#jeanpikuweek2022

[theartofsaga]

“Thanks for last time.”

#JeanPikuWeek2022 Day 1: Scout Pieck & Warrior Jean.

original post. 2022

Please do not repost without proper credits or permission from the artist.

[jeanpikunation]

JEANPIKU NATION, RISE!

The official prompt list for #JeanpikuWeek2022 is out! 💜💛 FAQs to follow—but you can start working on your pieces as early as now. 😊

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[aquilex139]

“The Scout and the Warrior”

Notes: One of my first fics for these two who I absolutely love, hope you like it  and happy Jeanpiku week !!!  ;)

“Another for the big booyy” Connie yelled, while extending his arm in the air with another cup of alcohol, poor Falco, he just turned 18 and this is how he was welcoming his manhood.

 “You’re going to puke if you keep drinkin-“

 “You heard him! Another, I can do this all night!”, the boy screamed while Connie was patting his back. There wasn’t any doubt, the boy got drunk with just four shots of tequila.

 Jean couldn't stop feeling embarrassed at how loud his friends were, sitting at the same table as them, his arms crossed as he prayed for them not to get kicked out of the restaurant.

 He couldn't deny it, after years of being considered heroes of Paradis (at least he and Connie), he was surprised how Falco became friends with them so quickly after he came to visit the island for a few days.

 The past will always be there, each of them knew it, all the things they did, saw, felt....

 But this was Falco's birthday, there was no way they were going to let the boy spend his night having an existential crisis or worse yet, do nothing.

 “Why are you so grumpy? Come here, drink some!”, Connie offered a drink to his tall friend but one of them had to be sober for when they return.

 “I’ll pass, I rather remember all of this to tell you about it in the morning” Jean stated, he really wished he had a camera right now.

The three of them started to hear some footsteps approaching them quickly, when they turned their heads, the only thing they thought it was how long this night was going to be.

 “Don’t act like the only one sober Jean, I have to tell Pieck everything when we get back.” Gabi mentioned while jumping at the table with a grin on her face, he would have believed her if he didn’t saw how she could barely stand too.

 Falco and her suddenly looked at each other in silence and their eyes widen, something told Jean that they were thinking the exact same thing.

 “Pieck’s gonna kill us”, they muttered at the same time and as they did, after an awkward silence, the two of them fall to the ground laughing, Connie didn’t mind to join them too of course.

 Jean let a small smile escape from his mouth, he liked spending time with the tree of them after all, well, more with Falco and Connie but that was because Gabi always made sure to get on his nerves.

 Still, he cared for the girl too and he had no doubt Falco was going to invite her the moment he and Connie told him about the plan they had for him.

 Why Pieck wasn’t here though…...?

 The tall scout remembered her; they barely exchanged a few words during the Rumbling, the image when he saved her came present in his mind, he didn’t know much about her but he could tell back then she meant good, there wasn’t any tension when she was around and he could tell why Gabi and Falco liked her so much.

 It was almost impossible not to remember somethings from her, like her long black hair, wait…. why was he thinking about her hair all of the sudden? He should be-

 His thoughts came to an end when Falco invited himself to throw up on his shoes.

 Long night, and it was just getting started.

 “If you two keep sleeping I won’t be able to find your house”, the scout was carrying them both, Gabi was on his shoulder, with her head resting on his back, and Falco was being grabbed by his waist, he looked like a rag doll.

 “R- right, turn r…ght”, Gabi managed to muttered while falling asleep, the scout was really wishing for her not to feel nauseous right now.

 Of course, Connie had to be wasted in his bed already, it was a miracle he made it to his house, leaving Jean as a babysitter.

 After walking through some streets, the scout figured out he made finally made it. There were two reasons for this:

1.    After looking like a total kidnapper and earning a few looks, he distinguished a house with a green roof, which was the house he was looking for.

2.    He could swear there was a small dark figure outside the door, with her arms crossed, standing there just waiting for him to get closer.

 Some chills went through his spine, Falco and Gabi said that Pieck was going to kill them after all…. oh shit, that must also include him for letting them get wasted.

 “Je-Jean…I need my bed” Falco commented while feeling nauseous again, "Why did we stop moving?”

 The tall scout really could swear the small warrior was giving him a look even though he couldn’t see her face. “Falco, what time does Pieck go to sleep?”, his words were said in a nervous tone.

 “Around 11 pm…. why?” the boy really wasn’t in the mood to ask questions, if Jean’s shoes had life in them, they could tell what was coming for them, again.

 “Because I think she is awake….and pretty damn angry” he didn’t know if  running was the best option, maybe he could leave Falco and Gabi, no, don’t be a dick.

 “What is she doing?” the boy questioned the scout.

 “She…is just standing there, menacingly” Jean knew he had to move sooner or later, this was getting awkward.

 The boy chuckled, “We’re so dead”

 After finally taking a step forward, the girl became clearer at the sight of the scout, oh yes, she is really angry.

 Already in her reach, the girl walked towards them and put Gabi in her arms, while holding Falco's hand so he wouldn't trip as they entered the house.

 Jean slowly helped Falco putting him on the floor for him to start walking. “Here, let me hel- “

 “I think you’ve done enough” the warrior didn’t even care to look him in the eye, those were her first words, those clichés but at the same time hurtful words.

“Pieck, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have let Connie offered them many drinks”, the scout was embarrassed, she had the right to be angry, they show up this late and with Gabi and Falco in that state.

 “That’s right, you shouldn’t have” she said effortlessly while grabbing both kids with caution, how the hell was she that strong for someone of her size, well, she was one of the chosen warriors back then after all.

 Jean would have felt worse if the door had closed completely after the warrior tried to close it with her leg behind her, through the small gap he saw how Falco fell to the floor.

 This time not staying still, the scout invited himself inside the house, grabbing the boy and checking if he hurt his head in the process.

 If it wasn't for Gabi also feeling dizzy, the warrior would have told him something about entering the house without permission before he interrupted her.

 “It’s late, you and me are the only ones sober right now, I’ll help Falco why you take care of Gabi, they’re like this thanks to me, please, let me help you”, he said in a tone that was reassuring.

 Even if she was angry with him, he had a point and it would be better and faster for the kids to fall asleep with his help.

 Yes, Falco was 18 now and Gabi was getting there but right now it didn’t matter how she referred to them.

 The warrior looked at the scout for a few seconds, “Call me if he starts throwing up, I’ll check on him after I take care of Gabi” she turned around still grabbing the girl and both of them walked slowly to the bathroom.

 After a couple of minutes, grabbing the girl's hair in case she vomited, the warrior thought about how the kids would talk about tonight when they got back to Marley, that if they manage to remember.

 She laughed inside at the thought of Reiner reacting at his little cousin getting drunk for the first time, it would be really funny to see for her. And for the rest of them, truth be told.

 But there was also another thing bothering her, Jean, not just for the fact of what happened but because she hadn't seen him in a long time. She didn't expect to do it and she didn't care if she didn't, the two of them weren't very close but she felt indebted to him for saving her that time and for offering her comfort....when she was broken and alone. Maybe that’s why she hasn't kicked him out of the house yet.

 “I…I sleepy, want to bed slep” Gabi somehow thought she was being very fluent right now.

 “You sure? I’ll help you get there, okay?” the small warrior said softly to the girl while tying her hair into a bun.

 After a couple of stumbles, they reached the room, the girl lay down on Falco's bed instead of hers but Pieck thought that it didn't matter, they should just get some sleep.

 “I’ll leave this bucket next to the bed, alright? Try to sleep sideways, I don’t want you to choke in your own vomit while you sleep.” The warrior poke one of the girl’s cheeks to check if she was listening to her.

 “Oww, Pieck” Both of them chuckled, Pieck then stood up from the bed but before she could go, she felt the girl grabbed her hand.

 “Pieck…. don’t blame Jean, no one forced us to drink, we just wanted to…have some fun” the girl spoke very low that the warrior thought she was mumbling in her sleep, but it was enough for her to hear.

 “I know, I’m not mad at him, don’t worry” she placed her hand on the girl’s head and smiled at her, “Get some sleep, I’ll bring Falco later”

 The girl also smiled at her and closed her eyes the moment the warrior left the room.

 She was walking to the living room, she wondered if Jean maybe checked Falco for a while and went home without any of them noticing.

 If that was the case, she would be angry….and disappointed.

 For her surprise, the warrior was a little startled when she looked at the couch and saw Falco sleeping with his head on Jean’s lap. If someone had broken into house and seen the two of them, they would have thought it was a father and his son sleeping.

 She looked at Jean, he was sleeping too with his head laying on his hand, by the look on his face, he had a long night too.

He looked so...calm. Of course, he was asleep, but she didn't think someone could look so innocent and peaceful while sleeping, more if we talked about them...especially if we talked about them.

 For a couple of steps the girl took, the old wood on the floor creaked, causing the scout to instantly wake up.

 He frowned his face and realized he had fallen asleep, how could he? First he gets Gabi and Falco drunk, then he tells Pieck he’s going to help the boy but instead she caught him sleeping.

 “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t-”, the scout tried to explain himself.

 “It’s alright, they’re not the only ones who had quite the night, right?” the warrior responded, this time she didn’t look angry or frustrated, it looked like she was glad that the scout was still there.

 “He…fell asleep the moment you walked with Gabi, the nausea is no longer there…I hope” he chuckled nervously.

 “Thanks, for helping I mean and for staying in case something happen to him”, she expressed, the look on her face made the scout feel more peaceful with himself, those eyes of her really know how to give comfort with just a gaze.

 “It’s no problem” he stated.

 Both of them stayed in silence, they didn’t know if they should talk about how they’ve been doing, where they there yet? Was it rude to ask something about the other or were they just dumb?

Before the tension could get so thin for a knife to cut it, Falco grunted a little while sleeping, making the warrior and the scout aware that he was still there.

 “Right…, I’ll take him to his room”, Pieck walked closer to them but was stop by the scout.

 “It’s alright, I can take him, I don’t mind”, he was also about to tell her that the boy was heavier compared to Gabi but he knew that wouldn’t make sense after he saw earlier how the small woman could grabbed and hold both of them without trouble.

 “Alright…it’s the room down the hall, at your left”, the warrior didn’t expect the scout to help her more than he already did.

 Following Pieck’s indications, he walked with Falco on his arms and entered the room, being careful not to wake Gabi in the process.

 Pieck followed them and lean on the door frame, watching the scout place the boy on the bed, the thought of him and the boy sleeping on the couch earlier and now he putting him to sleep really make them look like if they were a family.

 Wait, what and why the fuck are you thinking about that Pieck? The girl shook her thoughts and snap out of them when the scout placed a hand on her shoulder.

 “Are you okay?”, he asked so softly.

 “Yeah....thanks for your help Jean” she gave him a little smile and walk away, heading to the living room.

  Both of them stop at the door, it was late, Jean had to go home soon, staying the night wasn’t an option and the scout had that clear.

 The two looked at each other again and it seemed that they wanted to say something, Jean did not know if the warrior was still angry with him and wanted to throw him out of the house quickly, the two haven't spoken in a while after all and today wasn't the best impression he wanted to give to the warrior.

 “I’m not angry, if that’s what you’re wondering”, she ended the silence, of course she did.

 “It wasn’t your fault, Gabi and Falco are old enough to decide what they want to do and I’m grateful that you brought them home” she was looking him in the eye this time, she always looked at everyone in the eye when she wanted her answer to be direct, another thing to write down about the warrior.

 “It wasn’t your obligation but you still did, I appreciate that”, she noticed how the face of the scout was less tense now.

 “No problem, you know…I like hanging out with them, they’re one of a kind, I think you know that better than anyone” the scout answered.

 “Yeah, I do”, she said with a smile at the thought of them, they were like her little siblings and she knew she was an older sister for them.

 The warrior saw the scout a little confused, she could see that he wanted to tell her something else.

 Jean grabbed the door handle and thought about turning it but something was stopping him, the girl still didn't know whether to say goodbye to him or not, she thought that maybe he would ask her if he could spend the night there.

 “Are you o- “, the warrior couldn’t finish her sentence.

 “How you’ve been Pieck?” the scout finally turned to her and stopped holding the door handle.

 She never imagined that the scout was troubled about leaving because he wanted to ask her how she was doing first. She was still looking at him a little startled.

 “It’s just…. after everything that happened, I know some of us have gone our separate ways but we still are in touch. I know how Armin and Annie are doing, how Mikasa’s doing, I talk with Reiner sometimes and Connie....well, after this night you can imagine.” This time he was the one that looked determined when looking at the warrior in her eyes, like if he just wanted an honest conversation.

 “But I never heard from you, only through Falco and Gabi when they mentioned you sometimes.” Pieck didn’t expect that at all, she didn’t know why Jean cared all of the sudden? Yes, they were enemies and comrades once, but that didn’t make them close.

 “I…don’t think there’s time for an explanation, it’s late, you should get home.” The warrior stated.

 “If I come tomorrow, would you mind talking about it?” the scout really looked like he was hoping for a yes.

 “I’m not sure if we’ll be here tomorrow”, the warrior responded.

Jean looked at the kitchen and spot a bottle of wine. There’s no way….is he really thinking in offering her-

 “Then would you mind if I offer you some glasses while we talk” he really had guts, he just carried Gabi and Falco who were drunk earlier and now his asking her if she would mind. Of course, she wouldn’t! Most probably.

 Judging by the expression on her face, he thought for a moment that she really was about to kick him out, but it turned to a more normal look. Did she felt like she own him an explanation?

 “Alright, but I won’t drink anything” she said to the scout.

 Oh, how wrong she was.

 Was it pity? Did she felt bad leaving him hanging for an answer and that’s why she agreed with his offer? Whatever was the reason, the scout felt good talking with the warrior again, deep down, perhaps he was asking to himself if she felt the same way.

 There weren't many words coming out of her, she only spoke when Jean asked her things like how she was, how everything was in Marley since she, Reiner, Gabi and Falco spent more time there than in the island. He didn’t have to ask why, he knew it was their hometown after all.

 “When my father died, I didn’t want to leave the house, it was the only connection that I had with him, Gabi and Falco wanted to stay with me since then, Reiner lives a couple of blocks away and comes to visit pretty often” this was the biggest sentence that left her mouth, Jean didn’t even think about interrupting her.

 “As you already know, we came to visit for a few days, Falco wanted to celebrate his birthday in a different way and thanks to this title of “Hero of Paradis”, he made up his mind the moment he knew that I was offered this house a long time ago in case I wanted to live in the island” her voice was soothing to the scout’s ears, he did notice her tone changed a little when she mentioned about the title that she had.

 It was not a title they were proud of carrying, even with the perks and recognition they had, it wasn’t right, not after this, not after everything that happened.

 Like if the warrior was trying to read the scout mind while looking through him, she didn’t waste any other minute and asked the question.

 “Why are you really here Jean?”, the tall man wasn’t insulted by her question the moment he heard those words, he knew that if he were in her shoes, he would wonder the same thing.

 The scout looks down at his glass, they were both sitting on the floor on top of a carpet, the fabric make it really cozy to be honest. After a moment, he found the right words.

 “I wanted to check on you…. like you did for me back then” he muttered, when he looked at the warrior, he was a little surprised to see that her eyes widen.

 How did he remember? She thought that it was just a moment where the two of them were absolutely broken back then, she didn’t expect him to remember or mention the moment.

 “As far as I remember, you were the one that approached to see how I was”, she answered.

“And after that, you did the same with me…. that night….it was horrible for us but still….” the scout stopped in mid sentence, he was looking again at his glass but just before finishing his sentence he met her gaze.

 Her cheeks were starting to heat up, she did remember that night and while the words coming out of his mouth were so soft and tender, his look was piercing into her soul.

 The scout smiled at her. “....it was good to know that there are good people in this world.”

 His smile…was so distracting, her heart began racing the moment he said that, taking a look back at that moment.

 “Back then….” Was the only thing that came out of her mouth, while she also made a dive in her thoughts, remembering that night.

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was night and so many things were happening. So many things that made the scout want to punch one of the nearby trees until his knuckles shattered, so many things that made him kneel to the ground and scream in a frenzy of rage.

 He didn't want to kill Reiner, even though he had just found out that his best friend Marco had died because of him and Annie.

 Thank God he walked away from the campfire where everyone was sitting, his face was the one of a man who didn't want to fight anymore, a man who was exhausted, a man who had already seen too much death.

 He ignored the steam that was heard in the distance, perhaps the cart titan returned to her human form, he did wonder how someone could be inside that body of meat for so many hours, even days.

 He found a log lying on the ground and sat down, leaning his back on it, his gaze was lost in the stars, wondering if maybe there was life in them, maybe Marco was looking at him right now.... he and Sasha.... maybe they’re in a better place…. far better than this world.

 He could have sworn that he heard footsteps approaching and receding, as if someone had passed him without noticing him but the truth was that he didn't care, he just wanted to be alone right now.

 Still looking at the brightest star his eyes could find, he took a deep breath and calmed himself down, his expression was more relaxed than before.

 “I’m glad you two had the chance to meet….one more time” he said in a really low voice, maybe he went crazy and was talking alone but he needed to think they were up there, just somewhere, somewhere better.

 “This world didn’t deserve yo- “he was cut off when some cries reach his right ear. ……Someone…. crying…? ……A woman

 After looking where the cries came from, he finally found her. A young woman, she was also sitting against a tree but wasn’t talking to any stars or having philosophical thoughts…. she looked devastated.

 The woman stopped crying the moment she felt eyes upon her. She quickly looked at her left and there he was, the tall scout who beat the shit out of Reiner earlier, looking at her with the same broken look that she had.

 Oh shit. The scout quickly turned his head but it was too late, the woman caught him staring at her, he was a little frightened at the beginning not recognizing her, a lonely girl crying in the middle of the forest and at night, yeah it would have scared anyone.

 But he didn’t recognize her……wait. Those titan marks below her eyes, no doubt she was the cart titan, that explained when he heard some steam earlier, he had never seen her outside her titan form, she looked…. just like them. A poor soul who was forced to survive in this world.

 Both stayed in silence, they didn’t bother to move to another place to have some privacy, what did it matter if both of them were looking at each other at their lowest right now?

 As if unaware that the boy was there, or most likely ignoring him, the woman could not contain herself and let out a few sobs, she was grieving, there wasn’t any doubt.

 The boy sighed and stood up, he took some steps away and began to hear the cries farther and farther away, he thought about giving her the space she needed.

 The warrior couldn't even find her friend's corpse, she simply received the news that he had died, just like that.

 She cursed the duty she had ever since she was a kid, the moment you become one of the candidate warriors you must be ready for everything, that is how her superiors always made it clear to her.

  But was this her future? Keep receiving the news of how her loved ones were eaten? Tortured? Burned to the ashes?

 Were there still good people in this world? She knew better than anyone that she wasn’t a saint, neither of them were but…this world made sure for them to be in the bottom of a hole and to never find the way up.

 If she needed to save the world with those who were her enemy once, then she would do it, not for recognition, not because of a good heart…but for the few people that she loved and were still present, she would get up in the morning, hide her emotions deep down and continue with her mission.

 But right now, right now this was her moment, she had the right to have at least a night to grieve.

 Was that man from earlier broken as she was? She knew they were in the same boat feeling like crap right now. What was the name of his friend……Marco? She could only think on his eyes were full of rage back then when he was punching Reiner but she couldn’t blame the tall scout.

 I’m gonna miss you Porco, she already did, she could feel her eyes heavy because of how much she had cried, that and the fatigue was already starting to wear her down.

 Wherever you are, I’m sure I’ll meet you again, someday….

 She felt a hand touch her shoulder, if it had been in an aggressive way, she would have reacted differently but the touch was…. comforting.

 The woman turned her head, she tucked some of her hair that was blocking her view, just to find the tall man, offering her with one of his hands some tissues.

 He wasn’t angry, he wasn’t sad, he was looking at her like if his objective was just to make sure for the woman to trust him.

 The look on her face…. now that he could see her up close, she was really a beautiful woman, it’s a shame that she also fell as a victim within the grasp of cruelty from the persons that consider them devils.

 “W-what are you doing?” the woman managed to speak, hoping that the scout didn’t have other intentions. But no…. his eyes were reassuring her, like telling her that she was gonna be alright.

 Was it possible for a warrior to find comfort from a scout?

 “I just.…wanted to check on you” his words were sincere, they didn’t know each other at all but they were feeling the same, the look on their faces was from people who were strugglers.

 She broke the silence extending one of her arms, grabbing one of the tissues and cleaning her face from the dry tears resting on her cheeks.

 “My name is Jean” the man respond, thinking that maybe in that way he won’t look like a stranger at her eyes.

 “Pieck” the warrior looked at him, this time with a smile, it was everything the scout needed in that moment, he gasped a little when his eyes met that beautiful expression from her face.

 Was it possible for a scout to find comfort from a warrior?

 They locked eyes, and in that precise moment both of them felt a warm feeling on their chest, knowing that after all…

 It was good to know that there are good people in this world.

[jeanpikunation]

Mark your calendars, JP's! #JeanpikuWeek2022 is happening on February 20 to 27—a total of eight days of Jeanpiku goodness. 💜

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Jeanpiku Week 2022 Prompt Voting Form & Interest Check

Hi there! Thank you so much for your interest in Jeanpiku Week 2022. Our team is still in the early stages of planning, so before anything e

[jeanpikunation]

JEANPIKU NATION, RISE! ✊💜✨

#JeanpikuWeek2022 is coming on February 20 to 27. 🐴🛒✨

Quick FAQ post tonight! Reblogs appreciated—help us spread the word, or tag a JP friend ☺️

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[aquilex139]

“A Smile Better Than Any Night”

Notes: This entry doesn't have much of the prompts of this day, just a tiny little piece but still I wanted to upload it because I love the result.  Happy third day of Jeanpiku week!!! Hope you like it.

She wasn’t a fan of parties.

 But she could not say that since she had never attended one.

 The only time she could think of coming close to being in one was when the Liberio festival was celebrated back in Marley.

 God, mentioning those times was like remembering a past life.

 She still remembers Falco and Gabi's expressions when they first saw how much food there was.

 It was a different day, calm, enjoyable.

 The calm before the storm.

 Not so much for Reiner’s wallet though.

 And here she was, sitting alone at a table watching the rest of the guests dance or talk with others.

 Connie had asked the warrior earlier if he could borrow Falco and Gabi so his night wouldn't be so boring.

 At first, she frowned at the question, Falco was eighteenth after all, and it wouldn’t be long before Gabi is too.

 They could decide for themselves.

 But then she realized by the look on his face that he was ashamed by what happened the night of Falco’s birthday.

 She is seen as the person who takes care of them, which she is, so she understood.

 She happily accepted.

  First, because Falco and Gabi also looked just as bored.

 And second, because she didn't want Connie to feel bad about that night.

 She knows he cares about them and it feels good that they have one friend to have fun with while they stay in the island.

 The three of them asked her if she wanted to go with them but she kindly refused.

 She said that she already felt the years taking their toll on her, which made them giggle.

 She saw how they went on smiling and laughing while leaving the room.

 And of course, she also noticed Connie mischievous smile.

 Yes, Jean and him would make sure not to make this event boring for them.

 Again…

 This is the third time she mentions Jean’s name inside her head.

 She wouldn't be thinking about him if he hadn't given her that compliment earlier.

 Well, if he hadn’t told Falco about giving her that compliment.

 She knew it was just that, words, he meant good and only told her she was pretty.

 The prettiest in the room……

 Again, just a compliment….

 It irritated her so much why she was making such a fuss about it.

 Worst of all is that they have not even exchanged words.

 Just looks.

 She wondered why he was caring so much, why he was so interested.

 Maybe he wanted to be close to her too because he is Falco and Gabi’s friend.

 Or was it something else?

 Why was it so confusing?

 While hearing the glasses of champaign being served and mumbles all over the room, she remembered the moment he gave her a tissue.

 Back then, when she was a crying mess, when she was outside her most vulnerable state.

 He didn’t even know her and gave her some comfort, he knew she was the enemy, that she killed many people that were on his side, some even friends.

 But she also did the same with him….

 She didn’t know him, she knew he was the enemy and yet, she wanted to give him the same comfort, even though she killed his comrades too, some…even friends.

 Was this the reason she couldn’t stop thinking about that night?

 About those nights?

 Because he was an enigma?

 Because it made her curious why he was acting the way he was acting?

 So many questions wondered her mind and were easily vanished the moment she heard someone sit next to her.

 “Mind if I join you miss?” Pieck heard while turning her head to the voice.

 The warrior smile when she saw a familiar face giving her a smirk, the woman was wearing a short white dress with her hair down as always.

 “Woah, by that look I must say I’m flattered but I’m actually straight” Hitch responded with a grin on her lips while taking a seat.

 “I’m surprised you’re not annoying Annie with your charm” Pieck said in a sarcastic tone.

 “Please, I’ve received enough death stares from her anyways” Hitch laughed while serving herself some champagne.

 Pieck had to say that not being alone it was comforting, it was nice seeing the blonde girl again after some time.

 She knew Hitch thanks to Annie, the reason?

 Because she was one of the few persons that the blonde tolerated.

 “How you’ve been?” Pieck asked the lady, while taking a sip from her drink.

 “You know, being over here, being over there, work is always calling, considering how fucked up this island is” the blonde answered with a sigh.

 “I really don’t want to talk about work, just give me this night to rest” she added.

 “What I should be asking is what the hell is going on with you? I come here and the first thing I see is a beauty sitting alone, having an existential crisis with herself” the blonde raised her eyebrows.

 Shit…

 Was she being that obvious?

 How much time has she been rambling inside her thoughts?

 “Nothing, I was just wondering where Falco and Gabi are” she lied, trying to be hard to read, which she was good at.

 With most people.

 “Ohh!!! The two brats are here?? They must be tall, it’s been forever since I last saw them” Hitch answered enthusiastically, but not falling for it.

 Pieck took her glass and drank some more while nodding to the blonde.

 “But that can wait. Tell me, who will you sleep with tonight?” Hitch asked.

 That made Pieck instantly choke with her drink, fortunately she didn’t spit any.

 “W-what?” Pieck widened her eyes while looking to the blonde.

 “Don’t give me that -I’ve never seen a dick- face. You were drooling just before I talked to you” the blonde said with a mocking tone.

 “Just to be clear, there’s no one here I would like to sleep with, and second of all-” the warrior couldn’t continue at hearing the blonde laugh at her.

 “Darling, you may fool anyone with that tone and face, but that won’t work with me” Hitch said between laughs.

 Pieck was getting angry.

 Not at her.

 She was getting infuriated knowing the moment she heard “sleep” she thought about him.

 Why?

 Just why?

 Not understanding how she was feeling was getting tiring.

 “Look” the blonde respond calming herself. “This party, event or whatever is getting nowhere, you should be trying to find a partner, at least someone who’ll give you a good-“

“Hitch” the warrior looked at her with a serious face.

 “I’m just saying, we’ll be here one night, no one would say or remember anything, you should at least try and see what happens”

 The warrior glared at her. “Uhuh, and tell me, what happens with Gabi and Falco in the meantime”

 “They’re practically adults now! Look, if it makes you feel any better, I can take them to my room just for the night, I know there’s a lot of people here. And you can have a little…alone time” Hitch really was trying to sound tempting.

 She hated to admit that she had a point.

 This was supposed to be one night in a ship, assist to the dinner and return the next morning.

The ship would follow a route just around and close to the island.

They couldn't risk entering in other waters when there was a world out there that still considered Paradis the enemy.

The Rumbling worked, but for how long?

 And that was the schedule, but some idiot from the higher ups also attended to the event and the news of him getting married spread out quickly.

 Now the staff was doing their best to get ready all the preparations for the wedding and of course, they said…

 It would be an honor if the “Heroes of Paradis” attended to the event.

 Besides, Annie and Armin were long gone, probably trying to avoid the higher ups.

 Mikasa probably was with them or alone somewhere.

 Gabi and Falco were with Connie….

 And probably with Jean

 Shit.

 Again.

 He was probably with them, right?

 No.

 Why was she wondering where he was?

 “So, you’re going to act like you’re not thinking about him?” Hitch finally asked, after waiting for an answer.

 Pieck felt her heart almost stop when she heard her.

 “I’m not…” she said.

 “Oh, so is a he, good to know” Hitch had a wide grin all over her face.

 Fuck.

 How could she not realize that she was luring her into a trap.

 “Let me guess, hmmm” she started tapping her fingers on the table and looked around the room.

 Pieck was praying for her not to say his name, she was praying for her not to find him.

 “What about him?” she pointed at a young man who was dressed very nicely at the distance.

 “Hitch, even if you point at every man in this room, or in the whole ship, you’ll never find him because there’s no one I’ve been thinking about” the warrior respond, trying to fool her.

 Oh, but little the warrior knew how much will the blonde had.

 After 15 minutes trying to guess, Hitch finally gave up.

 “You’re not fun, Pieck. I was just trying for you to have a nice evening” Hitch said a little annoyed.

 Pieck tried her best not to look relieved.

 “Hey, I don’t need to get laid to have fun. With you here, I already know that I’m in for a ride” Pieck chuckled.

 Hitch giggled a little while handing some more champagne to her friend.

 “I guess you’re right, who needs men anyway?”

 Both of the girls clinked their glasses and took a sip from their drinks.

 After Hitch finished, she looked behind Pieck and raised her eyebrows while waving.

 “Hey Jean!”

 This time she didn’t had any luck left, the warrior spit some of her drink the moment she heard the name.

 The blonde girl couldn’t help but feel proud of herself, with a wide smile.

 Pieck turned around and saw that there was no tall man behind her, frowning her eyebrows and biting her lip.

 “There’s no way…you totally fell for it” Hitch couldn’t help but burst out of laughing while receiving a deadly glare from the warrior.

 Pieck felt so embarrassed, now Hitch was going to think that she like Jean when she doesn’t, she doesn’t even know what to think.

 “So…tall guys” Hitch answered with a teasing tone, calming herself.

 “Hitch, you better not-” again, the warrior was interrupted.

 But not by Hitch.

 “Excuse me” a young voice came from behind her.

 Hitch directed her eyes above Pieck’s head, confirming to the warrior that this time she wasn’t pranking her.

 She turned around and met eyes with a young man, attractive, dressed in a suit and with short hair.

 “Hi” Pieck answered. “Do you need something?”

 “I was actually…” the man gulped; his left leg was shaking.

He was in front of one of the “Heroes” after all.

 The warrior heard how Hitch was chuckling a bit.

 Was this man trying to ask her out?

 “I was wondering if I could get you a drink” the man muttered. “Only if you have time of course, if not I totally understand”

 Pieck would have refused him quickly, respectfully of course, but quickly.

 She started thinking, wondering inside her mind.

 Hitch was more suspicious about Jean.

 She also told her that she should have fun.

 You know what?

 Fuck it.

 If Hitch wanted her to have a great night, she’ll have it. But under her terms.

 “I’m sorry, she is interested in-

 “Fine” the warrior said to the man, preventing Hitch from finishing the sentence.

 “Huh?” Hitch asked confused, looking at the warrior who was getting up from her seat.

 “Why the face Hitch? You told me I should try” Pieck whispered to her and winked at her.

 As both of them left the table, Hitch grinded her teeth.

 “She likes taller men anyways” Hitch screamed to them, but they were already leaving the room.

 ……………………………………………………………………………………….

 Over the way to the bar, Pieck listened to the man talk and talk.

 She had to pretend sometimes to be listening.

 Something about a prestigious position and fast cars were the only thing that her ears heard.

 She thought about how she avoided Hitch for the moment but was now in this situation.

 The warrior told herself that she should at least try and take her advice.

 She was in this position now anyways and the man wasn’t bad looking.

 But...she wanted her first time to be like this?

 This man probably was looking just for sex, which was a good thing because if he would have implied something romantically, now that would have been a problem.

 But she had doubts…she couldn’t just…do it.

 Ever since she was a little girl, she's always had the idea that if you're going to be this intimate with someone, it has to be someone you love.

 That was one of the things that her father taught her.

 It warmed her heart just thinking about him.

 He knew the destiny that she had.

 The short life and curse that she was carrying.

 And still, sometimes he took the time to explain things like that to her.

 He took the time to brush her hair every morning when she was little.

 He took the time to wait for her to fall asleep when she was scared of the dark.

 Hoping that one day his daughter won’t need to go to war anymore.

 Hoping that one day she’ll fall in love and think about having a family.

 With him not in the picture anymore, she did her best to be strong and enjoy life.

 And she did, she does, every time with Falco and Gabi, every time with Annie and Hitch.

 Even today, just talking with the rest of them makes her feel good.

 Yet, every time she thinks about love….

 About someone with her….

 There is nothing.

 She knows so little about love….

 Few men caught her attention but she quickly forgot them.

 Thinking about her mission, her training, she had no time for those things.

 At least, back then….

 Then why?

 Why when she now has no mission….

 ….no training….

 ….no lack of time….

 Why is it so difficult?

 She didn’t care if she was meant to be alone.

 She has enough right now.

 If-

 “Hey, are you listening?” The young man asked, looking at her.

 She quickly looks at him.

 “Yeah….no, actually, I’m sorry” she said in an embarrassed tone.

 The man chuckled. “It’s alright, I’ve been talking a lot about me, please, I want to know about you”

 She was startled a little by the question and by the fact that she walked for some good minutes and didn’t realize that were already at the bar.

 “Where’s the bartender?” the young man asked, while trying to find an employee.

 “Well, we can wait” the man rang a small bell that was on top of the counter, alerting the bartender that there are customers waiting.

 He leaned on his elbow placed on the counter and smiled at Pieck.

 “Seriously, I want to know about you”

 About her?

 She came to the conclusion that he was asking about her “action” days, when she and the others stopped the Rumbling.

That is what everyone likes to ask her.

 Every single time.

 “There’s not much to- “

 “Pieck?”

 That voice.

 His voice.

 It made the small hairs of her ears to stand on end.

 She looked behind the counter and saw Jean, looking at her with a frown on his face.

 ……………………………………………………………………………………….

 What?

 What was she doing here?

 Well, of course, she boarded the ship with the others.

 But what was she doing…

here?

 “Jean?” his name escaped from her lips, she looked confused as him.

 “Oh my- For the love of Ymir! Jean Kirstein, is such an honor, I didn’t have any idea…” the man frowned, looking at Jean’s clothes.

 “Are you the bartender?” the man asked.

 Jean didn’t answer, he was still looking at Pieck.

 “Sir?” he heard the man asked again.

 Pieck eyes traveled to the man who was waiting for an answer, by her expression she was starting to get nervous.

 Jean finally snapped from his thoughts and look at the man.

 “Sorry, what was your question?” Jean asked.

 “Why are you the bartender? You are a hero; you shouldn’t be working behind a counter” the man added.

 “I lost a bet, the price it was that if I lose, I would have to work as a bartender for the whole night” Jean explained, taking some glasses from the counter.

 “I see, but sir please, you shoul-“

 “I insist, please, it’s no problem at all” Jean answered, getting ready to take their orders.

 He couldn’t stop looking at her from the corner of his eye.

 He needed to get it together.

 “Alright then…I’ll have two red blossoms” the man indicated, while turning to Pieck.

 Jean remained silent; he didn’t even know what the fuck a red blossom was.

 He couldn’t stop thinking all day about when he was in Pieck’s house.

 And he felt sick for doing that.

 He wasn’t even an old friend of hers or a loved one.

 And yet his mind always drifted to that moment.

 He couldn’t think about the compliment he gave her.

 It would make him go red all over again.

 But why the hell it felt so fucking good to say it?

 He came to his senses the moment he heard her laugh.

 Right, he almost forgot that she came to take a drink with that man.

 “And of course, I’ve heard about you, Pieck Finger, I just didn’t want to be seen as a…crazy fan or…stalker” the man chuckled nervously.

 “I must say, you have a really pretty name, I like it” the man added while not taking his eyes off Pieck.

 Pretty.

 He used the same compliment that Jean said to her.

 Was this man for real?

 “Thank you…” he heard her voice thanked the man, her tone was so soft, like she didn’t want the man to be disappointed or proud of his compliment.

 “So…I heard your friend yelled that you like tall men” the man responded.

 Jean stopped whatever he was doing.

 He didn’t move, he didn’t open his mouth, he just stayed still.

 Was he hearing things?

 Did that man was telling the truth?

 “I would say that I feel attraction to them, yes” Pieck answered.

 No.

 Stop.

 Why was this making Jean smile?

 Jean needed to distract himself, he needed to get out of there.

 But every time he tried to look away, the image of the look on her face in that forest came to his mind.

 That look was haunting him, not in a bad way, but he needed it to stop.

 After some minutes, Jean looked at Pieck a few times.

 She didn’t look back.

 But rather than feeling bad about it….

 He felt pleased.

 Jean thought for some moments….

 Is this life sending a signal?

 Rather than asking to himself why was he feeling so thrilled about her….

 He scolded to himself that he needed to ask why he couldn’t see how happy she was now.

 Jean didn’t know her, he knows that, he knows that perfectly…. but that smile….

 That smile that she gave him when he handed her that tissue for her to wipe her tears….

 That smile was there…right now.

 With that man.

 He knew he doesn’t have any right to feel jealous or possessive about her, not in a million years.

 But he wasn’t…. he was loving looking at her smiling like that.

 That strong, fierce, sweet and beautiful woman that she is, was there right now.

 Just enjoying a chat with a stranger.

 He knows that she didn’t need anything to change who she was.

 All the moments he looked at her through his entire life….

 All the memories that he has of her…

 She was…perfect just the way she is.

 She is.

 But right….

 Who was him to tell that she was perfect?

 He only was sure of something.

 He is glad that someone is making her smile.

 He is glad that that comfort that he gave her, she can find it in someone else.

 He is glad that…she can heal the wounds from that day…

 with someone who isn’t broken.

 Jean managed to serve their drinks after a while.

 He walked to them and placed the drinks on the counter.

 “Thanks, sir, I appreciate it” the man told him with a nod.

 Pieck on the other hand, this time, he met her eyes.

 It was just for two seconds but felt like minutes.

 That look was everything he needed.

 He gave her a small smile; he was sure that she didn’t even knew why he was smiling.

 But he did.

 It was enough.

 The tall scout started walking away and washed his hand with some water before heading out from the bar.

 “It’s interesting to know that. Now, if you don’t mind, could you tell me about that day?” the man asked.

 Like if they were connected, Jean and Pieck just widened their eyes and stood still.

 No.

 Don’t…

 “I know the Rumbling was something extremely devastating, but I’m interested to know, did you see it all happened?” the man asked with an intrigue face.

 Pieck couldn’t formulate any words, she couldn’t move, she looked like she was looking at ghosts.

 Please…

 “How many poor victims you had to witness that day?” the man asked again.

 Don’t do that to her.

[theladykalliope]

Something Ventured, Something Gained

JeanPikuweek2022

Day 5: ODM Gear

https://archiveofourown.org/works/37389805

Pieck introduces Jean to a leisure activity from her youth.

[valmendy]

Day 4: slow dancing