"We were inseparable—and yet.. I had no idea."

Seeing that terrifying form of hers for the first time.. she recalled trembling in disbelief, watching in horror as Ymir grew into a monster. That revelation was so unexpected and sudden.. she had just not been ready for it—but dammit.. how could she not have known there was something off from the beginning?

Hell, wouldn't anybody be shocked—no, speechless. No. A strange mixture of both. After spending years together training, creating a bond of friendship neither experienced growing up, becoming comrades, getting closer and closer as time went on..

Did it make her ignorant to never have had any suspicions.. even after the snowy mountain incident? Was she blinded.. or rather, intentionally deceived by a person she would've claimed as her best friend?

"Krista," A soft whisper startled her out of a barely conscious state, "you awake?"

The blonde turned over, facing the tan-skinned woman in the bed adjacent to her own. "Yeah. I am, now."

"Seriously? I can't sleep worth a shit," Ymir grouched, gesturing angrily to Sasha's loud snoring above them. "I'm about ready to choke this bitch."

Historia stifled a giggle, "Don't say that. She can't help it."

Even though the two were among the tightest in their regiment—she noticed that Ymir didn't talk about her past often. In fact, it seemed to be a topic that was inadvertently avoided. She found herself wishing that they had gotten to know each other more a little more.. who they really were, anyway.

It wasn't like she pushed.. being a submissive somebody who also did not care to divulge her past.

"I'll help it," Ymir muttered, raising a fist toward the cramped space between them.

"Are you sure that's it—" She kept her voice down, worried that they might wake the others. "I mean.. is there something on your mind?"

Ymir's black eyes darted over in mild surprise, an accusing glint flashing over her pupils."What makes you ask such a stupid question?"

"You don't have to get so defensive all the time," Historia's caring and innocent nature always seemed to annoy Ymir. She felt like there was no trust, at times. "I just.. want you to talk to me. Um.. I can't do much, but—"

"Actually, there is something bothering me."

"I can listen," They had already made a vow to live life honestly, but there was something keeping her from reciprocating. The mystery surrounding Ymir's secret was almost maddening. "unless—is it me again?"

Both girls exchanged looks, finding themselves breaking eye-contact immediately afterward.

"It's always me.." The blonde whispered inaudibly. It must have been her fault for being curious. "I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing."

"Right," She stole another sideways glance, trying to get a read on her expression. Moonlight was their only source of visibility, but it cast a full glow that night. The room stayed surprisingly well-lit. "I guess I still need to work on that."

"It's not you," Ymir reassured, offering a genuine smile instead of a snide remark. "you're the sweetest girl I've ever met, Krista. Harmless, but in a good way, I suppose."

"I always.. lie awake at night, thinking about you, mostly. I just can't help myself. Your soul is too pure for this world."

She blushed furiously at her confession, bright blue orbs shaking in anticipation. "What?"

Ymir shrugged halfheartedly and exhaled a sigh, "Dunno. I wouldn't torture myself otherwise. You're just so cute and thoughtful.. not quite like other girls, are you?"

Historia couldn't stop shifting uncomfortably. What did she mean by that? What was this deepness so out of nowhere? She remembered being caught off guard, and it must have shown all over her face.

"I-I'm not, though.."

"We both know better," Ymir's sharpness hit her like a freezing wind, "calm down, honey. I wouldn't read into it if I were you."

"Shhh," She reminded them to keep their voices' down. "Ymir—you mean.."

"All I'm saying is that I like you, Krista. You're the first friend.. I've really cared about."

Unable to find the right words to say, she opted for silence.

"I guess it doesn't mean much coming from someone like me. I know I'm a bitch and I usually don't care what people think of me."

Historia held herself back from protesting.

"I know what you're going to say. You're so predictable," Ymir brushed a strand of hair out of her face, "I don't mind, you know.. we're night and day. I don't want to be another fool who cares what others think of them. Not again. It's like I'm losing control of my feelings. Maybe it's true what they say, though. About opposites attracting... I just mean—that I never imagined having anybody like you."

Again?

"Wow. Thank you," She returned her smile from earlier, feeling a bit restored. That was supposed to be a compliment, right? "it makes me feel good knowing that you actually do care."

Ymir's breath caught in her throat, "Krista.. I've always cared about you. Do I not make it pretty obvious?"

"N-No, that's not it," Historia looked away as if she were shamed, "you just seem.. distant, lately."

"Distant, huh," Ymir parroted, pondering the amount of distance they had truly created between each other. "sure, whatever. I don't want to freak you out or anything, but I've seen the dirty looks Reiner gives me when he sees us together. People don't like me, and I'm fine with that. If I had known how shitty people were.."

She hesitated in the middle of it all. "It just pisses me off.. knowing that—"

The petite blonde propped herself up on her elbows, hanging onto each and every word. Where was she going with this?

"You could literally have anyone you want. And they'd be lucky to have you—such a gentle and nurturing soul. Something I'll never be. Something that you deserve."

Taken aback and fighting with many emotions, she had to ask. "Is that what you really think of me?"

Ymir ignored questions, caught up in her own vulnerability. She couldn't stall any longer. "Just tell me this. Could I ever be enough for someone like you?"

"You already are. You always have been."

You've gotta be kidding.. what a typical response.

Nevertheless, Ymir felt her sight turn a bit clouded. She welcomed the urge to suffocate herself with a bedspread. "You mean it?"

"Of course," She didn't notice her pained expression, "you talk like it's more.. more than a friendship."

"And so what if it is?"

"You're just kidding around, aren't you," Historia stared up at the wooden board above her, abruptly overcome with deliriousness. She was nervous after hearing how serious she sounded. "because it's not funny."

"Krista," Ymir's stern demeanor was something she was used to, but the emotional aspect of it.. she hadn't been used to that. "it's whatever you want it to be. Like I said, you could have anyone else besides me. Remember that."

'You're an idiot if you think otherwise', Ymir thought, making a point not to look over. By then, she knew she ultimately failed at hiding her feelings. Only when it came to Krista.. she would explain herself. "Please—don't ever think I'd lie about my feelings for you."

"I would never want to move on without our friendship," She reached out, pale fingers finding Ymir's arm as she kneeled beside her quietly. "I don't need anybody else. You're the greatest friend I've ever had, 'ya know. Remember that."

Ymir felt a jolt run through her insides; one light touch was all it took to startle nearly every inch.. and it could only be described as the best feeling ever.

She desperately craved more.

Using her own words against her.. Ymir couldn't help but wonder if the poor thing was just being nice again. Giving way too much credit where it wasn't due. There was something about the damn girl that moved her. Something that made her heart melt.

As soon as she felt her eyes become dry, Ymir relished in the moment. If she wasn't absolutely sure of it before.. there was no doubt in her mind. If love had a form.. "You know what—I think I'd have a much easier time sleeping if.. you were here next to me." She knew it had to be Krista.

The blonde's face flushed embarrassingly. "Do you think that's a good idea? What will the others think?"

She tried to calmly regroup, but it only made things worse. Her thoughts were scattered. "I mean..."

Ymir's face softened, loosely securing a grip on her arm. "Calm down. I'm not gonna make some weird move on you. Don't lump me in with the others who throw themselves at you." The warmth of their combined touch was like pure electricity, and she yearned to know if Krista could feel the same way. 'At least I'm willing to romance her like a woman..'

"Oh—and if anyone says anything, I'll kick their ass."

Finally giving in, she cautiously positioned herself beside the brunette. She settled into a small space fit for her tiny frame; a one-armed embrace tugged at her lower back, causing a skittish reaction.

"You're a little cold," Ymir seductively traced her chin along the edge of her shoulder, "let me warm you up."

Historia shuddered slightly, chills running down her spine. "You said that you wouldn't—"

"I'm just having a little fun," Ymir backed off to show her she was teasing. "c'mon, Krista. You know I wouldn't think of it."

"I know. I trust you," She settled in once more, albeit rather hesitantly. "I trust you, no matter what."

No matter what.. There was nothing that lead her to believe otherwise. They watched out for each other, always. That would never change, right?

"As long as I can protect you from this cruel world," Ymir eased against her back. "I'm alright.. I would lay down my life for you, Krista."

Despite being sure she would do the same, she knew saying so would come off as weak-willed and conditioned. Historia relaxed into unfamiliar hands.

"You told me.. that I'd have to marry you after this was all over."

The warmth of Ymir's leg over hers was a pleasant distraction from their conversation, but she wanted to know more.

"I never considered it, at first—" Shyness triumphed her confidence, "I figured you were joking."

"It might sound crazy, but it's almost like—we were brought together for a reason. Sometimes, our connection surprises me. I know I can rely on you for anything, and like.. I could do anything with you by my side."

"Ymir?"

She didn't have to look up to know that she was no longer awake. Or she was faking it as an excuse to ignore her.

Their talk must have emotionally drained her.

Historia ran her hand along Ymir's, squeezing her slender fingers in retaliation.

"That's so like you."

A/N;; I might make this one more chapter at most, don't know yet. Depends on the feedback. I'm thinking of writing another about Annie.

Thanks for reading~ :)