Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan.

EIGHTY-FOUR

-"So, uh… I know you're a virgin –I mean, you were- but have you ever gotten sexually involved with someone else than me?"- I was prickling Marco by running my fingers smoothly across his waistline.

Marco purred and vibrated gently at my touch, -"No, Jean, I haven't."

-"Never ever?"

-"Nope."- He shook his head.

-"Hm."- I might've woken the guy up but I was dying to know. He told me he never had sex before but that doesn't mean he had a girlfriend or boyfriend and that they might've done something hot.

-"You?"- He suddenly asked, looking over his shoulder.

I was facing Marco's back, embracing him from behind and tickling his soft skin. Our naked bodies were covered by my sheets, -"Huh?"

-"Have you ever done sexual intercourse with someone else before me?"- He asked, genuinely curious now.

I sighed and buried my face in his shoulder, -"I might have…"

-"Oh, really? I thought you were…"

-"Yeah, I was a virgin but I've gone to strips clubs before and stared at girls panties for like hours."- I confessed, not eager to lie to him after we shared intimacy.

-"Oh."

-"Yeah, but those girls just touched me. They kinda noticed we were underage and held themselves."- I explained, noticing the tad of vex and jealousy from him.

Marco stayed quiet and I couldn't help but pinch his buns. He yelped and writhed away, -"Ouch, J-Jean!"

I snickered and started nuzzling his neck, making his giggle and laugh at the ticklish sensation, -"Don't get mad at me, babe."

-"I-I wasn't mad…"- He said, leaning back down and facing me, scurrying close to me beneath the sheets.

I poked his nose, -"Yeah?"

-"Mjum,"- He nodded and smiled tenderly, -"That's in the past and I can't really do something about it, right? And I trust you, Jean, with my whole heart."

I smiled, warmed and moved by his words, -"You're so fucking adorable, Marco,"- I pecked his forehead, -"But really, you never had a boyfriend before? And I've been wondering, have you always been gay or…?"- So many questions and why I formulated them right after sex, I had no idea. Maybe it's because Marco and I are more intimate now.

Marco chuckled and spoke, full honesty ahead, -"Yeah, I've always been gay and I always knew it. Ever since I hit puberty, I knew I only liked guys. I was attracted to them only and I even tried to ignore it and change it. I tried to go out with girls but I never even lasted a week with them,"- Marco sighed at the memories. He must have gotten through a hard time, -"I told mom about it and she told me not to ignore it, that I was just hurting myself so I lived with it for the following years. Then you came, Jean."

I smirked, -"What happened next?"

-"I got a huge crush on you and even bigger when you defended me,"- His cheeks blushed at the fond memories but suddenly, his face saddened, -"Then you left all of a sudden and I looked for you but it was as if you disappeared completely. I… almost gave up on you. I started going out with a guy, trying to forget you and move on, but I couldn't, I really couldn't…"

My chest tightened, -"Is that why you broke up with him?"

Marco nodded, his eyes starting to water up, -"Yeah, he knew I was still thinking about you and he didn't liked it, he-"- Marco closed his mouth shut abruptly.

-"He what, Marco? Did he hurt you?"- I could feel my blood boiling, Jesus fuck.

Marco nodded again, very slowly, -"Mjum…"

I puffed in anger, -"What did he do?"

My boyfriend hesitated, -"He… slapped me often but really, it never hurt much."

I huffed and wondered where the guy would be right now. I thought about the things I'd do if I ever met him, I thought about slapping him too, -"Fuck…"- I cursed. I hate this. I hate this so much. I hate it when assholes like him pick on Marco, I hate when they abuse of him, I hate this society full of bullies. I hate them all. I want them all to pay. I want-

-"Jean,"- Marco was looking at me seriously, closer to me now. Our bodies touched and our groins grazed the other, -"It was a long time ago, okay?"

I gnawed the skin in my mouth, still pissed, -"Yeah."

-"And…?"

-"I can't do shit about it."- I rolled my eyes.

-"Exactly,"- He said, taking my chin and making me look straight at his eyes, -"Jean, look at me. I left it behind me and you should too."

-"I'll think about it if you give me a kiss."

Marco chortled and drew his face close to mines, tilting his head and pursing his lips seductively, -"I'll give you whatever you want, Jean."

Ouf. My body thrilled in excitement –especially since our bodies were naked and hot, -"Anything?"

-"Anything."

-"Hm,"- I rubbed my chin and thought about the many things that Marco can do to me. Oh boy, a blowjob sounds good right about now. Blowjobs at six in the morning sounds appetizing, -"I want a bj and a long, hot kiss, babe."

He chuckled and straddled me while I leaned back against the pillow, hands on the back of my head. I licked my lips at Marco's perfect figure above me, at his cute abs and belly button, at his trail of freckles, at his ding-dong resting on my pelvis and his lustful look, -"Yes, Jean."- He wanted to blow me too.

He ramped down to kiss me first, his slimy tongue tangling with mines in seconds. We moved ours head in synch, mouth wide as we shared saliva and air. Marco licked and bit my lips. Oh boy, it's hot alright and it got even hotter when he kissed my chin next and then my jaw and then my apple and…

My boyfriend made my dick erect and he felt it, oh he did indeed. A sly smile rose to his lips and he kissed his way down my abdomen and naturally, my groin. His tongue made contact with the peak of my stiff shaft and Marco toyed with it, licked it like ice cream. He evidentially licked the droplets of jizz I shed and tasted it, savored it, licking his lips before continuing blowing me. I bit my lips and darted my head back at the warm and pleasuring sensation coming from down there, -"M-Marco…,"- I babbled as Marco quickened his licking of my shaft, -"… suck me hard."

Marco gripped my dick harshly, making me moan out loud, and drove it deep in his mouth. He started to stroke it while sucking the gobs of cum I spilled.

-"Fuck, Marco… suck me faster…,"- I raved at the growing sensation of a coming orgasm. Marco stroked faster and sucked harsher, swallowing bigger amounts of jizz. I heard him moan too and exhale, I heard him tasting my cum before swallowing and I felt his hot breaths in my groin. I also felt the craved bliss of an orgasm, making my body hitch up, -"Marco, fuck!"- I bleated his name out and exhaled when I ejaculated and felt bliss all over my body.

Marco rose from my groin, licking my cum from his lips and gulping it. His face was red as he crawled over me again, -"Satisfied?"- He asked, running his finger through my jaw.

I nodded slowly, still kind of absentminded from the orgasm, -"Yeah, boy…"

Marco smiled before leaning down to kiss me.

We hooked for a few minutes until he reminded me that we had something to do today. We both stood from bed reluctantly, finding it difficult to peal from the other. We went into the bathroom together, both of us naked and with our clothes on hands. As I washed my teeth, Marco prepared our bath. Once in, we washed ourselves and cleaned off the cum and lubricant in our groins. I pulled off the condom from my cock and threw in the dump. Right then, I felt a slight burning sensation in my penis as the urge to pee came right up, -"Fuck, gotta pee."- But when I sat on the toilet, nothing came out. The urge still remained and it was bugging me.

-"Jean, you okay?"- Marco asked from within the shower.

-"Kind of. Can't pee."- I whined, probing my dick ad squeezing it to see if even a drop of urine came out. This has happened to me whenever I ejaculate but today, it was causing me problems. Maybe it's because I fucked my boyfriend last night. I dunno.

-"Hold on,"- Marco got out of the shower and boy he's a sight impossible to miss. His wet and clean body called my attention, the drops of water that dripped across his abdomen and down to his groin made my eyes stick to them. Really, a boner right after sex and a blow job wasn't surprising –specially with his dong hanging around there. Marco knelt and gaped his mouth to speak until he saw my friend and chuckled, -"I'm sorry, Jean."

-"No, you're not, babe,"- I said, feeling my cheeks warm, -"Now he won't pee any time soon."

-"Yeah, he will. Just tickle yourself or let me do it. It always help."- Marco started caressing my tights smoothly, making me moan lowly.

-"Huh, I hear someone's been through it."- I winked at him.

-"Yep,"- He admitted, now caressing my pelvis, -"I think about you a lot, Jean."

-"Aw, that's sweet,"- I said and watched him tickling me everywhere, even my hard penis, -"You gonna talk to it now?"

Marco laughed but really, it's working. I felt urine coming up and when it came out, I exhaled and relaxed, -"There we go."- He said, right after my hard-on smothered.

-"Oh man, thanks."

We went inside the shower again and while I washed his cute buns, I spoke about our night, -"I didn't hurt you, did I?"

Marco moaned at my touch, leaning his back against my body, -"No, you didn't. I asked for it, remember?"

Yeah, he's right. He asked me fuck him, to penetrate him and to fuck him faster and harder. Diego's assumption that Marco preferred me to be "gentle" with him was wrong, -"Yeah, I remember, but hey,"- I ran my wet hand down his torso and his groin, -"I hope this isn't the last time we do this, yeah?"

-"It won't, Jean,"- He said, biting his lips at my venturing hands down his crotch, -"Touch me more, please."- I like him to ask me for this stuff.

-"As you wish,"- I murmured in his ear and started biting it as my hands fingered his groin. My boyfriend moaned and rested his head on my shoulder, allowing me to fondle his testicles. His hand met mines and together, they pleased Marco, -"How did you feel? I mean, how did it felt? You know, me fucking you?"- I asked, curious about it. It couldn't have feel the same as penetrating him and I'm not saying I didn't enjoy doing it because boy I did, I'm just wondering.

-"I don't know how to explain it but… it felt wonderful. You stirred me inside, made my whole body burn within. I felt… I felt alive, more than ever, I felt I was flying and..."- He tried to explain but it proved difficult, both because it was difficult to explain and because I was fingering his groin, making him speak rasped. I guess I won't know how it really feels until I experience it myself.

-"And did it reached your… expectation? Will it be unforgettable?"- I asked question after question, caressing different areas of his body. I just want to know I didn't fuck up, I want to know if I did good and pleased him. I want to know if it was a good experience for him, something unforgettable like he wanted it to be.

-"Yes, Jean, it did. I couldn't have asked for a better night with you."- He turned around and faced me, sowing a passionate kiss on my lips.

When we finished bathing, we geared up with the black jackets we bought and prepared breakfast. While eating, I told him my plans for today at school. We're just gonna riot outside and I want Marco farther back. Why? I want him to avoid direct fights with those bullies but like always, Marco argued and said that he wasn't going to leave me alone and that together, we'll come out of that riot victorious. Whatever I say won't change his mind. Marco's decided. He's gonna come with me no matter what I say.

We rode off as soon as we ate, both of us anxious and scared. When we reached the school, an immense mass of people gathered outside with more placards than before. Marco and I looked at each other, eyes wide as I parked somewhere farther from the school's lot. I parked in an old alley and we dismounted the car, -"Marco, stay close to me."

He nodded and followed my step after we geared up with the brasses. We walked towards the mass of people fighting their way into the school. They were pushed and beaten by the foe, hindering our walk into the school. I suddenly got lost and had no idea what my prime objective was. Stop this? How? Right now, I should find someone familiar, like Reiner or Levi or Diego but I was on edge. Literally, in every corner, someone was getting their ass kicked, someone was being mocked and someone was laughed at. People ran away, looking for somewhere safe, and were chased, then caught and kicked. Rioters stood on cars with their placard up high and were thrown with food and saliva. I wanted to do something about all of it, I…

But I was frozen in place. I couldn't move, I couldn't…

-"Is that… is that Jean?"

-"And Marco?"

I looked around me at the murmurs but I didn't saw the person who said my name…

But then again, it wasn't just one person…

It was all of them.

-"Oh my God, it's them… it's really them…"- Gasps were all around me and louder chatter.

-"After so long…"

-"Where have they been when we needed them the most?"

-"I can't believe they're actually here..."

-"There's still hope…"

The whispers were getting louder and louder and they buzzed right beside my ears. Everyone, literally everyone, was looking at me expectantly, waiting for me to do something. The hell do they want? A miracle out of my ass? Their bruised faces were carved in my mind as I passed by because, believe it or not, they made a path and allowed me to walk by.

What am I supposed to tell them? What am I supposed to do?

A slight pull on my jacket made me look over my shoulder and I saw Marco walking very close to me. I reached for his hand and embroiled our fingers together as we did the walk of "fame". At the end of it, our friends waited for us with eyes wide and mouth gaped. Damn, word travels fast here, -"Mother of…,"- Reiner muttered, unable to believe my appearance after my outburst at the cafeteria near Marco's house, -"Jean, you're here… you're actually here…"

I walked towards them, scratching the back of my neck, -"Surprising, huh?"

-"Yeah, it is."- He affirmed.

-"I heard the others talking but I didn't actually believed them."- That was Axel, narrowing me.

-"I honestly thought you'd never return."- Diego exclaimed, throwing an arm around my shoulders.

-"Damn, is everyone so shocked?"- I jibed because I knew they were all surprised. I was… trying to light up the uneasy mood around us. They might be glad I'm here but they haven't forgotten my cold words at the cafeteria.

-"You made it clear you didn't wanted to come."- The big guy, Berthold, spoke next.

-"Yeah, Horsey,"- That was Eren and I immediately rolled my eyes, -"And what or who changed your mind? Freckles? I bet he had to fuck you to get you here today."

I frowned and waved him off, -"Fuck off, Eren. It's none of your business."

-"Are you kidding me? I swear, I'll-"

-"Enough, Eren,"- Poor Armin tried to calm his crazy pal. He isn't even supposed to be here but I guess wherever the other two go, he goes too, "There's no need to fight him."

-"The hell do we need him for? He doesn't even want to help us."- Eren complained, glaring at me while held by his pals.

-"Eren,"- Mikasa spoke, -"We do need him."

Eren huffed and stomped away.

Reiner sighed and turned to me, -"Anyways, Jean, we're glad you're here, whatever your motives are."

-"Yeah, yeah,"- I sighed too, trying to calm my staggering temper, -"So what now?"

-"We fight, that's what,"- Nathaniel appeared out of the blue, arms crossed and also glaring at me, -"And if you're not helping, don't even bother staying here."

Another push to my dwindling temper. I frowned and clenched my teeth.

I was about to snap because even after showing my face, these guys are ungrateful (some of them) but Marco interrupted me, -"Hey, we came here to help and this is how you treat us?"

-"Don't give me that bullshit, Freckles. Your boyfriend doesn't care about anyone here."- Spat Nathaniel.

But Marco knew otherwise. He was there when I got gloomy after the reunion and the news on TV. He knew I felt guilty and regret, he knew I cared. I just don't… tend to show it, -"He does cares! He wouldn't have told me to come here otherwise!"

Reiner and Berthold were nodding, agreeing with Marco. So was Axel, but his boyfriend was shaking his head, -"Of course you'd defend him."

-"Yes because it's true! We're both risking a deal by coming here and you think we don't care?"- Marco was agitated.

-"Nathaniel, he's right."- Agreed Axel, receiving a sharp glare from the other.

-"Whatever, I honestly don't care and I don't have time for this."- Nathaniel waved us all goodbye and also stormed away. Before he did, I saw massive bags under his eyes and I knew the guy was under immense stress and pressure. I knew I wasn't the only one who has suffered both physical and mental trauma. Before he walked away, I saw deep purple blots on his left eye and a cut on his knee. His pants were tattered so I could see other cuts as well.

Axel stared at his boyfriend figure at the distance and sighed, his expression full of worry and anxiety.

I surprised myself when I felt pity and worry too, -"Is he gonna be okay?"

Axel, startled, turned around abruptly, -"Yeah, he'll… be fine."

After that whole dilemma, we discussed future plans but really, there was none. Just riot and make our voice be heard -and to push our way into the school. We gathered in front of the massive crowd and faced the enemy, who also had placards and whatnot. I was in the front with Reiner and Axel while the others stood behind us with the biggest placard. Marco was holding it along with Armin and I kept a sly eye on him. Slowly but carefully, we "marched" and pushed forward. I noticed the people behind us more pumped and eager to fight. They shouted and screamed, often summoning my name –and Marco's, -"We're not falling today, bastards! You couldn't defeat Jean and now you won't defeat us!"

-"Jean's with us!"

I shivered. It didn't felt as good as movies claimed it to be.

We eventually collided with the enemy crowd at the school's front gates and I saw familiar faces that threatened me. A few attacked me but I counterattacked and knocked them out. Reiner and Berthold fought beside me and I saw Nathaniel surrounded further in the school, -"I'm going in!"- I shouted to Reiner and hoped that Marco heard, -"Nate needs help!"

Reiner rose his arm, a sign that he heard me, and kept fighting jocks as I swam my way in, pushing people aside. I foresaw incoming attacks and dodged, making them hit someone else, -"Fuck, it's Jean! I thought the boss knocked him out cold!"

-"I thought he was dead!"

Almost every jock was stunned to see me, giving me the opportunity to punch my way through as they stared at me like they've seen a ghost.

-"Didn't he and his boyfriend fell from the ceiling?"

-"Boss told us he pushed them."

-"Then what the hell is he doing here?"

These guys seriously thought I was dead? Why did Kuan lied? What am I saying, of course he'd lie. He'd do anything to get appraisal –specially the kind that had to do with having defeated me, the most hated guy in their group.

I had a grin on my face as I startled them, as if a I was ghost, before I knocked them out. They literally screamed. Fights always made my adrenaline rush, stimulating me and making me more eager to keep fighting. When I reached Nathaniel, he was on the floor, struggling to stand up. Trevor and George were kicking him, knocking him back down on the floor. I hid behind one of the pillar and peeked at him. My eyes widened when I saw small tears on his eyes as he endured the kicks, -"Not so smart now, eh?"

-"Fuck… you…"- Nathaniel slurred, hoisting his body up with his trembling arms.

Trevor pushed him back down with his foot on hid back, -"Still hot-headed, are you? You're a trash. You know you're gonna lose this fight."

Nathaniel groaned at the pressure of Trevor's foot, -"In your… fucking dreams…"

-"You're annoying."- Trevor commented and started kicking him more.

I had to do something but rushing in like nothing was a bad idea. I've fought them before at the same time (George was on drugs, though) but I'll be honest and say I don't feel capable. Both of them were sharp, awake and sober and it's not like I was out of shape (I've done exercises during those weeks at Marco's house) but rushing into fight was reckless. I'm just one guy, they're two and really in shape. Both of them are tall (George was taller) and they're both bulky.

Then again, I don't have much time to devise a plan. Nathaniel was unmoving and I'm in the middle of the main plaza after crossing the front gates. I had plenty of room to maneuver around but George and Trevor aren't the only ones in here. A few other jocks were around, with their attention elsewhere, but still, Trevor or George can rally them anytime.

I slapped my forehead. Fuck this. I'm wasting time. I'm not good at thinking, am I?

With a long sigh, I came out of the pillar and displayed myself for Trevor and George, who also widened their eyes at my figure -again, like they've seen a ghost, -"You…"

They weren't the only ones with eyes wide open. Nathaniel, sprawled on the floor, was also surprised to see me, -"Jean… what are you… doing here?"

I rose my arms and shrugged, -"What do you think?"- Am I really saving him? The guy looked like he doesn't want to be saved in the first place.

Nathaniel shook his head and dropped it onto the floor.

Both Trevor and George snapped out of their shocked state and were walking towards me menacingly, clicking their fingers, -"It sure is a surprise to see you after so long, gay, but you should've been at the end of that ceiling."

I shivered again, trying my best to avoid mulling over those memories, -"Why would you say that? I missed you guys."- I spoke, sarcasm pretty damn clear.

They weren't interested in following the current, they just wanted to beat me already, -"We didn't,"- He gaped his mouth to speak again and as he did, I spotted red hair hiding behind the opposite pillar from the one I was hiding in. The person peeked his head and I saw Axel with a finger on his lips, telling me to stay quiet. I gave him a very slow nod, trying not to look at his actual position and leak it to these two jerks, -"First Frank, then Kuan and lastly, me, and I'll finish the job. I'll end you right here, right now."

They started circling me, both of them on their fighting stance. I moved too, always on defense and waiting for their attack. When Trevor launched his first punch, I dodged it and counterattacked but sadly he dodged it too and reached for me. He threw his arm over my neck and pulled, trying to choke me. I bit on his arm and kicked but he held on firmly. Trevor rallied George, -"Do it!"- Without hesitation, said guy started smiting my abdomen, making me groan in pain. Shit, I hope that rib really healed.

I threw kicks at George, but he dodged them all. Trying to loose Trevor's grip on me, I moved sideways and kept biting his arm. He hissed but didn't budge, tightening his arm around my neck to choke me. The guys are in to kill and if I don't do something, I'm dead.

I stopped throwing random kicks and just observed George. When he lunged forward to punch me again, right when he leaned down his head, I kicked his face, making him leap back and cry in pain -"Fuck!"- He cursed, covering his possible broken nose.

At the second Trevor stopped chocking me to look at George worriedly, I elbowed him in the face, right on his nose. He staggered and impulsively covered his face. Without dallying, I lashed forward and pushed George to the floor before he could recover, straddling him and punching his face five times until I knocked him unconscious. Abruptly and taking me by surprise, Trevor pushed me off of George and pinned me down face first on the floor. He gripped my head and started smacking it against the floor like six times or more. Pain sailed through my face and nose with each hit and I started seeing stars by the time he stopped. I then heard groans and hits near me and I wondered if I finally lost it. I hoisted up with my shaky arms and looked at where the sounds came from but I couldn't see shit. My vision was blurry and my head light as fuck. I couldn't keep my body still. I swayed back and tumbled on the floor again. More pained groans and shouts, -"… Jean!"

-"Hu… h?"- Fuck, my head! My nose! It fucking hurts! -"Fu… ck…"

-"… come on, up!"

I got the hint that was for me but whenever I tried to stand up, I fell again. Plus, whenever I opened my eyes, those bugging stars appeared over and over. I couldn't see, I couldn't move and apparently I can't hear well either. What a waste.

-"Oh my God, Jean!"

Oh but I know that voice. I heard that one a-okay, -"M-Marco…?"

A pair of arms embraced me from behind and hoisted me up to my legs, -"Yes, Jean. I'm here, okay?"- Marco threw my arm over his shoulder and started walking somewhere, dragging me.

-"Wa-wait… what about…?"

Marco suddenly gasped and cried. A mix of tumbling sounds followed after, -"There you are, you little shit!"- An unknown voice rang out.

-"No, let me go!"- Marco cried.

And so did I because I couldn't hold my feet, -"Fuck!"- I cursed when I hit something solid with my head before I fell down.

That unknown voice laughed as Marco groaned in pain, -"Please, stop!"

-"'Please'?"- It was male. He laughed again, -"You really are a girly little pussy!"

I leant against that solid thing I hit earlier –which I assume and hope was the wall- and placed my hand on my throbbing forehead. I winced at the shot of pain when I applied to weakest of pressure on it.

-"No… stop…"- Marco groaned in pain again.

-"Ah, come on, I was just warming up!"- Spoke the guy, -"Don't you faint on me! I'm not done!"

Marco…

Marco… hold on…

I started hitting my temples, wincing even more. I opened my eyes and blinked like a hundred times as if brushing off the starts and forcing myself out of this… state. Faintly, I saw a figure before me, grappling Marco and slapping him, literally sitting on his torso. The guy was laughing while hopping in place, making Marco groan and struggle to get out of the guy's grip.

I forced myself up and crawled my way towards the bastard, anger taking over me and boiling my blood. The guy was unaware of my approach but Marco had seen me and had his eyes wide open. I must look scary, like always when I get mad and go berserk. When I was near them, I hooked both of my arms on the bastard's neck and pulled him back with force, away from Marco, -"Surprise, motherfucker."- Then, I started punching the crap out of him, knocking him out cold.

Marco panted heavily and sat up, rubbing his red cheek where he was slapped, -"Jean, I'm sorry, I…"- He covered his eyes and sobbed.

I was still dizzy but I managed to stay awake, -"Marco, it's…,"- What am I going to say? That it's fine? Marco had the capability to defend himself but he doesn't do it. Over and over again we've discussed this and he still doesn't do it, -"… you need to defend yourself. How many times do I have to say it?"

-"I'm sorry…,"- He apologized, looking down, avoiding my eyes, -"I just…, I tried but I just can't."

I shook my head and even that hurt my head, -"Don't… give me that, okay? Just… try harder. You know I won't always be there, Marco, and I wish I could but…"

Marco was still looking down, unable to respond. He knew I was right.

-"Look at me."- I said.

And he did, slowly, in the brink of tears.

-"Please, Marco. Do it for us."- I begged and leaned back with my hand on the floor, suddenly feeling dizzier.

Marco just nodded and that's when he noticed my actual state, -"Jean, you're… pale,"- He gasped abruptly, lunging towards me and taking my head in his hands, -"You're hurt! You have…"

-"What...?"

-"A huge bruise in your forehead. Try not to move it much."- He said, slowly dragging me to the wall and leaning my back against it.

My eyes closed often and I tried to stay awake, for both of our sake, but it was becoming difficult. My head and my nose throbbed painfully, -"Marco…"- My vision blurred again and I felt rigid, I couldn't move. It was like something heavy was placed on me.

-"Jean, you're passing out,"- Marco affirmed and held my knees. I tried to reach him, to lift my arm and held on him, -"It's okay. I'll protect you. Trust me."

-"W-wait… Marco…"- I don't want him to hesitate. He can't hesitate for even a second. They'll… they'll fucking break him. I can't pass out, not yet…!

You trust him, don't you? Believe in him.

Fuck, I do and I believe in him with all my heart but I'm… I'm scared.

Whatever I tried to do to keep myself up, it didn't work. Somehow, the harder I try the more tired I got and the harder it got for me to keep my eyes open. Blackness began to shroud me and the last thing I saw… was Marco's tall figure facing another one.

~ o ~

I felt myself regaining my consciousness bit by bit and the incessant amounts of noises around me sure helped. I winced at the slight pain on my back, feeling uncomfortable, and shifted my body. Sitting up, I felt something cold around my forehead, dripping thin currents of water down to my mouth. Impulsively, I touched it and pulled on it, seeing it was one of those blue bags with ice in it attached to my head and pinned by bandages. I ripped the bandages and tossed them away, caressing my throbbing forehead. I winced when I applied pressure but it didn't hurt as much as I remember.

Fuck Trevor. I'll beat the shit out of him when I find him.

But first of all, where am I?

I looked around and found myself in someplace stinky and narrow. The bathroom. Great. I'd say I got wasted last night or something, but by the fact that I still heard grunting sounds, smashing things outside and menacing shouts, I won't. Plus, I recognize this place. It's the bathroom where Marco and I first got, ahem, heavy –or well, I did. I'm unfortunately still in school, though.

Abrupt footsteps made me hop in place, startling me, -"Jean."- That's was Marco, murmuring.

-"Marco? What the fuck happened?"- I spoke too loudly for comfort.

Marco opened the stall I was in and hushed me, -"Shh, they'll hear us."

-"Who?"- Am I stupid or what? Who wouldn't want to hear us and pin point our location in this goddamn school to beat our lives out?

Marco gasped after we both hear rattling sounds nearby. He quickly stepped in the stall and closed the door slowly, trying not to make any sound but these doors were broken and old so it creaked and whoever was outside heard it, -"Hey, I hear something in here."

-"Shit!"- Marco cursed silently, scurrying deeper in the stall beside me. For Marco to curse, he had to be under a lot of pressure and stress.

-"Come on, let's check it out. That freckled chick couldn't have gotten far with that leg."- Spoke some guy outside. I immediately looked at Marco's leg but he had noticed me looking and moved it away, not gazing at me.

-"Yeah, that coward probably hid here. That's what he's good at."- A second guy.

-"He's smart, though. Don't underestimate him. He managed to make a fool out of all of us,"- Spoke a third one with authority, -"He's protecting his boyfriend and has done a well damn job."

-"Bah, we'll get im' and then his fucking bitch. He's not that strong. Besides, Trevor got him good so I bet he's still crying like a baby."

-"I wouldn't bet on it."

Marco whimpered silently in pain and I spotted him reaching for his leg to caress it. When we heard one of the stalls smacked open, Marco darted back, startled, and collided with the wall behind us. He groaned and covered his mouth, muttering something about being too noisy and careless. Eventually, he swallowed his fear and when the guys threw open the stall beside ours, he lashed out, closed the door and ran, -"There he is! After him!"

I gasped my mouth to shout after him but shut it close. He took me by utter surprise. I was not expecting him to pull a stunt like that. His goal was to avert those guys from me. He… was protecting me.

However, closing footsteps told me that one of the guys stayed behind. Suddenly, my stall's door swung open and one of the jocks grinned at my pitiful figure, -"Well, well, what have we here?"- He stepped in, closing the stall, -"You don't look so good, pal."

I gritted my teeth and tried to stand up but I was still groggy, still weak, and tumbled on the floor, smacking my back on it's edge, -"Fuck!"- I cursed at the shot of pain.

The guy laughed, -"It's good to see you like this, weak and defenseless. I feel like I can do anything to you. I've seen all your fights and really, you're impressive, but I always wanted to take you down."

I flipped my middle finger at him, glaring him to death, -"Fuck you,"- With one swift motion, he slammed his leg on my torso and pressed my back on the toilet's edge, educing a sharp cry and curse from me, -"Argh, shit!"

He kept his foot still as he narrowed me, -"He's clever but weak. Can you believe I broke his leg with one kick? He won't get away from my guys."

I knitted my brows, feeling my blood boiling again by his comment, -"You fucking… bastard…"- I felt the air in my lung vanishing, hindering me to speak clearly.

He hurt Marco. He fucking harmed him.

-"He still surprised me. He managed to keep you safe and hidden from us all this time but his luck ran out and you both are done for,"- He leaned closer to me, that annoying and evil grin still plastered in his face, -"I wonder… does this hurt?"- With his thumb, he pressed my forehead, my sensitive and bruised area, and I literally cried in pain at the wave of pain. By impulsive, I grabbed his leg with both hands and tried to push him away but it was in vain.

I'm weak, I'm so fucking weak…

Fuck! Marco out there, wounded and in peril. I have to take this guy down, I have to get to Marco, I have to…

I can't let them hurt him anymore…

I hadn't noted the guy taking a video of me with his free hand, -"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your so called "savior", a weak man who can't even defend himself from one guy, just one. Do you really think this guy is apt enough to save your stupid rights? He can't even fight back, much less save the day."

Come on, Jean, man up! Get the fuck up and break this guy's ass!

-"Oh, and that also goes for his pathetic little boyfriend,"- The guy clicked on his phone and showed it to me, -"Oh, and this is for you."- I saw a vid of him kicking Marco, stomping on his leg. Marco cried and tried to crawl away but from three guys he… he couldn't get far…

He hurt Marco and what're you gonna do about it, huh?!

Marco needs you. He's wounded.

This guy deserves what he did to Marco. He needs to pay!

The thing about anger giving people more power was actually true and I can second that right about now (and in each fight I've been in). With a loud grunt, I shoved the asshole aside by his leg, smashing him against the stall's wall. He didn't expect it and I didn't give him a break to recover. I stood up, completely ignoring the pain in my back and head, and started kicking his leg, -"Do you like that, huh? Do you!?"

-"Fuck, fuck, fuck!"- He yelled, dropping his phone. I noted it was still recording, -"Fuck, stop! That hurts!"

-"Yeah, that's right! You did this to Marco!"- I yelled back, right in his fucking face, -"Take it, you fucking bastard!"

-"Stop it! You're gonna-"- I was stomping his leg so fucking hard that I think I broke his it or his knee, I dunno. He shrieked and cried, literally cried and shed tears, -"Fuuuuuuuck!"

-"How does it feel, huh?! It feels fucking bad, right?! You jerk!"- I griped the collar of his shirt and pulled his face close to mines, -"Hurt Marco again and I'll break your other leg!"

The guy had his eyes wide as he stared at me with horror. He was shaking, gulping his own tears, -"Wh-what the hell are you?"

-"I'm a nobody,"- I readied my fist and hovered near his face, -"And your worst nightmare."- I punched him in the face and knocked him out.

I stood up, panting heavily and stayed like that for a few seconds, staring at the unconscious body beneath me. I should feel bad, right? I should feel pity, I should feel like shit but honestly, I don't. I feel rage and vindictive instead. Before I walked out of the stall, I spat at the guy. Outside of it, I leaned on one of the sinks and breathed deeply, trying to regain my breath.

I outdid myself. I shouldn't have forced myself like that. I felt my arms and legs quavering. I'm still kind hazy after passing out and I feel like I'm walking on a thin rope, prone to unbalance and fall anytime.

I have to get Marco, I reminded myself, remembering painfully how he rushed out of the stall to lead the guys away from me, to protect me. I stepped back from the sink and started trudging out when Marco himself rushed into the bathroom, -"J-Jean… are you okay?"- He asked me, looking around the bathroom, breathless.

I shuffled my jacked in place, -"Yeah, I'm fine. You?"

-"Wait, where's that other guy? I knew he stayed behind because he knew you were here."

-"Oh, you mean this guy?"- I opened the door of the stall I was in and Marco peeked in.

He gasped when he saw the guy's unconscious body, -"Y-you did this?"

I just nodded, looking away from his eyes. Marco disliked my aggressive and ruthless side, -"Yeah, had to. He was the one that-"

Marco sudden groaned and placed his hand on his knee. He staggered but didn't reached the wall to hold himself in time and fell.

I rushed towards him and knelt, -"Are you okay?"

Marco made a painful expression as he did a quick gaze at his leg and then back at me, nodding slowly, -"Y-yeah…"

-"Don't lie,"- I said c and observed his leg, -"You're not okay, Marco, your leg..."

He rubbed it and looked away from me, also shifting his leg away from my eyesight -"It's… just a strain, really."

-"Marco, let me see it."

-"It's fine, Jean. We need to-"

-"Marco,"- I called, with seriousness, and Marco was stunned for a few seconds until he moved his leg back to my sight slowly. He winced when I laid my hand on it and pressed on it, feeling it really stiff, -"Does it hurt a lot?"

Marco nodded slowly, -"Specially m-my knee."

I pulled his pant up from the end of it and displayed his knee. It was red, burning and hard, definitely swollen and possibly broken, -"Can you walk, at least?"- He couldn't run with that wound so we had to be careful and sneaky around the halls –and if they find us, I'll deal with them but I can't overdo myself. My arms and head throbbed –heck, my every joint.

-"I-I think so…"

I hooked my arm underneath his and hitched him up. I let him go and we started walking. Marco winced every time he set weight on his damaged leg; he limped and leaned on the wall, -"Easy, okay? I'll keep an eye out."

-"Jean, we… need to hurry. I lost those guys but they might come back."- Marco warned, continuing to walk with struggle, practically dragging his wounded leg.

Literally right then, we heard murmurs around the corner, -"We saw the fucking video! If we hurry, they might still be there, you dumbass!"

Marco and I looked at each other before I gripped his arm and started pulling him back. There's really no way to hide or escape. With Marco's wounded leg, we're slowed down and we're not getting out of this hall unseen. Still, we tried and quickened our pace.

-"But didn't you see Jean knocking him out? What if they already-"- They held their tongue and pointed at us, -"Over there! Don't let them escape!"

I quickly pulled Marco behind me, shielding him, -"Stay behind me!"

The two guys lashed at me to attack. I fought them off as best as I could but I wasn't in the best shape –plus, they're coordinated. My back ached like a bitch and sudden shots of pain made me froze, leaving me open to attacks. I got a few punches to my face and apparently taking off my bandage was a plain bad idea. These knuckleheads noticed my bruise there and they aimed their attack right there, right fucking there where it hurts the most. I staggered often and leaned on the wall with each impact but they never gave me a break, they kept attacking me.

When they brought me down, Marco suddenly jumped in, literally over one of the guys, giving me a chance to recover, -"Marco, what are you-"

-"I'm defending you too!"- He replied, still distracting both of them for my sake. Believe it or not, he started to fight them, fight them. I was literally drooling while my boyfriend threw punches and kicks, although he only took classes for self-defense, not offense, so his attacks weren't really strong enough to knock the guys out.

After I managed to get back on my feet, I joined in the fray, right beside Marco. We did the same those guys did: coordinate and work together. Both of us were wounded but together, we managed to take them on and it's like a dream come true for me.

-"Fuck you both! Fuck you!"- The last guy on foot was cursing on us, cleaning the blood from his nose. He wanted to bail out but his pride prevents him so.

I clenched my fist, -"Get the fuck away or else."

The guy glared at us and started to turn away when he abruptly lashed at Marco with rage. With my quick reflexes, I took his arm and Marco kneed his abdomen, -"Ow, fuck!"

-"Night', bastard."- I punched the guy's jaw and knocked him out.

Marco bent down, hands on his knees, and panted harshly. His leg gave up on him, though, and he tumbled down on his ass. I knelt beside him, -"Hey, you did good."

Marco just sighed and rested on my chest. He whined while caressing

-"You okay?"

He nodded, -"My knee hurts really bad, though."

-"Let's get the fuck out of here and go home."- I hooked my arm under his legs and back and hoisted him up, bridal style.

Along the way, I encountered a few other jocks and defeated them square. Marco helped me a few times but his knee was really wonky, he could barely walk now. I carried him all the way to my car, feeling kind of hazy myself, after I told Reiner I called it a day. He wanted me to stay but after seeing the condition we were in, he understood why. I had to take Marco somewhere safe to medicate his knee and well, there's me with a huge bruise in my forehead and a horrible pain in my back and nose –and headache too! We're doing great so far!

Along the ride, Marco dozed off after I bought him a painkiller. He wouldn't stop groaning and whining in pain. I swallowed one too. My head's gonna kill me.

I was rubbing my temples while I waited for a green light. It was a bad idea. My eyes started closing on their own as felt a heaviness fall on me. Fuck, I wanna get home, I wanna sleep and I wanna cuddle with Marco forever. I'm not feeling too good. This whole day has been hell for us and I… I don't wanna go back. I don't want to expose Marco again, I don't want to endanger him, I… want him to stay safe. I literally want him to be locked up in some kind of bubble, safe and secure from the dangers outside. I want him to stay sane and healthy, I…

I clutched my chest at the sudden pain.

I can't stop thinking about him. I can't stop worrying about him but we agreed to help our friend, we promised them we'll be there to give fucking hope to the others and-

Right on cue, Reiner called me. I answered, seeing as the red light is not planning on changing yet, -"Yeah?"

-"Hey, Jean. How are you both holding up?"- He inquired, genuinely worried.

-"We're…,"- I was gonna say that we're fine, we're good but really, we're not, -"… we're fucked up, Reiner. We're fucking not okay."

Reiner made a hissing sound, probably at my tone, -"I'm sorry, Jean, I really am but… we still need you, you know? Both of you."

I just rolled my eyes.

-"Today was successful thanks to you both. We managed to get in the school."- He commented, trying to soothe me or something. He's right, though. When Marco and I arrived, those poor bastards couldn't even muster the courage to push their way in.

-"Well, successful for them. My head's killing me and Marco's knee is fucked up."- I said and gazed at him, noticing him stirring on the ramped down chair beside me.

-"We've all suffered, Jean. It's a part of it, something we have to get through and endure. It's a risk we have to take to fight back,"- Oh no, here he goes again, -"You've given them hope, didn't you noticed?"- I did, in fact, -"You gave them strength, a reason to keep moving forward. They thought you were defeated and today, you've shown them otherwise. You've shown them that even after all the trials you've faced, you're still standing and undefeated. You're still strong and eager to fight to protect the one you love, another man."

I was falling asleep again but at that last part, I gazed at Marco and definitely conceded his point.

-"You've proven that you're unmoved by the judges and racist, that you stand firm against society's worst offense against homosexuals,"- He continued and sighed, -"They admire and look up to you, Jean. You're their icon, their champion… and mines too."

I admit, I'm a little moved by his words but all that talk about be being some icon still makes me cringe, -"Look, Reiner, I… I don't know, I really don't know. I'm just… some common guy. All that shit wasn't my intention in the first place. I never asked for it. I was just protecting Marco."

-"And that's when it all started, without your consent. This stuff just happens, Jean. It's destiny. You can't change it no matter how bad you want it to."

-"But what if I don't want it? What if I don't want to be their… whatever they think I am? What if I just want to-"- The light turned green just then, -"Look, talk to you later. Gotta take Marco home."- I hung up quickly, not even letting him reply.

-"Mhm… Jean?"- My boyfriend murmured beside me, -"Who… was it?"

I smiled as I reached for him while keeping my eyes at the rode, caressing his leg, -"Just rest, okay? It's nothing important."

-"O… kay…"- He closed his eyes again and dozed up until we reached my house.

I carried in the latter fashion all the way to my room and laid him comfortably on my bed. Slowly, I took his pants off and placed my palm on his knee, feeling it still stiff and hot. I sighed in dismal as I started massaging it slowly, making Marco groan silently. He winced and bleated abruptly, sitting up and startling me, -"Ouch!"

-"Shit, I'm sorry! Maybe that wasn't such a good idea…"- I scratched my neck, feeling like a total dumbass.

Marco smiled, despite his pain, -"It's okay, Jean,"- He suddenly pulled me down to bed with him, -"Are you okay?"

-"Not really. I'm fucking tired and beat,"- I sat up again and began to stand up, -"But we have to check for a remedy for your knee, see if I have to take you to the hospital."

Marco pulled me down again, shaking his head and pouting his plushy lips, -"We'll check tomorrow,"- He whined, -"Sleep with me, please?"

-"Marco, come on."

-"Pretty please?"- He begged, now doing the puppy eyes I couldn't resist, -"Besides, you need to rest too."

I sighed and tussled his hair, -"Fine, you win."- I took my pants and shirt off, staying solely with my underwear.

-"Yay!"- He cheered, taking his shirt off too and cuddling beside me beneath the sheets, wrapping his arms around my torso and resting his head on my chest.

I kissed his forehead and whispered sweet nothings in his ear, making him giggle and kiss my neck. We fooled around for a few minutes until both of us hit slumber due to the our tiredness.