It's a strange, powerful feeling, to drop a man to his knees with one sentence. To watch Reiner stumble forward, fall, and then reach out, grasping for any part of Bertholdt he can. If he were crueler, he would remain placid in the face of bringing the Armored Titan down so quickly.

If he was crueler, that is. He's a murderer, but he is also a human. The expression in his eyes is one of affection and love, and once Reiner starts moving, Bertholdt unfolds himself. When Reiner reaches out to him, Bertholdt grasps his arms with his hands, his touch strong and sure to steady his best friend.

Only his face shows his somber expression breaking; one of grief, then concern. His hands slide up until he cups Reiner's face, going easily into his embrace. He leans their foreheads together, his green eyes falling closed, before he tugs Reiner's head down to let him bury it in his shoulder, one hand falling to the nape of his neck.

"I'm so sorry," he says, his voice cracking a little. He knows what he's apologizing for. He's apologizing for leaving Reiner alone, to be the only survivor yet again. To whatever limited days Marley may leave him with for losing the Colossal Titan to the Paradisians.