It was already starting to get dark. Texas was fucking weird. I heard Marco sigh softly as we walked through the main building to the parking lot. "Let me drive, Marco." I said. I figured he could use a break. He nodded and handed me the keys. The two of us headed to the van. Marco got in the passenger's seat and I got in the driver's seat. "It sounded crazy from outside of the room." I said as we backed out of the parking spot. Marco smirked, "Well. It was crazy. So yeah. I can imagine." He pulled down the sun sheild and opened the mirror that was attatched to the inside. "Wow..." He sighed at his appearance. He was pretty disheveled... It was actually really attractive. "I know." I said, glancing at him, "It's kind of hot." Marco spluttered at that, "Jean!" I grinned. "My God... What the Hell is hot about me looking completely messed up?" He asked, fixing his hair. I laughed, "That's why it's hot." Marco sighed, "Really... I'm done with you." I laughed again, "Oh really? You can just leave, then." He grinned, "Nah. I dont want to die by jumping out of a van." I smirked and focused on the road as Marco fixed himself up. Soon enough, he was directing me towards the closest hotel to the university. We checked in and when we got into our room, Marco immediately said, "I'm going to take a shower." "Okay." I responded, searching through my backpack for my wallet. Marco went into the bathroom. Then I suddenly heard him say, "Hey, Jean?" I turned to look at him. He was waiting in the doorway. He looked slightly worried. He stared at me for a few moments then sighed at least two times before finally saying, "N-Nevermind..." I raised an eyebrow and he just smiled at me before going into the bathroom. Weird. I found my wallet, putting it in my pocket. Then I flopped onto the bed, flipping through social media on my phone. Soon, I heard the bathroom door open a crack, "Jean." Marco said. "Yep?" I responded. "Can you go into my backpack and get my comb for me? It should be in the front zipper." "Yeah. Sure." I said, going over to his bag. "Actually, just hand me that whole bag." He corrected. I picked up the bag and turned to him, stopping. Marco was nakes. With just a towel around his waist. His hair was completely disheveled and I could see the water droplets still on his skin. My face got very hot and I looked away. Goddammit. "I'm aware that I am wearing the nakedness." Marco said, smiling, "Give me the bag, goober." I stepped over to him and handed him the bag. He took it, kissing me on the cheek before closing the door on me. Dammit! I hated him. I went back over and flopped down onto the bed. Marco came out of the bathroom, dressed in sweats and a t-shirt. "You're always on your phone." Was the first thing he said. I looked at him and smirked, "I am not, weirdo." "Yes you are. Everytime I come into a room where you are by yourself, you're on that thing." "Really?" I asked, "Huh..." He smirked, stepping over to me and taking my phone and earbuds from me. "Hey!" I exclaimed as Marco tossed them onto the bed behind me and smiled. He then wrapped my arms around me, pulling me close. I wrapped my arms around his neck and tangled my fingers into his hair, resting my elbows on his shoulders. "I love you." He said. I sighed, "Love you too, I guess." Marco laughed softly, "What?" "You heard me!" I exclaimed. Suddenly, Marco leaned in and blew into my neck, making a farting sound. I jumped, flailing. Then pushed him away. "What the Hell, man?" I exclaimed, putting a hand over my neck. What the fuck? Marco just laughed, "It was just a raspberry!" I made a strangled noise. "No! I do not enjoy that!" "Okay. I'm sorry." He said, still grinning, "C'mere." Then he had to nerve to hold his arms out to me. "No! Get away!" I exclaimed, scooting back farther onto the bed and grabbing my phone. Marco smirked and changed the subject. "Let's go out for dinner, Jean. I'm hungry." He said. "You arent dressed properly." I mocked the way Marco always cares about if everyone's dressed properly. He smirked, smacking my leg. I laughed. "I'll put on some jeans." Marco said. "No. You dont have to." I replied, "I, literally, do not care." Marco sighed. "Okay. I think I'd look better but okay." "You always look great, Marco." He turned red. "You're sweet." He said. I smirked, getting off of the bed and pulling my boots on. "You need to wear those Uggs I bought you." Marco said. "Naggy!" I exclaimed. He laughed. "Naggy Mc Naggerson." I said as Marco put his own shoes on. "Your face!" He exclaimed. "Wow. Great comeback." I said sarcastically. "Thanks." He replied, smiling at me. I rolled my eyes.
We ate dinner together and I paid close attention this time to my calorie count. I mean, I had been watching it. But I hadnt really cared all that much before. But my doctor and therapist were beginning to get suspicious. We went to bed soon after dinner. I didnt know what time it was. But ir was fucking early as Hell when I felt Marco shaking me to wake up. "Go 'way, Marco..." I mumbled into the sheets, groaning. He just chuckled softly and patted my back, "Get up. Thomas texted me. He's awake." Damn... I groaned again and got up then shuffled into the bathroom, taking my backpack with me. I used the restroom, brushed my teeth, and ran water over the shaved sides of my hair because it was sticking up very nicely. Then I changed intp skinny jeans and a white t-shirt and put my night clothes back into my bag along with my boxers... You cant really wear skinny jeans effectively with boxers. So I just dont wear anything under them. It wasnt odd for me. I came out of the bathroom and noticed Marco's Hawkeye t-shirt. Hawkeye. Why Hawkeye. As I picked up my Pink Floyd hoodie, I heard Marco sigh next to me. I looked at him and he was grimacing as he put on his bright green hoodie, "You okay?" I asked, "I just hate this thing." He responded. Good. I hage it, too. I legit thought that the reason wh Marco had that Nickelodeon slime green hoodie was because he liked the color. It looked awful on him. I was glad that he hated it. "Oh... Do you want to wear mine?" I asked, holding my black Pink Floyd jacket out to him. To be honest, that hoodie probably would have looked better on me. Most colors looked okay on me. "And I'll wear that one?" "Sure." Marco responded, raising an eyebrow and taking off his jacket, "Why, though? That's so... Giving of you." I smirked, "I guess you're affecting me? I dont know." I handed him my hoodie and he handed me his. I put the green hoodie on and zipped up the bottom a bit. "It looks better on you." Marco said, pulling on the Pink Floyd hoodie. I shrugged. "Everything looks good on you, though." Marco added. I smirked, "Shut the fuck up. I'm a fucking ugly ass motherfucker." "You are not." He disagreed, pulling me close to his chest, "You're very handsome." He said. Yeah right. I smirked, "Shut the fuck up. You look great, Marco. All the time." I said. The jacket really did look good on him. Marco smiled softly, "I'm just one giant commercial. All these logos on me." "Hawkeye isnt exactly an advertisement." I said, grinning, "Unless you're advertising uselessness." Marco's jaw literally dropped. "No. You did not just say that." He said in disbelief. I laughed. "I'm not talking to you for the rest of the day, Jean." He said, letting me go and going to grab his phone and wallet. "Oh come on! I was joking!" I exclaimed, still laughing. "You dont joke about Hawkeye!" He exclaimed, turning to me, "You're dead to me." I snorted randomly. I covered my mouth. Snorting was not my thing. Marco laughed at that. "And you make fun of me for snorting! Look who's doing it now! Weirdo!" He exclaimed. "You need to stop influencing my life!" I exclaimed, grinning, "I have Uggs, Marco! And I was excited to get them!" Marco kept laughing, "I know, Jean!" "I'm just glad you arent obsessed with fucking Loki or Thor. I'm done hearing about those guys." I continued. Marco shrugged, smiling, "They're attractive. They arent my favorite but they're pretty great." "We need to stop talking about fake people and go help a real person." I said, grabbing my own phone and wallet. "Yes!" He exclaimed, "Let's go do that." We got to Mattheius soon after.
The two of us walked to the dorm building and went up to Thomas' room. Marco knocked and Hitch opened the door, smiling at us. "Hey. Is he alright?" Marco asked. "He's dressed and everything, if that's what you're asking. All three of us are ready to go." She replied. Marco nodded, "Right." We went into the room and Thomas was sitting on his bed, looking exhausted and like shit. But better than the day before. "Hey, Thomas..." Marco said. He just glanced at him. He must have been annoyed with Marco. "Can we talk, man?" He asked Marco, "Like in private?" He nodded, "Y-Yeah. Of course. You three wait here." He said to Hitch, Mina, and I. Then the two of them headed out. Mina grabbed something off of Thomas' side table then the three of us went into the hall. Hitch closed and locked the dorm room, then put the key in her pocket. "So, Jean!" Mina started. I looked at her, "Have you ever considered modeling?" I had a lot of trouble understanding. I was quiet. Then said, "W-What? As in... Like... Model modeling? Like... For clothes and stuff?" "Yeah!" She replied. I shook my head, an eyebrow raised. "Really? Because I think you'd be good at it! You have the face for it! Some of the photography students here would die to be able to shoot some pictures of you!" "Fuck that shit." I said. Mina pouted, "Why?" "Because that's weird. I'm not fit for that shit." "What?" Hitch chimed in, "You could totally do that. Especially if you but a bit more meat on your bones." I looked at her and she was smiling but her eyebrows were knitted together. Right. She knew. "Hey!" Mina exclaimed to someone behind me, "Here you go, Thomas." She then handed Thomas his phone and wallet. He and Marco had come back. "Ah thanks, brah." He said, smiling. The five of us headed to the front building. "How have you been, Jean, my man?" Thomas asked me, clapping me on the back. "Fine." I replied, "I'm good." Thomas held his fist out to me. Oh. I bumped fists with him. "Jean made fun of Hawkeye this morning." Marco suddenly said as we all got into the car, Marco driving and Thomas in the passenger's seat. The rest of us in the back. "What?" Thomas exclaimed, looking back at me, "Are you crazy, dude? How much did the punch hurt?" Marco? Punching someone over a superhero? I laughed, "I didnt get punched." "Aw man." Thomas said, looking at Marco, "What the Hell? You punched me when I made fun of him, dude!" Apparently, Marco was very capable of punching over Hawkeye. Marco laughed and shrugged, "When was that? Highschool?" "That was last summer, dude!" Thomas exclaimed. What? Marco wasnt all that violent... Well. He didnt want to be, anyways. When we had ice skated, he did beat those guys up pretty bad. Marco laughed harder, "Oh right!" "Jeez, Marco! Forgetting that you're still a violent motherfucker!" "I am not violent! I try not to be, anyways." "I dunno. You fucked those guys up pretty bad after we went ice skating." I chimed in. "Yeah but I did that to protect you. There was no way those guys were going to back down." "You beat somebody up, man?" Thomas exclaimed, "The Hell?" "It was three guys." I said. "What?" Thomas exclaimed. "Yeah. I did." Marco said, "And I felt really bad afterwards. And so did my ankle." "Dont feel bad, bro! What did they do?" "Jean provoked them because they littered." Marco said. Oh god. I laughed. It sounded so stupid. "Jean! What?" Hitch said, "That doesnt mean you should go provoke them! It's not that big a deal!" I just kept laughing and I said, "It sounds so dumb when you explain it..." "Oh, trust me, Jean, it was dumb while it was happening, too." Marco said. "What was dumber was what you said to try to cushion the blow for me after I threw that cup at his head." I mentioned. "What was that?" He asked. "You were like, 'I'm sorry about him. He's just really passionate about keeping the environment healthy.'" Marco laughed and said, "Well! That's... Pretty stupid..." "I know!" I exclaimed. "Oh my God, Marco! Really, man?" Thomas asked, "You just... Are ridiculous, bro." We eventually reached a restaraunt. We sat down at a booth. Me, Marco, Thomas, Mina, then Hitch. "How much sleep have you been getting?" Marco asked Thomas. He sighed, "Not much, man. Last night's sleep was the most amount of sleep I've had all week." "Really, Thomas?" Marco asked. He nodded, "Yeah... I'm sorry." "Dont apologize to me, Thomas. Apologize to yourself. Just sleep more." Marco said, smiling softly, "That's how you can make it up to yourself." "You're such a hippie, dude." Thomas said. "Hey! What? I am not." Marco said. "'Apologize to yourself, maaan...'" Thomas mocked. "I didnt even say it like that!" He exclaimed, "If that's how hippies speak, then you're a hippie." "I dont even talk like that, dude." "Yes you do." Mina said. "I do?" Thomas asked. The four of us nodded. "Goddammit." Thomas said. "At least you arent loud as shit anytime you say anything." I said. "Like Reiner?" Marco asked, "He scares me sometimes." "Who? What?" Thomas asked. "The huge, blonde guy who took you to the commons building when you came to Coirtney to visit Marco." I said. "Oh yeahhh." Mina said, "He's loud." Hitch looked confused. "Our friend, Reiner, only yells. He cant speak normally. Or whisper. He just yells." Marco said. "Yep. It's really bad if any of us ever plan a birthday party. He has given us away many times." I said. "Example?" Mina asked. "Well. Our good friend Armin's birthday is in November. And we were going to throw a surprise party for him." Marco started. "And we usually would be able to silence Reiner before he gave it away but Armin is too smart. He caught on." I finished. "And it wasnt a surprise party anymore." He said. "You guys need to stop finishing stories for eachother right now." Hitch said. Marco laughed softly, "But we both know what happened!" I grinned a bit.
The next few days were really fun. Marco really got everything together. He really cared about his friends... But I was glad to leave on Wednesday. When we got back to Coirtney, I collapsed. It had been fun but exhausting. I enjoyed seeingg Texas. Though it was an odd state. Our scheduals began to go back to normal as the rest of the week progressed. "Wait. What are you getting him?" Marco was asking me on the Friday of the same week we'd gotton back. Connie and Sasha, Ymir and Christa plus Marco and I were sitting in the hallway, "I think I'm gonna get him a fucking tomahawk then hit him with it." Connie laughed at that, "What the-?" Marco laughed, too and said, "Jean. Be serious." "I am being serious. I do not care about this secret santa bull, man. I'm annoyed with my life already. Cant I just not this time?" I said. Marco sighed. "Jean. I'll help you, okay? What does Eren like?" "I dont fucking know. Mikasa? Being pissed off all the fucking time?" He groaned, "Give me something to work with." "He likes Nintendo a lot." Connie said, "And superheroes." "Really?" Marco asked, "Marvel or DC, though? That is the real question." Here we go. Connie shrugged. "Hmmm..." Marco said. "Eren fucking Jeager has more in common withh my boyfriend than I do." I pointed out. "If he picks DC, he wont have anyhing in common with me." Marco said. I raised an eyebrow at my boyfriend, "Nintendo is still something." "No. Everything we could potentially have in common is cancelled out if he picks DC over Marvel! I mean, I love them both but... Marvel!" "Calm down! Oh my God!" Ymir exclaimed, laughing. I didnt think Ymir would laugh at something Marco would say. The rest of them laughed, too. But I was just dumbfounded. Marco was a legit nerd. I stared at him then shook my head in disbelief, "You're crazy." I said, "I'm crazy for dating you. What am I doing with my life?" Marco laughed, "Hey! Offensive." "Are you obsessed with Marvel, Marco?" Connie asked. "I-" "Yes." I chimed in, "More specifically: Hawkeye." "Yes. Okay. Can I rant?" Marco said. "Yes. You can." Sasha encouraged. "So I am so done with everyone saying how useless Hawkeye is. He's amazing, okay? He's the best Avenger and no one can ever convince me otherwise." "He got mind controlled by Loki-" Ymir said, "Loki could have done that to any of the Avengers. Hawkeye just happened to be there." "-He's obsessed with Black Widow-" "She's a very pretty lady." "-AND all he did the whole battle was shoot arrows. Meanwhile, Iron Man almost died." "He did his job. And he shot perfectly on target. Eyes like a hawk!" Ymir snorted at that. I laughed, "I swear, Marco... I didnt know you were such a fucking nerd before not too long ago." "Are you regretting dating me?" He asked. I shrugged, "Naw. It's fine." "'I'll just deal with it.'" Connie mocked. Marco laughed. "That's not what I meant!" I exclaimed, "I'm so fucking done with you shits." "Calm down, man!" Connie said, patting my shoulder. I shrugged him off and worked on my peice. To be honest, the superhero thing was cute as Hell. I thought the Marvel and DC scene was interesting and I knew some information about them. I was a fan but I didnt know extreme amounts about the universes. Marco leaned over and kissed me on the cheek randomly which caused my face to get hot. I backhanded him in the face because he was an idiot. "Ow!" He exclaimed, laughing. Suddenly, Reiner ran out of the room yelling, "Come on, Eren!" Then he cupped his hands together. "What the freaaak?" Connie asked. Eren then ran out and Reiner boosted him up to the ceiling. Eren pushed up the panel on the ceiling. "What the fuck are you doing?!" I exclaimed. I was fucking confused as Hell. "Whoooo! Go Eren!" Sasha yelled really loudly as Eren pulled himself into the ceiling. Reiner let go of his foot when he was up there. Eren then put the panel back behind him. "The FUCK?" I exclaimed again. "Did he do it?" Armin said, walking out of the room. "Yep! He's up there!" Reiner yelled. "Pixis, you owe Eren seven bucks!" Armin said as he walked back into the room. "Can I get out now?" I heard Eren yell. I suddenly had the best idea ever. "No!" I exclaimed, standing up. "Reiner! Boost me!" "Jean no!" Marco exclaimed, grabbing my arm. Reiner burst out in loud laughter, cupping his hands. "Reiner dont encourage him!" Marco said. I struggled around until I got out of Marco's grip. Then I put a foot in Reiner's hands and he lifted me up. I started punching at the ceiling above me. "Jean!" I heard Marco exclaimed. "Quit it, horseface!" Eren exclaimed anove me. Suddenly, my ankle was grabbed and yanked. I fell, letting out a yelp. Then I felt Marco's arms around me. "Jean. Stop it." He said. "Jesus Christ, Marco! You fucking scared me!" I yelled. "It's already dangerous enough. He doesnt need you punching him while he's in the ceiling." He said as Eren made his way back down to the floor. "What the Hell, Jean?!" Eren yelled. "What the Hell back, Jeagar!" I yelled back. "Need to hide behind your boyfriend?" Eren exclaimed. I struggled in Marco's grip, "NO WAY!" I screamed. "Stop!" Marco exclaimed, holding me painfully tighter, "Just calm down. Please. You dont have to get upset." I stopped because it hurt. But while I was just sitting there. I studied Eren's face and realized, suddenly, that Eren had been here the whole time. When I'd met Connie, I'd also met him. When I was in trouble, he came to my aid as much as any of my other friends had. I took a deep breath and Marco let me go. I patted Eren on the shoulder then went back to work on my peice. Messing with him wasnt a good idea when he'd been a good and supportive friend. "The Hell...? How...? What...?" Eren said, dumbfounded. "Please dont explode." Marco replied, holding his hands up. Eren just rubbed his forhead before walking back into the room. Reiner had wide eyes. "How did you do that, Marco?" He exclaimed. Marco laughed softly, shrugging and heading back over to his seat next to me. "Marco! You're magic!" Sasha exclaimed. "No I'm not. He just needs assurance that it's okay if he just would calm down." "I'm right here." I said. "I know, honey." He said, kissing my cheek. I smirked at him.
We celebrated Mikasa's birthday on the tenth of February. And it was the next day when my mother called me saying she was coming to town. Which I wasnt really okay with. It was so short notice. I had things to do. I was working on a peice when I decided to let Marco know. "Marcooooo!" I yelled from my studio into his. It was quiet for a second then he yelled, "Poloooo!" back at me. "Haha! Get in here!" I exclaimed. "I cant. I'm on the phone! You'll have to wait!" He said. I groaned and waited, working on inking in my new painting. Until I heard the door between our studios open. Marco came in and said, "Hey. What do you need?" I turned from my desk to look at him, "Yeah. Um..." I tapped my knee with my pen. "My mom's coming in for a visit... On Sunday." I said. Marco's eyes widened sligtly and he slapped his forehead, "What?" "I know. I love her but... It's so last minute. I have so much shit to do." "So do I, Jean... Does she know that we're... You know?" He asked. I shook my head. "She'll probably be okay with it but it's still really terrifying." Marco nodded, "I understand your fear." "What were you doing?" I asked him, "I was on the phone with Thomas. He was freaking out about a competition tomorrow. But he's alright." He smiled. I smiled back, "That's good." "Should we clean up the dorm later on? So your mom wont be terrified and think I'm a slob?" He asked. The room wasnt even dirty. I smirked, "The dorm is clean." "It is not." "Marco. It's pretty damn clean." He sighed, "It's not. Really. What kind of pigstie did you live in at home?" I grinned, "A pretty awesome one. Free food all the time. All I had to do was lift a shirt and hey! A hotdog!" Then I made a serious face to show him I was kidding. He laughed, "Eww! Jean!" "Seriously, Marco. Do you think I lived in a tornado zone? There are, at least, four maids living at my parents house. They do actually clean things." I said. Marco rolled his eyes, "Okay. Okay. I get it. You spoiled brat." I raised an eyebrow and half smiled at him, "Oh really?" I asked. He crossed his arms, "Yep." He responded. I stood up and went over to him. We had a stare off. Then he suddenly grabbed me around my waist and lifted me up yelling, "I win! You're spoiled!" I yelped out his name in shock. He laughed. I put my hands on his shoulders to support myself. "You always fucking scare me when you do this random shit!" I exclaimed, looking down at him. His mouth slowly stretched into a wide smile and he leaned up, nuzzling his nose against mine. I sighed, annoyed. He suddenly put me down down, pecking me on the lips. I had a realization that Marco was a sweet kisser... I looked down and felt my face get hot. He pulled me closer to him. "Hey." He said. I locked eyes with him, "You're really cute." I spluttered, "S-Shut the fuck up, Marco!" I yelled, "You're cute!" "No. I'm pretty sure you're cute." "You're fucking cute! You're the one with freckles and giant eyes!" I exclaimed. Marco laughed softly, nuzzling his face into my neck, "Okay. Whatever you want, Jean. Your ears are just pink and it's cute. That's all." "Stop looking at my friggin ears!" I exclaimed. He laughed a bit more and suddenly squeezed my sides. I jolted, "Dont do that! It tickles." "Oh. Well then..." He said. "Dont get any fucking ideas!" I exclaimed, pulling away from him and going back over to my desk. "Noo. Come back..." He said. I smirked and just sat back down, "Shut up." "Do you want to grab some people and go to lunch?" He asked. Right. Food was probably something I had to do sooner rather than later. "Yeah. Sure." I sighed. Marco knitted his eyebrows together, noticing my change in demeanor, "What's wrong?" I waved a hand, "Nothing. Yeah. Let's go do that." I said, standing. As we walked down the hall, I suddenly felt a pang of guilt for keeping my weight a secret from my boyfriend. But then I looked at him. He was fucking exhausted and stressed out from all the other shit in his life. And I needed to be strong for him. So I would wait.
On Friday, the day before Valentine's day, we traded gifts. I got Eren a Wii U. "Dude. I thought it was gonna be a fucking pie catapulted into my eyes." Eren said. "Just your eyes?" I asked, laughing and grinning. "Why did you get me this?" "Because you're my friend as much as I hate to admit it." I said, raising an eyebrow, "Friend's since before college, Eren. You've helped me through a lot." Eren nodded, "Yeah, man." He said, smiling. I held out a hand to him and he shook it. I smiled and he smiled back. Thank God... We were alright now. I headed back over to my seat and Reiner walked over to me, setting a package down on my desk. I grinned, "Thanks, man!" He grinned back, "You're welcome!" He clapped me on the back, which almost broke my back, before heading away to his own seat. Marco came back over and sat down. Then Mikasa walked over and placed a box on his side of the desk that was wrapped in paper. Mikasa got Marco. Good. She was a great gift giver and Marco deserved it. I tore open the paper on my own present and there was a box inaide. I opened it and was immediately hit with the smell of rubber. Inside, was a weird sack thing that looked... Odd. "The fuck?" I asked. I was confused, "What is this? Did you get me some kind of ass sack?!" "It's an assHAT!" Reiner yelled, "It has it on the front." What? I looked at the front and aure enough, in big bold letters it said, "ASSHAT." I immediately burst into laughter, "Oh my fucking GOD! Thank you! What the fuck?!" Reiner gave me a thumbs up and boomed with laughter. I turned my attention to Marco who was opening a shoe box. The shoes were Iron Man themed and they were pretty fucking awesome.
Marco jumped out of his seat. "Oh my God! Mikasa thank you! Where did you get these?" "I bought them on Ebay." She responded. "Thank yoouu! Thank you so much!" Marco exclaimed. She smiled from her table and he smiled back, putting the shoes back into the box and closing it up then placing them on the floor.
Marco and I just sat around on Valentine's Day, watching movies. But everyone kept asking us the next day if we'd fucked. Which was annoying. On Sunday, the both of us were frantically trying to set everything up perfectly. I was organizing my studio to the best of my ability. It would still be messy no matter what but, y'know. Connie and Eren were attempting to help me. "Jean." Connie said. "Shut up." I responded. "Hey." Eren chimed in, "You dont even know what he was going to say. What if it was important?" I sighed, rolling my eyes, "What, Connie?" It was quiet. The Connie said, "You and Marco do the do yet?" "Connie!" I exclaimed. The two idiots started cracking up. "I already told you guys we didnt do anything!" "Oh come on!" Connie exclaimed, "It was Valentine's Day! You had to have done something!" I groaned, "Fine! We did do something!" "Wait seriously?" Eren asked. "Yeah. We watched fucking Groundhog Day and Transformers. Happy?" "Aw man. What the figgy pudding?" Connie said, "You didnt get any ass?" "NO!" I yelled. Eren and Connie both put up their hands in defense. "Goddamn." Eren said. I frowned at them then turned back around to continue sorting work. It was quiet. "Are you going to fuck him, though?" Eren asked. "Oh my God..." I said between clenched teeth. I turned, "Mind your own business, guys. It gets old. Unless I tell you, dont ask." "Why would we ask if you're going to tell us anyways?" Connie asked. I couldnt believe this. I laughed angrily, "I am going to beat the shit out of you..." I said, clenching my fists. "Okay okay. Sorry, dude." Connie said, raising his hands in defense. "I just have one more question." He said. I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow. "Why dont you want to talk about it? It's not weird. It's just a thing. And it's pretty cool if you finally lose your virginity, dude." I sighed, running a hand through my hair, thinking... I didnt really mind talking about it. It was mostly about Marco. I didnt know if he minded... But I guess he didnt care. He was probably asked about it, too, "You're right, I guess." I said, "I just dont want Marco to get embarassed if I say anything." Eren and Connie both scoffed. "Dude." Eren said, "Marco is not a fuckin' virgin, man. We can tell just by looking at him." "Hah?" I asked. Connie laughed, "You cant tell? Well I guess not." I shrugged, eyebrows raised, "How the fuck do you even tell." I asked. "Just the way he is, man. Besides, didnt he do pot and shit in highschool? If he was like that, he was probably like that, too." Eren said. Goddammit he was right... "Can you find out for me?" I asked. "Sure." Eren shrugged. I nodded. I then got a text. I pulled out my phone. Marco. He'd texted me, "Your mom is here in the dorm. Get here quick. I'm scared." "Gah!" I exclaimed, "My mom is in my dorm room! Gotta run. Get out of here soon, guys!" I exclaimed, jogging out. "Good luck!" I heard Connie yell. I ran across the courtyard to the dorm building. I went up the stairs and swung the door to my dorm open. Marco looked over and my eyes locked on my mother. She was a short woman with a round face, dirty blonde hair, and light brown eyes. "Jean!" She exclaimed, standing and coming over to me, hugging me tightly. I hugged her back and looked at Marco over her shoulder, mouthing, "Did you tell her?" Marco shook his head. Goddammit. I rolled my eyes. "Hey, mom." I said, sighing softly and trying to gather some courage. When she pulled away, I grabbed Marco's wrist and pulled him over, "This is my boyfriend, Marco. Marco, this is my mother, Genevieve." I said, trying to sound as serious as possible. She looked surpised but not entirely, "This is your boyfriend?" She asked. I nodded once, "Yep." She stared for a few more moments before she grabbed me suddenly and pulled me close, hugging me tightly. "Jean! Oh my goodness! You found someone who wants to date you!" "Hey!" I exclaimed, "I've dated people before!" "Only three times, Jean! And that was in highschool! Not to mention only during your freshman and sophmore years!" I let out an embarassed groan. My mom pulled away from me then exclaimed to Marco, "I'm so sorry for treating you so formally!" He laughed, "No problem, ma'am." "Wait. You two are living in the same dorm?" She asked. "Yeah." I responded. "Jean!" She exclaimed, "You cant do that!" What? I snorted, "What the heck do you think we're doing in here? Naughty stuff? Come on. But if we were doing anything... Us living in the same dorm definately helps as far as convenience is concerned." She smacked my shoulder, "Jean!" I laughed and I heard Marco laugh as well. "I knew there was something about you!" She said to him, "I knew you werent just my son's friend." "Mom." I said, "I can have obviously gay friends." Marco laughed harder, "Hey! You're so mean!" "What!? Why is that mean?" I asked. He smirked, "Because. Anything you say is mean." "That's not exactly why I thought you were involved with Jean." My mom chimed in, "It was the way you hesitated before you said, 'He's an amazing person.' You obviously thought about my asking if he was lovely and decided that the word didnt cover it. Not to mention the way you flushed and smiled." What? He said that? My face got a bit hot. Marco covered his face with his hands. "Oh really?" I asked. Marco was beet red underneath his hands. He glanced at me, then suddenly exclaimed, "Maybe you should show her your studio, Jean!" And he shoved me towards the door. I smirked, raising an eyebrow. Alright. Maybe I'd spare Marco more embarassment. "Yeah. Sure. Mom, I want to show you some stuff I've been working on." I said. "Marco. Why dont you come along?" I asked my boyfriend. Figured I'd be polite or something. Marco smiled softly, his blush slowly going away, "I'd love to but I cant. I promised Christa that I'd help her with something after I was done vacuuming." I frowned but I wasnt angry, "Alright. See you later." Then my mom and I went out into the hall. Whe we were halfway down the hall, however, she suddenly said, "Dont you want to kiss your boyfriend goodbye?" And she elbowed my arm. I smirked and turned around, heading back down the hall. Just as I was about to turn into the room, Marco was walking out. We almost bumped into eachother but he backed up. "Hey." I said. He smirked, "Hi. Why are you back here?" I rolled my eyes, "My mom was like, 'Dontcha wanna kiss your boyfriend goodbye?'" Marco laughed at my mom voice, "Your mother is so..." "I know." I interuppted, "She's always like this. It's draining but I love her." Marco nodded, smiling. "So. I'm an amazing person?" I asked, grinning and raising an eyebrow. Marco smiled softly, "We'll talk about it later when we have time, okay? Go back with your mom." Then he leaned in, giving me a quick peck on the lips. Then I headed back to my mother.
My mom and I went down the stairs and past Ymir and Christa, who were sitting in the lobby. We went out into the snow. Then it began. "Where is Marco from? My goodness he is very handsome!" I laughed a bit, "He's from Montana, actually. And he transferred to Coirtney just this year. He's who I stayed with over Winter Break, mom." "Oh that's him?! You said you were going to a friend's house! Jean!" I laughed more. "Mom he was my friend at that time!" She just shook her head, smiling softly. We went into the studio building and the door to my studio was still open. We went in and my mother was immediately hug attacked by highschool friends. Instead of Connie and Eren leaving, they just brought Sasha, Armin, and Mikasa. I stepped aside, rolling my eyes. Goddammit. "Oh my goodness! It's good to see you all! You've grown so much!" My mom exclaimed. I smirked. We all stopped growing in highschool but okay, Mom. They all pulled away and Connie immediately grabbed the painting I was in the process finishing up, "Look at this! Isnt it awesome?" He exclaimed. "Connie..." I groaned. "Oooh!" She said, taking ot from him, "Jean! This is amazing... Where did you get this idea from?" It was a painting of Marco, Armin, and myself on top of Nick, looking out over the city at sunset. I smiled a bit. "Armin, Marco, and I went up there a little bit ago. It was really nice." "Oh yeah!" Armin exclaimed. I grinned a bit. "It looks good, Jean." My mom said, smiling at me. I smiled back, "Thanks..." "Alright! Nice seeing you, Mrs. Kirchstein." Eren said, "We'd better get going, though." "You, too, guys!" She said as the five of them scampered out and closed the door behind them. I sighed with releif. "Jean, your friends are still so nice. Especially Eren! Didnt you say that you two had some problems?" "Ah. Yeah." I responded, "Eren and I still have scuffles. But we've been alright recently." "That's good to hear, Jean." She said as she started looking around the studio room. "Let's go to dinner tonite, Jean. I want to hear all about these past weeks." She said. I smiled, "Yeah. I'd like that." We agreed to go to dinner at around six, six thirty. She would come back and get me.
I went back to the dorm building and saw that Marco was sitting with Christa and Ymir in the lobby. He noticed me and smiled. "Hey!" He said as I walked over. I grinned, "Hey." "Where's your mom?" He asked. "We're meeting for dinner at, like, six thirty." "Ah. Okay." He said, "What are you doing now?" I shrugged, "Just gonna go back to the dorm and recharge." "I'll come with you." He said, standing, "See you guys later." He said to Ymir and Christa. "Bye, Marco!" Christa said, smiling. I headed up the stairs, Marco following behind me. "So what'd you think of my mom?" I asked him as we went into the dorm. He smirked, "She's nice." "Good. So. Im an amazing person?" I asked him as he closed and locked the door behind us. He smiled and pulled me close to hos chest, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Yes. You are." I smirked and put my hands on his shoulders. "Aww. You love me." He said, bumping his nose against mine. "Sure." I said, kissing him breifly. He smiled wider and nuzzled his face into my neck. "Well I love you, Jean." He said. "I know..." I responded, "I love you, too..." "I cant believe you hinted at sex when you were talking to your mother." He said. Oh yeah. I laughed, "Yeah. Sorry. It must have been awkward." "A little." He responded. I sighed softly, ruffling his hair. "I really admire you for telling your mother so confidently, Jean..." He said. I snorted, "Whatever, man... I was freaked out." "I know, Jean. But you still pulled it off... And you have no idea how attractive it was, either." He said. I laughed softly, "Shut the fuck up, Marco..." He just pulled me closer to him. He was so warm... I really loved this man. He was gorgeous... His hair smelled good. And his opinion was one I trusted entirely. Which reminded me. "Do you want to do something?" I asked him. Like what?" He asked, "Because if it requires cuddling, then yes." I snorted then said, "It doesnt. But I need your opinion on something I'm doing." "Is it here? Or in your studio?" He asked. "It's in here." I responded, starting to pull away from him. "Nooo." He said, pulling me back. "Marco!" I exclaimed, "And you used to call me needy!" I pulled away from him and I heard him sigh, "I just love you so much..." He said. I rolled my eyes and went to my desk, grabbing my sketchbook. When I turned back around, Marco was flopped onto the bed, his shoes off. "What the heck, Marco? I have to show you this." "Come here so I can see it!" He exclaimed, sitting up. I took this oppourtunity to be the biggest nerd of all time. I feined hurt and put a hand to my chest, saying, "Dont sass me. I came out to have a good time and I'm honestly feeling so attacked right now." I said. He looked at me in disbelief then laughed, "Stop! Just come here you massive nerd." He exclaimed. "You're the nerd." I responded as I went over to him, flipping open my sketchbook.
When my mother came to get me for dinner, I said goodbye to Marco and headed to her car that she'd rented for her stay(kind of silly if you ask me. She was staying for one day)and we headed out. We just went to a local restaraunt and she ordered for me. I knew she'd be on the lookout for my weight and what I ate. I didnt mind. "How have you been feeling, honey?" She asked me. I shrugged, "Better. I gained weight..." "That's good, Jean." I shrugged again, "How much?" I sighed, "Around eight, nine pounds." I had been around 110 when I'd started gaining weight. "Oh my goodness, Jean! That's great! How much is it now?" "Erm. 118 or 119... Marco doesnt know." I said. Her face dropped, "He doesnt know?" I shook my head. "Oh... Why?" She was dissapointed... "I-I'm sorry..." I said, "I'm afraid. I dont want him to think of me as being weak." "No. I'm not dissapointed in you, Jean. I'm just worried. You arent weak." My mother said, "Do you think you are? Jean. You are not." I sighed, "Thanks but... I am..." "Oh Jeanbo... You arent. You're very strong. Look at what you're doing now... Trust in him..." She said. I nodded... She was right... Marco loved me. He wouldnt call me weak... But Marco was going through a lot. I'd wait until his life was cleared up and I was ready. "I'll tell him..." I said. She nodded, smiling. "So Marco is from Montana?" She asked. I nodded, "Yeah. But he went to school in Texas at Matteius University for the past two years." "Oh wow! Shat a prestigious school!" She exclaimed, "He must be very confident." "He is." Jean smiled, "But humble. Extremely humble. He doesnt take compliments." "That's a good man." My mother said. I nodded, "He's perfect." She smiled softly at me, "I'm glad you've found someone who you love and are happy with, Jean." I laughed a bit, "Yeah... He's just... Amazing. I really should tell him that he is more often than I do..." "Tell him every day, Jean." I smiled, nodding.
I came home later on and Marco was asleep. I soon went to bed. But I woke up at, like, 3 am to Marco frantically getting up and going into the bathroom. I was going to dismiss it as him just needing to pee really bad but then I heard a really nice throw up sound and immediately was like, "Well shit..." I got up and went to the doorway of the bathroom. Marco was sitting in front of the toilet, back to me. "Holy shit are you okay?!" I exclaimed. He let out a shaky sigh and flushed the toilet, gulping and getting up, "Y-Yeah..." He said, attempting a smile and gulping. He didnt look good. I crossed my arms, "Get the fuck back down there, Marco. You're fucking green as the Grinch." "I'm okay, Jean." He protested. "Get. Down." I said, glaring at him. He sighed shakily again and sank to the floor. It suddenly occured to me that I didnt actually know how to help a sick person. Dammit, "Do you just want me to sit here...?" Marco suddenly said. I shook my head, "No. No. I mean. For now, yes? I dont really know, Marco. I'm new to this 'helping' thing. Erm... If you were in my situation... What would you do?" "W-Well... I'd have a choice to make at this point... Do I stay with you until you feel better then deal with it in the morning? Or do I go try and fond a thermometer to check your temperature now?" He said, gulping again. "Erm..." I started, "Where would I find a thermometer? I know we dont-" I was interupted by Marco suddenly hurling into the toilet. I grimaced, "Shit..." I whispered, lookingg away. He flushed the toilet again, letting out a few coughs. "Go on..." He urged me shakily. "I know we dont have a thermometer." I said. "Well..." Marco started, "Hanji has one in the nurse's office... And if you remember, Connie had one. He was using one when Sasha was sick last time..." "That's right." I said, "I'll be back." I headed out of the room quickly, jogging down the dark hallway as quietly as possible. I knocked on Eren and Connie's dormroom door. I headd a groan come from inside then shuffling. The door opened. It was Eren. He looked exhausted, hair disheveled, "What do you want...?" He mumbled. I smirked a bit, "Hey. Marco isnt feeling too well. I need the thermometer." "I dont know where it is." Eren said. "Well wake up Connie." I said. "You do it..." Eren said, walking back to his bed and flopping down into it. I headed into the room and over to Connie's bed, pushing him off of it. "Ow! What the-!" Connie exclaimed when he hit the floor. I laughed softly, "Get up! Marco feels bad. I need the thermometer." Connie stood up, glaring at me, then walking past me to the bathroom. He opened a drawer and pulled out the thermometer, handing it to me. "Thanks, bro! Good night." I said, grinning and walking out. The door slammed and locked behind me. I jogged back down the hall and when I got into the room and washed off the thermometer. I didnt trust a tired Connie. And as I washed it off, I saw that Marco was asleep at the toilet. I shook his shoulder after cleaning the thing, "Wake up." He woke with a start, rubbing his eyes. "Connie gave me his. I washed it just now. I dont trust that weirdo." I said. He looked at me, "O-Okay..." He said. He was going to barf again. Sure enough, he told me to wait as he hurled into the toilet and flushed it yet again. "... How the Hell are you so calm?" I asked. "Well I'd rather not be jumping off the walls at this point... Probably make me barf more..." He held his hand out to me and I put the thermometer in it. I leaned against the sink counter as Marco held the thermometer in his mouth before it beeped. He looked at it, "Yep... 101 is definately a fever..." He said. I sighed, "Damn... I'm sorry, Marco." I took the thermometer, washing it then washing my own hands and closing the thermometer before putting it on the counter beside the sink. "Do you want to go to bed? Or are you gonna hang out here?" I asked. He sighed softly. "I'm gonna hang out here for a little while longer." Welp. That's taken care of. I guess. I nodded, pushig away from the counter and heading for the door. "Where are you going?" He asked. Damn. "I... Okay. You tell me where I need to be." "You need to set up my bed. Remember when you were sick as a kid and your mom would put towels everywhere and set the trashcan next to you." "Yeah. Except it was a maid." I said. "Well, you need to do that. Okay? Then come back and sit with me." He said. "Will do, cheif." I then headed out into the room, grabbing towels out of the cabinet and pulling the trashcan over to Marco's bed. I set up thre towels and sighed softly, hearing Marco barf again and headinng into the room. I waited until he was done then I rubbed his back, "I've got everything set up." I said softly. He let out a shaky breath and stood up. I flushed the toilet but I dont think Marco noticed, he was stumbling a bit. I grabbed his arm, leading him to his bed. He got in, closing his eyes and, obviously, feeling fatigued. I actually felt really worried, I realized. What if he was seriously sick? Or hurt? Or something. I really wanted him to feel better. I snakeed a hand through my boyfriend's hair and he opened his brown eyes to look at me. I chewed on my bottom lip, knitting my eyebrows together. "I hope you feel better tomorrow, Marco..." I said softly. "Y-Yeah..." He responded. "I love you a ton..." I said. He smiled softly, "Jean... You're so sweet... I love you, too..." "I'm gonna do my best, okay...?" I said, "You just have to help me..." He nodded slightly, "Yeah... Okay..." I half smiled softly, "I'll see you tomorrow..." He nodded again then I slid my hand out of his hair and went to my own bed. It took me a little while to get to sleep.
I woke up a few hours later and disabled Marco's alarm so he wouldnt wake up. I got dressed into baggy jeans, a t-shirt, and my Pink Floyd hoodie, along with my black beanie and a pair of converse. Then I brushed my teeth and hair, grabbed my key, wallet, and sketchbook, and headed to breakfast. The snow was melting very slowly. Thank God. I was tired of the shit. I headed into the cafeteria and as soon as it got to be around the time that Marco would walk in, people were asking everyone I was sitting with, where he was. People from fucking everywhere. It was so weird. Our friends asked me first, obviously, and Annie left immediately, not saying anythig except for the word, "Flowers." But then it was a whole load of people asking our group of friends where he was. It was very odd. People had already been asking even while we were just sitting there, me waiting for the lines to get shorter. But then I went to get food and these two girls next to me(clearly freshmen), literally, poked me. I was pretty horrified. People dont usually talk directly to me and I dont like being touched randomly. So I did the most awkward thing I could have possibly done in that situation. I was startled, so I wildly karate chopped in the girls' direction. They yelped and leaned away from me. When I realized that it was just some girls, I stopped. "Jesus Christ..." I said, "You scared me." The girls just looked at eachother then the one on the left said, "... Do you know where Marco is?" "Well considering I live in the same dorm as him, yes I do." I responded, intending on ending the conversation there. They were quiet and I turned away, but they stopped me again. "W-Wait!" One of them said. I sighed, turning back around, "What?" "Where is he?" She asked. "He's sick." I said, sighing. "Oh... Poor Marco." The other girl said. "Why are you asking me?" I asked, grimacing. "You're, like, his best friend, right? We always see you two together... What's your name, by the way?" She responded. Best friend... Well, yes. But. Also something else. I smirked, "I'm Jean. And Marco's my boyfriend." They just stared at me. Then they got really giddy. "You're boyfriends?" One of them exclaimed. I nodded, raising an eyebrow. "Oh my God that's so cute! We thought Marco was adorable and we actually wanted to see if either of us had a shot with him but-" I couldnt help but grimace a bit "-him being with someone else, especially like you, is so cute!" Especially like me? I shrugged. "We'll spread the word!" Wait... Nobody knew except our friends? These were like fans. Marco was a fucking celebrity and his "fans", apparently, didnt get any information unless he spread it to the world. What. The. Actual. Fuck. I blinked, turning away and heading back to the table. This was weird. No. I mean, Marco wasnt at all conceited. He was extremely humble. He knew a ton of fucking people, though. But these people idolized him. It was scary. I'd never known someone like that. Would Marco even be my boyfriend right now if we hadnt been in the same class? Or would the class and I just idolize him like everyone else does...? God it was weird... At the end of Pixis' class, I texted Marco with, "On my way back. Want anything to eat?" And he responded with, "Better not... But thank you." "Feeling better?" I asked. "Not really." He responded with a crying emoji. "I'll be back soon" I texted, feeling bad for him. When I tried to go back to the dorm, the entire rest of the class wanted to come. And I couldnt stop them... We got to the room and I opened the door, and everyone piled in. Marco sat up quickly. "Jeaaannn..." He whined. "I'm sorry! They were worried!" I exclaimed. "MARCO!" Reiner yelled, "ARE YOU OKAY?!" Jesus... Marco cringed, "I'm sick not deaf!" Reiner laughed, "Sorry! Sorry!" "My God..." "Marco." Armin said, "I brought you food just in case you wanted it. I know you said no but..." He then put a bag of food on Marco's side table. Marco smiled, "Thank you, Armin..." "You havent gotton sick yet this school year, have you?" Mikasa asked him. He shook his head, "No... I usually have a really strong immune system... I'm wondering where I caught this from..." "Do you know what is is?" Bertholdt asked. "I think it might be the flu..." He responded, "But I could be wrong..." Everyone immediately backed up and Marco laughed softly, "Hey..." "I brought you these, Marco." Annie said, placing a full bouquet of roses in a vase on his side table. "Yeah." Reiner said, "As soon as Jean said you were sick, she ran out to get you flowers. Even though you arent dying!" Marco laughed softly and Annie glared at Reiner. "Awwhh..." He said, smiling, "Annie. You didnt have to do that..." "You deserve it." She responded. Marco laughed, "Thanks..." "Should we take your temperature again?" I asked. Marco raised his eyebrow slightly and nodded, "Yeah. Most likely." I went into the bathroom. Goddamn... That eyebrow raise. It wasnt obvious but I caught it... I wish I knew what that was about. Maybe he was annoyed with me bringing everyone in here. I tuned everyone out as I washed the thermometer. I knew it was already clean but, y'know. I brought over the thermometer. "What did we do in class...?" Marco asked as he put it into his mouth. "He started talking about our presentations of the movie posters." I said, "You cannot miss that! It's on Friday." He shrugged and said around the thermometer, "We'll see how I'm doing by then." The thermometer beeped after a few seconds and Marco looked at it. "100. As expected." He said, handing the thermometer back to me. I went back into the bathroom to clean it off. Ymir's birthday was this week. And everyone was going to get sick from Marco now. Which sucked for her. But what can you do? I suddenly heard my name, "Jean'll probably get it before any of you do." Everyone was silent then Connie said, "Yeah. Probably. His immune system isnt awesome anymore, really..." Woah woah. Dont talk about it, Connie. "Hey." I said, coming out of the bathroom and glaring straight at Connie, "Shut up." "Why is there such a sudden change of mood...?" Marco asked, "I was just saying that considering we live in the same dorm, he probably has a higher chance of getting it..." "Oh yeah!" Reiner said, laughing awkwardly, "Probably! Anyways! Guys, we should get going!" Everyone mumbled in agreement and they filed out. "Come on, Jean. Gotta talk to you real quick." Connie said, pulling me outside and closing the door behind him. I was annoyed. "What?" I asked. "Jean you have to tell him." Connie said. "You really do." Mikasa agreed. "You cant just keep it from him. You're dating! He's our friend!" Connie exclaimed. Woah. Where the Hell was this coming from? Connie had mentioned that maybe I should tell him but he wasnt being so fucking pushy and I barely even reacted to it because I was still going to do what I wanted. But these guys were ganging up on me. "Then you fucking tell him! You seem to care so goddamn much!" I exclaimed back. Connie sighed, crossing his arms, "You and I both know that you have to do it." ... I knew. I knew but fuck Connie for bringing it up. Or whoever it was who brought it up. "Just stop talking about it around him!" I exclaimed. They were quiet. "Can I tell you guys something?" I asked. They nodded. "I'm gonna tell him during soon. Spoiler alert. And you guys need to lay off. I'm fine. I'm gaining weight. Havent I already told you this? I'm already getting help. I'm helping myself when I'm alone and my mom is helping when we're together." They suddenly looked really guilty. "Sorry, Jean..." Connie said. "I'm really sorry." Armin said. "We didnt mean to guilt you into it. We just want Marco to be in the loop, y'know? So he could help out..." Eren said. I sighed... "You didnt guilt me into it, idiots. I decided on my own. I'm a stubborn fuck. What you said didnt even affect me. Dont blame yourselves, okay? And I'm getting enough help already. I said this. It's fine." They were quiet again. "You're so nice, Jean." Sasha said. I smirked, "Only to you fuckers. Dont even worry about it, okay? I understand why Marco should know but I'm pretty goddamn sure he knows something. He isnt pressuring me." "And we are right now, arent we?" Mikasa asked. I sighed, shoving my hands into my pockets. They looked really guilty. "We're sorry, Jean. We didnt mean to randomly gang up on you." Eren said. The rest of them mumbled in agreement. "You guys... You know you're important to me. And I've known you for forever. You can tell me anything. And I know you just want Marco to help me, right? But I'm getting help, okay? This is the one time that my family is helping me. I know you're so used to being my backbone but it's okay this time, okay?" They nodded. I held my arms out and we had a group hug. I didnt blame them. They were worried. That was all. And I understood. They thought I needed more help when I really was okay. I went back into the dorm. "You okay?" Marco asked. I smiled. "Yeah. Just Connie. Are you feeling any better?" I asked, walking over to him and letting my smile go away to replace it with worry. "A bit, I guess. I havent thrown up yet." "Well that's good... You probably have nothing else in you to throw up." He nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Probably... I'm surprised I even had anything to throw up earlier this morning." He said. "I know." I said. "What are you going to do now?" He asked me. "Hang out here with you." Marco smiled at that, "Jean... Thank you..." "No problem." I responded, smiling back. "I wish you could cuddle with me..." He said. I shrugged, "When I throw up tomorrow, we can cuddle." He smirked, "How do you know you're gonna get it?" I sighed and said, "Connie's right, man... My immune system sucks ass." "That's probably why it's bad." Marco said. I was confused. "... What?" I asked. "Your immune system is probably bad because it sucks ass on a regular basis." What the fuck? I laughed, "Shut up! That makes no sense, Marco!" He smiled, "That's okay." He then sunk down and cuddled up beneath the covers. I guess I could let the terrible jokes go. He was probably slightly loopy. I sat at the foot of the bed. "Are you gonna go back to sleep?" I asked. "I might drift off, yeah..." Marco responded. "Well I'll stay here until next class begins..." I said, rubbing his leg. "Okay..." He responded... Marco was really adorable right now... He was all curled up under his blankets... I remembered my mom telling me to compliment him everyday. So I decided to say, "Y-You're cute..." He laughed softly, "I'm cute when I'm sick...?" "You're just cute in general..." He suddenly sat up and pulled me close to his chest. "Ahh! No! You're sick as fuck!" I exclaimed, pushing against him. "You'll just have to get it..." He said, "I cant not cuddle you for four to five days, Jean..." I sighed softly and gave in, snaking my arms around him, "Yeah... I cant really deal with that, either..." I agreed. "Are you actually willing to get this...?" He asked. I shrugged, "I'll be fine..." I rubbed his back. "I hope you feel better soon, though, Marco." He nodded into my shoulder.
Sure enough, I had it the next day. It was expected. And neither of us blamed ourselves or eachother for it, considering we both wanted to cuddle. We slept mostly all day and the day after that. On Thursday, Marco went to class. And on Friday, he was all better. I came to class, too. But he wasnt feeling great. It ended up being that Connie, Armin, Ymir, and Annie all got it. So Pixis postponed our presentations until the next Friday. It wasnt until Sunday that I felt completely better. Marco told me that Thomas sarted drinking and I noticed his sleeping schedule becoming fucked up. And, finally, Monday came... It was around one pm and Marco and I were at lunch with Connie, Sasha, and Eren's group. "Marco. You look exhausted... How's Thomas?" Armin asked. He managed a soft, but tired, smile, "He's alright... I mean, I've been slowly convincinng him... He knows it's bad..." "You need to get to sleep earlier." I said. He sighed softly, looking at me, "It's hard to sleep when you know that you could be doing more than you already are doing for everyone..." He was so nice. But... "You cant help everyone." I said. Marco surprised me suddenly by saying very harshly, "How would you know?" Everyone was quiet. I narrowed my eyebrows at my boyfriend, "I am trying my damnedest, Marco." I said. Marco sighed softly, expressing defeat, "I know. I know... I'm sorry... I'm just stressed out, is all... Sorry, Jean..." I knew he was tired... It was okay. I let out an exhasperated sigh and looked at my calorie count on my phone. When, suddenly, Marco grabbed my phone from me, exclaiming, "What the Hell are you always looking at?" Shit bitch fuck! I held onto my phone as hard as possible, pressing the finger pad and exiting out of the tab. "Marco! The fuck?!" I exclaimed as I yanked my phone back. That was fucking uncalled for and embarassing as shit. "Marco! My goodness. Calm down!" Sasha exclaimed, putting a hand on his shoulder. He just groaned and put his head down on the table. "Goddamn..." I muttered, "You need to get it together..." "I have it together!" He exclaimed. "No you dont!" I said back, "You're freaking out. Calm down." I rubbed his back. He was so fucking stressed out and it was worrying me. He lifted his head. "You're right... I'm sorry, everyone." Everyone waved it off. "No no, Marco." Mikasa said, "It's fine. Sometimes you get freaked out about things. We get it." He nodded, smiling softly, "Thanks, guys..." I gently slid my fingers between his, our hands embracing. Everyone went back to their comversations. Then Marco's phone started ringing with All About that Bass. Momma Bodt. He pulled it out and answered with, "Mom?" He smiled softly, "Ciao, mom... I'm doing alright. How are you and dad?" He narrowed his eyebrows, "Yeah?" He asked then shook his head, "What is it?" It was quiet. Then Marco's eyes widened. "What? Pregnant?" He said. Woah what? We all looked at Marco. "You cant be. There's not enough time. Not enough money. Not enough room! You cant do this. What if it's twins? Triplets? Sextuplets? I cant, mother!" He said, shaking. He got up, ripping his hand away from mine. "I'll be back or something." He said, then he ran out of the building. Well shit...
"I wasnt the only one who heard that, am I?" I asked. Everyone shook their heads. I sighed, "He's so fucling stressed out..." I pinched the bridge of my nose. "We know..." Armin said. "I'm worried about him..." "Everyone is." Mikasa said. I nodded. I looked past Connie, out the window at Marco who was facing away. When he went down, I wasnt really expecting it. He'd fainted before but that was when he banged his head. When he did, however, I sprang up, almost jumping over the table to get to the front door, everyone questioning me until they realized what had happened, getting up themselves. I ran outside to him. His phone was scattered on the floor. And as I called his name, I put the peices of it back together. "Marco! Marco!" I exclaimed from above him, shoving his phone into my pocket. "My God... What is with you and passing out...?" I asked. Fuck I was fucking horrified. I didnt like this fainting thing. "Is he okay?" Sasha exclaimed. "He's waking up." Armin said. Marco groaned a bit, blinkinng a few times. "Where's my phone...?" He mumbled. I snorted, "You just passed out and the first thing you do when you wake up is ask where your phone is? I have it. Had to put it back together, though." He sighed shakily as Eren and myself pulled him to his feet. "I got him from here, Eren." I said. Eren let my boyfriend go. "You sure?" He asked. Innodded, "Yeah. I gotta take care of this one on my own." "You sure we cant help with anything?" Connie asked. I shook my head, "Naw..." They sighed and Eren patted my shoulder. Then I led Marco to the car. "You okay...?" I asked as we were driving back to campus. He shook his head, leaning it against the window. "What happened?" "My mom is pregnant..." "So I wasnt just hearing things... She's really pregnant?" He nodded, "Sorry for causing so much trouble..." I shook my head and took his hand, "If anyone knows anything about stressing out to the point of passing out, it's me, okay? It's okay, Marco..." He sighed softly, "I've just been such a dick to you lately and I dont think it's very fair. Just because I'm feeling bad doesnt mean I should make you feel bad..." I shook my head again, "I said it was okay. I'm not offended. I know, Marco." He nodded slightly, squeezing my hand.