Even after his death, Jean continued to see Marco in his dreams. Sometimes they were nightmares; he would see exactly how Marco had died and witnessed the death of his only good… friend. Other times, Marco talked to him and happy memories filled his brain. The last happy memory was that of himself confessing to Marco and seeing him smile softly at him. That was also the last time Jean saw Marco smile before the incident. He never did get a true response to his feelings from Marco to the point where he had created many scenarios, most of them having Marco accept his feelings but dying right in front of his eyes. Some of the worst ones got mixed with the nightmares that had him crying in silence.

The day had come and gone with only the news of Eren being a titan. No one saw this coming, but since Eren had ultimately beaten him, yeah, he saw it. Jean climbed into bed, tired as usual and tried going to sleep once more.

Jean saw himself in bed sitting across from Marco. Though he had a sad look on his face, there seemed to be something joyful about having him there. Jean had the urge to speak but was interrupted by Marco.

" Hey Jean," Marco stated.

" Marco, why did you leave me? You told me you would stay with me," cried Jean.

" I know but life can be rude to those that don't have much to their own lives," said Marco with a tender smile.

"But…but… you were amazing in everything. At least, to me you were," said Jean, holding his hands toward his eyes, trying so hard to contain the tears that threaten to spill.

" Yet, you were better than me Jean. That's why I died and you lived, though I would have liked to live a bit longer at your side," he chuckled as he continued to speak, " I'm lucky enough to receive the time I'm having with you."

After Marco had spoken this, Jean realized that this moment would be the last time he would ever see Marco whole and alive. He then proceeded to ask the question that he had asked so long ago.

" Marco, what do you think of me," he asked.

" Jean, had I still been alive… I would have loved to be with you as your partner but as you can see I'm not anymore. So for me, please move on with you life, I can't bare to see you sad because of me," Marco replied.

" Why are you asking me of this?"

"Jean, listen to me. You know that I am already dead and you have cried enough for me. Just move on, that's the one thing you can do to make me happy."

"But…"

Jean thought about how he could forget Marco but he couldn't. He cared too much for the freckled boy to leave his memory in the past. Yet… Marco was here, in his dreams, asking, no not asking but pleading him to move on as his last wish for Jean. He kept thinking and thinking on whether to move on or not. After what seemed like half an hour, Jean had come to a decision on what to do.

"Okay, if that's what you want, then I… I will move on as my last promise to you," he stated.

Marco looked as if he was going to cry and Jean began to open his mouth to change his mind but Marco stopped him.

"Thank you, Jean."

The last time he saw Marco continued to leave bittersweet feelings as the months went by. He joined Levi's Scouting Legion along with the rest of his friends, and even got colder to Mikasa. When he first saw her, he couldn't help but be infatuated; she was highly skilled a fighting titans and was extremely pretty. They got along as much as they could (considering her weird brother complex) and then there was Eren. Eren was starting to be seen in a different light to Jean.

And he hated it. Ever since training, both Eren and Jean had despised each other to no ends. Though as of late, Eren had some habits to linger on Levi's form to which Jean noticed. This is what he hated about himself, watching Eren for no reason and seeing the small details that no one else saw.

Levi was instructing his squad to do some trust exercises; something that Hanji suggested after seeing the "bonds" they had. Levi, who thought it was an incredibly stupid suggestion, eventually gave in after a certain rumor about him constantly measuring himself, may or may not be spread amongst his peers. Of course it wasn't 100% true, but Hanji had evidence to prove other wise.

That's how Eren and Jean got to be partners during these exercises. Everyone was paired up with those that weren't getting along with or just didn't know enough. Annie was with Sasha, Connie with Ymir, Reiner with Christa, and even with Mikasa with Levi. Hanji stood near the front of the field, content with her ships partner pairings, and started the exercises.

The first involved prolonged eye contact whilst holding hands.

" It's a simple ice breaker!" Hanji yelled," I'm not asking you guys to get married or anything…"

"Yeah but you wish they were," a voice whispered.

"HEY, WHO SAID THAT?!" Hanji narrowed her eyes and scanned the field. "Just do it guys! It's either this or you're all gonna be responsible for cleaning the stables. Or worse. Forced conversation with Oulou!"

An "I HEARD THAT" could be heard in the distance, followed by the groans and complaints from Levi's squad.

"Ugh, how did I get stuck with you?" Eren said with disgust.

"Blame Hanji, she's the one who put us together," Jean replied with equal disgust.

"Let's just get this over with. I'd rather not be touching you more than is needed," Eren said.

Eren and Jean were just as bothered as everyone else in the field, yet slowly; they got 'okay' with each other. As time went by, each pair softly changed for they got used to each other except Mikasa and Levi. To them, this was a stupid idea for nothing could ever get them to be 'okay' with each other. While that was going on, Jean noticed even smaller details about Eren. He saw that Eren's eyes changed color when reflected by light, turning to a light hazel but when he moved, it would change to a greenish color. Another thing was his face. Eren had a very boyish face to most but to Jean, it seemed a bit round, like a girl's face, almost soft-looking. His eyes trailed away from Eren's face to his chest, to which anyone could see a small bit of skin peeking out from the shirt.

"OI, my eyes are up here, horse face."

"Why the hell do you care, Eren? The only ones that would care are girls with huge chests and you aren't one…or are you?" Jean retorted.

"You better shut it before I kick it in and make your horse face look even less humane," Eren growled with bitterness.

" Ya know Eren, why do you hate me so much?"

" You made fun of my family and I don't take lightly on that kind of thing."

" So you're a family man, too bad you might not have one."

Eren snapped after that, punching hard into Jean's stomach. Jean had fallen to the ground but not before dragging Eren with him. Each took swings and hits from the other, trying to make as much contact to the face.

" ENOUGH! KNOCK IT OFF, YOU FUCKING BRATS," Levi yelled.

Both Eren and Jean froze, their heartbeats almost matching from the fear of what Levi would do to them for fighting in trust exercise.