Throughout the remainder of their mountain excursion, Victoria and Reiner deliberately kept their distance from one another. The cold mountain air, once filled with laughter and training drills, now felt heavy with unspoken tension. Each time he caught sight of her, a look of guilt washed over his face, and his cheeks flushed a deep crimson as if the very act of looking at her was a betrayal of something they both knew but dared not acknowledge.
Victoria, too, felt the weight of their silence. She found herself at a loss for words in his presence, her mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions that she struggled to articulate. The memory of the kiss lingered in her dreams, casting a shadow over her thoughts, and was haunting her with its intensity.
It was a moment that had shifted the very foundation of their friendship, transforming it into something more complicated, something that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.
As they trekked back to base camp along the rugged trails, the snow gave way to sunshine. The vibrant colors of the late autumn leaves seemed to mock their discomfort. The golden hues of the foliage reminded her of the warmth of his lips against hers, a sensation that now felt like a distant memory, tainted by the awkwardness that had followed.
She would catch glimpses of him out of the corner of her eye—his broad shoulders hunched slightly, his gaze fixed on the ground, as if he were trying to make himself smaller to avoid the weight of her presence.
The cadets they were with continued chatting and joking, blissfully unaware of the tension simmering just beneath the surface. Victoria forced herself to engage, laughing at Connie's antics and Sasha's jokes, but her heart wasn't in it. Every time she laughed, she felt a pang of guilt for pretending everything was normal when, in reality, it was very wrong.
Reiner, too, tried to immerse himself in the camaraderie, but his laughter sounded hollow, his smiles strained. He would often steal glances at Victoria, only to quickly look away, as if the mere act of acknowledging her was too much to bear.
The unspoken words hung between them like a thick fog, obscuring the path ahead and making each step feel heavier than the last. Victoria was so happy when the cadets finally marched back into boot camp.
The cadets, naturally, did not remain in one place for long, however.
Approximately one day after returning to boot camp, it was declared that a drill would take place in Trost, simulating a Titan assault. The announcement sent a ripple of excitement and anxiety through the ranks, as the cadets understood the significance of such an exercise.
Trost, a town that had once been a bustling hub of activity, now stood as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat posed by the Titans. The walls that surrounded it were not just barriers; they were the last line of defense against the monstrous beings that roamed the world beyond. The cadets had trained rigorously for this moment, but the reality of a simulated Titan assault, that was graded no less, brought a new level of urgency to them.
As the sun rose the next morning, the cadets gathered in formation, their faces a mix of determination and trepidation. The instructors briefed them on the objectives of the drill, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, strategy, and quick thinking in the face of danger. They were reminded that this was not just a test of their physical abilities, but also of their mental fortitude, how well they could direct a panicking crowd, and so on.
The cadets were ushered out towards the stables. The atmosphere was charged with adrenaline as they prepared their horses for the familiar journey to Trost.
Victoria was filled with excitement, her heart racing at the thought of the upcoming battle. The anticipation coursed through her veins like electricity, igniting a fire within her that she hadn't felt in a long time. She couldn't wait.
The thought of the clash, the strategy, and the adrenaline rush that would accompany the fight sent shivers down her spine.
But it wasn't just the battle that fueled her eagerness; the chance to see Chisaki added an extra layer of anticipation to the mix. Victoria hoped she'd have time to visit him.
With their gear strapped on and their hearts pounding, the cadets moved out toward the designated training area. The atmosphere was charged with adrenaline as they navigated the familiar terrain of Trost's eastern district, sectioned off, and now transformed into a battleground.
Mock Titans, crafted from various materials to mimic the size and shape of the real threats, loomed in the distance, waiting to be confronted. The large creations rotated from side to side, soldiers at their base controlling the fake monsters. Controlled fires were set and actors ran around screaming.
It certainly created the right atmosphere.
As the drill commenced, Victoria sprang into action, executing maneuvers she had practiced countless times. The sound of their boots pounding against the terracotta rooftops echoed in the air, mingling with the shouts of their leaders and the simulated roars of the Titans.
She raced ahead of Jean, despite his long legs. Victoria could hear him grumbling under his breath behind her as she launched herself from the rooftop. Corkscrewing forward, her blades quickly found the pillow on the back of a wooden Titan's neck.
Victoria loved this part. The exhilaration of soaring through the sky with her omni-directional movement gear was unlike anything else. Gliding effortlessly like a bird, she moved with the elegance of a dancer, making her a force to be reckoned with on the field.
She had already scored 3 points by the time Jean finally caught up to her.
"Wow, V," he gasped, trying to regain his breath while adjusting his gear mid-flight. "Save some for the rest of us!"
"You just need to be quicker than her, Jean!" Reiner's voice echoed as he zipped past them, using the rooftops to gain speed and seizing the opportunity to score another point, overtaking Victoria in the process.
"Ughhh, come on!" Jean scowled, taking off with Victoria on his heels. Annoyance flashed through V as she watched Reiner disappear around a corner. She and Jean went the other direction, swinging wide to avoid a mock Titan cleverly hidden behind the building.
"This one is mine!" Jean cried out, blades at the ready.
In an instant, Mikasa suddenly surged forward past them, her crimson scarf trailing behind her like a banner of defiance. The wind whipped around her, carrying the scent of sweat and the distant cries of support from Eren. With a fierce determination burning in her eyes, she focused on the towering figure of the wooden Titan, its grotesque features carved a little too realistically
Her blades glinted in the sunlight, sharp and ready for the kill. With a fluid motion, she leaped up into the air.
Victoria's heart was pounding in rhythm with the adrenaline coursing through her veins. Time seemed to slow as Mikasa ascended, the world below fading into a blur of colors and sounds.
As she reached the apex of her jump, Mikasa's gaze locked onto the nape of the Titan's neck. With a silent cry, she brought her blades down in a swift arc, the steel slicing through the air with deadly precision. The moment her weapons made contact, a satisfying crunch echoed through the clearing, and splinters of wood exploded outward like shrapnel.
"The one cadet I can't hold a candle to," Jean thought out loud. Victoria nodded in agreement, awe shining in her eyes as she watched Mikasa at work. "She's amazing."
"Come on, let's give her some room!" Jean called over his shoulder, changing direction mid-air to swing upward for a better aerial view. "There!" He pointed towards 3 more mock Titans. As he shot off towards them, Victoria watched Connie and Sasha slip in behind Jean, mischievous smiles on their faces.
Oh, they're kill stealing,Victoria realized. In a split-second decision, she pulled back. Changing her direction with some careful airborne maneuvers was easy enough until she realized Reiner had looped around and was following her now.
"20 SECONDS REMAINING!" The instructors' voices rang out together throughout the town, creating a powerful chorus that echoed off the buildings and reverberated through the streets.
Victoria echoed them, her voice rising above the rest, fueled by adrenaline and determination. In moments like this, the call and response were crucial, a lifeline that connected everyone in the final stretch of their training exercise, and in real combat.
The air was thick with anticipation, energy surging through the cadets. Each participant, drenched in sweat and fatigue, felt the urgency of the countdown. The instructors, standing tall and commanding, were the anchors in this chaos, their synchronized shouts cutting through the noise of the bustling town.
Victoria could see the faces of her fellow trainees, some grimacing with effort, others grinning with exhilaration, all united in this shared experience.
As the seconds ticked away, Victoria's heart raced. She could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her, but it only fueled her resolve. She remembered the countless hours of practice, the early mornings and late nights spent honing her skills.
This was it—the culmination of all their hard work.
"Fifteen seconds!" The instructors shouted, their voices rising in intensity. Victoria glanced back at Reiner, who was hot on her heels as she darted as quickly as she could for the last mock Titan.
"Ten seconds!" The countdown continued, and the atmosphere crackled with excitement. Victoria felt a surge of adrenaline as she prepared to give it her all. Reiner was beside her now, his face flushed red as he raced to outpace her. Cool wind whipped past them and when Victoria glanced at him, she noticed he had a big goofy grin on his lips.
It looked like he was having fun.
"Five seconds!" The urgency in their voices heightened, and Victoria could feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She focused on the Titan's nape, a distant blur that seemed to grow closer with each passing second. The world around her faded, and all that mattered was the goal ahead.
"Three! Two! One!" The instructors shouted in unison, their voices blending into a triumphant crescendo. Victoria surged forward, her legs pumping with renewed vigor as she gained momentum on the rooftop before leaping off.
In that last moment, her blades made contact, carving out a deep cut on the pad.
"TIME!"
~o~
"Stealing is dirty, you damn thieves!"
Connie, Sasha, and Victoria glanced up from their spot against the wall outside Training HQ. Just five minutes earlier, the scores had been announced, and in a spirit of celebration, V had taken them to the marketplace right across the street. They were now enjoying a simple lunch of boiled potatoes, but honestly, it was a welcome treat.
Jean had found them and was pissed. "I found those targets and you stole 'em right out from under me!"
"And that's dirty?" Sasha replied, raising her eyebrows. "No offense, but you've got a seriously naive outlook, Jean. There's no such thing as calling dibs when hunting prey." She took another bite of her potato.
"You and your woodsman logic can piss right off, Potato Girl,"Jean's eyes narrowed in anger.
"Hey!" Victoria spoke up, frowning at Jean. "Low blow dude."
"You're a real jerk!" Sasha jumped to her feet, face puffed up in anger like she was a cat. "I thought everyone had forgotten about that." Connie jumped up beside her; Victoria stayed on the ground, rubbing her face with her hands as she mentally prepared to break up a fight between her friends.
"What's your deal, Jean?" Connie asked, confusion written all over his face. "You've been in a mood all day." His eyes widened for a moment, then his tone turned to mocking. "Feeling angsty 'cause ya haven't seen your mom yet?"
"Oh, that explains it!" Sasha replied.
"Like hell it does!" Jean yelled back, his fist pulling back in anger, but his cheeks flushed pink. Sasha and Connie jumped to the ready.
"Please," Reiner was walking over, surprisingly level-headed despite his most recent behavior. "Don't start a fight. Calm down Jean, or forget joining the MPs."
As Victoria got to her feet, ready to break up their spat, and trying to process the emotions of being in Reiner's presence again, someone spoke up behind them.
"You're joining the Military Police, young man?" The familiar voice had Victoria spinning around so fast she almost fell over. A smile exploded on her face as she pummeled face-first into Chisaki Hano's open arms. He laughed joyously as he lifted her up and spun her, before wrapping her up in a tight hug.
"Hello, my darling!" Chisaki proclaimed after a moment, "How's training? I just saw your scores in the hall, very well done."
Victoria beamed with pride.
"Hey, wait," Connie had walked over, jumping suddenly into a salute. "You're Captain Hano, of the inner ring Military Police regiment, right?" His eyes were glowing with excitement, and he reached over to shake Sasha. "I heard you had 40 titan kills under your belt before you got promoted! You get to work side by side with the king!"
Chisaki was starting to blush, bashfully rubbing the back of his head. "Yes, well, it was more about 32 Titans, but people like to exaggerate."
"Victoriaaa!" Connie turned on V now, grabbing her sleeve in excitement. "How the heck do you know him!"
Jean leaned over and smacked him on the back of the head. "Stop shaking her, Cueball!"
"He's my stepdad," V replied with a shy smile. "He took me in when my family died. He was my father's lieutenant..." Her voice trailed off, hand reaching up to clutch the breast pocket where Johan Friedrich's metal sat. "Wait, what are you doing here? Connie's right, I thought you were stationed in Stohess right now? That's what your last letter said."
Chisaki nodded, his glasses glinting in the sun. "I am, but when the Training Corps holds training drills like this, Shadis likes to call in a little extra support."
"Oh," Sasha said, eyes perking up as something clicked for her. "That's why I saw a bunch of instructors I didn't recognize!"
"That's right, young lady," Chisaki replied with a chuckle, smiling at her. "You'd be surprised how difficult those mock Titans are to maneuver. Anyway..." he turned his attention to Victoria now. "I came to see if you wanted to get lunch with me, dear."
"YES!" Victoria blurted out, causing those around her to laugh.
"Can we come, sir?" Connie asked hopefully but was silenced by another smack from Jean.
Reiner was quiet the entire conversation.
~o~
Lunch with Chisaki went well.
He took her to their favorite little cafe in Trost. Located in the shadow of the castle keep, it was run by a relatively wealthy family that barely felt the effects of famine. There were muffins and breads filled with a variety of fruits and nuts, and several different kinds of tea, their delicious scents wafting into the air. Different paintings of the countryside adorned the walls, and the inside of the cafe was clean and cozy.
They spent about an hour there. Victoria scarfed down a banana nut muffin while she filled Chisaki in on her training. She had told him in her letters, but telling him in person was another thing entirely. He sat across from her, quietly sipping on his black tea, while she gushed.
She made sure to leave out the details about Reiner. Even though she didn't understand what was going on there, she was positive he would be upset. Reiner was a distraction. Victoria already knew that, and she didn't need a lecture about it.
"You walked 4 miles in a whiteout?" Chisaki was stunned, stopping her at that part. He set his teacup down. "What compelled you to do that?"
"There wasn't another option," Victoria explained, placing her muffin on its plate. "Daz was hurt, Krista would have panicked and done something stupid without Ymir, and I was the fast hiker in our group. I wasn't sure Ymir would have even sent back help if I had sent her..."
Chisaki observed her intently, the gleam of his glasses obscuring his true feelings. Was it a sense of pride he felt, or perhaps concern? Victoria couldn't quite decipher it, yet he motioned for her to carry on with her tale, which she did. She spent the most time talking, with Chisaki asking questions here and there.
Ultimately, both of them had responsibilities calling them back. Victoria needed to attend her upcoming classes, where she was eager to dive into the complexities of her studies. Her grades were starting to slip. The thought of missing out on important lectures and discussions weighed heavily on her, as she had worked hard to get to this point in her academic journey.
Meanwhile, Chisaki was required to return to the keep, a place filled with his own set of duties and obligations. The keep was not just a physical structure; it was a symbol of their honor as soldiers and the responsibilities that came with it.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city, father and daughter stood facing each other, the weight of their impending separation hanging in the air. With tears in their eyes, they shared a heartfelt bear hug, a gesture that spoke volumes about their bond. It was a moment filled with unspoken words, memories of laughter, and promises of future reunions. They held on tightly, as if trying to absorb every ounce of comfort and strength from one another, knowing that this embrace might have to last them until they could meet again.
With a final squeeze, they reluctantly pulled away, their eyes glistening with unshed tears. Chisaki gave her words of encouragement, reminding Victoria to stay strong and to pursue her dreams, no matter the distance that lay between them.
As they turned to leave, each step felt heavier than the last, a poignant reminder of the friendship they cherished and the paths they were destined to follow. With one last glance over their shoulders, they took a deep breath and went their separate ways, carrying with them the warmth of their connection and the hope of reuniting in the future.
~o~
Victoria was starting to feel like herself again. After weeks of uncertainty and emotional turmoil, her meeting with Chisaki had provided a sense of stability she hadn't known she was missing. The conversation had been just what she needed. Chisaki's calm demeanor had a grounding effect, reminding Victoria of her own strength and resilience. It was as if a fog had lifted, allowing her to see the path ahead more clearly.
The rest of her evening unfolded peacefully, a stark contrast to the chaos that had characterized her life for these last 2 years. Classes proceeded without a hitch; the lectures were engaging, and she found herself actively participating, her confidence slowly returning. The familiar rhythm of academic life felt comforting, like slipping into a well-worn sweater.
After class, she and Armin spent some time studying together in the library. Armin had received special permission because of his outstanding grades. The quiet atmosphere was conducive to focus, and they worked through their notes, quizzing each other on key concepts. Armin's enthusiasm for the material was infectious, and Victoria found herself laughing at his quirky mnemonics and animated explanations. His joy was a balm for her spirit.
As they wrapped up their study session, the sun had set, gas lamps casting a warm golden glow through the library.
Victoria felt a sense of gratitude wash over her. Life was settling back into a comfortable routine. The simple pleasures of shared laughter, the thrill of learning, and the promise of tomorrow filled her with hope.
~o~
Dinner was a relaxed affair, with the usual chatter and laughter echoing through the dining hall. Reiner was nowhere to be found, and V was grateful for it.
Victoria savored her meal, appreciating the flavor of city food and the company of her friends. They shared stories, exchanged jokes, and discussed their plans for their return to boot camp.
For the first time in a while, she felt a sense of belonging, as if she were part of something larger than herself.
"Freidrich!" The instructor's voice cut through the noise of the dining hall. "You're on dish duty, finish up and get going." Connie teased her, pointing his finger at her, only to be smacked over the head by Jean. That has been happening a lot lately.
With a grimace directed at her friends, she rose to her feet, collecting the dirty dishes from her table before making her way to the kitchen. The space was quite basic, featuring wooden countertops and a large ice box tucked away in the corner. Two woodfired ovens were still warm, with leftover stew shimmering on top. Dominating the back of the room was a large iron sink, complemented by a water spigot jutting out above it.
A pile of dishes and trays was already starting to accumulate. Grabbing the leather apron off the wall, Victoria got to work. There was something about dishwashing that was relaxing to her. The warm water, the bubbles, the silence except for the water splashing about in the sink.
So when Reiner Braun walked into the kitchen, her good mood vanished.
Victoria tried to ignore him, hoping he was just here to leave his tray and go. He did so, coming up beside her and setting the tray down on the counter. He towered over her, and she could feel his eyes on her. She kept her own squarely focused on the sink, but she had stopped moving.
The bubbles swirled in mesmerizing patterns around her wrists.
"Why are you here?" he asked gently, his tone almost a whisper. Victoria remained silent, thoroughly sick of hearing him ask her that. "Captain Hano is a man of integrity, kind-hearted and caring. He appears to be a wonderful father. Why would you choose to leave the safety and comfort of his presence?"
Victoria blinked but still didn't speak. How dare he corner her here. If she tried to leave, she would be reprimanded for abandoning her post, even if it was just dishes. Jaw clenched tightly, she finally looked up at him.
He flushed almost immediately at her glare, but continued, "I don't understand, Victoria. If given the choice, I wouldn't be here. I'm trapped in this hellscape, but you? You could leave. Hell, Chisaki has enough rank you probably could get out without any repercussions to your reputation. So, why? Why are you still here?"
"Reiner," when Victoria finally spoke, her voice was coarse. "I do not know why I have to explain this to you so many times. I'm doing this to avenge my family, to honor my father's memory. I'm doing this so I can fight for those that still live." She turned now, taking a step toward him.
He remained where he was, chest puffing up slightly and his expression hardening.
"Humanity is on the verge of extinction, Reiner. How can you just expect me to sit on the sidelines when more and more people are dying every day? We have to stop it. We have to stop the Titans," Victoria was getting carried away, her voice pitched in anger.
"And I have to do this for me. I have to prove to myself that I can do this.I have to fight. And I can't believe that this is what you decided would be a good icebreaker after kissing me."
Reiner jumped, breaking eye contact. His face was red and washed with a mix of emotions. He looked like he was proud of her, scared for her, and full of guilt all at once. Below it all, was that same scared kid look she only saw him make around her.
Something about her brought that out of him, and she wasn't sure if it was a good thing.
"I'm sorry I kissed you," he finally said, and Victoria felt her heart skip a beat, but he continued. "I did so without your consent. That wasn't ok. And.. um... I-I- I'm not good at this, I'm sorry." He stuttered, rubbing his hands over his face and through his hair.
Victoria let out a small chuckle, and she could almost see the tension melt from him.
"You have such a beautiful voice," he abruptly said, golden eyes meeting hers again as a surge of heat light up in them. "If it was the last thing I heard, I'd die a happy man."
Victoria's words caught her throat.
"I want to kiss you, again," his voice was just a soft murmur, but his eyes practically glowed. His lips trembled as his gaze fell on hers, which had fallen open in shock. "But only if you say yes."
This time, she took the initiative, leaping into his arms as their lips met in a kiss that seemed to ignite the very air around them. The moment was electric, charged with an intensity that made her heart race. He wrapped her in a tender embrace, radiating warmth and comfort that enveloped her like a soft blanket on a chilly evening.
It was a world away from their initial, more aggressive kiss, which had been fueled by a mix of uncertainty and anger.
Now, as they melted into each other, their tongues intertwined effortlessly, dancing in a rhythm that felt both familiar and exhilarating. She could feel the gentle pull of his breath, the way it mingled with hers, creating a sweet harmony that resonated deep within her. With each caress of his lips, she felt the sense of belonging return, as if they were two pieces of a puzzle finally fitting together.
As she lovingly stroked his cheek, her fingers glided over the faint texture of the nearly invisible blond stubble on his chin. The slight roughness sent shivers down her spine, contrasting beautifully with the softness of his skin. She marveled at the way his eyes sparkled with affection, reflecting a depth of emotion that made her feel cherished and adored.
At that moment, the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them suspended in a bubble of intimacy.
The sounds of the bustling dining hall, the distant laughter of friends, and the gentle splashes of water in the sink all became mere background noise to the symphony of their connection. She could feel the steady beat of his heart against her chest, a reassuring rhythm that matched her own, and it filled her with a sense of peace.
Time seemed to stretch as they lost themselves in each other, exploring the contours of their newfound closeness. While one of his hands gently massaged her back, the other weaved his fingers through her hair, tilting her head back to deepen the kiss.
Every breath deepened their bond, every touch igniting a fire that had been simmering just beneath the surface. She felt alive, vibrant, and utterly consumed by the moment as if nothing else mattered but the two of them and the love that was blossoming between them.
Until it was broken by the abrupt sound of shattering dishes; Victoria was breathless as she tore herself from Reiner, searching for the noise's source.
Bertholdt stood at the kitchen entrance, his face a mask of shock. At his feet was a mess of glass and metal; he had dropped his tray in disbelief. His gaze was fixed on Reiner, a flicker of disgust barely concealed beneath his startled expression.
"What... what are you..." Bertholdt couldn't find the words and was cut off by Eren.
"Hey, dude, what happened?" Eren and several others had been drawn over by the noise as well, concern for their friend evident on his face.
"He ran into the door frame," Reiner quickly forced a laugh, clearly the distance between himself and Bertholdt in two long strides. "Gotta be more careful, B." When he reached Bertholdt, he grabbed his shoulder.
To the common observer, it might have looked like a supportive touch, but Victoria could see Reiner's thumb dig into Bertholdt's collarbone.
Bertholdt was flinching as Reiner spun him around and marched him out of the kitchen. Jean was looking back and forth between Reiner and Victoria while Krista went to find a broom. Eren was staring at V, green eyes intense with confusion.
Bertholdt wasn't clumsy; it wasn't a great cover, but it was enough.
~o~
As the evening drew to a close, Victoria retreated to her room in HQ, a contented smile on her face. She reflected on the day, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges she had faced were still there, but they no longer felt insurmountable.
The sharp, single knock on her door dragged V from the pleasant dreams of Reiner's smile. Victoria didn't know how late it was, but it was very dark. Stumbling out of bed and opening the door, she squinted at the gas lamp's light in the hallway.
Standing there was Annie Leonhardt. Her golden hair, gleaming like spun sunlight, was pulled back into a flawless ponytail that swayed gently with her movements, emphasizing the graceful lines of her neck and the determined set of her jaw.
"Stay away from Reiner." her frigid voice cut through Victoria, snapping her awake fully now. "If you continue to get close to him, he's going to hurt you."
Annie had fixed her cold gaze on Victoria, her blue eyes reflecting a profound seriousness that seemed to pierce through the dim light of the room. The intensity of her stare was almost palpable as if she were trying to read the very thoughts swirling in the other girl's mind.
The atmosphere was thick with a tension that hung in the air like a storm cloud ready to burst. Victoria's heart raced as she searched for the right words, but before she could gather her thoughts, the blonde teenager pivoted sharply on her heel. The suddenness of the movement caught V off guard, and she felt a pang of disappointment at the abrupt end of their conversation.
With a swift, fluid motion, Annie vanished into the shadows that clung to the corners of the hallway, her figure dissolving into the darkness as if she had never been there at all. The last glimpse of her was a fleeting silhouette, a whisper of golden hair and a determined stride, leaving Victoria alone with her thoughts and the weight of the unasked questions that lingered in the air.
The silence that followed was deafening, echoing the warning in her ears, and Victoria couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had just slipped through her fingers.