The wind blows through Jeanās hair, and causes his cape to fly behind him too. He takes a deep breath, inhaling the salty air. The ocean is as beautiful as anybody would imagine. Honestly, the colour reminds him a little of Erenās eyes.
Yeah, Erenās eyes.
The ones Jean had grown to love. The way they sparkled with each emotion Eren was feeling; passion, determination, fear, anger, love, hateā¦everything. Jean had found himself captivated by them. He remembers how they widened when the two of them first kissed, how theyād softened when Jean confessed.
But most of all, he remembers how they were wide with fear as Eren was killed.
Tears prick at the corners of Jeanās eyes as he watches the ocean. Eren wouldāve loved this. He wouldāve been excited. If Eren hadnāt have died, then Armin probably wouldāve been more enthusiastic.
The air is heavy. Mikasa and Armin are just as silent as Jean, because all three of them know that itās just not the same without the bright-eyed teen whoād probably have had to be saved from drowning a few times by now.
Heās painfully aware of the tears that are now making their way down his face. He knows his legs are trembling, and that he probably looks dumb. He doesnāt particularly care. So many of their friends have died over the years. Heād thought it was bad when his best friend had died, but then heād fallen for Eren, and then heād died too.
It was like everything that Jean loved slipped through his grasp just as he tried to hold onto it. And it hurt.
Jean doesnāt bother to stop himself as he drops to his knees. He ignores the worried looks that his friends send him. He doesnāt care. He regrets coming out to watch the ocean with the others. He wishes heād said he felt ill and had locked himself up in his room.
He sees Armin and Mikasa move away from him. Theyāre giving him space, he realises. Heās glad for that.
āHey, Eren,ā Jean murmurs softly, lowering his head and taking a deep breath. āWe finally did it. We got to the ocean and managed to get another safe-place for mankind. So why arenāt you here with us? Why the fuck did you have to leave so soon?ā
He tilts his head back to look at the sky, his lower lip trembling as he tries not to break down completely.
āWhy did you have to leave? You wouldāve loved the ocean. Itās nicer than the books Armin showed you. But you never got to see it.ā He whispers, shaking his head and trying not to whimper. āIām sorry I failed to save you.ā