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It’s been a long day. Or week. Or month. Reiner can barely keep up at this point. Ever since he revealed that him and Bertolt are the titans that basically ruined everyone’s lives, it’s been…something.
Reiner hasn’t slept right for a while in the tent that Zeke brought. It did help that him and Bertolt shared one, making him feel more comfortable around his best friend than with some other person. Specifically Zeke.
He’s been tasked with cleaning up the tents while the bearded freak and his buddy figure out dinner. When he comes out, he’s pleasantly surprised to see the wall is still standing and Zeke didn’t manage to cause a bomb to go off.
“Nights still young.” He says to himself, approaching the friendly and warm fire. He looks forward to see his long-term secret not-really definitely crush smiling softly at him.
“Reiner! Zeke hunted some rabbit down for us so we’re having stew. Come on, I already made your bowl.” Bertolt beckons to the chair beside his own which is clearly set up for the blonde.
“Thanks man.” Reiner takes the metal military bowl full of nice smelling liquid. As they began to eat and chat, he can feel Zeke’s eyes on them. The suns now set so it’s more calming.
“So how long has this been going on?” Zeke asks the two. Reiner looks at him confused.
“What do you mean? Our friendship? It’s been around 7 years-“ Reiner starts before Zeke cuts him off. Asshat.
“No, I meant you two dating. When did it happen? I always knew it would but not this quick.” Now that got their attention. It goes dead quiet as the teens stare at their elder.
“…pardon?” Bertolt asks politely, trying to figure this out. Reiner is somewhat dumbfounded but curious if Bertolt it repulsed by this. He doesn’t show it, but then again he doesn’t show his emotions like a certain brunette loud mouth that’s obsessed with killing titans.
“We’re not together, grandpa. We’re just friends.” Reiner responds to Zeke. He’s never really gotten along with him. They have different views and he just doesn’t like him.
“Oh. It just seemed it by how close you are. But I guess it could be like that one girl with the goggles and Captain Levi Ackerman. From what I’ve observed, they’re very platonic. Though the commander and captain is an entirely different story.” Zeke laughs to himself like it’s the most funniest thing of the century. It’s not.
“Well we’re just friends so step off. Thanks for the stew, I’m heading to bed.” Reiner says and places the bowl on the ground before waltzing into his tent. About a half hour later, Bertolt comes in to rest. Reiner turns to the taller one, disregarding the book he was reading. He watches as undos his harnessing and whatnot. When he finally settles into bed and Reiner turns off the lamp, the blonde speaks.
“Isn’t what Zeke said absurd? I mean, so what we’ve been friends for years and are close?” Reiner scoffs, even though he wishes Zeke’s dumb words were right for once.
Bertolt shrugs, his gray silhouette against the black void of the night. Reiner focuses closer on his best friend. He sees his crooked nose, strong jaw, sunken eyes, and short hair. How could a boy be so beautiful?
“It wasn’t wouldn’t say ridiculous. There’s nothing wrong with being gay and if we were to get together, there would be nothing wrong.” Bertolt speaks like a timid mouse who was caught stealing.
“…you really aren’t disgusted by the thought of us together?” Reiner asks genuinely. How could Bertolt ever be okay with being with Reiner? Not because he’s a man but because of what he’s done.
“No of course not! You’re actually…uhm…not too bad.” The brunette turns towards the walls of the tent. Reiner sits there for a second, rethinking everything. It was quiet for a second before the taller boy decided to speak.
“That was dumb don’t listen to me.”
“Bertolt-“ Reiner tries and cuts him off, but he keeps talking.
“Why would you get with me when you could have a girl back home?”
“Bertolt-!” Reiner tries again. Man this kid can talk. The blonde gets an idea.
“I mean if you really wanted, you could get-“
“Just shut up.” Reiner says before taking Bertolt’s chin between his fingers and kissing him softly. He leans back and looks at his friend. Well, it sure as hell worked. Reiner’s eyes widen as he realizes what he just did.
“Bert, I’m so sorry-“ Reiner speaks but Bertolt doesn’t let him finish. What is up with Bertolt interrupting him lately? Reiner didn’t have time to mentally complain before he felt soft lips return to his. It was Bertolt. His Bertolt. His Bert.
They stop and start at each other for a second. It’s silence, they can only hear Zeke’s snoring a tent away. After a second, they start laughing softly.
“Wait, I thought you liked Annie?” Reiner questions, still chuckling.
“It was just a little lie. I had to get you off my back about crushes somehow.” Bertolt teases him before pecking his cheek. Reiner flushes at the contact.
“S-So, uhm, Bertolt, could we…?” Damn Reiner’s voice and cracking when he’s nervous. Thank god Bertolt nods and kisses him again. They sleep some of the best sleep they’ve had in a while, arms with arms and legs on legs.
The next morning, Reiner wakes up before Bertolt and steps out to see Zeke smirking at him.
“So?” Zeke asks smugly, the implication obvious as he sips tea out of his mug.
“Shut it, you bearded freak.” Reiner grumbles and walks off, Zeke’s laughing bellowing behind him.