#piningmarco

           Reinerchuckled softly, slowly turning to look at Bertholdt. “Oh, I’m sure it…”

           Reiner’sbreath caught at the sight of Mikasa plunging a blade straight throughBertholdt’s neck. The blade, bloodstained and dripping where it protruded fromthe brunette’s throat, gleamed threateningly in the moonlight, the edge not twoinches from Reiner’s face. His eyes moved from the blade to Bertholdt’s face,which was surprisingly serene, still smiling. Happier than he’d ever seen himsince they were kids.

           “It’s solonely without you, Reiner…”

           A splash ofcold water jolted Reiner from the dream. He sat up, breath catching in histhroat. He hid his face in his hands as he tried to get his breathing undercontrol.

           “You okay?”Pieck asked. Reiner brought his hands away from his face, staring into thewoman’s eyes. She looked mildly concerned. Galliard, behind her, didn’t seem asworried, (and had been the one to throw the water, judging by the empty cup inhis hand.)

           “Fine,”Reiner replied shortly, running a hand back through his hair. “Just a dream.”Pieck nodded, exchanging glances with Galliard before moving away. Reinersighed, feeling his body deflate.

           What a mess, huh, Bertl? He thought, asmall smile tugging at his lips. Do youthink I should’ve told them about it? He paused, as if waiting for a reply.Yeah, they probably wouldn’t have cared.They never really liked us that much, huh? Reiner laughed once, ruefully. I dreamed about you again. My nightmaresare usually about losing you. It’s only the dreams about you that hurt. Isn’t thatfunny, Bertl?

               Hepanted desperately, his eyes wide and tearful. Marco had gone no closer to thatdemon’s mouth, but now he was struggling again. Reaching behind him, towardsthree shadowy figures standing and staring at him.

               “Help me!” he screamed. Jean could hearhis sobs all the way from his helpless perch. He could hear the panickedscreech coating his words and the barely held back screams as he was pulled towardsthe giant’s maw. “Help me! I don’t want to die!”

               Jeanstruggled upwards. He knew he was strong enough to pull himself up, he knew, but suddenly it seemed like anunachievable feat. He reached towards Marco as he felt himself tip over. Thenhe found his voice.

               “Marco!”

               Itechoed through the alleyways and across the grey skies. Marco turned towardshim. He reached back and if Jean pretended, he could feel his fingertipsagainst his. Sturdy and calloused and warm and loving. A wretched sob rippedthrough Marco’s throat.

               “Jean.”

               Thenthe giant’s teeth lodged itself to the top of his skull, awkwardly stuffinghalf of him in its mouth. Then it bit down.

               Jeanfell backwards, watching as blood spewed in every direction. A sickening crunch replaced Marco’s final crybefore all was silent.

               Jeanwoke with a gasp. He sat bolt upright, shaking Marco from his place pillowedagainst Jean’s chest. Jean was shaking, his hand as he brought it up to hismouth was one and the same with a stray leaf in the wind. His heart poundedpainfully against his ribcage and his throat seemed swollen shut. He let out ashaky breath as tears slipped from his eyes and cascaded down his cheeks.

               “Jean,baby, what’s wrong?” Marco asked, his voice raspy from sleep. His hand wrappedfirmly against Jean’s hip and pulled him closer.

               Jeansniffed and flopped against Marco. “Just a bad dream.”

               “Wannatalk about it?” Marco asked gently. He stroked Jean’s hair and gently guidedhis head so his face rested comfortably against the crook of his neck.

               Jeanwas silent for a moment before nodding his head. “I had to watch you die. Itwas horrible I never want to even… even thinkabout something awful happening to you.”

               Marcospread his warm hand against Jean’s back, shushing him gently. “I’m here. Iwould never leave you.”

               “Itjust felt so real,” Jean murmurs, letting even more tears fall from his cheeksand roll onto Marco’s chest.

               Marcogently guided him so Jean’s ear rested comfortably over his heart. A steady,strong beat calmed him enough that he was only left with the remnants of hiscrying. “I’m here.”

               Jeancurled his hand around Marco’s and sighed. “I love you, so much.”

               “I loveyou, too,” Marco said. He rubbed patterns against Jean’s back and sides,letting the rhythm of his heart lull him even further. “Can you go back tosleep?”