In Another Life (EreJean)

thirty-one

Chapter summary: Jean faces his final day of his journey.

As soon as the drink hits his throat, Jean sets the mug down and coughs.

"Ugh," he groans. "That tastes horrible."

Vera passes the white carton on the table toward him. "Try adding milk. That way it won't taste so bitter."

With pursed lips, Jean shakes his head. His first attempt at trying coffee ends here. To hell with this mysterious magic ingredient called caffeine that Vera keeps hyping up. He doesn't have the stomach for it. Dedication is the only thing he can rely on now.

It's the next day and just like Jean anticipated, he's still here. His eyes have bags upon bags and he can't go five minutes without yawning, but he's still here. Vera is the true MVP. Every time Jean came close to dozing off, she pulled out the pots and pans and banged them to an obnoxious rhythm.

He's too tired to enjoy breakfast. Vera's finest omelettes, while appreciated, don't taste the same on zero sleep. But the negative side effects of pulling an all nighter are the least of Jean's concerns. His brain is frazzled, but he hasn't forgotten his reason for doing this.

"Has Eren texted you at all?"

Jean checks his phone, though he already knows the answer. His heart sinks when the lock screen is empty for new notifications. He thought about texting Eren himself multiple times, but couldn't follow through. It didn't feel right. Eren deserves more than a cheap apology text. Jean needs to give it in person.

When he shakes his head, Vera offers a warm smile.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. It'll all work out."

She can only say that because she doesn't know the full extent of how badly Jean fucked up. If she did, she'd be more like Jean. Expecting the worst, hoping for the best.

"So," she says, "what time do you plan on going back to his house?"

Jean leans back in his chair. "I have to stop at a few places first. I don't think I should show up empty handed."

"That's a nice idea. You can't go wrong with a gift. Do you have enough money?"

Jean answers with an eager smile.

"Jean."

"Please, Ma? I swear I'll never ask for money ever again."

"That doesn't change how much I spend every month to keep you well fed. You're due for another growth spurt, you know."

"Please?"

Vera sighs. "How much do you need?"

Another smile.

"Jean. "

Jean folds his hand in a prayer position and sticks out his bottom lip. It's his ultimate weapon as his mother's only son. It's been years since he's pulled this. He only resorts to using his ultimate weapons in serious emergencies. And yes, winning back his boyfriend whom he didn't consider his boyfriend at the time of breaking up with him counts as an emergency.

Vera pinches the bridge of her nose. Jean hopes his alternate self is good to her because he's certain he just shaved five years off her life.

Finally, she looks at Jean and smiles.

"You're lucky I love Eren."

Jean nearly tackles her out of her chair when catching her in a hug. Coffee splashes from her mug, staining the blue napkin tucked under her plate. But she hugs Jean back and kisses his head. Jean already knows he has the best mom ever, but it's nice to be proven right.