Trust ~ Jean Kirschtein x Reader/OC

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE ~ Pathways

I'm about halfway finished with the stew when I decide that I've had enough. I've still got a whole bread roll which I tear in half and take a bite off of one of the corners I created; it's slightly stale, but still tastes nice enough to get rid of my remaining hunger.

"Have you finished?" Sasha asks me, already having finished her portion.

I slide it across the table to her, and hand her the other half of the bread roll with a smile, "yes. You can have it."

She beams at the extra amount of food I've given her. "Thank you!"

I laugh quietly with gratitude, knowing that my unfinished portion is much better to go to her than to waste.

I continue to munch on the part of the bread I kept for myself, listening to the small chatter that occurs around our table. Sasha finishes with my meal quicker than I do with the bread, which is remarkable yet not surprising, but it makes me smile nonetheless knowing that my small gesture made her happy.

"You should really slow down when you're eating," Jean grumbles to Sasha.

"Or maybe," she mumbles, "you should just eat faster."

"But I've finished! And you know you eat too fast," he argues back.

Sasha rolls her eyes, "I also know that the food tastes nice."

"Hey guys!" I hear Zariya's voice call rather enthusiastically. She climbs over the seat next to Connie and smiles at all of us.

Connie turns to her, "oh, hey Whitlock! How's the recovery going?"

"Yeah, good!" She beams happily. I smile, too, happy that she's safe now. "So, what have you guys been up to? I haven't seen you lot since the mission," she asks, looking at me, then to Sasha on the other side of Connie.

Of course I can't tell her that I've been beside Jean during his whole recovery, that's just embarrassing.

"Not much, just a lot of sleeping and some training... I guess," I chime before anyone else. I can feel Jean's eyes on me, also knowing that I just lied, but doesn't say anything.

Zariya seems lost in thought, for a reason I can't place. I'm not sure why she would be, unless it is because of what I just said - although I really hope not. Maybe it's just a random space-out.

"Zariya?" I mutter, breaking her from her thoughts.

She snaps her head up to me, "hm?"

"Are you okay?" my voice sounds much more concerned than I intend, "you seem a bit distracted."

"Oh, no, I'm fine. Just had a thought is all," She smiles, but it doesn't seem sincere at all.

"Right..." Connie says, sensing the dishonesty as well.

"So, what else is new with you guys!" She changes the conversation.

"Well..." I look at Jean, asking him with my eyes if I should tell her. He nods softly. "We all just got asked to join the Levi Squad."

"Oh!" She responds, sort of startled, "well, that's great guys! I'm really happy for you all!"

"Thanks," I mutter, obviously having made her uncomfortable. After all, she wasn't asked to join the Levi squad like the rest of us, and I've got no idea where she will end up after we leave tomorrow.

Jean awkwardly picks up his utensils and stands out of his seat, "well, we should probably get back to our quarters. Levi said we would be leaving before sunrise tomorrow."