Trost
The Night Before
All the cadets had gone to sleep. Or so they should have. Most of them were exhausted from the long march and the exercise. The city was quiet, the only sounds being the distant barking of a dog and the wind humming across endless streets. Krista should have been sleeping in the barracks, rather than out in the street, but instead she held a cloak around herself. One to hide herself from both strangers and from the person that she was trying to follow.
Just half an hour before, she had seen Annie leave the barracks alone. She knew that something was wrong with her friend. She had seen the way Annie had looked at Conrad during the day's exercise. The coldness in her eyes, the tension in her shoulders. It was a familiar look. A look at Krista herself had seen in the mirror many times. She had to see for herself.
Her small frame followed at a safe distance, her footsteps almost silent on the cobblestones. She watched as Annie walked through the empty streets, her path leading her to an abandoned house, where hastily placed planks replaced the glass panes of a broken window.
Annie entered the house as silently as ever. Krista waited. What was she doing? Was she going to meet someone? Or... she was just trying to find a place to be alone? Krista did not know...and she was definitely afraid of following after. But she thought about Conrad's face. The turmoil she had seen in it that night.
Krista took a deep breath, and then she took a step forward, only to hesitate once more. 'Conrad.' She said his name in her mind as if trying to convey some message of support across the distance that separated them.
'This is my choice,' She thought, her hands clenching into fists. Though the whisper that she was doing this out of selfishness rather than any sort of noble reason was undeniable. 'I want to be the one who he needs.'
Her own selfish motivations for doing this...It was not something she was proud of. But she moved, nonetheless. She moved towards the abandoned house, all for Conrad's sake and for her own.
Krista slipped through a small crack in the front door. The house was dark, but her eyes had already adjusted to the light from the crescent moon. Dust particles danced in the few streams of moonlight that pierced through the boarded windows. The floorboards groaned under her light steps. She held her breath.
And then she saw her. Annie. She was standing in the middle of what must have been the living room, her back to the door. She stayed there as if waiting for someone to come.
"Annie?" Krista's soft voice came out; her decision to say something to her was almost impulsive.
Annie turned, her eyes barely reflecting the moonlight, and she did not look surprised. She just looked...tired. "Following me, Krista?" Her tone was detached, but in her coldness, Krista recognized a warning.
"You left," Krista said, trying to keep her own tone steady. "H-How are you doing?" She said, not even seeking the answer to her presence in this abandoned house.
"How do you think?" Annie replied, her gaze moving for a short moment, the strands of her blonde hair falling across her face.
"Conrad... He's been..." Krista began, but then Annie's face changed. It was a subtle shift. Her eyebrows furrowed, and her lips parted.
"You know." The statement wasn't a question. It was an accusation. A quiet, dangerous one.
Krista flinched, her fingers tightening around the worn fabric of her cloak. "He's trying... he doesn't know what to do. He's just trying to figure out how to..." She fumbled for the right words.
"There is nothing to figure out," Annie said, her voice rising slightly, her composure cracking just enough to let the anger seep through. The anger she had tried to keep locked away, even from herself. "He needs to move on. Forget about me...and, you shouldn't be here." She said, arms crossed. "Who knows what can happen to a little girl like you out at this hour?"
Was that a threat? No. It was a warning. A cold, detached warning, but a warning nonetheless.
"I wouldn't be here if you hadn't left," Krista's retort was quiet but firm. She took a step forward, the floorboard creaking under her foot. The sound echoed in the silence of the abandoned house. "Just like you shouldn't be here if you cared about Conrad."
Those last words had an impact. She did. The thought was undeniable, a truth she couldn't escape. 'Conrad, the idiot.' She thought, her mind a whirlwind of contradictions. The thought of him, of his smile, of his stubbornness, of the way he had looked at her by the lake. The memory was a source of both comfort and pain.
"Don't talk as if you understand me," Annie said, her voice now flat, the anger gone, replaced by a cold indifference. She was detaching herself again, building the walls around her heart.
"I don't," Krista said. And she didn't. But she understood the feeling of being lost. Not knowing what to live for. Not knowing what purpose she served in the grand scheme of things. Not knowing what to do to avoid the pain of living.
"Then leave."
"I can't." Krista's words were filled with her own pain, the pain of knowing that what she was about to do was wrong, even if she didn't want to do it. But she saw no other way to reach the Annie who cared for that silver-haired boy. "Not until I know you won't hurt him." She then stepped forward, her small frame straightening, a newfound courage flowing through her.
Annie's eyes narrowed, but then she let out a small, bitter laugh. "He hurts himself....He should have listened to what I told him and stopped being such a pain."
"Don't lie," Krista said, her words harsh and yet...filled with understanding. "You are sad." This is the second accusation that Krista made that night.
Annie looked at Krista with an unreadable expression for a few seconds, then turned away, her shoulders slumping slightly. She was cornered, and she knew it.
"...Did it hurt... every time you knew he had been with me?" Krista asked, her tone softening, the question a dagger aimed straight at Annie's heart.
Annie's breath stopped for a second before her mind allowed an answer. 'Of course,' She thought.
"...And did it hurt...every time you saw us kissing?" Krista knew that she had been watching...She had seen her once on the corner of her eye, the unmistakable shape of the second-smallest blonde girl in the corps.
Annie flinched, but she didn't turn around. She didn't need to. The truth was out. The truth was hanging in the dusty air of the abandoned house. 'Of course it hurt,' she admitted to herself. 'Of course it hurt.' She thought she could handle it. Each time she had tried to remind herself of her mission. Of her father. But the image of them together, of Conrad's smile, of Krista's blush...She couldn't keep them out of her mind. 'That's the weakness he created in me,' she thought. And for that, she hated him. And for that, she hated herself.
"It did," Krista said, answering the question for her. She knew that face all too well. "I...think we are both stupid, aren't we?" She said, a sad smile on her face.
Annie's gaze flickered yet again, but remained on the floorboards. She did not respond.
"I don't know...what you are thinking, but if it helps...I-I" Her voice hitched. "I will leave him and ask him to stay away just as you did..." The pain was in her own words as she tried to convince herself and Annie. "But you have to promise me that you will talk to him..."
'Leave him,' The thought echoed in Annie's mind. The idea of Krista and Conrad separating was...a small victory. A selfish, cruel victory. But it was a victory nonetheless. The thought of having him to herself was...it was dangerous. It was a weakness she couldn't afford. A weakness she didn't deserve.
"Because you..." Krista started again, her hands trembling slightly. "You don't have to be scared of being weak. Not with him. He..." She paused, searching for the right words. "He will never use it against you. I know him."
Annie's body tensed at the word "scared." She was not scared. She was a warrior. A soldier. A monster. She didn't get scared. She got angry. She got determined. She got...lost. "You don't know anything," Annie's voice was almost a growl.
"I do," Krista insisted. If her sacrifice brought peace to them all, then it was a worthy one. Even if it meant her own misery. "I know that you're scared...and I know that you want to be happy. I see it in your eyes. That little spark when you think no one is looking. That little smile when you...when you're with him."
Krista's words were a torrent of water against a dam of stone. They seeped into the cracks, threatening to break it. 'Happy?' The word was foreign to her. It was a concept from another life, a life she had never known. A life that had never been afforded to her, not even for a single moment. Not even when she was so far away.
"You idiot!" Annie finally snapped, turning around, her blue eyes flashing with an anger that was more than just anger. It was pain. A deep, agonizing pain that she had tried to bury under layers of indifference and cruelty. "This is not a fairy tale! This is not some story where the princess gets her knight in shining armor! This is real life! And in real life, people get hurt! People die! People...people like me...do things they can't take back! People like me...can't be saved!"
The outburst was raw, unfiltered. A glimpse into the storm that raged inside her. "Don't...Don't even think about leaving him because of me." Her gaze then drifted to Krista's heart. "You should hold onto him... and not let him go. Tomorrow, the Colossal Titan could appear. Then you would only be filled with regrets..."
'The Colossal Titan,' Krista thought that maybe it was the fear of death that was behind this sudden change of heart in her. She did not know why, but her heart felt like it had been pierced.
"Annie..."
A tear left Annie's eye before she could even stop it. A single, hot tear. A sign of weakness. A sign of defeat. She wiped it away with the back of her hand, her movements quick and harsh. As if the tear had burned her.
"Leave me alone...Just..." Annie's voice broke. She turned her back to Krista, her shoulders shaking. She had only cried once before in front of anyone, and that was with Conrad. "...Don't let him think about me..."
Krista didn't say anything. She just stood there, the weight of Annie's words pressing down on her. She saw the brokenness. She saw the pain. And she saw the love. A love so intense, so painful, that it had become a source of self-destruction. And Krista's own resolve hardened. She would not let this happen. Not to Annie.
"Tomorrow," Krista's voice cut through the silence. "After the training, I'll break up with him."
"No," The denial was immediate, but it lacked conviction.
"I will, and I will tell him it's my choice. I will tell him it's not your fault. That way he won't hate you," Krista said, her steps now closing the distance between them. She placed a small, trembling hand on Annie's shoulder. "And I will make him come after you. I know him. He won't give up. Not after all this. He is a persistent idiot."
'Why...Why would you do that?' Annie thought. 'Why would you sacrifice yourself? For me?' The question was a plea. A desperate plea for an answer. For a reason to hope. For a reason to believe in something other than her own pain.
"Because... I want to," Krista said, her own tears now flowing freely. She was a saint...but she was also a sinner. A sinner who had found a new purpose. A sinner who was willing to damn herself for the sake of another's happiness. Even if it was a happiness she could never have for herself. "I want to see you two happy...It's my selfish wish."
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Annie was silent. Krista's words were a dagger, a lifeline, a curse, a blessing. They were everything and nothing. She wanted to push her away. To scream at her. To tell her to leave. To stop this madness. But she knew that within her there was a madness of even greater proportions, the kind that would one day drive her mad.
"You are..." Annie's breath hitched. "The dumbest girl I've ever met..."
They were not fighting. Not anymore. But even then...Krista knew that she had to leave Annie alone. To make good on her promise...and at this point, she did not know whether she was bluffing or not. If she was even able to break up with Conrad. Her own heart ached. She turned and walked away, her steps slow and heavy as if she carried the weight of both her own and Annie's sins.
'Tomorrow,' She thought to herself.
The door creaked shut, leaving Annie alone in the dusty silence. Allowing her to finally process everything that she had just heard and said. 'Everything would be easier if he would just forget about me,' she thought.
-x-X-x-
Urban Training Exercise
Present Time
The blade's tip hung just a centimeter from the fabric of your shirt. A bead of sweat traced a path down your temple, your breath held captive in your chest. The rooftop gravel dug into your back. Annie's blue eyes, usually so calm and distant, were now narrowed, burning with a fire you hadn't seen before, a fire that seemed to be a mixture of anger and another, more complicated emotion.
"You've made your point," she repeated, the words aimed not at your ears but at your soul. The blade didn't waver. "Everything would be so much easier if I just...finished this."
The word "easier" hung in the air, a confession disguised as a threat. She didn't want to hurt you. She wanted to stop hurting.
"Annie..." You started, ready to face her emotions, her weakness, her hate, and her love all at once. "...I'm not going to let you run away from this. Not this time." You then slowly reached up, your own hand closing over hers. Her grip on the blade was like iron, the muscles in her arm taut and trembling. You did not try to disarm her. You just held her hand, your fingers wrapping around hers.
Her gaze flickered from your face to your hand, a flicker of surprise in her blue eyes. She tried to pull her hand away, but you held on, your grip unyielding. The end of the blade is dangerously close to your chest. "What are you doing?" She whispered, her voice shaking. She kept struggling, the blade now even closer to your chest, but you held her hand tighter. The metal of the blade was cold against your skin.
"Then break me," You said, your words echoing her own. Then, in that moment, the blade spun as she lost her grip on it, and you fell a sharp, cutting pain across your cheek as the blade slid off your face, the now-blunt side clattering on the rooftop.
The sudden lack of contact stunned her. Her hand was free, hovering in the air where the blade used to be. She looked at her empty hand, then at your cheek, at the thin line of red blood. Her face paled, the anger in her eyes replaced by a raw, unfiltered horror.
"You...Idiot!" She said, but this time it was different. Her anger was a shield. A desperate attempt to hide the vulnerability that she had just revealed.
"I am," You said, a small smile playing on your lips. You sat up, your back protesting, and wiped the blood from your cheek with the back of your hand. The wound stung. It was a small, insignificant pain, but it was real.
"You could have died!" She shouted, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.
"I know," You said. "But I knew you wouldn't do it." The statement was a gamble. A leap of faith. But you believed it. You believed in the girl beneath the armor.
"You don't know anything!" She screamed, her voice cracking. "You don't know what I'm capable of! You don't know what I've done! What do I have to do!" She was trembling, her whole body shaking with a rage that was not at you, but at herself. In the world. In the circumstances that had brought her to this point. She then tried to push you back down, but this time, you were ready.
Your arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close. Your body ached from the impact, but you held on. You held her as if your life depended on it. Her body tensed, her muscles screaming in protest. She tried to push away, her hands flat against your chest, but you held on, your grip like a vise. Her struggle was not just a physical one; it was a battle against her own emotions.
"Annie..." You whispered, your lips close to her ear. You didn't try to kiss her. Instead, you did something far worse. "I love you."
In that moment, she froze. Her whole body went still. The anger drained from her face, replaced by a look of utter shock. A vulnerability so pure, so deep, it was almost painful to witness. Her hands, which had been pushing against your chest, now clung to your shirt. The walls she had built around her heart, walls that had taken a lifetime to build, crumbled into dust. The confession was a key that had unlocked a door she had kept bolted for so long. It wasn't just words. It was a promise. A promise of acceptance. A promise of unconditional love. A promise of a future she had never dared to imagine. A future she didn't deserve.
"Don't," She sobbed. A final, desperate plea.
But you had already won. No...Both of you had won.
You held her, letting her cry. Letting her break. Letting her be weak. You held her until the sobs subsided, until her body stopped shaking, until the only sound was the quiet sounds of her breathing. You held her as if you could fuse her fractured pieces back together with the sheer force of your will. You felt her arms tighten around you. She was holding on to you. She didn't want to let go. She didn't want to go back to the cold, lonely world she had built for herself. You had broken the wall...
Finally, she allowed herself to sit on top of you, her body now straddling yours, and while tears remained on her face, she was now the one who held you.
"Are you happy to see me cry?" Annie asked, her eyes were already puffy and red from crying, but now she was trying to regain control.
You couldn't help but smile at her attempt to deflect. Her defense mechanism. The mask of the tough girl she had worn for so long. But you saw through it. You saw the girl who had been hurt, the girl who was afraid, the girl who just wanted to be loved. You also noticed how she moved her hips slightly. She didn't want to think about anything other than this moment of happiness.
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"Very," you said, your thumb caressing her cheek. The honesty in your voice seemed to catch her off guard. She blushed even harder, this time hiding on your chest. Her cheeks pressed against your uniform. The fabric was scratchy, but she didn't seem to mind.
"...Say it again," She mumbled, her voice muffled by your shirt.
"I love you," You said again, and for a split second, her head moved away from your chest, and you saw her smile. Her real smile. The one that reached her eyes. The one that made your heart skip a beat.
"Idiot," She said, but this time the word was an endearment. Then she leaned in and kissed you. And it was as if the world had suddenly shifted on its axis. The kiss was different from the previous ones. For it was full of love and the promise of a future. The kiss started soft, hesitant, a question asked and answered in the same breath. Her lips, cool from the evening air, pressed against yours. Then, the hesitation dissolved. The kiss deepened. It was a slow, deliberate exploration, a rediscovery of a connection that had been lost in the storm.
And then...The sound of the ODM gear whirring through the sky and the horn of the exercise being over. Both of your heads turned to the sky in surprise. The exercise was over. But you couldn't care less about the results. The only thing that mattered was the girl in your arms. The girl who had finally let you in. The girl who had finally found the courage to be weak. And you knew that this was just the beginning.
However, Annie then showed worry on her face. She quickly got off you and fixed herself up, wiping her tears and trying to regain her composure. "We have to go," She said, her voice still a bit shaky. She offered you a hand to help you up. You took it, and she pulled you to your feet. The small wound on your cheek stung, but you ignored it.
"Hey, wait!" You said, but she was already moving towards the edge of the rooftop. You knew that she had a mission to fulfill, but you also knew that she was not the same. Something inside her had changed. You had changed her. You had given her something to hold onto, but it also meant that the path ahead would be even more difficult.
"We'll talk later," She said, her back to you. "Be on the third floor of the barracks before dinner." And before you could respond, she shot her grappling hooks, her body disappearing into the city. You stood there for a moment, watching her go. Then it hit you, you had to return to not raise any suspicion. And so you did, heading back to the barracks to get your debriefing on the exercise and get some well-deserved rest.
***
Trost Barracks
Third Floor
While everyone had been excited to finally complete the final test, your mind had wandered far too much. The cut on your cheek was a small, constant reminder of the emotional battle that had taken place on that rooftop. The instructors praised your performance. 'Exceptional' and on par with that of the best cadets, but the words were meaningless. The only thing that mattered was the promise of a future with Annie. The future was still uncertain.
You stood in the dimly lit hallway, the wooden floorboards creaking under your boots. The door to the third floor of the barracks was ajar. A sliver of light cut across the hallway, beckoning you. You hesitated for a second, your heart beating a little too fast. The promise you made to Krista now gave you strength once more. This was for her as well as for Annie. You pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was used as a storage for old equipment and furniture. A single, small window let in a little bit of sunlight, but for some reason, the day felt brighter than it was. Annie was there, her back to you, standing near the window. She wore her training uniform, but it was slightly unbuttoned at the top, her hair still a mess.
"You came," She said, not turning around.
"You told me to," You replied, your voice steady.
She turned, her blue eyes now holding no anger, but a mix of something else. The vulnerability from earlier was still there, but now it was tempered with a newfound strength.
"A bit early though..." She commented, her gaze drifting to the cut on your cheek. A small, almost imperceptible frown formed on her lips. She took a step closer, her movements hesitant.
"I couldn't wait," You said. A bold statement.
Annie stopped a few feet away from you, her eyes fixed on the cut. The distance between you was a fragile thing, a space filled with unspoken words. The room seemed to shrink, the old furniture and forgotten equipment fading into the background.
"Say it," You challenged her, echoing her earlier demand.
Her eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise in them. She looked away, her gaze fixed on the dusty floor. "Say what?" She asked, her voice soft and vulnerable once more.
"That you were scared," You said. And there, in the dusty storeroom, she had a choice. She could run. She could hide behind the mask of the cold, aloof soldier. Or she could be brave. Brave enough to admit that she was scared.
She looked back at you, her eyes meeting yours. The vulnerability was still there, but now it was accompanied by a glimmer of defiance.
"I was scared," She finally said. "I am scared." Her eyes flickered down, to your chest, to the place where the blade had almost pierced.
"Then don't be," You said, your hands now on her hips, pulling her close.
Her body tensed for a second, then relaxed, melting into yours. She then rested her head against your chest, listening to the steady rhythm of your heart. Your scent filled her senses, a mix of sweat, metal, and something that was uniquely you.
"I..." She started. "...Can't help it."
"We'll see about that," You said, a small smile playing on your lips. "But first...Say you need me."
Her head snapped up, a spark of anger in her blue eyes. But it was not the cold, distant anger from before. It was a warm, passionate anger. The anger of a girl who was tired of being strong. The anger of a girl who was ready to let go.
"Say it, Annie," You whispered, your thumbs stroking the skin just above her hips.
She looked at you for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, she leaned in, her lips brushing against your ear.
"I need you," She whispered back, her voice cracking with need. "Idiot."
And with that, the last of her defenses crumbled. You captured her lips in a kiss that was different from all the others. There was no hesitation. No fear. No holding back. The kiss lasted for far less than you had felt. But then the door opened. Both of you looked at the door. It was Krista. Who had the face of indifference...Until she saw both of you.
For a brief moment, no one said anything. The silence was deafening enough on its own. This was the first time that the two women who had a claim over your heart were in the same room, a small, dusty storeroom that was about to become a battleground of emotions.
Krista's gaze moved from your face to Annie's, then back to yours. Her expression was unreadable, but her hands, which had been resting at her sides, clenched into small, tight fists.
"Krista..." You started, but she held up a hand, cutting you off.
"Don't," She said, her voice calm, almost too calm. Her hands relaxed, her posture straightened, and she gave both of you a cold expression that was unknown to you. She closed the door behind her, the sound of the latch clicking into place echoing in the silent room. Her blonde hair seemed to catch the sliver of light from the window. But her blue eyes held a storm. "What do you think you are doing?"
Annie tensed, her body pulling away from yours slightly, but your hands still held her. This was no longer a private moment. This was a confrontation.
"What does it look like?" Annie replied, her voice cool, her gaze steady. Her mask of indifference was back in place, a shield to protect her from the coming onslaught.
Krista didn't answer. She just looked at the cut on your cheek, her expression softening for a fraction of a second. But then it returned to that cold, unreadable state. She walked towards both of you. For a moment, you felt as if you were about to confront your sins, but you were ready to face them.
Her gaze ignored Annie as she came right towards you. She then stopped and looked at your chest for a moment. Then you saw her small hand reach for your face. Her touch was gentle, a stark contrast to the storm in her eyes. Her fingers traced the cut on your cheek, and then she shattered. "Annie...I can't...," Krista said, her words directed at Annie, but her eyes were still on the wound. The guilt of what she was about to do was already eating her alive.
You said the only thing you could. "Krista...I love you." You finally said, your hand covering hers, holding it against your cheek. But then, you felt her slap your hand away.
For a moment, she ate all her pride and then leaned and kissed you. The guilt faded in that kiss. Her kiss was as demanding as, if not more than, Annie's, and it was as if she was trying to stake her claim. The kiss was then abruptly cut short as she pulled away. She then smiled at Annie, a bit too sweetly and playfully. "I know what I told you last night...I guess I was just bluffing."
"I can see that," Annie replied. The tone of her answer was cold, but then you saw the smirk on her face, the one she so rarely showed.
Krista didn't stop there. "But I can't let you go, Conrad." She turned to you, her face a few inches from yours. "And you can't just...leave me. Not after all this." She then turned her gaze to Annie. "We are all selfish, aren't we? So why not just...share?"
The word hung in the dusty air of the storeroom. "Share?" You asked, your mind struggling to process the suggestion. Your gaze shifted to Annie. Her blue eyes were wide, but not with shock. They were wide with a dangerous curiosity. She was actually considering it.
"Share him?" Annie asked, her voice dripping with a sarcasm that did little to hide the flicker of interest in her eyes. 'Maybe for a little while,' she thought.
"Only until one of us wins," Krista said with a confidence you had never seen in her before. 'Or until I can't bear it anymore.' She then leaned in close to your ear again. "If that's what it takes...Then I will be the one who loves you the most." A small chuckle escaped her lips as she leaned away.
Your head was spinning. This was not what you had expected. Not at all. You had anticipated anger, tears, maybe even a fight. But this? This was a proposal. A twisted, illogical, yet... strangely compelling proposal. You looked at both of them, at their determined faces, at their unwavering gazes. They were serious. Deadly serious.
And then, as if to seal the deal, Krista's hands went to Annie's shoulders. "She is pretty, don't you think?" Krista said, her eyes fixed on you. "I mean...the blonde hair...the blue eyes...the pale skin..." Her gaze drifted to Annie's lips.
Annie flinched, her body tensing. "What are you doing?" She asked, her voice a mixture of alarm and something else...something that sounded a lot like intrigue.
"I'm just appreciating the competition," Krista replied, a small, sly smile on her face. Her hands moved from Annie's shoulders to her face, her fingers tracing the line of her jaw. "Say, doesn't Conrad have a thing for blondes?" The question was a dart aimed at your heart.
Before Annie could answer, Krista leaned in and kissed you again. This one was softer, more possessive. It was a kiss that said, "He's mine." When she pulled away, she looked at Annie, her blue eyes glinting with a mixture of challenge and desire. "Your turn," She said, her voice husky.
Annie didn't move. She just stood there, her mind racing. 'Is this another one of her tests?' she thought. 'Or is this...the real her?' The real Krista. The Krista who was not a saint, but a sinner. The fun kind of sinner. The thought was...intriguing. 'I don't mind,' She thought.
Annie had already seen glimpses of Krista's "dark side." The possessiveness in her hugs. The subtle jealousy in her glances. The fierce determination in her eyes, and then she allowed herself to steal a kiss from you, both of her hands now holding your face. Her kiss tried to imitate that bit of possessiveness from Krista, but with the same hint of wanting you to take charge as before.
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It was that moment that your hands splintered...One reached for Annie's back and the other for Krista's waist. Your grip on Annie was firm, a silent reassurance. The other hand rested on Krista's hip, a question and an answer all in one.
"What are you..." Krista started, but she didn't finish. She leaned into your touch, her body pressing against yours. She then looked at Annie, a small, triumphant smile on her face.
"What do you think you're doing?" Annie asked, her voice a little shaky. She was still not used to this...this game.
"Just establishing the rules," Krista said, her gaze unwavering. "Rule number one: He's ours. Rule number two: Love Conrad...."
"Rule number three: May the best girl win," Annie finished, her lips curving into a small, dangerous smile. She was a fast learner. And she was a competitor.
"That's the spirit," Krista said, her smile widening. She then looked at you, her eyes filled with a mischievous glint. "Are you ready to play, Conrad?"
"Let's," You said, a small smile playing on your lips. What happened then was a bit of a blur. The swirls of blonde in front of you, the constant swapping of lips, and the caresses of the two most important girls in your life. It felt as if they had a plan, one that had been in the works for quite some time. Your hands had grown confident aswell as they held the two girls. You held them as if they were precious artifacts. The two girls, on the other hand, were treating each other as if they were rivals, but the kiss had changed their relationship. They were now...something else.
It was Annie who first lowered your hand from that respectful place at the small of her back to the curve of her hip, and then to her thigh, pulling you flush against her in a way that was both a claim and an invitation. "You are still an idiot," she whispered against your lips, the words a soft caress.
You responded by moving your other hand from Krista's waist to her butt, making her squeak as she felt your hand, the small, surprised sound quickly morphing into a low chuckle that vibrated against your chest.
"It seems that I am not the only one," You then whispered back, pulling away for a moment to look at them. The girls looked back at you with a mixture of lust and...love. The sight was enough to make you forget about the world outside this room.
The kiss then continued, a tangle of limbs and lips. The heat quickly pooled between the three of you. And you had no idea how the rest of it would play out. You were all just caught up in the moment.
Until...
Footsteps in the hallway.
All three of you froze. The heat vanished, replaced by the fear of discovery. Only for a trumpet to sound. "104th Cadets to the main hall immediately! I repeat, all 104th Cadets to the main hall immediately!"
Krista was the first to react. She pulled away with a sigh, her hands smoothing her uniform, her expression finally returning to that cheerful smile instead of the greedy, lustful smile. "Time to go," She whispered. She gave you a quick, final kiss on the cheek and then a quick, challenging glance at Annie that dissolved into a friendly wave at the door. "See you in a bit."
The door closed behind her, leaving you and Annie alone again, but the mood was now different. It was not just about the two of you. It was about the three of you. And the consequences that this...game would have.
"Rule number four," Annie said, her hands flat against your chest. Her expression was serious now, the blue in her eyes dark with a seriousness that made your heart ache. "No one else knows. About this."
"I know," You said, your hands still on her hips. You didn't want to let her go.
"I mean it, Conrad," She said, her gaze unwavering. "No one."
"Annie," You said, your hands moving to her face. "I know."
She held your gaze for a moment longer, then she leaned in and kissed you. This one was slow, tender. A promise. A seal on their secret pact. When she pulled away, she gave you a small, almost imperceptible smile. "You're still an idiot."
"I know," You said, a small smile playing on your lips.
And with that, she was gone. Leaving you alone in the dusty storeroom. The only evidence of the encounter was the taste of their lips on yours, the lingering scent of their perfume in the air.
You took a few moments to smooth your uniform and clear your mind. 'That was... something,' you thought as you left the room. 'Something else entirely.'
You walked towards the main hall, the sounds of other cadets echoing through the stone corridors. The trumpet call's urgency had passed, replaced by a low murmur of confusion. You found the rest of your squadron already gathered near the entrance. Eren was pacing back and forth, his agitation a visible vibration. Jean leaned against a wall, arms crossed, scowling at nothing.
"What was that about?" Eren asked, not bothering to look at you. "Did Shadis change his mind about letting us visit our families? I swear, if he cancels my mom's stew..."
"Relax, hot-head," Jean said. "They probably just want to give us a lecture. 'Don't slack off, Titans are real, blah blah blah.'" His voice dripped with the practiced cynicism he wore like armor. "Same old story."
But this felt different. The atmosphere in the hall was heavy, charged with a nervous energy that had nothing to do with a typical instructor's tirade. You scanned the crowd. Mikasa stood by Eren, her posture a silent, unyielding support. She caught your eye for a fraction of a second, then quickly looked away, her hand rising to adjust her scarf—a small, unthinking gesture. Her expression was as unreadable as ever.
Until finally, Shadis appeared at the front of the hall, his silhouette framed by the high windows. The room fell silent. He didn't shout. He didn't pace. He just stood there, letting the weight of the silence settle.
"Cadets," His voice was quiet, devoid of its usual bombast. The lack of yelling was more alarming than any display of rage. "I have received news of the utmost importance." He paused. "We are currently under a lot of pressure, and as such, you must not take this lightly in any way whatsoever."
The faces of the cadets all turned pale. Even Eren's usual bravado seemed to evaporate in that moment. 'Could it be...?' You thought, your heart beginning to pound in your chest. You looked at Annie, who was standing with her arms crossed, her face a mask of stoicism. Krista was beside her, her small frame almost hidden behind the taller cadets.
"Earlier today," Shadis continued, "I was approached by Commander Pixis himself. His request was for the 104th to have the honor of participating in the 100th Coronation Ball Anniversary, which will be held tonight on the outskirts of Trost inside of Wall Rose."
This statement was met with a wave of disbelief. All that tension that had built up was just for an invitation to a party. The relief in the room was so thick that you could almost feel it. Eren's face lit up again, the scowl on Jean's face returned, and the rest of the cadets began to chatter among themselves.
"Listen up!" Shadis's voice boomed, cutting through the noise. "This is not a vacation! This is an order! You will be on your best behavior! You will represent the Training Corps! And you will be in your best uniforms! Only five girls and five boys will be chosen from the 104th Cadet Corps. The rest of you will be on standby and patrolling the area. Now, as for the chosen ones..."
He then began to read the names from a list. The room fell silent again.
"First, for the girls: Krista Lenz, Emelina Almonacid, Mikasa Ackerman, Annie Leonhart, and Adelaide Forst."
The named girls stepped forward, their faces a mix of surprise and pride. Krista gave a small, respectful bow. Annie's face remained impassive, but you saw a flicker of something in her blue eyes. Your sister, Emelina, stepped forward with a confident smile.
"For the boys: Eren Jaeger, Jean Kirstein, Marco Bodt, Reiner Braun, and Conrad Almonacid." Your name left a bit of tension among the other cadets. You certainly felt, at least, two dozen pairs of eyes on you. A few filled with admiration, but most with pure envy.
"You have one hour to get ready!" Shadis announced, then turned on his heel and stormed out of the hall, leaving a flurry of motion and whispers in his wake. Truly, the last test before graduation, the final chance for those wanting to join the Military Police to make a good impression. For you, it was a chance to be seen. To be with them. Both of them.
Krista's face, bright and smiling, seemed to be aimed in your general direction. She had that confident look about her face that spoke of 'You just wait' with just a single expression.
"You lucky bastard," Jean mumbled from beside you, the compliment as begrudging as it was genuine. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit you'd noticed before. "Of course, you'd get picked." His eyes then drifted to Emelina, getting a slight frown. As if he didn't want to think about her. But he also didn't want to take his eyes off of her.
"You too, Jean," You replied, trying to keep your tone neutral. "I hope you enjoy the party."
"You shouldn't already know me enough to know that will be the case," Jean shot back, before holding a hand to his forehead. "The food better be good. At least we can have a decent meal before graduation." He then looked at the others who had not been chosen and quickly lamented the choice of his companions. "But first, I have to make sure you are all presentable. Don't embarrass me. Especially you, Yeager."
"Me?! Embarrass you?!" Eren retorted, bristling at the insinuation. "I will have you know that I have been practicing my table manners!"
"Practicing? Does that mean you now know not to use the fork on soup?" Jean's question was sarcastic, before he finally stopped himself. Placing both hands on his shoulders. The expression on his face was that of pure and grim determination. "Listen, Yeager. You are a man. You should know this already," He said as he attempted man-to-man communication. It was an attempt at leadership.
"Yeah?" Eren said, with a bit of confusion.
"Tonight, there will be ladies. Noble ones. Beautiful ones." Jean said, placing a hand on his chest. "Do you get me, Yeager?!" He said with a bit of a dramatic flair.
"I guess so," Eren replied with a still somewhat confused expression.
Jean's face showed his lament over trying to talk about this with the densest of minds. 'What a pain.' He then looked at the only other sensible person in the group. "Just...Just don't be rude, do you understand me? We only get one shot at this! And you...You're coming too, Almonacid. Don't even think about hogging all the ladies," Jean said, pointing a finger at you.
"I hope not," you said, and it was clear that you had your 'hands' full already. The thought of being in a room with them for a whole night, dressed to the nines, surrounded by the high society of Wall Rose...It was a recipe for disaster. Or a recipe for something else entirely.
Marco then came over and placed a calming hand on Jean's shoulder. "Easy there, Jean. Just try to have a good time. The night's about celebrating." His tone was gentle and peaceful, a direct contrast to Jean's agitated energy.
"I'm just saying," Jean grumbled, but he seemed to relax a bit under Marco's touch.
Marco then laughed and turned to address everyone. He scratched the side of his nose with a short smile. "I honestly don't think we will be the focus of the ball, anyway." He replied, looking at everyone, "Don't think a bunch of cadets in training will be more interesting than all the other people attending."
"Well, we'll see about that," Jean said, a bit of his usual arrogance returning. Before finally relaxing and relenting a little.
Reiner then patted you on the back. "Guess we'll have to keep an eye on each other, eh, Conrad?" He said with a friendly grin on his face. "Make sure we don't make a mess of things." His grin was so broad it almost split his face, a familiar sight. Yet, for a fleeting second, his eyes met yours, and something else lingered behind that friendly facade. A look of... appraisal? As if he were sizing you up for something. Probably, competition is about who looks better or who will get the most attention. He had that big-brother feel to an art form.
You returned the gesture with a light nod. "We wouldn't want that." But then he placed a hand on your shoulder and leaned towards you. The expression on his face was completely serious as he spoke. "I've heard rumours about you and Krista. Now, I don't know if they are true, but I think you'd better be careful. If you are going to do something with her, then I hope it is serious." He whispered into your ear. The words came out of nowhere. How did he know? But you couldn't ponder on that too much as he quickly pulled away. He gave a final thumbs-up with a half-tear on his face. "Just trying to look out for a fellow soldier. Let's all do our best." He said, though, you could only take him half-seriously as he looked as if he was about to sob.
'This was Reiner Braun being Reiner Braun.' You thought. He had a soft spot for Krista, after all. Just like many more cadets that she had charmed. You would have to be careful. But you would have to be even more careful when it came to the two girls who had a claim over your heart
Armin cleared his throat, drawing your attention. "I guess they picked the most likely to be among the top ten," He said, a bit relieved that he wouldn't have to be the one to attend the ball. But then Eren punched softly in the arm. "Armin, don't be like that! If I can manage, I will bring you a plate of the fancy food!"
Armin, of course, blushed at this and then scratched the back of his head. "You know, Eren, there's more to it than just...food." But then he realized that maybe he was not going to convince Eren otherwise.
Mikasa watched the exchange between you, Jean, Eren, Marco and Reiner from a distance. Her posture remained the same, straight, alert. The scarf around her neck seemed to absorb the little light in the room. She seemed a bit...interested in your conversation with Reiner, though her face gave nothing away.
Meanwhile, if there was someone not happy about the pickings, it was Bertholdt. His face showed disappointment at not being chosen. A bit too noticeable for someone who tried to be invisible. His tall figure seemed to shrink in on itself. Maybe he really wanted to eat the food they would serve? Reiner merely gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "Next time, buddy. There's always next time." The phrase was a bit out of the blue, but Bertholdt seemed to accept it.
And Adelaide...she just stood there with her arms crossed. Her eyes found yours for a brief, charged moment before she looked away. She certainly did not expect to be picked. Her gaze then lingered on Annie and Krista for a second before she went to walk after Emelina, Annie soon joining them, with Krista not wanting to be left behind in trying on the clothes that the Cadet Corps would give to them.
Finally, Sasha lamented herself at the fact that she would miss all the great meat and food within the ball itself. All while Connie attempted to console her to no avail.
***
Male Dressing Room
A few minutes later, you went with the boys to get your own uniforms for the ball. The uniform was different from your usual cadet attire; it was more formal, with a high collar and polished brass buttons. The fabric was a bit stiff, but...
"These are the best suits we will ever get in this place," Jean mumbled, looking at himself in the full-length mirror. He turned to the side, admiring the fit. He smoothed the front of the suit, trying to make himself look bigger. He then cleared his throat and put on a serious face. "Not bad, Jean. Not bad at all." You and Reiner were getting your own suits. But you had to be careful not to tear the fabric, especially when it came to getting your arms through the sleeves. You were always bigger than the average cadet, and the uniform had to be a bit bigger.
Eren struggled with his own uniform. He was trying to fix his tie, but it was just a tangled mess. "Argh! How does this thing even work?!" He grumbled, trying to untangle it.
"Let me help you," Marco offered, stepping forward. He took the tie from Eren's hands and, with a few quick, practiced movements, he had it tied perfectly. "There you go."
"Wow," Eren said, looking at his reflection. He looked... different. More... grown-up. "Thanks, Marco."
"No problem," Marco said, a small smile on his face.
You had your own suit on, but it felt a bit tight around the shoulders. You adjusted the collar, the fabric slightly scratching at your neck. You looked at your reflection. The silver of your hair seemed to stand out even more against the black of the uniform. You looked... like someone else. As if you weren't a cadet but a businessman or noble or something, which was just wrong.
"I can't believe we have to wear these things," Eren said, still staring at himself in the mirror. "I feel like I'm in a cage."
"It's not so bad," Jean said, still admiring himself. "At least we'll be able to eat some real food for once. And maybe even talk to some noble ladies."
"You and your ladies," Eren mumbled, rolling his eyes.
"You're just jealous because you don't have the charm," Jean shot back.
Reiner then commented on your fit. "You look good, Conrad. I guess muscles do fill up a suit nicely." He said, giving a thumbs up. You gave him a nod, after all, the man himself did not look too bad anyway. But it was still awkward to see a man of his size in such a tight suit. He must have had trouble getting into it.
"Maggots!" Shadis's voice boomed from the hallway. Moments later, he entered the dressing room, a scowl permanently etched onto his face. He inspected each of you, a hawk eyeing its prey. "Hmph." He grunted as he walked past you, then paused by Eren. "Yeager, your tie is crooked."
Eren flinched. "Eh? But sir, Marco helped me—"
"I don't care if the King himself helped you. Fix it." Shadis barked before continuing towards the door. "The rest of you." He said, stopping by the door frame without looking back. "You look decent enough. Don't embarrass the Corps. No talking to the daughters of aristocrats unless they talk to you first. You won't dirty these precious suits that were lent to you, and most importantly. You are only allowed a single drink."
He then left, leaving the five of you in a stunned silence.
"So much for a party," Jean said, breaking the silence. He then turned to Eren with a sly grin on his face. "Don't worry, Yeager. You won't have to worry about any ladies talking to you with that face of yours."
"Shut up, horse-face!" Eren shot back, trying to fix his tie on his own.
"You're only allowed one drink," Reiner's voice echoed as he made it sound like he was repeating a sacred commandment to himself, a look of pure, unadulterated despair on his face. "I guess we can't really celebrate there before graduation."
"You have to look at the bright side, Reiner," Marco said, trying to cheer him up. "At least we're going."
"I'd trade all the fancy suits and the fancy food for one good night's sleep," you mumbled to yourself. But not even you could believe that. The image of Annie and Krista in a dress... You had to admit that you were a bit excited. Speaking of which, you wondered how the girls were doing.
-x-X-x-
Female Dressing Room
Meanwhile, the girls had their own struggles.
Mikasa stood in front of the mirror, her face a blank slate. She looked at her reflection, at the girl in the simple, yet elegant dress. The Corps had quite a large selection of dresses available, but she was drawn to the red one. The same color as the scarf she wore. But her attention was divided between herself and the other girls.
Krista, for example, was twirling in front of the mirror, her dress a light teal that reminded her of the sky in the morning. She was a natural. She moved with a grace that seemed almost effortless. She smiled at her reflection, her blue eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. 'Conrad is going to love this,' She thought to herself, a small, satisfied smile on her face. She then turned to the other girls, a playful glint in her eyes. "What do you think, girls? Do I look like a lady?" She asked, her voice sweet.
Emelina, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. She was already dressed in a simple, black dress that hugged her figure in all the right places. Her silver hair was tied up in an elegant bun, a few stray strands framing her face. She gave Krista a slow, deliberate look. As if she didn't want to miss a single detail of her dress. Her scrutiny palpable. She then let out a small chuckle. "Perfectly acceptable," She said, as enigmatic as ever.
Krista gave her playful smile. Taking a few short stops towards the person who could one day be her future sister-in-law. Krista then grabbed her hands. Emelina didn't have much of a reaction to it, her face unchanged. "I think we will get along just fine, Emelina," Krista said, leaning forward slightly. "I think your dress also looks very good on you. It looks mature, elegant."
"I appreciate the compliment, Krista," Emelina replied, her tone unreadable. "Quite the charmer, aren't you?" She then looked towards Adelaide. "What about you, Adelaide? Do you need any help with your dress?" Her tone shifted slightly, a bit softer. 'And I see that she is playing big girl now,' Emelina thought.
Adelaide looked up from the dress she was holding. It was a simple, yellow dress. She seemed hesitant to wear it. "No, I'm fine," She said, her voice quiet. She looked at her reflection. Maybe it was a bit too childish? Too...pure. It didn't match the girl she was trying to become. It didn't scream "soldier" or "strong." It just screamed "Adelaide." The girl she used to be. But for some reason...She couldn't bring herself to put it down.
The small blonde then came to Annie's side. "Annie! What about you? You have to at least pick one!"
Annie, however, was standing in the corner of the room, a dress hanging on a rack in front of her. She felt shy about this kind of thing. She didn't like to be the center of attention, and wearing a dress would definitely make her stand out. She had been quietly observing the other girls, trying to muster the confidence to pick one. "I'm not sure..." She started. She didn't like any of the colors. They were too bright, too... cheerful. Not her. It was too...girly. That was the word. Too girly.
"Oh, come on! You can't wear your cadet uniform to a ball!" Krista insisted.
"I could," Annie replied.
Emelina chipped in. "I am sure there are other girls who would love to have the chance to attend this ball, Annie." She had placed on one of her white gloves, moving her hands behind her back, and she approached. "We should be grateful." Her silver hair moved as she walked. "Do you need some help? I can help you pick one too, you know?" She offered a sweet smile plastered on her face. "If Krista's any right, then my eye for these things is not that bad."
Annie looked at the two of them, a small sigh escaping her lips. The combined force of Krista's cheerfulness and Emelina's direct charm was too much for her to handle. 'I will have to fight both of them at the same time...' Annie thought.
Krista then grabbed a dress and held it up against Annie. It was a simple, pink dress. "What about this one?" She asked, her eyes sparkling.
Annie's face turned a light shade of pink. She shook her head. "No. Too bright."
"Too bright?" Krista repeated, pouting. "But it's so cute!"
"I concur. The pink fits her rather well, maybe it will even match with C..." Emelina started, but then stopped herself, a sly smile forming on her lips. "I mean, it would fit her skin tone, don't you think?"
'So that's how she wants to play it,' Annie thought, a small frown forming on her lips. But then Krista hooked onto that comment to lean to whisper into Annie's ear. "We want him to see you and fall head over heels for you. Right?" Krista's words were a poison, a sweet poison. 'Of course I want him to...' Annie's mind replied. "Anything you pick will make him fall for you, trust me. Just pick one."
'This is a nightmare,' Annie thought. Her mind was a mess. A part of her wanted to please them. To please him. Another part of her wanted to run. To hide. To be alone. To be the girl she used to be. The girl who didn't...or couldn't care about dresses, or balls, or boys. But that girl was gone. Killed by a stupid, kind, and stubborn idiot.
"Alright, I will pick this one...I guess," Annie said, her voice resigning. She pointed to a white dress with frills and a ribbon on the back. It was simple. And it was a color that would not clash with her hair. Or her mood.
"Excellent choice!" Krista squealed, clapping her hands. "Now let's get you changed!"
Annie was about to protest, but it was too late. Krista was already pulling her towards the changing room, her strength belying her small frame. Emelina followed close behind, her smile widening. They were like two vultures circling their prey.
Meanwhile, Mikasa and Adelaide stood in a corner, watching the spectacle. Mikasa's expression was unreadable, her dark eyes a deep, silent pool. She had seen the exchange, the whispered words, the sly smiles. She understood what was happening. She was confident that she could also pull off the dress. Adelaide wasn't too sure, but well, it was just a ball, right? What could happen? I mean...the chance was there...but...
Adelaide shook her head, trying to clear her mind. 'Be confident, Addie, ' She told herself, but she still couldn't bring herself to change into the dress. She was just not ready. But the thought of seeing Conrad in a suit...it was a powerful motivator. She took a deep breath, then reached for the yellow dress. She would do it. For herself...mostly.
-x-X-x-
The Ball
The carriage ride to the party was silent. The five boys had been loaded into one carriage, while the girls took another. They had not been able to see the girls in a dress, as they had been ushered in rather quickly.
The boys were trying to keep their cool, but the tension was palpable.
"You're sweating, Jean," Eren teased, a smug grin on his face.
"It's the heat," Jean retorted, wiping his brow with the back of his hand.
"Right," Eren said, rolling his eyes. "Just try not to trip over your own two feet when we get there."
"I'd like to see you try to dance, Yeager," Jean shot back. "You'd probably step on your partner's toes."
"I can dance just fine!" Eren said, his face turning red.
"Sure you can," Jean said, a sarcastic smile on his face.
Marco, at this point, had already given up trying to make them relax. Perhaps, he was a bit nervous too? No, it couldn't be, but for some reason, he seemed to be the only one who was genuinely excited about the event. For the rest, it was a mix of dread and excitement.
You, on the other hand, were just staring out the window, watching the city of Trost pass by. The city was alive with the sounds of the celebration, the distant music, and the laughter of the people. It felt like a different world. At least from your position inside the carriage.
The carriage came to a stop in front of a large, ornate building. The guards at the entrance were dressed in the finest Military Police uniforms. They stood at attention, their faces stern. One of them approached the carriage and opened the door.
"Welcome, Cadets," He said, his voice low and a bit condescending. The boys then stepped out of the carriage. Eren was the first one to go, his legs unsteady as he got out, but he then regained his composure. You got out next. The fabric of your suit was still a bit stiff. The night air was cool on your skin.
You were guided inside, and you were taken to a grand hall. The hall was a sight to behold. The ceiling was high and decorated with intricate carvings. Meanwhile, refinely dressed noblemen and noblewomen milled about, their laughter like tinkling glass. You felt... out of place. A fish out of water. Your fellow cadets seemed to feel the same way. Jean was trying to look cool and collected, but you could see the tension in his shoulders. Only Reiner and Eren were really calm in any shape or form. Though it was likely because Eren cared little for the ball in itself, while Reiner mostly kept a composed attitude.
The military police inspected you for weapons and contraband, just routine, but they were making sure that nothing was amiss.
"Hey, where are you touching!" Jean shouted. The military police officer was patting him down, a bit too close for comfort.
"Be quiet, Cadet," The officer said, not even bothering to look at him. Then they did the same with all the others.
After their inspection was done, you were told to wait. In that brief span of time, many passing nobles stared at your group. Their gazes were a mix of curiosity and disdain, quiet whispers leaving their mouths. However, not all gazes were that of disinterest or contempt. It was the younger noble women who saw you five, and among them, you. You, with your silver hair and distinct appearance. Some looked at you with open curiosity, their hands covering their mouths as they whispered to each other. Others looked more interested in Reiner's robust frame, and even Eren's intense green eyes got a few looks.
However, your attention was soon drawn to the entrance. The girls had arrived.
First came Emelina. She walked with a confident stride that commanded attention. Her black dress and her silver hair were a stark and beautiful contrast. The room went silent for a second, the nobles stopping their conversations to watch her. She was a vision of elegance. She then moved to the side, a small, knowing smile on her lips.
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----------------->
.
Then came Mikasa. Her red dress was as bold as the scarf she always wore. The color was a stark contrast to her pale skin, her black hair falling like a curtain around her face. She didn't look at anyone, other than at you and Eren, but she held herself with a quiet confidence that was impossible to ignore. She then went to the same side as her.
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And then Adelaide. Her yellow dress was a splash of sunshine in the grand, opulent hall. She looked nervous, her hands fidgeting with the fabric of her dress. But she also looked... beautiful. Her blonde hair was styled in a way that framed her face. She looked like a princess. But she also looked...lost. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for something. For someone. She found you, and for a moment, her gaze held yours. Then she looked away, a blush creeping up her neck. She then joined the others.
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----------->
.
Finally, they both entered at the same time. Krista and Annie.
Krista was the definition of an enchantment. Her teal dress brought out the blue in her eyes. Her blonde hair was styled in an elegant updo, with perfectly brushed hair. She was smiling, her expression a mixture of confidence and playfulness. She looked like she belonged in this world. She looked like a queen.
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Annie, on the other hand, looked... different. She was beautiful, but it was a fragile kind of beauty. Her white dress was similar to that of Adelaide in structure. It made her look like a porcelain doll, but her face showed her reluctance, her discomfort.
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.
Yet, it was the way that she walked. She was a bit behind Krista, and her posture was a bit slouched, as if she was trying to make herself smaller. But she couldn't hide her natural grace. She moved with a quiet, deliberate fluidity. She was a wildflower in a garden of roses. And you couldn't take your eyes off her.
Their entrance caused the whispers in the room to get louder. The nobles were not just looking at them anymore. They were staring. They were talking about them.