Work Text:
Bertholdt’s POV
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It feels like forever since I last saw his face, heard his voice, and most importantly… him standing by his side.
I knew what to expect ever since we were first send on the mission to retrieve Paradis’ power, I knew at least one of us would eventually lose our life to island Eldians, but never did I thought it would be Reiner Braun - my brother-in-arms.
We’ve known each other for years, since we signed up to become new warriors for Marley, and even though we were both merely shy we talked to one another often. We’ve gotten more closer during our time on Paradis; he always had my back and boosted my confidence for the sake of returning back home. But in the end… it wasn’t enough to save him.
A lot has happened since then, like a whole lot: Rejoining our so called enemies, destroying the rumbling and now we have the important duties of steadying the peace between Paradis and the rest of the world. Only three years have passed so not much has changed yet, but we try to keep our hopes up for the most part. Me and my new fiancée Annie Leonhart are currently on the ship heading for the island, alongside our friends who are ambassadors also, whom all seem nervous at least for the arrival even with Queen Historia’s help.
I’m still sitting at the main table with an untouched slice of cake and my gift given to me by my fiancée. With all the anticipation going on I almost forgot it was my birthday today.
“Bertholdt.” A voice calls for my attention, I turn and Annie is sitting next to me looking directly with worry in her blue eyes. “What’s on your mind?”
“Oh, Annie. I didn’t notice you there. N-Nothing much, honestly.” I try to cover it up the best I can.
“Honestly? I can read you like an open book, dear. And you can tell me anything.”
I sigh in defeat - I definitely fell for the most observant girl I know. I turn to face her and take hold of one of her hands softly.
“You’re right, sorry. I’m being completely honest when I tell you… my mind still can’t stop thinking about Reiner. Even after all these years, it doesn’t feel right not to have him here with us. You know?”
Annie may not have been close to Reiner like I was, sadness is lurking within her eyes when I bring him up.
“That’s understandable. I know how well you two got along, much more than any of us back at the warrior training camp. I… can honestly say I wish for him to be here too.”
I start to get a bit teary-eyed as soon as she says those words, she notices and places a gentle hand on my cheek.
“D-Don’t worry, we’ll both be alright. He wouldn’t want you moping over him on your own birthday.” She attempts to conclude our closure.
I nod, giving a small smile back at her. Reiner would also be generally please with me to have Annie as my future wife to look out for me in times like this. We both wipe away our growing tears when footsteps walk closer to our table, we look up as to see Armin Arlert - an old friend from Paradis whom happens to be leading our arrival.
“Hey there, Bertholdt.” He stutters, nervousness is painted all over his face. “I-If you don’t mind this, I need to report that will be arriving at our destination very soon. So I’d like to ask if you could help revise this speech I’ve written for our first meeting, please?”
“Sure thing. It’s not a problem.” I reply happily, trying to hide my sadness away. Although he looks really off himself. I think Annie can sense it too.
We both move to the other room to look over this speech privately, Annie meanwhile went to give the news to the others. Armin addresses certain points and paragraphs that he thinks our not convincing enough, and so I re-read them to see what I can change about them. In the middle of writing, I notice Armin staring at me sadly. Before I can ask why, he stutters again.
“O-Okay. Bertholdt, I heard you talking to Annie about Reiner.” He begins. “I didn’t mean to, of course. But I still want to be sure myself if you’re really okay.”
I place down the paper and pencil for a minute. “I’m sure I’m okay, Armin. Thanks for your concern though.”
He still looks saddened, but not because of me, but because… something else is troubling him. Armin looks away as to forget he said anything, but I already figured it out.
“Look, I’m fully aware by now that you had no intention on purposely stealing away Reiner’s powers and his memories, Jean had told me you were at death’s door as well as the commander. It was a frustrating decision. I wasn’t frustrated at anyone but myself at the time, how I wished I wasn’t so weak to save him, but I’m long pass that stage now. Now I’m willing to do what’s right for him and everyone else who lost their lives during the war. You must be too.”
Armin doesn’t say anything - surely he opens his mouth but nothing comes out. Quickly shutting it, he gives a smile and picking up the speech papers. He gently says ‘Thank you.’ Before standing up from his chair.
“Oh, when I say thank you I mean for both improving the speech and for those thoughtful words to me. Come on now, the ship will be nearing the port.” Armin remarks, as I get up and follow him outside.
Everyone else is outside on the ship’s deck already - Armin steps beside Connie to show off lines for him to speak, Jean and Pieck are arm in arm by the railings looking upon the clear sea, and my fiancée Annie waits for me to join her to stare out along with her. I keep a smile on as I stand next to her, we both hold each other’s hands and gaze out at what appears to be the island of Paradis in the near distance. What’s awaiting there can possibly make my birthday any better.
__________________________________________
we all soon arrive to the harbour of Paradis; we are all greeted well as soon as we disembark from the ship. Historia shares with us from Marley the directions to her palace and claims Armin, Jean and Connie can help guide us. The rest of us agree and head along the way. Suddenly I cut myself to a halt by tugging on Annie’s arm - this catches the other’s attention too.
“S-Sorry.” I apologise. “It’s just… I remembered something. Something that was mentioned in one of Mikasa’s letters. I must go and find out.”
The others stare at me upsettingly, only Armin encourages me to go on, along with Annie.
“Don’t stress, the meeting doesn’t start until nearly two hours anyway. We’ll be waiting for you two till you come back, Bertholdt.” He states positively. Everyone else nods in agreement.
Annie and I say goodbye for now, heading in opposite directions. In about 5 minutes, we call for a carriage who will take us to next district’s cemetery, and the ride itself only lasts for just over an hour - luckily we both have each other for company.
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We arrive at the area of the cemetery, named to be ‘The Burial of lost lives from the Great War’. It was a purposefully requested by Historia, from Mikasa, to build a place in honour of everyone who gave their lives during such horrendous times. This includes many scouts, many innocent townspeople and even those who were close to the Queen; such as an old friend of ours. We search around the place, recognising most of these names, till Annie points out the name on a tombstone all too familiar.
I step closer and closer to read the name myself; I can’t be even more surprise…
A soldier of wits and strength,
A warrior of strict loyalty,
A man named Reiner Braun.
833 - 850
I feel as if a tear is dripping down my cheek as my eyes lock onto the grave, followed by another on my other side. Annie moves from my side to my front, calmly wiping away these small tears. I wasn’t sad, not completely sad to frown at least, but it still feels like an arrow straight into my slightly-wounded heart. Seeing her smile back up at me can be enough to heal me.
“It’s alright, dear. Like I said, he wouldn’t want you to mope on your birthday like this.” She says calmly.
“I-I’m not, though. *sniff* I just can’t help it.”
“Shh. I know.” I think I can see a tear building up within her as well. This is probably the second time I’ve actually seen her cry, and it’s for someone I didn’t think she was close to.
Nevertheless, we embrace each other. Holding on so gently, so lovingly, and I feel my sadness get buried away. I wish to kiss my fiancée for her kindness (though I will hurt my neck but I don’t care) but we continue hugging for a little bit longer. We release our arms and both walk up towards the grave together, there are flowers growing by it already in bloom so there’s no need for any further gift… except for parting words.
“Reiner…” I begin quietly. “Sometimes I may still wish that I could’ve saved you that day, after everything you’ve done for me I couldn’t return the favour. But now I can, by helping the peace between Paradis and Marley grow for many years to come. While I do, I promise to never once forget about you and how much you mean ti me. Dear brother.”
I stand up with a shaky throat, but eyes full of hope. Annie smiles for me in a melancholic way, she holds my hand once more and whispers something softly.
“I’m proud of you, darling.”
“T-Thanks… darling.”
“Are you always going to repeat the names I call you once we get married?”
“Uh… I’ll try not to.”
We laugh together, making our way out the cemetery which seems to be at peace now. Everything feels relax and tranquil - I almost feel like I can hear Reiner laughing along with us too.