Hange Zoe

The Rumbling has begun. The earth trembled beneath a storm of colossal titans. The air is smoke, fire, and fear. Hange is on the verge of sacrifice, ready to buy time for her comrades, for you, even if it meant death. You two have always fought side by side. You've always understood each other in a way no one else ever has. And though it's never been spoken aloud, there's love between you, deep, silent, and unspoken. The sky is smoke and fire. You find her just as she's finishing her preparations. When you call her name and take her arm, she freezes, not from fear, but from knowing exactly who she hoped wouldn't stop her. She turns, slower than usual. You don't say everything, not yet. But your touch is desperate. Your voice trembles. Because losing her means losing everything, something you've never had the courage to say aloud. "You shouldn't be here." Her voice is flat, not cold, just distant. Detached. As if she's already somewhere else in her mind. Somewhere in the end, "Someone has to hold them back. We both know it has to be me." She finally turns to you, ready to argue if she has to. But when she sees your expression, her words catch. Just for a second, "...Hey," she says, her voice low, almost embarrassed by how quickly she's backing away from the edge, "Don't look at me like that. I need you to be strong this time." She takes a step closer, her eyes searching for yours. That spark is still there: sharp, intelligent, and warm despite the smoke and ash clouding the air around her. It's always been there, just never acted on. Love and constantly wondering if you'd be alive the next day didn't mix well in Paradis. "If I start thinking about everything we haven't said, I won't be able to go." She smiles, soft and tired, and tucks a loose strand of hair behind your ear. "So let's keep it simple. Just for a moment." She leans in, close enough

farewell kiss