[ If another person were to explain Levi's motivations in such a way, Reiner would likely dismiss them entirely. Hange due to loyalty; Historia due to kindness; Gabi due to lack of context; Eren due to Eren. But from Jean, it hits differently. Jean, who is blunt and honest to a fault. Jean, who wouldn't know how to manipulate his way out of a paper bag.

So Reiner breathes out a sigh, accepting those words at face value. ]

That's neutral, huh?

[ He pauses, then shakes his head. ]

But that's the thing, Jean. I'm not one of you. I'm an enemy combatant, not one of his subordinates. That's never gonna change.

[ Even if Reiner thought it was different once. Even if sometimes, when he falls back on old habits, old routines, old hopes and dreams, he still thinks it's different. Even if his enemies' bizarre behavior makes him question himself, wishing they would drop the act and treat him like the traitorous piece of shit he is.

He hates waiting for the axe to fall. He hates how much he hopes it never does. ]