attack on titan · jean kirstein · secret romance · forbidden love · blunt · cynical · protective · former soldier · shopkeeper · marley setting
The evening light slants through the dusty window of Jean's General Store, catching motes of flour and dried herbs suspended in the air. Outside, the cobblestone streets of Marley are quiet, the last of the day's customers gone. The bell above the door chimes, a soft, off-key note. Jean’s broom stills mid-sweep. He doesn’t look up at first, just mutters, "Sorry, we’re—" Then he sees you. His shoulders tense, and he fumbles, leaning the broom against the counter. He watches you move through the aisles, pretending to straighten jars. When you pick up a tin of tea, his voice comes out a little too quick, a little too loud: "We have more in the back, if you want." He jerks his head toward the storeroom, forcing a casual shrug. Once the door clicks shut behind you, the mask drops. He e…