Complications Throughout Generations

Chapter 28

Mikasa's POV:

"I think I know where he went." I said to Connie and Armin.

"Don't you think he might want to be alone, Mikasa?" Armin asked. I ignored his words and went to the same tree Jean and I were at earlier.

My assumption was right as he was leaning against it with hands against his ears. He was visibly trembling with closed eyes and tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Jean." I whispered but he didn't move. I gently placed my hand on his shoulder and he gasped in fear with wide eyes. But he relaxed once he realized it was me.

"Hey." He whispered, unable to look me in the eyes. "I'm sorry."

"It was a lot at once. I don't blame you." I moved my hand from his shoulder to his cheek so I could move his eyes towards mine. "I'm here for you, Jean."

"It shouldn't be that way." He shook his hand, reaching up to take my hand off his cheek. He took it and held it downward, "I'm supposed to be there for other people, they're not supposed to worry about me. I'm supposed to be the strong one."

"We're all strong, Jean. We're all here for each other. Especially now. We're all going to make sure no one gets left behind. We're going to fight this together. Either we win this or we die trying."

"I won't let you die." He held my hand to his chest close to his heart and caressed my knuckles with his thumb. "You're gonna be the one to save this world, Mikasa. I'm sure of it."

"No Jean, we will be the ones to save the world."

"Don't make me say I told you so when it happens." He smiles. I returned the gesture in a light fashion.

"Jean?"

"Yeah?"

"What are you going to do about Gabi and Falco?"

He sighed and dropped my hand once more.

"You know we're going to help them. I just...I need time to process this. Just a night."

"Which part? Gabi and Falco...or Marco?"

He deeply exhales and closes his eyes. "I don't think all the time in the world would help me process Marco's death. I wasn't even close to begin with, and now it'll probably never leave my head." Small tears started to fall from his eyes but he quickly wiped them away. "All he wanted to do was talk it out." He bit his bottom lip to try and stop the tears from coming but it was useless. "Marco was unlike any person I had ever met. He was the complete opposite of me yet we complimented each other so well. He was so smart and kind and caring. Meanwhile I was just Eren's bully for years." My body slightly flinched at his name but my heart was still aching for Jean. "Marco made me realize that I'm a real person with real emotions and feelings. He opened my eyes to the bigger picture of life. That's why I'm still here. For Marco. I stay strong for the both of us." I wrapped my arms around his waist and he pulled me close. "He should be here." He choked out. "I should have my best friend by my side right now. I miss him so much." He sniffled as I lightly and slowly scratched his back. I felt my own tears forming because I couldn't help but think of me and Eren. I can't lose Eren. That's a pain I don't think I'll ever be able to cope with. If Jean can barely handle Marco's death, how am I meant to feel over Eren's?

I won't let you die, Eren. I'll save you.