When Ymir finally reveals to Christa that she likes girls, her response is surprising.
"Oh." Christa murmurs, looking away. "I didn't know you were like that."
Ymir's heart lurches. She is close with Christa, and she doesn't want to lose that. Not here, not now. Ymir holds her breath, waiting for the blonde to respond. The girl had never complained about the flirting, and now Ymir wonders if it's since she never took it seriously. Not until a few seconds ago.
"Are you saying that because you feel that way about me?" Christa asks with caution, staring at Ymir with her big eyes.
Ymir nods, exhaling slowly.
"I'd be lying if I said…I have feelings for you that are strictly platonic." Christa admits.
Ymir sucks in her breath. Christa reaches out for her hand.
"You were my first friend." Christa explains. "And I really care about you. But we're soldiers. We're probably not going to survive for that long." She squeezes Ymir's hand gently. "Now's not the time for romance. I'm sorry."
Ymir smiles softly.
"It's fine. I just wanted you to know."
The girls smile at each other, and return to the barracks.
There is no strain on their relationship. In fact, the two grow closer, they understand each other, even more than they did after their mission in the mountains.
…
"When all this is over, marry me, baby!" Ymir says, laughing. Christa's head spins. After all the horror and tragedy she's witnessed, she cannot believe Ymir would bring that up at such a time.
Yes she can. It's in Ymir's nature to joke around when things are serious.
That night, when the brunette is supposedly sleeping in her bunk, Christa leans over and whispers, "I will."
"You will what?" Ymir whispers back.
"Marry you." she answers, her tone revealing that she's dead serious.
Ymir's eyes flash open, barely seen in the dark.
"When we defeat the titans, I'll marry you."
Ymir chuckles quietly.
"You mean it." Ymir says.
"You know I do."
"Does that make you my intended?"
Christa huffs.
"Sorry, sorry. I'll leave it be."
Ymir feels hope for the first time.