The cool afternoon wind blows steadily as I gaze upon the open field. It has been what.. three years..?

I glance up at the huge tree whose branches sprouted out like a tarp canvas, giving me some much-needed shade. I slightly shift my position on the ground and my hand suddenly grazes the surface of a cold rock, the rock that served as a tombstone for the one I dearly loved.

It has been three years. Three damned lonely years..

How many times have I kept coming back here? I've lost count. How many tears have I already cried, before and even after all that has happened? I've lost track. Was there any point in being here anymore? I don't know.

A sigh escapes me as I finally stand up, glancing back at the lone cold rock. I take hold of the red scarf around my neck before delicately wrapping it around the tombstone.

It has been three years. Was it a proper sendoff? I'm not sure. But for some reason, it felt absolutely right. Right in the sense that, I'm giving it back. Maybe as a way of thanks. Maybe as a way of honoring him somehow. Or maybe.. finally letting it all go. It didn't matter anymore.

I head off without looking back, not even once.

What was there to look back to anyway? It's not like he's going to pop up any moment and call out to me. He's gone. He's long gone. I've been painfully aware of that fact since. I was the one who ended his life, after all. And yet somehow, it still haunts me to this day. The wound it left may no longer be that excruciating as before. But the thought still haunts me, nonetheless. A demon still lingering in my exhausted mind.

I let myself wander along the dirt path in the fields. And so does my mind begin to wander on its own. Reminiscing.. thinking.. wondering..

Jean and Pieck seem to be getting along well. Armin and Annie too seem to hang out more often these days. Historia's baby girl is also growing quickly. Connie is the same old Connie, he's fine. And Reiner is.. still Reiner.

I allow myself to let out a soft chuckle at the thought, and yet it leaves a bitter sting in my mouth. Then I begin to wonder how all their diplomatic efforts are going along. But in the back of my mind, there isn't a single worry. I know they're all fine. Fine…

I must have spaced out and got too consumed in my thoughts, that I didn't realize I already reached the district. I normally pass by here whenever I visit the grave since it is the nearest path; or at least one I'm already used to. But for some reason, it feels quite busier than usual with the lot of people around today.

For the first time in years, I decide to look around. I was so struck with grief for the past years that I have failed to notice what was around me. A lot has changed. There are more new buildings now, new houses, and new shops in town.

Shops. For some reason, the mere thought of the word gets me thirsty. It has been a long walk to and from the grave, after all. I might as well get some refreshments, then be on my way.

In my search, I come across a humble little shop. A few wooden tables and chairs line the front. There are a few pots and plants strategically arranged outside, and I know exactly what they were – herbs and edible flowers that can be made into tea. The area has glass windows surrounded by intricate wooden frames, but it is nothing too fancy or extravagant. In fact, it feels warm and cozy. And so.. inviting.

I didn't bother to read the sign. The ambience it gives off is enough for me to push forward and bring myself to its direction. As soon as I enter the shop, the all too familiar scent welcomes me. The mix of earl grey, lavender, vanilla, with a hint of Ceylon sonata fills the air. For a moment there, I allow myself to bask in the warmth and comfort from the familiar aroma. Until my vision catches the figure by the counter on the right.

My eyes lock with theirs as the figure finally stood back upright, with a cup being held by the rim in their hand. The all too cold, yet familiar shade of calm blue. The scar lining their face from the right eye down to their lips. The deep, intense, yet ever so gentle gaze.

I suddenly feel my chest squeeze. Not from pain, but from relief. Relief that after all these years, it seems as though nothing has really changed. At least.. from him.

Maybe.. just maybe.. it is fate. And that it worked for the both of us to meet again. And I may not admit it, but he is a sight for sore eyes. And maybe, just maybe.. he is someone I needed or even wanted to see.. after all these years.

My heart can't help but suddenly flutter as he finally speaks, the corners of his lips turning upward into a small, warm, and soft smile.

"Hey, brat.."