Colt could barely stand as Porco practically carried him off the train with Y/n in tow.
Gabbi sprinted past them, running around wildly.
"We're back, baby! Our country is so beautiful in the spring!" She cried out.
Y/n couldn't help but smile. It did feel great to be home and the soft smell of flowers in the wind was welcomed.
"Hey! I told you not to yell so much." Colt whined, grabbing his head in pain.
"And I told you not to drink so much." Porco replied.
Colt groaned as Porco set him down onto a crate to rest.
"Where'd you even get alcohol in a time like this?" Y/n questioned.
"I thought he looked like he could use a nightcap." Pieck chimed in as she passed them by.
Porco rolled his eyes.
"Come on, Colt. How could you spew Pieck's kindness all over the train like that?" Zeke criticized as he too walked by.
Colt just continued to groan in response.
Gabbi had wondered over and settled between Y/n and Porco.
Porco rested his hand on Gabbi's head, gently ruffling her hair.
"Our comrades were chanting your name all night." He smiled at the little girl.
"Colt put them up to it!" She shouted defensively.
"Aughhh!" Colt whined at her loud mouth.
Y/n and Porco both chuckled softly.
"It's okay Gabbi. You deserve a healthy dose of praise. That was very impressive." Y/n assured her.
"Thanks guys. I couldn't have done it without you two." Gabbi smiled eagerly.
Y/n squeezed the little girls shoulder before she ran off to find her friends.
"That kid is something else." Porco sighed.
"You're telling me." Colt mumbled.
"Alright, alright, let's get you out of here." Porco chuckled, helping Colt up once again.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
They would all have a few hours of free time in Marley's capital city to explore and stretch their legs.
Y/n and Porco stuck together as they walked the streets just enjoying some time together.
They had not been permitted to remove their uniforms and with the combination of their armbands they received dirty looks from many of the people they passed. Y/n more so than Porco on account of his red armband.
She looked over to him as they walked. He looked rather handsome in uniform.
She couldn't help but be mesmerized by his sharp jawline and intense hazel eyes. He moved with confidence and swagger that filled Y/n's stomach with butterflies.
She craved his attention and touch. They'd gone so long without being able to see one another. Now that he was near she wanted to soak up his presence.
"What're you looking at?" Porco asked, catching her staring.
She blushed and looked away.
"Nothing, sorry." She smiled softly at the sidewalk below them.
She could see his smirk out of the corner of her eye making her blush even harder.
He laid his arm over her shoulder, pulling her closer.
"Better?" He asked, still smirking.
"Yes. Better." She replied sheepishly.
He knew exactly what she wanted.
"That looks interesting." He observed.
Y/n followed his eyes to a small stage on the street corner. An older woman in a long floral skirt made of colorful fabrics sang and danced with a tambourine in hand.
A small crowd gathered before her, cheering and dancing about.
There seemed to be so much joy outside of the interment zone. Everything was brighter and more colorful.
Y/n found herself wishing for a world where these moments weren't fleeting. She'd give anything to be able to take Porco by the hand and run away right now. They could live out their days without fighting someone else's battles, without being treated like dirt by the people who held them captive.
Even if they did they'd only have nine years. If everything they'd taken already wasn't enough, they'd also robbed Porco of his life. He'd never live past twenty eight.
Y/n looked down at her feet while they walked, her thoughts clouding her mind.
They got nearer to the women and Porco pulled his arm away, surprising Y/n.
He grabbed her hand spinning her in a little circle as they passed behind the small crowd.
She laughed softly before ducking under his arm once again.
"Thanks Pocko. I needed that." She smiled.
"Relax a little, honey. It's over for now. Enjoy the time we have. Worrying about the future will only ruin it." He assured her.
He was right. They'd be back in Liberio by morning and they could be together every day, just like they did before she left for Paradis and before they left for the war.
She decided to just cast her dark thoughts away and enjoy their little walk. It was truly beautiful and there was so much to see. It was foolish to let it pass by while she stared at the sidewalk.
~~~
A/N:
Hey! Sorry for the short chapter. I've been super busy and I hit a little bit of writers block these last few days. I think I've gotten over it now hehe. I'll make it up to you all with some fluff
