Even before they saw the ocean, their nostrils were filled with a salty aftertaste of a light breeze. Minutes later (they might have broken into a run), they were out of the forest, catching their breaths. At first they were blinded by the sun, but then..
- It is.. - Eren mumbled in awe. Mikasa simply nodded.
Ocean spreaded as far as their eyes could see. Golden sand was shining where it touched the water, and Eren imagined the refreshing coolness on his skin. Just to think that now he could actually touch it. Feel the ocean.. It looked exactly like in those books and yet it was completely different, How could that be, Eren wonderered.. Why could that be..
For some time Eren and Mikasa stood side by side, gazing at the ocean. Long-awaited dream was all but forgotten when their eyes met. If only Armin was here. Eren felt the stinging in his eyes and looked away. Waves continued to move forward, licking the sand, and that feeling of refreshing coolness once again lingered on Eren's skin.
He complied to a sudden urge to lay down and grab a handful of this golden sand, just to feel it's texture between his fingers. Mikasa sat beside him, hesitantly touching his hand. He refused to look up until he heard her whisper his name.
- I'm not crying! - he spat and fell silent at the sight of his adopted sister. Her dark eyes were filled with tears, yet she was smiling and he couldn't help but smile too.
They will go on in this new world, without so many of their firends and comrades. New world with the ocean at their feet.
Mikasa leaned in and he closed his eyes. Familiar warmth filled his heart, and he recognised the feeling of being home.