As Kaito gazed at his reflection in the mirror while bathing, he couldn't help but be amazed by the transformation that had occurred. His once brownish-golden hair had taken on a stunning shade of pure gold when it grew back. It felt somewhat surreal to him, but there was no denying that it looked rather impressive.
Once he had finished his refreshing bath, Kaito emerged with a towel wrapped around his waist, ready for a snack. As he strolled into the kitchen, he expected to be alone during his customary midnight kitchen raid. However, to his surprise, he found Carla already there, diligently chopping vegetables. A mischievous idea crossed his mind, and he couldn't resist the temptation for a little playful mischief.
Silently, he crept up behind her, wearing only a towel, still slightly damp from his bath. Suddenly, he embraced her from behind, his arms wrapping around her soft body.
Carla let out a surprised shriek as she felt Kaito's warm, slightly damp, bare chest pressed against her back. She had attempted to maintain some distance from him, particularly after their passionate night together. She had been feeling overwhelmed with guilt.
However, Kaito was unswayed by her reservations and continued to tease her body and mind.
With a jump, Carla freed herself from Kaito's embrace, and he released her easily, still reveling in his playful mood. Yet what she didn't foresee was the unintended consequence of her quick retreat. Her hand, in the process of breaking free, caught Kaito's towel, pulling it open and causing it to drop to the ground, leaving Kaito standing there totally naked, his playful grin undiminished.
"..big.."
Carla's embarrassment sent a fiery blush across her entire body as she couldn't believe her own reaction to Kaito's naked form. Her eyes were instinctively drawn to him, a magnetic pull she couldn't resist.
Kaito took a step closer, and Carla flustered, took a step back. But her retreat was short-lived, as she quickly realized there was nothing behind her except the wall. Kaito leaned in closer, one hand blocking any potential escape route. He had effectively pinned her against the wall.
"N-no, K-kaito," she stammered, her voice quivering.
Kaito's face inched nearer, his playful eyes locking onto hers. Carla's heart raced, and before she could protest further, she felt Kaito's lips press against hers. Her initial panic turned into a whirlwind of emotions as she tried to escape, but Kaito's hand firmly held her face. She surrendered to the unexpected passion that surged between them.
Their kiss deepened, tongues exploring one another's mouths for what felt like an eternity. When they finally separated, it was only because Carla needed to catch her breath. A long, glistening string of saliva connected their tongues. Kaito grinned, his eyes still locked onto Carla's.
"Did I catch you off guard again, Carla?"
Carla's face felt like it was on fire as she lowered her head to hide her embarrassment. Kaito chuckled and, after picking up his fallen towel, he playfully patted her butt, causing her to blush even more.
After Kaito walked away, Carla remained in the kitchen, her thoughts in turmoil. She couldn't help but feel guilty about her husband. The guilt gnawed at her, but to distract herself, she focused on the task at hand.
Dinner wasn't going to make itself.
With a sigh and renewed determination, she picked up the knife and began chopping vegetables, trying to put the events behind her and focus on the simple act of preparing her meal.
______
Morning
Carla's eyes slowly fluttered open, and for a moment, she couldn't quite believe the luxury of the bed she was lying in. It was so comfortable that she had fallen asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. She stretched and yawned, feeling more rested than she had in a long time.
As she walked into the main room, she was greeted by the sight of Kaito engaged in a rigorous exercise routine. His muscles glistened with sweat, and she couldn't help but feel a slight blush rise to her cheeks. Clearing her throat, she asked with genuine curiosity, "Kaito, why are you exercising so intensely when you're already so strong?"
Kaito pushed himself up from the floor, completing his 69th pushup, and greeted Carla with a warm smile. "Good morning," he said cheerfully.
Taking a break to drink some water, he continued, "Carla, what you saw before was more of a fluke. I might have had a moment of strength, but it's not something I can consistently rely on. Don't expect me to be manhandling 15-meter Titans in the future; it's a good way to end up in a Titan's belly." He chuckled as he took another swig of water.
The last thing he wanted was to become the village's resident Titan wrestler. The mental image of him in a wrestling outfit, ready to take on a giant Titan in a luchador match, made him smirk. Maybe they should start taking bets on him.
Carla nodded in understanding, her gaze lingering on Kaito's toned physique. She couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of admiration and fear. It was as if he was hiding something dark within him.
"I see," she said finally, her voice slightly hesitant. "But what about that power you used to save me? That was no fluke."
Kaito's smile faded slightly. "That was different," he said. "I had to use it to survive. But it's not something I can control, and it's not without its risks. You saw it, didn't you?"
He had no desire to get up close and personal with a Titan. He'd seen enough action movies to know that heroes usually didn't come out of those situations unscathed. But this damn world doesn't give a choice
Carla remembered how his hand had rotten in seconds after he tanked the Titan's attack.
After a moment of silence, Carla asked about the elephant in the room. "So, Kaito... about that night..."
Kaito looked at her as if expecting it, a playful smile reappearing on his face. "Oh yes, that blissful night~"
Carla looked away, guilt in her heart toward her husband, Grisha. "Y-yes... Let's forget about it."
"What if I don't want to?" Kaito said mischievously.
Carla went silent, her mind racing. She had known that Kaito wouldn't let that night pass by so easily, but she hadn't been prepared for this.
"Oh, I should mention one thing," Kaito suddenly spoke up as he got up
"Grisha will probably be arriving in Trost soon."
Carla spun around, surprise and dread surging through her. "What? Grisha is coming here?"
Kaito nodded casually. "With everything that's happened in Shiganshina, it makes sense he'd try to find you and Eren."
Carla's mind raced, imagining the impossibility of facing her husband after what she'd done. How could they possibly go back to their normal family life? The wounds were too deep now. She felt sick with apprehension.
Sensing her panic, Kaito approached and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Remember, though, you can't reveal yourself to him. As far as he knows, Carla died back in Shiganshina."
Carla recoiled from his touch, tears welling up in her eyes. "How can you expect me to do that? Stand by while my husband grieves for me, thinking I'm dead? Pretend everything is fine while our family is torn apart?"
Kaito's expression softened. He hesitated, then gently wiped a tear from her cheek. "Hey, I know this sucks. I wish there was an easy way to fix everything."
He met her watery gaze. "But you're smart. You understand why we can't change what's supposed to happen. As much as it hurts, your family will get through this. Eren and Mikasa will look out for each other."
Carla closed her eyes, lip quivering. Kaito pulled her into an embrace. "I'm here for you too," he murmured. "We'll figure this out together."
Resting her head against his chest, Carla cried quietly as Kaito held her. After a few moments, she took a shaky breath. "I know you're right...it's just so painful. I feel like I'm betraying them."
Kaito stroked her hair soothingly. "I get it. But it's temporary. We can find other ways to help Eren and the others. And I'll always be here to lift your spirits."
'And your body too..' Kaito didn't speak the latter part aloud.
He playfully tilted up her chin. "No more tears now. How about I make us some tea, and we can talk? It'll be alright, I promise."
Carla managed a small, sad smile. Even now, he could still make her feel just a little bit better. "Okay," she nodded. "Tea would be nice."
____
After finishing their tea, Carla took a deep breath. "I need to go check on Eren and Mikasa again. Seeing them yesterday as Irene was so difficult...Eren looked so heartbroken thinking I was dead."
Kaito nodded understandingly. "I know it's hard, but you're doing the right thing visiting them in disguise. Just be cautious."
"I made them some food to take," Carla said. "Hopefully, that will lift their spirits a little." She stood up, gathering her things.
Kaito came over and tilted her chin up, giving her a soft kiss on the lips. Carla flushed, caught off guard.
"What was that for?" she asked, flustered.
"Just helping maintain the illusion," Kaito replied with a casual grin. In truth, he didn't need to kiss her, but he enjoyed catching her by surprise.
Carla looked skeptical but didn't push the issue. She headed out the door towards the refugee settlement where Eren, Mikasa, and Armin were staying.
Kaito watched her go, a vague unease nagging at him. With a sigh, he turned back inside, hoping Carla's visit would go smoothly and she'd return safely.