A World of Mixed Puzzle Pieces

23- AND I NEED TO STOP HERE to note that Jean's words made Mikasa emotional TWICE. Look at the glow in her eyes.

24- Ok, where were we?… He validates her emotions. When it's time to kill Eren, he tells her so by directly talking to her and suggesting it. He understands the weight of this decision and affirms her feelings, providing the support she needs in that moment.

25- At the same time, she's shocked because Jean has always been on her side and understands Eren's actions better than anyone else. However, she respects him and ultimately accepts the need to confront Eren after he voices it,

26- Jean loved Eren too, and his death affected him deeply. This shared pain allows him to understand Mikasa's journey because he has walked it alongside her.

26. This is a perspective we rarely see, but among all the alliance members, Jean is the one who understands Eren's goals the best. He almost supports the Rumbling, even though he knows deep down that it’s wrong. Jean grasps Eren's motives better than Armin does atp.

27- Jean never tries to make a move on her, he admires her, protects her and is honest with her. He's presented as a selfish character, but Marco pointed out his true essence. He’s actually empathetic, knows how to read a situation and he’s selfless. Her love for her is selfless.

He's one of the most selfless characters in the story. That's why he joined the scouts even tho he was terrified. That's why he chose to join the Alliance and gave up his desires.

27. this selflessness and honesty is shown in his bond with her. That’s why we believe Mikasa truly loves him and marries him in the end, because Jean would never accept anything less than genuine feelings from her.

29- they both started out in opposite places. Their experiences eventually brought them together, side by side. They share the same core values, like sacrificing their personal desires for humanity, they both dream of having a family…

and they both lost that precious person who changed their perspective on life.

After everything that happened, it just feels natural that they found comfort in each other.

PART 1: https://www.tumblr.com/luigitaa/806751463841923072/mikasa-and-jeans-relationship-appreciation?source=share 

PART 2: https://www.tumblr.com/luigitaa/806751482761379840/mikasa-and-jeans-relationship-appreciation?source=share 

14- ALSO, Mikasa's personality benefits Jean's development too. Her unwavering resolve and strong sense of duty serve as a constant example when Jean faces doubt.

Mikasa doesn't hesitate like Jean when it's time to slay enemies, while Jean serves as a reminder of empathy for her. Their personalities balance each other, pushing both forward and fostering their personal growth throughout the story.

15-they started out in such different places. Their experiences eventually brought them together, side by side.

16- They share the same core values: avoid civilian deaths and care for children,

They care for each other, they’ve fought side by side for years.

17- they sacrificed their most selfish desires for the world.

18- They even share the same train of thought at times:

19- We believe Jean embodies the female gaze. He respects Mikasa's talent and never feels overshadowed, emasculated, or threatened by her strength. Instead, he admires her for who she is, showcasing a healthy dynamic in their relationship.

4-Jean's attitude towards Mikasa and Eren evolves significantly after he joins the Scouts, especially after Marco dies. He transitions from a reactive, childish teenager to someone who approaches the situation with maturity, accepting that Mikasa doesn't see him the same way.

In fact, Mikasa not returning his feelings is beneficial for Jean's development. As a spoiled kid who prefers an easy life, Jean's character improves through his adversities and frustrations, helping him understand that you can't always get what you want.

5- On the other hand, Mikasa tends to hold tightly to her convictions, even when they’re shaped by emotion. She’s often caught up in her own world, struggles to see things clearly, and doesn’t fully consider the consequences of her actions.

For example in these 2 scenarios, she misreads what Eren is thinking. She thinks he’s worried about being separated from her, when in reality he’s just thinking about excelling as a soldier.

6-Or when Eren was eaten, she wasn't able to accept reality at first and acted out of impulse without thinking about other people's safety.

7- We see her craving that special connection. She sees this couple protecting each other and wants that for her and Eren.

8- Meanwhile, when Jean feels like he's lost everything, he thinks of Mikasa and regrets never expressing his feelings for her.

9-Shortly after that, he jumps right behind her despite questioning the way she handled the situation.

9. Btw, it's heartbreaking to see that Jean lost hope and gave up on his life when he found out she might have been dead.

10- As we said, it's interesting how the romantic aspect of their dynamic is set up at the beginning of the story. Moreover, the Trost arc was published in manga before the training chapters.

11-Besides their different perspectives and jealousy, part of Jean's rivalry with Eren stems from the fact that Jean believes Eren constantly puts Mikasa (and others) in danger.

continue on part 2

PART 2: https://www.tumblr.com/luigitaa/806751482761379840/mikasa-and-jeans-relationship-appreciation?source=share