When I woke up there was something soft, cold, and wet pressed on my forehead. A cloth of some kind, and freezing cold water was sliding down my flesh. Even so, my body felt like it was burning. I was met with a familiar set of golden-brown eyes. Someone had been leaning over me and patting my face with a cloth, and my body came alive with a fearsome vitality. I recognized those amber eyes.

I looked around myself, and I realized that I was "home" in Ymir's apartment once again. How I got here was unknown to me, but I couldn't find it in me to care about that! My heart pounded as all kinds of realizations hit me, most important being that she was looking at me! Ymir was finally looking at me… Her minty breath was on my face, and she smelled so good. Her warm hip rested against my side.

I couldn't help myself. I leaned up and looped my arms around her broad shoulders. Her body was warm and the muscles beneath my arms were a comfort from my fear of the fate I'd brought upon both of us. Flustered, I buried my face in her neck. 'That's right… my Ymir. Right here, in my arms… this is how it's supposed to be.'

Ymir froze as I embraced her. I ran my hands through her dark brown hair, worn down for once. She had stopped wetting my face, and she just kind of… crouched there leaning over me, paralyzed within my hug box. Like a flash of lightning struck I suddenly realized how strange I was likely acting in her eyes. I knew Ymir, inside and out, but Ymir had never even met me.

I pulled away from her quickly. "S-sorry…you just," I blushed deeply, my cheeks felt very warm. "You smelled good!" The words came out of me quickly, and as I stared into her face the realization hit me that unlike in the past, I could not read the thoughts behind those familiar eyes. My wings were really gone, as was that special bond I'd had with her. For the first time the consequences started to gray my reality, because the person I loved was now staring at me like I was a stranger.

My beloved Ymir was actually seeing me for the first time, and I'd done something so strange, explained myself so weirdly. My body kinda tingled with a strange mixture of happiness and urgent anxiety. It was a weird contrast - my belly felt warm as those powerful, hot eyes burrowed into mine, silently judging me. After a long silence Ymir put her hand on my head and ruffled my blond hair.

Her face was kind and gentle now, almost like an elder sister would look at their little sibling. I'd never seen her wear an expression like that before. Archangel Pixis's words rang like a chorus in my head. I had to make her fall in love with me. I glanced down at her bare finger, where that crimson thread had sparkled to life. I had cut it down, viciously, like a territorial animal…

'What have I done? Can I… Can I really make someone like Ymir fall in love with me?

I've never thought about what I look like, or how I would do this "meeting her" part in actuality, and just from her facial expression alone I knew Ymir thought I was some poor girl that needed to be taken care of. I forced myself to calm down and assess the situation; There was a dull aching pain across my back, around and near my shoulder blades. My wings had been there before… it was a slight, throbbing burning pain… it must've been from when they burned my wings off. It was hard to ignore, and it hurt every time I shifted.

"How are you feeling?"

"I, umm, I'm ok I guess," I murmured, nervously tucking a strand of my blond locks behind one ear. "What happened?"

"I have no clue what happened to you. I'd just left my apartment and you were on the pavement, a lotta' people were freaking out about you, being idiots. They thought you were sleeping or something. You were clearly injured." Ymir shook her head, and her expression was one of judgmental disgust, as if she wished she could thrash those onlookers. I smiled. I liked that part of her. She had rescued me; she could be a good person when she wanted to be.

"I brought you inside when I realized you had a really bad fever. Sweating and stuff. On top of that you have these… really big gashes on your back. I wrapped 'em up, so you shouldn't move around for a bit."

I caught the red that momentarily flushed her cheeks. My eyes drifted downward, the outfit I was wearing wasn't the gown I was used to. It was an overly big, baggy t-shirt and boxers. Ymir's baggy shirt and boxers. Now was when I should speak up. I flushed in delight which could pass as embarrassment. I suddenly realized I had a role I could play, a path forward to her heart. I had to hide a devilish smile.

"You undressed me," I suddenly squealed in feigned absolute embarrassment.

Ymir became flustered. "I-I mean yeah but just to-"

"You… saw me naked… what are you- some kind of pervert? You took me inside your apartment instead of a hospital? What are you planning on doing to me?" It was fun to act so mischievous, and her reaction made it all the better. Ymir looked horrified at what I said, her mouth dropping open. She scrambled off the bed, and shook her head wildly. I had to hold back laughter.

"Hey hey, don't say something like that, I would have already raped you if I was going to," She exclaimed. I feigned horror, and she smacked her forehead. "Dammit! That came out wrong. I'm not a rapist, so I wouldn't do something like that is what I meant to say!"

Hmm, I supposed that was an okay reaction. I let my body visibly relax, gazing at her from under my long lashes and pouting. "You really took care of me? Thank you."

She froze for a moment as she stared at my face. I saw from the way she was blushing that she was thinking something along the lines of "She's way too cute".

"Y-Yeah I really did. I'm sorry for stripping you, I just saw the blood and I was worried, I even gave you some meds to dull the pain. I didn't want to take you to the hospital because - well, honestly, I've gotten black out before and woke up with big hospital bills. I didn't want to bring you when I knew I could take care of it myself. I was in the military for a year before I was discharged- combat medic. Became a physical trainer instead."

I knew all this about her already. Her previous guardian had been a poor one. Old age had rendered her useless, incapable of proper judgements or guidance. She'd enabled the person Ymir used to be. The chains of her past still held her down. It had been difficult for me to help steer Ymir along the right path. Not all Guardian Angels are good at what they do…

So, Ymir was the one who eased the pain in my body. I wet my lips with a dart of my tongue as I reached out and touched her arm, drawing her back toward the bed she'd let me rest in. Ymir was not used to being the type of girl who rescued a damsel in distress, she was feeling something entirely new right now. Ymir swallowed and sat down on the bed again, relaxing as I idly stroked her arm. Playing shy, I looked away…

"Umm, really, thank you. My name is Krista." I said softly. I really meant this. I was thankful. Any sicko could have picked my young-looking body up off the street and she had prevented that… I'd been left somewhere convenient. I wonder if Pixis had his hand in that.

"Well, I'm sorry for assuming the worst after you took care of me." I blushed, shaking my head, "A-and for hugging you like that."

"It's not a problem," Ymir said awkwardly. There was a long moment of silence. "So…you umm, you know what happened to you?"

I considered this for a moment. How the heck was I going to explain myself to her? I had no mortal past on this Earth to speak of, I grew up in Heaven and came down to spend my life protecting her until she passed away, and then on to the next human. I knew a fair bit about modern Earth, all angels do, but I have no family to present or real roots on this planet… I'd pretend to have amnesia, that way I wouldn't have to explain anything to her.

I shook my head. "I-I don't remember much," I whimpered, making my voice soft and pathetic.

A look of annoyance spread across Ymir's face at that.

"Listen to me," Her voice was like acid and her stern amber eyes held mine. I flinched at the fire in her gaze. "I saw the marks on your body! The bruises around your wrists from handcuffs or chains, and whatever the hell else happened to you… your back was branded or something, so I understand you don't wanna go home, and hell if I'll make you do it… but don't lie!"

My eyes widened; Ymir was so enraged at me! "I-I'm sorry I lied, it's just-"

Ymir cut me off. "I despise liars… people who act all innocent and then lie to your face. I helped you already… So just tell me the truth, okay? I won't hurt you. I won't turn you in anywhere."

I was surprised. I didn't know Ymir hated lying… especially since she was a con artist herself, a Bonafide crook. But then again, she had a bulbous pride. I supposed that it was only natural she would get personally offended when someone was visibly disingenuous with her. Ymir rarely interacted with other people other than when they were in her bed, or she was conning them… I didn't know as much about her as I thought I did. What really went on in her head, that even I did not see? I looked at the floor guiltily, trying to come up with a proper reply.

Ymir exhaled. "Listen, I don't want you to get hurt anymore… so I'll figure something out, we can figure something out together. Housing, hospital bills, whatever you need. Just don't lie to me."

I glanced at her, I felt guilty now. She thought I was being abused… but it would be wrong to act like I had been even if it was convenient… what should I do?

My lips curled slightly into a smile, "Thank you." Ymir stared at me for a moment. I had never seen such a soft expression before on her. Maybe I really could make her love me…but the affection I was getting right now was almost maternal. Not a lustful, sexy kind of romantic love. I needed to fix that and fast.

"Your, ummm, you're welcome. I hate abuse y'know?" She grinned. "But we can talk about that when you're not starving. When's the last time you ate? I'm sure you're hungry. I can cook something for us."

My belly rumbled… and I realized that my stomach was throbbing with pain. I never used to be "hungry" as an angel! I pitied humans. My stomach must've been completely empty at that moment. I nodded. Ymir was a good cook, at least she seemed like one when I had watched her. She'd put on this ridiculous hat and then she'd start cooking on her stove and somehow two juicy steaks would come out of it, with all kinds of sides. She'd devour a meal, store the rest, belch, and then sit on her living room couch watching tv - supremely satisfied.

"That sounds good," I nodded. She beamed and left the room. I took a moment to gaze at the place I had considered my home for a while. It was the same as when I left it, except she'd clearly been on a bender while I was gone. Her clothes were scattered all over the floor, cans of beer here and there, plates of leftovers. Her exercise equipment was tossed in a pile, neglected. How long had I been gone in mortal time?

I settled back in her bed, surrounded by the smell of her. It was a familiar comfort, this bed. Sometimes, when Ymir was asleep, I curled myself up in her arms and watched her face. But I couldn't lay in bed all day when food was out there waiting for me. It'd hardly be proper to eat it in her bed. I forced myself up.

I walked into the kitchen. Ymir was busy with a pot on the stovetop. She gave me a grin and I sighed dreamily. Ymir was so pretty and handsome, those freckled cheekbones~!

"Sorry, I haven't done groceries this week, so I have a bunch of unhealthy shit, do you mind ramen?"

I shook my head, and she handed me a bowl. I took it awkwardly and stared at it, and she handed me chopsticks. 'I don't think I'd ever seen Ymir eat noodles with these… how am I supposed to…?'

"C'mon, let's relax. We can plan what your next move is after we eat."

I nodded and followed Ymir into the living room, placing my hot bowl on the table. I moved to the seat next to hers. I lifted up my chopsticks, flustered. How the hell did I eat this? I struggled, then copied what Ymir was doing. After a few attempts I got it. My first taste of food was heavenly. In Heaven we only drank the nectar of God, this was exceptional compared to that. Ramen was delicious!

Ymir turned her tv on. My cheeks burned when her adult programming came on. Sounds of sex blasted in the room. She sputtered, then grabbed the remote. She moved so fast to pick it up that it fell to the ground. I giggled in amusement as she dived for the remote, then stopped the extremely loud moaning coming from the screen with a single button. She met my gaze, her cheeks red.

"I-I swear I'm not a pervert! S-sorry! I don't like… do stuff when I watch it… I just find it kinda fun to watch! Don't worry, okay?" I stared at her; did she mean she didn't masturbate? I knew she was not telling the truth.

Covering my mouth with a dainty hand, I giggled.

After a while she sighed. "Okay I lied." Then she chuckled a bit too, and she turned her attention back to the screen as she flipped through the channels.

We watched tv for a while. I created a fake history for myself in my mind as the time passed. I knew eventually this would turn into a kind of interrogation, regardless of what she had claimed. I doubted Ymir wanted a stranger in her house for long. Even a cute one. I managed to keep pushing the discussion back. Then I started feeling a bit… weird. My eyes started hurting, and I kept rubbing them because they kept trying to close. And I kept yawning. I was, for the first time, tired.

Ymir got like this when she stayed up really late. But it was only nine o'clock pm. She heard my yawn and looked over; a smile curled her lips. She dragged me closer to her, then patted her hand on her leg. Did she… want me to lay down on her? The answer seemed to be yes. It was kind of embarrassing, but I felt the urge to do it anyway.

I rested my head on her lap, curling up close. My mind raced the second my eyes shut. Thoughts of Ymir floated around my brain. How had God created someone so perfect? I had recently left heaven, but being in Ymir's lap was like being back there already. She was so warm. My mind drifted into darkness.

The darkness faded before it could develop into proper dreams. I was being carried in her strong arms, my blonde head against her neck. She was so muscular and tall compared to me. I tried to start a conversation with her, but my voice was strangely muffled. My words came out slow and misshapen. "Thanks, Ymir. For taking care of me." I inhaled her sweet scent. I could feel the vein on her neck throbbing, hear her soft, even breathing.

I was going to make Ymir all mine. The thought of that made me shiver with happiness. Having Ymir all to myself to hold me and kiss me and feed me. I almost purred when I felt her fingers glide through my hair, her hand resting on my hip. I was Ymir's type, wasn't I? So eventually she'd have to like me. Her fingertips were soothing as they ran against my scalp. She put me down in her bed, and my body tingled as she laid down on the big mattress far away from me.

"Now that you're kinda awake, can I ask you a question?" She murmured.

I wandered close to her, seeking out her body warmth. At first, she locked up, then I whined, "I'm cold~" and she sighed, letting me come close. Once nestled up against Ymir I inhaled her scent, and mumbled something, which I guess she took as a yes to her question because she nodded.

"Well, how did you know my name? I'm positive I didn't tell you about it before, Krista."

'What? Oh…' My mind raced, my heart beginning to pound. Was I going to be found out by this one simple mistake? Or would she think I was some stalker!? I didn't know what could result from this, but I didn't want to see! Then it hit me.

"I recognized you from a YouTube video," I mumbled sleepily, she laughed a little. "You do those athletic training videos right? My sister works out with them all the time…" I tried to sound as honest as possible, and I guess she accepted that as a plausible answer.

"Wow, I'm more famous than I thought I was. Youtube huh, who the hell is stealing my shit?"

Even in the darkness, I could still see her eyes, and I could still count the exact number of freckles she had. I had memorized them long before. I was so used to being with Ymir when she slept, I never wanted it to end. I needed her here with me, her body wrapped around me. "Will you cuddle me properly? It's cold."

She hesitated, then she chuckled. It was strained. She shifted next to me awkwardly, pulling the blanket over both of us. She began wrapping her arms carefully around me, avoiding my wounds. The we were nestled up against one another. I mumbled and curled up against her, finding her to be like a little furnace. The heat spread between us instantly.

She sighed. "Weird girl, asking for cuddles from a stranger, but... I guess I'm weird too because I agreed to do it. Krista... let's talk tomorrow. About the future." Then her arm wrapped around me, and she tugged me close.

I suppose this was the start of step one. Step one being getting her to trust me.

I was excited to witness a human dream, so I shut my eyes, curled up even closer, hugged her firm and muscled arm, and drifted off. Ymir smelled good. I dreamed of Ymir.

Ymir was the center of all my realities.