Chapter Two: Comfort

Mikasa had never dug a grave before. Her life had been filled with death, but burying someone, or something, wasn't an experience she'd had. She was almost amused by the realization as she shoveled the last bit of earth over the makeshift coffin. A little exhausted from the labor, she decided to sit at the base of the tree next to the new grave. As the sun set, she stared out across the land, able to see most of Shiganshina now as the walls had been removed. "I wish you were here," she said quietly. The knot in her chest had loosened a bit.

"I knew I'd still find you here."

Mikasa looked to her left to see Jean coming up the hill.

"Did I come too soon?" he asked as he joined her beneath the tree.

She shook her head. "No, thank you for giving me space." She returned to staring across the landscape.

Jean took a seat beside her, quickly glancing to the disturbed earth on her right. He, too, took in the sunset before them, the sky a calm orange. To the east, some stars were just peeking through.

"Is it just you?" Mikasa asked after some time, turning to look at Jean.

"Sorry to disappoint, but yeah," Jean replied with a grin. "Connie and Onyankopan went ahead to the orphanage." In the corner of his vision, he caught another glace at the grave. "When you're ready, we should do the same."

Mikasa nodded in response but returned to pensively watching the sun set. "I'm glad you're here, Jean," she said after some time. "I know you and Eren were never the best of friends, but I'm glad you're here nonetheless."

Jean sighed. "I think," he started, trying to gather his thoughts. "I think I was always envious of Eren. He was so determined and never afraid of anything." Jean shook his head with a smile. "Suicidal bastard." He swallowed hard before continuing, unsure of letting his feelings slip. "And he always got to spend so much time with you," he added, blushing.

Mikasa didn't really know how to respond. She looked over to see Jean staring directly at her as well. Their eyes met and she, too, blushed. Silence hung thick between them as the sun was barely visible on the horizon. Jean was the first to look away, as he moved to stand. "We should start heading out."

Mikasa stood as well, and quickly grabbed Jean's hand in hers. She squeezed, and startled, Jean looked back at her to see her eyes welling with tears. "Thank you for being here," she repeated, her voice small and quiet.

Jean let out a small sigh and pulled her in for a close hug. She felt limp in his arms, nestling her head against the nape of his neck. He placed a hand on the back of her head to hold her close. He could feel her softly sobbing. I shouldn't have said anything, he thought. "I'm so sorry," was all he could manage to whisper as Mikasa wept in his arms.

"It's nice to see you two," Historia said with a sad smile, handing off her newborn to the nurse she'd summoned. She stood from the chair she'd been in to close the door behind the nurse. As it closed, her face became serious.

"I'm sorry it turned out the way it did," Historia said, looking to Mikasa. She frowned. "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you were able to stop him, and I'm happy everyone outside Paradis sees you as heroes, but Eren really mucked things up here." She walked to the window and stared out across her farmland. The sun was just beginning to rise and most of the laborers were already hard at work. "I managed to gather both Connie's mother and your family, Jean. They're safe for now, staying nearby in a cottage just outside the orphanage." She sighed, the metaphorical crown weighing heavily on her. "But the Yeagerists are growing in popularity, and power. I don't know how long I can keep their bloodlust at bay."

"Can't we talk to them?" Jean blurted out. "Eren is dead. Every other nation is crippled, there's no need for them to be gearing up for war anymore. There's nothing left to fight over."

"I'm not sure they'd believe any of it, even if they'd heard it from Eren himself." Historia turned to look Mikasa and Jean in the eyes. They could see the distress in her face, the toll of becoming a mother only adding to it. "I'm worried they would just decide to conquer what was left, if they knew we were now the strongest nation in the world."

Jean clenched his fists at his side, his sorrow over Eren's death turning back into anger. Mikasa simply stood silently, her thoughts drifting to the last time she'd encountered Eren and the Yeagerists.

"I think it would be best if you went back to Hizuru, at least for now," Historia said quietly. "I'm not sure if I can keep any of you safe, especially after what you did at the docks."

"Historia," Jean said, blinking away his anger in disbelief at her words. "We've been in danger before; we've fought tooth and nail over this land. And now you want us to just let them have it?"

"I don't want any more fighting." She said simply. "I want to see everyone alive and thriving, and it wouldn't happen here. Not now."

Jean sighed. She was right. There was no way they could live comfortably here. The Yeagerists knew their names and faces; they were the enemy, especially after killing their messiah. "You're right," he said, finally. "We'll head back as soon as we're able."

Mikasa, who had been quiet through the entire meeting shook her head in defiance. "I'm staying here. With Eren."

"Mikasa…" Jean started. He didn't know what to say to her, still uncomfortable after their moment at the tree on the hill. He wanted to press the issue, convince her not to stay. He wanted to convince her to come with him, to wherever that may lead.

"I'll take my chances," she continued, looking to Historia. "Don't worry about protecting me, I'll manage on my own."

Historia, knowing there was no way to change her mind, nodded. "This may actually work in our favor. I'm concerned that I may not be able to keep in touch with you across the sea. Perhaps Mikasa could be our go-between?"

Mikasa nodded in agreement. "It will be nice to stay in contact with Armin, at least," she stated. "Are you worried the Yeagerists will try to intercept?"

"There is a bit of work to be done as far as rebuilding, and I think they'll be preoccupied with that for now. I'll do my best to keep them from interfering with our letters," Historia smiled. "I'll make arrangements for a ship to leave the docks as soon as possible, Jean. Connie and Onyankopan told me the airship you arrived on simply needs refueling, but we will check for repairs as well. And if you'd like, you're free to stay here until then."

Jean reluctantly agreed. As they left the Queen's chambers, he suddenly felt the same envy he'd felt for Eren in the past. He wished he was more steadfast, he wished he could have convinced anyone in that room to do the opposite of their decisions. Mostly, he wished he'd been able to talk Mikasa into going with them. Maybe she'll want to come across the sea in the future, he mused.