You barely touched your supper.

You prodded your bread with your spoon. Despite feeling so hungry throughout the day, you had completely lost your appetite by supper due to your anxiety. You sleepily picked up a piece of buttered bread before dropping it onto your plate.

Reiner, noticing that you had not touched your bread or soup, used his shoulder to gently barge you: "Why haven't you eaten?" He spoke with a mouth full of food, using his hand to cover his mouth.

You sheepishly turned your head, knowing that the clock was ticking before you would have to tell him that your fake-relationship was over.

Reiner raised an eyebrow before gently nudging you in the shoulder once more, annoyed that you had ignored him: "Eat. Now." He ordered, his piercing eyes glaring into you from your right.

"I'm not hungry." You frowned whilst pushing your plate away from you.

Reiner scowled, unsatisfied with your answer.

The largely-built soldier nudged you once again, gesturing for you to follow his command. Yet still, you shook your head adamantly.

"You need to eat, Smith," He took bite of his bread with a sigh whilst you sulkily leaned back in your chair, "You need to eat to gain some more muscle, otherwise, how do you expect to out-do me during missions? We're in the same Squad now, so I can see how little you've improved since-"

"Hey." You suddenly snapped as your pitch rose, satisfying the blonde that you were no longer so glum.

"Just eat your supper, already." Reiner subtly smirked to himself as you finally began to obey.

The rest of your friends soon left one-by-one to their respective activities. Sparring; resting; within five minutes, Reiner and you were the last ones at your table. Reiner had finished his meal, and was idly sat with his chin on his knuckle whilst waiting for you to finish.

Too nervous to make eye contact, you stared down at your plate: "Reiner."

"Yes?"

You swallowed, beginning to toy with your food: "It's been three months since you asked me to be your fake girlfriend."

His bronze eyes widened, already being able to gather what you were about to discuss: "I guess so, yes."

You sighed with hesitation, tightly closing your eyes: "What I'm trying to say is that we agreed that this would only last for three months." Your fingers tightened into fights beneath the table, "So, I think we should begin to stage our fake break up."

Reiner's eyes became alert with surprise. His soft lips parted, searching for a breath of air. Genuine distaste stained the seventeen year olds expression as the words fell from your mouth.

He clenched his jaw, "I see."

"You're still one of my closest friends," You finally turned to face him, beginning to regret bringing this up as your eyes locked onto his: "And, I'm really glad that we pretended to be in love with each other. Otherwise, I would have never known what a good friend you can be!"

"The same goes to you, Smith." Reiner offered a smile, "You've been a good friend. And a great fake-girlfriend, too. For the most part, anyway."

You awkwardly smiled, your feet fidgeting beneath the table. A minute of pure silence began to pass by as you both refused to say a word. The tension was thick enough to slice down-through with a knife.

Reiner cleared his throat: "Is it weird that I'm a little sad?"

"Why? We were never really together." You teased, despite feeling the same sadness as him.

"I'll tell everyone tomorrow that we decided to take a break from our relationship," Reiner raised his brow upwards before placing his palm against the table, beginning to stand up: "I'll see you around, Smith. It was good while it lasted, right?"

Lowering your head into your palm, you whispered: "Yeah - it was good while it lasted."

END OF PART ONE.

The first part of 'THE LAST BATTLE' has been completed! The story is mow momentarily on pause until the Summer. Regular updates will continue in June 2024.