[The Eren who Reiner knows, used to know—maybe not the same Aubrey knows, but she’s known glimpse enough. She’s known that passion around her, or so even now she wants to think; his arms, his softness, his love.

[Freedom. Happiness. Aubrey nods at that unspoken longing; miserable, yet… hopeful? Is that what’s making her heart beat faster; lovesick, pained, excited? Much as Reiner says he might bring nothing but pain, he wants to help. That reckless vow might not be such a lost cause.]

[Could seeing Reiner again help Eren? It’s hard to fathom, not when Eren’s only ever spoken of him with such cutting hatred, and yet—]

[“…I do hate you.” It’s an echo loud and clear, one audible to both, as if spoken inches from their faces. Like Eren on the screens again; everywhere, nowhere. “And I do love you.”]

[Aubrey steels herself.]

The last time we talked about you—Eren said he hopes you wouldn’t show up. For your own sake. [Better to be direct. Reiner can read into that as he will.]

But I doubt he wants to see me again, either. [Does he? What else was that furious, shouted “Always, then”? What else was his final answer?]

And maybe that… [It’s a chilling thought.] …that’s exactly what he needs.