyes.

"Call Commander Erwin," Hange commanded one of her soldiers. "Tell him we've found the infected; it's Armin Arlert."

"Is it true Armin? Is this what you've been hiding from us?" Eren shouted in shock.

"L-Listen, I can explain.."

Hange, not waiting for an explanation, cocked her gun. Mikass yelled and charged at her, dropping her in the ground. Corporal Levi cocked his and fired at him.

Armin luckily heard Levi's gun, and as he raised his hands protectively, a wall of ice rose from the ground between him and the shooter, and the bullet was stuck between the ice. Snapping out of his shock, Armin realised the gravity of the situation, and the urgency by which he had to explain himself.

"Get away! He'll freeze you to death!" All the soldiers backed up, all except Eren, Mikasa who was still hand wrestling with Hange, and the rest of his friends.

"No! I won't! I swear"  Armin replied. "Listen to me, I know I should've reported myself, but I have reasons."

"I truely believe that these powers are controllable. If I do get the hang on them, it will be a huge advantage to humanity, and advantage you can't pass up!"

"And what makes you believe that you, out of all these people zombified, will manage to control your powers and escape that fate?" Commander Erwin inquired, interested.

"Commander, we can't possibly.."

"Cases of people controlling their powers may be rare, but not impossible. Sir, this wall of ice that I generated is proof to you, as we all know the infected's powers always act on the offense, never on the defense." Armin explained passionately. "Besides, I've found myself to be able to hold my powers back whenever necessary, and while in this aspect I still need some refinement, but the progress I've made is very impressive considering the history of the disease."

"And last, I implore you again to think of the advantage that my powers could give to humanity. With enough training and refinement, I might be able to seal the wall Maria, permanently, since the ice I make cannot be melted unless I choose to. All I want, is humanity's best, and if you see that killing me would be the most beneficial choice to humanity, then I implore you to do it!"

Commander Erwin retreated, and soldiers surrounded Armin with their rifles drawn, waiting for their superior's orders. Mikasa broke free from the soldiers holding her away from Hange and ran towards Armin. Eren followed her.

"Armin, are you hurt?" She attempted to hold his hand but he shoved it away silently. She understood why now. He shook his head. "Was this.. Was this what you've been hiding from us?"

He nodded silently. He still couldn't bring himself to look at either of his friends. Why didn't he report himself earlier? At least then he would've been executed with dignity.

"Armin, how much of your power can you control? We need to get you out of here, fast." Eren said, looking around him. They could hear snippets of the commader's discussion with the rest of the captains.

"Eren.." Armin said firmly. "It's fine. I'm fine with whatever decision they come up with. You just take Mikasa out of here, they're pointing guns at us."

Eren looked away, then hugged both Armin and Mikasa. Armin slid his hands into his sleeves and returned the hug.

Soon the Commader Erwin made up his decision, and started directing the formation to return to the walls.

He then announced their final decisions : Armin would be locked out of the walls, but with enough provisions to last him a week and his weapons. He was to stay outside the walls for a week, to make sure he won't be turning, and by the end of the week, Armin was to use his powers to climb to wall, as a test for his control over them.

The trio sighed in relief. They hugged each other tighter as the rest of their friends joined the hug. Sasha was barely holding back her tears, as she yelled at Armin for scaring them.

But eventually the moment came, where they had to leave him, alone, for a whole week, in the zombie infested wasteland.

It was going to be a long week.

[little-writers-posts]

Modern AU Levi x Reader

Children

Word Count: 1230

Ps. My first story eheh, hope you like it.

(Y/N)’s POV

Levi never wanted children. I knew that and I was okay with it. When I was younger, I wanted to be a mother but that was never something I truly fought for, you know? It was more of a wish than a dream. So, when I met Levi and I fell in love with him, it was alright when he said he didn’t want children. We are happy with each other, just us.

However,... I can’t lie, it did sting a little when Hange told us she was pregnant. She and Moblit had been trying for a while. It got me thinking about the fact that I’ll never know what would feel like having a baby in my womb, having him/her moving around and kicking, and that made a bit sad. Nevertheless, I was incredibly happy for them and excited about the idea of a child around the office. Levi, on the other hand, couldn’t care less, it was typical of him but I was used to it.

The months when on and Hange’s belly grew every day. It wasn’t long til she asked me to be the godmother. My happiness that day was over the roof, I felt blessed and amazed, I promised her I would be the very best. Or try at least.

One day we came by her place to drop some things for the new baby girl that was going to arrive anytime soon. Erwin was there along with Armin, Eren and Mikasa, we were all together enjoy those rare moments of peace, when work wasn’t to stressful. Moblit came in with the tea and cookies.

“How are you feeling, Hange?” asked Armin.

“About to blow up, she’s going to be here anytime soon” she answered while rubbing her womb. “I really can’t wait to meet her.”

“It’s supposed to be in a couple of days, that’s what the doctor told us.” Moblit said sitting next to his wife.

“Are you ready for child birth?” I asked taking a sip of my tea.

“No.” she laugh “But at least I’ll have Moblit by my side, right love?” she smiled while he was nodding his head in response.

“What about you two?” Eren asked looking at me and Levi.

“What of it?” Levi asked in his bored tone.

“You’ve been together for a while... You’re no planning on having any...?”

“No.” Levi said without letting him finish his question.

“Oh... (Y/N) seemed pretty happy about the idea of a baby the other day...” Mikasa hit him with her elbow to shut him up. Levi looked at me with his eyebrow raised at me.

“It’s nothing, love. The other day we were talking about kids that’s all” I smiled at him and he sat back to his seat.

“Well it’s getting pretty late, you should rest Hange” Erwin said while getting up “We shoul probably go home.”

And we all went our ways after saying our goodbyes to Hage and Moblit.

On our way home Levi rested his hand on my leg while driving and I rested my head against the car window.

“You okay?”

“Yes” I smiled even though he didn’t see it.

“What was Eren talking about” I knew the question was coming. He would always go straight forward with whatever was on his mind.

“Eren, Erwin and I were having coffee at the office the other day and Erwin mention Hange and the baby, Eren said it would be nice to be a parent and having a boy to teach. I simply said it would be lovely” I shrug my shoulders in response.

Levi said nothing but simply nodded.

When we got home, Levi went ahead to take a shower while I went to change and straight to bed. I was reading my book when I felt Levi’s strong grip on my waist pulling me against his chest. He kissed the top of my head and rest his own on mine.

“You never mention you wanted any...” He whispered.

“Hm?”

“Kids”

“Oh... that” I closed the book and looked at him “I knew you never wanted so I never said anything about it, plus it wasn’t something I was dying for. I’m happy with you. We travel, we have great times together... I would never push you to have children you don’t want.”

He lifted my chin up and gently kissed my lips. His hand slid all the way to my waist and squeezed it slightly. Our kiss deepened and my hands went to his hair pulling him closer to me. And that was a long night...

Little did we know that the next morning we would have a call from Moblit saying their baby girl was born. Levi and I rushed to the hospital. When we got there Hange was lying down while holding Lucy close to her chest.

“How did it go?” I asked happily.

“It hurts like hell, but It’s worth every second just to meet her” Hange smiled, she was so tired.

“We’ll let you sleep, and come visit you later”

“Alright”

Levi and I stepped outside. After a while Moblit came outside wih the baby in his arms.

“Would you like to hold her?”

“May I?” I asked filled with enthusiasm.

"Of course, just try not to wake her up” he said while laying her gently in my arms.

She was so small and beautiful, that a genuine smile danced on my lips. I gently brushed my finger on her soft cheek while whispering soft words to her. It was a moment of peace and joy, deep down I wished I could feel that with my own flesh and blood. Tears started to build up in my eyes from joy and sadness at the same time. However, I was overwhelmed with that bundle of joy in my arms. Like I said, beautiful and small, so precious.

I felt Levi’s hand resting on my lower back, he too was staring at the new born that I was holding.

“She looks like Hange” I said happily.

“Unfortunately.” He said with a small smile on his lips.

“Don’t be mean” I said as he kissed my temple.

Later that day, everyone came to visit the new parents and the baby and congratulate them on the new family. It was late when Levi and I left the building to go to our own home. We stepped outside the hospital and then he grabs my hand, I looked at him frowning.

“It wouldn’t be such a bad idea you know?”

“What?” I whispered

“To have our own child... when you were holding her... for a moment I saw our own, and at that moment I felt a happiness that I can't really explain, I feel that with you is right, you know?... I know what I said but maybe it wouldn’t be such a terrible idea. To start our family, even if it’s just us plus one. We have a lot of love to share, so... why not?” He scratched the back of his head.

My eyes were tearing up. The idea of having his child, having our family made me filled with joy. I hugged him tight and whispered in his ear “I love you no matter what”

“Tch... I know that brat.” He hugged back smiling against my head.

[blehbleehhhh]

Bubble Gum ft. EreMika❣️

A lovely reader requested a super sweet fluffy modern childhood fic that I'm really excited to share! Hope you'll enjoy. ❤️

ps: my mom calls me ladybug, just humor me.

The sun was a blazing fiery ball, twinkling its peak midday golden rays over a small sleepy town and the playground where local children congregate when their parents send them out to play. Titan's Fury Park happens to be one little girl's favorite place of solitude where she can steal away if only for a moment to add drawings to her sketchbook since there are many beautiful places to sit that never fail to inspire a doodle or two. Somewhere in a small group of boys are her two best friends playing a very competitive game of football. Mikasa has witnessed it herself many times, where Eren will rub it in Jean's face that his team had won the game by aggressively throwing the ball into the grass, while Armin sits on the sidelines feeling uninterested in the sport, but he'll keep score as he reads one of the many books off his shelf that's most likely already been read.

The precocious, green eyed boy was instructed by his mother to keep watch over Mikasa, who later stubbornly insisted that Armin and Eren do their own thing since she fully intends to work on filling her sketchbook instead of playing. But one of the local girls who only recently started to pick on her had other plans. "Where's your cute friend?" Annie inquires, blowing a small bubble with pink gum as she stands confidently before the girl sitting cross legged on a bench. Mikasa sighs with irritation, deepening the shading on her closeup tree bark sketch. "Hey, I asked you a question. Look up from your stupid scribble book." But the girl remained strong and ignored how demanding and harsh these words were being spoken to her by such a blunt person, carefully smudging a spot on her sketch with the pad of her pinky. "Excuse you," Annie hisses under her breath obviously feeling impatient as she suddenly grabs Mikasa's long hair with a truly evil grin. "You know, you really have such beautiful hair. It would be a shame if you had to cut it." Her victim frowned and reached for her hair only to have it painfully tugged in retaliation, making her whine in discomfort as she holds her scalp protectively.

"Well, you don't have to worry about that, because I'm not cutting it."

"Uh-huh, where's Eren?"

"I don't know!" Mikasa rushes to say as her hair is tugged once more. "Why?!"

"Because I think he's cute and I want you to talk to him. Aren't you his sister or something?"

"Not by blood..."

"Tell him that Annie thinks he's cute."

"Can't you do that yourself?!"

"It would be so much more fun to see you do it. And if you don't, I'll destroy your sketchbook."

"Fine..." Mikasa reluctantly agrees, shyly darting her eyes from Annie's stoic expression. "I'll talk to him later."

"Thanks." Annie smiles as she spits her gum out on her hand and smushed it with raven hair, rolling the wad around between her hands to mix everything together. She snickers to herself as she walks away, leaving Mikasa with stinging eyes and a quivering bottom lip already feeling humiliated to the point where her cheeks and the tips of her ears felt hot. It was with a heavy heart that she gathers her belongings and holds them to her chest as she takes off running in search of Eren, the one who she always has and always will turn to in stressful situations.

Eren was found playing football with his friends like she anticipated, but he's currently on the ground after being tackled aggressively by Reiner and Jean for the ball. Armin cheers for his friend from the sidelines while Bertolt, Marco, and Connie watch intently to learn the final score of their fourth game. "HA! I GOT THE BALL! CONNIE! CATCH!" Jean roars with laughter, cackling triumphantly as he rushes to throw the ball at Marco not far away to finish the game in their favor.

Until they heard truly hysterical crying.

"ERENN!" Mikasa cries, her voice wailing his name at the top of her lungs as tears streamed down her face. He immediately sits up from where he was laying in the grass recovering after being tackled so aggressively and his heart sunk to see her so distraught.

"What?! What?!" Eren hurried to his feet and stumbled a step as he runs to embrace her. "What happened?! Why are you crying?!" She looks up to meet his concerned and inquiring gaze with watery eyes, her tears making him cloudy until she blinks them away.

"Someone was mean to me and and -" She coughs suddenly from crying, making her cheeks even hotter with embarrassment. I don't want all this attention! Her foot stomps angrily. "She put gum in my hair!" Dreading the consequences of Annie's actions, Mikasa bursts into tears because she knows that she needs to have this obnoxiously large wad of gum cut from her hair, when she happens to love how long it's grown to barely above the waistline of her long skirt. Eren's blood boils with anger and the look in his eyes is one that only someone close to him would recognize. It somehow made her cry even more to feel validated that what happened was indeed a horrible thing. He sighs deeply to keep his cool and studies at the wad of gum in her hair, holding it carefully in his hand.

"Who did this do you?"

"It-" She sniffles and takes in a few involuntary breaths as her body tries to settle itself, his fingers releasing her gummy hair. "It was Annie. She was telling me to tell you that she thinks you're cute, when she just squished her gum in my hair!" The embarrassed little girl sighed with sorrow as her best friend wrapped his arm around her shoulders and gently brought her in for a hug, letting her cry into his shirt. He glanced up at Jean, who just gave an understanding nod to let him know that it was more than okay for him to skip out.

"Figures," Eren sighed as he rests a hand on the top of her head the way his mother comforts them at home. "Annie asked me the other day if I liked her and I think she meant the like like way, so now she won't leave me alone," He maintains an arm around her shoulder and gives a small wave at his friends while they go over the score together and rehydrate. "Come on, Mika, I'll take you home."

"But I want you to stay here. I can walk home by myself..."

"I know you can, but I want to be there for you when you're, like, sad and bummed out. Those guys understand."

"But why?" Mikasa's voice was soft and her breathing has already begun to settle much to his relief.

"Because you're my best friend and I really really hate seeing you anything but smiling. It's beautiful," Eren smiles at first until he realized what he said, and it make him chuckle awkwardly. "I mean you're beautiful. I-I mean.." But it was too late. His slip of the tongue has already made her giggle amidst her soft sniffling as she wipes the tears staining  her cheeks with her fingers. He swallows hard and his face grows hot, but her laugh always makes him smile. No matter what. "Never mind." She tucks her hair behind her ear and plays with her fingers anxiously.

"You're so funny, Eren.."

"I wasn't really trying to be funny, but thank you." He chuckled as they came up behind his mother outside while she was gardening, who did a double take and immediately dropped her tools in the flowerbed, running over to Mikasa terribly concerned. "Hi, Momma, someone was mean to Miki and put gum in her hair."

"This will never come out!" Mikasa whines, stomping her feet in the grass as she looks down at the wad of gum and hair, trying desperately to untangle the gooey mess with her little fingers to no avail. Carla frowns as she carefully takes the girl's hands in hers and holds them while Eren wipes tears from beneath her eyes. "Aunt Carla, I don't wanna cut it!"

"Mikasa, I'm so sorry.." Carla opens her arms to offer a hug that was happily taken. "This does need to be cut out, ladybug, but it'll be alright. Your hair will grow out before you know it, I promise." She gently pats the little girl's back before pulling away to stand up, offering her hands for both children to take as they followed her inside the house. "Why don't you two wait for me by the sink so I can find a pair of scissors?" She says as they enter the kitchen, their little hands departing from hers while they run to the sink together and little sneakers squeak on the hardwoods. Carla soon comes over with scissors in her hand and a sad look on her face because she has to cut these beautiful raven locks. Mikasa sighs softly as the scissors were positioned to cut above the gummy mush. "Hold still, okay?" Raven hair drops silently on the kitchen floor as the scissors slowly work their way around her head, leaving her with just as luscious shoulder length hair. "You cutie pie, look at you!" Carla smiles as she sets the scissors on the counter and carefully runs her fingers through Mikasa's hair to make certain all of the gum has been removed. The little girl offers a small smile in return as she wipes her tears from beneath her eyes.

"It actually feels good to have my hair cut.."

"I'm so glad that you like it."

"Thank you for fixing my hair. Eren was right, you do have super powers."

"Mikasa!"

"Oh, my sweet baby boy," Carla laughs and brings the embarrassed child in to plant a kiss on his forehead and ruffle his hair. "You’re in desperate need of a haircut as well, but I can take care of that later. Why don't you take Mikasa back to the playground?"

"Will you take me?" The little girl turns to her friend with a hopeful look and he simply grins.

"Will you smile for me?"

"Okay.." Mikasa smiles and found her cheeks to be hot when his face immediately lights up in response. Before she knew it, his hand was in hers and they were well on their way back to the park. It was still hot outside from the midday sun, its blinding rays invading their vision frequently, but Eren still manages to spot blue wildflowers growing along the sidewalk. He stops and his heart races as he picks the flower for her while she's far enough ahead not to notice. "Eren? Where are you?" She hollers, turning in a slow circle to see him running up to her.

"Sorry! I'm right here!"

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Eren smiles as his ears grew hot, twisting the tiny flower stem with his fingers behind his back. "I'm great. Are you okay?" He asks as they start walking once more, the park in clear distance.

"I'm..I'm good. Your momma is so nice."

"She's pretty cool, but so is your momma. And your dad is so funny."

"Yeah, he is. Your dad is silly, too." Mikasa giggles, her sneaker kicking a rock out from her path. "I know you're angry at yourself for not being there and I just wanted to say that you don't need to be so hard on yourself. It makes me sad."

"Yeah, well, it's true. I'm sorry Annie is so mean to you now."

"I think she's jealous that you and I are so close."

"Probably, but who needs her? You're way cooler than Annie anyway." Eren smiles, her giggle gracing his ears once more as they make their way to the swing set. She sits gracefully on a swing and he takes the one beside her, still twirling the blue flower he picked for her between his fingers. "Mikasa?" He turns to look at her and swallows hard to gather his nerve.

"Hm?"

"I...I like your hair short," He smiles shyly and they both blush as he scoots his swing closer to hers. "I mean, I like it long, too, but you look really pretty with it short." She grins, his hand raising hesitantly to push hair behind her ear and gently tucked the flower in that gap. But then, Mikasa did something he hadn't ever anticipated her doing and leaned in, clearly feeling slightly unsure as she kisses his blushing cheek.

"Thank you, Eren.."

"You're welcome," He smiles as their swings separate and stands up so he can be behind her. "Can I give you a push?"

"Yeah!" She says excitedly as her legs kick the air.

"Okay," Eren laughs in amusement as he pulls her swing back and pushes her forward. "Here we go!" She giggles as she's pushed, and he can't help but think about how cute she is no matter how hard he tries to fight it.

"Push me higher, Eren! Push me higher!"

"Anything to hear your laugh again." And with that he gives a harder push to her lower back, making the swing soar even higher. She cheers in excitement and giggles as her short raven hair blows in the breeze, holding the blue wildflower safely in her hand against the swing chain so it doesn't get lost. They remained this way for a while, just enjoying each other's company and sharing many laughs knowing that there will be more in the future.

[reiner-is-back-bitches]

Two Halves of a Whole~~ A Reiner Braun X OC Fanfic~~ #14~~ MAJOR SPOILERS

Inside of HQ was all sorts of chaotic. People were scared shitless of the situation. I was starting to look down on them. They were weak and cowardly and unfit to be soldiers. I was standing next to Armin, Mikasa and Eren. Armin was a wreck, he was going on about how things were going to get bad just like five years ago. I refused to believe that. This time would be different. I had the power to eradicate the titans and I was going to use it.

I walked away to try to catch my breath. I was getting a huge headache and I grit my teeth to keep the pounding away. I looked up and saw Reiner standing quite away from me. He was standing next to Bertolt and I felt like my heart was just going to leap out of my chest as the sight of him. I started wishing that I had run away with him, but only for a second. It surprised me how quick my mood shifted. I looked over at Bertolt, who's eyes met mine. He had a weird look on his face that I couldn't place. Reiner finally looked in my direction, but I quickly turned away and headed back to where I was standing before. I didn't have time to feel. I only had time to kill. I couldn't help but wonder about Reiner. I was afraid for his safety, of course. But what good would feelings do us if we ended up dead? I looked back to where he was and sighed.

He was gone.

/

I was standing on the rooftops, quite a distance away from my squad. I wanted to be able to kill as many titans as fast as I could. I had been waiting five years for this day and nothing was going to stop me from avenging Carla and getting my revenge. As part as the second guard, we were to assist the vanguard when needed. I looked over to Armin and Eren. Mikasa was sent to the rear guard under special orders. Her being the elite soldier that she was, she was needed to assist the evacuation. I knew that there would be no civilian casualties with her in the rear guard. I saw Eren wave me over and I sighed, running and then shooting out my wire to the house that he and Armin were standing on.

"Rayne, why are you standing all the way over there?" Eren asked as I straightened my handkerchief.

"You're not planning on trying to go off on your own are you?" Armin asked. I felt the tips of my ears getting red and kept quiet. Eren sighed and pulled one of them, a sad look on his face.

"Ow! What the hell, Jaeger?" I yelled as I hit his hand away.

"Rayne, when you're feeling guilty about something your ears get red." He said, as he looked out over the district of Trost. I sighed and looked out over the district as well. "Listen, I want to tell you something." I looked at him and his eyes bore into mine. "I never thanked you, for what you tried to do for my mom." I felt tears beginning to sting in my eyes. "I was angry, hell I'm still angry, but I know that I will always have you with me, along with Armin and Mikasa, to avenge her." I pulled him into my arms, the tears starting to flow from my eyes.

"I'll always be here for you, brother." I clutched him tighter to me. I finally released him and wiped my eyes on my sleeve. "Sorry," He gave me a small smile and I went back to where I was standing.

I was standing a few feet away, taking my hair out of my handkerchief before redoing it.

"Did you talk to Reiner before we left?" He asked, out of the blue. I looked down at my boots, as Armin looked at Eren in confusion.

"No." I stated. "I saw him, but I didn't talk to him."

I looked up at the sky and tried to get my emotions in control. Why hadn't I talked to him? What compelled me to walk away?

Remember.

I shook my head, my hands started shaking. I felt like I was losing myself.

Remember the mission, Rayne. Remember what you came here to do.

"No." I said out loud. "Stop it, please."

"Rayne?" I looked up and turned. Armin was giving me a concerned look and I swallowed a glob of spit. "Are you okay?" Suddenly, my vision started blurring, as if a fog was over my eyes. I tried to shake it off but when I looked at Armin again, he didn't look like himself.

Kill him.

What? No.

Kill him, Rayne!

No stop it! He's my friend!

You have no friends! You only have the mission! Kill that devil spawn, Rayne! Kill him!

"Hey! Squad 34! The vanguard needs you! Get ready to fulfill your duty!" One of the Garrison's soldiers yelled and began to take off across the rooftops.

"Let's go, Rayne!" Eren called to me, but I could barely see him.

Yes, Rayne. Let's go. Kill them. Kill them all. I growled, shook the voice out of my head and followed Eren and the others. We flew past the houses, our goal was to take the titans out that had managed to wipe out the vanguard. When I saw them, blood covering their mouths and chests, I felt my rage growing again. I shot off ahead of the group, right past an Abnormal and met the titans head on. I could hear the yells of my squad behind me but I didn't pay any attention. I saw my first target and I shot my wire into the flesh of the titans shoulder. I shot through the air and using my blades, I carved out the nape of the titan.

Stop.

I used my maneuvering device to get to my next target. I killed the second titan, almost as easily as the first.

Stop it, Rayne! This isn't why you are here. These aren't your targets. Don't forget the mission! I attempted to shake the voice out of my head before heading toward another titan. I SAID STOP!

I screamed as an ear shattering ringing filled my ears. I crashed into a wall and fell to the floor. I looked up and realized that I was surrounded by titans. I knew I needed to move but I couldn't be sure that the voice in my head would keep quiet. So I just stood and ran toward the first house I saw and threw the door open, quickly shutting it behind me. I felt my heart stop once I turned around.

Zeke was standing in front of me.

"No. This isn't real. You're not here."

"Rayne, my dear. What are you doing?" He was standing tall above me, the way I would see him in my memories.

"What do you want?" I yelled. "Why are you here?" He gave me a menacing grin and he grabbed the front of my shirt.

"To make you remember!" He threw me to the ground and I scurried into a corner. My breathing was heavy and I was utterly terrified. Zeke was looking down at me, his glasses catching the rays of sun that came through the window. "You will not fail this mission. You will succeed. You are my most powerful warrior, Rayne Lee. All you have to do, is remember!" He kicked me in the face. My head bucked back and I felt blood gushing down from my nose. He knelt down in front of me, grabbed my shirt in his hands again and he slapped me. Over and over his hand came down on my face. I tried to raise my hands to stop him but he pushed them aside easily.

"Stop! Stop it please!" I cried, my eyes and nose running, I tasted blood in my mouth. He stood up and pulled me to my feet and ripped my jacket off, shoving the rough fabric in my face.

"Did you think you could get away with playing soldier forever? Did you think you could escape Marley? You belong to us, you are a warrior for our country, not a solder for these devils." I started to remember one of the most vivid memories I had. My mother, greeting this man like an old friend, her body swaying in the wind, Zeke pulling me away from my entire life.

"It was your fault." I spat. "You betrayed my parents. You made me this way!" Zeke pushed me against the wall and walked to the opposite side of the room.

"No. All I did was awaken the power that was inside you. You see," He removed his glasses and wiped the lens on the fabric of his dark brown vest. "I thought your father had the power, so I befriended him. After a couple of years, I was starting to realize that he didn't have the power. That was when I started to look for a different path." He paused again and took a look down at me, a gleam in his eyes. I tried to merge into the wall, feeling like I was looking right at my own death. "When he came to me for help to try to get you out of the country, that was when I realized that he had known the whole time who had the power. My plan went into action that next day. I betrayed him and he was taken for questioning, torturing and of course he was eventually turned. Your mother, well," He smirked at me. "You know how that turned out." I growled and picked one of my blades up off the floor and ran at him. He caught me easily and had my hands pinned behind my back. He used his other hand to turn the blade to me. He held it to my throat, the grin on his face getting wider. "What are you going to do, my dear warrior? Kill me?" He moved the blade from my jugular to my collar bone. I felt as the blade opened my skin, the blood staining my blue shirt. I flinched at the pain and tried to pull away but he kept his grip on me.

"Zeke, let me go. Please!" I attempted to get away again but was unable to.

"Oh, no. You want to fight?" He pushed me hard against the wall. I felt my back collide and before I could even wince at the pain, Zeke was on me again, grabbing my wrists and pinning them above my head. "Fight. Fight me. Let me once again see the extent of your power." I struggled as hard as I could, my wrists starting to cramp.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" I cried. "I have no power! Let me go!" He grabbed my throat in his other hand and began to squeeze. His face was so close to mine.

"You have a Titan power, Rayne! You are the hidden tenth power! How could you have forgotten that?!" He squeezed tighter and I gagged, my airway completely shut. He didn't let me breathe. I felt like I was about to pass out before he growled and roughly threw me down. I started gasping for breath, bringing my hand to my throat. "How did you get so weak? What the hell happened to you?" He looked down at me and gave me a condescending look. "You really don't remember anything, do you?"

"I can remember the ocean." I whispered. I had my head laying down on the cool floor, my tears still flowing. "I can remember the smell of the fish and sun on my face." I looked up at Zeke. "I remember you, you fucking bastard!" I shakily stood and leaned against the wall.

"Do you remember who your contacts are?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Contacts? What are you talking about?" He walked closer to me and I hunched my shoulders, terrified that he would hit me again. He ran a long finger down the bruised side of my face.

"Did you not meet up with the others? The Armored, Colossal, Jaw and Female Titans? Your true comrades? Your fellow countrymen?" My knees were shaking.

"What the hell are you talking about, Zeke? Are you saying that I was supposed to be a pawn in the attack on the wall? I was supposed to do what the Armored and Colossal titans did?" He grinned again.

"No, you were supposed to do so much more. You were supposed to fall into that small town, fangs bared and kill every single devil you saw." My heart started racing. I couldn't wrap my head around this information. I was sent to kill everyone in Shiganshina. I was just as bad as the Armored and Colossal Titans. I was an enemy of humanity.

"You're lying." I hissed through clenched teeth. "You messed with my head. How can I believe anything you say? You're nothing but a liar!" I swung at him, but all of a sudden he was gone. "Zeke?" I called out, scared to death that he would attack me unexpectedly. "Zeke, you fucking monster! Come out here! I'm right aren't I? This is all just some messed up dream! You're not real!" I collapsed on the ground, and pulled my knees to my chest. I was so afraid of what had happened. Was that what I was? Was I nothing more than a monster. I looked at the blade from where I dropped it. "I could just end it." I said out loud. "If I die, right here, right now, this pain and suffering will be over." I reached over and picked up the blade. I brought it to my arm and left a large cut across it. I didn't feel anything. So I cut again, and again, and again. My arms were covered in thin cuts and blood. I laid my head down and cried. I let out a loud wail of anguish before closing my eyes.

I wasn't sure how long I laid there. I opened my eyes and I saw the soft glow on the setting sun through the window. I looked down at my arms and winced. They were covered in cuts, not very deep just very long. I looked down at the floor and clenched my fists. "What's happening to me?" I cried. "Mom, help me please!" I closed my eyes and remembered my mother and the beautiful smile she had on her face. I refused to think about the other memory.

"Rayne." I heard a soft voice and I felt my stomach drop. I knew that voice. I knew who it belonged to. 'It's not real.' I told myself. 'She's not there. She can't be.' I turned around, my eyes wide. My mother was standing there, the noose still around her neck. "What have you done? What are you doing? Why can't you ever do anything right?" I fell to the floor and started hyperventilating. I couldn't hold out. My mind felt like it was going to rip into pieces. I didn't know what was right or what was wrong. I couldn't remember if I was a warrior or a soldier. I was losing who I thought I was.

"Mom, I-I'm so sorry." She got closer to me and knelt down. I tried to reach out to her, to touch her one more time. She flinched away from me and without warning, she slapped me hard. I felt as if I was shot with a bolt of lightning.

"DO WHAT YOU CAME HERE TO DO, RAYNE! YOUR FATHER AND I DIDN'T DIE FOR NOTHING! FIGHT FOR YOUR COUNTRY AND FOR YOUR PEOPLE! FULFILL YOUR MISSION!" I covered my ears and screamed. I screamed until my throat was raw.

I felt something in my head snap and everything I saw was red. When my vision cleared I could finally see my mission. I was supposed to retrieve the Founding Titan from one of the devils in this land. I needed to join the Military Police, to get close to the supposed 'king', to try to force his hand in revealing its location. I remembered what I was supposed to do.

"I remember now, Zeke." I turned around and saw him standing near the window, his hair shining in the light of the setting sun. "I remember my mission." I smiled and walked over to him. He held my face in his hands, looking down at me.

"I knew you would, my dear." He kissed my forehead. "Now tell me, who are you?" I stood tall, my hazel eyes on him.

"I am Rayne Lee, first and current holder of the Wolf Titan and a loyal warrior for Marley." He smiled at me and nodded his head.

"Yes. You are. Now, Rayne, fulfill your mission and bring honor to our homeland."

"Yes." I said, my voice low. "I will bring honor. I will make my country proud." I knelt down to retrieve the gear I was assigned for Titan killing and heard a voice coming from outside.

"I'm telling you, Marco. I heard someone in here. I think they need help." Another voice came through.

"Daz, be careful. This area is crawling with titans. Let's hurry and get them out of here." I saw the handle to the door I was standing in front of start to move. I grinned and held one of my blades in my hand, pointing it where I assumed their neck was. "Prepare yourselves you devils. Prepare to witness the wrath of Marley."

xxxxxxxx

Hours Earlier

Nobody knew where Rayne was. She hadn't evacuated with the rest of us and she was nowhere to be seen. I had to keep calm, I had to. I couldn't break my façade to Bertolt. I had no idea he was planning on using his Titan form as his way to get rid of her. He was looking really weird to me when we had all met up at HQ to prepare for the fight. He only told me that he used the Colossal to try to kill her but he said nothing more. He didn't have a chance to. Even after the onslaught of the titans we had no time to ourselves. We were waiting to see if Eren would be able to block the hole that Bertolt made.

I still couldn't believe Eren possessed the Fighting Titan power. Seeing him emerging from the nape of the titan's neck made me feel some sort of joy. It wasn't the Founding Titan but maybe we would be able to get away with bringing Eren back so we could finally leave this awful place. I also made a grim realization: I would be joining the Scouts after all. I would've been able to stay with Rayne, if only she wasn't dead.

She's not dead. She can't be.

I shook my head slightly, wondering what the hell that voice was just now. I paid it no mind and started focusing on a scene I saw taking place near me. I walked over and listened in.

"Daz, you have to be strong. I understand that you're scared but there is going to be a time when someone is depending on you to get them home alive. Do you really want to do this? Think really hard about what you're doing!" Marco started whispering and looked around to make sure no one was listening. I focused my gaze on the wall, but kept my ears trained on the conversation. "You're talking about leaving! That's punishable by death! Would you really be okay with abandoning your fellow soldiers to be devoured by the titans?" I didn't want to listen to anymore. That was starting to remind me too much of this morning.

I should've told her. I should've told her I wanted to stay with her. She would be in my arms right now if I had.

I growled in annoyance at the weird voice I kept hearing. I sighed and was glad that we were finally going to be setting out to get this mission started. I was finally going to get some answers from Bertolt.

xxxxxxxx

I was glad that Daz took my words to heart. I only wanted him to succeed and I was quite relieved when he took my slight criticism a little more calmer than Jean. I smiled at the though of my good friend. We had survived this day and tomorrow we would be heading to the Military Police together. I looked over at Daz in the space next to me. We were flying through the district, trying to locate any survivors. So far, we hadn't found any.

"Marco." Daz called out. "Thank you. I think because of you, I can take my role of a soldier more seriously. I'm going to join the Garrison Regiment and dedicate myself to help build up our defenses against the Titans. All thanks to you." I flashed him a smile and nodded in his direction.

"That's great, Daz. Really." My smile dropped as I saw Daz with a weird look on his face. He stopped suddenly and I did as well. "Daz what are you doing?"

"I thought I heard something." Next thing I knew he was on the ground.

"Daz!" I called out as I reluctantly followed him. "Daz, there is no one here, come on."

"I'm telling you, Marco. I heard someone in here. I think they need help." I sighed and kept a look out.

"Daz, be careful. This area is crawling with titans. Let's hurry and get them out of here." He reached for the handle and as soon as he opened the door a saw a blade cut through his neck. The blade retreated back through the door and I could only watch as Daz fell to the ground, the light already gone from his eyes. I looked back up at the door, and my heart stopped.

I saw someone in there. They had a wild look on their dark face. Their hazel eyes seemed to be glowing with an odd intensity. The person slowly walked out of the door and I couldn't believe my eyes.

"Rayne?" I asked shakily. I looked over at her then back at Daz's dead body. Why had she done that? Why was she running at me. I quickly sidestepped her attack, fear and survival controlling me. "Rayne, what are you doing? It's me, Marco! Rayne please!" She tried to stab at me with the blade but I was able to disarm her, an intense adrenaline rush coursing through my veins. She proceeded to attack me with her hands and before I knew it we were on the ground. She was trying to get her hands around my neck.

"You all are going to die." She said in a twisted voice. It didn't even sound like her. Not the Rayne I knew. "I will erase every trace of you devils from this island." I couldn't hold her off much longer, my arms were giving out. I began to think of a way out and when I saw it I acted quickly. I started moving my body toward the wall of a house. If I could get us close to one, I could probably hope to hit her head against it. Once we were flush against the wall, reached up my arm up to her head. It caught underneath her handkerchief but I was able to grab her short hair and I slammed her head against the wall. She fell on top of me and I quickly scrambled to my feet and took off as fast as I could.

I didn't look back when I heard her calling my name. I had to get somewhere to hide. She could come after me and finish the job. I just had to hide somewhere for a few moments.

xxxxxxx

"I still can't believe you did that." I told Bertolt, as I paced back and forth on top of a roof.

"God, Reiner. What the hell does it matter? We aren't here to make friends or wives of these people." I stopped in my tracks and turned toward him.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He walked toward me, making himself taller so as to show his authority.

"That means Rayne is dead. The whole I knocked in the wall did its job. And so what if other people got killed in the process. We aren't here to care about whether these devils live or die. We only have the mission. As Titan shifters, we will see our mission through to the end. Do you understand me?" I was about to answer when we heard a noise from behind us. I turned and at first saw nothing. Then I noticed the toe of a boot behind the stone chimney. I quickly ran over and saw Marco hiding there with tears in his eyes.

"Marco!" I grabbed him and helped pulled him to his feet. "Are you okay?" Before he could answer, Bertolt came out of nowhere and pinned him down.

"Hey, what's going on? Stop please!" He cried out as Bertolt looked up at me.

"Reiner. Hold him down."

What? Why? That's Marco. He's our friend.

"Reiner! Get your ass down here and hold him down!" I blinked my eyes a few times and it took me a minute to realize that I hadn't said what I thought I said out loud. Bertolt didn't hear me asking for the reasoning behind what he was doing.

"Okay." I said softly. Bertolt was giving me a weird look but as soon as he saw that I was holding onto Marco tightly, he took off and began looking for something.

"Reiner, please." I looked down at Marco and saw his eyes full of tears. "Reiner, it wasn't me. I didn't do anything I swear. I-I didn't hear anything either." His gaze kept shifting nervously between me and Bertolt. "It was her, it was Rayne." I looked down at him.

Rayne.

"It was her. I swear she did it!" Marco's eyes looked wild and dilated with utter terror. "She killed Daz! She tried to kill me! She went crazy or something you have to believe me! It wasn't me, Reiner. Please!" He started sobbing and all I could think about what the hell he was talking about.

"What happened with Rayne?" I asked. "What do you mean she went crazy?" Marco took a couple deep breaths to try to calm down.

"Sh-she was waiting in a house, a few blocks down east. Daz opened the door and she cut his neck. She looked so crazy Reiner, her eyes. It was like they were glowing." He sniffed and took another deep breath before continuing. "After she killed Daz, she came after me but I was able to get away. She kept going on about how she was going to do something. It was something about devils. She said she was going to erase all of the devils from this island." My eyes grew wide. Why would Rayne be referring to people as devils? I looked back down at Marco and I saw something wrapped around his arm. It was Rayne's handkerchief. I reached for it and ripped it off his arm.

"Where did you get this?!" I yelled. He flinched underneath me.

"I grabbed a hold of it when I slammed her head into the wall to get away." He answered. Bertolt finally came back at the same time as Annie. "God, yes. Annie! Help me please." Annie looked around and turned away.

"No. I don't want any part in this." Bertolt grabbed her by her shoulders roughly.

"Annie! He knows too much! We can't keep him alive! The titans are on their way. Take his ODM gear now!" Annie walked over to us with tears in her eyes. I adjusted my position to allow her access to her gear.

"I'm sorry, Marco." Once she had the gear she ran, bumping Bertolt's shoulder roughly on her way. Bertolt didn't even flinch.

"Let's go." He said. I released Marco and ran away from him before using my gear to shoot to a couple houses down. By the time we got their, the Titans were already on Marco.

"NO! PLEASE! HELP ME! I DON'T WANT TO DIE! IT WASN'T ME! IT WAS HER! IT WAS RAY-" I heard the sickening crunch and I clenched my eyes. I kept thinking about what had happened with Rayne. I looked down at the rag in my hand. I felt a click in my head as the realization dawn on me. All the things that Rayne told me were starting to come back to me.

'I woke up with no memory of where I'm from.'

'People said it was as if I fell from the sky.'

'I don't trust you and Bertolt because for some reason, I feel that you two are like me.'

'I don't know what who I'm supposed to be, but I feel like we are the same and I can't trust you for that.'

'We are the same.'

It was finally making sense. I finally knew who Rayne was.

Rayne, she's a warrior. She's a Titan shifter, like me Bertolt and Annie.

NO! THAT'S NOT TRUE! SHE'S NOT A WARRIOR AND NEITHER AM I! I'M A SOLDIER! WE'RE SOLDIERS!

I looked up from Rayne's handkerchief in my hands and my heart stopped at what I was seeing.

"Wh-what's going on? What happened? Why is Ma-Marco? Where is his gear? Wh-why is he being eaten?"