The Vogel

7 - Mother

He woke up, and it was still dark in the room. His eyes adjusted, and he saw that Mea had turned to her side, facing him. Her free hand lay just beside the one in his. Her hair was covering her face. He pushed the locks back carefully.

Her hand squeezed his weakly.

"Mea?" he asked. They thought she'd still be out for at least twenty four hours...

She squeezed his hand again. He looked to her face, and her eyes were open.

"Hey," he murmured.

"Hey," she whispered.

"Do you hurt?" he asked, putting his other hand over her free one.

"A little."

"Do you want me to get the doctor?"

"Not yet."

"Okay."

"I missed you too," she murmured, her hands gripping his softly. He smiled slightly, relieved she really wasn't angry. "I heard everything. When I held your held hand all the time, I was checking...but I didn't let go afterwards for a reason. And you said you...you put a gun in your mouth?" she asked, tears in her eyes.

He nodded. "It was once, just that once. I still find myself thinking about it, but Gabi needs me. And the explanations."

"Explanations later," she said shortly.

"Agreed. And you, how are you?"

"I'm okay. Levi was right about all that shit."

"Good. I really can't lose you, bird."

"And I can't lose you." She rubbed her thumb across the back of his hand. "Help me sit up."

He took her hands and pulled her up. She couldn't quite get there, so he put an arm around her back. She settled and could support herself. He started to move away, but she held him to her. Her arms wrapped around his neck. He put his other arm around her, and she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Levi was right about everything, wasn't he?" she asked softly.

"As far as I know."

She cuddled closer against him and pulled him to her bed. He held her close.

"What about your family?" she asked quietly.

"I'm not sure," he sighed. "If they don't understand after I talk to them again, I might try to rent somewhere until the titan is passed down."

"Your family is more important than me," she whispered, dangerously quiet.

"Not to me," he muttered.

She sighed and pulled back from him. She put a hand to his cheek tenderly.

"Reiner," she scolded.

"That's the first time you've said my name."

She looked at him with a small pout.

"You know that phrase 'blood is thicker than water'?"

"Yes, and I know that's not the whole thing."

"Blood of the covenant and water of womb."

"I know, but..."

"If they can't accept my chosen relations, that's their fault. It's their decision."

"You and I can't do that to Gabi."

"I know," he sighed.

"'Whatever happens, I want to be with you'," she said quietly. "I do want that. We'll figure it out. We'll figure out how to appease your family, okay?"