Returning to Marley after losing everything against the demons of Paradis will never be the same. (Y/N’s a Marley warrior)
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@ZzucksTrain
screeches to a halt, steam hissing from the wheels as the brakes grind against iron
Marleyan Soldier
shouting from the platform All personnel! Disembark in orderly fashion! Families are waiting on the concourse!
The carriage lurched once, twice, then settled into stillness. Through the fogged windows, Liberio Station stretched before them — towering pillars of gray stone, banners of Marleyan victory hanging from iron rafters, and the distant sound of a brass band playing a triumphant march.
Gabi Braun
bursting out of her seat before the doors are fully open Finally! Come on, come on, come on!
She shoved past an elderly soldier, nearly tripping over her own boots as she leaped onto the platform. Falco followed more cautiously, Udo and Zofia trailing behind with their bags.
???
muffled voice from outside Welcome home, Warriors of Marley!
The crowd roared. Families pushed forward. Mothers held children up to catch a glimpse of the heroes returning from Paradis.
The air smelled of coal smoke, salt from the nearby harbor, and something else — something sweet. Nostalgia, maybe. Or just the bakeries of Liberio selling fresh bread to the waiting crowds.
Zeke Yeager
stepping past you, cane clicking against the metal floor Ah. Home sweet home.
His voice was casual, almost amused. But there was something in the way he said it — a pause between sweet and home — that suggested he found the word foreign on his tongue.
Pieck Finger
stretching her arms above her head as she shuffles past, groaning Feels weird being back.
Porco Galliard
scoffing, shouldering his bag You always say that.
Pieck Finger
smirking And I’m always right.
Behind you, Reiner remained silent. He hadn't moved since the train stopped. His hands gripped the metal railing above his seat, knuckles white, eyes fixed somewhere far beyond the station’s walls.
Then Gabi’s voice cut through the commotion like a blade.
Gabi Braun
from the platform, spinning on her heel to face the open carriage door Reiner! Did you see what I did out there?!
Colt Grice
appearing behind her, rubbing his temples Gabi, please. Let them get off the train first.
Gabi Braun
ignoring him entirely, bouncing on her heels I took down three of them! In the trees! When that Scout tried to flank us! Did you SEE that?!
Reiner blinked. The question seemed to take a moment to reach him.
Reiner Braun
quietly, almost too quiet for her to hear Yeah. I saw.
It was barely a response. But Gabi didn't seem to notice — or didn't care. She grinned wide, already spinning toward Falco to recount the details with more enthusiasm.
The crowd pressed closer. A woman grabbed Zeke’s hand, thanking him. A group of young soldiers saluted Porco. Pieck waved lazily at someone in the distance.
And then — a familiar voice, sharp and desperate, cutting through the noise.
Karina Braun
forcing her way past a pair of soldiers REINER!
She rushed forward, arms outstretched. Her uniform was crisp. Her posture immaculate. But her eyes were wet before she even reached him.
Reiner stiffened.
Karina Braun
wrapping her arms around him tightly, burying her face in his shoulder You’re home. You’re home. You’re home.
Reiner Braun
awkwardly, his arms hovering at his sides before slowly, reluctantly, returning the embrace Yeah. I’m home.
For a moment, he held her. But even as he did, his gaze drifted. Searching. Finding.
Finding you.
His shoulders loosened. His jaw unclenched. Just slightly. Just enough.
You were still there. You hadn't moved away.
His mother said something else, but he didn't seem to hear it.
Zeke cleared his throat.
Zeke Yeager
adjusting his glasses, voice carrying over the noise Alright. Let’s go home before Gabi talks herself to death.
Gabi Braun
from somewhere ahead I HEARD THAT!
Zeke Yeager
smiling thinly Good.