Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan.

SIXTY-SIX

I was so nervous and pissed off that school starts today. The holidays felt eternal and I wanted it like that, but now it's being stripped from me. I don't think I'm ready to face that hell hole.

I was just waking up when my phone vibrated beside me. I rubbed my eyes before picking it up and squinting at it. A text from Marco: Morning, Jean. I just left home. See you in school. I smiled tenderly as his mellowy voice resonated in my mind... until I saw the hour. Damn, 7:30!

I forced my heavy body out of bed and a quick pain struck my arms. It must be from yesterday's push-ups, but I've done those countless times (but not one hundred and twenty-five, that's why it hurt now), so I'm accustomed to this kind of pain. I rushed to the bathroom, school clothes on hand (thank God they're clean!), washed my teeth, took a quick back and dressed up. Considering combing my hair was a waste of time, I pulled down a plain red beanie on my head. With my black jacket and causal sneakers, I hurried downstairs, ate breakfast (cornflakes, duh!) and rode off with my car.

On red lights, I checked my phone for a voice mail from Dad: Hey, son, I hope you have an excellent day and work well. Don't worry about me, I'll pay your car and your pension for as long as I can. Concentrate on yourself, on your future and live well. I won't be able to be at your side, you're on your own, but know that I will always do what's in my power to aid you. I'm your father above anything else. I love you.

A knot formed on my throat as I breathed deeply after my phone went silent. There's him, a man of hard work and a stout heart. I wanted to call him, to dissuade him, but I know it'll be pointless, so I just answered his voice mail with another one, -"I love you too, Dad. I won't let you down, I swear."- I really meant it. If he's still going to carry that burden, I can't let it be in vain.

When the school was on sight, my heart skipped a beat. I'm positive I just shitted myself. I really don't wanna go in there, but Marco's there and I had to be there too, with him. I won't let any bully lay a hand on him, specially since we're known by half of the school -and I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said the whole school did.

Before I parked, I observed the entrance. It seemed peaceful, probably because it was 8 o' clock already. I finally parked on the back of the school and dismounted it. After pulling my hood over my head, I rushed in and fuck me, I wished I had stayed outside. The moment I set foot inside, a wave of memories stifled me: the fight with Frank, the fight with George and Trevor (the three fights I had with them), the whole flirting from Kat to expose me, my ex girlfriend, the issue with that little girl's cellphone, the fight twelve-one picked with my groups on the halls, the gay Japanese book from the library...; my head whined and I had to rub my temples in order to subdue it. Last semester was one hell of a semester, and I had a gut feeling this one will be worse. Comparing myself with my old self from that time... I realized he was totally different than me. No more running away, no more cowering and whining.

What was also contributing to my headache was the main lounge; it was abuzz with students, bickers and murmurs possessing the air. I couldn't understand anything they were saying, but I heard the word 'gay' and 'lesbian' a few times already and I had an idea. I swam through the host of people, choking up at the stench due to the lack of deodorant and since the place was so full, my body was literally pressed from every angle. I had to make sure nobody recognized me, looking down while still keeping an eye out on where I was going. After successfully getting out, I bent and panted, feeling a bit nauseous. I hope Marco's not in this mess.

Shortly after, I felt a presence before me. I quickly straightened up and readied my fists. I can't get careless in this place, -"Whoa, are you that desperate to punch someone already?"

When I saw it was just Axel, Nathaniel's boyfriend, I sighed, relieved, -"No, I'm not."- In fact, I kind of missed this tense air, where a fight is brewing in every corner. I was actually looking forward to feel the shot of adrenaline from a fight. The only fights I didn't enjoy were Frank's (his broken nose did brought glee to me though). Not gonna admit that to him though.

He scoffed, crossing his arms, -"You don't fool anyone, Jean,"- I just rolled my eyes and strode past him. He has the same bad-boy attitude as his boyfriend, -"Up. Nathaniel's waiting for you."

-"Figured."- I muttered, already making my way there. I just arrived and Nathaniel already sent his boyfriend to pick me up. Great.

Upstairs in Nathaniel's little gang hideout, everyone was there, pacing and discussing around as if they were on war. I saw familiar faces, like Diego's and Zaeed's (which warmed me wholeheartedly) and of course, Nathaniel's. The rest were new, people who joined his cause recently -or, well, our cause. I haven't seen Marco though and that struck terror in me, -"Well, isn't this a miracle,"- That unmistakable voice brought a smirk on my lips, -"Jean Kirshtein himself. Honestly, I though you'd never return."

I turned around to face Nathaniel and shrugged, -"Well, you clearly don't know me, Nate."

He laughed, -"Keep telling yourself that and you might convince yourself,"- His expression hardened abruptly, -"As much as I'd like to give you a welcome party, there's no time. Follow me, let's-"

-"Wait,"- I interrupted him, fully aware he loathe it, -"I'm not going anywhere until I see Marco. Where is he?"

Nathaniel gazed at his boyfriend and this one shrugged, -"I haven't seen him,"- He said and signaled one of his "men", an agent, you know, the ones who spy and keep a watchful eye on the halls. He asked him about Marco and when the guy shook his head, my stomach churned in fear, -"He hasn't stopped by either."

-"You enjoy this, don't you?"- I glossed before turning my heels. Whenever he said 'my men' or 'agents', a smirk grew in his face. He was a war-ish, vindictive guy who finds joy in conflicts. He always denied it, telling others (and himself) that he just wanted to fix things, but I knew better. I hate to admit it, but we were alike, but just a bit. I do find all this exciting, if not ridiculous.

-"Jean, wait,"- That's Diego. I turned to face him and his expression made me quaver. He wanted to tell me something, but was second guessing himself, -"About Marco... I think he's in trouble."

-"What?"- I breathed out, barely, as I felt my chest tighten. No, no, no, please, the day just started!

-"He sent me a message, mira."- He clicked on his IPhone and showed it to me. *1

I read, squinting at it due to the absurd brightness: tell nathanil i'll be ther in a few. i think i'm being followed, but dnt tell him tht. i'll lose my pursuers soon. Noticed the lower case letters and grammar mistakes? Marco always writes perfectly, no grammar errors whatsoever. He wrote this desperately, in a rush, meaning... he is in trouble. There was also an unfinished message beneath that one, if jean's there, dnt tell-.

He's in trouble and he doesn't want me to know? Is he nuts? Fuck! -"Why hasn't Nathaniel sent someone for him?"- I spoke, a bit too loud and sharp, waving my arms, almost dropping Diego's precious phone.

He took it quickly, -"Guerrero couldn't risk it, Jean,"- Diego spoke, waving his hands at me, gesturing me to lower the tone of my voice, -"Your boyfriend's clever, but..."

-"Couldn't risk it? Not even one guy? Are you shitting me?"- I spat, shaking my head. I was frustrated at him, Nathaniel and Marco.

-"Jean, please, just think about this. This is exactly what they want. They know you've arrived. You'll just lure them he-"- He figured out too late that showing me the messages was a bad idea.

I clicked my tongue and just ran out of there. I chased down the halls at full speed, my feet collapsing on the floor with loud thuds. I should be more careful, running like this might alert the bullies, make them think I'm running from one of them, that I was one of the new kids or nerds, but I didn't cared. Marco was top priority and I can't loiter. Each second I waste, the closer were Marco's hunters to their prey. When I arrived in the upper circle, I examined the area to see if there were any leads to Marco's current location. There were a few nerds around here, heads down and trying to hide from the bullies. Asking any of them might be dangerous, so I discarded that. My heart beats increased, desperate and fretful for Marco. Come on, Jean, think!

I couldn't text him, too risky. It might tip off his pursuers off if he was hiding.

I rushed to the rondure's end where I could overlook the courtyards and fore halls. I watched the activities taking place like a hawk, searching for prey. Nothing. I then rushed to the other end of the rondure and repeated. Marco, where are you?! Panic was streaming through me, hindering my mind from concentrating. I breathed in and out in order to ease myself. There had to be something here!

Focus, Jean! I smacked myself a few times as I trotted throughout the school, monitoring every corner for Marco. On every turn, there was some bully mocking a student, typically defenseless, or some guy laughing at another guy who just go soaked or a crowd yelling at another crowd and obviously, fights. I just tramped by, doing my best to ignore the cries and shouts while avoiding attention. This is crazy. Someone has to shut this school down asap.

After what felt like an eternity, I spotted a silhouette wearing a deep blue coat and sea blue jeans. It was a man and after observing him exhaustively, I knew that was Marco. He wasn't facing me, but the way he walked and swayed his body told me enough. Yeah, I know how he walks and I can recognize him by it. That's definitely Marco. I'm positive.

Relief began to ease my panic until I spotted three guys following. Three, all brawny and tall from Trevor's little jock group, no doubt. Their eyes were carved on Marco, watching him like a sit-and-wait-predator. They were waiting for Marco to isolate from crowds, to avoid witnesses when they ambush him, but Marco didn't disjoin. He stayed withing crowds, hood over his head and hands on pocket, trying to appear as subtle as possible to confuse his pursuers. Sure enough, one of them stood on his toes and peered over the mob. Keep going, freckles, I harnessed that chance and took him out, with difficulty. I eventually had to pull him as far away from his comrades as possible to fight him off. He gave me a bit of trouble, I had to admit, managing to land a few blows on my face. After one firm blow to his jaw, he tumbled to the floor, knocked out, and I returned my attention to Marco.

Unfortunately, taking out that last guy had taken me time and I lost sight of him. Damn it! He couldn't have gone far though, it was just a few minutes and if he was still withing the same mob, I'll find him. When I ventured into the hall and spotted Marco again, I noticed the crowd slowly dispersing. Shit, I cursed mentally when I detected yet another guy a few feets in front of Marco, but this one was leaning on the wall, waiting for him and if Marco kept the current with the crowd, he's toast. He made a sudden halt, noticing him too and turned back, only to see the latter two guys who were following him up front. Marco's only escape was the men's bathroom beside him and it wasn't an escape at all. He's cornered. They had him.

Not if I can help it.

I strode towards the dispersing crowd, readying my fist. Apparently, Marco had a plan, but I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that he had to: either slip past or defend himself from three bulky men. That goes without saying that the bathrooms were narrow. Marco had training, but he choose not to use it (stubborn ass he is), since he despises violence. I only saw him use it once, against me, actually. It didn't matter what he had in mind, I'm here and I'll stop these dickheads from hurting him.

Two guys entered and the other stayed outside in watch. I opted to take out the guy on watch first before he warn his buddies. I approached him from behind, careful on my steps and when he looked over his shoulder abruptly, I realized stealth wasn't my thing. Before he could shout, I covered his mouth, wrapping one arm around his neck and pulling him back forcefully. He fought back, kicking my legs and elbowing my abdomen. I grunted at the pain, but tightened my grip on him as I kept pulling him away. I wasn't able to take him too far though; he darted his head back abruptly, his cranium colliding with my nose. My eyes blurred and my head went light the moment it made impact. I yowled, unconsciously losing my grip on him to rub my nose.

-"Hey...!"- The guy yelled, trying to warn the others and immediately when I bypassed my groggy state, I lashed and lunged at him from behind. I fell over him and began to punch him several times, trying to knock him out. When I executed a blow to his temple, he toppled his head down, unconscious in a matter of seconds.

I stood up, panting as I made my way into the bathroom, a bit limp and rubbing my nose. When I fell over the last guy, my knee crashed pretty badly against the floor, -"Oi, Marcoo,"- One of the guys inside called out, -"Come out, come out, wherever you are."- He spoke spitefully, kicking open the stalls.

-"Hey man, you really think Jean's back?"- The other asked, his voice a bit shaky.

-"Hmph, he better be. Besides, he wouldn't leave his bitch alone."

-"I dunno dude, I don't wanna piss that guy off. Remember how he broke Frank's nose?"

-"Yeah, and he'll pay for that,"- I was getting close to the bathroom when I heard another stall slammed open along with a sharp cry. Marco! My wrath began it's countdown, like a time bomb,-"There you are, you little bitch!"- I rested my hand on the door's fringes and peered inside. The guy who was cursing me pulled Marco from the last stall, gripping his coat's collar, and hurled him against the wall. He heightened him, his shoes barely grazing the floor, as Marco struggled with the guy's tight grip, -"Why don't you scream your boyfriend's name, huh? Come on, bring him to me."- He pulled Marco's hood down, exposing his messy hair, and when he slapped him, ire blew withing me.

-"Hey, fucktard, you wanted to see me?"- I stormed in like a tempest, fists clench and teeth gritted, driven by rage.

-"Oh shit, shit, shit, it's Jean!"- The ringleader's coward buddy exclaimed, pointing his quavering finger at me.

The leader dropped Marco, who landed on his ass with a thud and that just fueled my rage, -"Finally."- He grinned, turning towards me.

I lashed out and attacked the leader first, my current target since he harmed Marco. He dodged my first punch and launched at me, wrapping his arms around my abdomen and pushing me against the sink. The stiff edge of it clashed onto my back, sending a soaring pain through it and leaving me a bit breathless and groggy. Recouping myself, I gripped his hair and pushed his head down for an imminent strike for his face with my knee. I heard a scrunch sound before he cried out, parting from me and staggering away, hands covering his broken nose, -"Motherfucker!"- He cursed.

I stomped towards him again, reaching out for his head until a pair of strong arms seized me beneath my armpits, pulling me back harshly, -"D-do it!"- Said the coward who was restraining me.

Broken nose before me stood up with a grin and balled his hands. He spit at me before swinging his fist at my abdomen. I lent forward at the impact and I didn't braced for another punch, much less at my face, and the worse part? I bit my tongue hard. I hissed at the soreness, feeling it swell up already, and as the guy kept punching my stomach, I though about my last fight and how that guy managed to stun me with his rear head. I did just that with the guy behind me and if my blow wasn't enough, his head smacked against the wall and knocked him out. Once free, I blocked another blow to my face with my arms and swung my feet at him, kicking his balls. He knelt and covered his crotch, head down, so I didn't dallied and punched him three times before I heard Marco's soft call, -"Jean..."- Images of my previous rampage flashed by. Marco had managed to stop me before several times, now again, and helped me subdue my ire. This fight wasn't like Frank's and I hoped I never get to experience one like that again.

I was panting nonstop, sweat slithering down from all my body, with an arm around my abdomen as I trudged towards Marco, who was watching me fight wide eyed. He was both flabbergasted and scared. I can be a little scary when I get into fights, specially the ones where I'm being driven by anger or rancor, -"M-Marco... are you alright?"- I asked, approaching him.

But before I could even reach him, he stood up and swooped at me, arms wide open and closing around me in a tight hug, burying his face on my chest. I embraced him too and clutched his coat, as if we were in the middle of a tempest. He's here and he's alright, that's all that mattered to me. Then I remembered the hit he got from one of the guys (which were both unconscious on the floor now) and lifted Marco's face by his chin. His cheek had a faint red color to it from the slap he got (that or he was blushing), but it wasn't anything to go all berserk about. I was about to ask him if they hurt him somewhere else, but he grabbed my coat's hood abruptly and pulled my head towards his, clashing his lips against mines. He kissed me fervently, as if this was our last day together, moving his face sideways, draping my whole mouth. His tongue knocked on my teeth and I allowed access, finally kissing him back just as passionately.

I knew Marco enjoyed the sight of me fighting my way trough these bullies, like way back on drawing classes. His fear was more noticeable, but I knew he found elation at the fact that I fought for him, defended him, make him feel special. Not gonna gloat, but I must have looked hot, exciting him like this and all. His next words proved my latter statement, prickling my skin, sending gleeful sensations trough me, -"You should have taken your shirt off."

I snickered, -"Oh?"- I murmured in his ear, slowly pushing him towards the wall at the end of the bathroom. Marco has gotten good at flirting and it was driving me crazy, -"Well, I can work something out. Just say the word."

He giggled, his back meeting the cold wall, -"No, there's no need. I can do something about it too."- As he said that, he ran his slim fingers underneath my coat and shirt, scurrying them up my abs.

His touch titillated me and I neared my face to his neck. Sudden images flashed by, -"Hey, you remember when I first, you know, right here?"- I murmured as I licked his slick skin like a lollipop.

He chuckled, -"Mjum."

-"And I did this,"- I sucked on his neck, educing a soft, deep moan from him, -"And this."- I bit on it, taking out more moans from him. That was way back when I still didn't sort out my feelings for him and just then, in this very same bathroom and spot, I got lusty and a weird obsession with his neck was born -which I still had, to be frank- specially with those cute and irresistible freckles he had lined up there -oh, and I'm not even mentioning his sweet vanilla scent I so loved which was stronger there.

Marco giggled. I was possibly tickling him.

I then took a deep breath and kissed him in the lips again. After parting, I lent my forehead against his and closed my eyes, -"Marco... if I hadn't arrived...,"- That overwhelming feeling of protectiveness surfaced at the horrible outcome if I hadn't showed up. I just want to protect him from this hell, -"You can defend yourself, you know. Why do you hold back?"

He looked away and bit his lips. He never liked to fight back, or defend himself, at that. He often uses words, but those weren't a real weapon for defense. That's how much he despises violence, -"I just..."

-"Marco, listen to me,"- I opened my eyes and stared directly at his, cupping his face, -"I know you can defend yourself. What would've happened if I hadn't shown up? You know I... I won't always be there."- I hated how that sounded, specially considering I was right. I want to be there for him, always, but sometimes nature makes a move against you.

He shook his head, unable to accept that last part. He knew I was right too.

-"Please, I can't live with the though of someone hurting you again. I... I keep remember that fight with Frank and how he... he..."- That fight was hewed in my memory, how Frank kicked and punched Marco mercilessly, how I then went berserk with anger and punched Frank until breaking his nose. Marco's grieved expression was daintily carved on my mind, how it illuminated when he saw me and then turned fretful when I lost control. His soft voice and touch was the only thing that stopped me...

-"Jean,"- I snapped out from the rush of memories that were swallowing me when Marco called me, -"It's okay, I'll... try. Don' think about that..."

-"Promise?"

He just nodded.

We decided to get back, considering staying here with these knocked out guys wasn't a good idea. We stepped outside, hoods over our heads and I quickly pulled Marco close to me, -"Stay close and keep your head down."

He nodded and we set off to Nathaniel's hideout, since Hanji was absent. I couldn't blame her and I'm positive she wasn't the only one. If it were up to me, I'd cut every class, but I bet Marco's going anyways, and if he's going, I'm going too. I'm not about to leave him alone even though I just said he could defend himself.

We reached the stairs leading up to the hideout and both of us knew something was off: there's no one here keeping watch. Nate always left at least one of his guys at the end of the stairs to keep watch. It's always the same one and the guy always sat down, cross legged, and played PSP to conceal his real purpose for being there.

Marco and I looked at each other and rushed upstairs... only to find war.

*1: mira: look.