Hey guys. I'm back with another chapter and sorry for the huge gap between the last chapter and this one. I had my semester exams in May (which completely screwed with me) so I didn't get the time to write further chapters. From now on I will release a chapter every 3 weeks (Approx.) as it is taking alot of time to analyze the original Manga and tailoring it according to my story and characters. It's quite difficult(Afterall, JeanKasa is not one of the most popular pairings) but I hope that you will like this chapter and suggest ways to improve my writing.

A big thank you to 'Haven of Romance' for your wonderful review on my one-shot "No escape". Also, a big thanks to 'critical veinx' , 'Tximeletta' and 'monster646' along with the guest reviews for supporting this fic. You guys are the reason I get motivated to continue with this story.

Anyway, without further delay enjoy this chapter

Disclaimer : All characters in this story are property of Hajime Isayama.

With Mikasa

It didn't take her much time to find the path that scouts must have taken. All around she could see green cloaks and mutilated bodies of survey corps soldiers. These were not ordinary recruits, they were veteran soldiers and to see so many of them killed so easily. She couldn't comprehend what could've done this.

Her heart stopped when she saw bodies of three soldiers who she faintly recognized. They all were in the Levi squad, the ones in charge of protecting Eren.

"No please," she prayed in her mind "Let him be okay."

She finally reached a clearing and saw a familiar 15 meter titan with distinctly muscular body and exposed teeth fighting a titan of roughly same height as him but with a female body. Eren seemed to be having the upper hand as he pinned her down.

Mikasa knew she could not interfere now, it would only distract Eren and cost him this fight. The grip on her sword tightened, feeling frustrated because of her powerlessness despite being one of the strongest soldiers in Survey Corps.

However, she was shocked to see the female titan fight like a professional soldier, all her moves were precise and effective and watched as, slowly, the tables were turned. Mikasa watched in horror as the female titan bit down on his nape and extracted Eren's body out of his titan.

That was it. Her decision to restrain herself has put Eren's life in danger and now he may be lost to her forever. This was not acceptable to the furious oriental.

"GIVE HIM BACK!" Mikasa lost all sense and shot her line towards the tree nearest to the titan.

She lost all her composure and started recklessly attacking the female titan. The titan tried to smash Mikasa into a splatter but she was too fast for even the agile titan. The titan aimed a kick at Mikasa but the raven haired girl shot the cable at her other foot narrowly missing the hit and making a clean cut behind her knees.

This slowed down the female titan making it easier for Mikasa to cut more pieces of flesh from her limbs but the titan was able to grab one of her cables and used its momentum to throw her towards the nearest tree. Mikasa, in a display of pure athleticism corrected the body mid air and shot the 3DM gear towards a tree which was out of the titan's reach.

Launching herself back at the titan she sliced her arms and shoulders but unable to reach its nape. She needed to stop it or at least slow it down. Mikasa managed to cut its Achilles tendon and the titan fell forward on one knee.

She wanted to finish this titan here, capturing her be damned. This titan was way powerful than anything that they have faced before. As she swiped her blade against her nape, her blades shattered. It took her by surprise and she was not able to control her momentum. The titan saw its opportunity and raised its hand to crush Mikasa once and for all.

As her hand descended down, a brown and green blur passed through the titan's wrist, cutting it out entirely. All the raven haired girl could see was a green figure spinning like a wheel too fast for her to see. Mikasa and the titan watched in surprise as her hand fell and steam began to rise out of the stub that was left. Someone grabbed Mikasa and fired its line as far away from the titan as possible taking them out of its range.

She recognized his scent even before she saw him.

"How is he here ?" she looked back to confirm her suspicion. It was indeed the brown haired boy "He saved me."

However, this was not the time to celebrate that he is safe. Eren is still inside her jaw and they have to get him out. She started struggling against him.

"We have to back Jean," she sounded desperate "She has him. We-"

"Mikasa." he tried to explain to her.

"-have to get hi-"

"Mikasa listen"

"-m back or she is-"

"MIKASA." he screamed which finally shut her up.

He cursed himself to see that shocked expression on her face, he had never raised his voice with her. He should have been more understanding of her situation. Her life has been dedicated to protecting her family and right now that family could easily be taken away.

"I'm sorry but look Mikasa" he said pointing towards the black blur that was moving towards the titan "captain Levi ordered me to get you out of there, he said he will take care of that thing."

"But that titan is intelligent and stronger than any titan I have seen," she said worriedly "will he be able to defeat her ?"

"Yeah I saw your fight with her and I have my doubts," he explained "but we have orders and I am putting my trust in the captain."

Jean didn't tell her that he himself had engaged the female titan to take it out, alone, and almost died. She would not be happy with his actions. Jean decided that she does not need to know that small piece of information.

Both of them saw the fight and they would never have believed someone could fight like that if they had not seen it themselves. Now they understood why he was called humanity's strongest soldier. The raw power combined with precision left them speechless.

"He's fast" both of them thought at the same time. Their eyes couldn't keep up with the captain's movements.

In a matter of seconds, the titan had over a hundred deep cuts over its body. Finally, captain went to its jaw and cut both of its cheeks leaving her mouth wide open and Eren was there, unconscious and covered in the titan's saliva. Captain quickly got Eren and got out of there, heading towards Mikasa and Jean.

Jean was busy picking up his jaw from the floor that he almost missed that the captain was addressing them.

"It's time to head back," said Levi in a low monotone voice "57th exterior expedition mission was a complete failure."

Despite his emotionless voice, both teens could see that he was hiding his anger and despair. His entire squad was wiped out by that monster. Jean quietly took the young shifter from Levi and the three them headed back to regroup with other survivors.

In the mess hall

With Jean

Jean didn't want to eat anything. The day's events have taken a toll on everyone's mind. Countless lives lost and that too for nothing.

"We accomplished absolutely nothing," thought Jean angrily "All those soldiers, the entire right wing killed just to capture that thing and we failed to do even that."

Everyone at the table was quiet. Even the usually cheerful Connie and Sasha. They knew what they signed up for when they joined the scouts but it still couldn't prepare them for the real thing. Gone were the days when they would sit together, teasing and joking around without a care in the world.

Most of them had not even seen a real titan before joining the military, just a bunch of snot-nosed cadets dreaming of attaining greatness and fame by joining the military. Those days seemed like a lifetime away. Now they were proud soldiers of the Survey Corps and there was not a single great thing about it. Death and despair surrounded them, everyday was a gift that was to be cherished or else only regret would be left before their inevitable demise.

"Is Eren okay ?" Krista said finally breaking the silence. Jean was glad for the distraction, himself wondering about the shifter's condition. The last time he saw Yeager was when they took him back to the castle to recover from his injuries.

" He's alright. Just extremely exhausted from his fight," reassured Armin "You know that guy, nothing can keep him down for long."

"Yeah. He'll be up soon, running around and screaming that he will wipe out the titans" said the brown haired boy.

Mikasa frowned at his words but everyone else chuckled. They knew that he was right. Eren and giving up just didn't go along.

"That female titan must have been quite tough that captain Levi himself had to battle her," said Connie "Is it true that you fought her Mikasa ?"

Mikasa was getting quite uncomfortable with everyone's attention on her, she was not used to being the centre of everyone's focus, especially when it comes to her battling skills. Seeing the uncomfortable look in her eyes, Jean decided to answer for her.

"Yeah it's true and it was a battle to watch," Jean replied on her behalf "Even if not for captain's intervention, Mikasa could have easily taken her down."

The occupants of the table already knew Mikasa was a force to be reckoned with but after hearing him some of them were looking at her with barely hidden awe. While Mikasa was looking at Jean with surprise. He was the one that had saved her from certain death, if not for him she would've been a nice puddle of blood in the middle of that creepy forest.

"Don't sell yourself short Jean," said Armin and Jean's face had an expression that was telling him to shut up but the blonde didn't get the message and continued "I have never watched someone fight like you did."

"Yeah !" agreed Reiner "You definitely fought that overgrown bitch like a badass. If not for her hardening abilities, you would've taken her down for sure. Although it was definitely a close call for both of us."

If in any other situation, he would be happy to receive recognition from his friends. Especially Reiner who was ranked second in their batch but right now all he could feel was dread. Why did he have to bring up his near death experience ?

He slowly looked to his left and saw that Mikasa had her spoon halfway up to her mouth, her hand completely frozen and her bangs covering most of her face making it impossible for Jean to see her expression. He knew that he should've told her earlier about his confrontation with female titan but he didn't want to add to her stress. She was already tired of worrying for her reckless adoptive brother.

"Who am I to call him reckless ? I did the same thing" He mentally cursed himself.

"Oh," Mikasa responded in an eerie and quiet voice "what exactly happened ?"

Reiner told everyone about my battle with her in complete detail and a part of me was happy about the recognition I was receiving, realizing that my training sessions were not a complete waste of time.

Others didn't realize the change in the oriental beauty's demeanor and continued talking about his fight with the titan but he zoned most of it out. Mikasa stood up abruptly and left the table without any words. Her friends were surprised at her actions.

"Why me god ?" Jean gulped "Well, no good trying to avoid the inevitable."

" Today was extremely tiring. I'll be retiring a little early today. Bye guys." He bid them farewell.

He didn't need to think too hard about where she would've went. He walked for a few minutes, a familiar forest clearing coming into his view, a lone figure is sitting in the middle. He slowly walked towards the girl and sat beside her keeping a healthy distance from her, not knowing what to say or do. He can't afford to upset her any further.

Both of them didn't say anything for some while letting a peaceful silence descend between them. Jean watched as moonlight made her face glow even further, giving her an angelic appearance. He is certain he will never find someone as beautiful and elegant than her.

He was frozen in time feeling unworthy to be in her presence. In his eyes she is a goddess who deserves much more than what this damned world has to offer. He is disgusted with how she has been treated all her life. Her parents were taken away when she was a mere child and Eren's family took her in, then she even lost that family. Eren and Armin were the only family she had now. Maybe she even considered him a part of that family ?

"She won't be able to bear more losses. Even you are not invincible... Mikasa"

"Mika-"

"Why ?" she interrupted him, her tone fierce and demanding.

He understood what she was asking. Why did he risk his life like that ? It was completely stupid and the chances of survival were extremely low but he couldn't let that thing continue with its destruction.

"I had to Mikasa," he tried to explain

"Did she attack you directly ?" She asked in the same voice. She was definitely angry and lying to her would only make it worse

"No she didn't but -" he continued

"Then you didn't have to jump in front of her. I don't want you to be a hero" She shouted at him. Jean knows she is not really angry, just scared of losing someone important to her and that someone could have been him if not for Armin

"Why don't you understand Mikasa," he said a little louder "It's not just about me. I couldn't let her get to the centre of the formation. She had already taken out the right wing and if she reached the centre number of casualties would have only increased."

"You promised," Her voice cracked, her fingers rubbing against the ring he gave her this morning " you promised that you won't put yourself in danger. Life has always taken from me. It took my parents, it took Eren's parents, it took my freedom and today it almost took you and Eren away from me. I can't lose anymore."

By the end of her speech she was openly sobbing and this was the first time Jean has seen her break down like this. This is the real Mikasa Ackerman that hid herself behind a stony facade. Each hiccup, each sob was breaking his heart. He made one of the most important person in his life cry and felt disgusted with himself.

Her whimpers were like strikes to his heart and he couldn't control himself anymore. He threw his arms around her waist and pulled her to himself. She didn't struggle for even a second and buried her head in his chest, arms wound around him tightly. She needs to feel him in her arms to convince herself that this is not a dream, that they survived the expedition and he didn't die because of his stupid decision to fight the female titan alone.

His arm rubbed circles on her back while the other was tangled in her hair. Her scent overloaded his senses and he could feel every part of her petite body pressed against him. His body was reacting like any other boy his age but he didn't have it in himself to break this embrace.

It was too much for the teenage boy. She didn't know how much he was being affected by her, his brain completely shut down. Jean tried to take deep breaths and think of something else, anything other than the love of his life pressed against him. All efforts were in vain.

He buried his face in her hair, greedily breathing in her scent, engraving it into his memory. This is one of the happiest as well as the saddest moments of his life. How could anyone make this wonderful woman cry. He can't forgive himself for doing this to her but he knows that he will always put his life in danger if he can save even one person. This is a guilt that he will have to endure, he is a soldier before anything else and when he rides to battle, death rides behind him.

After about 20 minutes she starts to calm down and relaxes in his arms. He starts to untangle himself from her but she tightens her arms around him.

"No. please," she whispers " A little longer."

Jean is surprised by this and more than happy to oblige. For him, any amount of time spent with her is insufficient. He is utterly screwed, completely addicted to her and too far gone to ever return. She is his reason for living just like Eren is for her and nothing would change that now. He can't pinpoint exactly when his crush turned into this undying love but it's too late now.

Even if she chooses Eren over him when the time comes, he will respect her decision but it would still not stop him from watching over her, protecting her as well as her happiness. If someone deserves a happy and peaceful life, then it is her. Whoever said that love made you stupid was absolutely correct.

Mikasa looks up to him with her swollen eyes and wet face sending another pang of guilt through him. He softly wipes the tears away from her cheeks. She doesn't protest to his gesture, instead she snuggles her face further into his hand making his entire body feels like it would burst up in flames.

She places her own hands on both of his cheeks, lighting up his skin wherever they touched. Both of them are frozen, feeling a strong pull towards each other but hesitant to act on it. Finally, Mikasa closes her eyes and closes the gap between them.

A dam breaks inside when he feels her lips on his own, a violent rush of emotions swirling inside him. He has waited for this moment for years. Their first kiss is soft and sweet, both testing each other's reaction. However, it is nowhere near enough for them.

Jean attacks her lips again, this time with ferocity fueled by his years of pent up frustration and longing. She did not expect this reaction but she was far from complaining. Her insides bursting with a need for him. Their lips moved in perfect harmony with each other, like they have been doing this for years.

They don't remember when she laid on her back and he covered her body with his own, his arms trapping her beneath him. Mikasa's petite body could feel his entire body pressed against her own, enjoying the feel of his muscles and the unnatural warmth that he seemed to be emitting.

How much time has it been ? One hour ? Two hours ? They don't care, too lost in their own world.

Finally Jean supports his entire weight on his arms, putting a little distance between them. Both of them are completely out of breath and it was not just because of the kisses. The look in the other's eyes is what is affecting them so deeply. Even if their kisses were not enough to express their feelings, their eyes said it all. It was too late to turn back now and whatever happens from now on, they will have to bear it. No more running. No more hiding.

"Mikasa," he whispered in her ear. His tone sending her already high heartbeat skyrocketing.

She doesn't reply, just places soft kisses on his cheek, his jaw and finally at the corner of his mouth. She doesn't want to ruin this beautiful moment with words. They will talk about this later, right now she wanted to bury herself in his affection.

Jean agreed with her and buried his head in her neck, breathing in more of her. He got an idea, which was probably very stupid, but right now he does not care about consequences. He shifts her scarf a little and sucks at her pulse biting down softly, earning himself a pleasured gasp for her. He sees his handiwork, a red mark clearly visible on her neck.

He hopes that Mikasa won't kill him for it but her expression doesn't hint at any anger. He is shocked when she buries her head in his neck and leaves a similar mark on his neck. Her face turns deep red at her own actions.

"I'm sorry," she whispers to him "I don't know wh-"

He stops her mid-sentence with a kiss on her lips.

"It's okay Mikasa. I did it to you first," he assures her "In fact, I would proudly show it to the world, showing them that I belong to the most amazing girl in the world."

Her heart swells at his confession and a smile adorns her beautiful face. This smile is not one of her forced ones. It is pure and simple, one that he has not seen on her face often enough. He made it his mission to not let that smile disappear again. She no longer needs to hide her emotions from the world.

"I'll never get tired of seeing her smile" He sighed and laid on his back beside her.

Mikasa snuggled up to his side, her head resting on his shoulder.

What an eventful day it has been. He almost got killed by an intelligent titan who has skills even Eren cannot match, the said shifter almost got kidnapped, their mission resulting in a complete failure and finally kissing the woman he loves more than anything else.

The last part made it a little bit more bearable. Being here with Mikasa, it almost seems like one of his dreams which he never wanted to wake up from. She has got so much power over him and she has got absolutely no idea about it.

However, his mind is also occupied by the upcoming trial. Eren's future depended on the success of this mission and the chances of him getting a second chances are extremely slim. He will most probably get handed over to Military Police who are going to experiment on him and unlike Hange, they are not going to make it harmless.

He can't let that hothead suffer such a fate. Part of it is because of the woman in his arms right now and partly because he also considers Eren a friend and he had made a vow that he will protect his friends no matter what. He can't afford to lose more of his friends, he even considers the 104th classmates as his family. A disfigured one but family nonetheless.

"Let's go Jean," Mikasa interrupted his thoughts " We will get in trouble if anyone sees us out here this late."

"Yeah," Jean replied, although his voice betrayed his desire. Desire to remain like this forever but she was right, they have to get back or they could be punished by their superiors. Also, their friends must be wondering where they disappeared to.

They walked to the barracks, his hand interlaced with hers. It is quite late, so no one will notice them walking towards the building, hand in hand. When they reached the corridor which separated their rooms, they reluctantly let go of each other's hands.

Jean doesn't know what the hell he is supposed to do now. All his confidence from earlier has completely abandoned him as he looks shyly towards her.

She is not doing much better herself. It was so easy to express themselves in that clearing, away from the unaware of the world. Only now is the realization of their actions being processed by their brains.

They stood there for a few awkward minutes and finally Jean decided that it is not as big a deal. He has been pining for her affections for a very long time and in their job there is no certainty of surviving. Each day is a gift and what better way to spend it than being with the one you love.

He bent down and kissed her, much more gently this time. She kissed him back and he smiled in the kiss.

"I could get used to this." he thought.

After a few moments, they broke their kiss and said their goodbyes, both blushing the entire way to their room.

They don't know what this is but both of them didn't want it to stop. Both were afraid of these new emotions but they may not get a chance tomorrow or the day after. It was easier to explore the unknown now rather than regretting a lost chance for the rest of their lives.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and do post your reviews if you liked it, also review if you didn't like it suggesting ways in which I can improve it.

Also,I could really use some suggestions for the Stohess Arc .