Marley Island was not what you expected. Houses that don't have cracks in them. People who don't carry fear around with them like an extra burden. It was different here. Too different.

And Hange was a little different too.

You went out into the city often, first for reconnaissance, then more often on her initiative. She'd strike up conversations with Marleyan scientists, look at the technology, take an interest in the military structure. But lately, it was as if Hange's entire attention had been focused on her – the Marleyan, the woman who was turning into a Cart Titan. Pieck.

You tried to ignore it. You talked yourself into thinking it was just professional interest. But your heart stubbornly burned every time Hange mentioned her in conversation:

"You know, Pieck said an interesting thing...", "I'll have to ask Pieck more about that..."

You've never considered yourself a jealous person. Until now.

And the harder you tried to ignore it, the worse it got. Your mood snapped at trifles, you became quieter, sharper.

In the evening, the room was filled with warm, soft light. The flame of the candles trembled in the light draught coming through the ajar window, and the cool breeze brought with it the smell of the sea.

You lay in bed as you always did – close, pressed tightly against each other. She hovered over you, showering your face with short, almost ritualistic kisses. Her palm-warm, tender-slid caressingly over your waist, as if she were memorizing every line, every curve.

But Hange was too attentive. Especially to the things she cared about.

"Oh I know that look..." she paused, pulling back just enough to see your face, her voice soft but with a hint of that very playfulness.

Light brown eyes were only a few centimeters from yours. Staring straight ahead, piercing. No distractions, no slipping away.

"What is it, my frowny kitten?" Despite the lightness in her tone, there was real, unconcealed seriousness in her gaze. She was waiting.

Hange only had eyes for you. It was like there was nothing more important in this world.