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Chapter 3

The day had started out much like any other. He'd gotten up at his usual time, made his protein shake, worked out, and then had his shower all before the sun rose. Afterwards he had his breakfast entertained Bert and Annie (whom frequented his home on their way further into town) and read from whatever book he was reading that week before stopping by the bookstore. He was greeted by a few familiar faces, mostly the female students bothered to acknowledge him outside of class. And he went to work, checking in the returned books, helping people find whatever they were looking for- typical library stuff. It wasn't until the small bell above the door gave a chime that he looked up from his doings.

It had been exceptionally slow that day considering it was the middle of the week, and he figured that was because students were cramming back in their dorms and apartments (and that occasional coffee shop on the corner a few blocks over) for their upcoming finals. But Reiner glanced up just in time to see a girl with unruly curls shuffle past him on a set of crutches. He watched her for a moment as she glanced around, reading the labeled shelves before going down an aisle that he visited the most himself. It was required of him to offer his assistance to those who needed it.

A girl on crutches surely need his assistance Reiner noted thoughtfully before getting to his feet. "Excuse me," He greeted kindly. "Can I help you find anything?"

The girl seemed a bit startled as his voice thundered suddenly behind her. She hobbled around to face him, staring up into his face behind thin framed glasses.

"Oh… um… do you have Macbeth?" She asked.

She looked so familiar for some reason. No one could forget hair like hers. Or her eyes, large and dark. A rich chocolate brown and brimmed with thick lashes that fanned out against olive skin. She had a face one only read about in books.

"We do," He nodded.

Reiner could feel scrutinizing eyes fall onto his back as he turned. They took in his height and build, his strong broad shoulders and biceps that shown themselves proudly under the sleeves of his shirt. Muscles that were defined enough for the girl to easily make out their outline.

"Here it is." Reiner said as he handed her the book.

"Thanks." She smiled kindly up at him.

And then it dawned on him; he knew exactly where he'd seen her. "You're Anastasia Lynnfield." He saw a faint blush creep up into her cheeks as she cut her eyes away from him shyly.

"You recognized me…" Her tone was a bit put off.

"Barely," He admitted. "The curls are a nice touch. A friend of mine is a huge fan of yours."

"Thank them for me."

Reiner's attention zoned in on the crutches that kept her up and she shifted uncomfortably as his gaze lingered a tad too long. "I caught your competition a few weeks ago, might I ask what happened?"

"Oh this?" She motioned to show him her injured leg and cast. "Fell off the bars in mid air doing practice. Broke a whole bunch of stuff that had to be reset with plates and screws. Karanese has the best rehab facility in the country, so here I am." Anastasia tried to laugh it off but he could tell the girl was still in a considerable amount of pain.

"I'm sorry to hear that." He said genuinely. "You were pretty good."

Anastasia chuckled warmly at this, an adorable little giggle that managed to worm its way into the man's chest. "Thank you," She said. "Let's see how good I am after this cast comes off."

"I'm sure you'll be fine." Replied Reiner. He flashed her a small, amused smile. "Not many people check out Macbeth, need it for a class?"

Anastasia shook her head. "No, I read it for a paper one year and grew to like it. I tend to reread it from time to time." She admitted, managing to hold the book in her arms despite being propped up by her crutches.

"It's one of my favorites," Said Reiner. His voice pleasant and deep.

And there's a twinkle in his eyes that catches the girl's attention. She had to admit the man was handsome. He had gorgeous golden eyes that shown beautifully under the library lighting. She takes in the honey blonde hair on his head that's cut short, sculpted jaw line, and defined features. A flush fills her cheeks almost instantly and is found cutting her eyes away again, quickly scanning over the covers of the books at her side.

"Are you staying at the rehab center?" Reiner questioned. He could tell she was thankful for the subject change.

"I'm not," Replied the girl. "My sister is renting an apartment over in that area so she can look after me. So much for being independent." She gave a small, indifferent smile.

"I bet it's hard," Reiner sympathized. "I'm sorry."

"Oh don't be, athletes get hurt all the time right?"

Reiner supposed so, but he couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl. She looked far more lively on the television screen weeks ago than she did there in person. Which he chalked up to being part of the healing process. Anastasia looked exhausted both mentally and physically, but she was still appealing nonetheless. She caught a quick glance at the watch around her thin wrist and winced when she realized the time.

"I'm sorry but I have to go now." She said.

"Oh, right, I didn't mean to hold you up."

"It's alright, I haven't had someone other than my sister and physical therapist to talk to in weeks. This was nice." Anastasia gave him a warm smile. "I didn't get your name."

"My apologies," He chuckled lightly. "I'm Reiner Braun, and it's a pleasure to meet you." He held out a hand for her to shake.

"Nice to meet you Reiner, I'm Anya."

The way his name rolled off her tongue had his eyes drawn intently to her lips. They were pert and rosy. And though they were slightly chapped, they still looked soft and he could only imagine how they would feel against his own.

"If you want you can stop by tomorrow morning," Reiner suggested. "This place is dead when it first opens."

"Sure, I'll be here. What time?"

Reiner thought for a moment before replying with, "Say… eight."

"Okay, I'll see you then." Said Anya.

Reiner noticed the mall but defined dimples in her cheeks as she gave him one last smile before she turned and made her way to the front desk to have her book checked out. He had half a mind to follow her, to talk to her one last time before she left, but someone else approached in him in need of help. Reiner gave the girl. Some bashful teenager with a mouthful of braces, an accepting smile as he listened patiently to her request. But not before stealing a few glances at Anya a mere few feet from him. She had been in the process of removing her library card when another girl, one with the same wild curls, entered through the door with a chime.

"There you are!" The woman breathed. "I thought you'd be waiting outside."

That, Reiner guessed, was her sister. They shared similar features, though it was easy for him to tell that the latter was the eldest of the two. She stood a full head taller than Anya, her slender build filled out from the years of maturity, with her hair cut short to her shoulders. Anya gave her a sheepish smile in apology, which her sister just shook her head to. Reiner had seen the eldest Lynnfield somewhere before, though he had troubles recalling where. He watched as the sisters left, conversing amongst themselves.

"Thanks again." The girl he'd been assisting said. She clutched the book he'd helped her find securely at her chest.

"No problem," Replied Reiner earnestly.

Once he was done he retreated behind the librarian desk where he took his seat at his computer. For a moment he stared blankly at the monitor, unable to get Anya's face out of his head. Reiner glanced down at his hand, the one she shook, turning it over to inspect his palm. Her hand was so small compared to his own, smooth despite the wear and tear of gymnastics, and her warmth was electrifying.