Author's note: So as with anything sad that happens in a fandom I have to write something sad to go with it. i saw this song in my music and realized it was perfect. So I present to you all, The Call. Featuring Jean Kirstein and Marco Bodt.
It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope
Which then turned into a quiet word
When they met Jean had been impressed from the start. Just by looking at Marco, anyone could see just the type of person he was. He was nice, and always seemed to do the right thing and know exactly what to do. Even standing in formation, expressionless Jean could tell he's be a friend to anyone who needed one. Jean wouldn't admit it, but he admired Marco.
The more time they spent together, the closer they became. Just as Jean had suspected, Marco was a great friend. Training always brought people closer, but Jean subconsciously felt like there was something more to his relationship with Marco than mere friendship. After the Titans broke through the wall, he started to realize that Marco meant a lot to him. Everyone fought hard, and when they got a break, Jean had to find Marco and make sure he was okay.
And then that word grew louder and louder
Til it was a battle cry
I'll come back when you call me
No need to say goodbye
The second Titan attack was worse. Jean's 3DMG broke during the battle, and he ended up running on the streets with a Titan after him. Jean found himself trapped in a house, but as panicked as he was, he was thinking, hoping that Marco was okay. He needed to get out, just to make sure Marco was okay.
Once the civilians got to safety, the remains of soldiers who died were gathered. Jean was helping, but froze when he saw Marco among the dead. Jean wasn't sure what to do. Over the past five years, Jean had come to rely on Marco. In his head, he was screaming, completely broken without Marco, but externally he remained frozen.
Just because everything's changing
Doesn't mean it's never been this way before
All you can do is try to know who your friends are
As you head off to the war
Pick a star on the dark horizon and follow the light
You'll come back when it's over
No need to say goodbye
You'll come back when it's over
No need to say goodbye
The bodies were burning; somewhere among them were Marco's bones. Most of those who had fought were gathered around. Jean wasn't sure who all was around. He tried to keep awareness of his situation, but he was still in shock that Marco was gone.
During that time, after Marco's death, Jean focused on fighting. He scrapped his plan to join the Military Police, joining the Scouting Regiment instead. He had to fight back, to avoid losing the rest of his friends. Jean knew he was losing himself in grief, but he didn't care. He was sure that he'd be okay once everything was over, but until then he would fight.
Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and no one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it too doesn't mean that you have to forget
Let your memories grow stronger and stronger
Til they're before your eyes
You'll come back when they call you
No need to say goodbye
You'll come back when they call you
No need to say goodbye
In the days to come Jean became more steady. The pain from losing Marco subsided, however he never lost his drive. The others all had their own focus and drives. So they didn't see Jean's continual pain, even if it had subsided. Through it all he had refused to say goodbye. He was certain he'd see Marco again. It may take him years but he knew that one day, even if it cost him his life, he'd see Marco.