di

can time travel save jean kirstein’s life?

(read it here on ao3 if you prefer!)

prologue

1

2

3

4

jean x reader as dean x allie duo costume party dance scene….

chapter 4: remember intervene, or just watch? this action will have consequences.

jean kirstein x oc

masterlist ao3 link if preferred chapter warnings: swearing, partying, drinking, harassment

Violet’s heart is in her throat. She wants to look away so badly, but she can’t. Not while Jean’s brown eyes are boring into hers. That, and they’re practically smushed together on the couch.

I’ve never been this close to Jean before. 

“Um, what?” Violet stutters. 

chapter 3

Get in the car. Or stay with Jean? This decision will have consequences.

jean kirstein x oc

masterlist

chapter warnings: swearing, some violence, alcohol

-

The cool wind kisses Violet’s cheeks as she makes her way all across campus to meet Armin at the science library. She wears just a thin, lacy, long-sleeved top and some jeans. Violet’s beginning to think she should have brought a light jacket or sweater. 

Could he not have chosen the furthest possible building? 

Violet was already running a bit late since she decided to make a pit stop in her room after the fire alarm fiasco. She desperately needed to lay down for a few minutes and process everything. And a snack, of course. Now, her legs move quickly as she walks across the grassy campus quads. Violet is not too sure just how much studying she will be able to get done with Armin after everything that happened the last few hours. 

Should I tell Armin what happened? That I…time traveled? And saw Jean Kirstein get shot in the heart? And that I stopped it? 

Would Armin believe her? Armin’s a massive science nerd, with his degree being in physics. Perhaps he could have some insane explanation for these series of events from today. That, or, he will think Violet’s lost her damn mind. Quantum physics can have an explanation for this…right? Violet curses her communications degree in her head. 

The wind seems to pick up as Violet finally makes it to the main student parking lot, letting her know she is getting closer to the science library. 

She nearly trips on her feet when she sees Jean Kirstein standing behind his car, trunk open, shoving his school bag in. He talks rapidly on the phone. 

You’ve got to be kidding me. He’s everywhere now! And always on the phone. Violet wonders if it has to do with Floch. 

Jean is suddenly aware of Violet’s awkward standing presence and quickly glances at her. She doesn’t have time to react before a voice behind her suddenly calls out. 

“V!”

Violet turns her head to see a giddy Armin Arlert making his way towards her, smiling as wide as can be as his blonde hair flaps in the wind. 

“Hey, Armin! Are we not going to the library?” 

Armin fixes his glasses. “Yeah! You just took a while so I went and got some snacks. Here, some for you too.” He passes her a bag of Violet’s favorite sour gummies from the student store. 

Violet smiles genuinely. “Aw, thanks, Armin. Sorry I took so long. You would not believe the fucking day I just had.” 

Armin chuckles as he zips his bag open on the floor to stow away his snacks. “Tell me everything!” 

Violet still senses Jean on his phone outside of his car. She ignores it. 

“No, like, you literally would not believe me.” Violet says it quiet enough so Jean cannot hear. 

“Well, tell me, then!” Armin laughs, adjusting his bag on his back once more. 

Violet opens her mouth as they take their first step towards the direction of the science library. Before a single word leaves Violet’s mouth, a sudden voice booms across the parking lot. 

“You BITCH!” Floch Forster comes marching down, face red and hot. 

Armin gasps at the speed he makes his way towards the pair. He instinctively grabs Violet’s arm, but Violet freezes, in complete shock at the sight in front of her. 

Is he talking to me? 

Yep. 

Floch pushes up against Violet angrily, sending her stumbling back a few steps. 

“HEY! What’s your deal?” Armin pushes Floch back by his chest with one arm while holding Violet steady with the other. 

“Shut it, you freak.” Floch spits in Armin’s face before turning to Violet, only inches away from her face. “Tell me what you saw, bitch.” 

Violet breathes heavily. “What the fuck are you even talking about?” 

“I know it was you in there. You takin’ pics, you little pervert? Huh? You fucking snitch. What did you tell Smith?” 

Violet refuses to budge. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, dude. Now, step the fuck back or I will sock you in the fucking face!” Violet shoves him back again. 

Floch’s eyes narrow in disgust as he lunges at Violet again. Armin steps in between, much to Floch dismay, and Floch punches Armin with no hesitation. Armin falls to the floor with a yelp. Violet gasps loudly.

Not Armin!

Violet briefly checks on Armin and checks that he’s conscious before turning back to Floch with nothing but pure hatred in her eyes. 

“Fuck y-”

Violet is interrupted yet again when Jean Kirstein suddenly appears and swings a large fist across Floch’s pathetic face, sending him to the ground, as well. But he doesn’t stop there. Jean moves on top of Floch, throwing a couple more punches until he stops attempting to fight back. 

Violet crouches down to help Armin stand back up, but she cannot take her eyes off of Jean’s tall figure on top of Floch. From across the lot, Violet briefly spots Levi Ackerman angrily stomping towards the scene. As a matter of fact, many people passing by have seemed to stop to watch. Violet realizes they are all about to get in trouble real soon. Especially Violet, who already had a run-in with Levi today. 

Out of pure instinct, Violet reaches over and yanks on Jean’s shirt. 

“Jean, stop! You’re going to get in trouble! Levi’s coming!” But no pleading snaps him out of it. He is still on top of Floch, gripping his letterman jacket - now sprayed with blood - holding his own face very close to Floch’s. 

“Forster, I swear to god. Stop making this worse for yourself.” Jean yells, but Violet senses the twinge of desperation and pleading within his voice. 

“HEY!” Levi screams and Armin and Violet go stiff. Oh, fuck. 

A second briefly passes, and a large, old truck suddenly pulls up to the scene, tires screeching as it stops right by Violet. The window rolls down, revealing a dark-haired girl with probably the best skin in all of Shiganshina. 

“GET IN!” 

Violet’s jaw drops. 

“Mikasa?!” 

“GET. IN.” She demands once more. Violet glances at Jean on the floor. He looks up at her as he continues to pin down Floch. Levi is half way across the lot now. 

“Go.” Jean mutters under his breath. 

Violet does not have time to question anything as she forcibly grabs a visibly shaken Armin and pushes him into the back seat of the car before jumping into the passenger seat. Levi calls out to them, but Mikasa does not hesitate for a second before slamming on the brakes and driving out of the lot as quickly as possible. 

Violet turns to watch Jean in the rearview mirror get further and further away. 

-

At this point, they’ve been driving for 5 minutes and no one has said a word. Violet’s breathing has finally slowed. She feels tears form in her eyes, but she refuses to cry at this moment. 

What the fuck is today?!

Violet slowly glances behind the seat to check up on Armin. He sits quietly and still, but his eyes are still wide. There’s a faint mark on his cheek. 

“Does it hurt, Armin?” She asks softly. 

Armin blinks a few times, as if returning to reality, before smiling softly. 

“No, it’s not too bad.” 

Violet purses her lips. “I’m so sorry. I don’t even understand what just happened.”

 Armin shakes his head softly. 

“We’ll get you ice.” Mikasa cuts in, her voice firm. Violet takes the time to look at her side profile. She still looks the same, after all these years. Violet has seen her on campus since, obviously, but never this close up. Hearing her voice gives Violet a sense of nostalgia that makes her stomach turn. 

“Thanks, Mikasa. For getting us out of there. Levi will probably be on the hunt for us, anyways. But thank you.” Violet says quietly. 

Mikasa shrugs, hands still on the wheel and sharp eyes on the road. “He’ll probably be too focused on Jean to care about you two.” 

Violet sighs at Jean’s name. She feels a horrific guilt in her chest for leaving him behind like that. What if he gets suspended? 

“What the hell is even going on between them? Jean and Floch?” 

“Jean’s been weird ever since Marco. Especially towards Floch…I think he just riles Jean up too much. But you tell me, Vi. You were there.” 

Vi. Violet hasn’t heard that nickname in so long. 

“I have no idea what is going on! How did you even know we were there?” 

“I didn’t. I was leaving class when I saw Floch punch Armin. What was I supposed to do, just stand there?” 

Violet barely flinches at the sudden change in Mikasa’s voice. 

“Right…Well, thanks again.”

Mikasa sighs. “Sorry. I guess I’m still mad at you.” 

Violet looks at her again, her face falling. Fair enough.

“Wait…how do you guys know each other?” Armin cuts in from the back. 

Violet is quiet for a moment, fully willing to let Mikasa tell the harsh truth. Violet regrets the way she handled a lot of things in her life, but this especially. 

“We used to be friends growing up in Shiganishina. But she moved to Marley in high school.”

Violet’s eyebrows furrow. That’s it?

At a red light, Mikasa says nothing but looks at Violet briefly. Her gaze somewhat softens before turning back to the road. 

“Oh. You just never mentioned each other, that’s all.” Armin coos. 

Violet looks back at Armin. “And I didn’t know you knew Mikasa.” 

Armin shrugs. “Me and Mikasa have been friends for a bit. I mainly know her through Eren.”

Ah, right. Eren Jaeger. Practically the leader of the Scouts. The first time Armin mentioned he was close with Eren, Violet nearly spat out her drink. Obviously, cliques were so overrated in university, but the Scouts were basically their own world. Full of basically frat boys and girls who seemed too-cool for you. Not all, of course, but most. Armin had grown up with Eren, so naturally, they stayed friends. Violet realizes more people are connected in this town than she thinks. 

“You know Eren, too, Mikasa?” Violet turns to her. Mikasa shrugs shyly. Violet does not miss the sudden rush of red that rises to her cheeks. 

Armin cuts in. “Oh, yeah, she does. I think she has a little crush on him.” 

Mikasa suddenly grips the wheel of the car as they pull into a parking garage. She whips around. 

“Shut up, Armin!” 

Violet’s eyes widen. This is the most expressive Mikasa’s been the entire car ride. Armin apologizes quietly, sitting back in his seat. Violet tries to hide her growing smile and lets it go. 

Mikasa’s voice falls to a whisper. “Yeah, we’re friends. Most of the Scouts aren’t too bad.” 

“I believe that. Reiner’s always been nice to me. Annie Leonhart, on the other hand…not so much.” 

“Reiner’s cool.” Mikasa scrunches her nose. “Annie…yeah, she’s a bit…defensive.” 

Armin whispers quietly from the backseat. “She’s always nice to me…” 

Mikasa snorts. Violet looks at Armin’s redding face. No way. Violet has no chance to pry before Mikasa parks and tugs off her seatbelt. 

“C’mon, let’s get you ice, Armin.” 

They follow her out of the car and into her studio apartment without a word. Mikasa’s place is oddly nice for a university student. It’s quite minimalist, with plants sprouting in every corner, and books crammed in multiple bookshelves. There’s one large window by the couch-and-bed situation, bringing in insane natural light. 

Violet looks around the space with curious eyes, while Armin walks in and gets himself situated, having been there multiple times in the past. Huh, I guess all these people know each other better than I thought. 

A few minutes pass, and Armin’s been given ice on his face. He doesn’t stay very long, claiming he really does need to get some studying done. Violet also thinks part of that has to do with the awkward tension between Mikasa and her that he probably doesn’t want to be a part of, but Violet doesn’t question it. 

Armin leaves, and the apartment is quiet. Violet has a glass of water in hand, offered by Mikasa. She watches Mikasa from her couch as the black-haired girl quickly wipes something up in the kitchen. In her lap is a black kitty, purring softly with her eyes closed as Violet gently caresses her. According to Mikasa, her name is Mira, and she was adopted a year back. 

Violet decides to speak first. “How’d you even get this place? I didn’t know we could even live off-campus.” Unless you were filthy rich and had connections. 

“It’s technically still university-owned accommodation. I wasn’t allowed to live directly on campus if I wanted to have pets. It’s more expensive, obviously, but worth it. She seems to like you.” Mikasa makes her way towards the couch and sits politely a few spaces away from Violet. Her hands are in her lap. The same way she always sat growing up. 

Violet smiles down at the cat. “Yeah, she’s a cutie.” 

It’s silent for a beat. Then Mikasa speaks quietly. 

“Why did you leave Shiganshina like that? In high school?” 

Violet’s face turns warm. The dreaded conversation. 

She shrugs, nerves wracking her body. Mira seems to sense it because she perks up just slightly. 

“There was a lot going on. And my dad had gotten a new job. It’s a long story I’ll tell you one day, I swear.” 

“You left without telling me.” 

Violet sighs, looking up at her old best friend. “I know-”

“You were my best friend. And you didn’t tell me that you were moving. You literally disappeared one day.” 

“I know, and-”

“Not even a text, Vi. You literally abandoned me, and then I found out through someone that you transferred here last summer for junior year of college? Like-”

“Mikasa, I KNOW!” Violet raises her voice. Mikasa sits up straight with wide eyes. Violet deflates a little. At this point, Mira has scurried off her lap. 

Neither of them say anything for a moment.

“I am so sorry, Mikasa. Really. Believe it or not, the regret of it has literally taken over my entire being for the last, what? Four years? I…I should not have done that to you. You were my best friend, too. There was never a single moment I doubted that.” 

Mikasa speaks softly. “It didn’t feel like that. I just don’t understand why.” 

“It’s a lot to explain right now. Part of it was my dad’s job. Marley had better opportunities for him, I guess. But…some other things for me, personally, were just crazy in Shiganshina. I wasn’t well. At all. And I guess I couldn’t bear letting anyone see me like that. Not even you. Especially you.”

Mikasa’s eyebrows furrow a little and Violet sees her walls come down slightly. 

She bites her lip. “We can talk about this more in the future. You don’t have to tell me now. I’m not here to make you feel worse, but I was really caught off guard. And I missed you.” 

Violet holds back her tears and resists the urge to reach over to her. “I missed you more than you know. I’ve seen you around campus the last few months and I’ve been dying to say something to you, but I literally thought you hated my guts. Which you should.” 

“I don’t hate you.” Mikasa shakes her head. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first saw you. Then I just…didn’t know what to say. But I don’t hate you.” 

Violet feels her chest deflate and her shoulders drop in relief. She feels as if she could actually cry. Years of regret and not knowing whether or not her oldest friend hated her no longer pent up. Violet wants to hug her, but she decides against it for now. She simply sends Mikasa a smile that says enough. 

“You don’t know how good it feels to hear you say that. And to talk to you again.”

Mikasa smiles back. It’s subtle, but Violet will take it. 

“So…what made you transfer here? Were you at MarleyU before?”

“Yeah…” Violet sighs, watching Mira quietly walk around the kitchen area. “Did two years, and realized it wasn’t for me. Remember that summer intensive I did for photography like, sophomore year? It was that camp Shiganishina thing for high schoolers.” 

“Yeah, it was run by Professor Zeke, right?” 

Violet nods. “Yep. It was insane. I loved it. Zeke taught me so much. After a couple years at Marley, I realized why not come back to that, you know? Dip my toes again in something I really enjoyed, taught by a genius who already knew me somewhat.” 

“Zeke is good. And I have nothing to do with the arts.” Mikasa smiles softly. 

“What are you majoring in?”

“Kinesiology.” 

Violet’s eyes widen as she looks at Mikasa. “Damn. Holy shit, Mikasa. Good for you.” 

“Thanks. And you’re doing photography?” 

“Communications. With a minor in photography. Nothing crazy.” 

“Well, good for you, Vi. You’ve always been really talented with that stuff.” Mikasa looks at her with gentle eyes. Violet gets shy and doesn’t say much besides a quiet ‘thanks’. A couple seconds pass in silence. 

“Well, thank you for saving my ass today. It’s been the most insane day, I can’t even explain it. My head is going to explode.” Violet groans, sitting back against the couch. 

“What happened? Do you know Floch? Or Jean?” 

Violet shakes her spinning head, with all the memories of today rushing back to her. Violet still can’t bring herself to explain what has happened in the last couple hours. 

“No. I’ve spoken to Jean maybe twice in my life. Floch I remember from growing up here, but never spoke to him. I just…let’s say that I saw him doing stupid shit and I guess he knows I know.” 

“If I ask what it was, are you gonna tell me?” Mikasa asks with a hint of harmless sarcasm in her voice. 

“I want to. There’s just so much more to it. You would legitimately think I’m crazy.” Violet sighs. “How about this? Let me process today and if I wake up tomorrow and realize it all really happened, then I’ll tell you. I fear if I keep this to myself, I’m gonna lose my mind.” 

Mikasa furrows her brows before nodding slowly. “Okay…you’re kind of worrying me. But okay.” 

“Thank you.” Violet leans over and grips Mikasa’s hand. She doesn’t pull away, to Violet’s surprise. “And I am so glad to see you, Mikasa. I wanna be friends again, if that’s okay with you. Talking to you again feels right.” 

Mikasa stutters for a second. But she pauses, then learns over and wraps her arms around Violet’s shoulders. Violet does not hesitate to hug back. 

“Of course, Vi. You still owe me. But, of course.” 

“Fair enough.” Violet smiles wide for the first time in a while. 

Mikasa shuffles back again. “So, are you busy tonight?” 

---

9:15pm.

Violet has never been one to shy away from a good party. At least, not in college. Her high school self was always nestled in books and her studies, parties never an option for her. 

Violet definitely found a way to…balance that, at Marley University. Ever since coming back to Shiganishina, Violet never really felt a reason to go out into the night scene. Besides, most of what was considered a party was pretty much just a Scouts event. Violet didn’t feel like it was her vibe. 

Violet didn’t think a Scouts party would be MIkasa’s thing, either, but when she told Violet that the function that night was hosted at Eren Jaeger’s house, everything suddenly made sense. 

Also, Violet is most definitely not passing up any opportunity to have Mikasa back in her life again. The girl is fully aware that it will be a long time before Mikasa warms up to her and trusts Violet again, but Violet takes what can get. 

Hours later, Violet finds herself back at Mikasa’s apartment, but now dressed up for a party and liquor in her hand. Violet tugs on her denim short skirt before taking a seat at the stool by the kitchen counter. 

Mikasa’s got music blasting from a speaker, and the lights are dimmed for ambiance to get the vibes going. Sasha Braus and Connie Springer pretend-wrestle each other in the corner of the room as Violet sips on her drink. She winces at the overbearing taste of tequila. Her hand definitely slipped when pouring. When Mikasa invited Violet over for pre-drinks before the party, Violet was in for a surprise when she realized Mikasa was also friends with the iconic Sasha-Connie duo. Armin decided a party wasn’t his scene tonight and opted to stay in. Violet was starting to remember how small Shiganshina is. 

“Here, Vi. Try this.” Mikasa’s calm voice makes its way to Violet’s ears. Mikasa walks towards the girl and places a long necklace around Violet’s neck. Violet looks down at the borrowed necklace and smiles softly. It’s a big silver butterfly sitting on a long silver chain, hanging perfectly at Violet’s abdomen over her black tube top. 

“I know you’ve always had a thing for butterflies.” Mikasa says genuinely. 

“It’s perfect, thanks, Mikasa!” Violet sends her a wider smile, the couple drinks in her system already starting to affect her ever so slightly. 

Fuck, I missed this. A fun pre-drinks before a party. 

Violet is more than ready to put the events of today behind her. For now, at least. The alcohol would either repress what happened until tomorrow or…the exact opposite. Violet only prays it is the former. 

“YEAHHH, VIOLET! SHOT!” Connie screams from across the apartment, scurrying over to place a shot of tequila in front of Violet, completely ignoring her nearly full drink already in Violet’s hand. 

Connie was by far the drunkest so far, and they weren’t even walking over to Eren’s for another 45 minutes or so. 

Violet laughs as Connie puts his arm around her shoulders, encouraging her with a wide smile. Violet only knew Connie and Sasha as a duo from a class they take together, but she cares for them deeply. The two have always been more than kind to her, bringing her treats in class and inviting her for a smoke after a study session. 

“Connie, I already have a drink. With tequila.” Violet giggles. Mikasa watches with amused eyes. 

Sasha pops up behind Connie. “Let’s all take a shot! Please!” She looks at Mikasa with her big, brown, puppy eyes. Mikasa’s clearly buzzed, too, because she gives in a little too quickly. 

“Ah, fuck it.” Mikasa pours herself a shot. Connie and Sasha follow in suit.

Violet shrugs, lifting her little glass as the others do. 

“Let’s fucking goooo!” Connie screams. He clumsily clinks his shot glass with the others and they all chug it back at once.

Violet winces at the burning sensation down her throat. She feels her head go light, the alcohol from her previous drinks already affecting her. She laughs almost involuntarily at everyone’s disgusted faces. 

Oh, this will be interesting. 

--

Eren Jaeger’s house is absolutely booming by the time Violet and her friends arrive. And Violet’s body is buzzing - with both alcohol, and excitement. She thoroughly enjoyed the pre-drinks a little too much. Reuniting with Mikasa again felt exhilarating, almost right. Violet knows their friendship has a long way to go, but she will take it. Mikasa is also more than kind to pretend like nothing happened between the two of them for tonight. 

Sasha - already close to being shitfaced - drags Mikasa and Violet into the house by their hands. Violet giggles, adjusting her tube top before entering the house. 

Violet can barely see. It’s dark, with some strobe lights as the entrance leads straight into a huge kitchen and living room. An insane entertaining space for anyone. There’s cups and bottles scattered everywhere. Bodies are sweaty and loud, taking up most of the open space.

“How does Eren afford this place?” Violet yells over the booming music. 

“Rich parents. And Zeke funds him a little, I think.” Mikasa yells back, her eyes clearly searching the room for the special someone. Her words are only slurred a tiny bit. 

Ah, that’s right. The Jaeger brothers. Professor Zeke mentions Eren very rarely. They seem a bit distant, which could be attributed to their glaringly different personalities and ages. 

Connie suddenly waves his bright phone screen in the girls’ faces. 

“They’re in the other room! C’mon, my ladies!” 

Sasha and Mikasa immediately follow Connie, like this is a natural instinct at their parties. Who’s they? Eren, I presume? 

The hallways reek sweat as they make their way through numerous people standing, talking, and some making out. A blonde head suddenly whips towards Violet. 

“Bradley? No fucking way.” Annie Reinhart’s annoying monotone voice suddenly rings Violet’s ears. She’s standing there with Hitch, drink in hand, and annoying smirk on her face. 

It seems the alcohol has more than taken effect because Violet rolls her eyes at Annie with barely any regard. Mikasa, Connie, and 

Annie continues, “Since when do you go out?” 

“Since when do you give a fuck? Leave me alone.” Violet turns around and continues through the hallway. Mikasa simple grabs Violet’s arm in solidarity.

“Y’all beef?” Connie asks a little too loudly.

“No, she beefs with me for some reason. I don’t know what her problem is. I barely know her!” Violet shakes her head. 

“Fuck the haters.” Connie sticks a middle finger up. His eyes are bright red, even in the dimmed room.

Violet cackles as Mikasa shakes her head. “Corny.” 

They finally enter a room off to the side. Seems like another den, full of couches, a beer pong table, and more people. Eren Jaeger stands up from the arm of a couch and waves the small group over. 

“Yo, Mikasa!” 

Mikasa keeps her cool, but Violet can’t help but smirk a little bit as Mikasa’s grip on her arm gets slightly tighter. Violet will definitely wanna get more details on their history later on. She watches Mikasa walk over to Eren who wraps her in a sweet, yet tight hug. Eren doesn’t seem so…fratboy-ish all of a sudden. 

“Aye, Violet!”

Violet barely turns her head before she’s swept from her feet and into Reiner’s arms. Violet steadies herself in his arms before he sets her down again. His cheeks are red and he’s sweating. The goofy smile on his face and the unusual hug tells Violet he’s way past his alcohol limit. 

“Hi, Reiner!” 

“And I thought you said parties weren’t your thing, huh?”

Violet laughs, “Well, I needed it today. Today’s been a day-” 

Her words are caught in her mouth when she sees Jean Kirstein sitting on the couch behind Reiner, staring right at Violet. His eyes are calm, but his hands are fiddling. He wears a white t-shirt and jeans, casual and comfy.

Seeing Jean again makes all the memories of earlier today rush back to Violet’s mind.

I saw him die. And then I went back in time and saved him. Now he’s here. And he’s everywhere. The alcohol makes her mind run a mile a minute. 

Jean is the first to look away as he takes a sip from his drink and says something to Connie. Violet focuses again on Reiner’s slurred voice. 

“Sit! Sit! Let me get you a drink! Whatchu want?” Reiner leads her to the crammed couch. Right next to Jean. Violet glances around the room but sees her friends way too deep in conversation. 

“Um…anything with tequila, please?” Violet musters a smile. He gives her a thumbs up and strides towards a long table with a plethora of liquor bottles. 

Violet feels the room spin slightly as she sits back against the couch and takes a deep breath, observing everyone’s conversations. She is way too aware of Jean’s arm basically touching her left one. 

Connie pulls away from the conversation to go grab Sasha, and Jean suddenly turns his head to Violet. It takes Violet a full ten seconds to notice. 

“Hey,” He says non-chalantly, “You were in the bathroom today, weren’t you?”

chapter 2

Save Jean Kirstein.

masterlist

chapter warnings: swearing and mentions of violence

-

What. The. Fuck. 

Violet lifts her head up with an involuntary gasp. Multiple heads whip around to stare at her. Violet’s head pounding has now progressed into a total migraine. Violet blinks a few times, wincing at the throbbing pain. Her vision is filled with black spots as she catches her breath. 

“Are you alright, Miss, Bradley?” Professor Zeke speaks from the front of the classroom.

How am I back in fucking class? 

chapter 1

Follow the butterfly.

jean kirstein x oc

OCTOBER 1ST, 2015 1:57PM

-

Violet feels a throbbing pain in her head before anything else. She shudders a sigh as she clutches her head. It takes a few moments for her vision to return. She blinks once. Twice. Her vision adjusts and she nearly jolts in her seat remembering where she is.

The afternoon’s sun shines brightly, and Violet feels its heat even through the thick windows of the classroom.

Class, right! Fuck…What just happened? No way I fell asleep.

The last thing Violet remembered before the growing migraine was sitting in this exact spot, listening to Professor Zeke’s droning lecture about ‘capturing the perfect self-portrait’. Then, out of nowhere, the dream started.

Was it a dream? Had Violet even fallen asleep? It felt so real.

The pouring rain. The thunder booming in her ears. The ache in Violet’s legs as she trudged up the cliff’s hill, following something.

What was I following?

She remembers how real the building storm felt, wind in her fair and salty air hitting her cheeks. She held her polaroid camera in her hands, ready to snap a photo when Eldia’s famous lighthouse succumbed to the winds and collapsed. And Violet woke up.

Violet looks at the windows to her right. She watches the soft winds blow the orange leaves outside. No storm.

But was it a dream? What was that storm heading for Shiganshina? Something’s not right…

Instinctively, Violet reaches for her camera, set neatly in front of her on the classroom table.

“...Perhaps Miss. Bradley would like to give us the answer. Since she is clearly such an expert that she doesn’t have to pay attention to my lesson.”

Violet’s head jerks up at the mention of her name. She finally takes a good look at Professor Zeke. Has anyone noticed her odd behavior coming back from the ‘dream’? Her headache continues to pulse through her skull as she feels the weight of Zeke’s stare. She is fully aware of her classmates' curious eyes, too. Violet opens her mouth. It’s dry.

“H-Huh?”

Annie Leonhart lets out a snicker under her breath. Violet sees Annie’s eyes looking at her up and down from her seat. Violet’s mouth sours, but Zeke speaks before she can say anything to her. Annie’s permanent smug look on her face always pissed Violet off.

“Are you alright, Violet?” Zeke pauses the sarcasm.

“Y-Yes, sorry…I think I zoned out for a bit. What did you say, sir?”

Violet’s voice is audibly distant, but she manages to compose herself. She falters only slightly when her eyes lock with Jean Kirstein, who pauses his fiddling with his own camera and stares directly at Violet. It lingers. His eyes squint slightly, as if he was looking into her head and seeing the same exact ‘dream’ she had seen, too. Violet shakes him off as Zeke speaks once more.

The bearded man chuckles.

“Can you name the process that gave birth to self-portraits?”

Violet’s headache continued to pound and rattle her mind. His question was barely processing. Before Violet could try to salvage, Annie’s voice sounded throughout the room.

“The Daguerreian process.”

Annie’s lips curl slightly in triumph hearing Violet’s sigh of annoyance. Violet can not help but react thinking about everything Annie does.

We’re in college, for God’s sake. Why is Annie still such a competitive bitch? Ever since middle school.

Zeke’s smile falters slightly at Annie’s interception. He clears his throat, “Correct, Miss. Leonhart. The self-portrait is more than something such as a mere selfie. Self-portraits give the viewers insight into what is beyond the eyes, beyond the soul. You can capture innocence, anger, fear. Any of you could be framed in a dark corner and be captured in a moment of desperation. A self-portrait reveals the truth.”

The class is silent, clearly ready to leave. Violet is too disorientated to acknowledge anything.

“...Alright! You’re all lucky it is now two o’clock, class is over. I’ll stop droning and boring you all to death. Goodbye!”

Voices begin to whisper and grow throughout the room as class finishes and everyone begins to pack up. Violet sits, still absorbing what just happened. She stays in her own thoughts, briefly observing a quiet, lonely Historia Reiss be the first to grab her bag and dart out of the room with her head down. Violet makes a note in her head to say hello next time she sees her. She is always fidgety and the first one out of the classroom. Historia needs a friend right now, anyways.

“Hold on, sorry, ATTENTION, please! Ah, Miss. Reiss already left. Great. My dear students, please don’t forget your own version of a self-portrait is due next week! You can turn it into me anytime before. I KNOW, I KNOW, class is over. Go!” Zeke’s voice rises against the scuffling sounds of the students departing.

“...Oh, and Miss. Bradley, come see me quickly, please.”

Violet pauses for a second. Why? She nods at the professor, regardless.

As Violet grabs her camera, she can’t help but eavesdrop on the table to her left.

“...gonna see what Zeke thinks. I think he’ll give me some feedback before the deadline,” sounds Annie’s voice.

Hitch snorts, “Favoritism.”

“Shut it, Hitch.”

The short-haired girl laughs again, “Girl, it’s a joke. Are you going to Eren’s thing tonight?”

Violet stops listening after that.

A few seats away, she watches Jean’s tall stature tower over his table as he stands, bag in one hand and phone in the other, held up to his ear.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” He was trying to keep his voice down, but Violet was close enough. “Just wait right there - fuck, I’m coming! Jesus, just-just wait.”

His voice slowly fades as he briskly leaves the classroom. Violet didn’t care enough to question it further. Jean always seemed on edge, presumably since that Marco kid’s disappearance.

Violet finishes packing her belongings into her tote bag and begins to make exit. She hopes Annie is distracting Zeke enough at his desk for him to not see her leave.

Violet needs Advil for her raging headache, not another lecture from her professor.

“Don’t think I don’t see you, Miss. Bradley! Come here for a second, please.”

Violet closes her eyes for a second, holding back a sigh, and spins on her feet to face Zeke and Annie. Annie looks visibly annoyed at Violet’s entrance into their conversation.

“Yes, Professor Zeke?”

Zeke crosses his arms with a soft smile on his face.

“I wanted to ask you about the self-portrait assignment. What’s going on?”

Violet can almost feel the polaroid photo sitting in her bag hanging off her shoulder. She tries to play stupid, pushing it to the back of her mind.

Annie rolls her eyes from behind Zeke and crosses her arms expectedly.

“Mmm…What do you mean, Professor?”

“She’s being humble, Zeke,” Annie mumbles with a fake sweetness to her tone as her eyes narrow just slightly. Violet bites her tongue.

“Usually by now, you’re full of questions and ideas. Coming to me for advice. It’s been radio silence from you, dear! Is everything alright?” Zeke leans in.

Violet shakes her head.

“No, um, I mean - yeah! It’s pretty much done...” Lie. Violet nearly tore up the polaroid earlier this morning. She probably will when she gets back to her room.

“Can we see?” Annie smirks. Violet doesn’t pay her attention, and neither does her professor.

Zeke smiles softly with a twinge of hesitation in his voice, “Alright, then. If you say so. I look forward to seeing what you turn in.”

Violet purses her lips and nods politely before turning on her heel and muttering a quick goodbye as she rushes out of the classroom. She doesn’t think she could handle any more questions from Professor Zeke, or Annie at all.

Professor Zeke always has Violet’s best interests in mind. With the chaos the last few weeks though and the pressure from this assignment, Violet cannot help but push herself away slightly.

Violet finally lets out a deep breath as she steps out into the hall. She leans against the dark walls behind her as she reaches into her bag and grabs her wired headphones. Upon plugging them in and placing them in her ears, “To All of You” by Syd Matters automatically begins blasting. She leaves it.

The hallways of Shiganshina University’s Arts Building are always bustling in the afternoons. Violet watches the bodies walk by her, mostly all in loud conversation, until her phone pings.

NEW MESSAGE!

Armin: Hi V! Let’s meet at 3 in the science library. Plz. I am already here.

2:06PM.

Violet quickly replies.

Violet: OMG that is so far. I’m at the Arts building. But ok

Armin: U can do it :)

Violet rolls her eyes. She has less than an hour before she needs to meet Armin to study. Maybe she can head to the library early, or should she go rot in her room and journal about this weird ‘dream’ until the headache goes away?

That dream. What the hell was that? Violet still feels the chills at the back of her neck as if she’d really been up on that cliff by the lighthouse. But she wasn’t. She was dreaming.

She snaps herself out of it for a bit, throwing her bag on again and walking through the hallway. The blaring music mutes the noises from her fellow students, but she watches regardless.

Violet spots Sasha Braus talking animatedly into Connie Springer’s ear as he cackles with his whole chest while walking out another classroom. Violet is friendly with them, but they don’t see her, so she doesn’t bother waving.

Her steps falter for a sec as she spots one of the bulletin boards covered from top to bottom in missing posters. More specifically, for Marco Bodt. Everyday the university campus seems to be more and more covered in the same posters. Presumably Jean Kirstein’s doing. And Violet can’t seem to really blame him.

The music doesn’t seem to help calm Violet’s nerves, so she decides to make a beeline for the bathroom. Violet turns a sharp corner, and nearly knocks into a long table set up across the bathroom doors, right by the building exit.

Violet gasps, ripping her headphones out, catching herself on the corner of the table. Who the fuck puts a table here?

Her mouth opens, ready to argue, but she makes eye contact with Reiner Braun sitting alert in the chair behind the table, and her mouth shuts. Besides the fact that Reiner is annoyingly handsome to the point that it intimidates her, Reiner is also one of the few people from the Scouts that is genuinely nice to Violet. All because of their communications class that has required them to be partners on projects more than once.

“Shit, Violet, I’m sorry. Jaeger made me put the stupid table here. I told him not to!” Reiner rushes to stand up, placing a hand on Violet’s shoulder.

Violet shakes her head. “It’s okay! I was walking really fast, anyway.” Besides, what Eren Jaeger says goes, right?

Reiner smiles kindly.

“Still, it’s my bad. So, are you coming to the Scouts party next weekend? I can put you on the list.” His fratty accent comes through, and Violet holds back a giggle. She looks down at the flyer he holds out, realizing what he’s handing out to students walking by.

SCOUTS’ FALL KICK OFF

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11TH @ SHIGANSHINA NATATORIUM

Violet laughs gently, “In the natatorium? You all going swimming or something?”

Reiner shrugs, “Maybe. The pool’s mainly for vibes, though.”

“Well, Reiner, you know me. Parties aren’t really my thing. Besides, I feel like Annie would cross my name off the list as soon as she could.” Violet really wanted to say Scouts parties aren’t really my thing, but there was no point in offending sweet old Reiner.

“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t let her. But, let me know if you change your mind. Would love to have you!” Reiner flashes another smile. Violet feels like he says this to most girls stopping by the table, but she smiles back nonetheless.

“Will do. Good luck.” And she beelines to the bathroom once more.

Violet lets out a sigh of relief seeing the empty restroom. Violet quickly tosses her bag on the floor and takes out the polaroid from the bottom of her bag.

“Stupid,” She whispers to no one. The polaroid for the self-portait project is simply Violet herself standing in front of an anonymous large painting of a blue butterfly - the Blue Morpho - that caught her eye once in a local Shiganshina museum in early high school. The rare but beautiful Blue Morpho became Violet’s biggest muse. The polaroid camera was angled properly enough to where it made it look like the butterfly’s wings were her own. Violet’s face is completely still in the image, nearly no expression.

“Stupid, stupid.” Violet rips the polaroid into shreds and lets the pieces hit the ground. Her headache continues to pound her head.

Stupid project. Who would even understand my picture? Professor Zeke would probably laugh in my face, with stupid Annie Leonhart right next to him.

And that stupid dream. How does that even happen? Violet has experienced lucid dreams before, but never like that. And she certainly has never fallen asleep in class with no memory.

What is happening? I want to go home, back to Marley. I miss my mom.

Violet closes her eyes, and draws a deep breath as she turns on the sink and splashes her face with cool water.

Upon opening her eyes, Violet reads the red lipstick writing on the mirror in front of her.

HISTORIA REISS IS A SLUT!

Violet’s jaw drops slightly. There’s just no way people are going this far. Poor Historia. And fuck whoever spread that video.

Violet quickly rushes to wipe the lipstick off the mirror with a paper towel. It smears, but she doesn’t care. As long as the message is wiped.

Satisfied, Violet grabs her bag from the floor. She doesn’t have a chance to start exiting when a sudden movement at the other end of the bathroom catches her eye.

It’s a tiny, bright blue butterfly. A blue bright, it almost seems like it’s glowing. It flutters from the ceiling to behind the last stall.

Violet gapes. No way. No way it’s a Blue Morpho. What a coincidence.

She curiously follows it behind the wall of the last stall, into the corner of the restroom where a janitor’s cart sits. The butterfly lands nicely on top, its delicate wings twitching slightly. Almost like a hello.

My camera! Violet quickly but carefully jogs to her bag, and gets her polaroid camera out. Violet stalks towards it quietly, camera pointed and ready. The butterfly stays still.

Violet’s finger rests carefully on the button. A few seconds of complete silence pass and her finger presses. The camera flashes brightly, and Violet winces as the butterfly takes off. It turns the corner around the side of the stall as if it is making its way to the door.

A large bang sounds in the restroom as the main door suddenly slams open. Jumping at loud intrusion, Violet instinctively backs into the corner again. Heavy footsteps fill the space, pacing back and forth, followed by heavy breathing, and the door locking.

Violet’s eyebrows furrow as she slowly peeks her head around the corner. What seems to be a guy, is leaning over and gripping tightly onto the edges of the sink. Violet can’t make out who it is just from the back of him. All she notices is the letterman jacket with “SCOUTS” printed boldly on the back.

What the fuck is a Scouts guy doing in here? Did he get the bathroom wrong?

“Fuck. It’ll be okay, bro. You’ll be fine. This campus is nothing without you. Nothing will happen to you.”

What the hell…Is that Floch Forster?

Violet stays behind the stall’s side wall, ducked away. Violet has been lucky enough to not have interacted with Floch throughout her life. Both growing up in Shiganshina, she only heard stories of his horrific behavior and attitude, coming from a family that basically owned the entirety of the town of Shiganishina . She didn’t hear much of him while she lived in Marley for the last couple years, but ever since transferring to Shiganshina University, it seems he hasn’t changed. The way he shakes over the sink makes Violet feel that perhaps it’s better to stay hidden until his little crash-out is over.

There’s a sudden knock on the door. Floch seems to ignore it.

Please get me out of here. Great, I have to pee, too, Violet pleads to the universe.

The knock happens again. This time, louder. The door jiggles.

“Floch, open the fucking door. I saw you run in here. Open it or I’m going to kick it open, and then everyone will be watching.” The muffled voice sounds familiar, but Violet can’t place her finger on it.

Floch seems to internally battle with himself for a moment. He grunts loudly and takes a long stride to the door where he unlocks it, and quickly shuffles the other person in.

“What, Kirstein?! Leave me the fuck alone!” His voice gets louder.

Jean?!

Violet peeks very quickly to confirm her suspicion, and she’s right. She watches as Jean locks the door once more before ducking back behind the wall.

Great. Do I just sit here until they’re done fighting? Since when do the two even interact?

Jean’s voice gets suddenly quieter and a little more threatening.

“Tell me what you know. I’m not fucking playing around. Tell me now.”

Floch laughs obnoxiously, “Tell you WHAT? Huh? Leave me alone, man!”

Violet hears the two suddenly scuffling around. She holds in a gasp. No way they’re about to start tussling.

“Floch, I swear. Are you on drugs? My patience is wearing thin. I don’t care who your family is, I don’t care about your empty threats. Tell me what you fucking know. Or I swear I will expose you. All of you. You think I give a fuck? Try me-”

Jean’s voice is interrupted by what sounds like Floch shoving him away.

“Y-You don’t care?” Floch’s shaky voice echoes.

“Jesus Christ,” Jean gasps, “Dude, put it down.”

Violet can’t help it, she peeks once more and has to cover her mouth once she lays eyes on the two men.

Jean’s eyes are wide. In front of him stands Floch pointing a pistol straight at Jean’s chest.

No. No. No. What is happening?

The air in the restroom is thick. Violet’s breathing grows rapidly.

“You wanna threaten me? Me? You have no idea what I could do to you Kirstein-”

The pistol waves around menacingly.

Jean jumps up out of nowhere, most likely to push himself out of the way. Floch’s finger moves onto the trigger.

Violet doesn’t think. She simply screams, running towards Jean’s body with her arm out, reaching for him.

The gun goes off, sending a bullet straight through Jean Kirstein’s heart.

Violet blinks once, the room around her seems to move rapidly as she stands still with her arm still out. A loud whizzing sound surrounds her, and her vision begins to dim at the edges. After a second, it’s quiet.

Violet opens her eyes, and she is back in Zeke’s classroom.

1:57PM.

-

prologue

Jean’s fingers are always torn up and covered in bandaids from the amount of paper cuts those posters give him. 

MISSING PERSON

Marco Bodt

DATE MISSING: APRIL 22, 2015

It is October now. Jean continues to hang the posters everyday. He winces at the blood that rises up to the surface of his finger. Papercut, again. Jean pulls another bandaid out of his pocket. 

He continues. 

-

Jean Kirstein x OC

PART 1: TOMORROW!

-

YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE PLAYED/WATCHED THE LIFE IS STRANGE GAME IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND AND ENJOY THIS STORY! 

of course, this is heavily based on the game’s events and its characters, but everything (the characters’ names, locations, etc) have been changed to aot ones since this is an aot fic!

some of the events and character journeys (sometimes even down to the dialogue) will be the same as the game, and some will be completely different! for some aot characters, you’ll definitely be able to tell which game character they’re based off of, and for others, they might be a completely new addition that is not included in the game. the oc, violet, is made up me, but inspired by max’s character in life is strange.

therefore, there will be a ton of references and plot twists that the game fans will enjoy, but it will still be surprising and understandable to non-players.

and of course - this fic is not in any way affiliated with the official game of life is strange. just very influenced! enjoy :) 

content warnings: violence, suicide, sexual content, drinking, drugs, mental health issues, sexual assault,

AOT x life is strange fanfic

knight!yoongi x princess!reader ?!?! (well, if it’s a fic i’d probs name her)…what we thinking? i have it all in my head i even made a pinterest board and everything

this is the vibe guys

headcanons

warnings/content: mostly fluff and a bit of angst and some suggestive themes

• he never saw himself as a gentle man. he hated his rough hands. his impulsive nature. when he couldn’t express his emotions so he’d lash out instead. he hated it all.

• but then there was you. and to you, he was sweet. the first time you told him that, he was silent for twenty minutes and had to go out for a hunt.

• but he was. he’s so sweet with you.

• in alexandria, he waits on the steps of porch of the house you two share every time you come back from a run. every time.

• he acts like he’s just out for a smoke, but he waits for you.

• at first, alexandria overwhelmed him. he couldn’t fathom a reality where things could be normal again. he walks in to the kitchen one night and you’re wearing his t shirt and no pants, freshly showered. humming under your breath, standing over the stove heating up some leftovers. and he can’t believe it. his chest is tight.

• he doesn’t have to say much. he can’t. you hear a soft “hey” from behind you, and there he is. his eyes are slightly glazed over, but before you can say anything, he just kisses you. hard.

• “hey, you. you okay?” you smile softly. food forgotten and you’re looking up at him with wide eyes and you’re more beautiful than ever.

• he just nods without saying anything. he’s smiling just slightly. and he kisses you again.

• daryl is a subtle lover, usually. in public, he will rarely touch you unless it’s a small hand on your back here and there. or maybe holding your hand occasionally. but even when he isn’t touching, he’s still showing you how much he loves you.

• he watches you, all the time. especially when you’re laughing around the bonfire with everyone else and he can’t help but stare.

• you’re the first person he looks at or calls to when he’s found something. the first person he offers to go on runs with. the first person he gives leftovers from his plate to. the first person he’ll offer a cigarette.

• daryl might be subtle, but everyone knew he was in love with you when after a group separation happened due to walkers, you were the person he sprinted to when everyone reunited. he gripped you so tightly in his arms. everyone knew.

• i think we all know that daryl’s love language is acts of service. he always beat himself up about not being able to tell you how much he loves you properly. but when he brings you back a trinket from a hunt, gives you some of his extra food, or ties your shoes for you, he sees your smile and bright eyes. he knows you know he loves you. he gives and gives.

• he gives when you’re back home and you’re all tired and pissy and without saying a word he’s got you flat on your back and his head between your legs, devouring you

• yeah, he gives

• once daryl gets very comfortable down the line, he loves baths with you. he loves how sexy and beautiful you look with your wet hair pushed back, sitting on his lap in the water

• the amount of people daryl has swung at or spit in their faces while defending and protecting you is not normal

• you love it though. like - fuck yeah, he’s yours

• daryl’s tough, yeah. broody as hell. he groans and growls. but one kiss from you on one of his tattoos and he’s melted into a puddle. don’t tell anyone though. the group would never let him hear the end of it. but he loves you.