death do us part

new beginnings

"I'm sorry you all had to go through that, with improvements in blood testing technology...countries are beginning to discover that Subjects of Ymir have been able to sneak out of the internment zones." Kiyomi spoke.

Jean was quiet as he listened to Kiyomi speak.

"Today you witnessed the way Eldians are typically treated beyond the walls. I'm sure you can see how difficult it will be to convince the world to engage with the people of Paradis on friendly terms."

"Even so, if we give up on pursuing peace at this point our only remaining option will be to throw in Zeke and his conspiracy. We would be leaving our fates entirely up to him and sacrificing Historias life and the lives of her children." Armin said as he looked down onto his lap.

Jean listened to Armin as he spoke. Even at this point there is no path to peace. If they don't pursue peace, they will have to rely on Zeke and his conspiracy.

"We're looking for a way to avoid such a future. And our search has brought us to Marley, this 'Subject of Ymir Protection Group', will be debuting at the international forum tomorrow they may be able to help." Hange said.

"If they show promise and if they'll agree to hold a meeting with us, they can help us get our message out to the world." Continued Hange.

As the group continued to speak between each other, Jean glanced around the room. Checking his surroundings as always, his eyes falling down towards you who was playing with the hem of your long black skirt. Your eyes were sullen as if you had no hope.

When had your hope left?

Mikasa stood up quickly looking around the room, "Wait a minute. Where's Eren?"

She didn't stop for anyone else to answer her as she grabbed her coat and ran out the door.

"What are we waiting for let's go!" You yelled putting your coat not bothering to put on the buttons.

The group all ran out, Hange and Levi staying behind.

Jean ran out with the others, looking around for Eren. He didn't know where he could have gone but he started with searching the streets. His eyes darting in every direction trying to find even a glimpse of Eren.

After a while when the sky darkened and everyone seemed frustrated, you had yelled out, "I see him! Get over here!" You were running towards a hill.

The group all followed you, watching as Jean was at the top of the hill, Mikasa beside him.

"What the hell do you think you're doing you maniac!" Jean yelled.

"You some kind of moron?!" Connie yelled back.

As they all made it to the top, Eren turned to them, hand out to a short middle aged man in front of him and Mikasa. He held a tray of cans, or so drinks.

"He has invited us to dine with him and his family, he's the boy's father from earlier."

They all followed the man to his tent where food was laid out in a carpet on the floor. The man beckoned them to sit, they all kneeled down in a circle, you and Eren across from each other, and your friends in between you both.

The man began to serve alcohol in a tin can offering it to Eren who drank it with no problem as everyone's mouth gaped in surprise.

The man patted Eren's back and chuckled giving everyone else a tin can with alcohol. Jean watched as you were the first to drink it without hesitating, your eyes widening as you wiped the corner of your lips.

So now you smile, he thought.

____

Everyone had gotten tipsy. Jean and Connie were swaying side to side on either side of the old man. Mikasa, Sasha and You on each other's back drinking.