...because I might not say it back.
15 days, 10 hours, 35 minutes and counting. That's how long it's been since the Scouting Legion set off on their expedition outside the walls. That's how long it's been since Ymir left. That's how long it's been since I last saw her.
Having at least a hundred of the most rambunctious and spirited people away did have its perks as much as it had its disadvantages. Good thing was, the village was quieter. Less lively and duller…but quieter. Bad thing was, a lot of families were too worried to be festive or be happy in fear of them not being able to see their sons, daughters, husbands or wives ever again. Maybe that's why everyone's been put under a blanket of silence and depression.
But not me, no. Unlike the others, I had faith in the Scouting Legion. I had faith in Ymir. I knew that they would do everything in their power to make sure that everyone comes back alive. And I knew that Ymir would want to come back home to a place of cheer and joy; that's why I've spent the last few days setting up for their return.
I worked extra hard and saved up every single penny I could earn just to prepare for their arrival – her arrival. Two weeks have already passed meaning that they could come back any day now…and I know just what to do. I went around town and visited Ymir's favourite shops. They all seemed eager to help me out and some didn't even charge me. I guess it was the least they could do to humour me.
The village was bustling the next day and everyone seemed so...energetic. A strong contrast from what they all looked like just yesterday. It was quite strange. I looked around, thinking that maybe that the Legion has come back from their trip and may be the cause of the sudden burst of cheer but, there were no horses or carriages or green cloaks in sight. Getting even more confused by the second, I spotted my friend, Gwen, amidst all the commotion.
"Gwen! Gwen, over here!" I called out, waving my arms just so that she could see me faster.
"Krista!" She briskly made her way towards me, gently pushing people out of her way.
"What's going on? Why is everyone so rowdy all of a sudden?"
"Didn't you hear? Bertholdt just came back as the Legion's messenger bearing good news! Fantastic news!"
At the mention of Bertholdt, my face lit up. Bert, Ymir, Reiner and I have been friends for a while and if he survived, Reiner and Ymir most likely did as well. It's just how friendships work.
"He said that everyone's coming back and they didn't lose a single man…or woman. And also that the expedition was successful and that we won't have another attack for quite a while now!"
I let out a huge breath and relief washed over me like a tidal wave. Thank the gods wherever they may be. "Did he say when they were coming back?"
"He said he was sent at least eight hours ahead of them so they should be back before sunset today."
"Oh, I best be going then! Thanks, Gwen! I'll see you later!" I shouted in reply as I ran back to our house to start setting up the surprise. Oh, I can't wait.
There are at least minutes left until the Legion finally arrives. I can't wait to see her. I hope she's not too tired. I really don't want all of this to go to waste.
I looked at the small feast laid out on the lush, green grass. I nodded to myself and smiled. Everything was set out perfectly. It didn't take too long either. In fact, I had quite some time left over so I went and visited Bert. We talked for a while and caught up with each other until I told him that I had to leave and instructed him to tell Ymir that I would be at our normal meeting place.
I lay on the grass and faced the sky. Everything looked and felt exactly the same as last time. The same cool gentle breeze sweeping over me, the same fire filled skies, everything. The only thing missing now was Ymir. Ah, Ymir. We've been together for so long yet I haven't even told her that I loved her. Maybe I'll get the chance to do it tonight. No, scratch that. I'll do it tonight.
I closed my eyes and waited for time to pass or until I heard –
"Krista?"
I slowly sat up, eyes still closed. Oh God, that voice. How I've missed that voice. I opened my eyes and took in the sight before me.
There she was, draped in her dark green cloak, standing against the orange skies. The light reflected perfectly off her eyes, making it look like they were shining. Tears ran down my face as she started walking towards me with the same smug smile that she knew I secretly liked.
She finally reached me, after what seemed like centuries, and bent down to look me in the eyes. She cupped my face in her hands and wiped my tears away with her thumbs. We both stared into each other's eyes, making up for the time that we spent without the other. Honestly, I could've just sat there and watched her eyes flicker and shine for the whole day but before I could, she shook me out of my stunned stupor.
"Hey. I'm home."
I never knew that three simple words could make me smile so much.
A/N: You thought this was gonna be the bad ending didn't you? Hah, syke. But anyways, if you didn't pick it up, this was the good ending. I'm sorry if it was a bit half-assed, I'm kinda typing everything down with one eye open. I was originally gonna make this the bad ending but I changed my mind halfway through because I thought of something even more sinister – err I mean sinfully good. But, I hope you enjoyed this one and stay tuned for the other ending. Also, Gwen was an impromptu OC that you'll probably never see again. I had to pick a character that wouldn't be in the Legion so I couldn't do Sasha.
