Helping Others Out

Chapter 6

I don't think I ever had any sort of schedule for this fic, but I'll definitely be posting a lot closer together now that it's summer and I'll have time to write and post as long as the job I hopefully get doesn't make me too lazy.

Like I said at the end of the last chapter, that was the calm before the storm. And this? This is only the beginning of the storm. Marco talks to Mikasa, gives Jean some advice, and the rest is history.

Trigger warnings: depressing thoughts, mentions of self-harm. Sorry. (It doesn't show the actions of the harming, it only mentions it, but it's at the very end of the chapter, and it's very short, so ... if you're still triggered by that, please, please, please be cautious. I love you all, and I don't want any of you to hurt yourselves.)

There are just over 2590 words in this chapter.

~O~O~O~O~O~  

Two weeks had gone by, and Marco had gone on another two dates with Margaret during that time. It was a bit frustrating that things were going well, because if things were going to keep up for any longer, he was going to have to ask her to be his girlfriend.

Of course, he was glad he had made a new friend, but he didn't want that kind of friend.

These were the thoughts that were swimming through Marco's head as he made his way towards the secluded area where he and Jean normally exchanged advice during lunch. Jean was helping Marco with his dates, and Marco was helping Jean to actually get one. When he got there, Jean was already waiting for him.

Still a little distracted by his thoughts as Jean started talking, he completely missed everything Jean had said.

"I-I'm sorry, what?" He shook his head clear.

"Nothing, nothing." Jean bit his lip and smiled, a slight red tint apparent on his cheeks. "Uh, I was actually wondering if you could give me some tips on actually asking her out? I mean, we've only been going over flirting and being smooth and not losing my confidence around her."

Marco nodded his head and smiled, despite not actually wanting to. But Jean's his friend---his friend he just so happens to be in love with---and he would do anything to see Jean smile.

~O~O~O~O~O~

"Hey, Jean," Marco greeted as he walked towards him after school later that day. "I told one of my teachers I'd help them grade some tests after school today. Do you mind if I go now?"

"Yeah, sure. That's fine." Jean smiled lopsidedly. Marco's heart did a 360 as butterflies fluttered painfully in his stomach. "See ya, bro."

Ah, there it is, Marco thought as his heart sunk, smile still in tact---as always. The friendly term of endearment I just so happen to love so much. "See you."

He turned and headed to the south wing of the school, where his 'teacher' was waiting on him. In all reality, he was going to talk to Mikasa.

"What was it you were wanting to talk about?" she asked as she saw Marco walk into the room she was waiting in. "Can we make this quick? Practice starts in five minutes."

Mikasa was in a band with Eren, Armin, Levi, and Annie. Eren was the drummer, Armin was the lead vocalist, Levi was the bass guitarist, and Annie did the backup vocals. Mikasa played the electric guitar. Despite being such a misfit group, they were actually pretty good.

 "H-hello to you, too," Marco stuttered in surprise. "I just wanted to ask you a favor really quick."

"Shoot."