For just a moment, Galliard returns Reiner's hug, a strong arm sliding up and looping around his neck. The affection is unmistakable, as is the tingling that starts at Reiner's nape and drips down his spine, warming him from within.

Reiner doesn't have his Titan here. But Galliard does, and he's as hot as he should be. As they both should be. For that moment, Reiner feels the heat they ought to share. He feels right—and he knows it's not because of the Titan.

It's because it's Galliard. Porco, somehow alive and well.

The moment might just last a few seconds, or it could be longer. Reiner isn't sure. Too soon, however, Galliard starts to pull back. Reiner reluctantly allows it, but he keeps a hand firmly on Galliard's bicep, unwilling to relinquish his hold entirely. As if by hanging on physically, he can prevent this impossible moment from ending.

"Would you believe me if I said it's another world?" he asks, no humor in his voice. "Because that's what it is. There are people from all different realities; most have never even heard of Titans. Time works differently, death doesn't seem to matter, and … there's magic."

He pauses, knowing how utterly insane he sounds. Then, with a frown: "I turned into a rhinoceros, didn't I?"