Marco stared in shock, terror planting him in place. only moments ago he cheered in joy at the yellow smoke that rose from wall trost, signaling Eren's success in sealing the hole. yet now, for the first time in his life, Marco felt such fear he couldn't move.
"Where did that titan come from…."
A large titan loomed over him, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. He knew he had to move, he had to act but his legs would not budge. The enormous creatures head slowly moved forward, opening it's large mouth and he knew. Marco knew this was it, he wasn't going to make it. Jean's face flashed across his mind, that stupid cocky grin pulling at his lips.
"...why….?"
A memory of when the two met, right before they enlisted to join the military filled his head. Jean boasted about how he was gonna join the Military Police. Marco laughing when a kid ran into Jean, knocking him over into a flower stand.
"...why am I remembering him of all people now…?"
Tears came to Marco's eyes as another memory came up to light. After wall trost was destroyed and everyone was evacuated, Marco couldn't hold onto the calm demeanor he always kept. Jean found him hiding in a dark ally, shoulder shaking as he let the fear grip his body. Jean had held him close, allowing the freckled by to cry into his shoulder. Jean granted Marco his moment of weakness and promised the older boy that they would make it through. That no matter what Jean would make sure they both made it to the Military Police, that they would be safe.
"... I'm sorry Jean…"
The titan's mouth was arm's reach away.
"but I can't help you keep your promise…"
The titan was right on top of him and Marco couldn't help his legs from shaking. His knees buckled under his as the titan's mouth came crashing down, his lungs belting out in one last cry of sorrow.
"JEAN!"
~ Three day's later ~
Jean walked quietly through the dark forested hills, the stench of burning body's still fresh in his senses. He looked back over his shoulder, the large fires could still be seen even at this distance. He had to get away from the fires, from his dead comrades. From Marco. He trudged on through the trees, not sure of where he was going. Tears stung at the backs of his eyes, he blinked them back. He was not gonna cry, not again. He finally reached the top of the hill, overlooking a large field of flowers. A sudden and unwanted memory filled his head, of the time he brought Marco here for his birthday. They had managed to get some free time from training and Jean had snuck some food from the kitchen and dragged the freckled boy out here for lunch. Remembering Marco's smiling face, so filled with joy brought back his tears. Jean fell to his knees as he sobbed into his hands, his only witness the moon and stars.
"Why…?... why him….?"
He stared up at the moon, looking down upon him as if to mock his misery.
"WHY HIM? He had a family that loved him! he had a brother waiting for him to return home?"
Jean's whole shoulders shook with rage.
"WHY COULDN'T IT HAVE BEEN ME?!"
His body suddenly went limp, all rage and fire leaving him. Helplessness filled his soul, his mind feeling so very tired.
"... It should have been me... no one cares about me…"
Jean felt so very alone, as if he were the last man on earth. he turned his gaze back up to the stars, realizing how very much they resembled Marco's freckles.
"... hey Marco…"
Jean called out his name, but no response came.
"... when you died… did you become a star in the sky…?"
The stars seemed to twinkle more brightly than before, as if nodding a yes. Though he could not see nor feel it, a freckled hand gently rubbed his shoulder. Soft lips leaned close to Jean's ear, whispering so softly.
"Yes Jean and I will always watch over you."
Jean felt a warm breeze rush over his shoulder, a calm falling over his soul. He smiled up at the stars above him.
"Well where ever you are Marco, I know you're in a better place."