It’s a little surprising how quickly Reiner goes for his hand, and it makes Galliard’s heart hurt. So much goddamned lost time, so much anger and wasted emotions over nothing that really mattered in the end. He clasps Reiner’s hand back, gripping it like he should have a long time ago. He can’t change their past, but he can do better in whatever future they have here.

He nods at what Marco says, and smiles faintly at him. That’s a level of grace and dignity that is close to awe-inspiring, and Galliard knows he’d have difficulty doing the same, especially so fast. Hell, it took him almost dying and then actually dying to get his head straight, and he’s older than Marco.

“You got the punching out of your system? Good. No more throwing rocks, either.” Then he turns back to Reiner, and as he does, Galliard lowers his knees out of a his crouch, settling more solidly onto the floor. Are they going to hug this out? If they are, he’s ready.

“You’re not going to get a better offer than this, Reiner.” He squeezes his hand. “I think you should take it.”