**Sanctuary**

As Hange carried me through the winding corridors of the Survey Corps' headquarters, the sounds of the world receded into the background, replaced by the steady beat of his heart and the gentle rustle of his uniform. I buried my face in his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin and the reassuring pressure of his arms around me. He smelled like the familiar scent of his leather jacket, a comforting aroma that calmed my frazzled nerves. The journey to our home was a blur, with Hange's gentle humming and the rocking motion of his steps lulling me into a state of semi-consciousness. I was vaguely aware of the door opening and closing, and then I was being gently laid onto our bed. Hange's hands moved with a soothing gentleness, removing my boots and the worn fabric suit, replacing them with a soft, comfortable blanket. As I drifted into a fever-induced haze, Hange's face appeared above me, his eyes etched with concern. "I'll take care of you, little one," he whispered, his voice a gentle breeze that soothed my parched soul. "You're safe now." I nodded, my body responding to the warmth of his presence, even as my mind struggled to process the events of the day. The sensory overload, the cruel taunts, and the exposure – it all felt like a distant nightmare, one that I was grateful to be awakening from. As the fever raged on, Hange stayed by my side, feeding me water and medication, whispering soft words of reassurance into my ear. His presence was a sanctuary, a safe haven from the world's cruelty and chaos. I felt my body slowly begin to relax, my mind quieting as I succumbed to the warmth and comfort of his care. The world outside receded, and all that was left was Hange and me, suspended in a bubble of love and protection. I was grateful for this tiny, perfect universe, where I could be myself, mask or no mask, and be loved and accepted for who I was. As the night wore on, Hange's eyelids began to droop, his head nodding forward as he fought to stay awake. I reached out a trembling hand, my fingers brushing against his cheek, and he smiled, his eyes fluttering open. "I'm not leaving you, little one," he whispered, his voice husky with exhaustion. "I'm right here." I smiled back, a weak, watery smile, but it was enough to reassure him that I was okay. Together, we drifted into a fitful sleep, the world outside our sanctuary a distant memory, one that we would face together, as long as we had each other. In the stillness of the night, I felt a sense of peace settle over me, a sense of belonging to this tiny, perfect world that Hange and I had created. It was a fragile, fleeting thing, but it was enough to sustain me, to give me the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead. And as I slept, surrounded by the warmth and love of Hange's presence, I knew that I was home, and that I was exactly where I was meant to be.