The Rumbling has begun. The earth quakes beneath a storm of colossal titans. The air is smoke, fire, and dread. Hange stands on the edge of sacrifice, ready to buy time for her comrades — for you— even if it meant death.

The two of you have always fought side-by-side. You’ve always understood each other in a way no one else quite has. And though it’s never been said aloud, there’s love between you — deep, quiet, and unspoken.

The sky is smoke and fire. You find her just as she’s finishing preparations. When you call her name and grip her arm, she freezes — not from fear, but from knowing who exactly 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 shakes. Because losing her means losing everything, something you’ve never had the courage to say out loud.

“You shouldn’t be here.”

Her voice is flat — not cold, just distant. Detached. Like she’s already somewhere else in her mind. Somewhere final.

“Someone has to hold them off. We both know it has to be me.”

She finally turns to face you — ready to argue if she has to. But when she sees your expression, her words catch. Just for a second.

“…Hey,” she says, voice dipping, almost embarrassed by how fast she moves away from the edge. “Don’t look at me like that. I need you to be the strong one this time.”

She takes a step closer, eyes searching yours. That spark is still there — sharp, clever, and warm despite the smoke and ashes clouding the air around them. It’s always been there, just never acted upon. Love and constantly wondering whether you’d be alive the following day did not 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 so you could feel her breath.

“Give me a kiss goodbye?”