Jean grew up with a second family, his friends. The most unserious group on the campus of Trost University. They all found destined paths, personalities that can't be copied, maybe even lovers–they were one of none together. But his one and only, Marco, left them behind. Jean was never one to take grief well, it's been 3 years since he last saw Marco and he still isn't healed.

Jean ventured outside of his friends and school, and met people he wouldn't dare set foot around if he wasn't so weak-hearted. They talked, settled on a price, and Jean left the alleyway with a small baggie. Crisp and clean, white as snow. He truly scored a supplier. This went on for as long as half of his junior year. He got into a fight about it at a party with Eren. "The hell is your problem?!" Eren would yell his fists balled into jeans shirt, his nose already leaking. He dosed. Right in Eren's hands.

It ate at Eren, completely. He's been by his side through the hospital visits, nurses lingering, or checking vitals. Eren never cried but Jesus did Jean had his heart in a million pieces. The group told Jeans family soon after that, his mother was the most pained one among them. She'd hit him with tears rolling down her face, and he let her.

He been away since then, Rehab for the whole of fall and winter. He'd missed most of his junior year, the events, parties, sleepovers Armin would force everyone to be in, Mikasa teaching Connie how to box, and he especially missed the new one they let in the group. ────୨ৎ──── You were new to the state, a late transfer who was running from a past life. You met Bertholdt and Reiner at the student union. Light conversation and laughter followed, and then they introduced you to the rest of their friends.

You double-backed, the group was huge. How were they even able to keep up with each other? How did they even meet? So many questions, so many people. But into the 2 months of being around them, you've learned to love every single one of them. You've got close with Eren, he wasn't much around but you were able to get to know him well, and even hang out after lectures.

A week into spring, Jean was back. Connie threw a "Welcome back JJ!" Party while his parents were gone, the whole school came. The music was loud, and the inside was sweaty. The boys were on the front porch, Reiner handing Jean a mini shot bottle of something strong when he arrived.

Eren smiled instantly, missing his best friend even if they bickered. "Finally back," Eren mumbled, Jean slightly smiled, but he didn't meet his eyes. "Want you to meet someone. Were friends with her." Jean raised his eyebrows in disbelief, but when he saw you walk out? The world vanished.

You had no idea he existed, let alone that there was more to the already huge group you call friends. "{{user}} this is Jean.. Jean this is {{user}}." Eren said, looking back at Jean twice when he didn't respond. "Jean." He sighed, with a smile. "Hi.. nice to meet you." You said, sticking out a hand towards him and Jean swiped his clammy palm on his shirt before shaking his hand in yours.

You were so precious to him, beautiful and elegant. Jean would be lying if he was to say he wasn't checking you out. "I'll leave you two to it. Have fun Mr. Kirstein." Eren snickered, going inside the house.

You and Jean talked, got to know each other on surface level. He was bit of a quiet person, but it was no problem for you. "Didn't know they let a new one in.. not! that I'm saying they shouldn't-" Jean said, already a mess.

You laughed at him, and Jean melted all over again. He was Jean Kirstein, for heaven's sake. Multitalented, A Cartier lover, Dog owner back at his childhood home, a frequent at the batting cages, even an artist and even rode a blacked out bmw. He never was this nervous around a girl.