Chapter 4
The Middleman
Warning – sexual themes and major manga spoilers.
"Come on! Work with me man! Look at this!? It must be worth at least double what you're offering!" Ymir held up a dazzling red gem attached to a golden chain. It glistened as she dangled it in front of the pawn shop owner.
"Kid, you know the policy. Little thief's, get little money." He slapped the bills on the counter. Even though she wanted more, it was still an impressive amount.
"Aw come on! I even brought those extra loafs of bread for your little brats." Ymir smirked Pointing at two small children playing right outside of their father's pawn shop. The older of the two suddenly kicked a ball at his younger sibling's head. The brunette winced as the small child hit the ground crying.
"Ya I know. Heard Jeremy screaming at you all the way from here." He smirked, throwing some extra coins on the counter before turning his attention to his two young sons. "KEITH! SETH DOESN'T NEED ANYMORE BRAIN DAMAGE!" He yelled at them. Ymir looked around to guarantee that no one was watching her before not only grabbing the money she had earned, but also some of the items she may have happened to have just sold.
"Kids. I owe them." She grinned as she made her way down the street. She pulled a piece of stolen bread from her pocket and chewed upon it carelessly.
It had been over a year since she was able to sneak her way into the walls. It was easy getting by the large giants that over ran what was apparently called Trost District. Deserted and ruined, Ymir could only imagine what had transpired when the so-called colossal titan broke through the walls.
Since then, she had made it on her own. She stole and she sold. She was in a new place, a new country but, people were still just that, people. It was interesting to see that the so-called devils Marley was so afraid of were just hordes of sheep stuck in a pen ruled by a corrupt government. Ironic. The poor were still poor, and the rich were still rich. As she kept herself lost in thought, she heard voices coming from a nearby alley way that grabbed the young woman's curiosity.
"Hand it over you cow shit hick!" A hoarse voice growled as she made her way down the deserted backstreet. She paused, still chewing on her bread. A man was holding a young boy, a little younger than her, by his white collared shirt. His back was up against the damp cool wall. The boy had dark blonde hair, his brown eyes blood shot from being strangled by his own shirt.
"P-please. I can't s-s-spare a-anything! My f-f-f-farm needs it to get th-th-through the winter!" He choked.
"We all need the damn money you stuttering brat!" The shabby man pulled out a small switch knife and held it to the poor boy's throat.
"Excuse me. I hope I'm not interrupting something?" Ymir walked up to them casually munching on her snack, one hand in her pocket. Both males looked at the scrawny brunette in confusion.
"H-h-help." The boy whimpered pathetically.
"Get out of here bitch! This is none of your business!" The man shooed her away. Ymir swallowed, wiping the crumbs from her mouth.
"Why? Do you feal threatened by a little thing like me?" Ymir smirked. She saw the man's eyebrow twitch. He did as she wanted and dropped the young boy. He landed with a grunt.
"Maybe your ears don't work so well kid." It was the collar of Ymir's hoodie that he grabbed onto next. He lifted her a little. She was taller than him, of course. She was taller than most grubby old men. He stood her on her tippy toes and sneered, knife to her throat. His breath made her wince.
"Ya well, too bad my nose works just fine." She grabbed onto his wrist and connected her forehead with his nose. He dropped her, instantly grasping at his face while releasing a series of curses. Ymir grabbed him by his arms and thrusted her knee hard into his solar plexus. His body hit the ground like a bag of rocks.
The young man watched in both horror and fascination as Ymir rolled over the thief's limp body and picked through his belongings earning herself a small wallet full of cash.
"Bingo." She smirked counting the bills.
"D-d-did you k-kill him?" The young boy asked standing and dusting his clothes off. Honestly, Ymir had almost forgotten that he was there. She shrugged, not really giving a shit.
"I don't know. Maybe." She did not bother looking at him as she finished counting her cash and stuffing them in her pocket. She walked past him and patted his shoulder. "You might want to head back where you came from. You don't look like a city kid."
"I- I'm not! B-but." He shut his mouth quickly when Ymir looked over her shoulder, glaring at him.
"If you are so worried about it, cart his pathetic ass to an infirmary or something. Don't expect me to help you though." She suggested, clearly annoyed.
"No, th-that's n-not wh-what I m-m-meant." He whimpered. Ymir rolled her eyes.
"Right. Thinking about others before yourself got you into this damn mess." Ymir gave him a knowing smirk and took her leave.
"W-Wait! Miss! I need to th-thank you!" The boy was a head smaller than Ymir and struggled to keep up with her long strides. Clearly not the most athletic thing. She was starting to notice that his stuttering was a little more of a disability then a trip over words.
"You're welcome." Ymir mumbled trying to get rid of her pursuer. She came to a halt when he skidded in front of her breathlessly.
"N-no. I need to th-thank you properly. P-please. Let m-me get you s-some food?" He asked, brown eyes hopeful. Ymir raised in eyebrow, giving the kid a look over.
"I don't swing that way." She stated getting annoyed. He gave her a confused look then, a deep blush settled on his face.
"Oh no. no. I'm s-sorry to assume. It's f-fine. You're v-v-very pretty. I mean. No, I just. I just want to th-th-th-ank you I." He was silenced when she placed a slender hand over his mouth to shut him up. She could not handle him struggle over his speech anymore. It made her anxious.
"For the love of. Okay listen. Food. You're buying. Then, leave me alone." She watched him nod furiously then, removed her hand wiping it on her trousers. She motioned him to follow her. If she had to put up with this shit, then she was going to make the most of it. Damn kid. Should have left him to fend for himself. Clearly hasn't had his balls drop yet. They walked in silence. Ymir had the strange feeling the kid had not taken his eyes off her like a love-struck puppy. They arrived at a shabby bar a few streets down.
"Hey kid. Found a friend?" A large man sat outside the entrance smirking down at the brunette. He looked at the boy who tagged along behind her and watched him stiffen.
"Piss off Ben. He's a stray is what he is." Ymir grumbled kicking the door open and walking in. The burly man just laughed. He glanced down at the stiff boy.
"Woof." He growled. The young farm boy jumped a little and ran after Ymir.
"This place is… nice?" He smiled up at her as he placed himself upon the bar stool.
"It's a shit hole is what it is." Ymir replied as a young woman with a rather large bust placed two small glasses beside them.
"Here you go lovely. On the house!" The bartender leaned over the counter giving the pair a full view. Ymir looked down unimpressed while her little farm boy was as red as the bartender's hair. Ymir reached over and pulled the woman's shirt up.
"Have more respect for yourself Claire. I tell you this all the damn time." Ymir took her glass and threw her head back emptying the contents. The boy watched and attempted to mimic her, nearly throwing up the liquid back into the glass. But, swallowed non the less.
"Aw Ymir. You know I can't help myself around you. You're just so adorable." She grinned. Ymir poked her in the forehead.
"Father better be worth it." She pointed to the small baby bump forming in Claire's stomach.
"He might be. Depends on who he is." Claire shrugged.
"You're driving me insane. Go make us some food or something." The brunette shooed her away. Claire just laughed.
"Another round for you sweet thing?" Claire asked the young boy.
"Oh. J-just w-w-water p-please." He gave the most awkward smile Ymir ever saw. Claire gave her a mischievous look as she went to poor her another shot.
"He's with me Claire. You an everyone else leave him alone." Ymir grabbed the whole bottle from her. "Actually, everyone just leave me alone."
"fine, Fine. I'll be back with some grub then. Usual?" She asked. Ymir nodded not giving the farmer boy much of a chance to speak. Claire pinched Ymir's cheek before walking away laughing as the brunette swatted her hand away.
"So, what's up with the stuttering? A cow kick you in the head or something?" Ymir filled her cup again. She needed to slow down but a buzz was most needed. He laughed drinking another shot she poured him. This time, it seemed to have gone down a little easier.
"N-no. H-h-heredity. U-usually when I'm n-n-nervous." His cheeks began to flush a tad from drink. Ymir watched him curiously. Thy sipped in silence for a while.
"Have you always been a nervous kid?" She asked finally.
"I guess so. As long as I can remember, I've always stuttered. Stuttering Johnny Is what I… was.." He looked at Ymir who was just smiling at him.
"Wait. I'm not stuttering now. That's weird." He watched confused as Ymir almost spit out her drink laughing.
"Probably a mix of drink and this." She pulled out a small vial and tossed it to him.
"What is this?" He asked.
"Something I poured in your drink while you were gawking at Claire's tits." She laughed.
"Ymir! You drugged me!?" The panic in his face just made her laugh more.
"Hell no. I'm not that desperate. It's just cannabis oil you twit." She grinned drinking straight from the bottle.
"Cannabis?" He frowned studying the vial. "Is it dangerous?"
"You tell me." She patted his shoulder.
"Ymir this is. This is. Thank you!" He gave her the most grateful smile. She could have sworn she saw a tear or two. Ymir did not like being thanked. She did not go out of her way to help others, it just seemed to end up that way.
"Whatever. Claire passes it out at a price. I can convince her to give you a few. You can always come back and grab more. I'll let her know." Ymir shrugged. "So, stuttering Johnny. What's up with that farm of yours? Bad season?"
"I think you can call me Jonathan now." He laughed. "And no. we actually were funded by a noble family who suddenly dropped us. Said it was bad for business or some shit." His face became grim.
"Hm. That doesn't surprise me. Probably found better business elsewhere." Ymir tapped her fingers on the counter. Jonathan shook his head.
"Maybe. Though it happened right after a mother and daughter went missing on the farm. Father says I shouldn't bring it up but." Jonathan paused, seemingly distant.
"Was she your friend? Or maybe more?" She asked. He shook his head.
"No. Actually. She was very quiet. Always went on with her day helping around the farm. She never said much but was always smiling. Even when we would tease her or throw things at her from a distance." He looked up at Ymir who had nearly choked on her drink.
"Why the fuck would you throw things at her?" She asked laughing.
"We were kids!" He laughed back.
"It's cause they only think with one thing honey." Claire set two plates in front of them.
"Claire stop using that as an excuse for everything. That's probably how you got knocked up in the first place." Ymir tossed a piece of potato at her.
"Don't play with your food now." She smiled.
"I'm not your kid." Ymir flipped her off.
"Got to practice on someone." Claire laughed walking away. The two ate in silence.
"So. About that farm. I think I know where I can find some extra money for you." Ymir said after they finished.
"Really?" Jonathan wiped his mouth. "Why would you do that?"
"You seem like a good person. That's all. Don't get any ideas. Besides, I had my eyes on this place for a while." She gave an evil grin. Jonathan blinked at her.
"Like. Steal!? Ymir You can't do that!" He whispered upon realization. Ymir cocked her head to the side.
"Why? It's just a church and they steal from everyone."
"Are you okay?" A voice asked snapping Ymir from her thoughts. She gave the boy next to her a confused glance before looking around the tavern. Jonathan no longer sat next to her. He was replaced with a sturdier young man in a military uniform with well-kept, golden blond hair.
"Ya. Just thought I saw someone I knew." Ymir looked away hoping that the young man would leave her be. he would not.
"Names Colt." He took a swig from his glass.
"Theo." Ymir mumbled doing the same.
"You want another one?" He asked casually. Ymir studied him. His intentions seemed innocent enough. It seemed that he just genuinely wanted someone to shoot the shit with. She had to admit, she had missed interacting with people ever since Reiner and Pieck had been deployed three months ago.
"Sure." She shrugged.
"Kendra! Two more?" He waved the bartender over. Ymir glanced at the broad woman. Not that it mattered but, Ymir was certain she had been born a man.
"Slow down there kiddo. Heard you and the other runts are being deployed tomorrow. Don't want you to be hung over." She poured the liquor anyway.
"You heard right! Guess I'm celebrating that we finally get to see some action!" He was lying. Ymir could see he was terrified. The bartender rolled her eyes and walked away.
"You're a solider." Ymir pointed to his uniform.
"A warrior candidate to be exact. Chosen to inherit the all mighty beast titan." The liquor was clearly loosening his tongue. Ymir noticed the rough looking man sitting by himself in the corner eyeing him.
"I wouldn't boast about ... whatever that's supposed to mean. Doesn't seem like it's a good thing to some people." She motioned him to look over at the table behind them.
"No, guess not. In the end, I'm still an Eldian. A devil!" He spoke loudly obviously wanting the large man to hear. He took another sip. Great, he's drunk. Ymir felt a brawl coming on.
"If only I could spare my brother the same fate. I don't get it! I've already been chosen so, why bring him into it?" He seemed to be just talking out loud. Ymir listened anyway.
"How old is he?" She humored him.
"Only eleven. Only eleven years old and they want him to carry the power of a titan in exchange for his life." He whispered.
"What do you mean?" She asked. He looked at her in question.
"Do you not know what happens once you inherit one of the nine? You only live for thirteen years." Colt held his drink tight between both hands.
"Why would they do that to a child?" Ymir asked, eyebrow raised. The topic was familiar yet distant. Is that how you became a titan? Was that how she became one?
"Because they are nothing but dispensable weapons." The large man from behind spoke up. Colt turned and glared.
"What did you just say?" He slurred.
"You heard me. Devils like you should be thrilled to serve our country!" He spoke, obviously drunk as well. Ymir kept silent.
"Say that again! It's because of us you all sit here safe and cozy! Don't you dare insult our warrior units!" Colt growled.
"Easy." Ymir grabbed Colt and sat him back down.
"Having your inbred bitch do your fighting." He pointed to her. Ymir scoffed ignoring him and sipping from her glass.
"Don't be a racist dick Charles. Take that shit somewhere else." Kendra warned.
"Ya man what's your issue?" Someone asked from a small group of people hanging around a table playing cards.
"My issue is this bar was a great place until we started letting these devils and goat fuckers in!" He growled. And then, Colt was on top of him. They crashed into table where the card game was being held.
"You pig!" He got a few swings in but the man eventually overpowered him. He slammed the poor boy over the counter. Ymir and Kendra barley dodged Colt's body in time.
"Lad! Are you okay!" Kendra helped Colt stand. Blood dripped down his forehead and into his eyes.
"Anybody else want a go!" The large man challenged. Everyone stared wide eyed as a bottle crashed over his head sending him to the floor unconscious. The brunette tossed the handle to the side. She looked around and raised an eyebrow.
"What? Don't tell me everybody else wasn't thinking the same thing?" She smirked. The small party at the table broke out in cheer. The group dragged the man's body out of the bar and threw him into the street. Colt limped back to his seat with a cloth pressed up against his forehead that Kendra had so graciously provided.
"Um… thanks." He gave her a sheepish smile.
"Don't mention it." She threw her head back and finished her beverage. "I need to get going. You should probably leave before you try to stand up for someone else." Ymir placed her money on the counter and left.
"You just going to let her walk home by herself lad. You really are something else." Kendra smacked him in the back pushing him off his bar stool.
"Ow! Okay I get it!" He followed her nearly tripping over the man's unconscious body. "Theo! Wait!"
"What?" Ymir turned around as he jogged to catch up with her.
"Let me walk you home?" He blushed at her stoic expression.
"I'm all set. Not into guys." She stated and tried to walk away. Colt's blush only deepened.
"Oh no! I did not mean. I mean, really? I mean you're very pretty! It's a shame. No that was wrong I mean." He stammered. Ymir placed a hand over his mouth.
"Stop talking. If you're going this way, then fine. If not, then figure something out." She removed her hand and began making her way back to the bakery. Colt stood there confused before shaking the thoughts from his head. He caught up to her quickly.
"Yes, I am actually." He laughed. Ymir rolled her eyes shoving her hands in her pockets.
"Colt! There you are!" A young boy was running up to them, a girl around the same age followed behind.
"Falco! What the hell are you doing here!?" Colt seemed almost embarrassed at his little brother's appearance.
"Looking for you! Dad's worried! He's going to kill you if he knows you were here!" Falco warned.
"We all knew he was here. How do you think we found him you idiot?" The young girl with dark brown hair rolled her eyes. She looked at Ymir and raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you a little old to be flirting with him?" She challenged. Ymir blinked, processing what the kid had just said before a scowl formed on her face.
"Listen, I've never hit a child before. Don't make me consider it." Ymir warned.
"Okayyyy." Colt interfered. "This is Theo. She just saved my ass. Girl can fight.
"Wasn't much of a fight." Ymir mumbled.
"Wouldn't need to be saved if you weren't here." Falco added before being placed in a head lock by his older brother.
"Jeez. I can't believe you're the beast titan's next successor. I just know my armored titan is going to trump you in power." The girl was cocky and a little too confident for Ymir's taste.
"Oh ya? And what makes you so sure that you're going to be chosen? Huhhh?" Colt placed his hands on his hips.
"Colt Please. You're drunk! Don't argue!" Falco pointed out standing next to Ymir.
"Because it only makes sense duh! I'm the best candidate out there! Besides, Reiner is my cousin! Inheriting his titan only makes sense!" She explained.
"Wait Reiner Braun?" Ymir did not mean to blurt the question out like she did.
"Uh ya? And how do you know him?" Gabi crossed her arms. Ymir did not like dealing with this girl.
"Him and Pieck are old friends. That's all." Ymir was already getting too deep. Pieck would not be too pleased with her. Gabi huffed.
"Maybe Reiner, but Ms. Pieck is way to cool to hang out with someone as weird as you. Besides, I've never seen you before." Gabi dismissed her with a wave.
"Weird as... listen here you little shit." Calling me weird? Do you even know that short little gremlin?
"Woah! Simmer down now. Gabi, Pieck can hang out with people her own age." Colt grabbed Ymir pulling her away, Falco doing the same to Gabi.
"So anyway, they are coming home tomorrow morning! You should come with us! They will only be here for a couple days before we all ship out." Falco offered. Pieck's coming home? The thought of not being isolated for a few days was reassuring, however, showing up with this motley crew probably would not be a good idea.
"No that's fine. I'm sure we will catch up after." Ymir placed her hands in her pockets.
"Afraid she'll be embarrassed to be around you?" Gabi stuck her tongue out at her making Ymir's eyebrow twitch.
"Gabi!" Falco warned.
"You know what? I'll go. It'll give Pieck an excuse to not have to babysit!" Ymir held up a backwards piece sign and stuck her tongue out back at Gabi whose face flushed beat read.
"Okayyyy. Well, how bout we meet here? Nine A.M. sharp?" Colt gave her a salute.
"Sure, just keep your dog on a leash." Ymir nodded to Gabi who lunged at her only to be held back by Falco.
"You have a way with kids." Colt laughed.
"Reasons why I don't want them." Ymir waved them off and headed home.
"Colt she's very pretty." Falco gave his brother a sheepish smile.
"I know right! Unfortunately, I think she has her eyes set on someone else." Colt laughed.
"She's obnoxious. I don't like her." Gabi mumbled.
"What is your issue?" Falco questioned. Gabi looked away as a small blush crept on her cheeks.
"She's a little too old for you Gabi." Colt mocked before receiving a painful kick to the shin.
She is running but, it is like she is controlling another body. She is holding onto something; she looks down to see she is on the back of a large monstrosity.
A titan? Suddenly the realization of something in her mouth and pulls the small blond out of her titan. Krista? The blonde chokes out what she can only assume is her titan's saliva.
"Ymir? What is this"? She gasps confused but far from afraid.
The most painful memory strikes her.
"Ymir, I told you! No matter what I'm on your side!"
Don't you think about me enough?
"I'll fight together with you! So just let go!"
I've been burning my heart out
Got to face, need to tell you
I won't run 'cause I'm reticent.
"I don't care about your reasons or your secrets!
No matter what happens, I'm on your side!"
You will know you're reborn tonight
Must be ragged but I stay by your side
Even if my body's bleached to the bones
I don't want go through that ever again.
"We need to stop living for others!
For now on, we need to start living for ourselves!
I don't know how to explain it but when I'm with you I don't feel scared!
No matter where I am!"
So cry no more, oh my beloved
Go ahead, be proud and fight it out
You are the one, our rising star
You guide us far to home yet girt
She tried to leave. She tried to leave, and Krista tried to save her.
"Please save me Historia!"
Ymir's eyes fluttered open. She did not have much time to reflect on the conversation of Reiner being a titan. Pieck must have been too, right? Warrior unit, titan shifters, knowing she also was one. And that dream. Krista, no, Historia. The same people?
Historia. The name brought a smile to Ymir's lips. For the first time in three years, it felt as though a hazy cloud had been lifted off her memory. She felt a sleepy smile form on her lips.
She knew Historia's real name the whole time. She had fallen in love with her as quickly as the small blonde had fallen in love with her. Then, she left. She had left with Reiner. But why? Ymir sat up and rubbed her temples.
I need to ask him. she glanced at the clock. Quarter of nine.
"Shit!" She was late. She jumped out of bed and quickly hopped on one foot to get her pants on. Throwing her shirt on while running out the door, she jogged to the meeting spot luckily not too far away. Colt waved her over while Falco gave her a warm smile.
"Sorry. Overslept. What is up with her?" Ymir motioned at Gabi who refused to look at her.
"She's just holding a grudge. I think she's a little jealous that Pieck won't have her full attention." Colt winked.
"For the love of. Okay. Let's just get this over with." Ymir shook her head as the four headed to the train station.
"Historia." The small blonde turned slightly. Eren walked up to her position by the fence.
"Eren. You wanted to talk to me?" She pulled tightly onto her shawl around her shoulder's. The young man stared off into the distance. Historia watched him curiously, not wanting to rush him in his thoughts. With every day that passed by, Eren appeared to become more and more distant. Finally, he spoke.
"The MPS are planning to feed you to Zeke who has arrived at this island. Fight against those bastards and escape here immediately." Eren spoke calmly, not bothering to look at his Queen. Historia did not seem fazed by the idea.
"I wasn't here only to take care of the cows. I know that. I don't have to run or hide." The young monarch kept her eyes to the horizon watching the golden hues of the evening sunset. "If this is the most effective way to get this island through this then."
"Even if you are okay with this, I'm not." Eren scoffed. She gave him a confused look.
"Eren." She went to place a gentle hand on his forearm. He moved away from her touch.
"Ymir wouldn't want you to give up your life for others." He pointed out. Historia kept her composure.
"Ymir is not here anymore." Her voice was low, controlled. He looked as though he wanted to speak out against her statement but did not.
"I'm going to destroy this world and all of our enemies in it. I won't leave a single one alive." He admitted. Historia felt the blood drain from her face, her heart pounded in her chest at his words.
"That's wrong! Some people outside of this island are completely innocent! Just like your mother! There will be people out there unaware of their fate and death!" Historia tried to reason with the young solider.
"I am aware. But the only way to end this hatred is to eradicate it for good. Historia, for you to bear a child and become a sacrifice, the endless cycle of children eating their parents, I will not let that happen at all costs. You saved me. I was saved by the worse girl in the world now, let me return the favor." He was not giving her a choice.
"Eren. I … we will live the rest of our lives in guilt and regret. I promised Ymir I wouldn't." She placed a hand over her mouth to keep her from continuing to bring up the brunette.
"If you can't handle the guilt, then I will manipulate your memories using the founding titan's powers." Eren looked down at her. Blue eyes telling her that he would do just that.
"No, please don't." Historia whimpered. Eren sighed and looked away.
"Then what do you propose?" Eren let the breeze play with his hair. He knew the answer. He had already seen the answer.
"What do you think about me bearing a child? I won't run and I won't hide but, If I'm with child, They won't risk my unborn baby, Heir to paradise, by turning me into a titan." She looked at him, grasping her hands together to hide the fact that she was shaking. Eren took a moment before glancing down at her.
"You will be creating a child not out of love, but to protect yourself." He pointed out.
"I know. I guess in the end. I'm just a selfish bitch." Historia felt tears begin to form. She pulled her shawl closer. Eren smiled, a glimpse of the future flashing behind his icy blue eyes as a thought crossed his mind.
"And you will be a loving mother. You both will."
Ymir saluted her fist over her heart. She glanced down at her small partner, noticing the tears forming in those round blue eyes. She could not tell what she was pissed at more. The fact that Krista chose to join the scouts rather than the military police Ymir had worked so hard to get the small blonde into, or the fact that her dumb freckled ass had decided to join her.
"It's too late to cry sweetheart. You made your decision." Ymir whispered for only Krista to hear. She watched her tense.
"I didn't ask you to join Ymir!" Krista snapped as soon as they were dismissed. Ymir remained calm.
"No. You didn't. I also didn't ask you to join either. But, here we are." Ymir walked past her.
"Where are you going?" Krista asked. Ymir knew the small blonde did not mean to be so sharp with her. She also knew she did not want to be alone.
"To some shitty bar. Wanna join?" Ymir offered looking over her shoulder.
"A bar? Ymir I'm not too sure that is a good idea." Krista started fidgeting with her hands.
"Krista. I want a drink and I don't want you being alone. Just please. I don't feel like arguing." Ymir was beyond tired.
"Okay." Krista followed her without argument. At some point in their walk Krista had slithered her hand into the brunette's.
"Are you hungry?" Ymir smiled down at her.
"Ya I am." Krista gave a weak smile. Ymir smiled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"let's get some food into you then, we can head straight home." Ymir promised.
"Really?" Krista looked at her hopeful.
"Of course. Food, one drink and we can head home for a hot shower." Ymir kissed the top of her head.
"Thank you, Ymir." Krista's smile disappeared when a young man bumped into her. She would have hit the ground if it were not for Ymir grabbing her by the collar.
"Hey! Watch where you're walking dumbass!" Ymir growled ready to rip the guys throat out.
"Ymir?" A man's voice asked. Ymir blinked a few times trying to recognize the man before her. Then, it hit her. He was taller now and broader, but it was him.
"Holy shit. Jonathan?" She asked.
"Ya! It's me!" He laughed walking up and hugging her. She tensed at the awkward gesture and awkwardly patted him on the back. Krista frowned at the confrontation.
"Been a long time. You look…taller?" She rubbed the back of her head.
"Yes Ymir. That's what happens. And you're… you're a soldier?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Yes Jonathan. That's what happens after you enlist. Or did you forget I was going to do that after I robbed that church for you?" She smirked. He blushed.
"Jeez, I was hoping that would stay a secret?" He glanced at Krista. "Hey wait. I know you."
"Oh?" Krista moved closer to Ymir clearly nervous and skeptical of the larger man.
"He's cool Krista." Ymir leaned down and whispered. The blonde forced a smile and nodded.
"I'm sorry but, I don't think we have met." Krista cocked her head to the side.
"Well, it was a long time ago. You lived on one of the estates at what use to be a Reiss farm." He explained. Ymir felt the shorter blonde tense beside her. Ymir stepped in.
"No shit! So, Krista was the little girl you threw rocks at! Damn! I lucked out, didn't I? You chased her away right into my arms." Ymir teased, leaning forward with a cocky grin. Jonathan stepped back.
"You didn't." He gawked.
"Oh, I did." She smiled evilly.
"Why doesn't that surprise me." Jonathan swallowed.
"Ymir! Be nice!" Krista pouted. She looked at Jonathan once over. "Was your nickname Johnny?"
"Yep! Stuttering Johnny!" He laughed, hand behind his head. Krista smiled.
"I do remember! You were, kind of nice, I think. You never actually hit me with a rock. And look! You're not stuttering anymore!" Krista giggled. Ymir was happy that she seemed a little more comfortable with the situation.
"Thanks to Ymir overhear. She fixed my brain in a day!" Jonathan gave Ymir a warm look that made something stir inside of Krista that she had never felt before.
"Oh. Were you two close?" Krista asked. Ymir bit her lip.
"Just got him through a tough time that's all." Ymir explained feeling some tension in her companion's voice.
"A tough time! Ymir you saved my whole farm from a financial crisis! Want to grab a drink? I just picked up some tinctures from Claire. She would love to see you!" He laughed patting her on the back. Ymir watched the look on Krista's face when Jonathan wrapped an arm around the brunette's shoulders.
"Enough with the sentimental crap!" She laughed dodging him. He seemingly did not notice or care that she was avoiding his touch for a different reason.
"Fine tough girl." He laughed back. The three walked into the bar to find it empty.
"Claire! Look what I found wandering around outside!" Jonathan called.
"Well, I'll be damned. Haven't seen you in months Honey! And by the walls look at you in your military uniform!" The cheeky bartender leaned over the table.
"Mir!" A little boy's voice called out from behind the counter.
"Well look at you Tanner." Ymir smiled as he jumped into her arms. She hoisted him and balanced him on her hip. Krista watched the scene before her transfixed.
"Wow your heavy! What is your mother feeding you?" Ymir bounced him up and down making him giggle.
"Damn well enough thanks to you." Claire gave them a warm smile.
"Ya aunty mir! Damn well!" He squeaked. Ymir shook her head placing him down.
"Ight scram. Go back to licking the wall or whatever kids do these days." Ymir nudged him forward with her foot. He giggled and padded away. Ymir sat by the bar motioning Krista to follow. She reached over the counter and grabbed her own glass and a bottle of gin. She passed Krista one.
"Is this, okay?" Krista asked watching Ymir help herself.
"Sure is." Ymir nodded taking a sip and adding something sweet to Krista's drink so the girl would have a better time drinking it.
"Ymir can practically do whatever she wants in here." Jonathan laughed sipping from his own glass.
"Okay Tanner. Bedtime. Say night night." Claire grabbed her son.
"Kay Kay Mama. Night night." He yawned and rubbed at his eyes placing his head sleepily on her chest. A tiny hand waved as the mother and son duo left for the upstairs of the bar. Ymir simply raised her glass to them.
"Are you family?" Krista asked. Ymir shook her head.
"Nah. Claire helped me out before I enlisted. Gave me a place to crash. Hold on, I'll go make you something." Ymir hopped over the counter.
"Can't you use the entrance way like a normal human?" Jonathan laughed throwing an ice cube at her.
"Nope." Ymir grinned catching it and throwing it back at him. He ducked underneath it. Krista watched them interact curiously fidgeting with her glass. It made her stomach hurt.
"Just help yourself back there." Claire rolled her eyes making her way downstairs and sitting on the other side of the blonde. "So, are you the lucky Krista Ymir tells me all about?"
"Leave her alone Claire!" Ymir called from the kitchen.
"Mind your business back there!" Claire called.
"Bite me! No, actually forget I said that." Ymir mumbled. Claire laughed. Krista fiddled with her drink.
"Yes. I'm Krista Lenz. I'm in the cadets with Ymir. Well. I guess we are Scouts now." Krista frowned.
"What! You two joined the scouts! Ymir why would you do that!" Jonathan was silenced by a slap over the head from Claire.
"Hush boy!" She warned noticing Krista's hands begin to shake. The blonde noticed as well and stopped.
"Sorry. I'm just. It has been an awfully long couple of days." She fought hard to keep tears from falling.
"You've joined the scouts. That's nothing to not be scared about." Clair smiled warmly at her.
"She's right." Ymir placed a plate down for both women and Jonathan. "Eat up and finish your drink. We need to get home and rest." She smiled at Krista as she began to eat from her own plate.
"Ymir! I love your cooking!" Jonathan beamed.
"Girl's going to make a good wife someday." Claire joked. Suddenly Krista pushed back from the counter.
"Excuse me. Is there a restroom I can use?" Krista asked Claire, refusing to look at Ymir.
"Oh. Yes. Upstairs to the left." Claire pointed out.
"Thank you." Krista smiled and left. Ymir watched her go taking small bites of her food before sighing and pushing the plate away.
"Claire, why did you have her use your bathroom when the bar has their own?" Ymir raised an eyebrow.
"I think you know why." Claire winked. Ymir rolled her eyes and hopped back over the counter wrapping Krista's plate up and following the small blonde.
"What just happened?" Jonathan asked.
"Don't worry about it sweety. Innocent boys like you have trouble picking up on things." Claire explained.
"Huh?" Jonathan blinked confused.
"Krista?" Ymir knocked on the door. The door opened.
"Ymir. I want to go home." She sniffed. Ymir sighed. The smaller girl was hungry, exhausted, and emotionally spent.
"Okay. Let's go then." Ymir grabbed her hand and led her downstairs. They said there goodbyes with promises of coming back soon and made their way back to the barracks, sneaking into the room they both shared.
"You made me food and I rudely turned it down." Krista's voice was small and hoarse as she watched Ymir set the plates on the table.
"You didn't turn it down. You went to the bathroom." She stopped as Krista began to tear up.
"Ymir." She sniffed. The brunette sighed and walked over to the petite girl. Without a word, she pulled her into a hug. Krista buried her face into the taller girl's chest and cried.
"Shhhh. It's okay. You're okay." Ymir rocked her back and forth.
"I'm so sorry Ymir. I dragged you into this. I'm so sorry." Krista cried.
"You didn't drag me into anything. I chose this path for myself. It was my choice. I'm sorry for dragging you out after everything we had just went through." Ymir kissed the top of her head as she moved her thumbs in slow circles under the blonde's shoulder blades.
"It was only an hour." Krista sniffed.
"And look at you! You're a mess." Ymir laughed. Krista let out a watery chuckle.
"I know. You were just trying to take care of me as usual." Krista choked looking up at her.
"I know! I'd make such a good wife!" Ymir kissed her forehead. Krista gave a distant smile. Ymir grabbed her gently underneath the chin and tilted her head, so they made eye contact. "You'll find that out someday, when you marry me." Ymir kissed her.
"You're such an amazing person Ymir. How could you settle for someone like me?" She asked. Ymir pulled them apart.
"Why would you say that?" Ymir asked. Krista shook her head.
"It's just. You deserve the world. You could have a safe life within the walls I don't know! I'm just tired, confused. And … and… I didn't like how Jonathan looked at you and touched you and he. He's nice and I know he was just being friendly, and I know you two have a past and if I'm getting in between anything I." She felt Ymir's lips on her suddenly. She relaxed and sunk into the kiss. When they broke apart, Ymir gave her a knowing smile.
"You were jealous." Ymir stated. Krista leaned back shocked at her words.
"I was. I mean I wasn't! I just! YMIR! Stop laughing!" Krista pushed her onto the bed.
"I'm sorry I just love it! It's usually me fending off the wolves!" Ymir explained.
"You're such a jerk." Krista's tears were gone now, replaced with a playful gleam.
"I know. But I'm your jerk. And I smell so can we take a shower before you get all frisky on me?" Ymir asked.
"Fine." Krista agreed dramatically. "And you don't smell. Too bad." She winked. Ymir let her go first. The brunette could barely leave the bathroom before Krista had gotten a hold of her. Clothes where clearly not needed as Ymir found Krista's naked body straddling her own. The smaller began to rub and Kiss Ymir until she had the tall brunette quivering under her tongue and touch.
Ymir stretched her arms above her head as the warmth from the morning sun hit her skin. She yawned as she woke for her slumber, chest bare and blankets ending just above her navel. Boy did she feel rested and relaxed. Krista made sure of that last night. She smiled at the thought reaching out to touch the small blonde only to find that the space next to her was vacant. She groaned in disappointment returning her hand to her stomach.
She did not want to get out of bed but, she also wanted her Krista. The smell of food cooking from outside of the bedroom sealed the deal as her stomach growled with want. She untangled herself from the large comforter and after using the bathroom, threw on a loose tank top. She snuck up behind Krista who was currently warming up their food from last night. The small blond jumped as long arms wrapped around her waist.
"Ymir! Warn me!" She giggled as the brunette nuzzled into the crook of her neck.
"Why are you awake?" Ymir yawned, eyes half open. Krista turned off the stove and turned around to wrap her arms around the taller woman's neck.
"Because I want to make the most of what time we have left to ourselves." She replied. Ymir hummed looking down at her, swaying back and forth with the small blonde in her arms.
"And we can't do that in bed?" She leaned down, capturing Krista's lips with her own, moving her hands to the younger's buttocks giving it a firm squeeze. Krista moaned into the kiss as Ymir lifted her onto the kitchen counter. They pulled away smiling at each other.
"This is nice. I wish every day could start off like this." Krista brushed Ymir's loose hair from her face as she gently brushed her thumb over her freckled cheek. Ymir leaned into her touch placing a hand over hers.
"Why can't it?" Ymir asked. Krista gave her a sad smile. The brunette sighed removing the blonde's hand from her face.
"Someday Ymir. When we go through with our promise." Krista reassured. Ymir forced a small smile.
"Right. When we are both ready to give up our secrets to each other." Ymir leaned in and kissed her forehead. "No rush love."
"Ymir. You are wonderful you know that? I don't deserve you." Krista placed her hands on the brunette's hips. Ymir scoffed.
"You got to be shitting me! After last night you could fucking own me! I'm yours princess!" Ymir picked her up eliciting a surprised giggle from the tiny blonde as she wrapped her legs around the brunette.
"Ymir! Breakfast!" She wined playfully.
"Fuck breakfast." Ymir placed her gently onto the couch and swiftly removed the blonde's night shirt attacking her breasts with both mouth and palm. Krista jumped as she felt teeth graze her swollen nipple. "Got to repay you."
Ymir ripped off Krista's pants and dove in between her legs. The tiny blonde moaned as she gripped onto the side of the couch arching into Ymir's tongue. Ymir peaked up to see Krista watching her through hooded eyes. Her cheeks were flushed, and her mouth was slightly open releasing small, beautiful sounds. Ymir moaned into her at the sight as she reached down between her own legs to satisfy her own growing urge.
Eventually. Both girls came not far apart from one another. Ymir crawled up next to a panting Krista and pulled the blanket hanging from the side of the couch over them as she rested her head on top of Krista's chest. The younger wrapped and arm around her lover as they tried to catch their breath.
"Ymir." She whispered as she ran her fingers through the brunette's hair. Ymir nuzzled into her touch.
"Hm?" She looked up at crystal blues eyes from where her head rested on the blonde's small chest.
"You're so cute like this." She chuckled as a shy look crossed the brunette's face.
"Stop saying that shit. That's my line." Ymir gave a goofy lopsided grin.
"But you are. I love when I have you all to myself and that tough girl persona just melts away. It's a big turn on you know. You should show this side of you more often." Krista smiled as Ymir snuggled into her embrace clearly flustered at Krista's comment but refusing to show it.
"What side? Being naked?" There she went, playing it off whenever she got embarrassed. Typical Ymir. Krista rolled her eyes at the comment as her little spoon placed a gentle kiss on top of her breast. She continued to run her hands through the brunette's short hair.
"No. That side is defiantly only for me." She gave a fist full of hair an assertive tug forcing Ymir to look up at her. "Understand?"
"Yes Ma'am." Ymir growled with a sexy ass grin that sent the tiny blonde's stomach into cartwheels. Ymir leaned up and gave her a peck on the lips.
"I meant the soft caring and gentle side. The real you Ymir." Krista went back to playing with the taller woman's hair.
"My heart doesn't have the capacity to give more shits then needed." The distant lonely look in her eyes told the smaller woman that she had suffered tremendously in her past.
"What aren't you telling me love?" Ymir never pressed her about her passed so it did not seem right for her to do just that. However, certain days she could see a ghost of pain flicker pass her lover's brown eyes. Instead of calling her out for such a question, Ymir just simply pressed her face closer inside the crook of Krista's neck.
"A lot. I'm not telling you a lot. And I'm sorry that I can't right now." Krista felt Ymir shudder at her own words. A few tears were felt on her creamy skin.
"Oh Ymir. What did this world do to you?" She pulled her into a tight embrace. Ymir just let out a tiny laugh.
"Nothing it hasn't done to you Krista." Ymir breathed.
"At least it brought us together. So, that's a plus." Krista giggled as the brunette's breath tickled her.
"So sappy." Ymir chuckled.
"I know" Krista admitted, kissing her lover on top of her head. "I just want you to know that I am glad you are mine."
Historia watched him from a far for some time now. It was not going to be an easy thing to ask of the young man working diligently in the barn. However, she could not think of anyone else to task with such a burden.
"Are you sure about this?" Eren stood from view, not wanting to be apart of something so personal. So, He kept his hood over his head and prepared to leave the young woman to her private conversation. Historia nodded.
"He's someone Ymir would have trusted." She spoke softly. Eren frowned.
"So be it." This must be killing you inside. I wish there were another way.
"Your majesty?" The young farm hand finally noticed her, setting his pitchfork aside. Eren stepped further away, pulling his hoodie closer over his face. Historia paid no mind to him. Instead, placed a delegate hand on the side of the barn door.
"Please. Just call me Historia." She told him. He grinned as he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" His smile disappeared noticing Historia's grim look. The young queen placed both hands in front of her and stood tall.
"Jonathan, I need you to help me with something. My life depends on it."
Chapter 4 – The Middleman
To be continued…
Well that took a very long time. I actually had one more scene to add (The meeting at the train station, but this chapter was becoming very lengthy).
So instead, that will get me going for chapter 5.
Thanks so much for all the comments and support. Especially on A03 I absolutely love responding to your comments and hearing from you guys
Your support means a lot. Life is strange lately so being able to know I have a talent for writing is so inspiring.
I am always down to hear your stories and ideas about these characters. So again comments, fanart please give me it!
Again updates are long due to work and karate and well summer so be patient everyone