Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan.

NINETY-TWO

-"Reincarnation, Jean, it's called reincarnation,"- Gabe said after I told him the whole deal about Nick "being" Marco's father, -"And do you really believe in that shit?"

I shrugged, -"I don't -or I didn't, but I dunno…,"- This topic has been swirling around my mind for these couple of days and the more time I spent with Nick himself, the more prone it became. I usually wouldn't go around sharing this type of thing with just anyone but I wanted to get it out of my system, -"I mean, I'm not your religious sort of guy. I don't believe there's actually a God up there but…"

-"Then you're an atheist or a non-theist."

-"So, good ol' Nicky saved ya'?"- Phil asked. We were playing cards again in the yard.

I smiled and nodded, gazing up at the distance where Nick was, watching over me, -"Yeah, last week. Maxson was doing the one thing he does best and he came in and stopped him. Now he's my assigned guard."

-"Good for ya'. Nicky's good people."

Gabe shrugged, -"Bah. He's just like the rest,"- He said and I guessed Nick hasn't saved him enough for him to speak well of him. He can't save them all, I guess. He's just one guy after all, -"And you think he's the reincarnation of your boyfriend's father? Well, now I've heard it all."

-"Hey, it might seem crazy to you, but for me, it feels real."- And like I said before, it scared me.

-"Whatever."- Gabe shrugged again, uninterested in the topic.

While we played and enjoyed the hour, Finn was lingering around, watching me furtively. Since the day I beat him in his own game, I hadn't seen him and I thought that he was taken to another section of the prison or something -or better yet, that's what I hoped. In any case, he was trying to stay hidden from my eyesight and he was ultimately failing. His size didn't do him well in that kind of approach and worse, he didn't like it. He kept puffing and stomping the earth like a baby in a tantrum. He wanted to get to me already and beat me to a pulp, but I had an… "army", for lack of a better word, and he was just one guy.

Eventually, he got tired. During lunch hour, he approached me, saying something about me being a total jerk and an asshole for doing what I did to him. I ignored him -or tried to, really hard- but when he started pestering me from eating in peace, I acted. I turned around abruptly and since I've been keeping myself in shape all these days, I fought him off with ease. The prisoners cheered on me, slamming their fists on the tables in rhythm. Even some of the guards in watch cheered, enjoying my fights and recording them. Some even mimicked my moves. I admit, this was fun, more fun than playing cards with Gabe and boring him to death all day.

Nick was there too, with a smile on his face.

Finn wasn't the only one trying to bother me. Some of his gang pals that were still "loyal"
to him -or any other prisoner- molested me but I drove them all away. Once, in the showers, a guy attempted to rape me, approaching me from behind and slithering his gross hand up my butt. I turned around and elbowed the guy right on his on nose, knocking him off balance and breaking his nose, -"Don't touch me or I'll break your nose again, you sick bastard."- I threatened and sure enough, he didn't laid a hand on me since.

My next visit was different. Marco wasn't present.

-"Fifteen minutes. Is that enough?"- Nick said suddenly as I approached the area. Celine was there, waiting for me.

-"Huh?"

-"Fifteen minutes to talk with your family."- He repeated, smiling. He knew I'd be overjoyed to hear that. He knew Maxson only allowed me to talk to them for five fucking minutes. He knew it wasn't enough.

-"Holy shit… I-I don't know what to say,"- I stuttered at the huge happiness in me. God, I can't wait to tell Marco. I had the impulse to hug the man really hard, -"Um… can I hug you?"

He chortled and gestured towards the visit area, -"Later, alright? Go, clock's ticking."

I nodded and trotted towards my seat and Celine immediately gasped, -"Oh, Jean, it's been so long…"

-"Yeah and I… I really miss you all. I can't wait to get out of here and…"- I sighed at the fond memories of us enjoying the day in her house, like the Halloween party and Christmas.

-"I know you expected Marco but… he stayed home today."- Celine spoke, her voice shaky.

-"Is he okay?"- I asked and it's needless to say how worried I was -and gloomy. I missed him a lot and was looking forward to seeing him but I know Marco's not the only who missed me and wants to talk to me.

-"He's just… really tired, Jean. He's been praying for you all these weeks, staying up at night and only sleeping for four hours. I told him to stay today so he could rest. He didn't want to and we had a small discussion but he's home with your dad. He's alright,"- She exclaimed and sighed, -"And you? Marco told me everything. It's barbarous and monstrous."

-"Yeah, I know, but I'm okay. It hasn't been so bad lately. I mean, I know how to throw punches and defend myself,"- I said, -"So don't worry about me, really."

-"I can't help it, Jean, none of us can. This was not supposed to happen, none of this,"- Celine began rambling and I knew she was also shaken up by all this. I also knew she personally blamed herself for losing my trial, -"You're so young. This is not the place you're supposed to be and you're not supposed to be experiencing this… this nightmare…"

-"Well, it really doesn't matter, Celine. It's the place I ended up in and I have to learn to face it."- I said and she began to cry, because she knew I was right.

She suddenly gasped, -"Oh no, is it time for you to go? It's been more than five minutes…"

I laughed silently, -"No, actually, this new guard, he…,"- I pointed back and peered over my shoulder to look at him and was surprised when I didn't see him there -I mean, right behind me like Maxson. Then again, I wasn't. After all he's done, it's no surprise he'd give me privacy with my family too. I could see him in the distance, just right on the area's entrance, -"… um, he gave me more time, fifteen minutes, so we have plenty,"- Celine was happy at that too and I told her everything I could. With fifteen minutes, it was enough for me to cover my time here, -"How's dad?"- I asked, with just five minutes left.

-"He's…,"- Celine sighed for the fifth or seventh time, -"I'm worried about him. His mind has been delicate since your mother's passing and I fear that this situation will worsen it."

A deep anguish began to settle within me. My dad's not exactly strong minded and during trail, he couldn't even process what was going on. He didn't want to accept or believe any of it, -"I'll talk to him on the next visit, let him know things are fine in here."

-"Jean, I really hope you're not saying that just to make us feel better."

-"No, I'm serious. I really am. It's really alright. If it wasn't, I think you'd notice. You're a psychologist, after all."- I said.

She chortled and nodded, -"You make a good point."

The clock rang and I stood up, -"Take care of them, promise? I'll be out soon and tell Marco that I love him."

She just smiled and nodded. I turned around and approached Nick. Without him expecting it, I hugged him and even though he didn't hug me back because it was kind of awkward, he patted my head and gestured me to follow him. Before I left the area, I looked over my shoulder like I always do and saw Celine still worried. I sighed and looking back at Nick, the craziest of ideas popped in my mind: what if she met Nick? What if Marco met Nick? Crazy, I know. Yeah, I wanna cheer them up because I know they're having it awful out there and I might have lied a tiny little bit to comfort Celine back there -but I wasn't lying completely.

I shook my head. No, it's a bad idea. It just is. I bet they're total strangers to Nick because even though he looks and acts like Marco's father (in a way), he's still Nicholas Cross, not Victor Bodt. He has never met Celine or Marco… or has he? I still have to speak to him about all this but I have to be discreet. This is a really bizarre thing to discuss with a police who probably doesn't believe in the rein… reincarnation thing.

The weirdest thing about all this is the fact that I've never met Victor, Marco's father. I wonder how Marco would react because first off, he obviously met his dad (he knows him) and second, Marco totally believes in this rein-shit crap -and the renaissance shit.

This is the craziest shit I've ever been through.

~ o ~

-"Ow, fuck!"- I cursed as the doctor sloshed peroxide in my cuts again.

-"Hm, they're going to need another two or three weeks to fully heal,"- The doctor pressed the cold, moist towel against my cuts, making me hiss, -"Please, just don't get into more trouble."

-"I think that's going to be a cake-walk. Jean here know how to take care of himself just fine."- Nick smiled, with a hand on my shoulder and squeezing it gently.

-"Come on, Amari, you're starting to sound like Maxson,"- I jibed but really, it was insulting and scary and the doctor didn't liked it. She's like the bitter type of doctor, -"Speaking of which, where is he? Not like I care about him or anything."

Amari, in its fullest, disliked talking about the man and by now, she probably doesn't tolerate me: I make jokes in serious situations, I'm impulsive and I enjoyed fights -I'm also a bit of a masochist, but that's another story. Nick smiled, unlike her, and gaped his mouth to speak, -"He's been suspended for a few weeks but he'll be back. He's the warden's favorite."

-"So, um… how does it work? What is he, a lieutenant or something? Hitler?"- I joked again and Amari sighed.

Nick laughed though, -"Yeah, kind of. He's the one in charge when the warden's not around. He gave Maxson permission to deal with the problems as he sees fit."

-"And you? What are you?"- I asked, curious.

He smiled again and scratched his rear head, -"I'm just a patrolman -in here, at least."

-"And out?"- I quirked an eyebrow.

-"A police detective."

-"Woah, that's cool. I told you you're cool,"- I said, punching him gently on his arm, -"But wait… why're just patrolling here?"

-"Warden's orders. I wasn't exactly… welcomed here but it doesn't matter. I've been sent here to investigate the corruption plaguing this prison and I intend to get it done."- He spoke righteously and seriously.

The doctor coughed loudly and kept gazing at me, -"Nick…"

-"Don't worry, doctor. You think the warden doesn't already know? Why else would HQ send a detective?"- He looked at me and smiled, tussling my hair, -"Plus, I trust Jean."

And that made me smile too, made me feel special in this dump. I trust him too. The man has done a lot for me -and others too- even though his mission differs. Amari disapproved, though. Bitch.

When the doctor finished creaming my cuts, I had to lay downcast on the bed and wait a few minutes for it to make effect. While I waited, Nick kept me entertained. We spoke a lot and I grew curious about him -especially since he was asking me about, well, me, -"I know what everyone says about you."

-"You mean what the internet says about me."- I replied, with a slight shook of my head. It says that I'm a gay, crazy kid with anger issues who fucks an innocent, cute Christian boy (which, in a way, is not entirely a lie). I am gay, I do have anger issues, Marco is a Christian and cute and yeah, we've fucked. It also says that I spoil the Bible and that I've forced Marco into an atheist, that I chain him in bed and I bad mouth all Christians, which is false. That about sums it all.

Nick smiled tenderly, -"True, but I know some of it is false."

-"Like…?"- I inquired.

-"Like the part where you fought those guys without reason,"- He began to explain. Ah, I haven't heard about that one. Guess I haven't seen all those web articles about me -and no, I don't read them all -waste of time- but Marco has, -"I've seen you fight and I can tell you really had a reason for it."

I nodded slowly. Well, that's actually true.

-"And that you enjoy it,"- I made a face and he quickly laughed, -"There's nothing wrong with it so long as you don't overdo it. Believe me, I know how it feels to have your adrenaline running high."

I chuckled, -"Then I ought to see you fighting too."

-"Maybe I'll go all out berserk on someone too and get recorded,"- He joked and we laughed together until he began asking me questions again, -"So, do you have someone important waiting for you back home? Parents? I know you have a boyfriend and that you're really attached to him."

I smiled broadly at the mention of Marco, -"Yeah, I am, and my father's waiting for me too."

-"Your mom?"

-"She's dead."- I said, just like normal.

Nick gasped lowly and his expression changed to regret, -"Oh, I'm sorry, Jean... I didn't…"

-"Hey, relax. It's fine. I came to terms with her passing years ago and besides, you couldn't have known."- I explained and really, it's fine. People always freak out when they ask me about her -or other people with a dead parent- and I can understand them.

-"Point taken and I'm glad you did. Most teens struggle to."

-"Yeah,"- I cleared my throat and began to inquire about him next, hopeful that he'll spill some clues about his "reincarnation", -"So, um… what about you? Do you have someone waiting for you at home when you finish day?"- Fist off, if he's single or not.

Nick looked down for a second and sighed, -"No, I don't."

-"Huh, so you're single?"- I just noticed Amari lingering close to us, to our conversation.

He nodded, -"Mjum."

I gasped dramatically, -"How can that be? Good mister Nick doesn't have his damsel?"

He laughed but I saw… sadness there, solitude. He's unhappy, despite loving his work, -"The people in my line of work don't get the woman or the man, Jean,"- He stood from his seat and gestured me to stand up too, -"Come on, I think it's time for you to wash your cuts."

I slid my legs out of the bed but stayed sit, -"What?"- I exclaimed but as I thought about his words… I understood him, -"Why the hell can't someone like you get the girl, huh? I mean, you're cool, awesome, good looking and-"

-"It's dangerous, Jean."- He spoke, interrupting me.

I stayed quiet. I knew the answer already and in its fullest, I agree with him. If I were a detective too I'd keep Marco far away from me… and of course I'd regret it later but at east he'll be safe. I'm the kind of guy that doesn't enjoy solitude, though, so I'd be feeling lonely in just a few days or so. For me, that leads to depression so in summary, I'll probably end up killing myself…

All for keeping Marco safe.

-"I see you agree with me."- He said, snapping me from my trance.

I didn't answer that. I then wondered how long he's been alone and as he escorted me to the showers, I inquired him, -"How long have you been… you know…?"

-"Alone? Twenty years."

Damn. It's getting to him, as we talked I saw that the loneliness is definitely getting to him. Twenty years? It's a surprise he has lasted this long, -"And you don't even have a family waiting for you? Parents? Aunts?"

He shook his head, -"No one."

-"Wh… what happened to your parents?"- I pried and immediately regretted it when his expression fell, -"You know what, um… forget I asked."

-"It's fine, Jean. They're… they're gone,"- He sighed and composed himself back up, -"My mother died when she gave birth to me and my father got shot during a robbery in one of the local stores. Since then I… I swore to him and myself that I'd cleanse the world of criminals,"- He chuckled and gazed at me, a bit bitterly, -"Guess that was a vindictive fool's wish."

-"How… old were you?"

-"Ten years,"- He answered, sighing again, -"Ever since then I've dedicated my life to study and work hard. When I finished my career in college, I got admitted in the police academy and graduated as one of the top recruits. I managed to stock enough money to rent a small apartment and never looked back. I never knew what happened to the rest of my family. I kept working hard and eventually got promoted to Police Officer I, II and III and… here I am, a detective,"- Nick exhaled and ran a hand through his black hair, -"So, there you have it, my whole life in a nutshell."

-"Damn…,"- I said, lowering my head and scratching my rear neck, -"Hey, Nick… maybe you can't cleanse the whole world of criminals but… you're definitely making it a better place. I mean, since we've met, this dump isn't as bad as it first was."- I spoke honestly and it's not only because I was trying to cheer him up, it's because that's exactly how I felt.

Nicholas smiled, really smiled, moved by my words and that smile was perfect, just like Marco's, just like… Victor's on that picture I first saw him in. It was his first day as an official officer. I almost gasped because right now, he definitely looked like Victor, -"Thanks… Jean."- He opened the door to the showers and waited for me to enter.

-"Yeah, just… don't let it get to you. You're not alone."- Once in, I quickly turned on the shower and took off my suit, not minding at all having Nick in the area.

-"You're really something else…"- Nick commented as he took his switchblade and sliced the bandages off.

I just smiled and washed the cream off my back.

~ o ~

The next day I had my visit with my dad, who was accompanied by Celine. She was keeping a close eye on him; on the last visit, she told me he wasn't doing so good -mentally- and when I sat on my chair and saw him, I understood her. Dad was gaunt, more than I ever was in here, and his eyes were sagged and had bags under them. He hasn't slept like… at all and he looked extremely outworn and afflicted. It's almost as if he's going through another loss… mines.

I have to remind him that I'm still alive.

-"Hey, Dad,"- I spoke and poked my finger against the transparent wall. His head was hung. He was... absent, adrift, not really here, -"Dad?"

He finally heard me and gazed up, slowly. His eyes widened and he quickly picked up the phone on his side, -"Son…? Is that really you?"

I nodded and tried to keep my smile steady, -"Yeah, it's me."- His condition was just fucking heart breaking.

-"Oh my God… how long has it been?"- He spoke, his voice shaky. It's like he thought I was already dead, -"I… I thought you were gone. Celine and Marco told me you were still alive but I… I didn't believe them. I thought they were just saying that to comfort me…"

I shook my head, -"No, Dad, I'm here and alive, right in front of you."

-"God, I'm… I'm sorry, Jean…"- He place his hand on his forehead, unable to cope with himself for having discarded me as dead so soon.

-"No, no, no, Dad, it's okay. I… I also thought I wouldn't be able to last a few days in here,"- I chuckled bitterly, -"But here I am and I'm okay."

-"You… you look good."- He commented, his expression finally softening.

-"I know, right?"- I placed my palm on the wall and looked him straight in the eyes, -"And I need you to be good and healthy too when I get back, okay? I want to give you the best hug I've ever given you,"- Which were few, to be real honest, -"But you gotta get better, Dad. Promise me."

Dad exhaled and nodded, -"I… I'll try, son, for you."

-"And for mom too."- I smiled and after that we spoke some more until it was time for me to go. Saying goodbye to him was hard, especially when he had that heartbreaking look on his face, that terrified look that thought he was never going to see me again. I told him I'll see him on the next visit but he still kept that face.

Once beside Nick, he noticed my gloomy mood, -"Everything all right?"

I sighed and looked back at Dad over my shoulder, -"Kind of. It's my Dad, he's... not okay,"- I then had an amazing idea and hoped Nick would agree to it, -"Hey, during the next visit, can I talk to more than one person?"- I asked and hoped I wasn't crossing the line of our friendship. I wanted to talk to Dad but it's been weeks since I've spoken to Marco and I don't think I can wait anymore without going crazy. I miss him a lot. I miss his adorable face and his sweet voice.

Nick took a second to observe me and when he saw I was serious, he nodded, -"Alright, Jean, but you need to be discreet, got it? I'm not exactly supposed to give you these… advantages. If my superiors find out…"

-"I know, I know, I swear I won't fuck up."- I swore as he led me back to my cell.

-"It'll be fine, don't worry. I'll have your back."

I know he will. I trust him.

Once in my cell, I noticed the hole from Gabe's cell patched up and got worried about him. Ever since Maxson got him good, he's been different… with me and Phil -specially with me. I got the hunch that he was regretting having stood up for me that night. Maxson must have tortured him and in fact, a few days ago he disappeared. Nobody had seen him and not even Nick, who patrols the place. Nick told me of the possibility of Maxson having another torturing cell, especially since the prison was big –"as big as Hogwarts", he said, which was a bit dramatic if you ask me, but I laughed nonetheless.

I leaned against the cell bars and tried to peer at his cell. I couldn't see anything so I called Phil, whose cell was in front of mines, -"Hey, Phil. Is Gabe there yet?"

Said man dropped his head and shook it.

I sighed and sat back down on my bed. I hope he's alright but if only I didn't know better…

Nothing's alright with Maxson.

~ o ~

Something was going on.

I sat up in my bed, woken up by some faint, crashing noises. I stood up and peered at the cells in front of me. No one else woke up. It seems that only I can hear it.

I leaned closer to the cell bars and tried to hear better; it sounds like someone was fighting, grunting and shouting. It sounded serious. It was also faint so the fight was taking place somewhere far. It shouldn't be of any concern, since people are always fighting around here, but it was 3 in the morning, more or less, and Gabe was out there. What if Maxson is torturing him again?

It was enough of a reason for me to try and figure out what was going on… if I can get out of here, which was unlikely. But then I started looking around my cell and spotted that hole that was "patched up". I knelt before it and knocked. It was still hollow and effortlessly mended. I inspected it and whoever worked on it just literally "pasted" the rocks together with concrete, like a jigsaw puzzle. With a lot force, I started hitting it with my elbow and even though it left my bone there aching like a bitch, I managed to make it crumble down and crawl through. Once in Gabe's cell I quickly began to cough at the horrible stench a junkie often has. I was fanning the space close to my face with my hands when I noticed his door open.

What the hell happened?

I observed the area and figured that someone came here and got Gabe out in a hurry, forgetting to close the cell. Shit. I had to think twice about stepping out of the cell to wander out there and probably get lost. Come on, Jean, Gabe needs you. I breathed deeply and set my foot out. You're being dramatic.

I stepped out and began to trot my way across the long, dark halls. Looking up, I spotted several cameras surveying the area. I crossed my fingers and hoped that the cameraman was slacking off -and since no alarm rang off immediately, I could safely say that I haven't been spotted… yet.

The sounds got louder so I must be getting closer; someone was definitely having a tussle around here. I kept turning around corners until I ended up in the darkest hall with the darkest cell and saw Maxson fighting Nick. For a second, I stood frozen in place, unable to react as I stared at them both… literally fighting to death. The one that wanted to do the killing, whoever, was Maxson. He had that same furious look when he tortured me and he was pinning Nick to the wall, chocking him. None of them noticed me until I lashed forward and jumped over Maxson, shrouding my arm around his neck and pulling back as hard as I could.

Nick's eyes snapped wide open at my sudden appearance.

Maxson chocked and started coughing, loosening his grip on Nick's neck to reach for me. I ducked his wide hands and kept pulling back. Nick coughed and stroked his neck, -"Jean!"- He exclaimed while I still dealt with Maxson, who was snarling in anger, failing to get free of my arms. Suddenly, he lunched back and smashed my body against the opposite wall, the one behind me. I felt my whole body crush underneath his heavy one but I still held on. It wasn't until the fifth hit that one of my arms fell down and left me dazed. Maxson gripped my light body and tossed it over his figure and down to the floor. I groaned in pain as he then stood above me and hovered his silenced gun close to my chest. I gasped and my heart skipped a beat. Memories flashed by my eyes, memories of Frank's gun aiming at Marco and shooting him. I then remembered the blood and Marco's weak figure soaked in it, I remember his tears, his faint cries, his... I love you, Jean…

-"Thanks, you saved me the trouble of having to look for you. I lured Nick here to kill him but I might as well get rid of you too."- He grinned as he pressed the trigger.

I couldn't react. I just stared at the dark hole of the gun, unable to even breathe properly.

-"No!"- Nick cried with vigor as he lunged towards Maxson, gripped his arm and pulled it away from me. In that second, the man had pulled the trigger and I heard the bullet make impact on the floor beside me. Nick and Maxson wrestled again while I laid on the floor like an idiot. I saw the detective fight and he was good, really good, but Maxson was just as good -and in addition, Maxson was aiming to kill. Nick was aiming to incapacitate.

I shook my head and managed to snap off my trance. I have to help Nick.

I joined the fight and got knocked more times than I like to admit, getting the hint that this wasn't exactly my business. It doesn't matter. I'll make it mines. I looked at Nick and that was enough for him to understand that we had to work together if we wanted to bring this asshole down without killing him. We coordinated and the first thing we did was throw his gun away. Then, we kept punching the man, dodging his attacks together often, -"Now!"- I grabbed Maxson by his arm and pulled back, leaving him defenseless. Nick quickly punched the man's face but Maxson pushed him off with one leg. He darted his head back to hit me, but I ducked and kneed his back several times. He was getting weaker but angrier and more aggressive. He managed to get loose of my grip and turned around abruptly with a back-hand, hitting me straight on my jaw. I got dazed and leaned against the wall but Maxson pressed me against it with his arm on my neck, squeezing my air out. I saw Nick in the distance growl and lunge forth against Maxson and wrapping both arms around his neck.

-"Jean, go! Now!"- He shouted, holding Maxson back as hard as he could so I could escape. Maxson was elbowing his abdomen with vigor.

But I didn't. Instead, I readied my fists and punched Maxson's face a bunch of times, even when my knuckles ached. I stopped when Maxson was starting to lose his balance. Nick let go of him and clicked his fists. I nodded and together, we punched his face from each side, making his lips purse before he tumbled down, unconscious.

Nick panted while I leaned back against the wall, hands on knees while I breathed deeply. Suddenly, Nick trudged towards me and took my head in his hands, his thumbs caressing my cheekbones, which were sore from Maxson's attacks, -"Jean, are you alright?"

I nodded, resting my light head on his warm and soft hands, -"Y-yeah… I'm fine."

He quirked an eyebrow, dubious of my answer, -"Sure, because you're not about to fall asleep on my hands."

My eyes began to close on their own. I was getting comfy and drowsy on his hands until we both heard someone speak, -"Holy shit…,"- I knew that voice. I perked my head up and gazed at the location where the voice came. I saw Gabe himself inside the torturing cell, eyes wide at us, -"You actually did it…"

-"Gabe?"- I was right, Maxson was gonna torture him! -"It's… it's okay now. We're here to…"- But then I noticed that he wasn't tied to the pole or anything. He was free already.

Nick stepped beside me with a hand on my back, keeping me steady, -"Your friend here lured me here, Jean, on purpose,"- He began to explain and honestly, I was lost, -"Maxson wanted to kill me and since I was investigating Gabriel's disappearance, they reached an agreement."

I stared at Gabe, bewildered, -"You… you want Nick dead too?"

Gabe threw his arm up and exhaled, -"Ah, come on, Jean, don't give me that look,"- He pointed at Nick, -"Ever since you became buddies with this guy, you've been different."

I gasped, -"I've been different?"- I spoke, unable to believe him, -"Are you serious?! You're the one who's been acting like a total stranger!"

-"And you defend him, of course,"- He rolled his eyes, -"I'm not gonna be surprised if you're having it off and shagging with him all the time because I know that's what you like best."

I gasped again, harsher, -"What!?"- The fucking nerve of this guy! -"You son of a-"- I began to stomp towards him.

But Nick stopped me, gripping my shoulder, -"Jean, don't."

-"But-"

He shook his head and looked at me seriously.

I growled and just shoved my shoulder away.

-"Tell me, Jean, what's so special about him, huh?"- Gabe began to speak again and I swear my blood boiled like never before because for starters I fought for this guy, I stood up for him and I… I trusted him! -"He's just a kid trying to play the good cop where none exist. He's an idiot, Jean, and would you really follow an idiot around? He's trying to make this prison a "better" place by making it his."

I shook my head. He doesn't even know what he's talking about.

-"He's a spy and you know, spies can't be trusted because-"

-"That's enough bullshit for one night, Gabe,"- I spat, glaring at him, -"Shut. Up,"- I then gestured towards Nick while still glaring at Gabe, -"This "idiot" has done more than you ever did in this dump, you fucking drug addict. He saved lives and made people's life here safer -or at least mines. He's different from those assholes and he's trying to make things right in here."

-"Oh yeah? Then why didn't he come when I needed him the most, huh?"

-"He was coming, dumbass, and you knew it! But you decided to sell him out!"- I clenched my fists, -"Which makes you that much of a jerk."- Again, I began to step close to the cell he was in and even though Nick told me to stop, I kept stomping in.

-"Look who's talking!"- He laughed stupidly, -"You're the one who's a real jerk! You're a murderer!"

-"Aren't we all?"- I gripped his suit's collar and pulled his face close to mines, -"How could you? I know we're not good people but this was a bad move, Gabe. You know Maxson, you know he was going to kill or torture you afterwards, you know he was going to go after me next and yet you still did it, even when you knew Nick was coming for you. After all I've done for you…, how can I trust you now?"- I thought about this whole situation and maybe I'm being a bit dramatic. I mean, it's not even about me to begin with. It's about Nick and his mission here. I just… meddled in like I always do.

In whatever scenario, though, Gabriel is selfish. He didn't want to get tortured for no one so he accepted the deal. What's more, Nick was also investigating the drug trafficking here to stop it and Gabe definitely doesn't want that, -"I'm sorry, Jean, but... I don't want this guy to fix anything. Things are fine the way they are. I mean, it's not worth the effort of standing up and try to change things just because we don't like it."

-"But… I though you…"- Those things you said about me at first…

-"And you, with that attitude and bad temper, you're not going anywhere. People are just going to hate on you, Jean. Hell, I'm starting to hate on you, especially now with your venereal "partnership" with this guy,"- He… he was okay with Maxson's plan of slaughtering me. He was cool with the man but how…? Why? I thought he was my friend…, -"Look, Jean… there are no "friends" in prison. You can't trust anyone. "

When will you learn, Jean?

-"Then why…?"- Why did you stick with me?

-"Well, you're extremely hot and… yeah, hot."

I felt my chest tightening up. I gritted my teeth, clenched my fist and pulled it back, ready to… to fucking smite his stupid face! The asshole shrieked and covered his face with his arms, shrinking back against the cell's walls, -"You… motherfuck-"

-"Jean,"- Nick called and I swear, it's like Marco again, like when he always calls me when I'm about to… to fucking kill someone without realizing, without even thinking. Marco did, though, and for my own good, he… he always stopped me. Nick placed his hand on my raised arm and slowly, he lowered it, -"Easy. Anger makes you unstable and dangerous. It makes you hurt those you love. Trust me, I… I know what it does."

I was really fighting the urge to smack his face against the asphalt but Nick's words were… soothing, calming… like Marco's. It was also serious. He wasn't saying that only to calm me down. I exhaled and dropped my arm, trying to look away from Gabe's terrified expression.

-"That's better,"- He said, squeezing my shoulder reassuringly. He then turned to Gabe, -"Gabriel, I need to know where you are getting your stash of drugs."

Gabe gulped, -"What're you gonna do, "hero"? T-torture me?"- And tried to hide his fear by acting tough.

-"If I have to, yes,"- Nick said, calmly, and here I was tapping my foot angrily. If he doesn't speak for another second, I'll get the answer out of him myself, -"But I know I won't have to resort to that with you, right? I know you're a reasonable man."- Nick got closer to him, intimidating Gabe and the guy did shrink back but he was still stubborn and wouldn't even gape his mouth.

So I lost the tiny bit of patience I had, as expected. I growled and lashed towards Gabe, pinning him harshly against the wall, ignoring Nick's calls again, -"Tell him. Now."- I gritted my teeth and glared at him.

Gabe's eyes widened in terror, -"I… I was wondering when you'd snap,"- He said, gripping my arms, -"I-I knew there was… more to you than a good looking, nice and honest guy. You were…too good to be true…"

I snarled and pressed my arms harder against his neck. Then, when he coughed for air, I'd move my arm back a bit and then abruptly pressed again, leaving him gasping for even more air.

-"You're not… who you appear to be…"- He slurred and gagged, his grip on my arms loosening. He kept gaping his mouth, probably to speak, to spill out the info Nick was looking for but…

-"Jean, that's enough!"- Nick shouted and pulled me away.

Once loose, Gabe fell and coughed, -"… M-Martin… Hugh…"- He finally said, head hung, unable to look at me anymore.

-"The one in charge of the supplies…,"- Nick spoke, thoughtful, with a hand on his chin, -"But supplies are delivered once a week…,"- He suddenly gazed at me and knelt beside Maxson's unconscious figure. I saw him furtively taking some keys into his pocket. He then stood up close to me, -"You need to head back to your cell. I'm going to the surveillance office and delete the footage of your escape but I need you to keep this between us, got it?"

-"But what about…"

-"I'll take care of the rest,"- He said and with a firm hand on my shoulder, he looked straight at my eyes, -"Just promise me you'll stay quiet in your cell."

I just nodded.

-"I know you will. I trust you."

As he led me to my cell, I thought about his mission and how dangerous it really is. I began to worry about him, -"Hey, Nick…"

-"I don't have much time, Jean. We'll see each other again and then we'll talk, I promise."- He closed the cell and locked it.

-"Just…,"- The curiosity was killing me but more than that, the worry for him, -"… stay safe, alright?"

He stared at me for a few seconds until he smiled and just… left. I leaned against the cell bars and peered at his leaving figure. The man looked over his shoulder but I couldn't see his face. It's too dark. I then sighed and returned to bed, with hands on my face.

I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight.