When Bertholdt went to the party he was expecting exactly what was happening - him being a bit left out by Reiner. A bit to the side, not left out completely. He's making brief conversations from time to time, when he looks back at him, asking him if he wants some punch or a puff. His answers are as always - no, thank you. A slight shake of the head and his hand raised on the same level as his chest. Reiner would then nod, not even meeting his eyes, and turn away. Bertholdt isn't sure if he's okay with that, but he's helpless. He wouldn't do a thing even if he wanted to.
Music is playing, he notices. Everything everywhere is a blur for him, even though he had only one drink. It feels like he can't see, but when Reiner looks at him over his shoulder, he feels more grounded. The music is loud, and people are dancing in the middle of the living room. He thinks it's nice to just let go of your worries and embarrassment and dance. Shivers creep up his back when people brush against him, rushing to the made-up dance floor.
„Reiner," he whispers in his ear. When he doesn't respond it doesn't surprise him. „Reiner."
„Bertholdt." He turns around to face him, face flushed red with alcohol and breath smelly. Bertholdt winces but keeps composure. The people Reiner is talking with now talking amongst themselves only.
„I want to go home." He states simply and sighs shakily. He puts his head on Reiner's shoulder and soon he feels him putting his hands on his hips. Bertholdt frowns.
„Okay, Bertl," he glances back. „Bye, everyone."
„Aww, you're going so soon?" Somebody says. Reiner smiles and says nothing.
They go outside the house and Bertholdt gets his car's key out of his pocket. When they sit inside of the car, he grabs the steering wheel. His brows furrow and his knuckles turn white. He has to focus on getting back into reality.
Soon enough, though, they are driving back home, with Bertholdt trying to keep awake at every single turn and every light they cross. Eventually, they park safely outside Reiner's apartment complex. Bertholdt grabs the steering wheel with his two hands. It grounds him.
He doesn't offer anything until Reiner does. And Reiner yawns and stretches a bit, arching his back, revealing some of his stomach. Bertholdt glances for a split second.
"Come with me," Reiner says finally.
Bertholdt complies. He stumbles out of the car and into the street, grabbing Reiner by the arm as soon as he exits the vehicle. They both venture in, up the stairs, and into Reiner's bed. The lamp hasn't bothered to be turned on. The occasional light source comes through the windows from cars that go by the street.
When their eyes meet, a tear rolls through Bertholdt's face and lands on the sheets. Bertholdt moans softly, from everything that's been bothering him since Reiner's appearance in his doorframe, and maybe long before that. Reiner lays there, watching the other's face, dozing off. Bertholdt feels a sense of peace, but anxiety at the same time. He knows Reiner is going to question him either way.
"Why are you crying, Bertholdt?" it comes out silent, uncertain.
"Why does it seem like you're avoiding me?" Bertholdt asks, surprising even himself. Reiner seems to wake up almost immediately, his eyes wide.
"I..." he bit his lip. He's nervous, and he drops his gaze. He turns his head into the covers and takes a big breath.
"Don't run away from me," Bertholdt begs.
Reiner faces him once again. He repositions himself, placing his face into Bertholdt's chest. He lets him, weakly.
"I'm so, so sorry..." he mutters into the fabric of the sweater and grabs it with his hands, covering his face with it. Bertholdt puts his hands on his back. "I didn't know how do I...How do I tell you? You make me sick."
Bertholdt's heart sinks, but unable to move he stays with Reiner's weight on him.
"Tell me." He whispers into the ceiling, and even though he doesn't want to, he's here to listen. "How I make you sick. How I'm just a burden. I want to hear it from you."
But Reiner doesn't agree, he doesn't start explaining himself. He rises to look at the other with worrisome eyes. Bertholdt's heart flutters.
"Whoever told you I think you're just a burden?" Reiner asks. He cups Bertholdt's cheek, and he melts into the touch. He touches his hand. "You're so..."
Reiner stops. He smiles softly, which surprises the other a bit. With a shake of his head, he looks down on Bertholdt's lips.
THEY KISS AND MAKE UP THE END
