[Reiner goes still when Bertolt reaches down to hold his shirt, his sides suddenly prickling at the proximity to Bertolt's hands. How is that even now, what feels like a lifetime later, Bertolt is able to reduce him to a shivering, blushing child, desperate for his attention and practically bleeding want? Reiner is the adult here, he's older and more experienced, and yet Bertolt makes him feel new and young again, like there's actually some hope in the world and like everything good hasn't been completely extinguished.]

[Reiner shakes his head at Bertolt's question, feeling Bertolt's silky hair brush against his own bristles with the motion. His throat closes at the question, and it's a moment before he can speak again.]

If I have any choice and any control over it, I'm never leaving your side again.

[He smiles into Bertolt's shoulder, and turns his head a little to brush his lips over it. If it's too forward, Bertolt will let him know, right?]

Sorry, Bert... you're stuck with me.