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damn-stark · 11 months ago

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Chapter 35 Can’t catch me now

Final chapter of Cherry

A/N: Thank you, I’m going to cry now that it’s over

Warning- FLUFF, mentions of pregnancy and birth complications, angst, and swearing

Takes place during- The final chapters special 2

Pairing- Jean Kirstein x fem!reader

————

What does he mean by talk?

Does he have a girlfriend back in Marley? One Connie, Levi, or Pieck mentioned?

Or maybe he’s going to say that he’s totally just over you. He doesn’t love you anymore.

You can’t take it, the anxiety is killing you.

“You look nice,” you interject and hide your nervousness well. “I like your hair, it’s different, it’s good.” You peer over your shoulder and flash Jean a smile.

He meets your gaze and a soft smirk tugs on his lips. “Thanks. You look nice now—I mean you look beautiful, but nice because the last time I saw you, you looked—”

“Bad?” You say to him with a small teasing smile.

Jean squints and parts his lips to argue, but you cut in again.

“It’s okay, it’s true,” you assure him. “I was in a bad place. Now I’m not. I’m okay now. Better than good actually, I’m great.”

You slide the door open to a secluded cabin on the train and walk in first before he follows you inside and closes the door behind him, letting you finally face each other.

“So I’ve read,” he says.

You study his handsome face and smile wider. “You look very nice. Is that okay to say?” You ask to get what you want to know from him. “Or should I hold back because of a special someone?” You wiggle your eyebrows and hope it isn't true.

Jean scoffs and shakes his head. “Nah…I tried it,” he admits, and you feel your heart clench—“but none of them worked out, I guess,” he rolls out and glances at the ground as he puts his hands in his pockets. “They weren’t you.”

Your heart skips a beat and your eyes widen. “What?” You gasp with disbelief.

Jean looks up at you and exhales deeply before he pulls his hands out and strides over to you with confidence. “I know I’ve been an ass and not written, but I wanted to give you space.”

“Jean,” you try to interject, but he grabs your shoulders and looks at you with a soft look that makes your face begin to burn.

“Listen okay?” He continues and looks into your eyes. “I love you, I always will no matter what, but I don’t want to just be your friend. I can’t be just a friend. I can be your best friend if we’re together, but I can’t live my life and pretend that we didn’t live a life together. That I didn’t love you with my entire being. I can't do that, I'm not that big of a person.”

Tears fill your eyes, but they’re not born from an ache, they’re tears of disbelief and shock.

“So,” he goes on softly and slowly places his hands on your cheeks. “That’s why I'm saying it now, it might be brazen and too much for you, but it’s the truth and if I didn’t say it I would be bothered and mean, you don’t deserve that. And well,” he sighs. “Too much shit has happened for us to be patient, and I’m afraid that if I continue to be patient, I won’t be able to say what has been stuck in my throat for years.”

You smile softly and gently slide your hands over to hold his arms. “Jean,” you whisper. “I love you. I do. I never stopped loving you. I never thought about anyone else but you, but,” you cut in and make his breath falter. “You can’t rush into this. We’ve hardly talked over the past 3 years, I don’t know you anymore. You don’t know me. We know a past of each other, but not who we turned into. You understand? I mean what if you don’t even like who I am now? I don’t want you to waste your time with me, I—”

“Shut up,” Jean cuts you off and pulls you closer to him, making your breath hitch and your eyes fall on his lips—“Just shut up you’re talking nonsense. All you’re saying is crap because I do know you,” he says. “I’ve read all the letters you sent me. All the letters you sent our friends, and I’m looking at you now and all I see is my future. I’ve fought for a long time, I know life isn’t long, and I don’t want to wait. We can get to know each other as we date. Just please be with me. I miss you.”

Your bottom lip trembles and all you feel is your heart race as butterflies flutter like crazy inside you.

Your life doesn’t feel complete because Levi still isn’t with you, but you feel safe and like the stars finally returned to orbit to give light to the world. Yes, you did heal from your deep wounds without him, you couldn’t have him with you, but the one thing that didn’t change throughout it all was your feelings for him; they burn just as hot, and drive you just as crazy as the first time.

“I miss you too,” you redirect sweetly. “I love you too. I’ve only loved you, I will only love you. I can’t love anyone else but you,” you confess, making him smile and lean in.

Yet just as you’re going to relish in the taste of his lips finally on yours, a knock raps on the door.

“Y/N?”

Eric?

Eric!

“What do you want?” You sneer and don’t bother to open the door right away.

“Ben is looking for you. He says it’s urgent.”

You groan and look at Jean one last time. “Let’s continue this later, hm?” You ask.

Jean sighs deeply and has no choice but to give in. “Fine. Just,” he trails off and slams his lips on yours to give you one quick but deep kiss before he pulls back to open the door for you.

“Hey man,” Eric greets Jean with a smug smile.

You storm out of the room and Eric follows after you.

“Why are you still mad, huh? Did I interrupt something?”

When you step out to the main cabin you stop in front of Ben and quickly interject. “What do you want?”

Ben looks away from Reiner and slowly looks at you with concern. “Do you have an extra pack of cigarettes? I left mine in my other coat.”

You clench your fist and give him a tightlipped smile. “That was urgent?” You say through gritted teeth.

Ben nods and glances at Jean sitting down before looking back at you and giving you a cheeky smile. “Yes.”

“I do not carry cigarettes because the last box you had me carry you finished last week. Am I done now?” You sneer. “Or?”

Ben glances at Eric sitting down next to him and they share a look before he nods. “Yeah.”

You let out a deep huff and turn to return to your seat. Jean tries to settle down next to you, but you quickly throw your arms over the empty seat. “Sorry, this seat is taken,” you let him know sweetly.

Jean turns and looks at you with a pointed look. “What do you mean? It’s empty,” he points out.

“It’s Honey’s seat,” you sass him. “She demands to have her own seat. Sorry.” You smile and point at the seat across from you “You can sit there. Mikasa is with Armin. And Eric—”

Just as you say his name your brother slides in the seat across from you as if trying to cockblock Jean from even looking at you.

“…is there,” you finish under your breath and then look back at Jean still baffled by your cat's privileges.

“You’re not serious,” Jean retorts.

“She’s so serious,” Eric rebuttals for you. “Her cat thinks it’s royalty or something. It’s weird.”

Jean glances at your brother and then at the empty seat, and is going to ignore you, but just as he’s going to sit down, your brown cat comes over and hops back on her seat next to yours. She sees Jean too close so she looks at him with her green eyes and lets out a long meow.

“See,” you exclaim with a smirk. “Her own seat. I don’t make the rules.” You shrug.

Jean rolls his eyes and picks up the cat, making her let out an annoyed meow.

“I bought you damn thing now hold it before I accidentally sit on it,” he sasses and plops the cat on your lap as you watch him sit down with bewilderment.

Over the past 2 years, you've been breaking your head wondering, and constantly asking Levi and the others to reveal who gifted you the cat, but no one would say a thing.

Sure sometimes you did think Jean was the one, but since he barely wrote you back he quickly fell off that list. For some time you thought it was Reiner since he seemed to still be fawning over you, but he would’ve said it, so your guess was Levi or Mikasa, but they never said a thing so you were left wondering for 2 years. And now you finally know, and you should’ve known.

“You got her for me?” You probe softly as you hold onto Honey.

Jean drifts his gaze to the corner of his eyes and looks at you as if it’s no big deal. “Yeah,” he responds nonchalantly. “Made Mikasa pick her out to give it to you.”

You scoff softly in disbelief and lean closer to him. “Why didn’t you say so?” You press him.

Jean shrugs. “I was. The cat is a…apology present for how I acted before you left, but then at the last minute,” he sighs. “I chickened out and thought it was better if you didn’t know until I saw you.”

Your heart skips a beat and your smile tugs to a grin before you quickly let go of the cat to lean over and throw your arms around Jean.

It's kind of an awkward hug since you're sitting side by side, but you still hold onto him.

“Thank you,” you whisper softly and gently run your fingers through the ends of his hair, making him shiver and squeeze you gently.

“I knew you'd like it,” he whispers in your ear as he tilts his head closer to you to draw in a small breath as he catches a whiff of your fragrance clinging to your skin. “You smell nice,” he shares.

You smirk and slide your hands down to feel his biceps hiding under his suit. “You do too,” you redirect smugly before you pull back and hug your cat again.

“You know,” Eric adds and taps the table in between you and him. “Back in the city, there’s this guy named Fedric, who is heads over heels for my sister here.”

“Eric,” you try to cut him off.

“No, no, just listen,” he ignores you and smirks. “He’s, like, tall, and buff and has crazy blue eyes. I’m telling her to give it a shot, but she refused. Maybe, you,” he points at Jean. “Can advise her otherwise, considering you’re her best friend.” He shrugs.

You glare at your brother and kick him in the shin under the table, he flinches, but he keeps on a straight face.

“Why don’t you date him,” Jean rebuttals sassily. “Considering the way you’re describing him.”

You snort and smile at your brother, but Eric doesn’t share the same enthusiasm, he fakes laughs instead and mutters. “Funny, funny.”

You snicker at him and then turn to continue talking to Jean. “I hope you got enough sleep—”

“Hey!” Connie cuts in and slides into the empty seat next to Eric. “Does your cat have a diamond hanging off her collar, or am I going crazy?”

You lift your cat and nod. “Yeah, she does. Isn’t she so pretty?” You smile.

Connie squints and then he bursts out laughing. “You’re so weird! It’s a cat!”

You roll your eyes and set your cat down on your lap. “So?” You quip. “What's your point?”

“My point is that it’s an animal,” he explains himself. “It’s weird that you put that shit on her.”

You don’t get his point nor do you want to spend your time arguing, so you drop the subject and return to what you didn’t finish saying. “Anyway! I hope you guys got enough sleep, you guys have a busy schedule today. Plus, a little welcome back celebration hosted by me.”

“What?” Connie gasps.

You smile proudly and nod. “Yeah, after you get finished with all your introduction meetings, we’ll go get ready, have dinner, and then go to a cantina. How fun is that?” You exclaim.

“It was supposed to be a surprise,” Eric mutters. “Mikasa is going to get annoyed.”

You flick your wrist to wave him off. “It’s okay. I planned it. I couldn’t hold it in! There’s gonna be dancing, music, old military friends, new friends we’ve made, and drinks. It’s gonna be fun! And who knows Connie, maybe finally you’ll become a man tonight.” You smile sweetly and bat your lashes.

Connie snickers. “Cherry girl, I am a man. I left many ladies crying back in Marley.”

You scrunch your nose in disgust as you don’t find this funny anymore. “That’s gross.”

“You started it,” he snaps.

You groan and glance over at Jean to ask if it’s the same for him, but you catch him already looking at you with a soft smile on his face that makes you wonder.

“What?” You query.

Jean blinks in surprise as he snaps from his stupor, but he doesn’t grow flustered, or lose his smile, he simply shakes his head and interjects softly. “Nothing. You’ve just changed, that's all.”

Your face begins to burn and you’re the one that grows flustered now. “Well,” you whisper. “Yeah.” You laugh and nod. “Yeah. And you don’t stutter anymore. You used to stutter. Is it all the practice back in Marley?” You tease him.

Jean scoffs and grows cocky. “Natural talent, that's all.”

You giggle and shake your head. “Natural talent my ass. I know you, you’re not as smooth as you think you are.”

“Am so,” he quips and tries to slide his hand around your seat's headrest, but his arm slips and falls on your shoulders. He quickly tries to recover but it was too late you proved your point.

“Super smooth,” you say sarcastically.

Jean shrugs and nudges your shoulder with his fingers hovering over it. “You like it.”

You can't help but smile as you look away. And the moment you do you catch both Connie and Eric watching Jean and you with disgust, so you ignore their negativity and just look out the window with a happy smile on your face.

Levi is still missing but you feel content, and your heart feels at ease with the rest of your family finally back home.

——

*LATER THAT NIGHT*

After a long day of waiting for Jean and the others to go through their long meetings, and after a short and kind of chaotic dinner you’re finally living through the part of the night you’ve looked forward to all day, considering you weren’t in their dreadful meetings.

You can’t say that you can party like when you were a soldier—it’s not that you don’t enjoy it, you just can’t bring yourself to get your mind too clouded just in case, but! You do enjoy the music and the vibe!

You just have to back away when Connie and your brother Eric try to force more wine down your throat.

“Jean can do it, I believe you,” you throw him under so he can take your place.

“Hey! Hey!” Connie exclaims and points his finger at you. “Those are not the rules. Coin flipped on you, you, drink!”

He's incredibly drunk.

“Hey, hey!” Eric cuts in and stands up. “You can’t force my sister to drink!” He exclaims and faces Connie with a pointed look.

“Whoa—”

“I can! Drink girl!” He shouts at you and swings his cup at you, causing Connie to burst out laughing.

“That’s what I'm talking about!” Connie exclaims and jumps up to throw his arm around Eric, making them both sway.

You roll your eyes but you still can’t help but smile softly over the fact that they’re getting along well.

However, you use this moment that they’re distracted to back away and escape before they keep pressing you to drink, leaving Jean to deal with them instead.

Sure there’s only so many places to hide in a small place, but you keep moving in between the crowd and actually catch Armin and Mikasa trying to dance along to the music. However, they’re tipsy so it’s not going well.

And luckily they don’t notice you so you keep moving along, but stop when you spot Reiner all by himself in some secluded corner of the cantina.

You haven’t talked to him since he got here, and you’ve been meaning to. You’ve been dreading it but you want to talk to him—should you though?

Yes! You’ve grown up, matured, pondered, and had three years to be upset! You need to make peace with this. He’s the last piece left.

So you walk over to him and casually sit beside him as you keep your eyes on Mikasa and Armin dancing.

“There’s a lot of pretty women out there,” you interject and smile proudly upon seeing your cousin's joy—“Why aren't you dancing? Do you have a girlfriend back in Marley?”

Reiner scoffs. “No,” he mutters. “I can’t seem to find the right one…” he trails off and you feel his stare on you. “You, do you have a…boyfriend?” He whispers hesitantly.

You shake your head. “No, but…” you sigh and glance at Jean, and catch him looking back at you. “…I have my eye on someone.”

You smile at Jean and look away to finally look at Reiner who hasn’t taken his eyes off you.

“Hm,” he hums and averts his gaze to clear his throat before he changes the subject. “Uh, how are you? I mean with everything. The reason why you left,” he says.

You let out a deep breath and shrug. “I’m…fine,” you hesitate to answer. “I’m not angry anymore,” you mention and continue because regardless of other things, he was still there. Once. But enough to motivate you to escape.

“I have nightmares here and there, they won’t go away. And sometimes…it crawls up on me, the fear that someone is around trying to get me…but,” you sigh and smile softly. “I’m okay now. I’m actually doing quite a lot with Historia and my brothers for the Underground. So I’m good.”

A small smile crawls on Reiner’s lips and he nods softly. “That’s good. I’m happy for you,” he says softly and averts his gaze.

“Thank you,” you whisper and shift in your seat to face him with determination to finally address the one thing that matters between him and you. “Reiner.”

Said man slowly meets your gaze and seems to look hopeful.

“I…can forgive you,” you jump straight to the point so he doesn’t get some false expectations about where this is going. “I can forgive you for taking away my best friend. I can forgive you for looking me in the eye all those times and lying to me, I can forgive you because I don’t want to hate you. Because I don’t want that in my heart anymore, but,” exhale deeply and look at him with a long frown. “I won’t forget. I’ll never forget what you did. And I know it might be stupid maybe, petty, but you still lied, and you still took him away from me. He was my best friend. I loved him,” your voice quivers. “And I…liked you, and it hurt.”

Reiner looks as if he was just shot, even though he expected you to say this, your words still wound him and finally make him realize that he and you will always live in the past.

“I’m sorry,” he mutters and scoots forward, making you raise your chin and nod in comprehension.

“Yes, I know you are and I forgive you. I can see us maybe being friends, but nothing else,” you admit the truth. “Do you understand?” You probe so he can get the right idea and not be delusional.

“I,” he breathes out heavily. “I understand.”

You offer him a kind smile and nod. “Good. That’s all I wanted to hear.”

Reiner looks away and quickly cuts in bluntly. “Do you love him?”

You blink in confusion and follow his line of gaze to see him looking at Jean walking over here.

“I…do,” you respond honestly and look back at Reiner curiously. “Why?” You ask.

Reiner snaps his eyes to you and leans forward to grab your hand and offer you a small smile. “Does he make you happy?” He asks.

You laugh softly. “We aren’t together at the moment, but, yes…why?” You probe.

Reiner draws in a deep breath and his smile falters. “That’s all I ask. That’s all I want for you. Even if it’s not with me.”

A pitiful frown tugs on your face. “Reiner,” you whisper.

Said man tugs his smile wider. “I’m happy for you, y/n. I really am. I hope you get everything you want out of life.”

You genuinely smile and nod. “You too, Reiner,” you redirect kindly. “You deserve it.”

Reiner breathes hitches and his smile falters, but he doesn’t break. Especially because Jean reaches the table.

“Sorry, Reiner but I need to talk to y/n,” Jean cuts in, making you let go of Reiner’s hand to twist around slowly and look at him with a quirked brow.

“Need to?” You inquire.

Jean meets your gaze and nods. “I’m not asking. Let’s go.”

Your heart skips a beat and you offer Reiner one last smile before you follow Jean outside.

“What is this about?” You probe without waiting to be away from all the noise. “Are you going to propose to me after our first day back together?” You tease and glance up at the sky, noticing the thick clouds that are quickly rolling in across the canvas, but missing the way he slowly steals a look at you.

“You know,” you add with a smile. “It’s good you didn’t have a girlfriend because I visit your mom often and have occasional lunches with her. It'd be weird.”

Jean scoffs softly. “Well it’s not really your fault, she loves you,” he reminds you of the fact. “She’d be nagging you and me if you didn’t visit.”

You look down at him and smile softly. Jean holds your gaze, and you grow the need to remind him how much you missed him even though the only time you’ve been apart since he’s gotten back was when he was in a meeting room. “I’ve missed you, Jean. I’ve missed talking to you. I…I’ve missed you.”

Jean’s lips curl to a smile. “I’ve missed you too,” he doesn’t hesitate to return to you. “Now come on, just a bit further.”

You shoot him a puzzled look but don’t question him, you just hook your arm around his, and enjoy the peace in the silence at this time of night. You relish in the moist smell of incoming rain and smile at the feeling of his surreal presence.

“You know I think Ben really likes me,” Jean interjects making you look back at him. “Eric though…I think I need to work on him.”

You giggle. “Why?” You mess with him. “We aren’t dating or anything.”

Jean stops, forcing you to do the same and look at him with a playful smirk.

“No? So what are we then?” He quips.

You shrug. “You tell me,” you counter sweetly.

Jean swallows thickly and glances down before he grabs your face and leans in to slam his lips on yours, causing you to gasp softly out of shock, even though you crave the taste of his lips.

He then pulls away to cut off this interaction, but you pull him back in to really remind yourself of the feeling of his soft lips that desperately fall in sync with yours before he takes control and leads you in for an open-mouth kiss, as if he had been starving.

Then again you can’t say you’re any different, you throw your hands around his neck and run them up to clutch onto his hair to keep his mouth on yours as you tease him for a moment, before you slide your tongue over his bottom lip for him to take it in and suck on it as his hands grab onto your face.

You try to make a sound, but he takes your breath away and all you can manage to do is pull away to catch your breath, making him lean in to press gentle kisses on the corner of your mouth.

“Jean,” you whisper between pants.

Said man pulls back and licks his lips as he holds your gaze with a darkened gaze full of lust. “What about now?” He rebuttals. “Do you know what we are now?”

You glance at his lips and smirk as you shrug again. “Tell me.”

Jean grabs your chin and tilts your head up so you can meet his gaze. “You’re mine,” he clarifies. “No amount of space or time ever changed that. Sure I was upset, but I was stupid, and now I know you leaving was for the best,” he admits. “Because look at you. I’m proud of you, my love.”

Your eyes water and your smile trembles as your heart fills with bliss.

“And I like to think I’m a better man too,” he continues. “I’ve grown, matured, and I’m finally ready for a commitment that I was not ready for then.”

You grin and he leans in to press a soft kiss on your forehead before he steps back and slides his hand down to grab yours and tug you with him. “Come,” he points up the road.

However, just as you take a step in that direction drops of rain begin to sprinkle down, making Jean stop and look up.

“We have to hurry,” he cuts in.

Alas, that sprinkle changes to a pour that makes Jean let your hand go and drop his head.

“What?” You quire and grab his arm. “What's wrong? It’s just rain.”

Jean slowly looks up and shakes his head with an annoyed look on his face. “No,” he argues. “I had this entire thing planned with the stars, flowers, and all the stuff you like, but it’s ruined now because of the rain!”

You glance up up but quickly look back down when rain falls in your eyes, and beam at Jean through the thick raindrops. “I like the rain! I like the sound, and I like the sight of it when the light reflects over it for a second before it hits the ground!” You assure him through the pattering. “So, it’s okay!”

You tug him to continue forward, but he doesn’t budge, instead, he stays there and you notice his lips are parted and he’s looking at you with a softened gaze that makes you confused.

“What?” You ask. “What’s wrong?”

Jean's smile wobbles before he blurts, “marry me!”

Your confusion falls and you gasp.

Jean continues to grab your hands and falls on one knee. “I-I know this is our first day back together, we have a lot to catch up on, but I don’t want to waste any more of my time without you,” he exclaims. “I love you. Deeply. I can’t imagine my life without you in it, actually, every time I picture my life, you’re in it. I want to spend the future we fought so hard for to be spent with you. Forever. So please…marry me,” he whispers.

You wipe the tears and the rain off your face, but it’s pointless because more tears and rain stream down your face, leaving you drenched. So you just proceed to throw yourself on him and cry on his shoulder out of pure joy your heart is oozing out.

“Yes,” you cry happily. “I do. I want to spend my life with you too! I want forever with you.” You pull back and grab his wet face, “I love you, Jean Kirstein. You are my sun, you are my moon and my stars. Without you, it’d be like living underground in the dark again. So yes, I want forever with you too.”

Tears mix with the rain on Jean's face and his smile turns to a wide grin before he seals your distance with a passionate kiss, assuring you both of your desires.

——

*15 YEARS LATER*

The air underground isn’t as thick and suffocating as it once was. That stench of moisture, piss, and dirt has somewhat disappeared—that or you’ve grown used to the smell after thirty years.

Then again you would have heard complaints by now if it reeked under here. They wouldn't have kept quiet about that.

Regardless, the darkness underground doesn’t lurk in every corner like before. The houses that once stood tall are left abandoned and only used for criminals and the homeless.

6 years ago thanks to Historia’s help, your brothers, and you were finally able to give everyone a better life they deserve, a chance to live a longer life and not be stuck underground because of greedy people who got your ancestors stuck down here in the first place. Now only criminals run their businesses down here in a crumbling abandoned society.

And the only reason you’re down here is because you want to show your children where you and Levi were born, and that life can be tough but you can move past it, like Levi and Furlan did with you and their lives. Sure your kids don’t like the idea of being down here in a dirty place, they’re used to the sun on their skin, the grass under their toes, and the wind unfurling over their flesh. All they grew up with was a life of full bellies, common colds under warm beds, and attainable medicine. Jean nor you ever let them know suffering.

“When are we leaving? Eirene is coming over today!” You hear your first complaint, and of course, it’s from your six-year-old daughter, Star. She’s just like Jean. Even if Levi says she’s Kenny’s twin, in both appearance and personality.

Which, you don’t know if you should be offended by that or not. He’s your father, but there were also many things wrong with him.

“Aunt Mikasa and your cousin Eirene are not coming over until way later,” you correct Star. “We’ll be back home by then, so,” you sigh. “Why don’t you come help your grandpa here, hm?”

Levi peers over at you with a side glare, so you counter with a smirk.

“Okay!” Star exclaims and leaves her father's side to run over and throw herself on Levi’s lap which is the opposite of what you wanted her to do.

“Girl,” you argue, “that’s not—”

“It’s okay,” Levi cuts you off. “She’s fine.”

“Yeah,” Star groans and lays her head back against Levi’s shoulder. “He’s too heavy, I can’t push him. My arms will break! They almost did so yesterday.”

Jean and you share a teasing look, and just as you're going to play along, someone else cuts in.

“That’s impossible! You can’t break your arms by pushing a wheelchair, isn’t that right, pa?”

Levi shrugs. “I don’t know Lucian, I saw it happen once. But I also saw someone’s hands fall off because they were lazy.”

Lucian, your ten-year-old snickers, whilst Star’s jaw drops.

“That’s impossible,” she argues this time with a pout. “Right…dad?” She peers over at the man walking by your side and her blue eyes fill with worry.

Yet he does a horrible job at consoling her in between his stifled laughs. “Yeah,” he assures her. “Not true…maybe.”

Star sees through his mask hiding his stifled laugh and glares at him before she turns around and hugs Levi’s neck.

“You need a better poker face,” you scold Jean. “You suck and I’m a bad liar.”

Jean clears his throat and shifts the baby in his arms to his other side to let his eyes fully take you in. “I didn’t start it.”

“Yeah and we both know she can’t take it,” you rebuttal.

Jean laughs at the ground before he looks at the baby on his hip to offer her a teasing smile.

“No one appreciates a good joke do they?” He talks to the 8-month-old baby watching him with her deep brown eyes wide-eyed, and full of curiosity. “Will you?” He asks and scratches her little chin, making her laugh.

You smile in awe and grab his arm to lean over towards your baby. “Is your daddy being mean to you, Marceline? Tickling your cute chins, hm?”

The baby coos and stretches her fat arms over to try and grab you, but Jean hugs her against him so you wouldn’t take his little girl from him.

Marceline squeals and pushes herself up to hook her arms around his neck, making Jean press a kiss on her tiny dark curls.

And it seems she knows the reaction she got and what it means because she snuggles her face in the crook of his neck like she tends to do when he gives her any kind of affection. She just loves Jean, even if he and you aren't her biological parents.

Actually, you adopted her not so long ago, six years after the doctor told you that having a third baby would kill you due to your weak immune system. That was actually the reason why you were left in a bad state for weeks after you had Star.

Jean said he didn't want to put your life at risk and live through his worst fear, so you opted for adopting a few months back. And albeit you did worry that she wouldn’t be able to bond with either of you because of the lack of blood connection, you were proven wrong; the three of you instantly connected, and Star and Lucian didn't fail to do the same. Albeit it did take Star some time to get used to her new sister…she…hated her for some time.

But now! She adores her, even if she gets jealous of all the attention the baby gets.

“That’s no fair,” you complain and hug your husband's arm. “She likes you better.”

Jean turns his head to drop his eyes on you and shakes his head with a smirk tugging on his lips nonetheless. “You know that’s not true...but, it’s probably true.”

You know well it’s all a joke, you just like to tease him like now as you roll your eyes, and he reacts by throwing his other arm around your shoulders to keep you at his side the closer you get to your destination.

“But,” Jean whispers. “You’re my favorite girl.”

You can’t help the smile that tugs on your lips, and your heart from skipping a beat. “Good save,” you retort and slide your arm around his waist. “Smooth.”

Jean chuckles lightly. “Always am.”

You giggle and pull away to skip ahead when you approach the rock. The special rock under the gap on the ground that welcomes the sun inside, that was once a shining hope for Levi, Furlan, Isabel, and you.

“We’re here,” you announce proudly and turn to face your family.

Star studies the area and when she sees nothing but dirt and a rock, she scrunches her nose in disgust. “Ew,” she groans.

“Star,” Lucian scolds her. “That’s not nice.”

Your daughter ignores her brother and interjects. “What is this?”

You spin around and rush over to climb on the rock, finding it easier to climb it than when you were a little girl.

“This!” You exclaim happily. “Is a window into my past when Levi and I lived down here.”

You proceed to look around and see that a part of the ceiling has caved in so the gap is more like a decline that lets you come and go outside as you please, and that lets the sunlight shine brighter inside than ever before.

“Why here?” Lucian asks out of genuine curiosity.

“Well,” you sigh. “Back when I was young, people who lived underground couldn’t just go above ground. We needed special permits to live up there. And a lot of people here didn’t have the money, or the right connections to get those, so the only piece we had of the outside world was through gaps. Just like this one.”

Lucian glances up at the gap, making his light brown eyes gleam because of the sun's beam casting inside.

“You’d be here too, Pa?” Star asks Levi.

“Hm,” he agrees and picks up Star to get off his chair and walk towards the rock. “Your mom would love coming here. So we tried to come every weekend.”

Star stares hard at the gap, and Lucian finally breaks away from his spot to climb on with you.

“Do you think Uncle Eric and Uncle Ben came here?” Lucian asks.

You shrug as you take a seat. “I don’t know. We’ll have to ask….what do you think of this?”

Lucian studies his surroundings and he’s not as brazen as Star, you can see the wheels behind his turning as he tries to figure out something nice to say.

“It’s not the best place, not what you’re used to,” you whisper. “But you see that?” You point at the puddle of water across the rock. “At night when the moonlight hits here, all the puddles glimmer, and in the spring, because of the rain, clovers, moss, and wildflowers sprout on the dirt under the gap, and on the rock. In the winter, snow collects inside and people would come to enjoy it even if it was cold.”

Lucian looks at you and flashes you a sweet smile. You grin at him and ruffle his light brown hair.

“I don’t get it,” Star interjects.

“There’s nothing to get,” Levi rebuttals.

Star groans and drops out of Levi’s arms to run to the decline and look up at the sky for a moment before she smiles and runs above ground.

“Sorry,” Jean says as if it’s his fault she doesn’t get the appeal, but you’re glad she doesn’t.

“Well,” Lucian struggles to say. “It’s nice.”

You laugh softly and without having to be told you point your head outside. “You can go too.”

Lucian's eyes widen with guilt, so you offer him an assuring smile. “Go,” you insist. “It’s okay. We’ll be out in a minute.”

Lucian grins at you and quickly slides off the rock to chase after his sister and leave this cave.

“Well I think Marceline likes it,” Jean interjects and stands at the side of the rock.

You look down and just as you’re going to comment, a distant cry breaks in the air, and you know it comes from Star, so Jean and you share a knowing look.

“I’ll go,” he says. “Take the baby.”

You drag yourself to the edge and reach down to take the baby from Jean’s arms.

“Mommy! Daddy!” Star cries out, making Jean shout back.

“I’m goin’!”

You watch Jean jog out of the cave, and lose his figure when he’s above ground. You keep quiet and wait until you don’t hear Star stop crying when Jean tends to her to look down at your baby girl.

“You like it?” You ask her.

Marceline blinks and then begins to gnaw on her own fist.

“Cute,” Levi deadpans.

You snort and look back at him, and catch him carefully climbing up to join your side and look up at the blue sky thousands of miles above you.

“They don’t get it,” he says softly.

You turn Marceline around and let out a soft sigh. “No,” you say. “But I’m glad they don’t…it means we did good…right?”

Levi slides his hands in his pockets and nods in agreement. “Yeah. You did.”

“We did,” you correct him. “You won this war too. We did good. They don’t have to find beauty in this cave to try and stay hopeful. We fought for that.”

Levi hums and peers are you. “Why did you ask if you already know the answer?” He asks with a small smile.

You shrug. “I just wanted your opinion, but I should’ve known better.” You laugh softly and watch the sun ray that shines over the rock, and catch a beautiful orange and black monarch butterfly flutter inside.

“Would you look at that?” You muse to Marceline.

The baby is obvious to the insect until it surprisingly lands on her arm and startles her.

“It’s okay,” you coo. “It won’t hurt you.”

Marceline begins to breathe heavily as her eyes stay trained on the butterfly, but then she abruptly reaches for it.

Luckily though you catch her arm before she can snatch the delicate creature. “Careful,” you warn her sweetly and with a laugh. “Gentle. You have to be kind,” you whisper. “Remember that?”

Marceline shrieks and scares the butterfly away. She doesn’t let that discourage her though and squeals as she leans over to try and capture the butterfly already too far from her grasp.

“It’s gone,” you tell her. “Why don’t you say goodbye, Hm? Goodbye, butterfly.”

Marceline stays quiet for a moment as her eyes follow the butterfly out of the cave. And only once it’s out does she begin to open and close her hand as she mumbles. “Buh-byyy.”

You giggle and nod. “Yes! Good!” You encourage her and look up at Levi with pride before you look back at your daughter as she keeps her hand out as she notices the sunlight dancing on her chubby fingers.

“That’s the sun,” you let her know and put your own palm out.

Marceline glances at the sun on your palm and slaps her hand against yours as if trying to capture it.

“No, silly,” you interject. “It’s the sunlight. You can’t get it. Trust me I’ve tried.”

Marceline studies her hand and slowly turns it before putting her palm over yours so the sun would kiss her hand again.

“Sunlight,” try to make her say it. “Sunlight.”

Marceline giggles and doesn’t dare move her hand so the sun can keep clinging onto her, making you look at her with pride, whilst Levi looks down at the both of you in awe.

This is all he wanted. For you to have a good life, to be happy.

You have that now and much more. He sees that every day and all he can feel is pride and awe for you. He feels grateful that you had a chance to have the world. And yes, it started a bit painful, you knew suffering for some time, but you have all he wanted you to have, love, a future, a legacy, pure joy, and hope and he’s grateful for that every day he sees you.

However, what brings the most pride is that he kept his promise to Kenny, and himself, he took care of you. And that’s why you are and will always be his favorite achievement. You are his pride, his joy, and his hope. Forever.

A/N- Thank you, thank you and thank you a hundred more times to everyone who came along in journey with me and supported this fanfic series!! I really hope you all liked the ending, and I will always be grateful to all of you!! I hope to keep seeing you all around!!

Tagged- @expectoscamander @greenygreenland @that-soft-lesbian-friend @dai-tsukki-desu @usernamehere91 @avocadopoosae @romancried @victor-criss-bish @moo-moo-meadow @stareatceiling @padfootii @ravensleepyeyes @thanosisadilf @dawneee @babyyblueey @leahseclipse @ifimnotabushimnoone @luvelyxp @ameliabs-world @dragon-master-kai

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thesilliestrovingalive · 8 days ago

Text

To meet oneself - finale

The previous chapters: 1, 2, and 3

Chapter 4: As things get brighter

After what feels like an eternity, Marchrius' wrenching sobs begin to subside, his sniffles and tears slowing with each ragged breath. He takes five deep, deliberate breaths, exhaling the lingering sadness from his body, willing himself to let go. As he relaxes, his tight grip on Marco gentles, his tense muscles softening. Marco releases a quiet sigh of relief as Marchrius' intense weeping session begins to recede. With his breathing eased, Marco ceases rubbing Marchrius' back as he feels him slowly lift his head from the crook of his shoulder. His arms slip away from Marco as he shifts back, creating space between them. Marco ends his embrace and settles comfortably against the tree, gazing up at the starry sky with his hands clasped behind his head. Marchrius emits a few shuddering breaths as he wipes his tear-stained face and damp hands on his sleeveless platinum grey shirt and army cargo pants.

Marco's sparkling turquoise eyes flicker towards Marchrius, who bows his head, gaze fixed on his right forearm. With his cybernetic index finger, Marchrius traces the fresh, self-inflicted wounds, his expression stoic, unreadable. He gently wipes away the last remnants of blood, the liquid already starting to congeal and form a fragile crust over his open cuts. Marco's gaze shifts to the bloodied combat knife Marchrius dropped, its blade reflecting the moon's rays. For a moment, Marco looks down at himself, his flesh chilled by the night air, but he shows no sign of discomfort. As Marchrius calmly tends to his cut-riddled forearm, a dryness creeps up his throat, stirring a sudden thirst for another beer. But he suppresses the craving, his resolve hardened.

Marco's gaze turns inward, lost in thought. Marchrius looks up, his sorrowful eyes locking onto Marco's face, and his hands instinctively find each other, rubbing together in a familiar, nervous rhythm. He attempts to break the silence, eager to shift the focus away from the vulnerability he shared, but his words catch in his throat. Just as the awkwardness threatens to settle, Marco's expression transforms. A spark of inspiration ignites within him, and he turns to face Marchrius, whose curious gaze meets his. A soft, enigmatic smile spreads across Marco's face as their eyes lock, his bright gaze contrasting with Marchrius' dull, haunted stare. Before he can utter a sound, Marchrius abruptly straightens and speaks first, his words preempting Marco's.

"Thank youuu... f-for stayin' by my side," he slurs softly, his words barely above a whisper.

His face, once etched with pain and curiosity, relaxes into a warm, gentle smile, gratitude and fuzzy joy clouding his features. Marco didn’t anticipate the thanks, but the heartfelt gratitude warms his heart, causing his face to light up and his smile to broaden.

"You're welcome," he replies, noticing a faint sparkle in Marchrius' dull turquoise eyes, a hint of an emotion that resembles happiness.

Marchrius' soft smile fades, returning to his characteristic stoicism as he picks up the worn gauze he'd dropped. With slightly unsteady hands, he wraps the gauze around his right forearm, attempting to conceal the self-inflicted cuts. Marco observes with interest, impressed that Marchrius' intoxication hasn't compromised his delicate handling of the gauze. Composing himself, his words slur slightly as he turns to Marco and asks, "Where... a-are you froooomm?"

"Twin Falls, Idaho," he replies, his answer quick and honest. "What about you?"

"I'm… errr, f-from there toooo," Marchrius slurs, his voice dripping with nostalgia. His face relaxes into an awkward smirk, his left index finger tracing idle circles in the air as if stirring forgotten memories. "My ch-childhood... home."

Marco hesitated, considering asking about Marchrius' home life, but thought better of it, choosing instead to let him share on his own terms. Beneath his macho facade, he detects a deeply troubled person, wrestling with mental instability and a profound difficulty in trusting others. Marchrius averts his gaze, his eyes tracing the blades of grass as he secures the worn gauze around his forearm with a few awkward tugs. His lower lip catches between his teeth as he struggles to think of something to break the silence. He rakes his fingers through his unruly strawberry blonde locks, then glances up at the starry sky. The darkness gradually recedes, surrendering to a softer, midnight blue that hints at the edges of the night like the first whispers of dawn.

Marco picks up on Marchrius' unease and intervenes with a thoughtful query, "What do you enjoy doing in your free time?"

Marchrius' gaze drifts up to Marco's, his expression relaxed and a passionate smile spreading across his lips. After a soft belch, he clears his throat with a rough cough, then speaks enthusiastically, his words emerging slightly slower and more deliberate, "Well, I... I have a f-few thingsssss I'm pretty into."

“Like what?” Marco raises an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he asks, maintaining an air of level-headed curiosity.

"Hah... I love spendin' time with my k-kitty, Perifa... She's my dramatic lil’ princess, ya know? Trevor just won't get it, man.... I adore her soooooo much, I just wanna squeeze those adorable cheeks and play with her all day, every day! And, uh, s-smoke breaks with Tarma, Eri, and Tequila... thossssse are the best! I… errrr, occasionally smoke w-weed with Trevorrrr. I-I-I like to hit up kittyyyy cafes and... it's just purrfection!"

Marchrius' eyes sparkle with excitement as he talks about his beloved shorthair calico, his face lighting up with a warm smile. His words tumble out in an enthusiastic rush, his passion momentarily boiling over into a fervent tone. But as he speaks, his sentences begin to falter, his thoughts clouding over as he struggles to articulate them. The lingering haze of intoxication still clings to him, and his words trail off into awkward silence.

Marco waits patiently, a warm smile spreading across his face as a gentle chuckle escapes his lips, triggered by the simple cat pun. The awkward silence that follows is brief, lasting only a few seconds before Marchrius collects his thoughts and continues.

"I t-take naps at my desk... not exactlyyyy a hobby, but... rest isss i-important, ya know? And, uh, I'm really into those… crossword puzzles! Yeah! Did m-myyy first one when I wasssss just a kid... at the age of 1, can ya believe it? My daddy was impressed... maybe a little scared, haha! My parents were a-amazed I grasped thosssssse political terms, even back then. But my mommy... she jusssst didn't g-get it. Th-Thought I was some kinda freak," as he speaks, Marchrius' composure falters for an instant, his right eye twitching before he regains control. "Ungrateful... y-y-yeah, that's the worddd. She’s one helllll o-of a biatch!"

He shakes his head, pushing aside the bitter emotions that surface whenever he thinks of his mother, and refocuses on Marco with a forced smile and renewed enthusiasm. Marco empathises with Marchrius' disdain for his own mother, as Marco shares similar feelings towards his own mom due to her emotional distance, which he believes stems from his exceptionally high intelligence.

"Makin' artificial intelligence and t-tech viruses from scratch... it's theeeee best, ya know? Tests m-m-my knowledge and I realllyyyy love it! Goes so well with my quick mental… errrrr, ca-calculations. Like bread and butter, man! And I-I like toooo calculate math stuff and pr-program run times in my head. Keepssss my mind off... off other stuff. But, ugh, hate it when my m-mind wanders to the wrrrrong pl-places... It’s the fu-fucking worst!" Marchrius slurs his words in a drunken drawl, yet his passion for computer science shines through, tinged with a hint of melancholy that lingers at the end.

He bites his lower lip and takes a deep breath, refocusing on the pleasant conversation before concluding, "St-stargazing... it's gorgeous, ya know? I love lookin' at the stars, thinkin' about their stories... and stuff. Especially with someone I-I careeee about. It getsss me a-all introspective and whaaat not… Reminds me of Fio... she's into that astronomy thing! Timid little thing, but don't let that fool ya, she's got spunk. And her bakin’? Forget about it, it's amazing. It's il meglio del meglio, j-just like she says! Anyways… Whaddaya like to do in your... uhhh, free time?"

Marco pauses, intrigued by Marchrius' shared interest in computer science, and smiles warmly as he rests his hands on the grassy ground. He's surprised to discover that Marchrius' Fio has a confident side, hidden beneath her shy exterior.

"I also enjoy mentally calculating the running times of computer programs in my head. I find it a valuable hobby that helps me stay sharp in computer science. I'm really into computer programming and hacking. I actually work with Trevor, a computer whiz, to create new software programs. He's a huge help. I also love learning about binary code—its complex language and underlying logic are often underappreciated. Aside from computing, I have a unique hobby: imitating drunken master moves. It makes me feel empowered and energised," he enthusiastically shares, his excitement palpable, especially when discussing his computer-related pursuits.

"Dr-Drunken... master movesss? Urrr... I-I actually taught myyyyyself... h-how to do drunken-style boxing... back in high school. H-Had to defend m-myself from those bullies... looking for a fight! I-I preferred to use my words... but sometimes... that w-wasn't enough," Marchrius' words slur, his body swaying slightly, as his speech stumbles out in fragmented phrases.

He inches closer to Marco, drawn to his warmth, and becomes lost in reminiscence, his eyes glazing over with memories of his high school years.

"I guess school was rough for you?" Marco asks, his voice laced with genuine concern, his expression sympathetic as memories of his own struggles with bullying flicker across his face.

Marchrius nods solemnly, releasing a disheartened sigh. His words slur slightly as he speaks with deliberate slowness, "Ahhh, l-lot of students... th-thought it'd be a rrrreeal good idea to p-pick on ol' me. I didn't have anyyyyy r-real friends, ya know? My freakishly high intelligence, courtesy of my... my... su-super special DNA, only made things worssssee! Unfortunately... I-I pushed away those who tried to b-befriend me... Stupid me, r-right?"

Marchrius curls into himself, knees tucked tightly against his chest, and lifts his gaze to the blue-tinged darkness above. The stars twinkle like diamonds scattered across the fabric of the universe, their gentle sparkle a soothing balm for his troubled soul. Marco quietly wonders what this special DNA might be, making a mental note to ask about it later. Marco pauses for a moment, noticing that Marchrius is trembling slightly, and decides to steer the conversation towards a different topic of interest.

"If you don't mind me asking, what are Trevor, Tarma, Eri, Tequila, and Fio like? I'm curious about the people you mentioned earlier," Marco asks respectfully, hoping to distract Marchrius from his concerns and lift his spirits now that he's feeling a bit better.

Marchrius relaxes his grip on his knees and turns to face Marco, his gaze drawn to his turquoise eyes. He notices the warmth and vitality in them, a stark contrast to his own. Clearing his throat softly, Marchrius extends his right arm, tracing gentle circles in the grass beside him. Lost in thought, he pauses, collecting his thoughts on how to describe the individuals Marco had asked about. After a moment of contemplative silence, Marchrius leans in, his voice taking on a more intimate tone. Marchrius' face breaks into a warm, lopsided grin, his dull turquoise eyes shining with genuine affection.

"They're... one of a kind, r-really! I love them allllllll, dearly... ya know? Each one's special... in their own wayyyyy. And I cherish... uhhh, every... moment... with t-them," he speaks to Marco in a tone that's warmly sentimental, his words infused with a gentle, fuzzy happiness and his speech slightly slower than usual.

He then elaborates on the friends Marco mentioned, providing a detailed description of each person. Marchrius begins with Trevor, describing him as a kind-spirited and easy-going friend, whose dedication to his military work is matched only by his love for security programming, hacking, and gaming. Trevor is also an avid weed smoker, self-proclaimed existentialist, and Nadia’s best friend. Despite his calm nature, he's not afraid to show his ruthless side.

He has a strong dislike for being called "old" or "Trevor Spicy”, nicknames used jokingly by friends and comrades. He's highly allergic to cats, often referring to them as "diabolical little buggers”. Marchrius finds it entertaining how Perifa constantly seeks cuddles from Trevor, which greatly annoys him. He’s strongly opposed to illicit drug use, advocating for responsible substance use and supporting friends and comrades struggling with addiction. Marchrius greatly values Trevor's expertise in technology, programming, and interrogation.

Marchrius then shifts his focus to Tarma, his emotionally intelligent queerplatonic partner and first best friend. He affectionately describes him as a "maniacal gearhead" with a contagious, breezy optimism. Marchrius credits him with filling the emotional void left by his father's passing, providing much-needed intimacy and companionship. Additionally, his expertise in robotics engineering enabled him to design and build Marchrius' cybernetic prosthetic. Alongside Eri, Tarma also taught Marchrius Japanese phrases, which he enjoys incorporating into his dry humour.

Marchrius attributes his growth as a person to befriending Tarma, who helped him recognize the value of friendships and step out of his comfort zone. As a self-described loner, Marchrius cherishes Tarma emotional support and delights in his nerdy enthusiasm and constant jokes. However, he occasionally finds Tarma's teasing about his serious nature grating. Marchrius is aware that Tarma suffers from separation anxiety, becoming distressed when they're apart and unable to reach each other.

Marchrius describes Eri as a tomboyish leader who fearlessly seeks vengeance for those she cares about. She leads a group of Ptolemaic Army deserters who show remarkable kindness and respect towards her friends and comrades. She has a soft spot for those who suffered a difficult childhood, like herself, and enjoys vodka. She's overly protective of Fio and Walter, like an older sister, and considers some Regular Army special operatives as family.

However, she has a troubled past with Tarma, viewing him as a hot-headed and irresponsible individual. This history leads to tension, and Marchrius and her team often intervene to prevent her from physically lashing out at Tarma, which is frustrating. Marchrius notes that Eri has a habit of smearing blood on herself to intimidate enemies and harbours a deep distrust of Christianity. She's not thrilled that Tarma has romantic feelings for Fio, particularly when he makes flirtatious moves towards her.

Marchrius portrays Tequila as a wise, battle-hardened, and compassionate Catholic veteran who has bravely confronted the harsh realities of war. He possesses unwavering moral clarity, believing that truth, no matter how difficult it is, must be faced. Marchrius holds him in high esteem, crediting him as a key factor in the success of the Regular Army and S.P.A.R.R.O.W.S. Despite his tough demeanour, Tequila struggles with emotional vulnerabilities. Years of combat have inflicted lasting trauma, and he periodically requires solitude to recharge and contemplate.

He's sensitive about his height and dislikes being teased about it. When frightened or enraged, he exhibits a quirky habit of jumping onto others' backs. His values are uncompromising: he despises cowardice, incompetence, and duplicity. Surprisingly, Marchrius discovered that Tequila intensely dislikes war, empathising with military recruits whose worldview will be shattered by the brutal realities of combat.

Marchrius concludes his discussion about his friends, highlighting Fio's exceptional ability to connect with children, such as Tarma, Gimlet, and Ralf. She’s unafraid to express her emotions and offer stern guidance when needed, yet willing to lend a helping hand. Although initially timid around strangers, she warms up once she feels comfortable. Her passions include baking, meticulously preparing meals infused with love and consideration for others' preferences.

She has a deep appreciation for nature and maintains impeccable cleanliness standards, but has a tendency to get flustered easily. Her Italian upbringing instills superstitions that influence her worldview. Despite struggling with entomophobia and being an unskilled fighter, Fio excels as a strategist, employing effective keep-away tactics. Her emotional comfort comes from carrying Peppino, her childhood teddy bear, though Marchrius views this habit as childish.

As Marchrius concludes his long, passionate, and surprisingly insightful speech about Trevor, Tarma, Eri, Tequila, and Fio, Marco is stunned by how vastly different they are from his own friends. Marchrius remained relatively calm throughout the entire rant, but became slightly more animated in an affectionate manner when discussing Tarma and Fio. Marco's face breaks into a warm smile, his eyes sparkling with gentle joy, as he's glad to discover Marchrius has found people truly worthy of his trust. He’s also grateful that his Tarma has played a pivotal role in coaxing him out of his solitary existence and into meaningful connections.

"Wow, you've got some incredible friends!" Marco exclaims, gently clapping Marchrius on the back. "It's great to have people you can trust. Life would be tough without them."

Marchrius' face cracks into a slight smile, accompanied by a few warm, hearty chuckles.

"Y-yeah... But, honestly, I'm stilllll a loner, ya know? Socialising... uhhhh, sometimes it's just tooooo mu-much, ya feel me? And the funny thing issssss... I'm su-supposed to be a leader of… errrr, my t-team," Marchrius slurs, swaying slightly as he rubs the back of his neck and gazes up at the stars.

"I know the feeling," Marco says with a nod, his voice sympathetic. "We all need some alone time to recharge. Socialising can be exhausting."

He slowly crosses his arms, his expression thoughtful as he gazes up at the star-studded sky. Seeking a change in subject, he turns his attention to Marchrius, finding him an intriguing individual.

Marco's face lights up with curiosity and playfulness, and he asks with a sly grin, "So, anyone caught your eye lately?"

He's curious to know if Marchrius has a secret crush, someone he sees as a potential love interest.

Marchius waves his hand dismissively and shakes his head vigorously, his voice trembling slightly as he speaks, "No, no, no... Ab-Absolutely not! I’m aroace, okayyyy?! Romance, nahhhh... and... uhhh, t-the other thing... Just no! Makes myyy st-stomach do flips when… when I think ab-about it, mannnn.”

"Aroace, huh?" Marco murmurs, noticing Marchrius' uneasiness regarding the question about having any crushes. "Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. Curiosity just got the better of me.”

"Nahhh... i-it’s fine, ya didn't knowww," Marchrius slurs, shaking his head slightly and looking down at the ground, his voice laced with a hint of regret. "Sorrry... overreacted, I g-guess..."

Marchrius absently scratches the back of his head, his hiccup and sniffle interrupting his thoughts. Right next to him, Marco settles into a cross-legged position, inhaling slowly and deeply.

"Hey... You mentioned something about special DNA earlier. What's that about?" Marco speaks up, breaking the awkward silence, his curiosity evident in the tilt of his head as he looks at Marchrius.

Marchrius pauses, swaying slightly, his fingers tightening around his right forearm as he exhales deeply.

"Tuatha Dé Danann DNA, yeeeahhh..." he mutters, his hand waving lazily in the air. "Ancieeeent bu-bunch, man. Lived back in t-the Hadean Eon, yeah! Whennnn life first p-popped up… Way, wayyyy before humans. Crazy advanced tech... and ma-magic... the wholllle shebang!"

Marchrius chuckles with amusement, shaking his head as he leans in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "Their tech, man... it's like nothin' w-we can even imagine. Beyyyyyond wildest dreams, s-seriously! Everyone… everyone wants a piece: Rebel Army, Amadeus Syndicate, Ptolemaic Army... all crawlin' over each other like r-rats for a ssssslice of that… Tuatha Dé Danann’s pie. I mean, c-can yaaaa blame them?"

"Descendants got... uhhhh, sp-special gifts. We're like... super resilient! We caaannnn handle st-stuff that'd drive others straight to… uhhh, the looney bin! Like, full-blown se-sensory overload, man… We're sm-smarter than yourrrrr average Joe, no question! But, the originals? Wh-Whole different story. Hyperintelligence, far outta our leagueeee,” Marchrius remarks with a lopsided grin, tapping his temple lightly with his left index finger. “Physically, tooooo... w-we've got the signs. Skin's paleeee, sometimes gets d-duller with age. Hair's a-all over the map, black to blonde, and e-eyes... eyes are like the dammmmmnnn o-ocean, blue to cyan, everyyyy shade in between."

As Marchrius leans in closer, his voice barely audible, a shiver tracing his spine, he wraps his arms around himself, warding off a sudden chill, "I knowwwww Tequila and a co-couple of othersss… got that Tuatha Dé Danann DNA thing. I g-goooot that DNA fr-from my momma’s side... Daddy never noticed... th-those eyes. They're like... warning lights, glowing redddd. Onlyyyy show up s-sometimes, but it's like... they're watching me, man. M-Monitoring everyyyy damn move. Always lurking, ju-just out offfff sight."

He leans slightly back from Marco, crossing his arms as a tired yawn escapes him, his eyes growing heavy. Marchrius has a nagging sense that tomorrow will be another big day, filled with intense action and strategic planning. Marco still harbours concerns about his friends, the mission to Käthehirt Valley, and his own uncertain location. Before he can voice his questions, Marchrius interrupts, eager to pose one final question before returning to the Sparrowhawk Operations Base.

“G-Got anyyyy dreams for the… uhhhh, future?” he slurs, his head swaying unsteadily from side to side as he stares up at the twinkling stars, his words drawn out in a gentle hiccup.

Marco exhales heavily as he stands up, lifting the handle of the unused heavy machine gun with his left hand, and leans against the sturdy trunk of the ancient oak tree. Looking down at Marchrius with a hint of uncertainty, he replies, "I've been considering something. I need a bit more time to think it through, but I'm leaning towards starting a computer software business. What about you?"

Marchrius lets out a deep, slurred chuckle and smirks confidently, his dull turquoise eye glassy, "I've got a biggggg dream, man! Gonna be a me-mechatronics engineer... and… uhhhh, foster a whole bunch of kittens. And then... and th-then I'm gonna start thissssss company. Gonna make the most advanced computerrrrr models, AI, and cybersecurity stuff... for the mi-military and civilians, yeahhhh? I wanna ch-change the world. Or at least, most of it... Hopefully…"

Marco is enamoured with Marchrius' vision for his future, and he smiles softly, reassured that he has a clear direction to work towards.

“I believe in you. I know you’re going to succeed, no matter what comes your way. Your intelligence is your greatest ally. Don’t forget that,” he says with conviction, extending his hand to help him up from the grass.

Marchrius turns to Marco, a lopsided grin spreading across his face as his eyes shine with genuine happiness. As he sways slightly, he grasps Marco's outstretched hand with his right, seeking balance. With a thoughtful swipe, he brushes off his pants, sending grass and dirt flying, and replies with heartfelt gratitude.

"Th-Thank yaaaa... again," he speaks slowly and deliberately, his words slightly garbled. "Thank ya for... uhhhh, everything. I knowwww the future has… has greaaaattt th-things in store for ya! Anyways… errrrr, what dooooo I call ya?"

"Just call me Marco," he replies, his voice accompanied by a widened smile and a slight nod.

His turquoise eyes lock onto Marchrius' face, sparkling with gratefulness and acknowledgement. For a moment, he studies Marchrius' expression, convinced by the sincerity etched upon it.

“Mmmmm, Marchrius... yeah, that su-suits meeee well,” he slurs slightly with a gentle smile, offering a somewhat unsteady hand for a handshake.

He pauses to dab at his nose with a sniffle, his eyes squinting briefly as he struggles to focus, “We... uhhhh, share the same ni-nickname. Can't have us ca-causin' confusion... Bessssst keep things simple, right?”

Marco takes Marchrius' hand, and they share a firm but gentle handshake, Marchrius' grip momentarily tightening before they release. Marco crosses his arms as Marchrius carefully lifts the half-empty six-pack, its contents depleted by four beers. Gripping the handle tightly to prevent a drop, Marchrius' exhausted body sways slightly.

"Uhhmmm... Do you know where I am?" Marco asks, suddenly remembering his urgency. "I need to get back to my friends ASAP. I have an important mission going on."

Marchrius' eyes go wide with surprise, his expression stunned by Marco's revelation. He dips his head, his gaze falling to the grass, its blades now heavy with absorbed rainwater. As he processes the news, he subtly shifts his weight onto his left leg.

"Oh! In a mo-mountain forest, waaaaaay outta ci-civilization… Just critters and treesssss and stuff. We’re in some remote and… errrrr, to-totally abandoned part of greaaattttt ol’ Britain," Marchrius responds honestly, taking a deep breath to steady his thoughts.

“I see… Well! I better take my leave. I have a looooong journey ahead of me. It was nice meeting you, Marchrius. Take care!” Marco exclaims, adjusting his belt and the straps of his military-issued backpack.

As Marco waves goodbye and walks away from the oak tree, Marchrius swiftly clamps down on his arm, his powerful cybernetic hand closing around his bicep like a vice. Marco's exit is halted abruptly, his momentum arrested by the unyielding grip. Marco freezes, raising an eyebrow as he turns his head to face Marchrius, whose frowned expression suggests he's unhappy about Marco's sudden departure. Marchrius' dull turquoise eyes gleam with a hint of melancholy as he slowly withdraws his chilled hand, his index finger stained with the blood he tried to wipe away from his forearm.

“D-Do you… uhhhh, think we'll seeeee each other a-again?” Marchrius asks, his voice trembling and his words slightly stumbling out of his mouth as he struggles to articulate the anxiety and sorrow lumped in his throat.

Marco lets out a heavy sigh and looks down at the ground, feeling uncertain about the possibility of their paths crossing again. However, he shakes off the doubt and decides to remain hopeful, offering a reassuring smile to Marchrius. He hopes that his optimism will lift Marchrius' spirits and kindle a glimmer of hope that they might meet again.

"You know… I think we'll cross paths once again," he says with a gentle smile, his eyes radiating warmth and hopefulness. "Only time will tell."

Marchrius nods curtly and retrieves his combat knife, his stoic silence a testament to his exhaustion. The marathon session of paperwork and computer work with Trevor had left him mentally drained. As Marco departs, eager to rejoin his team and tackle their mission in Käthehirt Valley, Marchrius casts a fleeting glance over his shoulder, watching the distance grow between them. Despite knowing there's a chance their paths will cross again, a pang of uncertainty settles in the pit of his stomach, leaving him with the haunting feeling that this might be their final farewell.

With a weary shake of his head, Marchrius exhales a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of bodily exhaustion seep into his bones. He continues trudging towards the Sparrowhawk Operations Base, driven by a longing for the solace of his bed and a chance to move on from the day's events. Though his inner turmoil still lingers, this unexpected encounter has brought a measure of healing.

As he navigates the familiar forested mountain landscape, he pauses at the cerulean lake, its usually gleaming surface now muted by approaching gloomy clouds and the full moon's descent below the horizon. Seizing the moment, Marchrius cleans the bloodstains from his combat knife and left index finger, eager to avoid stirring unnecessary panic among his friends. The thought of their worry adds to his already mounting stress, a burden he can barely afford.

He kneels at the lake's edge, primroses crunching beneath his weight, and sheds his crimson vest. The water's calm surface reflects the fading moonlight as he washes the combat knife and his index finger, using the vest's inner lining as a makeshift towel to blot away the blood. After a few minutes of methodical cleaning, he swiftly dons his vest and grips the knife's handle firmly. Standing up, he shakes off the dirt and scattered petals clinging to his legs. As he approaches the Sparrowhawk Operations Base, he catches a fleeting glimpse of glowing red eyes observing him from behind a thicket of bushes near a large boulder. Although he shrugs it off without a second glance, the image lingers, leaving him with a nagging sense of unease.

Meanwhile, Marco navigates the forested mountain, his caution waning now that he's confident he's far from enemy territory. Yet, he remains vigilant, aware that the wilderness can be unpredictable. As he ascends, pushing through dense thickets of foliage and towering deciduous and conifer trees, a fierce gust of wind sweeps through, sending a shiver down his spine. The intensity builds, making every step a struggle. Marco's vision blurs, and he raises his right hand to shield his face from the biting wind. For an instant, it feels like a swarm of knives is slashing past him, his skin turning icy cold.

The gale forces him backward, nearly sending him crashing into a nearby Douglas fir. Marco's eyes snap shut, and he wraps his arms tightly around his body, desperate for warmth. He waits, bracing against the wind's fury, hoping it will soon subside. As suddenly as it began, the gale subsides, replaced by a snowy blizzard that, though still fierce, brings a relative calm. The biting cold seeps into Marco's skin, and the swirling snowflakes reduce his progress to a sluggish crawl. Each step is a battle against the unforgiving cold, his face stung by icy air and progress hindered by thickening snow. Undeterred, Marco pushes forward, driven by the urgent need to escape this chaos and reconnect with his team.

After what feels like an eternity, his surroundings gradually dissolve into a soothing thicket of fog, obscuring his entire view. Yet, paradoxically, it brings a gentle warmth reminiscent of spring, lightly heating his skin and alleviating the bitter cold that racks his body. As he continues moving up the mountain, he slowly opens his eyes, bewildered by the sudden change. The snow beneath him grows thinner, but still crunches beneath his feet as he presses forward with uncertainty. The fog slowly lifts, and the air is replaced by the all-too-familiar scent of warfare: the acrid tang of spilled gore and the burning fires ignited by explosives.

He freezes at the summit, scanning the snowy landscape with utter bewilderment. It takes him only a moment to recognize the familiar contours of Käthehirt Valley, scarred by remnants of the First Morden War. Scattered across the ground are the corpses of Rebel soldiers, their blood-soaked organs and bullet wounds staining the pristine snow crimson. The wreckage of tanks and aircraft, including Iron Isos, Di-Cokkas, and a Flying Tara, lies abandoned, burning and rusting. Marco clenches his heavy machine gun, brow furrowed, poised to unleash a hail of bullets at anyone who dares fire upon him. Then, a gentle, eerily calm voice pierces the silence, its curiosity and surprise infused with a familiarity that makes his heart skip a beat.

“Marco? Is that you?”

A melodious, Italian-accented voice drifts from behind him, its gentle cadence a stark contrast to the carnage surrounding him. He swiftly turns around, his grip on the heavy machine gun relaxing as he recognizes the voice. Fio stands before him, and a warm smile spreads across his face. He takes a step forward, relief washing over him at the sight of her, unscathed and safe amidst the devastation.

“Yep, it's me,” Marco says, his voice soothing and reassuring as he closes the distance between them.

Fio's tense expression eases, accompanied by a soft sigh of relief, her brown eyes locking onto his with gratitude.

"Thank goodness you're okay... The others and I thought you'd vanished and fallen into a trap. We tried to pull you back up, but the force beneath you was too strong, and it pulled you in too quickly. I was getting really worried..." Fio says calmly, taking a cautious step forward while remaining vigilant, her grip firm on her two machine guns.

"Hey, where are the others?" Marco asks, raising an eyebrow, his concern evident.

"Follow me. They're not far," Fio murmurs, her left hand beckoning as she quickly moves to rejoin Tarma, Eri, and Derek.

Without hesitation, Marco follows suit, overjoyed to finally reunite with his friends. Anticipating their questions and concerns, he knows he has a lot of explaining to do. Although unsure if they'll believe him, he's willing to try and alleviate their curiosity.

@fruitypixel

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