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“Reiner.”
Marcel did not know if Reiner could hear him, not even sure whether he was actually saying that name aloud or just thinking it. Either way, Reiner did turn around. It must be a coincidence, he reasoned himself, someone must have called him as well in the middle of this mist or...
“...Marcel?” With that skeptical whisper and the way those hazel eyes blinked at him, they both realized they could, at the very least, see each other for who knows how long.
He had to hurry up, not caring about what or who made this miracle possible. It was his chance to finally have a chat with Reiner after everything and he would not lose a second of it. Everything had kept building up within Marcel as he was only able to witness events through that woman, Ymir’s eyes, then his brother’s ones, and finally this young boy’s perspective –Falco who was not much older than they were when they inherited their Titans.
“I'm so—” Before Marcel could apologize once more, Reiner reached out to him. Those strong arms wrapped around him tightly rendered him silent, how he had longed for it...
Their new height difference was uncanny, Reiner was a man now while he was stuck in this 13-year-old body –the proof of a too-short life. Yet, both were needing this hug after they lost the possibility a long time ago.
“No… You don't have to apologize again. It is not your fault. You wanted to protect Porco and I understand that now. I’m the same I—…” His voice broke as he tried to carry on by holding onto Marcel tighter, falling on his knees so their height difference was not so awkward anymore.
Tears welled up in his eyes faster than he wished so. As always, Reiner was taking the blame. Marcel never wanted to be forgiven for placing that noose around his neck yet. How he had wished there was a way to save them both, save everyone from the way Marley and the world treated them. His sacrifice had only made things worse for Reiner and he was aware of this.
“Reiner, I’m—” His throat was tight, submerged in the emotion.
“I'm the one who should apologize! If I had understood then we would have left the campsite faster and—”
“Don't. Please…” Marcel sobbed, snuggling more into that wide chest.
Reiner had grown up so strong since he last saw him. How he wished to have witnessed it first hand, to have indeed survived to make up for his sins in better, more useful ways although Marcel knew deep down that he would have done everything to protect Reiner, ready to die for him again and again.
Even now, his feelings for him had not changed.
But they could not go back in time, just like this moment… It would soon be over. This was the last time, the last chance Marcel had hoped to have before being reunited with Reiner in many, many more years.
“I'm proud of the warrior... No, of the man you became, Reiner. You are strong, don’t ever doubt that.” Marcel's fingers caressed those sweaty blond strands of hair, the sign of how much he had fought. He deserved more than anyone to rest and be appreciated for who he truly was.
A hero. A shield. A good man.
Not a traitor, not a liar, not an enemy, not a tool, not a failure.
Reiner had kept suffering losses but still refused to give up, always standing back up again no matter how painful it was. Not a lot of men were able to do this, be it Eldians or Marleyans.
Marcel had always regretted the words he used when he confessed his sins that night. Reiner took it as though he was worthless and only had to become like him to be a good warrior. But it was not the case. Reiner had proved this to him, to the rest of the world how much he was worthy of becoming a warrior. If only now it was a simple title without the guilt of killing, of being a tool, or the short life term.
"So… Don't blame yourself for everything, please." Marcel muttered into the embrace, wishing more than anything that those tensed shoulders pressed against him would finally let go of some of the heavy burdens Reiner carried on for too long, for it to be easier to stand up again.
“He can’t help doing that, brother.”
Letting go of Marcel, Reiner did just that, standing back up faster than he ever witnessed. Or maybe it was thanks to that new additional voice. Either way, Marcel could not help the soft grin appearing on his feature. Someone placed a hand onto his shoulder and upon glancing up, his smile only grew wider.
“Galliard... I-I...” Reiner stuttered, no longer so sure of himself. Apparently, it had been something that occurred only whenever his little brother was involved.
Their relationship had grown so much in those last couple of years.
Marcel could see the way Porco looked at Reiner with such pride, affection along with a wicked smirk... Maybe the latter one was unable to witness it due to the mist around them growing thinner while he stood with his brother in it.
Their time was almost up it seemed.
“For this time only, I'll let you be better.” Marcel sighed at Porco's words, as always never sincere about how he felt towards Reiner besides through their competition.
Yet, the way Reiner's tears finally fell down, Marcel understood that this was something both of them were very fond of. Their own ways of showing affection. Unlike him, Porco did not have to mention his sacrifice. Its purpose had been clearer, no need to expand on its meaning and Marcel could not blame him since he would have done the same if he was in his brother’s shoes.
No, seeing each other was enough for them.
“Don't cry.” Marcel tried to smooth the situation although his own cheeks were not dry yet.
It was almost nostalgic to be easing any possible tensions between those two. It had been a while. Marcel only wished he had not been a source of more conflicts between those two. But Porco knew now what had happened. The grip tightening on his shoulder confirmed that everything was fine. All the blame Porco had placed onto Reiner's shoulders for his death had disappeared completely, long before his little brother sacrificed himself.
The world was cruel to them and the ones they loved. However, Porco and Marcel had succeeded in keeping Reiner alive and this, this was all they could wish for in the end.
“We'll see you later, idiot.” Porco teased.
Both siblings could feel the way their senses were growing weaker, leaving them.
It was time.
“Please, be happy.” Marcel smiled at the blurred vision of the warrior stumbling as he tried to reach out for them once more.
He could guess Reiner was screaming their names, hearing it faintly. Yet, all he could see properly was his brother's face. Even if he had grown up into a fine man, Porco would still be his little brother. Both exchanging one last smile to each other.
Reiner did not have to feel guilty for anything, they both willingly sacrificed themselves for him and now, they understood Reiner was not going to join them in two small years. They would definitely be kicking his ass if he did. For him to spend a worthwhile life, living instead of surviving, for him to find happiness... It was all they could hope for in this new age where Titans were no longer.
Until Reiner joined them, Marcel and Porco would not be alone. They would have one another as they waited for him.