TW: Physically and emotional abuse, rough language.
Erwin is gay in this story series.
Yes I stole the "don't disappear line" from Heartstopper.
To say freshman year was difficult for Marco would be an understatement.
One raining & chilly night, Marco's father found his collection of BL mangas. Marco's only outlet into LBGTQ+ community. Marco had known since 7th grade he was gay, but coming from a strict and religious family, he knew he had to keep it a secret until he was out on his own.
But everything changed that night. Marco had just returned home from hanging out at Armin's house. Home just before his 9:00 curfew. His father was waiting, sprawled out on the kitchen table were all his mangas.
"Explain yourself", his father growled. His mother just sat at the table crying.
"Are you a homo?, why are you reading this....this trash"
Marco paled, he was never good hiding his feelings, he wasn't a very good liar when it came to his parents.
"There just fiction...." He mumbled.
"Marco Andrew Bodt! You answer me honestly, unless I need to get my belt"
Marco swallowed, the back of his legs still a bit scared from when he didn't empty the trash and dishwasher on time. It had honestly just slipped his mind.
"I'm not gay" he said weakly.
"Give me your phone....NOW!" His father held out his hand.
Marco knew better than to disobey. He handed his phone over, not allowed to have a passcode he father was on his Home Screen.
"What's Tinder??" He asked
"A dating app"
"Do you use it?"
"Yes"
"Yes what??"
"Yes sir"
Marco's chest was filling with dread. It was all over.
His father was scrolling through his profile.
"There are no girls, why? It's all boys? Why is that Marco?"
Marco stayed silent. That proved to be a poor decision.
His father was across the room in a flash and slapped him hard across the face.
Marco held back the tears. This wasn't the first slap he's experienced from his dad.
"You're not one of them are you?"
Marco was silent for a moment and then something snapped. He didn't know if it was due to being more confident at school, thanks to Jean, or knowing he had an ally at school. His government teacher Erwin Smith. He had given him the advice to not let anyone make himself disappear.
"Yes"
His father glared, his mother gasped.
"What did you just say?"
"I'm gay dad, a homo, a f** a c*ck s*cker! Been this way sense 7th grade, even younger, happy now?!! Marco snapped back.
Marco was expecting a slap. But was met with a closed fist to his right eye. Knocking him to the ground. He could see through the blur of tears his dad get his leather belt.
"Get over here. I'll beat the gay outta you"
Marco tried to get up, but his head was still spinning. He then felt the sharp crack against his lower back, and was back on the floor.
