Reiner woke first, blinking sleepily in the early morning haze. Dim light was streaming through the wooden slats in the wall, the air chilled and thin. Reiner blinked a few moments, getting his bearings. He was in the stables- he could hear the animals snoring softly, a few snuffling as they woke for the day. It was early morning still- he and Krista had been snowed in the night before...Krista!
Reiner glance down at the sleeping girl in his lap, wondering at his luck. The tiny blonde was curled up against his chest, hair mussed around one half of her face, mouth slightly agape as she dreamed. Seizing the moment, he ran his hands experimentally down her exposed sides, wincing at the chill. Sometime during the night, they had tugged more blankets up and over themselves, but they were no match against the persistent, silent snow storm that raged outside.
The part of her that was pressed up against him was still warm at least- he had raised his body temperature as high as he dared without alerting her to the oddity of it, to both their benefits. He continued to gently trail his hands up and down, slowly warming up the other side of her, careful to not wake her. She had worked harder than both of them the day before by far- she deserved the sleep.
He found himself drifting into daydreams as he waited patiently. Dreams of waking next to her, curled around her petite form danced through his mind. If Krista was his, he could hold her like this every night. In his dream, a gold band as dainty as she was adorned her finger, and she called him husband. The quiet moments between sleeping and waking were perfect for these sort of thoughts.
The problem was, however, that his legs had transformed during the night from flesh to marble, cold and unfeeling. Asleep, he hadn't noticed that the limbs had joined him in his slumber, but now that he was awake it was beginning to ache. He wasn't entirely sure how long Krista tended to sleep in the morning, but if it wasn't soon, he was going to have to attempt to move her. That was not his preferable option.
As though on cue, she stirred. Her small hands fisted in his shirt, clenching and unclenching subconsciously as her eyes blinked open sleepily. Clear blue eyes darted up to meet his, a shy smile spreading on her face. Gods, she was beautiful.
"Hi," she whispered.
"Hi," he whispered back.
Reiner's relief was palpable as she clambered off his lap. Sharp pricks of pain dotted up his legs as he straightened them, rubbing his thighs to get the blood flowing again. Krista gasped.
"Oh no! Did your legs fall asleep?" She bit her lip anxiously, pulling the blanket tighter around herself. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I didn't even notice 'til you got up," Reiner offered with a smile that she didn't return. It was a small lie, but worth it to watch the tension leave her shoulders. They were awkward this morning, more careful around each other, Reiner noticed. It bothered him. It felt like an itch he couldn't scratch- annoying and persistent- but he wasn't sure how to go about remedying it.
Krista had turned away from him, carefully pulling blankets up from the ground and folding them. The lamps had burnt out sometime during the night, unused to the amount of oil required for such a prolonged use. Horses stirred at her presence, leaning long necks and large heads out of the stall windows to watch her work. Reiner felt resentment burn in the back of his throat at the day beginning. It was stealing her away from him already.
With a grimace, he pushed himself off the door, opening it to allow Krista to place the now neatly folded stack of blankets inside. Reiner busied himself as well to avoid the awkwardness. He replaced the oil lamps in their holders along the walls- Krista wouldn't have been tall enough to reach them anyways. They took turns feeding and watering the animals. Slowly, as they worked around each other, the uncomfortable air that had settled since she'd left his arms filtered out. Working together was familiar and reassuring. They did it all the time.
"If we hurry, we can make it back before breakfast," Reiner offered. "Assuming we can make it back at all."
"I'm almost afraid to look out there," Krista admitted. She tucked the blanket into her straps like she had the day before, brows drawn down in a serious expression. Reiner couldn't help but laugh.
"You look like you're going to battle," he remarked and her expression softened incrementally.
"You weren't out there yesterday. It was a battle."
The reminder stung, even if it felt accurate. The memory of letting her leave without him was still too fresh in his mind. Shaking his head to banish to creep of self-loathing, Reiner went to the barn door and braced himself to open it.
"Ready?"
Krista nodded to him, and squared her shoulders, ready to face the outside. With a grunt, Reiner shouldered the door open. Arms strained with effort as the snow and ice clinging to the outside cracked and buckled to allow the movement. Clear, bright sunlight spilled into the barn accompanied by an icy chill, and the horses snorted and pawed in protest. Overnight, the storm had fled, leaving crystal blue skies and three feet of snow. The fields between them and the now visible barracks sparkled bright white, harshly shimmering in the early morning glow.
"It was that close the whole time?" Reiner asked incredulously, staring at the barracks a few hundred meters away. He could make out the small forms of soldiers beginning their day in the ice.
"It's not like we could've made it back anyways. I couldn't see my hand in front of my face out there," Krista remarked grimly, and Reiner cocked his head at her stoicism. It was usually him who radiated solemnity, but she looked more serious than he'd ever seen her. With a ramrod straight spine, she walked up to the wall of snow, glaring at the top where it stopped just below her collarbone. She kicked it experimentally, watching the small amount of snow cascade into the barn. With a growl of frustration, she reached out with her arms and tried to part the top of the snow, only succeeding in loosening it in place. Reiner bit down on a snicker, watching her try to navigate the snow enough to squeeze her petite frame through.
"What're you doing?"
Krista rounded on him, cheeks reddened from the cold, exertion, and he suspected a small amount of embarrassment.
"I'm trying to take a step outside. What does it look like I'm doing?" she cried, small chest heaving. Seeing her so worked up was too much for Reiner to resist. The sharp bark of laughter escaped his lips before he could stop it. She watched him with incredulity as he doubled over, shoulders bouncing in amusement.
"Are you laughing at me?" she asked, her voice shrill.
He took in deep gulps of air in between his guffaws, eyes squeezing shut to allow a few tears to escape as he gripped his aching sides. She was the funniest thing he'd seen in months.
"That's really mean, Reiner!"
He stopped himself short of landing on his ass backward, wiping away the tears as his mirth dissipated. It was sort of mean, but he couldn't help it. She was just too cute when frustrated. It wasn't an emotion he had seen on her before, but he found he liked it.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry." He held up his hands in supplication. "You're right, that was mean."
Krista frowned at him, crossing her arms. "It's rude to laugh at someone."
"Hey, I said I was sorry! I shouldn't have laughed." She huffed at him, but dropped her arms, turning back to the snow in question. Reiner came to stand next to her, surveying the problem. The snow only came up to just below his hips. While it wouldn't be pleasant, he could walk through it if he had to.
"I just don't know how were going to make it over there. We can't shovel the whole way?"
Reiner watched as she worried her bottom lip with her teeth. The answer was a simple one in his mind. While he was sure she would complain, he couldn't help the thrill the idea sent up his spine. Grinning, he turned and bent his knees, jerking a thumb at his back.
"Hop on," he said, watching her reaction over his shoulder. She held up her hands, waving them nervously back and forth, eyes darting around the room.
"O-oh no…I couldn't," she hedged, taking a step backwards.
"Well I don't see another option, do you?" he quipped, quirking an eyebrow her way.
"You could come back for me?"
"That'd take twice as long."
"I can just follow behind you?" Krista tried again, and Reiner fought the urge to gloat as she grasped at straws.
"I won't be shoveling the snow and forming a path so much as wading through it. I don't think anyone could follow me except Bertolt."
"But I...surely you…we can..." she stammered, lost for words. There wasn't really an argument to be had. They had to make it back to the training camp, and soon. Enough trouble was already waiting for them. The snow was too high for her and it wasn't for Reiner. And he'd already carried her a few times before, each and every occasion catalogued neatly in his mind. He watched her flounder around for an excuse for a few minutes before finally relenting.
She scrambled up his back, small elbows and footholds digging into his flesh as she gripped his straps for support. Reaching up, Reiner grasped her wrist in his hand and helped pull her up. She molded around his body, pressing into his back, thighs hiked up around his sides. He felt her breath hitch when his hands slid down to grip just behind her knees to hold her in place. Striving for nonchalance to hide the blood pounding in his veins, he jostled her higher, causing her hands to tighten around his chest as she let out a breathless squeak.
"Comfortable?" he asked, trying to steady his voice. He felt, rather than saw her nod behind him. Every nerve in his body was on fire, sending constant updates about her proximity streaking into his brain. It was distracting. After tugging the heavy stable door closed again, he began the long trek back to camp through the snow.
Krista wasn't entirely sure when it had become normal for Reiner to cart her around, but she had yet to get used to it, even if it didn't seem to faze him. It was equal parts embarrassing and exhilarating. She was grateful for his warmth as he plowed through the snow, and found herself clinging to him tighter. This close she could smell his spicy, crisp scent, like pine needles.
He hadn't been wrong about the ease of their journey. Every snowdrift he barreled through was simply churned up instead of pushed to the side, a fact that would've had her veritably swimming along behind him had she chosen to walk. And while it only came up to the tops of his thighs, it would've almost swallowed her up. She tried not to grumble about it too much- short jokes were not fun for her, but Reiner's giant height certainly came in handy in moments like these.
It took three quarters of an hour before they made it back to the camp. The trainees had been all sent out with shovels to clear paths in the camp between the buildings before breakfast. Once he stumbled into a cleared area, Reiner let her down gently. A few of the closest shoveling cadets stopped their work to gape at the couple. Krista felt her face heat, stomach churning uncomfortably.
As they made their way through the camp, bedraggled and exhausted, more recruits stopped their work to gawk at them. Some pointed, a few whispered. The further they walked, the tighter the knots in her belly wound.
"Think they noticed we were missing?" Reiner whispered, glancing around nervously. Krista watched as an assistant dropped their shovel in place and took off running for command. She winced.
"I'd say they noticed."
"BRAUN! LENZ!"
Krista flinched at the sound of her voice screamed at her, and watched as Instructor Shadis exited the command building, hands on his hips. Reiner had snapped to attention at the sound, broad shoulders straightening and fist coming to his chest to form a salute. Hurriedly, Krista copied him.
Heavy footsteps echoed into the courtyard as he walked down the stairs, dramatically slow. Dragging out a punishment was a specialty of his. Each step rang loudly in her ears as she listened to her doom approach, choking on her dread. Finally, he came to a stop in front of them, and put his hands behind his back, glaring down at them severely. He was of height with Reiner, but he somehow still managed to sneer down his nose at them both.
"Do you want to tell me where you two were all night?"
"The stables, sir," Krista answered meekly. A small crowd of recruits were gathering around to watch the public evisceration. She could recognize Connie and Sasha up close, nudging each other. Eren and Armin watched with wide eyes from her side. Annie stood off behind the rest, eyes narrowed as she watched the events unfold with aloof detachment. Other sets of eyes behind her and to the sides where she couldn't see pierced her back. She wanted to melt into a puddle of mortification.
"The stables? Huh." Instructor Shadis stroked his beard, pretending to think about it for a moment, before rounding on Reiner. "AND WHAT were you doing out there?"
"We were securing the livestock before the storm, sir," he replied calmly, not a tremor in his voice. Krista felt another spark of admiration for Reiner- she was terrified.
"And were you ASSIGNED to that job?" Silence stretched as the Instructor stared Reiner down. Krista could feel the tension thicken in the air as the moments ticked by. Reiner tellingly kept his silence. "That's what I thought."
"It's my fault, sir!" Krista couldn't believe she was speaking up. Her voice quavered high and thin in her ears, but she'd said the words all the same. She felt Reiner stir beside her, but neither of them moved. It was her fault he was in this mess in the first place. She wouldn't let him take the blame. "I asked him to help me."
She clamped down on a squeak as he stooped to her level, dangerous eyes glaring into hers. He was deadly quiet as he addressed her. "And why would you do that?"
"I knew that I couldn't finish my work before the storm came, so I asked for his help. We got snowed in before we could make it back to camp, sir. We had no choice but to stay put."
"Well, if working in the stables is too much work for you, I'll have to remember that you shouldn't be assigned that job," he sneered, and Krista fought the urge sob. Her stomach fell to her feet, hot tears pricking in the back of her eyes. Working with the animals was the best, and perhaps only, thing she liked about being here. If he took that away...she'd have nothing left.
"You can't do that!" Reiner burst out angrily. Shadis rounded on him. The recruits watching gasped, and began to mutter among themselves. Annie was the only recruit who didn't respond, other than a slight widening of her eyes as she watched the exchange. Krista risked a glance up at him as Reiner schooled his tone before continuing through clenched teeth. "Shouldn't. Sir."
The Instructor straightened to address him, hands coming to fold behind his back. "Oh, really? Please, enlighten me."
"She's the only reason we still have any livestock at all. When the storm, hit all the cattle and horses were out in the storm. Krista ventured out alone into the blizzard and successfully retrieved all three dozen animals. Without her, the military would've lost them. We were trapped overnight because she refused to give up on them, sir."
"Hmm…" Shadis stared at him, processing his words. Anxiety churned in Krista's gut as the silence stretched. Reiner had defended her bravely, and at his own peril, but even the warm butterflies the thought elicited couldn't stop the surge of terror as the seconds ticked by. The trainees stilled as they waited, anticipating the coming end.
Instructor Shadis bent violently at the waist, smacking his head hard into Reiner's with an audible thunk. Krista winced at the sound, but Reiner merely grunted at the impact.
"The two of you will DIG a loop around the camp perimeter. Then you will run it until dinner," he announced, and spun on his heel. He paused to glance back over one shoulder. "Consider yourselves lucky. I've dismissed recruits for less."
Krista shoulders sagged- in relief or dismay, she couldn't decide. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Reiner reach up to rub the bridge of his nose, hissing quietly. The present members of the 104th cadets swarmed the two of them, while the other soldiers went back to their work, satisfied with their now concluded entertainment.
"Man, I thought you guys were done for!" Connie cried, eyes wide with shock. Sasha nodded vigorously.
"It was really brave of you to stand up for Krista like that," Eren said, tone filled with admiration. A few nodded in agreement, and Reiner rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"Very brave," Annie quipped sarcastically, and Krista watched Reiner's eyes flash in her direction. Krista felt her chest swell with indignation, and was about to jump to Reiner's defense when a strong, slender arm wrapped itself around her neck and tugged her backwards.
"I wondered where you were all night. Thought you'd dropped into a snow drift," Ymir laughed. Cold, dismissive eyes glanced up to meet Reiner's. "Thanks for picking her up for me."
His shoulders stiffened and Krista felt Ymir's grip on her tighten in response. "She saved herself. I had nothing to do with it."
"Did you really get trapped in the barn overnight?" Sasha asked, oblivious to the silent showdown.
"On accident or on purpose?" Connie ribbed her and the group burst into laughter, causing both Reiner and Krista's cheeks to flame.
"On accident of course!" Krista squeaked, while Ymir laughed loudly in her ear.
"My girl would never want to get trapped in there on purpose. Unless it's with me of course!"
Krista cringed- Ymir's declarations would never cease in making her uncomfortable, but she knew that was just how her friend was. When she'd joined the military, she'd been so relieved to have a friend at all that she hadn't questioned it. But now she had other friends like Sasha and Reiner...but Ymir still stayed doggedly close.
"Ymir," Krista whined, embarrassed, and tried to extradite herself from her grip, but Ymir clamped down tighter.
"What?"
Reiner cleared his throat loudly and the group turned to look at him, but his eyes were trained on Ymir. "Krista and I should get started on our work before the Instructor catches us talking."
There was a moment of silence were Ymir and Reiner just stared at each other before Ymir removed her arm from around Krista.
"Yeah, sure. Don't work too hard," Ymir laughed in her ear before sauntering off back to her shovel. The rest of the group dispersed as well, and Reiner and Krista went to retrieve some shovels.
Luckily, they spent most of the day digging. They started in tandem at first, but Krista felt her strength waning quickly. She sagged onto the shovels handle more than a few times until Reiner suggested they take turns. He insisted she take a break while he worked first, allowing Krista a chance to admire his broad, muscular shoulders while he shoveled. It was a sight to see- he was strong as an ox, and had the endurance and work ethic to match. And it also set the butterflies alight in her stomach, a feeling she was quickly finding addicting.
"I think it's time to switch," Krista said from her perch on the newly unearth dirt. Beads of sweat were crystallizing on the back of Reiner's thick neck, and she could see his breathing increase in the fog his huffs were creating in the frigid air.
"Nah, I got it. You rest." He continued to shovel at the same steady pace.
"I think I've rested enough. Let me have a turn," she insisted, but he continued on doggedly.
"I'm not tired. Honest."
Krista stood and, ignorant to anything but the rhythm of the shovel, he didn't notice. With a small hop, Krista latched her hands onto his shoulders and tugged him down backward. He landed on his rear end with a plop in the dirt, a look of surprised bemusement on his face. Reiner sheepishly relinquished the shovel into her outstretched palm and took a much needed rest while she worked. She knew she wasn't actually strong enough to force him to do anything, regardless of how tired he was, but it was sweet he was allowing her to maintain the charade.
It was only a few hours before dinner by the time they actually began to run. Neither of them had, had a full meal since breakfast the day before and it showed. They limped along with sputtering steps, breath fogging as they just focused on putting one foot in front of the other. They passed encouragements and complaints back and force with between stilted breaths. With no one there to monitor them, they took frequent breaks whenever the trail ran behind a building, collapsing onto the ground, and sometimes into each other, to cough out a lung. Hunger gnawed inside Krista's stomach, scratching at the last vestiges of strength she had left over from the meager dinner they'd scraped the night before.
Their legs were jelly by the time the dinner bell rang, and black spots danced at the edges of Krista's vision. They staggered up to the mess hall together, exhausted and starving. Krista paused at the entrance, worrying her lip as she scanned the tables. Ymir was sitting at their usual spot, but she had yet to note her entrance with her back to the door.
"...would you like to sit with me tonight?" Krista asked in a small voice, eyes still trained on the back of Ymir's head. She felt the weight of Reiner's gaze on her, and she tore her eyes away to meet his. Molten gold churned in his irises as he studied her face, searching for motivations. She knew there would be hell to pay later for ditching Ymir, but she ate with her almost every meal. And besides, after almost 40 hours straight spent in his presence, Krista didn't feel like parting from Reiner. Not quite yet.
Silently, he nodded, and they made their way to a neutral table together. A dozen pairs of eyes watched them as they sat and began their meal in forced nonchalance. They ignored them.
They knew it better than anyone. Things were changing between them.
I love me some drama! Can you smell it coming! Mmmmm sweet conflict! What do you think? I want to hear your thoughts! And thanks for continuing to indulge me! ;)
