Complications Throughout Generations

Chapter 185

Eren's POV:

"I am on the verge of a breakdown." I mumbled into Jean's neck as he gave me a tight hug in the locker room.

"You can have your breakdown after the game."

"Fine." I whined, fixing my hair. We both ran out onto the court and I immediately looked for Zeke. He wasn't hard to spot but I had mixed feelings about him being on the bleachers. Happy he was away from me, but sad that I couldn't fuck him up in this game. "Anyone you know?"

"See that blonde with the wavy hair?" Jean said, passing the ball to me as we warmed up on our side of the court before the game.

"Yeah?"

"His name is Niccolo. Kinda shocked he'd be playing basketball."

"Why?"

"Because when I knew him, he was a chef." My eyes widened at the realization of who he was.

"Is that the dude Connie was jealous of back then?" I laughed.

"Oh yeah," Jean smiled, "Niccolo was in love with Sasha."

"Did Sasha like him back?" My eyes found Sasha in the bleachers and she was making direct eye contact with Niccolo. God damn it.

The game started but I was benched for now. Jean was our starting forward. While football was my forte, basketball was his. How could it not be when you're 6'3 and built like you're made of stone. I tell myself that if there was anyone on this Earth besides Levi, it would be Jean. But even if that were to happen, it would cause too many problems. Specifically because of Mikasa and Armin. Oh, Armin...

He still hasn't exactly gotten over the situation with Jean. Meanwhile, Jean has kept away from hook ups and fuck buddies. He learned his lesson hopefully. I'd say he should try working things about with Marco again but he said he still needs time.

I watched Jean grab the ball that was passed to him and went for a layup, earning points for our team. They all ran to the opposite side of the court as our team switched to offense. Jean had about 5 inches on the player he was blocking so getting in front of him was going to be a challenge.

"Eren, go in for Jean." Our coach said. I stood up and got in position on the sideline so the referee knew to bring me in.

"Kicking me off?" Jean laughed as they ran back to defense.

"Of course." I smiled. After a few moments, the whistle was blown and I was able to enter the game. I got in position and followed the ball from player to player. I tried my best to get open, ultimately being passed the ball. Being off the block and at a 3 point line, I made my shot and watched it fall right into the net. We all ran to the other side of the court, setting up as defense. I saw there was only 2 minutes left on the clock for the first quarter. I hope this game goes by quickly. To be honest, I'm shocked Jean even convinced me to play again this season.

"Eren, I know you don't want to do anything with your life but you need to keep pushing. I'm proud of you, you know?" Jean awkwardly said, surprising himself with his words.

"Wow, never thought I'd hear those words." I smiled as he stayed by me while I bench pressed 195lbs.

"Well, it's true. We need you. Hell, I need you. You're the only thing that hasn't made me want to run full speed into a wall."

"Cute." I strained, trying to put the weight back.

"I'm serious, Eren. You're my best friend. I hate seeing you like this. You know that if anyone gets what you're going through, it's me and Reiner."

"I know," I sighed, realizing he was right. Levi's still alive and breathing. Jean lost Marco once and Reiner has lost Bertolt...twice.

He put his hands on my shoulders and looked down at me with sympathetic eyes.

"Stop being a freak." Then he kissed my forehead. We both looked around the weight room and saw a bunch of people looking at us. "The fuck you looking at?"