[ It would be easier if Historia hit him. Easier if she lashed out the way that others have. Easier if Reiner could scream at her the way he screamed at Eren mere months ago, telling her that the person she knows is dead, And if all you want to do is cry about it, then go ahead! Keep crying!!

But Historia isn't Eren, burning with an unquenchable hatred for all Titans, Reiner and Bertolt included. Historia was … kind to him, showing him more sweetness and consideration than most people Reiner has ever known. And when Historia saw that Ymir was a Titan, she didn't recoil, didn't run. She was willing to throw her life away for Ymir, casting aside the so-called "safety" of the Walls to follow Ymir into the unknown. She's incredible. Admirable. Someone that Reiner wants to rescue, for Historia's sake as much as Ymir's or his own.

How is he supposed to explain any of that…?

His gaze cuts to the side. It's cowardly to avoid looking Historia in the eye, but it makes this slightly easier. (Slightly.) ]

You got the letter, then, [ he starts, revealing that he at least remembers possessing it. ] That's good. It sounds like you're from a little ahead of me in this … [ he makes a vague gesture ] … weird timeline business.

[ His vague gesture turns inward, and he ends up folding his arms, shifting his stance back another half-step. Only then does he meet her eyes again. ]

I promised Ymir that I'd give it to you. And I promised her that we'd rescue you.