Chapter 35

Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan

Rated M for gore violence, language, and sexual content

Enjoy

Warrior HQ, Liberio, Marley, 854...

Reiner leaned against the wall as he watched his cousin, Gabi, spar with Falco Grice. Despite Falco being slightly taller, slightly heavier, Gabi had him on the defense. She could read his movements, and managed to sweep his legs out from under him. Falco glared up at her, gritting his teeth. Reiner sighed, his mind a million miles away. Will I really have to go back? To that damn island?

The very thought of it created a pit in his stomach. He pushed off the wall and headed for the entrance, glaring at nothing in particular. He raised his head as he approached the stairs of the mezzanine. A kid was hopping down the steps, humming to himself. Reiner focused on the boy's face and then froze. The boy jumped off the second-to-last step, landing in a crouch and creating little dust clouds around his feet. The boy noticed Reiner and smiled politely. "I'm sorry, Mister."

Reiner stared at the boy. His auburn hair fluttered in the wind. His bright, blue eyes staring back at Reiner's gold ones. But there was no doubt in Reiner's mind...he looks just like me!

The boy glanced around awkwardly. "Okay, bye."

He jogged away, leaving Reiner alone in his shock. The boy stopped just outside the courtyard entrance, clutching his satchel as he looked around. Reiner continued to watch him. It can't be...is this real? Am I dreaming?

The boy turned as someone approached. A petite woman in a burgundy dress that complimented her auburn hair. She wore a hat that covered most of her face. Reiner saw her familiar smile. His heart skipped a beat with nostalgia at that smile. The woman bent down to the boy's eye level, whispering something to him. The boy laughed, a wonderful, joyful sound. He said something Reiner couldn't hear and then pointed right at him. The woman turned her head, the upper-half of her face hidden in the shadow of her stylish hat. Her smile disappeared.

She promptly stood up straight and held her hand out to the boy. He took it and together, they walked out of view. Reiner felt a surge of action, taking a step forward. But he hesitated. Various emotions and memories running through him. He was abruptly pulled from his thoughts by someone yanking on his arm. "Reiner! Let's go home!"

"Gabi, my arm," he scolded, slipping free.

Gabi giggled as she circled Reiner. "C'mon! Mom says she's making strudels for dessert tonight."

"I'm not staying for dinner." He followed her to the entrance, his heart beating fast as they stepped onto the sidewalk. Reiner looked to his left. The woman and the boy long gone in the crowd of the city.

"Do you have a warrior meeting tonight?" Gabi asked.

Reiner turned to follow her in the opposite direction. "Something like that. Myself and the other Warriors were invited to a production at the theater. Some historic play."

Gabi gasped in awe. "You guys got invited to watch a play? That's amazing."

"I guess. I've never really liked plays."

She ignored him. "Officer Fischer told me they sometimes the actors sing in the plays. They sing so loud that their voices could even shatter glass. Man, I'd love to see that someday."

Reiner studied her bright, dreaming face. Her eyes shining with a hopeful future. It sadden him to think what awaited her in two years. Gabi heaved a big sigh as she stuffed her hands into her pockets. "So, what's the play called?"

Helios Theater, that evening...

"The Ransom?"

Pieck blinked at Porco, maintaining her easy-going smile. "It's called The Phantom. It's a new production."

The both of them stood with Reiner and Colt outside the theater. Standing off to the side and out of the way of the Marleyan attendees. Colt watched the rich come, car by car. Entering in fine clothes. The women wore extravagant dresses and the men wore tuxes. But the four of them were dressed in their cleanest, military uniforms. Standing out more so than they ever did before. Colt turned to Reiner. "Is this really okay? Us being here?"

"Zeke said we were invited," he said.

"Can't imagine why," Porco added, folding his arms over his chest. "Or is high society just that pleased with our service during the war?"

"Pock, behave."

Porco shot Pieck a glare. Reiner glanced over his shoulder, seeing Zeke descending from the steps. "Chief's here."

The Warriors turned to face Zeke as he approached them. He was also dressed in his fine uniform. He held out his arms. "Wonderful! You're all here. Let's go. We've been given our own viewing box."

"That's incredibly generous," Porco grumbled.

Zeke slapped his hand to Porco's shoulder, giving him a friendly shake. "Cheer up, Porco. I promise you're gonna have a good time. Now, come on. We don't want to miss a thing."

He led them into the theater. The five Eldians walked with purpose, doing their best to both mind and ignore the hateful glares of the Marleyans. Women covered their mouths with their fans as they whispered and gossiped. They headed up the grand stairs and further to the third floor. Ushers were directing guests to their booths. But Zeke seemed to know where he was going. He stopped in front of a door and opened it for them. "Go on in."

The Warriors found themselves in a roomy booth, facing the stage below. The walls and floor were covered in red suede. Five chairs were perfectly arrange with little tables between them. Porco shrugged his shoulders as he looked over the booth and the grand stage. Completely at a loss. "Seriously. What did we do?"

"Maybe we have really grateful patrons," Pieck wondered, sitting up front.

"Actually, just great connections." Zeke gestured for Colt to sit beside him and Pieck.

Reiner took the seat behind Pieck and Colt while Porco took the other chair. Porco picked up a small, delicate object on the table between him and Reiner. "These are the smallest binoculars I've ever seen in my life."

"Those are opera glasses," Pieck told him.

Zeke glanced around, making sure they couldn't be seen by the other guests. He peeked over the edge, noting that the ground level was almost full. He promptly swiveled around. He leaned in close, lowering his voice. "Now, listen. All of you know that four years ago, we captured a political hostage of incredible value. One of the devils of the island."

Everyone but Reiner leaned closer. He folded his arms over his chest, looking away. "The Princess of Paradis, right?" Colt asked. "A true member of the royal family."

"That's right. And she's been hiding here in the city...in plain sight."

Porco blinked in surprise as so did the others. "The brass is letting her walk around freely? That's oddly trusting of them."

"A lot has happened while we've been away. She's been allowed to live and work as she pleases so long as she obeys Marley and births future warriors." Pieck turned away at this, facing the stage but still listening. "She mainly works at the Berghain, but she was recently hired to work here. It's how she scored us tickets."

"What does she do here?" Porco asked.

"She's in the play."

"What?" they gasped in unison.

"Wait, wait, wait, wait a second." Porco waved his hands about. "You're telling us an Eldian-a devil of the island, no less...is performing in a play for Marleyans, with Marleyans?"

"Yes."

Porco sat back in his char. Flabbergasted. "Oh. Well...then she must be one hell of princess."

"She certainly is," Zeke agreed, sneaking a glance at Reiner. The lights dimmed. He turned back around to face front. "It's starting."

Reiner was grateful for the darkness. He gripped his arms tight, the whole situation making the pit in his stomach worse. The actors stepped onto the stage. Elderly folks bidding on antiques. He hardly paid attention. Not even as the music turned grand and exciting. The scene changed. Taking place 30 years earlier. The characters rehearsing for a play as the stage became lively with color. A play within a play?

Reiner groaned. The characters began to sing. He glanced at the others. They were all watching intently, not missing a thing. Reiner flicked his gaze to the stage. The main star was strutting about, singing alongside a very round man. Female dancers surrounding them. One dancer caught his attention. She was smaller than the rest, but moved in sync with them. Red-brown curls cascading down her back. Reiner tilted his head, narrowing his eyes. But the dancer moved too fast, too fluid with her flowy costume and scarves for him to see her properly.

If he relaxed, he could almost find the scene hypnotic. Brilliant colors, exotic and lavish. As the primadonna reached the climax of her song, letting out a powerful belt, a beam came crashing down. Nearly crushing her. She screamed and everyone crowded around her, fussing over her. Reiner closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was growing incredibly frustrated. No matter what he did, his thoughts went back to earlier. To the boy he saw at HQ. The way he happily bounded down the steps. His blue eyes. Just like hers.

"...assure you, monsieurs," said a character down on the stage, slamming her cane down, "Christine has been well taught. She can sing the part."

He remembered the woman. Her smile. The way she moved. It had to have been her. It had to have been.

"Go on, child. Sing."

The dancer stepped forward, keeping her head low as she fidgeted with the scarf in her hand. She begun to sing, soft, meek, and too quiet to hear. The woman slammed her cane down again, startling the dancer. She raised her head and sang louder. "Think of me...think of me, fondly when we've said goodbye..."

Reiner jerked his head up. He recognized that voice. He leaned forward, watching the woman down below. It's her!

Cassandra stood beneath the spotlight. "On that day, that not so distant day when you are far away and free...if you ever find a moment, spare a thought for me!"

She disappeared into the shadows. Suddenly surrounded by people as they changed her costume. Replacing her dancer's costume to that of the primadonna. The background changed to one of a meadow full of birds and butterflies. The other characters withdrew, leaving Cassandra alone to shine and sing. "And though its clear, though it was always clear that this was never meant to be..."

Reiner watched her sing and dance around the stage. Twirling and smiling as sweet as the words she sang. A memory from their cadet days flashed through his mind. Them sitting in their favorite spot atop the cliff. Her lying on the blanket and smiling up at him. Eyes full of love. "Think of all the things we've shared and seen...don't think about the way things might have been..."

Another memory: the night they broke up. The tears that came to her eyes as he broke off their secret relationship. One he knew he never should've started in the first place. "Imagine me trying too hard to put you from my mind..."

Another memory: when he was running from the Scouts, when she had flown in front of his eyes and he snatched her out of the air. Her eyes, once full of love, had burned with rage and hatred. "There will never be a day when I won't think of you!"

Cassandra moved with the music. Reiner curled his hands into fists, pressing down into his thighs. The memories were reeling in his head. He rubbed his face, trying to calm himself. "She's a goddess."

He glanced over at Porco who was watching more intently than the others. A hand over his mouth and his eyes gleaming. Reiner had seen that look before. Cassandra was mesmerizing. "Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade...they have their seasons, so do we, but please promise me that sometimes you will think..."

She played with her voice. Starting of low and enticing. Then built and built, drawing power into her voice until she reverberated through the whole theater. "OF ME!"

She dropped to her knees and bowed as the audience erupted into applause. Cassandra raised her head, smiling and bowing in gratitude. Her bright, happy face reminded Reiner of the piercing feeling in his chest. He closed his eyes. I am a Warrior of Marley. I am a Warrior of Marley, he told himself. I am a Warrior of Marley. I am a Warrior...of Marley...

Northern Mid-East, 850...

Reiner sat with a group of fellow Eldian soldiers, eating what resembled dinner. The sun was beginning to set and the heat of the desert started to disappear. For the moment, the cool breeze was a relief. He glanced across the base camp, noticing Magath speaking to Zeke. It was nothing out of the ordinary at first, but the longer he watched them, the more he noticed how serious their conversation seemed to be. Reiner's instincts urged him to finish up his food quickly and walk over. Worried generals were never a good sign.

As he got closer, Zeke said something that made Magath frown disapprovingly. The general said something sharp and stomped away. Zeke placed a hand on his hip as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Everything alright?" Reiner asked, finally approaching.

Zeke sighed in frustration, turning away from Reiner slightly. "No, actually. It's not."

"What's wrong? Did something go down during Galliard's mission?"

"Hm? Oh, no...it's nothing to do with that." Zeke studied Reiner, hesitating to say more. "It's Cassandra. She went into labor prematurely."

Reiner froze, his eyes widening in silent shock. "She lost a lot of blood," Zeke continued, "and is in critical condition. The doctors say she's not getting any worse, but not any better either. They're already making preparations."

Reiner relaxed, regaining his composure. Making sure not to show any emotion. "And the...baby?"

"Baby's fine. Just eager to get out, I guess."

Reiner lowered his gaze to the ground. He clenched and unclenched his fists. His gut twisted in nervousness. She has to be okay. She's survived so much. "I'm sure she'll pull through. She's overcome worse."

"That's incredibly ignorant and optimistic of you," Zeke noted. He narrowed his eyes, studying Reiner. He tilted his head, a little curious. "You don't still have feelings for her, do you?"

"Of course not. And I never did," Reiner said carefully and confidently. "I told you...it was never serious."

Zeke nodded his head, accepting his answer. But eyes remained analytical. Looking for any crack in Reiner's demeanor. Zeke scratched his ear. "Do you want to know the baby's gender?"

Reiner turned to walk away. "No. I don't."

Helios Theater, present...

"That was amazing," Colt said, applauding along with the audience as the final curtain descended. "The princess was amazing."

"Remember to hold back the title, Colt. Marley doesn't want other people knowing," Zeke said. "Her name's Cassandra Reiss."

"She's a talented singer," Pieck noted. "She really resonated the character's feelings."

Porco leaned forward, resting his elbows on the back of Zeke and Colt's chairs. "Say...if she's working here, does that mean she can score us tickets to every show? That'd be pretty sweet if she could."

"I can't promise she'll be able to." Zeke stood up, readjusting his jacket. "We can hope, though. As long as she's allowed to perform."

Reiner said nothing, half-listening to them. Colt stood up as well. "Will we get to meet her? Congratulate her?"

"Not tonight. This was a premiere. The cast and crew usually host an after party." He headed towards the door. "Don't worry. I'll arrange a meeting for us. It'd be good for all of us to know her."

Porco and Colt smiled at that thought. Pieck gave no such reaction, silently following them out of the booth. Reiner was behind them. He glanced back at the covered stage. Giant, dark curtains with gold designs at the bottom. I wonder...

Pieck noticed him lingering. "Reiner, you coming?"

He snapped out of his trance. "Yeah. Right behind you."

Backstage...

Cassandra pulled at the strings of the corset she wore. She hated the damn thing. As soon as it was off, she took a deep, big breath. Her lungs relishing the freedom. It was a miracle she could even sing with it on. Guess those lessons paid off. A month before the army had returned, she was approached by the theater director. Having heard her sing at The Berghain, he requested she audition. Never expected to get picked. Much less land the lead role.

She removed the rest of her costume and tossed the pieces unceremoniously near the rack of other costumes. As the lead, she was granted a private dressing room. Cassandra wrapped herself in her robe and plopped down at the vanity. She removed the extensions clipped to her head, then proceeded to remove the heavy stage makeup. Beside the vanity was a washbowl and pitcher. She scrubbed her face vigorously, getting any extra makeup and sweat off. A knock on the door startled her. "Ugh." She felt around for a towel. Another knock. "Come in!"

She finally found her towel, and wiped her face as she sat back down. She heard the door open and close, heavy footsteps stepping inside. "If you're about to complain about the tickets for the Warriors," she said through the towel, "I don't want to hear it, Gaston."

"Cassandra."

She froze. That voice. Cassandra removed her towel. Reiner stood before her. For the first time in four years. The last time she saw him was when she first arrived in Marley, and he had stayed on the ship to fight in the war. She was surprised more by how much he had...changed. He was slimmer, his hair a little longer. He was definitely a man, now. All of his teenage boyish-features long gone. He even had facial hair. Cassandra blinked through her initial shock. Confusion and suspicion replacing everything else. "Reiner...what're you doing here?"

He held out a bouquet. "I, uh...brought these for you."

Cassandra stared at the flowers. A simple arrangement of white and purple tulips. She furred her brows, her confusion growing as she took them. As she brought them close, their scent filled her nose. She knew the Warriors had attended the show, her Marleyan coworkers complained as much. But this was unexpected. Still, she couldn't shake her suspicion. "I'm sorry I didn't come see you sooner," he said. "Things have been...a little...hectic."

She frowned at his awkwardness. "What?"

"The military is on edge, I mean. Getting ready for...the next fight." He fidgeted with his tie, loosening it a tiny bit. "I liked the play, by the way. It was...entertaining. The whole...fake ghost thing."

Is he serious? Small talk? Cassandra waved her hand about, cutting him off. "Stop. What're you doing? Why're you here?"

"To give you those flowers."

"And you did. Thank you." She gestured for him to leave or say more, but he only fidgeted further. She set the flowers down on the vanity. "What do you want, Reiner?"

He flinched at her tone. He cleared his throat. "I wanted to talk."

"About?"

"Sebastian," he confessed. "I wanted to talk about him. Ask about him."

Cassandra felt a familiar prickle of motherly instinct. "How'd you know his name?"

"Zeke told me."

Cassandra rolled her eyes as she sat back in the small chair. Figures. That fucker. Reiner lowered his gaze, thinking back to the boy. Thinking of his bright smile. "What's he like? Sebastian? Is he...happy?"

"Why are you suddenly so interested?" she asked, surprising him. "What're you trying to do?"

He blinked, taken aback by her defensiveness. "N-Nothing. I want to know about him."

"Why? I thought you didn't want anything to do with him. Or me, for that matter."

"No, that's not true. I..." He sighed, not wanting to fight. "I did want to know. I still do, but I...I didn't think you would tell me anything. Much less talk to me. Especially with everything that had happened between us."

"If you had asked, I would've told you everything." She shook her head, her anger rising. "You have no right to blame me when you never had the balls to reach out in the first place."

He lowered his head. "I didn't think you'd respond."

Cassandra curled her hands into fists, breathing steadily to keep herself calm. "My father wanted me. He loved me. But my mother stole me, kept me away just to spite him. And my father died...not knowing a single thing about me except that I existed." Her anger cooled a bit. "I don't want to be like that. I won't be like that."

Reiner furred his brows. Feeling a faint, sliver of hope. "Does he know about me? Know that I'm his father?"

"He hasn't asked. Not yet, anyways," she said. "But when he does, I intend to tell him the truth. So that he can form his own opinion and feelings about you."

Reiner recoiled from her glare. Cassandra studied him. He squirmed beneath her gaze, both afraid and determined about something. Her suspicion had never settled. Her instincts sensing some ulterior motive. "Why are you here?" she repeated. "What do you want?"

"I...I don't know," he confessed. His shoulders slumped as if a great weight was pressing down on him. "I don't know what I was expecting when I came here. What I'd expect to feel. Anger? Sadness? No...no, that's a lie."

He ran his fingers up into his hair, unable to look her in the eye any longer. "I hoped I would feel nothing. That I'd see you and feel absolutely nothing after all this time. I'd know I was no longer weak. But then...I saw him. At HQ, I saw him...my son. He looks just like me. Seeing his face...his bright smile...it made me feel so...so happy!"

He raised his head to look at her, his eyes full of fear. "Then I saw you. For the first time in four years, you were right there in front me, and I felt...ashamed."

Cassandra remained completely silent as she listened, her face like stone. "I felt so ashamed," he continued, "because in that moment, all I wanted to was be with the both of you. But I know that's impossible. There's absolutely no way it could ever be like that. You're here because of me. I used you to gain leniency for myself. To give my superiors something so that they wouldn't take away my Armor."

He brought his hand down over his face. "I knew what Marley would make you do. I told myself I didn't care. That was all you were meant for. But...the thought of you with Zeke or anyone else makes me skin crawl."

He dropped to his knees, grabbing at his hair as words spilled out of him uncontrollably. "I'm disgusted with myself. With my own selfishness. I want things to be like how it was before. Back in our cadet days. When we'd sneak off to our spot on the cliff. I want that...but I know I shouldn't. I shouldn't want it at all. I should despise you. I should hate you! You're an island devil! You're evil! You're a monster! You seduced me! You're a wicked, wicked demon!"

The room grew quiet. The only noise coming from Reiner's heavy breathing as he stared at the floor in utter disbelief of himself. Cassandra waited, wondering if he would say more. But she was curious. "Is that really how you feel?" she asked calmly. "Is that what you thought every time we kissed? Every time we touched? Every time you were inside of me?"

Reiner said nothing, unable to move. "Sebastian has my blood...and he has yours," she pointed out. "Do you think the same about him? Is an innocent, three-year-old a demon, too?"

More silence. Cassandra sighed, a headache blooming behind her eyes. "Get out. I'm interested in making you feel better about hating me."

She turned and buried her face in her hands. This is seriously the last thing I need. Why? Why does he always do this? She sighed sadly, waiting to hear the door open and close. His footsteps to fade away. After several moments, she peeked over her hands. Reiner was still there, kneeling with his head hung. "I said get out," she said. "Go!"

He remained perfectly still. Showing no reaction to her raised voice. His eyes glazed over and wide as if lost in some deep, dark thoughts. Cassandra growled and reached to him. "Snap out of it! Reiner, get-!"

He grabbed her hand before she could get any closer. "Wait! I don't-?!"

Cassandra recoiled, disturbed by the utter terror in his eyes. Reiner blinked, coming back to reality. He realized he had a tight hold on her hand, squeezing her fingers desperately. "I...I'm sorry." He let her go and she withdrew from him. "I'm so sorry. Sometimes I...get caught. My mind gets stuck on a memory. It's like I'm reliving it."

"What memory?" she asked, rubbing her hand.

"Back in Shiganshina. When you tried to kill me." He could recall every detail perfectly. She had appeared out of nowhere. Moving faster than he had ever seen before. Her blade cutting into his neck. Her eyes dark with determination. "For a second, I thought...you were trying to kill me again."

She frowned at him, offended. "Why would I kill you?"

"You said that you would," he said sadly. "That I had to die by your hand. You swore you'd kill me yourself no matter what."

"What? When did I ever say that?"

Reiner tensed, nearly shuddering at the memory. "Back on the rooftop. Right before I...captured you."

Cassandra opened her mouth to argue, but then stopped herself. She had remembered. "Oh. Right. I completely forgot about that." She hummed in thought. "I had quite a bit a of unresolved rage back then. Don't worry about it."

He stared at her dubiously. Which she noticed. "I'm not gonna kill the father of my child. Besides, you're gonna die in two years, so there's no point."

Reiner furred his brows. Her words cutting in deep. Cassandra sighed longingly. Though she was looking at herself in the mirror, in her mind she only saw the time before. When she was naive and happy in the lie between them. "You know...despite everything, I truly did love you. Like any lovesick dumbass, I thought you walked on water. I would've gone to the ends of the earth for you."

He closed his eyes, sitting back on his heels. "I know you did. You have no reason to believe me, but...I loved you, too. I still do."

It took a moment for her to process his words. Realization hitting her hard. Cassandra lunged at him, moving so fast that Reiner could do nothing as she grabbed his face. Forcing him to look at her. Forcing him to meet her wide, wild eyes. "What? What did you say?"

He was completely at her mercy. Rendered frozen under her dangerous, predatory gaze. Her face was so close. Her nose almost touching his. Her hold of him was firm. He could feel her sharp nails against his skin. Somehow, he managed to answer her. "I...I said I still...love you."

"Do you mean that?" she demanded. Her tone seething with rage. "Do you mean that?!"

"...yes," he whispered, as he grabbed her wrists. He tried to break free, but her grip was unusually strong.

"Why?! You said I was an island devil! You said I seduced you!"

"You...are. You did."

"Aren't I evil?!"

"Yes."

"Aren't I a monster?!"

"Yes!"

"Aren't I a wicked, fucking demon?!"

"YES!"

Cassandra studied the almost crazed look in his eyes. It was plainly obvious to her that despite his answers, Reiner didn't believe them. With her this close, him having no way to hide...she could see the truth in his eyes. She leaned back, easing her grip on him. "If you really believe everything you just said...then must've hated every single second on the island."

Reiner gasped at her challenging tone. He still had his hands on her wrists, but lost his strength to try to pull her off. "Was it torture for you?" she asked. "Befriending everyone, gaining their trust, gaining my trust, fucking me...it must've been pure hell for you."

Now she let go of him. Her arms slipping out of his hands. Reiner dropped his own, all of his strength leaving him. "It...wasn't."

Cassandra said nothing. Reiner glared down at his hands. "It never was," he confessed. "It should've been. I was supposed to hate all of you, but I don't. Everyone on that island was supposed to be wicked devils who abandoned us...and I was gonna be the hero who saved my family. Saved my people. I'd save all the good Eldians living here."

He buried his face in his hands. "This is all my fault! Everything's my fault! All of this...is because I wanted to be a hero!" His shoulders shook as he began to sob. "I can't...take this anymore. I'm being haunted. I want...I want to be free. I want to disappear..."

Cassandra widened her eyes as she watched him cry. Every second that passed, her anger turned to...something else. Hope? Pity? She reached out to him, but hesitated. Her hands hovering over his shoulders. Is he...? He's actually suffering in guilt? She withdrew her hands. "This is the first time...you were actually honest with me."

Reiner sniffled, confused by her statement. He felt her hands on his shoulders, and he raised his head to look at her. Cassandra wrapped her arms around him, pressing her body against his as she kissed him. Reiner flinched. His breath taken away by her lips on his. Fear spurned him to grab her shoulders, pushing her away. A part of him didn't trust this. It couldn't be real. He had to be trapped in another memory.

But the soft look in her blue eyes quelled his doubts. He recognized the desire, the wanting in her gaze. A look he never thought he'd ever see again. He leaned towards her, his heart racing as his lips hovered over hers. Cassandra closed the space between them, wrapping her arms around him once more. Reiner put his shaky hands on her waist. Their kissing turned passionate. She ran her fingers up in his hair and he moved his hands up her back, pulling her closer and closer against him. He was desperate for her touch. Her body against his, the softness of her skin...he needed it.

But she was hungry. Cassandra nibbled on his bottom lip, earning a moan in response. She slid her hands down his chest, down further to his belt. Reiner flinched in excitement, but gave no resistance. He pulled at her robe to expose her shoulders. He trailed kisses along her jaw and down her neck. Cassandra unzipped his pants and slid her hands inside. Reiner dropped his forehead onto her shoulder as she stroked him. His gaze fell upon her breasts, slowly being freed as her robe slipped further down her arms. He noticed her breasts were bigger than he remembered. An overwhelming desire to caress her rippled through his body, but doubt still seeped into his mind. His hands trembling on her arms.

Cassandra withdrew one hand to push Reiner off her shoulder. She ignored his questioning look as she bent down and took him in her mouth. Reiner gasped, his hands hovering over her hair. His soft pants turned to moans. His fingers curled into her hair as her tongue caressed every inch of him. He hissed at the sudden rise in pleasure. "Cassa...wait...I'm...Cass..."

She promptly withdrew her mouth, wiping her chin as she gazed up at him. With the hunger in her eyes intensifying, Cassandra pushed him to lay flat on his back. Reiner obeyed submissively, watching her with his hands resting above his head. She straddled his waist, making sure that she rested right on his throbbing erection. Reiner whimpered, feeling her heat so close. Cassandra slid her hands up under his shirt, forcing the buttons apart until his chest was bare. Her fingers danced along his skin, circling his nipples which earned her more soft moans from him. She felt him twitch beneath her from anticipation. Cassandra reached down between them, a subtle smile on her lips as she ran the tip of him along the wetness that had already built.

Reiner gasped as she suddenly took him in, all the way in. No longer holding any doubts that this wasn't real. Cassandra began rocking her hips in a deep, powerful rhythm. Reiner grabbed onto her thighs, a futile attempt to get her to slow down. She kept her eyes on his face, watching him succumb to her. Losing himself to her. She slid her hand up to his face, and rubbed her thumb along his bottom lip. He parted his lips for her, and she stuck her thumb inside. The feeling of his tongue aroused her even more. With her other hand, she grabbed his and maneuvered his thumb down between them. In his haze of pleasure, Reiner followed her lead. He angled his thumb down to her sensitive spot, circling it in rhythm to her hips.

Cassandra shuddered in delight and rocked harder. Reiner writhed beneath her, his grip on her thigh tightening with each motion. She bent down, placing her mouth over his left nipple. Reiner cried out in surprise, nearly biting her thumb. Her tongue circled and teased and his moans grew louder. With a defiant groan, Reiner wrapped his arms around her and rolled so that he was on top. Her thumb still in his mouth, he held onto her as he thrusted hard and fast. Matching the same intensity she had. Cassandra wrapped her legs around his waist as her moans grew lighter, more high-pitched. Her grip on his face tightened as her climax neared. Reiner pumped his hips harder, deeper, faster. Sweat beads rolled down his forehead as he struggled to hold back his own satisfaction. He wanted hers to come first. He needed it to come first. He wanted her face as she came.

And his wish was granted. Cassandra's whole body went rigid and her voice escaped her as she came. Her mouth open in a silent scream of utter bliss. Reiner jerked forward and cried out as he came, unable to hold it back any longer. His strangled moans echoed in the room as hips slowed into a soft tempo. Cassandra shivered with each soft thrust, her legs quivering as she rode the waves of his release. Her body pulsing from the inside out. Losing strength, Reiner rolled onto his back. Holding onto Cassandra to let her rest on top of him.

The room was loud with their heavy breathing. And they stayed like that for a while. With her atop him and his arms wrapped around her. Reiner shyly slid his hand up her back and into her hair. This is real, he thought. It wasn't a dream.

Cassandra's mind was finally clearing. She blinked through the sleepiness that was beginning to take hold. She glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. Shit. She forced her body to move. Without looking at him, she got up, stumbling over to the vanity. Her legs were still quivering. Reiner sat up, watching her silently. Unsure of what to expect. Cassandra rubbed her forehead. Though, it wasn't her head that ached. "It's late. You need to leave and I gotta get home."

Reiner slowly got up, pulling his pants up as well. He watched her worriedly, unable to see her face in the mirror. "Can I go...with you?"

She sighed, still not looking at him. "No. I'm pretty sure Zeke's waiting for me."

Reiner's heart sunk. He turned away as he fixed his clothes. As he buttoned his shirt, his earlier feelings of shame and despair returned. He put on his jacket and readjusted his tie. Hiding the evidence of their tryst. He realized he was wishing he could convince her to let him come. To see their son. To be together. But I can't. I'm not supposed to. He clenched his fists, disgusted with himself, and headed for the door.

"Reiner," she called. "I can't give you what you want. Not what you really want."

Reiner widened his eyes in shock. She finally looked over at him, her eyes full of pain. "It's not my place to grant you mercy or absolve you for the things you've done." She heaved a heavy sigh. "But for what I can forgive...I do."

He jerked his head up in surprise. His bottom lip quivered. He wanted to ask why. He didn't think he deserved it. None of it. But he found himself unable to speak. Cassandra sat down, turning to glare at herself in the mirror. "Please. Just go."

She rested her chin in her palm as she heard him leave, the door closing softly. Her gaze shifted to a small, red box beside her lipsticks. A gift from her housekeeper, Skye. To everyone else, it was just a box of chocolates. Cassandra grabbed it and opened it up. She frowned at the little sponge inside. Dammit. She buried her face in her hands, shaking her head. "I'm such an idiot."

End of Chapter 35

Additional Disclaimer: I do not own any Andrew Lloyd-Webber plays, productions and/or songs