Ever since that night after the winter formal, things were never the same between Reiner and Bertholdt.
Not that they minded.
But at times life could be hard. Outside of school, they were allowed to be themselves. Bertholdt coming out as bi to his parents that summer and telling them about his relationship with Reiner. Both the Hoovers and Reiner's mother were thrilled about the relationship glad that they were happy together.
Due to the times Reiner and Bertholdt didn't feel comfortable coming out to anyone else but Pieck and Porco. Their 2 closest friends.
Bertholdt wasn't sure if Annie was ever truly remorseful but being with Reiner he didn't really care. Armin and her ended up breaking up 4 months later.
So at school they were just two good friends. At times it was hard, when proms rolled around, and Valentine's Day. But they made it work.
Bertholdt went off to Wake Forest to study nursing, as Reiner took a some classes at the local community college to save money, then joined the Marines.
Reiner hated "don't ask, don't tell". At graduation he wanted to kiss Bertholdt so bad, but the two just had to pretend to he "good buddies". But they definitely went beyond "good friends" that night in Bertholdt's hotel room.
Reiner was soon sent to Iraq. Some days were harder than others. The odd times he got to speak Reiner, worrying about him constantly, getting anxious when the news would come on, dreading that one phone call, trying to get through nursing school...
Bertholdt was grateful for Pieck and Porco's friendship throughout this. Marcel was a marine as well and they all understood each other.
During Reiner's 3rd tour, Bertholdt's first year working in an trauma ER, he got a phone call that changed his life.
Reiner had been serious injured. That's all they knew.
Those were the worst four days of Bertholdt's life. Being a state away, he felt alone. He was grateful for his coworker Sasha and her fiancée Connie. They would come over, keep him company, brining him food, helping around the house.
Despite some of the things he had seen as a trauma nurse, it gutted him to see Reiner when he was finally flown back to the States.
He was bruised, cut up, in a medically induced coma, and he had lost his right leg at the knee.
************************************************ It had been a long 11 months. Surgeries, rehab, and therapy had filled Reiner's days.
The first 3 months had been surreal. He was trying to cope with losing friends and part of his leg.
He was grateful for the days Bertholdt could be there, for the nightmares, the pain, the fear, and the achievements.
Both Reiner and Bertholdt learned through this experience that they were soulmates.
Now Reiner was being released from the physical rehab facility. Finally comfortable with his prosthetic he gingerly walked to tue car.
"Bert please please tell me that my mom didn't plan a surprise party for me"
"Nah, it took some convincing from me and Marcel, but I think she gets that you don't want some big fan-fare" Bertholdt said.
Reiner let out a sigh of relief.
"What about all that sh*t from the military"
"Boxed up in the attic like you asked"
"We have an attic?" Reiner asked.
"Yep!"
Reiner leaned back in his seat and rolled down the window. Letting the breeze ruffle his hair.
Bertholdt and Reiner had already plan to move in together after this last tour in Iraq. With Reiner rehabbing, he and Bertholdt did virtual house tours, and when Bertholdt would go look at a house he would FaceTime Reiner.
Despite Reiner being involved, he still felt like he was seeing their home for the first time.
Day dreaming about lazy mornings together, and getting a dog, Reiner didn't even realize he slipped off to sleep.
Bertholdt stole a glance at Reiner. A small smile spread on his face. He couldn't believe how lucky he was. He was also feeling very grateful that Reiner had made it back home to him and his family.
As the light turned green he slipped his hand into Reiner's and headed towards their home.
