[ Reiner stops on his tracks at that and turns around to look at Jean, wide-eyed and hurt again, but for a different reason this time. those words activate a switch somewhere inside him and he almost feels it, even though he's unable to articulate that feeling in any way. there is another frown on his face, but not directed at Jean this time. in fact, he moves his gaze away from him towards the path ahead, looking at nothing in particular. ]
I know. I am.
[ because he does know. his behavior means nothing in the grand scheme of things. he's just doing it because he has to. because that's what he believes is the right way to do this. because if he becomes their friend, shows them that he is on their side, they'll never assume he's the Armored Titan that broke down Wall Maria.
...or at least, that's the way his mind is rationalizing his actions. that's the way his brain is justifying that behavior that even himself sometimes questions while he's laying on his bed in the middle of the night, wondering what the hell he is doing.
he hasn't told Jean that yet. ]
I'm not turning soft for them, Jean. They're-- [ the words die in his throat, feeling immersed with guilt for a second, but he forces it aside. ] They're devils. We have a mission. I haven't forgotten.
[ he turns his face back to Jean to give him one last look before starting to walk again. ]
no subject
I know. I am.
[ because he does know. his behavior means nothing in the grand scheme of things. he's just doing it because he has to. because that's what he believes is the right way to do this. because if he becomes their friend, shows them that he is on their side, they'll never assume he's the Armored Titan that broke down Wall Maria.
...or at least, that's the way his mind is rationalizing his actions. that's the way his brain is justifying that behavior that even himself sometimes questions while he's laying on his bed in the middle of the night, wondering what the hell he is doing.
he hasn't told Jean that yet. ]
I'm not turning soft for them, Jean. They're-- [ the words die in his throat, feeling immersed with guilt for a second, but he forces it aside. ] They're devils. We have a mission. I haven't forgotten.
[ he turns his face back to Jean to give him one last look before starting to walk again. ]