AN: So sorry about the long wait. So much has been going on and I just finished this chapter earlier today. I hope you enjoy, and sorry again.
So, to Sheena: I appreciate the review. It's refreshing to have realism every once in a while. Thanks ^^
Once Eren left, he drove to Marco's house. Since he didn't have to go to work until a little bit later, he decided that it'd be good to see Marco again, so that they could talk some more. He parked in the driveway and got out, knocking on the front door.
Almost immediately, Marco answered, only wearing boxers and a tanktop. Eren looked over him and laughed, covering his mouth to try and stop his giggles. "H-Hello, Marco." He smiled.
Marco blushed and moved aside, letting Eren in. "Good morning. Sorry, I just woke up a few minutes ago. I wasn't really expecting you until 12."
"Yeah, sorry. I was bored and I just decided to come straight over." He decided not to tell Marco about his meeting with Levi.
"That's fine. I'm gonna go...put on some pants now." Marco walked into his room and slipped on a pair of jeans. He walked back into the living room to see Eren on the couch, legs crossed. He sat down next to the smaller man.
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
Eren sighed and turned toward Marco. "Look, what happened last night shouldn't have happened. I know you like me but I just broke up with Sasha after being with her for years. I'm not exactly eager to jump into another relationship yet.
"Now having said that, one day I will be ready, just not with you. You're my best friend, I've known you since middle school and I honestly see you as like my brother. I love you, just not in any way romantically.
"I'm really sorry, but it's the truth. I want to stay friends so I hope we can just put this all behind us and move on." Eren finished his speech and took a breath, looking into Marco's eyes.
Marco's shoulders slumped and he leaned back against the couch. He ran a hand through his hair. "I just...I'm sorry. I'll try my hardest to not act on my feelings but I love you."
Eren closed his eyes and turned away.
"I love you more than anything and for you, I'll put my feelings deep in the back of my mind." Marco sat back up.
Eren nodded. "Okay. I'm sorry it had to be this way." He thought for a minute. "You know what? I know someone named Jean. He works with me at the school. He's a little loud, but I think you two would be great together. Want me to introduce you?" He grinned.
Marco looked away and blushed. "You...would do that for me?"
"Of course. I'll tell him once I get to work. Speaking of work, I'm gonna go in early. I'll talk to you later, okay?"
Marco stood with him and led him to the door. "I'll see you later." He opened the door and Eren walked out. He waved and watched as his friend got into his car and drove off.
Eren works at a high school as the counselor. It was a very small school with a total of about 650 students. He was the only counselor but his assistant was Jean Kirschtein. He was loud and brash and kinda crude but he was still a nice guy.
As he was walking down the hallway to his office, he got waves from a couple students who were standing around. "Boys, what are you doing out of class?" The students at least had the decency to look guilty.
"Sorry, Mr. Jaegar. We were, um...on our way to class." One said quickly, the group dispersing and going back to class.
Eren shook his head, chuckling as he made his way to his office. He saw Jean sitting at his desk outside the office. "Good morning, Jean." He smiled.
Jean looked up from his computer. "Morning, Eren. Scare any students back to class yet?"
Eren blushed in anger and embarrassment. "I don't scare anyone. If anything, you'd be the scary one with that horse face of yours."
Jean rolled his eyes. "But seriously, I think the only reason anyone listens to you is because you're cute."
"What? No way! Stop lying."
"I'm serious. You're young and this school is mostly boys."
Eren gave him a look and changed the subject. "Anyway, I want you to meet someone soon. He's a good friend of mine and I'm sure you'd like him. Plus you really need to get laid."
Jean scowled and blushed. "Shut up! When's that last time you got laid, huh?"
"In case you forgot, I had a girlfriend."
"Had? You broke up with Sasha? Fucking finally!"
"Watch your language! And yes. I broke up with her this morning. She wasn't good for my kids and I was just done dealing with her crap." He sighed. "It actually felt kinda good. A weight off my shoulders. And I don't have to buy her cigarettes or alcohol anymore. My wallet is happy."
Jean smirked. "I bet. Man, I couldn't stand her. Now, you got two people in your office. They refuse to separate. Good luck."
Eren nodded his thanks and walked into his office, seeing two students who looked tense and ready to fight. Eren put on a smile. "Hello, I'm sorry for the wait."
The two looked down. One was tall and lanky, wearing a black hoodie covered in pins. Their hair was dyed bright blue and their nails were painted black. They wore black skinny jeans and black converse.
The other was shorter and more colorful. Their hair was light brown and pulled up into a small ponytail. They wore a red sweatshirt, jeans and red Vans.
Eren sat down. "What are your names?"
The one with blue hair continued looking down, and the one in red spoke up in a small but confident voice. "I'm Jason, and this is Alex."
"Well then, Jason, Alex, I'm Eren Jaegar but just call me Mr. Eren. What can I do for you?"
The two students shared a look and Alex nodded slightly. Jason took a deep breath. "Well, um...My real name is Jacey and I'm transgender. This is my boyfriend."
Eren's eyes widened a little. "Oh." When the two boys didn't say anything else, Eren spoke up again. "So...what's the problem? There's nothing wrong with being transgender. Or having a boyfriend."
"Our parents...don't like it. They're trying to make us break up." The two moved closer together, holding hands tightly."
Eren smiled softly and leaned on his desk. "I've dealt with this problem a lot and the first thing I have to say is it's okay. Here is a safe place and if you ever need to talk, I'll be here for you. The second thing I need to say is that I can't do anything about what your parents say. I can't make them change their mind. What grade are you two in?"
Jason looked away. 'We're both juniors."
"Okay, well you both only have two more years until you can do whatever you want. Please just don't give up on each other. Hold out until you graduate."
Alex stood up, still looking at the floor and walked around to Eren's side of the desk, pulling the counselor into a tight hug. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
Eren gasped and stiffened, not sure if he was allowed to hug a student like this. But then he decided that the rules could go screw themselves, and he wrapped his arms around the tall boy. "You're welcome." He pulled away when he heard someone knock on the door and open it.
Jean hesitantly poked his head into the room. "Eren, there's an emergency. You gotta come now."
Eren could tell from his voice that something serious had happened, so he pulled away from Alex. "Okay you two. I have to go but please just come to my office if you need to talk."
The two boys nodded and walked out of the office. "So what happened?"
Jean sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Eren..."
There was yelling and two officers plus the paramedics ran past. "Jean, what's going on?"
"Something happened and...just come with me." Jean grabbed his arm and started pulling him down the hall.
Hehehehe I'm evil. Huge cliff hanger. Yay! Also no Levi in this chapter. But he might be back next chapter. Who knows? I sure don't. I hope you enjoyed. Please tell me what you thought!