It's been a while. The summer has been a bit chaotic to say the least. Armin and myself have seem traveling most of the summer meeting with leaders of other nations.
With Paradis becoming a ticking time bomb. We have been trying to put together a plan, to avoid war. But it feels hopeless.
However there are some rays of sunshine that shine through the clouds of the looming war.
With the former Queen now here. Two former comrades have reunited, and an old flame has been re-ignited.
I never thought it was possible, but Reiner is good with kids. Ymir loves him, always toddles to him when she seems him in the streets.
With her blonde hair and round face, people often think Reiner is her father.
Unfortunately her father joined up with the radicalized Jeagerists, leaving Historia to finally have to flee.
At first, Historia was a but reluctant when ever we would come to this island. She still held some blame against Reiner for Ymir.
But as the frost of winter melted away from the ground. So did the ice around Historia's heart.
Watching them grow closer was sweet, but at the same time, made my heart hurt.
To be honest, I've never be able to really understand what my feelings were for Marco. I was too young to understand them, or maybe I didn't think people would accept them. Marco was...special, and was so much more than a good friend. As beautiful as Mikasa is, there won't be anyone who will know me as well as Marco.
Sometimes I still wish I had killed him when I had the chance.
But most days I just remind myself that killing Reiner wouldn't bring Marco back, and I don't think Marco would be able to look me in the eye when ever I saw him again.
-Jean Kirschtein ************************************** Jean leaned back in his chair. He swallowed the lump in his throat.
"Damn....it's been almost 8 years...still hurts like I just found your body"
The last of the sun was disappearing. He knew he would need to eat soon, and Armin was over at Mikasa's helping her settle in.
He got up, and grabbed his jacket.
*************************************** The tavern was dying down, as many of the patrons were heading home for the evening.
"Ah Jean, it's good to see you again" the man behind the bar said.
"Evening Tom" he said with a wave.
He took a seat at the bar. "Too late to order dinner"
"Nope...usual?"
Jean nodded. He heard a laugh from the corner of the tavern.
Reiner and Historia were at a table, sitting close.
While he felt the slight sting of loss, he couldn't help but smile. It was nice to see Historia happy again.
****************************************** Jean was finishing up his first beer when Tom placed a plate in front of him.
Jean picked up a fork. "Thanks Tom, tell Ann thanks it looks good"
Before he could take his first bite, he heard the chair next to hear being pulled out.
"Doing alright Jean?"
"Bit of a long day, you seem to be having a nice night"
"Look...I know what your thinking, we just make each other happy....she's not married anymore"
"Reiner, I'm not here to pass any judgement. Happiness is hard to find these days. I haven't seen Historia with that light in her eyes in a while"
"She's still in love with Ymir" Reiner said taking a sip his beer. "I'll never be able to take that spot in her heart, nor do I intend to"
"I've learned that the heart is capable of loving more than one person, even when one of those people are dead"
A silence settled between them.
*************************************** Tom took away the empty plate.
"Jean...I know you're still hold anger for Marco"
Jean clinched his beer a bit tighter.
"I can tell, when you look at me sometimes. You have that same look you did in the forest".
"That was four years ago. Things have changed. I think beating the shit outta you was fair enough, we were all trying to survive, just like we are now, only it's a different kind of survival. But the past is just that, the past."
"The past is just the past" Reiner echoed.
"Honestly I am happy for you and Historia. I'm glad y'all have found some happiness, and it's funny seeing you play dad"
Reiner laughed a bit. "Yeah Gabi says the same thing."
Reiner held up his drink. "To surviving and finding happiness"
Jean clinked his bottle against. "I can drink to that."
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