Chapter 1.

"First day at college, huh?" Reiner said as he looked at Bertholdt who was stunned by the mere size of the building. "Yeah... I'm glad we all got accepted into the same college too."

"Especially Annie, right?" Reiner said smirking. Bertholdt looked down with a shy smile. "W-well yeah, why shouldn't I-I mean she's our friend just like all t-the oth-"

"So are you actually planning on talking to her this year or are you just gonna keep starring at her like a creep?" Reiner interrupted.

"I've talked to her before...! Like... that one time where..."

"Face it Bertholdt, you're hopeless" Reiner sighed. "The next few years are gonna be your last at the same school as her. It's your best chance to get close to her."

"Right..."

They walked in and up the stairs to the first floor to find their dorm rooms. Their room was in the middle of the hall with Marco and Jean in the room left of them and Eren and Connie in the room right of them and at the end of the hall, Annie and Hitch.

Their room was rather small with a bed in each side, a window in the middle, a dresser and a closet for clothes. They unpacked their stuff and went to explore the area to find their friends.

Outside the building was a big garden and yard with a cherry blossom tree in the middle. Benches were placed around and in behind the college a giant forest.

"AAAAAAHHHH. That's not how you play football, Sasha!" Connie shouted as he ran from the fierce hunter. They were trying to play football, but it was more a friendly fight of who could handle getting tackled to the ground the most. Marco seemed to be reading a book of math's on a bench with Jean, who was pretending to not be interested. Eren, Mikasa and Armin were hanging around the big cherry blossom tree in the middle of the yard.

"Reiner! Bertholdt! It's so good to see you again!" Christa embraced both of them with a hug, barely able to get her arms all around. Ymir followed behind her, giving them a quick smile.

"Hey Christa. Good to see you too." Reiner chirped.

They chatted for a bit when Bertholdt got distracted by the sudden appearance of Annie walking by on the hall inside with Hitch by her side. Her hair was glistening in the sunlight. His gaze following her through the window and as she disappeared again behind a corner. Ymir noticed Bertholdt's absent mind and gave Reiner a resignedly look. He nodded back at her in agreement with a slight sigh, almost as if they could read each other's minds. That boy needs help.

Next day their first class was science with their teacher, Ms. Zoe, who may or may not have drunken six cups of coffee before her morning class and was now bit over energetic.

Bertholdt was the last to arrive before the teacher. "Hey Bert! Saved you a spot." Reiner shouted from the back row. He was sitting next to Annie and scooted to the right when Bertholdt had made his way up, so he could sit next to her instead. "Hey Bertholdt." Annie hummed. "Haven't seen you for a while."

"Ah! Yea... sorry. I've just had a busy summer I guess. But its good to be back in school don't you think?"

"I guess so."

Ah! What were you thinking! You haven't seen her all summer and that's all you've got to say to her!? Bertholdt opened his book to hide his face in and the rest of the class went by in silence.

When class was over everyone walked towards the exit. "Hey Annie, didn't you mention earlier that you were struggling with science?" Reiner asked. "I bet Bertholdt could help you study."

Bertholdt turned red. "Is that okay with you Bertholdt?" Annie asked the stunned boy.

"Sure! I'd be glad to." He scratched the back of his hair trying to withhold his cheeks from turning too red. "We can meet up at the library when our classes are over."

It was late afternoon when Bertholdt headed towards the library. Annie was already sitting there alone by the table at the window. "Hey Annie, are you ready to start?" He sat down beside her and took out his science book.

"Oh, yeah. I was wondering if we could start with the- uh... could you tell me what that word is?" She pointed at the page.

"Sure it's- wait, do you have trouble reading?"

"No! It's just- I-I can't tell you. It's embarrassing..." She looked away from him with a frustrated expression and arms crossed.

"I promise I won't make fun of you." He reached out to place his hand on her shoulder, but hesitated and pulled back.

"Alright..." She turned to face him again. "I use glasses for reading, but I only wear them when I'm alone, because everyone used to make fun of me when I was a kid. They look horrible on me. I hate them." She pulled a pair of glasses from her jacket, placing them on the table and leaned forward to burry her face in her hands.

Bertholdt went quiet not knowing how to respond. He reached for the glasses, examining them in his palm. He cleared away the hair from her face and gently placed the glasses on her astonished face.

"Well, I happen to think they look quite cute on you." Annie's eyes lit up. Bertholdt gave her a tender smile. Realizing what he had said he quickly tried to turn the attention back on the book they were supposed to be reading, now with Annie being able to read properly.

Time quickly went by and it had turned dark outside when they had finished reading.

"Thanks for helping me Bertholdt..." Annie said timidly.

"Anytime." He chirped.

"It looks like we missed dinner. I'm starving." Annie croaked.

"I-I brought a sandwich from home i-if you're hungry." Bertholdt stammered. "I-it's in my room. You can have it if you want." He awaited her response, fidgeting his sleeve with sweaty palms.

She nodded and walked by his side to their dorm. Bertholdt went into his room with a sleeping Reiner in one of the beds. He found the sandwich and handed it to Annie.

Annie took the food and turned around to get to her room. Bertholdt turned from her as well but suddenly felt two arms wrapped around him from the behind. "Thank you." Annie whispered.

"It was nice seeing you again." With that she let go and walked to her room. Bertholdt still frozen could barely turn his head to see her walk away from him. He gained a glimpse of her face as she passed the door. Was she... smiling?

Authors note: Oh boy, my first real fanfiction like ever - I got a lot of cute ideas for how the story would unravel, so let me know if you like this first little chapter and if you want me to write more and feel free to suggest ideas :,3 Don't really have more to say right now sooo, remember to drink water and have a nice day :3