Promise. (Jean x OC)

Chapter 9

Marley

"How many days left till our return to Paradis?" Jean walked lazily behind his squad while their eyes scanned the surroundings.

"What do you mean how many days left? We just got here two days ago." Hange answered but kept her head to the front.

"Don't mind him, Hange. This is what happens to people in love." Connie smirked from his side.

Jean sighed and fixed his dark blue suit blazer. He didn't have the energy to be arguing with Connie, so he kept himself quiet. Afterall, their purpose was to scout the surroundings while waiting for Eren's letters.

The lively market in front of the shops was filled with sellers shouting for cheap bargains and fresh fruits. Jean has always loved living in Marley, as he was surrounded by 50m walls throughout his whole life. Though, his life there was missing a piece of a puzzle without the presence of his girl.

He tried to push his impatience away by keeping himself grounded to the present when the squad decided to shop for food and medicine. Suddenly, Sasha made a stop at a jewellery shop in a building for a silver necklace that caught her eyes.

"Oi Jean, she's getting distracted again, but I'm surprised that she's not drooling over food this time and scaring the vendors." Connie scratched his head and urged Jean to pull her back on track.

However, the light-brown haired man was also caught in a trance at the sight of a pair of golden rings in a glass box. One of the rings was smaller, as if it was made for a woman's finger, the golden band shining in his light-brown eyes. The other ring was slightly bigger and more simpler than the one next to it. Nonetheless, both of the rings matched each other.

Although it was simple, Jean felt a strong tug in his heart to ask about the rings. A strong vision possessing his mind for his mindless action, a sight of the golden band wrapped around Mia's delicate fingers placed by him. That's when he knew those pairs of rings were perfect for them, crafted from Marley, Mia would've loved it especially when it came from the Outside World.

Jean smiled idiotically to himself with a giddy heart.

When the shopkeeper noticed his stare at the pair of bands, he gave him a sincere smile as he observed a young man drunk in love and explained the quality of the rings along with the price.

Without wasting time, Jean took out his money that Azumabito gladly gave for the squad and displayed them on the desk. Instantly buying the pair of rings.

"Got a girl in mind?" The shopkeeper smirked while leaning an elbow on top of the glass table.

"Yeah, I was just thinking about her when I saw these." Jean referred to the small opened box in his hand.

"Goodluck on your proposal, sir. She's gonna love it."

"I hope so too."

Jean walked out of the shop with the box in his coat pocket and a dreamy smile pulling his lips.

"Don't tell me you bought something in that shop, too." Connie started while observing the man drowned in love in front of him, approaching the group.

Jean was quiet, but the smile didn't fade, it stayed on his lips as if it was his permanent feature.

"Let me guess, you bought a ring?" Armin chimed in. Ocean blue eyes filled with excitement and wonder.

They were met with silence again when Jean didn't voice out a denial.

"No fucking way, those are expensive as hell! How much did you pay?!" Connie parted his mouth.

"Nevermind about the price." Jean mumbled while smiling.

"So you're planning to propose to Mia?" Armin asked with a hopeful look on his face.

"Huh? Who's proposing who?" It was Hange's turn to tune in to the conversation, walking backwards to be in the same pace as the others while Sasha glanced at her back.

"Jean bought a ring to propose to Mia." the blonde haired man exposed mercilessly.

"Really? When?! Are you going to propose to her as soon as we return?"

"Can't believe this kid gets married before me." Levi scoffed to himself with his head still facing forward.

"Seems like it, that is if I make it out alive." Jean responded with a dim tone and lowered his head slightly, with his fingers fidgeting the small box.

"You will, I'll make sure you get back to Paradis and wrap that ring around her finger." Mikasa finally spoke with a faint smile. Jean was taken aback at her sudden involvement, as she was almost always on her own ever since Eren disappeared. Maybe his love life did bring joy and light amongst the squad.

"Goodness, Jean. You're madly in love if you're going this far to marry her." Connie added, to which Jean only smiled silently while they continued their walks. Celebrating Jean's huge decision with a drink before the day Tybur gives his war declaration speech.