003M action;

[toobig]

[For once, Bertholdt is outside of his apartment. This is a very strange thing, considering he's always closed up inside away from everyone. Despite his shyness, even shut ins have to get groceries and Bertholdt had decided to take his work with him, stopping to sit in the park before he heads home. It's not too hot out, which means he won't overheat, around five o'clock in the evening. It's getting a little cooler out generally now anyway.]

[He can be seen sitting on a bench in the park with a thick manuscript in his hands, checking through each page slowly. After a while he'll pause in his work to light a cigarette and relax back against the bench. For anyone who's only known Bertholdt over the Network, it might be alarming to find out that he's 6'5". While he's sitting down, it's apparent that he's really tall regardless.]

[He's not a big talker, but maybe he'll appreciate some company?]

Comments

[toobig]

Oh... I guess I didn't think about that.

[He's very responsible about it!]

I'm sorry.

[He's basically finished with it anyway, so he leans down to snuff out the butt against the concrete walking path, and puts it into his foil pack to throw away later.]

I'm just... used to people having no reason beyond... uh, walking really close so they can hack like one breath of smoke is going to kill them. Or telling me off for, uh, "compromising" their allergies when I, uh, only smoke outside by myself.

[schild]

As long as you're reasonable about it.

[ It's nice of him to try and go outside, where he won't bother people, at least. Better than people who feel the need to smoke right out on the sidewalk... or next to things that are flammable... ]

I mean, you're an adult-- I'm not gonna tell you it's bad for your health. Sounds like people are usually dicks to you, I'm sorry about that.

[toobig]

[He shrugs.]

People are usually dicks to me no matter what. I'm used to it.

[schild]

What, really?

[ But why? Ryan's just gonna go ahead and wrap his arm Bertholdt's shoulders. It might not help, but it's all he can do. ]

They're obviously missing out.

[toobig]

[He'll let him. He's not much taller than Reiner sitting down, his height is in his legs for the most part. He'll just... kind of lean into his embrace though, sighing softly.]

I don't mind it.

[Being alone was something he was used to. He didn't push others away, he'd just... stopped trying to be friendly in elementary school, when he'd been picked on for being so tall. And it had continued until he'd met Ryan, generally. Really, being this close to... anyone was what was strange to Bertholdt.]

[schild]

Still.

[ Here comes a half-hug for you because... what else do you do when you find out your new/past-life friend was really... lonely? ]

I wouldn't do that to you, Bertl.

[toobig]

[Bertholdt shifts a little, resting his chin on Ryan's shoulder.]

I know, Reiner.

[Like the first time, Bertholdt hadn't even realized using the other name for his friend. It felt so natural, more natural than calling him Ryan...]

[schild]

[ Ryan huffs a sigh, tucking Bertholdt close. He doesn't mind the other name so much. It's not him, but it must have been, once. ]

Reiner, huh...

[ Not that it matters that much to him. He'll always have Bertl, whether he's Ryan or Reiner or what. ]

[toobig]

[Oh, he did it again. It's... a little embarrassing, and probably pretty rude to the blond.]

I'm sorry... It's like-- I must remember you, deep down, and you're you, but the... the name is different. It's-- rude of me.

[Nothing like shouting the wrong name during sex, Bertholdt.]

[schild]

It's okay. You can't help what you feel.

[ Though Ryan's starting to feel like he's gonna have to compete with this "Reiner" guy for Bertholdt's affections... ]

Destiny and all that, right?

[toobig]

No I'm-- really sorry.

[He reaches to squeeze his hand, lacing their fingers together. Reiner had asked him out-- that was okay, right?]

[schild]

It's not your fault. It's okay.

[ Ryan smiles, reassuring Bertholdt that he's not offended. Maybe just jealous. But Bertl doesn't need to know either of these things. Just holding his hand and hugging in the part is cute enough for now. ]

Reiner would've still been me, right?

[toobig]

[He's with Ryan now anyway, he doesn't even know if they were the same... Sharing a past/future didn't necessarily mean they had the same personality after all. Right? Bertholdt just leans into him.]

Essentially, I guess.

[schild]

The same thing still stands, either way. [ And now he's gonna nuzzle into Bertl's hair because he can. Because he's close. ]

[toobig]

[It's... sweaty.]

I-I know...

[schild]

I know you know. [ Ryan smiles a bit. It's not forced anymore. ]

Thanks for listening, Bertl. Thanks for... you know. I was really freaked out. I knew coming to you was a good idea.

[toobig]

Any time.

[He means it.]

You... talked with me the first time I had a bad memory... So why wouldn't I?

[schild]

Right. [ Ryan squeezes Bertholdt's hand. ] As long as we can be here for each other, I think this is gonna turn out fine

[toobig]

Right... It will be.

[Ryan---! gets a kiss on the cheek, and then Bertholdt is blushing like mad.]

[schild]

We'll look out for each other.

[ Even if you do smoke, Bertl. Ryan's totally gonna try and get you to stop... ]

[toobig]

[He kissed your cheek, don't make it about that dude.]

I think... I think we'll be okay.

[schild]

Definitely.

[ Ryan kisses him back, giving Bertl a quick peck on the cheek. ]

[toobig]

[He's still blushing, but he leans against him and... is a little cuddly about it. Being close to other people has always been awkward, but with Ryan? Everything feels just right.]

[schild]

[ Cuddling in the park can these two be any cuter, I think not. Ryan will gladly stay here the rest of the night, by Bertl's side. ]

[toobig]

[Cuddling is totally great, and Bertholdt likes this a lot, but when the street lamps start turning on, he knows they've been here a little too long.]

[He gets nervous, you know. Being out at night isn't the greatest.]

It's getting late...