Chapter 6

Jeremy stands by the door, waiting for Erwin's arrival. Once again, the other boy hasn't called or texted him yet and Jeremy has been feeling restless all morning. Something is wrong with Erwin. Jeremy didn't understand why he invited him over until now. Of course, it had nothing to do with the fact that Jeremy enjoyed spending time with him, but because Erwin is still upset about last night's incident, he couldn't bring himself to invite him. But as much as Jeremy hates to admit it, he does enjoy having Erwin around. At times like this, when Jeremy can tell that he's hurting badly, he wants to comfort Erwin as much as he possibly can. Maybe that's why Erwin insisted to come over at 7:00 instead of the usual 5:00 PM. Jeremy has no idea what went wrong between Erwin and his parents, but judging from the look on Erwin's face when he told him, he probably didn't get an apology. Even though that seems unlikely, Jeremy is sure that whatever it is will pass eventually. He's determined to keep Erwin company through everything. 

Hey! A cheerful voice says loudly, snapping Jeremy out of his thoughts. "You ready? 

Jeremy nods and opens the door for Erwin to enter. They both step into the house and are greeted by a very excited looking mother. 

Oh, hello Jeremy! Mrs Smith exclaims. How are you?

I'm fine. Jeremy smiles happily.

You sound happy! Mom giggles, clapping her hands together.

I am! Can you believe this guy and I are friends now? Jeremy chuckles.

Mom smiles. Yeah, I'm glad it worked out well. Erwin smiles lightly at her response. Mrs Smith looks at Erwin curiously, making Erwin's smile fade. She must notice Erwin's sudden change in attitude.

Uh oh. She says to Jeremy. Do I need to leave? Before he can say anything, she waves a hand dismissively at him. Don't worry, dear. I'll be upstairs doing some chores if you need me.

Jeremy nods. Thanks, mom! He says as she walks to the stairs. After shutting the door behind her, he turns to Erwin with a puzzled expression. Erwin sighs.

She asked what the problem is. I guess I'm being stupid. Erwin shrugs, sitting down on a chair in front of a mirror.

What?

Nothing. Jeremy sits down on the couch next to him. Erwin puts a strand of blonde hair behind his ear nervously. Jeremy raises his eyebrows, waiting for more of Erwin's words.

I just wanted her approval. He says quietly.

And it's alright if she said no? Jeremy asks confused.

It's not like I haven't asked her before, you know. Erwin huffs, running his fingers through his hair. He stares at Jeremy for a few seconds before looking away. She told me not to push myself and everything was going great at first. Then we got into the whole situation of me being gay. Then she asked me what I was doing on New Year's eve and that made me realize how I was acting and I was mad at myself.

Huh? Jeremy furrows his eyebrows.

When I was younger, I had a crush on someone back when I was 15. I was thinking of telling him that I was gay and I started to panic because I realized I liked the person but then I started to get worried he might not like me back. That was one of the reasons I tried to distance myself from him because I didn't want to hurt him by telling him that I liked him. 

Wait... Are you saying that your father and I could have been like that? Jeremy gasps, looking at Erwin in surprise.

Yeah, I guess you could put it like that. Erwin shrugs.

Well, what does he think about you liking boys? Jeremy asks curiously.

He won't accept it cause he loves me. Erwin laughs humorlessly.

I see. Jeremy says, nodding. Okay. What should I do?

I don't know, man! Erwin says frustratedly, throwing his hands up in the air.

Come on. Think about what else could go wrong? Jeremy suggests.

That's easy! He points to himself sarcastically. It's obvious what's wrong with us!

No, it isn't, Jeremy objects. It really isn't. I mean, just try explaining to him that you're gay and that you love him because honestly, what else is there to say?! If you tell him it's because you were lonely, you might make things even worse. And even if it's not true, you might still break his heart. That wouldn't be right. Besides, he knows you like girls. He won't be able to accept that you like guys, too, you know? 

Erwin stays silent.

Exactly. Jeremy continues. I mean really, how many other people are like us? No offence but most people here probably never considered that possibility, let alone accepted it. If you just try talking to him about it then maybe he'll understand. Jeremy says with a hopeful smile.

Maybe he will. Erwin nods.

Okay. Then, Jeremy claps his hands. Let's start by eating our lunches, shall we? Erwin gives a faint smile.

Yes, sir! Erwin salutes, laughing.

Jeremy shakes his head and joins Erwin on the table while Erwin grabs his food from his bag.

After lunch, Jeremy takes a long shower before changing into shorts and a tank top, then heading downstairs. His dad is still in the kitchen cooking dinner, which is good because he needs some help after the day he's had. He sets the table as quickly as possible while hoping that Erwin hasn't eaten before he arrives. Soon enough, the smell of grilled cheese wafting throughout the flat reaches Jeremy.

Smells amazing! He shouts cheerily as he enters the living room. 

Eren perks up.

Hey Jeremy! Where've you been? Eren asks with a mouthful of a sandwich.

Out with Erwin. Jeremy explains, placing his bag down on the armchair before sitting down and grabbing another sandwich.

What did you two talk about? The brunette asks curiously.

Oh, y'know... Nothing special. Jeremy smiles as he talks. How 'bout you, bro? 

Oh, I've been playing with Mike. He answers cheerfully. Hey, I have something for you, Jeremy. Eren says, handing Jeremy a red envelope filled with cash.

Really? Thank you! Jeremy says happily as he opens the envelope. Erwin sits across from Jeremy, watching him carefully as he counts the money. When he's done, he hands it back to Eren and gives him his thanks. As they start their meal, they catch up about school. While they're chatting away, Eren suddenly remembers something.

Say, Jeremy, is it cool if we visit a friend later? Eren asks.

Sure, why not? Jeremy replies, smiling. Is it a girl or a boy?

No way, Jer! It's my cousin! He laughs. It's a girl. He blushes slightly.

I'm assuming you talked her into coming along since she agreed so easily? Jeremy asks, amused.

Yup, I can be persuasive, you know. Eren smirks proudly.

I know! So who is she? Jeremy asks curiously.

The little brat! He grins smugly.

Why little brat, exactly? Jeremy narrows his eyes playfully.

Just kidding. It's Levi Benson. He rolls his eyes.

Ahh~ A cute boy? Jeremy teases. Erwin scowls at Jeremy before glancing toward Erwin. Jeremy tries not to laugh at how red Erwin's gears are turning.

Haha! Yeah, I suppose. He rolls his eyes again. But anyway, what do you think about him? 

Erwin, are you serious? Jeremy splutters in disbelief. Why would you ask that?

Because you don't seem to taken with him, that's all, Eren answers simply as he shovels his salad into his mouth. Jeremy feels his face heat up. Oh shut up! Eren giggles in reply. 

By the way, where'd you get your new suit, Jer? Eren asks curiously, gesturing to the red coat draped over Jeremy's shoulders.

A new client gave it to me, Jeremy tells him. Erwin nods absentmindedly.

How was work today? Eren changes the subject, changing the topic from his previous conversation with Jeremy.

It was okay. I managed to meet with someone. Erwin explains. Jeremy nods excitedly.

Who was it? He asks curiously.

I think you remember him? Erwin says.

Levi? Yeah, sure! Who wouldn't remember? Jeremy snickers.

So I finally talked to him. Erwin pauses thoughtfully before continuing.

Yeah? About what? Jeremy looks interested.

I finally explained what was bothering me. We ended up discussing some personal stuff that had been bugging me. Then he said he needed a favour. He asked if I could help him look for an apartment and I agreed. He gave me this number and said he needed to move out. Erwin shows him the piece of paper he wrote down a phone number on.

Oh wow, Levi's a big deal now, huh? Jeremy jokes.

Yeah... I guess so. Erwin admits awkwardly. I don't know much about Levi personally but I can't he'll ask for help from anyone unless he wants something from them. He shrugs lightly.

Yeah. That makes sense. Jeremy laughs softly, pushing his fork around on the plate. Do you need help finding an apartment? He asks hopefully. 

I think I got it covered. Erwin says quickly, smiling at Jeremy. Thank you though. 

You're welcome.