"Okay, we're almost there," Reiner's voice was soft in Victoria's ears. "Step over... here."
While it might not have been the smartest idea, Reiner had been determined to blindfold her after they managed to sneak beyond the boot camp's fence. He wanted to keep the destination a secret, adding an element of surprise to the already mysterious meeting.
For about a month, Reiner and Victoria had been secretly meeting, and each encounter felt like a dream come true for her. They had been brief, like stolen kisses in the dark and comforting hugs after hard drills, but now Reiner had something big planned.
He had slipped her a note earlier in the afternoon; grab a blanket and meet him by the fence at midnight.
And here they were, making their way up a trail in near darkness.
The forest was serene, filled only with the gentle rustle of leaves whispering in the soft breeze. Each sound seemed to harmonize with the tranquil ambiance as if nature itself was engaged in a quiet conversation. The warmth of spring enveloped the surroundings, creating a cozy atmosphere that wrapped around them like a soft blanket while the air was fragrant with the scent of blooming wildflowers and fresh earth.
As they walked deeper into the heart of the forest, the full moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow that danced upon the ground. Its light filtered through the branches, creating intricate patterns of shadow and illumination that shifted with the gentle sway of the trees. Reiner's lantern flickered softly in his hand, the warm glow providing a comforting contrast to the cool night air. It swung slightly with each step, casting playful shadows that seemed to leap and twirl around them.
The path ahead was lined with ancient trees, their gnarled roots twisting above the ground like the fingers of giants reaching for the sky. Occasionally, the soft hoot of an owl echoed in the distance, a reminder of the nocturnal life that thrived in the shadows. The forest felt alive, each sound and movement a testament to the vibrant ecosystem that flourished in the darkness.
As they ventured further, the gentle rustling of leaves became a soothing melody, lulling them into a state of calm. The world outside this enchanted realm felt distant and forgotten, as if time itself had paused to allow them this moment of peace. The stars twinkled above, their distant light mingling with the moon's glow, creating a celestial tapestry that seemed to watch over them.
Reiner paused for a moment, taking in the beauty around him. He felt a connection to the earth beneath his feet and the sky above. The cozy atmosphere wrapped around him, filling him with a sense of belonging and tranquility. The sensation was entirely new, and he was going to revel in it while he could.
Lifting the lantern, he blew out its flame, then with a smile, Reiner turned to Victoria, gently caressing her cheek.
"Ready?" he whispered in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. Victoria nodded in response, and she could feel him begin to untie the knot on the back of her head. The sight that awaited her took her breath away.
They found themselves on a ridge, gazing down at the forest where the shadowy trees danced gently in the breeze. The tall pines and sturdy oaks swayed rhythmically, their leaves whispering secrets to one another as the wind wove through their branches. Below, a lake glimmered under the moon's glow, its surface reflecting the celestial heavens in a shimmering tapestry of silvery hues, creating an enchanting illusion of infinity.
A delicate layer of white fog floated above the water's surface, twisting and turning in beautiful, complex designs as if an artist had taken a brush and painted ethereal patterns across the lake's surface. The fog curled and spiraled, sometimes thickening into wisps that seemed to reach out toward the shore, only to dissipate into nothingness moments later. It created an otherworldly atmosphere, where the boundaries between earth and sky blurred, and the air was filled with a sense of magic and mystery.
As they stood there, the cool night air wrapped around them, carrying with it the earthy scent of damp soil and the faint, sweet aroma of wildflowers that bloomed in the underbrush. The sounds of the forest enveloped them—a symphony of rustling leaves, distant owl calls, and the gentle lapping of water against the shore. Each sound seemed to resonate with the heartbeat of the night, drawing them deeper into the tranquility of the moment.
They exchanged glances, their eyes wide with wonder as if they were witnessing a secret world that few had the privilege to see. The moon hung high above, a luminous guardian watching over the landscape, casting long shadows that danced playfully across the ground. In that serene setting, time felt suspended, and the worries of the day faded away, leaving only the beauty of the night and the bond they shared in this magical place.
"Reiner..." Victoria didn't have the words, and she didn't need any as Reiner enveloped her in an embrace, his lips quickly finding hers in the darkness.
His fingers gently brushed against her cheek, guiding her head back to intensify the kiss while Victoria tangled her fingers in his hair. Their breaths merged, creating a shared rhythm, and she could feel his heart pounding his chest. Her own heart raced as his other hand began to roam along her waist, exploring the curves of her body with a tenderness that sent shivers down her spine.
The world around them faded into a blur. Each kiss was a silent conversation filled with longing and desire as if they were trying to convey everything they felt in that moment. The warmth of his body pressed against hers ignited a fire within her, a yearning that had been building for far too long.
Victoria leaned into him, her body instinctively arching closer, craving the connection that felt both electrifying and comforting. She could feel the roughness of his stubble against her skin, a stark contrast to the softness of his lips, and it only heightened her senses. Every brush of his fingers sent waves of heat coursing through her, igniting a passion that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.
As his hand slid further down her waist, she gasped softly, the sound barely escaping her lips. It was a sound that seemed to hang in the air, charged with unspoken promises and the thrill of the unknown. He paused for a moment, his golden eyes glowing in the moonlight. He searched hers intensely, asking for permission to continue.
In that fleeting second, the world outside ceased to exist, and all that mattered was the connection they shared.
With a gentle nod, she encouraged him, and he responded with a hard kiss, pouring all his emotions into that single moment. As their teeth and tongues gnashed together, the taste of him was intoxicating, a blend of warmth and sweetness that left her craving more. Victoria felt alive, every nerve ending tingling with anticipation as his hand finally found its way to the small of her back, pulling her even closer as the tips of his fingers slid under the waistband of her pants.
Time seemed to stretch, each second laden with the weight of their unspoken desires. The kiss became a symphony of passion, a melody that resonated deep within her soul. She could feel the heat radiating between them, a magnetic pull that was impossible to resist.
At that moment, nothing else mattered—only the two of them, lost in a world of their own creation, where every touch, every sigh, and every heartbeat intertwined in a beautiful dance of love and longing.
As she moaned, her voice was coarse. "Reiner..."
He abruptly withdrew from the kiss, leaving her with a sense of emptiness. Yet, he didn't stray too far; Reiner walked over to retrieve the blanket she had packed. After spreading it out on the ground, he reignited the lantern and placed it beside the quilt. Then, he settled down onto the fabric, his tall, muscular body stretching out comfortably like a contented cat.
Glancing back up at her, Reiner's eyes were shimmering with lust. Without a word, he simply motioned her over with his index finger.
Victoria grinned, her lips already raw and red. Sauntering over to him, she stood over Reiner, one leg on either side of his hips. He lifted his hands, caressing the length of her shins. His breath quickened as his eyes lingered up and down her form.
Gently, she lowered herself onto his waist, feeling the warmth radiate from his body. His hands explored her shape, tracing the curves of her hips and the small of her back as she leaned closer, their breaths mingling in the charged air between them.
A soft sigh escaped him, a sound that sent a thrill through her. She could sense his arousal beneath her, the hardness in his pants, and the way his body responded to her presence, and it ignited a fire within her.
As she moved her hips forward, Victoria elicited another soft moan from Reiner, a mix of surprise and desire that made her heart race. The world around them faded, leaving only the two of them in this intimate moment. She could feel the tension building, a magnetic pull that drew them closer together.
With each subtle movement, she reveled in the way his hands tightened around her, nails digging into her thighs, anchoring her to him as if he were afraid she might slip away.
Victoria's breath quickened, and she leaned in even closer, her lips barely brushing against his. The warmth of his skin beneath her fingertips sent shivers down her spine, and she could see the way his eyes darkened with longing.
It was intoxicating.
With a gentle sway of her hips, she felt the tension between them crackle like electricity, and she couldn't help but smile at the effect she had on him. Reiner's hands roamed freely, exploring the expanse of her back, pulling her closer as if he wanted to merge their bodies into one.
A wicked smile grew on her face as she quickened her pace, grinding back and forth against him until finally, he could take no more.
With a deft motion, he turned Victoria onto her back, gently supporting her head as he leaned in for another kiss. The world around them faded into a blur, the only sounds being the rustling leaves and the whispers of the night. His knee nudged her legs apart, grounding her hips against the earth, the cool blanket contrasting with the warmth radiating from their bodies.
A soft gasp escaped V's lips as Reiner's hands glided up her shirt, tearing it away with urgency, the fabric surrendering to his touch as if it were nothing more than a delicate veil.
He paused, kneeling back to take in the sight of her, his breath hitching in his throat. In the moonlight, Victoria's breasts shimmered with sweat, glistening like the surface of the tranquil lake under the stars. Her hair, a wild cascade of dark waves, framed her face, accentuating the delicate curve of her jaw and the fullness of her lips. Her eyes sparkled with intense desire, reflecting the silver light above.
Reiner's heart raced as he drank in the sight of her, the way the moonlight danced across her body, illuminating every curve and contour. He felt a surge of possessiveness mixed with admiration, a primal urge to protect and cherish this moment.
Leaning closer, he traced his lips along her collarbone, marveling at the softness of her skin, and the way it responded to his touch. Victoria shivered, her breath hitching as she arched up into him, craving more of his warmth, more of his presence.
The air was thick with anticipation, electric and charged, as he lifted himself back up, capturing her lips once more in a fervent kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of longing, of unspoken words and shared dreams, a kiss that ignited a fire deep within them both.
Victoria tangled her fingers in his hair as his mouth moved her neck, placing gentle kisses along the length of her jaw before suddenly placing a sharp nip on her collarbone. A moan escaped Victoria's lip as Reiner moved further south, placing kisses and bites down her chest until he finally captured one of her breasts in his mouth. His tongue danced back and forth across her nipple. Victoria arched into him, fingers pulling him closer as his hands slid down to her waist.
Reiner pulled back again, despite Victoria's protests, bending down to remove her boots. He fumbled slightly, which made Victoria laugh as she assisted in kicking them off. Once free, he moved up to slide her pants down, planting soft kisses along her thighs as he came back up.
With a tender touch, he nudged her underwear aside, his mouth discovering her sensitive area. His tongue began to dance slowly, drawing soft moans of delight from Victoria. She tangled her fingers in his hair, lifting a leg over his shoulder as she started to grind in rhythm with Reiner.
"He'sgoingtohurtyou," Annie's warning cut through the moment, echoing in Victoria's mind.
The pleasure he was giving her begged to differ, but still, she couldn't shake the feeling that Annie was right. Glancing down at Reiner, Victoria found his gaze firmly fixed on her, the golden hue of his eyes shining almost white in the moonlight.
"Reiner..." a moan escaped her lips, as a finger slid inside her, curling upwards. Then another, and another. As his tongue began to move faster against her, pumping his fingers in and out, a rush of pleasure surged through Victoria, cascading over her like an ocean crashing against the shore. Each wave brought with it a sense of exhilaration, washing away her worries and fears, leaving only Reiner's warmth.
She found herself lost in the moment, her thoughts drifting away like leaves on a gentle breeze. The chaos of the outside world seemed to dissolve, leaving only the two of them suspended in time. Softly, she whispered his name into the darkness around them, the syllables rolling off her tongue like a secret meant only for his ears.
"Reiner," she breathed again, her voice barely above a whisper, yet it carried the weight of her emotions. Each utterance was a thread weaving them closer together, binding their hearts in a tapestry of shared desires and unspoken promises. The night was alive with possibilities, and in that fleeting instant, nothing else mattered. The stars above twinkled like distant dreams, but all she could focus on was the warmth of his tongue and the way his presence ignited a fire within her.
Their lips met once more, the salty flavor of her lingering on his tongue as they intertwined. Victoria gilded her hands along his chest, sensing the way his muscles responded to her gentle caress, each ripple beneath her fingertips igniting a spark of electricity between them.
As she explored the contours of his body, her heart raced. Reiner leaned into her touch, his breath hitching slightly as she traced the outline of his hip bones, her fingers lingering just a moment longer than necessary.
Their eyes locked, and in that gaze, a thousand unspoken words passed between them—desire, longing, and a hint of vulnerability. She could see the way Reiner's pupils dilated and it made her pulse quicken.
With a playful smile, she leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, "I want you, Reiner Braun."
He pressed his lips against hers with more intensity, drawing her nearer and encircling her waist as if to protect her from everything beyond their intimate space. The world around them faded into a blur, the sounds of nature muted as if the universe conspired to grant them this moment of solitude. The aroma of the lake intertwined with the delicate fragrance of her skin, forming a captivating essence that surrounded them, wrapping them in a cocoon of warmth and desire. The gentle lapping of the water against the shore provided a rhythmic backdrop, a soothing melody that matched the quickening beat of their hearts.
As he lowered his hands to unbuckle his belt, a rush of anticipation coursed through her. Reiner's fingers trembled just a bit, betraying the mix of excitement and nervousness that surged within him. It was a vulnerability he rarely allowed himself to show, but in this moment, with her so close, it felt right. The air was thick with unspoken promises, and he could feel the weight of her gaze on him, urging him forward.
Prompted by an instinctive need to reassure him, Victoria reached out, gently caressing the contours of his knuckles, her fingertips tracing the lines of his hand with a tenderness that sent shivers down his spine. Her touch was electric, igniting a fire within him that he had longed to feel. She intertwined her fingers with his, their hands fitting together perfectly.
"If you aren't ready, we don't have to," Victoria murmured, her eyes glittering in the moonlight.
He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered her name, the sound barely audible above the gentle rustle of leaves. The intimacy of the moment deepened, and he could feel her pulse quicken in response. It was a dance of emotions, a delicate balance of desire and tenderness, and Reiner was determined to savor every second of it.
With a newfound resolve, he pulled back slightly to meet her gaze, searching her eyes for any hint of hesitation. Instead, he found a spark of longing mirrored in her expression, a silent invitation that urged him to take the next step.
He practically fell backward, almost ripping his pants in the process of taking them off. Victoria giggled as he struggled, arms wrapping around her chest at the sudden absence of warmth. It was worth it though, to see Reiner stretched out in all his glory before her. He was so handsome now, and the contours of his muscles gleamed in the moonlight as he held a hand out for her.
She slid her hand into his, allowing herself to be lowered onto his lap. Reiner held her for a moment, placing kisses along her shoulder while his hands explored her body. They slid down to her ass, gently lifting her up as he captured Victoria's lips in another kiss.
Their tongues swirled together as he brought her back down onto his cock, breath mingling as they gasped in unison. Reiner was slow at first, very gentle, as he rocked his hips up, filling her to the brim. Victoria's nails dug into his shoulder as she clung to him.
It hurt for a moment, but then it was pure bliss.
Reiner fell back onto the blanket, hands grasping her hips tightly as he began to move faster and faster. Victoria's knees pressed into the ground on either side of him, eyes rolling back into her head as wave after wave of pleasure rippled through her.
"Victoria..." he moaned, as she collapsed forward onto his chest, unable to respond. His arms reached up to embrace her as he continued moving, angling his hips to push deeper inside her.
"Mine, mine," his breath was hot against her ear as his nails dug into her back.
The air between them crackled with tension, they were both so close now, it drew Victoria in as she reached out, her fingers poised to caress his cheek, longing for the warmth of his lips once more.
But just as their worlds were about to collide, Reiner's gaze fell upon the scar that marred her forehead, and a shadow flickered across his features. In an instant, he recoiled, shoving her away with a force that sent her sprawling to the ground, landing a few feet from him. As she turned to face him, disbelief washed over her, and she caught a glimpse of his face, twisted in a mix of regret and sorrow.
"I-I'm sorry," he stuttered, golden eyes wide. "I-I can't.. I'm a Wa-war-... I wasn't ready for this... for you... I'm sorry... " Reiner trembled as he huddled into himself, gasping and whispering softly. The shift in his behavior was quite shocking, a stark contrast to the confident demeanor he usually projected. His eyes, once bright with pleasure, now darted nervously around, as if searching for an escape from an unseen threat. The shadows seemed to loom larger, wrapping around them like a suffocating blanket, and Victoria instinctively curled her knees to her chest, seeking comfort in the smallness of her form.
His breaths came in quick, shallow bursts, each exhale a fragile whisper that barely escaped his lips. "It's okay, it's okay," he murmured to himself, though the words felt hollow, a feeble attempt to reassure a mind spiraling into chaos. The tremors in his hands betrayed the calm he tried to project, fingers twitching as they clutched at the blanket, as if it were a lifeline tethering him to reality.
As he whispered, the words were barely audible, a litany of self-reassurance that seemed to falter with each repetition. "I can do this. I have to do this." But the conviction was waning, and the tremors in his body spoke of a deeper turmoil, one that threatened to consume him whole.
He was falling apart before her eyes. "Reiner?" her voice seemed to reach him. He froze, all trembling ceased, as his frightened gaze found her. "Are you okay?" Victoria shifted closer to him, hand reaching out cautiously.
Reiner burst into laughter, a high-pitched, almost frantic sound that mirrored the wildness in his eyes. "Why you?" he asked, beginning to crawl closer to her. "Out of everyone I know, why are you the only one who offers me kindness like this?" He extended his hand to gently touch her cheek, his thumb tracing the scar above her eyebrow. His hand shook slightly. "After everything that's happened..."
"I wish you would talk to me," Victoria replied, trying to repress the shivers that came with his touch. "Youcantalk to me, you know." Victoria stared at him, attempting to unravel the whirlwind of feelings that crossed Reiner's face. Gratitude, remorse, warmth, and sorrow flickered in his expression, each emotion a fleeting shadow that danced across his features. It was as if a storm raged within him, each wave of feeling crashing against the shores of his composure. She could see the way his brow furrowed slightly, a telltale sign of the internal struggle he faced.
His eyes, usually so steady and confident, now held a depth of vulnerability that made her heartache. Gratitude for what, she wondered? Remorse flickered next, a shadow of regret that hinted at past mistakes, choices that weighed heavily on his conscience.
Warmth radiated from him, a soft glow that spoke of shared memories and unspoken bonds, yet it was quickly overshadowed by the sorrow that lingered in the corners of his gaze. It was a sorrow that seemed to echo the pain of loss, of opportunities missed, and of paths not taken.
But before she could fully grasp any of these emotions, they vanished in an instant, like smoke dissipating in the air. Reiner's expression hardened, the walls he had built around himself rising once more, leaving Victoria feeling as though she had been standing on the edge of a precipice, only to be pulled back at the last moment. The moment hung heavy between them, charged with unspoken words and unresolved feelings, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just glimpsed the true essence of who he was—a complex tapestry of emotions woven together by experiences that had shaped him.
As silence enveloped them, Victoria felt a pang of frustration mixed with concern. She longed to reach out, to bridge the gap that had suddenly widened between them, but she hesitated, unsure of how to navigate the turbulent waters of his heart. Would he let her in, or would he retreat further into the shadows, leaving her to wonder about the depths of his soul?
"We should get back," he finally answered, his voice low and harsh. Reiner's eyes had darkened and he refused to meet Victoria's eyes as he stood to find his clothes.
Victoria refused to move, grabbing the blanket and wrapping it around herself. She glared at him until a soft sigh escaped Reiner. Walking back over, he knelt down in front of her. His hands gently caressed the sides of her face as he pressed his forehead into hers.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, his breath warm against her lips. "I'm just... not ready yet. I-I've never been in.. lo..." the words caught in his throat.
"Love?"
He nodded gently, intertwining his fingers in Victoria's hair as he drew her closer to him. A smile blossomed on her face as she jumped up, pressing her lips to his. Reiner embraced her more firmly, yet she could still taste the saltiness of his tears.
The journey back to camp was quiet between them, yet Reiner clasped her hand tightly throughout the entire walk to the fence line. The forest had fallen into a hushed stillness, with clouds veiling the moonlight, casting a soft, muted glow over the path. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the earthy scent of damp leaves and pine needles, but the tranquility of the surroundings did little to ease the tension that lingered between them.
As they walked, Victoria could feel the warmth of Reiner's hand enveloping hers. Yet, beneath it, there was an unmistakable tension. Reiner's grip was firm, almost desperate as if he feared losing her to the shadows that danced around them. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant call of an owl were the only sounds that accompanied their footsteps, amplifying the weight of the unspoken words hanging in the air.
When they reached the fence line, Reiner paused, turning to face her. The moon peeked through the clouds for a brief moment, illuminating his strong features and revealing the flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss on Victoria's lips, a gesture that felt bittersweet.
But as he pulled away, the distance between them felt more than physical. Reiner began to make his way back to his cabin, his silhouette gradually fading into the darkness. Victoria stood there, rooted to the spot, watching him leave with a mix of longing and concern. She could see the way his shoulders were slightly hunched, the way he moved with a hesitance that betrayed the calm facade he tried to maintain.
Reiner hadn't truly relaxed since the panic attack; not completely. The memory of that moment—the overwhelming rush of fear, the suffocating grip of anxiety—still haunted him, lurking just beneath the surface. Even as he distanced himself from Victoria, she could see the tightness in his shoulders, the way his breath quickened slightly as he stepped away.
It was as if he was carrying an invisible weight, one that he couldn't quite shake off, no matter how hard he tried.
Victoria's heart ached for him. She wanted to reach out, to pull him back into her embrace and remind him that he wasn't alone in this. But she also understood the importance of giving him space.
She sighed, finally moving once he disappeared through the cabin's door. Making her way back to her cabin, she was ambushed immediately upon entering.
The lights in the room were off, except for a single lantern that had been sat on a table near the door. Several chairs had been dragged over as well, and sitting in them were two girls.
"Where'd you slip off to, Freidrich?" Ymir smirked, her eyes glittering in the darkness. Her voice was quiet, as to not wake the other sleeping girls around them. "You were gone for about two hours. What could you possibly be up to this late?"
Krista sat beside her, silent, but blue eyes focused on Victoria's face.
Victoria didn't respond, just stared. Until a hand brushed Victoria's hair off her neck, prompting V to jump almost 2 feet in the air.
Mikasa had snuck up behind her in the darkness and was now examining a mark on Victoria's throat. "Did you get attacked?" Her voice was soft, concern slipping through the calm.
"Are you hurt?" Krista jumped up now and rushed over to see what Mikasa was looking at, the chair scraping against the floor. The noise caused several girls to stir, including Sasha, who grumbled something about being quiet.
"That's a hickey," Ymir stated, matter of factly.
"A hickey!?" Sasha repeated, sitting up sharply in bed, her voice a mix of disbelief and excitement. The warm glow of the gas lamp filled the room, but all she could focus on was the unmistakable mark on Victoria's neck. It was a deep shade of crimson, a stark contrast against her fair skin, and it seemed to pulse with the energy of the moment. She couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline at the thought of her friend having a secret romantic encounter. "Who did this? You have to tell me everything!"
Victoria, still flustered, felt her cheeks heat up. She had hoped to keep this little incident under wraps, but now it seemed impossible. "I-I don't know what you're talking about!" she stammered, her hands still covering the mark as if it could somehow erase the evidence. She took a step back, her back hitting the edge of her bunk, and she felt trapped.
Sasha, undeterred, took a step closer, her curiosity piqued. "Come on, Vic! You can't just leave me hanging like this! Is it one of the cadets? I've seen you talking to Jean for a while..."
Victoria's eyes widened at the mention of Jean. "No! It wasn't him!" she blurted out, her voice rising again, a mix of panic and embarrassment. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, and she desperately wished she could disappear. "It was just a mistake! I mean, it was... it was nothing!"
Sasha raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Nothing? That looks like more than nothing to me!" She crossed her arms, a playful smirk creeping onto her face. "You can't just brush this off. You have to spill the tea! Who was it? Was it a good kiss? Did you like it?"
Victoria groaned, her hands dropping to her sides in defeat. "Okay, okay! Just... give me a second to think!" She took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her as she lied through her teeth. "It was... it was nothing.. just let it go, okay? It's none of your business, and I got caught up in the moment, so drop it. It was just a peck!"
Sasha's eyes sparkled with mischief. "A peck? That looks like more than a peck to me! You're telling me, or I swea-."
"Shut up!" Mina suddenly yelled, sitting up with a glare, causing the others to hush their voices.
"You've been sneaking out for weeks now," Ymir continued, following Victoria to her bunk. "Tell us who it is. We're not gonna beat him up, promise." The sickly sweet tone in Ymir's voice begged to differ.
"No, that's enough," Victoria spun to face them. "I'm not telling any of you." With that, she stormed past them, back out into the night.
She needed a shower.