Hey, sorry I only posted one yesterday, I had some kinda break down from stress levels. Too much work for school, exams coming up and then I have to update this everyday. I mean I don't have to, but I want to. So it's just stress. I also keep getting in fights with my friends which isn't fun. It is even about stupid things, but it's their choice I guess.

You can't let yourself be used. I know that seems random, but I only just realized that. So please, realize it before you regret it. Honestly, it's one of the worse feelings.

So besides that, enjoy this. ~Ash.

Chapter Thirteen:

"What?" Mikasa jumps up, having the entire bus turn their eyes to us. "What do you mean you love someone else?" She shouts in more a panicked tone. Her eyes grow in disbelief at what she's hearing. Her shoulders move up and down as her breaths become heavy. "I've… i've done everything for you! H-how do you not love me?" The old ladies turn, looking very worried. The same ones who said young love to the both of us, only to find out it was one sided.

"It's not like we're dating." I mumble.

"So what?" Mikasa shouts. "You've treated me like a princess ever since we were little! I.. I thought for sure we'd grow up together! You gave me a scarf when I was cold that I am still wearing and have worn since I was little! You taught me Basketball, telling me you wanted to be like Levi… now he's all you care about. You hang out with him at school 24/7… is it because he's famous and I'm not? Oh look, it's Levi Ackerman, the best basketball played in the world! Why don't you just go love him because you clearly like him more than me!"

"Mikasa.."

"What about the time when we went to the movie together? Levi insults you all the time and I tell you how wonderful you are! I am always here for you, why don't you love me? Why can't-"

"Because I am gay!" The bus goes quiet. Heat slowly enters my cheeks as a pounding in my chest grows heavier. People's eyes glue to me like parasites, making me look down in embarrassment. Mikasa stands there, looking horrified, putting two and two together. Suddenly, her face goes dark as she pulls the bell, to get off the bus.

"Then enjoy your time fucking Levi." With that, she storms off the bus, leaving me to sit there with a dark cloud over my head. My legs moves up to my chest as I place my face between my knees, feeling sick to my stomach. My eyes starts to water as my teeth clamp onto my bottom lip as I lean against the window of the bus, still covering my flushed face. That's when the seat next to me lowers as someone's body weight presses against it. I peak to see one of the old ladies. She has silver hair that is held up in a bun, her eyes a a dull blue as she sits. Her fingers twist as the yarn slowly makes itself into a scarf. I see a cross on her necklace that hangs from her neck. The pounding in my chest grows heavier as I push myself into my knees completely, only seeing darkness.

"She'll get over it." The old lady says. "If she truly loves you, she'll accept you." I don't answer, I simply say nothing as more tears flutter from my eyelashes as I blink. I hear her sigh as the metal sewing supplies taps each other as they make the sweater. "I'm sorry that happened to you. You seem like a sweet boy and being gay is hard. My son was gay, so I understand."

"Was…?" I mumble through my legs.

"He killed himself about 20 years ago. I found him hanging in the attic of our house. He wasn't out to me until I read his suicide note. After that happened to me, I tried to understand gay people because I wanted to know what my son went through. I used to think it was a sin and call them faggots and dykes, but now I realize how that led to my sons death. In the note he asked me to try and understand the LGBT community… so I did because I felt as if it brought me closer to him. That it made him alive again even if he isn't here physically." She pauses, taking a shaky breath. "When I first saw you two sitting shoulder to shoulder, I found it cute. I thought you were a couple until she asked you if you loved her. I saw panic in your eyes, fear almost. Your hands started shaking and I thought maybe you were scared of love. Then when you said you loved someone else… it hit me that you might of been gay. Then you confirmed it when you snapped." She turns to me as I drop my knees, staring at my legs. "You remind me of Andrew. The way he held himself, the way he looked at people. I don't want to see the same happen to you. By being gay, you find out who truly loves you and who doesn't. Someone who is willing to change their views just to accept you, they truly love you. Just give her time." All that seems to form across my face is a slight smile.

"Hey kid," A man up a little says, making me look up at him. "You're a brave young man. Just keep being you and don't listen to the hate." A smile fills my cheeks as I nod, wiping my eyes. "Eh, she'll get over it like the lady said." He chuckles. "Teen girls are just a little dramatic."

"That you are correct." The other old lady pipes in. "I remember having a full on fight with my old boyfriend because he didn't call me for three days straight. He told me that there was more important things to argue about then a stupid phone call and boy was he right. Now he is my husband." The three people laugh as I find myself joining in with a small sense of laughter.

"Thank you." I say with a smile.

"Well of course." The first lady says. "My name is Meg swits by the way. Do you mind me asking yours?"

"Eren Jaeger." I answer. I watch as the man eyes light up.

"The basketball player?" He asks. I nod awkwardly. "You are on Levi's team, I saw you play on T.V.! You got like, five baskets while Levi got the rest! My son is obsessed with you and Ackerman!" He pauses. "Do.. do you mind if I get my son from the front of the bus to meet you or is this a bad time?"

"Yeah, of course." I answer feeling pretty prideful. "Just try to keep what happened to secret." I request.

"Oh why of course! I'll be right back!" I watch him hurry over to the young boy, who looks about 11, that sits in the front. He pokes him and starts speaking with a hug smile. The boy's eyes light up as he turns over to the back where I wave to him. The kid jumps up and races over to me with excitement filling his chest.

"You're Eren Jaeger?" He says looking like he is gonna cry. I nod and put out my hand to shake. He stares at it for a little and then takes it, a glow filling his cheeks.

"Nice to meet you, what's your name?" I ask with a confident grin. The boy stutters as he continues to shake my hand. He finally lets go feeling awkward as he scratches the back of his neck, his face bright red.

"R-rin.." He answers. I smile at Rin as he pushes his red/pink dyed hair back. "I'm not a basketball player… more of a swimmer, but I love the way you and Levi move. It's like you lose yourself in the game, like you guys are literally the same person and can just read each other's eyes and know what to do next without communicating it. As awkward as this is… my sister ships you two. Uh, s-sorry, I mean I am crushing on a boy in my swim team…. So uh.. Sorry."

"Don't be, I am gay also." I point out. Rins eyes lift up as a smile grows on his face. "There's no reason to be sorry for who you are." I finish, messing with the kids hair. "Just be yourself and I am sure things will work out."

"T-thank you!" He says. "Can I take a picture with you..? Will Levi be there also..? Uh, sorry I just…"

"Yes and yes. Look for us there." Suddenly I feel a sense of joy fill my heart. I am accepted for who I am and it feels great. Then I am meeting others who are just like me. It feels good to be loved for something I am and not something I pretend to be.

This is what I want in life.

Instagram: asher . franz (no space)

Twitter: skunkerbox.

Art account (tumblr and instagram): nivokii