We Are All Killers [Snk ~ Reiner x Bertolt]

Chapter 19: Cold Water

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Bertolt's POV

Once again, Reiner and I experienced a period of time where almost nothing happened. It was just me and him. We spent it cherishing each other as much as possible. There were times when either of us would go out alone to do something, but we would always return. Other times, we would lay on the couch with each other, even if the TV wasn't on. We would lay there in silence. I would be able to feel his light breathing and hear his heartbeat reminding me that he was still alive...

And that we still had a lot of hell to go through.

One day, he said that he was going to go out for a while. The worry must have shown on my face because he smiled back at me before opening the door.

"Don't worry. I'll be back," he said. "I promise."

I nodded. Reiner wrapped his arms around me as I dug my face into his shoulder. The both of us could only hope and pray that he would come back safely without being caught by the patrolmen or anyone else. He let go and opened the door.

"I'll be home soon," He smiled at me before closing the door behind him.

I was alone in the house. It almost seemed too quiet. For the rest of the day, I hardly had anything else to do except for a couple of chores.

Occasionally I caught myself thinking about my inevitable doom. Besides, it was a rather tough topic to not think of. I didn't want to lie to Reiner, but if it meant that I could be with him longer, then I was willing to die. If I told him that I had to be the one to kill him, it would hang over both of our heads. It was best if only one of us had to worry about it.

Everything was so quiet that I decided to turn on the TV for some background noises. Of course I was willing to watch anything but the news channel. However, even the comedies and dramas were poorly scripted and acted. Everything circled around the society and it was all extremely boring. I was in the kitchen getting myself something to eat. I heard the doorbell ring and ran over to answer it right away, thinking it was Reiner.

I opened it, however, to find someone else. He was obviously a high ranking patrolman for he wore the same amount and kind of badges and uniform as Pixis. This man was tall, almost my height. He had neat, blonde hair and he was accompanied by someone. A shorter man, raven hair, looks that could kill. I recognized them from years ago at the Final Ceremony, but I simply could not think of the names.

"Good morning, Bertolt," the taller one greeted. "May we come in?"

"Y-yessir," I stuttered. They walked in and I immediately shut the door behind me. "Do you want anything to drink?" I asked, remembering not to forget basic manners despite this was my potential death. "Water? Tea?"

"Tch. The tea they give you is nothing but fake herbs-" the smaller one complained, but he was stopped as soon as the taller man held out his arm as a signal to calm down.

"Thank you for your offer, but we promise it won't take very long," The man said. "We'll be gone way before your friend gets back. I'm Commander Erwin, by the way. The man sitting next to me is Corporal Levi. We work with the Upper Patrolmen. That's why we know where your man has gone."

I must have shown clear signs of fear because Erwin chuckled. "He has gone a little far, though. So don't worry if he doesn't come back until sundown."

"Where is he going?" I asked.

"I can't tell you any more information, Bertolt," Erwin stated. "So let's get right to it. And you might want to sit down."

I sat down on the armchair. Erwin continued to make eye contact with me while Levi kept staring into empty space, looking as apathetic and bored as ever.