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Chapter Text

Marco's pov

I was called into Mr Smith's office, something regarding Jean and Eren's fight, I don't know why he called me in, I have no part in those two idiots fights, it's like they live in each other's heads rent free.

I softly knocked on Mr Smith's door and firmly says, "Mr Smith, just letting you know, I had no take in Jean and Eren's fight today."

Mr Smith states firmly, "I know, since you are close with both boys, I hope you would find the cause to all these fights."

I walked into the classroom and asked with a defensive tone, "what makes you think I have the answer, I literally dumped Jean today, cause one more fight with Eren, and it's over, I told him over and over again. Today was my breaking point."

I sat down in front of his desk I continue to complain, "... I told Jean that enough was enough and that's it's over, seconds later he gets into another punch up with Eren, it peeves me off, so i don't flipping know why they intend on fighting each other so badly."

During my rambling, Mr Smith, gets up from his chair and walks to his 17th Century globe, and opens it... He brought alcohol on school premises, more specifically, The Yamazaki type of whiskey.

I said firmly, "sir that is illegal, alcohol is not permitted on school grounds, you can get into a lot of trouble sir."

Mr Smith raised an eyebrow and said sheepishly, while smirking a little, "it can just be our little secret Marco."

He sighs and says with a firm tone, "in all honesty, I do not know how you, yourself is not an alcoholic at 16."

I state in a matter-in-fact tone, "well my daddy says alcohol messes with the adolescent brain, since it's still developing."

Mr Smith bluntly says, "you need a new daddy."

He brings two glasses and the bottle, I had a closer look at the bottle, turns out it is apparently, 55 years old. I say with a know-it-all-tone, "my daddy has a celler full with that type of whiskey, as well as The Macallan Highlands Whiskey, he has 62, 57, 55, 65, 81, and 72 year old whiskey, he also has at least 55 bottles of The Macallan Lalique Golden Age of Travel Single Malt Scotch Whiskey."

Mr Smith poured the whiskey into both glasses, He says blandly, "Wow your father has a lot of money to throw away, buying expensive Scottish Whiskey. He has so much alcohol and yet, he won't let his 16 year old son, have a few sips occasionally. Your father makes me look like a cheap whore for buying Johnny Walker."

I gasps, I can not believe Mr Smith would use the H word, "Mr Smith, how dare you say the H word, my Mummy says it is very degrading and misoginistic." I expressed defensively.

Mr Smith rolled his eyes, He sighs and gives me a glass, he blandly says again, "Whore actually starts with a W Marco. Smartest kid in the class, and you don't know that. How sheltered are you? God your parents are so uptight, they need to get laid."

I furrowed my eyebrows, he gives me a look and sighs, "Oh God, you don't know what getting laid means? It means, your parents seriously need to fuck each other."

I gasped, "Mr Smith, how dare you say the F word and the lord's name in vein?!"

"drink now. Do you know what fucking is?" Mr Smith asked (hopefully) not seriously.

I was agape, "how dare you use the F word again?"

Mr Smith gave me a confound look, "you got to be kidding me, Bodt. Drink your drink, one sip won't kill you, actually one drink won't kill you, actually you need this drink. Drink up."

He hands me my glass, I gulp it down in one quick gulp. Once it hit my stomach it started to heat up and then slowly, it felt like there was this fire inside me. My body tingled and I could feel a small tingle in my chest. And then, everything was warm, but also freezing cold.

I started screaming, "OH MY JOLLY GOSH!!!!"

I heard Mr Smith say loudly, "Oh my god, you live in a house filled with Scottish Whiskey."

Eventually, I briefly blacked out for a bit.

I woke up and saw Mr Smith standing above me, he said firmly, "maybe alcohol is not the way, maybe you need to get laid. I should call your parents and ask them to buy you sex toys. Actually, no, they'll freak out and call CPS, because they are so uptight."

I was jaw dropped, "Oh my Jolly Gosh, that is very extremely inappropriate."

He rolled his eyes, "You seriously need it Marco."

"STOP!" I exclaimed, I got up and said firmly, "everything that came out of your mouth has been very inappropriate."

Mr Smith crosses his arms and sighs again, "Is it really inappropriate when you really need to hear it, how about tonight you just stroke your cock tonight before you go to bed."

I screamed with gritted teeth, "I'M OUTTA HERE!"

I quickly got up and stormed out of the classroom, he called out, "you'll thank me later!"

I stormed my way over to my house.

When I got to my bedroom, I immediately started reading the Bible, more specifically the verse, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 and Matthews 5:29-30.

After reading those verses 100 times, I got on my knees, place the Bible on my lap and put my hands together, I prayed quietly, but firmly, "My Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give me today my daily bread. Forgive me my sins as I forgive those whom sinned against me. Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil."

I said that at least 100 times, then prayed a different pray 100 times, "Father in heaven, I stand before You today in Your omnipotent presence to ask that You grant me strength. I want You to give me the strength to power through all of the tasks today, whether little or big. It is by Your will that I live oh Lord. And I know it is also by Your will I will not go weak today."

After saying that prayer 100 times, I prayed again, "Dear God, everywhere I walk, let it be on your path. Everything I see, let it be through your eyes. Everything I do, let it be your will. For every hardship I face, let me place it in your hands."

Unfortunately, I only said it 69 times before Mum interrupted me, "honey, Miel?" She asks in a very soft but concerned tone.

I firmly said to her, "you could not wait till I said it 31 more times? Now I have to restart the entire thing again."

Mum says softly with a concerned tone, "You don't need to do this ritual, every time you are stressed out, it is unhealthy, I contacted Father Hannas about it and he is also very concerned for you. He suggested that you take time away from the church and to stop reading the Bible."

She takes the white and gold Bible from my lap, I yelled grabbing the Bible tightly, "NO, my school is filled with sinners. I need to do this so Satan doesn't get to me."

She tries to take the bible off me and says firmly, "This ritual is getting out of hand, the pastor agrees, you have over 1000 crosses in your room. I can not believe I am saying this, you do NOT need God, you need help! This is not healthy."

I yanked the Bible back and yelled, "NO, I NEED TO PROTECT MYSELF FROM SATAN!"

She lets go of the Bible and says firmly, "Marco Alejandro Bodt, this is not over, you do not need God, you need Professional help, even the priest says so."

She storms out of the bedroom and I start my ritual all over again.

Chapter Text

Marco's Mother's pov

"Marcus, Marco is doing it again! I try to stop him but he keeps claiming that Satan is everywhere!" I called out.

Marcus looked at me, with a bland look in his brown, monolid eyes. He was holding a scotch glasses with cross engravings and an engraving saying, Joshua 1:9 under one of the crosses.

He says blandly, "Ava, he'll be fine, it's just a little quirk he has."

I was jaw dropped over that statement, I grabbed Marc's chin and firmly said with gritted teeth, "Even the priest agrees that this... obsession is very unhealthy. It is not a quirk, it is an obsession."

I let go of Marc, and sighed a shaky sigh, "we need to stop going to church, throw everything religious out...."

"hey hey hey, Ava Ava Ava, this will make Marco's anxiety, if it is an obsession, it will make Marco's anxiety worse. How about we get Marco a therapist? How the one that worked with my Dad?" Marcus adds, seriously.

I yelled, "seriously, 1. She is in Italy and 2. you killed your Dad!"

Marcus looked at me, took a sip and said in a serious tone, "he was about to kill my brother."

I looked at him and yelled, "so you say! where the hell did you get that million dollar suit?!"

I don't know why I attacked his suit, He says firmly, "technically, it is not just a suit, it's a Stuart Hughes Diamond Edition suit and it's actually, $1,260,981.00"

"WHERE DID YOU GET THE MONEY FOR IT?!"

He sighs, Marcus takes a sip of his drink and says calmly, "again, I told you multiple times, I inherited 58 Million dollars from my father and I used 8 million to start up a very successful liquor company. You are very worried about Marco and you are taking it out on me, next it'll probably be Angelo and Madilyn, then it'll be your parents, then your brother Javier, then his kids and his wife, all because you are worried about Marco. It's not just him that needs help, it's you too."

That kinda shut me up, I didn't even realise how much I've been yelling at him, but he was right, I've seen this happen to families in church and seen how it affects the kids.

Marcus calmly reassures me, "Ava, if we stop going to church, because of Marco's quirk or obsession, The youth ministry will struggle without you, Madilyn loves youth groups because her amazing mother is the one who organises them and is the top volunteer over there."

I hugged Marcus, goodness he know how to be a sweetheart. He asks softly, "I should get a therapist for both of you."

I nodded, he takes another sip from his glass, he says softly, "Ava, you do more for the church than me, I just give them money and wine, you on the other hand, you organise events, help the community, participate in community events and help the church's charities."

Marcus whispers softly, "I'll check on Marco."

He kisses my forehead and walks to Marco's room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marco's Father's pov

I walked into Marco's room, his baby blue walls were covered in different types of crosses, some with Jesus on them, some with little button hearts on them, some have flowers on them, some have Bible verses on them, some are made with resin, some made with metal, some were made with different types of wood, some were ceramic.

I saw him sitting on his double bed, with black covers, Marco was holding his Bible, staring that the gap between the bed and the wall.

I asked softly, "Marco, are you ok? You got your mother really worried about you, to the point it's driving her crazy."

Marco said in a horse but a bland tone, "I need to be baptised."

I sighed heavily, "you've already been baptised at 3 months old, your mother literally planned your baptism 5 months before she was pregnant with you. She wanted your baptism to be perfect and it was, we literally have a video and lots of pictures of it."

Marco asks with the same tone, but more firmly, "I need an exorcism."

I said firmly, "trust me, you do not need one, but if it'll make you feel at ease, you mother and I could look into it. But the priest won't find anything wrong."

Marco looks at me with wide eyes, he yells, "My school is possessed by Satan!"

I rolled my eyes and calmly say to him, "Marco, your school is not possessed, it's just kids being kids. It's not sinning, they are not possessed by Satan."

He gave me a look that I could tell that he wanted to kill me. I gave my father that look once, I knew it was my que to leave the room.

Chapter Text

Marco's pov (next day)

I pulled out one of my draws, I grabbed a white button up shirt and a pair of blue jeans. I put them on and grabbed my cross necklace.

I put my cross on, I grabbed my books from another draw and put them in. Unfortunately for me, I have history with a teacher that told me to get laid.

I dreaded leaving my room but I walked out anyway.

"Marco, have a good day at school." Mum called out, followed by Dad calling out, "Also Marco, No one in your school is a sinner, nor is Satan there."

I rolled my eyes and said blandly, "see yeah."

I pretty much walked to school.

When I got to school, I kept my head down, especially in history, yesterday I found out that my history teacher Mr Smith is uh... It think.... wait... I don't know how to word this.

I dreaded going to history class, but I did it, I went to history class.

Inside the classroom, but usually we could sit anywhere we want, not today. Mr Smith had a sitting arrangement on the white bored.

Jean and Eren were sat far apart, ok, I get it, their fights are very disruptive, but sitting me next to Armin at the front row, right in front of Mr Smith's desk... Armin has been missing for 2 months.

Jean and I always sit next to each other, he works better next to me, even tho he is my ex, he does work better with me sitting next to him, he needs me, also his mother pays me to tutor him.

Thinking about it, it sounds kinda narcissistic. Everyone went into their seats and I sat in the front alone.

Everyone was seated and Mr Smith started teaching, for some reason he said smirking, "Ok class, um, I was talking to a student yesterday about religion and it got me thinking, we should talk about cults and religions instead of the roman period. Put your hands up, if you want to continue the roman period."

All hands including mine came up. Mr Smith looked a bit surprised and said in a monotone voice, "I should have read the room, spilling me, on to the Romans."

We learnt more about the Romans. I, for some reason kept looking at the globe he had in his classroom. OH goodness, is he drunk? Has he been drinking? Has he had a drink today?!

Gosh, I can not think, we're only less than 5 minutes into the lesson. 30 minuets into the school day, this is not like me.

I quickly put my hand up and exclaimed, "Mr Smith, I need to desperately need to go to the toilet!"

Mr Smith gave me a wink and happily said, "sure Marco."

I quickly made my way to the bathroom with my bag.

When I arrived at in a toilet cubical, I literally read 126 pages of the Bible before going back into the classroom.

"Marco, I thought that you weren't coming back." Mr Smith stated, then he smoothly went back to teaching.

I sat in my... now assigned seat. As Mr Smith was teaching the class, I was just staring at my blank work book.

Eventually the bell rang and Mr Smith came to me and asked, "Hey Marco, I know you want to read your Bible during break, but I won't let you, cause imma give you proper lessons as... You're pretty sheltered."

I felt my face go hot, I quickly asked, "are you talking about... God please forgive me for my next 2 words..."

The whispered, "...Masturbation and sex?"

Mr Smith put his elbow on my desk and used his fingers to rub his temple, "oh Lord, you seriously could benefit from this."

I yelled, "DON'T SAY THE LORD'S NAME IN VEIN!"

Mr Smith gave me a 'you got to be kidding me' look. "oh my God." He whispers.

"YOU JUST DID IT AGAIN!!!" I exclaimed.

He sighs heavily and says, "i'll be drunk by lunch."

The just keeps getting worse, he looks at me dead in the eyes with his... ocean blue eyes.

"Do you know how babies are made Marco?" Mr Smith asked curiously.

I just gave him a reply that my mother and father Hannes told me when I asked that question.

"When God feels that you're ready, he implants the baby in your tummy, like what he did with Mary."

Erwin asks again, "how does God implant the baby in you?"

I was stumped but it quickly came to me, "He is the almighty, he is powerful, he has the ability to implant a baby inside whoever he chooses, my mother showed me proof, twice with Angelo and Madilyn."

Mr Smith faced palmed, "oh Lord this is gonna be challenging." He muttered to himself.

I yelled again, "STOP USING THE LORD'S NAME IN VEIN!!!"

Mr Smith rolled his eyes, he says firmly, "You need to calm down, and God did not impregnate your mummy, your daddy did that."

"But virgin births are real right?" I asked with shock, jaw trembling and looking at Mr Smith with wide eyes.

He shook his head, I exclaimed, "BUT GOD IMPREGNATED THE VIRGIN MARY WITH JESUS!"

Mr Smith says firmly, "For humans, it's impossible, but certain animals, yeah it is very possible. Certain shark species, Komodo dragons, certain snakes, pythons and boas, uhhh whiptail lizards, and certain marine animals. Virgin births are possible, but not for humans, Virgin Mary must be liar, was 14 when she gave birth to Jesus."

He did not just say that to my face. My world is shattered, none of this has to be true... NONE OF IT!

I don't know what happened, but I just remember running home, it was just a blur.

I remember screaming at Dad, "Virgin Births are not a thing!"

and boom black out.

Chapter Text

Marco's Father's pov

I was on the phone with a branch in Monsaraz Portugal branch of my business. Some jackass managed to destroy $12,000 worth of wine and $50,000 worth of whiskey.

Honestly, how is that possible, worse I'll have to up the prices just to pay for the 1/5 of the damages, rest will have to be payed out of pocket.

While talking, I was hearing some beeping, I said to them that I'll transfer them to one of my younger brothers either Tristan or Alessandro and transfered them to both brothers.

I answered the other call, I yelled, "what!"

I soft female voice spoke, "Hey Markie, it's Petra from the school admin."

My face flushed, "Oh Petra, I didn't think you'd be intere-"

"it's about your son Marco..." She interrupts.

"... Something happened during break and he ran off school property, we contacted the police to look for him."

I was just in shock, my own son ran from school, I had a lot of thoughts running in my head until, "VIRGIN BIRTHS AREN'T A THING!!!"

I saw my son Marco collapsed, I saw the front door wide open. I said calmly, "Petra, call everything off, Marco ran home."

Petra said in a soft voice, "Okie Markie, I'll call you tonight."

I replied firmly, "Ava will be home."

I hung up put the phone down, I walked over to Marco.

I crouched down, Marco had a pulse and is still breathing. I turned him on his side and shook him a bit, "Marco, Moo Moo." I called out softly.

He wakes up a bit. I mumbles and moans, "I'm sorry daddy."

I picked Marco up, and took him to his bedroom, and tucked him into bed.

I grabbed Marco's stuff cow, it was 2 shades of brown with a cookie charm around it's neck. It was a crochet plush.

Marco love that plush, he named that plush Cookie, it's because an old primary school friend brought it for Marco.

He said that the plush reminded him of Marco, he used to call Marco Cookie because of Marco's freckles. That friend and his parents died in a car accident, only the little brother survived.

The boy's name was Marcel Galliard, his little brother was Porco.

Ava and I tried to adopt Porco, so him and Marco would have each other to lean on. But it didn't go through.

At least, every year on Marcel's death anniversry, Marco's birthday, and Chrismas, Porco would send Marco a different cow plushie, hand made or not.

As far as I know, Porco just thinks Marco's like cows. They haven't seen each other since Marcel and his Parents funeral... Oh crap, now I know why Marco went religious crazy.

I left Marco's bedroom and went to the front room where Marco collapsed. I saw my phone, I grabbed it and called Ava.

It rang for a couple of minutes, until, I heard Ava's voice chirp, "Hey Markie Boo."

I said firmly, "Ava, Marco ran away from school, he came home and collapsed. He had a pulse and was breathing fine, so I picked him up and took him to bed, He snapped Ava, he fucking snapped. When you get home, we're having a serious talk about Marco."

Ava was quiet on the other end, it felt like forever, she quietly says, "thank you for letting me know Marcus, on my way home now."

She hung up and I put my phone down. Oh Lord, today is not a good day, I lost $62,000 worth of liquor and my son finally snapped, then collapsed.

I sighed and sat down. I looked at my phone, I was getting messages from Tristan asking how to pay off the damage.

I just couldn't bring myself to message him back. "Dad is everything ok?"

My head shot up, it was Marco standing near the table. I asked softly, "Is everything alright Marco?"

He nodded and quietly said, "yeah, it's stuff just work stuff, is everything ok with you?"

He replied quietly, "I found out virgin births aren't a thing."

I nodded, and quickly texted Ava that Marco was up and talking. She thanked me.

I said softly, "Marco, long story short, um, you know the saying don't believe everything you see on the internet?"

Marco nodded, I explained, "same can be said for the Bible, NOT everything in the Bible is a lie. But there some stuff that is, sceptical, exaggrated or just a straight up lie, but there are stuff in the bible that have physical evidence to support it."

Marco nodded, I reassured Marco, "you can be a true catholic and not believe everything that is said in the Bible."

Marco nodded, I could see he was in deep thought. I decided to change the subject, letting him to process everything.

"hey Marco, do you think you would be in a good mental state to work instead of school or should I just ask the school to give you 2-3 weeks off?"

Marco looked at me and asks, "what about grades and school work?"

I replied softly, "you can do the school work at home, your mother and I will orginse that, where there is less pressure. I feel like that your mother and I put a lot of pressure on you. So doing your school work whenever you want, put you have to at very least give 30 minutes a day to do your school work."

Marco nodded. We both heard the front door open. It was Ava, she chirps, "I'm home. When you told me Marco was up, I thought he might want to talk to you one on one, so I took a couple of detours, stopped by at the post office, I'm assuming Porco is giving Marco an early birthday presents or found something he knew Marco would love."

Ava walked in and said happily, "Hello Marco, I heard what happened at school,I hope your little gift from Porco cheers you up."

I said blandly, "it's gonna be another cow plushie, like Marco doesn't have enough already."

Ava gives Marco the parcel, Marco softly says, "I love the plushies he gives me, each on is diffrent and unique, the cards in the parcel are about the plushie, he gives them name and personalities."

Ava and I gave each other positive looks, we only knew about the gifts, not the cards. That is cute. Marco eagerly opened the parcel.

"Oh my goodness, there are two gifts in here. One is a plushie cow and the other is some type of turtle."

Marco pulled out a white and purple cow with dark purple overalls with a light purple flower on it and the turtle that is light beige with a pink shell with a white swirl.

Ava happily says, "aww that is sweet."

Marco pulled out 2 cards with some writing on them, Marco smiled and walked to his room.

Ava says softly, "off to making the thank you cards, we seriously gotta get those two reunited."

I softly smiled and said, "yeah, also I'm gonna contact Marco's school asking if he could have 2-3 weeks off school to get his mental health back on track."

"what about his work?"

I got up and said softly, "He can do it here, so long he takes minimum 30 minutes of his day of school work."

Ava walks up to me and asks whispering, "are you sure this is the right move? what will he do during his free time?"

Crap, I turned around and said, "ok, I did not think this through, but I will find something."

Chapter Text

Marco's pov

2 days into my 3 weeks off school and I have not touched the bible once in the past 12 hours.

Dad has been keeping busy with school work and working on one of his sport cars. I know he has been keeping me busy, but I have noticed he seems unnerved and tensed.

He has been restless, he has been doing this winding movement with his wrist a lot, like it's a nervous tic.

Whenever we would be doing school work at the table, he would be pacing around the table a lot.

We're in the garage working on his 1990 mazda Miata mx-5. He was talking about random stuff.

"... Maybe we should get angelo to work, pretending to you, the EB games in Trost memorial Mall..."

I wasn't paying attention we finished my school work for the day anyway. He asks softly, "Want to go target shopping with Mr Finger and Pieck? There might be a chance Porco might be there. It'll give you two a chance to reunite."

"What if he isn't there?" I asked softly

Dad softly smiles and says, "it gives you and Pieck a chance to bond, although you would have to be very careful and patient with her as she has both cerebral palsy and fibromyalgia."

I nodded, Dad got up closed the bonnet of the car, He smiles and says, "Let's get in the car."

Dad and I got into his Miata and we took off in his Miata.

We both headed to Trost mermorial hospital, We parked next to a disabled parking spot and a mini van pulled into the disabled parking.

Dad and I left the car and walked to the other side of the van and saw a man pulling a girl with long, black hair and tired looking eyes.

The man says happily, "Hey Marcus."

The man looked somewhat similar features to the girl. Dad said happily, "Hey Oliver."

He looks down and says softly, "you must be pieck.."

Dad wrapped his arm around me, "...Pieck this is Marco."

We both said hi quietly to each other. Oliver says smiling like a Cheshire Cat, "by the way Marcus, I got tickets for Ferrari for us to watch then afterwards we can go Kmart and Target shopping."

Pieck says softly, "My father's first car was a Ferrari."

Dad softly smiles, and chuckles, "My father in law's horse is named Enzo, he is a retired race horse."

Dad got his phone out, and showed off Enzo. Dad smiled and said happily said, "Enzo is nearing his 20s, very gentle and cuddly but very energetic."

Both Oliver and Pieck awwed at the photo, Pieck asks softly, "do you get to ride him?"

I softly said, "no never rode him once, he is in Spain."

All of us started making our way inside the mall, Pieck was talking about the wicked musical she went to.

"... It was amazing, I loved how Glenda floated onto the stage and the songs, oh the songs were amazing, Marco, you and I should go and see a musical."

Dad smiled and said softly, "The only musical Marco goes crazy about us Grease."

I felt my face hot and exclaimed, "not my fault John Travolta is in it, he is like so fucking hot."

Oliver laughed, "Marco he is older then your Grandfather."

Dad quickly corrected him, "Alvaro is 78, Travolta is 71."

Oliver looked at Dad, then looked at me and said firmly, "he is still old enough to be your grandfather."

Dad softly chuckles, stretches the back of his head, "my Dad would have been 71."

Weird thing is, Dad is very emotionaless about his father's death, kinda concerned me. My grandfather was murdered, and Dad acts like it was nothing.

While walking Dad saw a doughnut king, and asks, "Hey Marco, do you want a caramel doughnut? maybe a hotdog, with onion and both bbq and tomato sauce?"

Pieck asks softly, "ooh can one of you check if there is a sushi place near by?"

I had a bit of a look, and saw 3. I looked at Pieck and said softly, "I see 3."

Pieck clapped and said, "lets go."

I went behind her wheelchair and pushed it towards the sushi places and to see if there is anything she likes.

When she found a place, Oliver came over to us and said softly, "hey Marco, your father got you a 6 pack of fresh cinnamon doughnuts, 6 pack of caramel doughnuts and a hot dog."

I said softly smiling, "thanks."

I went over to look for dad, he was at a table with our food, I joined him and was closely followed by Pieck and her Dad. Dad had a bit of a brooding look on his face.

I asked softly, "are you alright Dad?"

He looks at me and puts on a fake small smile, "yeah I am. Just work stuff, for you some doughnuts and a hot dog."

I took the hotdog and took a bite, as he took a sip from his coffee. Pieck and her Dad walked to the table and sat at it.

Everyone talked, during this socialisation, I received a text from Mr Smith.

For some reason my heart started racing and goosebumps formed, I opened the text, it read, "where did you go my star student? I miss you 🥺."

it was followed by a picture of my empty desk.

I felt a bit light headed, Pieck softly said, "you look a bit pale."

Dad chuckles, "yeah, he spends a lot of time inside."

The everyone around me continued to talk, I just kept staring at the text. The more I stared at the text, the worse it got. I wanted to throw up. I couldn't stand it. I had no idea why I suddenly felt sick.

As if a switch was flipped inside, I stood up abruptly and excused myself.

Dad asked softly, "everything alright?"

I nodded, "yeah, just need to go to the toilet."

I quickly headed to the nearest toilet, I went into a cubicle and we'll... you can say that I relapsed, I pulled out the bible app on my phone and started reading it.

Luckily I only go through 1/30 of the bible, before leaving the cubical and washing my hands.

I came back to the table, Oliver said happily, "aye Marco, we were getting worried for you."

I just replied blandly with, "Tough number 2."

Dad slowly nodded, but that same broody look was on his face, but it was more subtle, covered with a fake smile.

Oliver exclaims quickly, "oh shoot, the movie is about to show in 30 minutes."

Everyone quickly ate up our food and rushed to the cinemas to grab our seats. Oliver and Dad brought Pieck and I milkshakes, while my dad brought a glass of scotch.

Chapter Text

Marcus' pov

I was watching a movie in a cinema, with Marco, Pieck and Oliver... kinda disappointed that Porco didn't join, turns out he had to go to Hockey Practice.

I'm really glad that Marco and Pieck get along, Marco used to be a social butterfly, not sure what happened, but after Marcel's death, Marco only reserved to himself, and started becoming religious... HE WAS ONLY 11!

As the movie played I slowly took sips from my scotch... unfortunately it's not as strong as the usual whiskey I drink. In the food court I got the news that the only brewing branch I had in the US blew up, 9 employees died.

It was 6.5 million dollars worth of damage, what am I doing wrong? Right now as of this moment, I only have a couple mil in the bank.

Thinking about it, maybe people found out that I killed my father when I was 16, I hope they do find out it was self defence... Also I really don't want Marco or even any of my kids finding out what I did, I just want them to think it was a simple murder.

He was a wealthy man, one of the richest guys in Italy, he would have a target in his back, and yet the thing that killed him was me.

It was either him or my twin brother Adam. That man was very cruel towards both Adam and I. Tristan and Alessandro narrowly escaped his wrath.

Thanks to the abuse Adam alone put up with, I'm still surprised that Adam survived, despite the trauma to his brain, he can't even hold anything properly, he can't even form a word.

He has 4 sons and he is emotionally distant and detached with them. He is terrified that he'll become a monster like Dad. I guess this is why I am over protective with my kids, although in the past I have been very dismissive of them, especially Marco, but I gotta try my best.

I must have been stuck in my head, cause I didn't realise that the movie was over or what movie we even saw.

I heard Pieck excitedly say, "we get to go target shopping."

Pieck, Marco, Oliver and I left the theatre, Oliver and Marco have asked me if I was ok multiple times during the day, I told them I was fine, but fucking hell, I just want to scream into a void.

We walked to target, Marco and Pieck took off, into the shop, Oliver and I sat at the rest area.

He pressed more firmly, "Marcus, now that the kids are gone, can you tell me what is really going on?"

I said quietly, "In Portugal, I lost $62,000 in damages, but the building is still standing, $62,000 has been payed off. But today, I got the news that I lost $6.5 million, cause my only US branch, blew up, 9 employees died... I don't know why but I keep thinking that this might be related to what I did to my Dad."

Oliver sighed and said, "Marcus, the only article that showed that your father's killer was you, the article headline said, 'teenager forced to kill his billionaire Dad' the article itself showed evidence that your father was abusive, both yours and Adam's names weren't even mentioned. But that was the only article that gave the full truth. The other articles just say that a teenager killed your father, some say cold blood, some say self defence. But all articles to end with that no arrests were made."

I sighed and nodded, he reassured me, "the damages have nothing to do with what happened to your father."

I nodded, then said, "I only have a couple mil in the bank, I just finished paying off the $62,000 debt, I don't know how I can pay off the 6.5 million debt."

Oliver reassured me, "do not worry, I'm here. I can write a check."

I looked at Oliver with wide eyes and said firmly, "I can not take this money Oliver, you need it more then I do, I can just close down a few branches and up the prices."

Oliver shook his head, "No Marcus, after I adopted Porco, you have been nothing but gracious to me, you got me help with the NDIS, you got me a house with ramps and rails for my daughter."

I shook my head, I tried explaining to him that I can't have him giving me his money that is clearly needed for his daughter's expenses.

Oliver sighed and said, "I insist that you accept this cash, its just a little something to ease your worries until you figure out a better solution for yourself and your business."

I gave Oliver a half smile and said quietly, "thank you Oliver, but you have a daughter that is physically disabled, wheel chaired bound and suffers with chronic pain. Yes, you are getting benefits, but you have asked for just a little extra for your daughter's needs. So no Oliver, I can not accept your money."

Oliver smiled, "ok, so you're going to close some of your brewings then?"

I nodded slowly, "Looks like the one in America won't ever open again. I'll have to call the guys and tell them not to bother with repairs. I should close down the 5 branches in Australia and the 2 in the UK, 1 in Ireland, 1 in Wales and 2 in Scotland. After I'll raise the price by 20%. We'll start with that."

Oliver joked, "huh, the Irish are not gonna like that."

I softly smiled, "neither will the Aussies, My beer is 5th most popular beer in Australia. But my Whiskey hasn't been that popular in Ireland."

Oliver exclaimed, "YOUR BOTTLES ARE OVER $1000!"

"The cellar bottles?" I asked.

Oliver face palms, he mutters, "oh Lord."

We could see Marco and pieck leaving target with their mechanise, I said blandly, "don't say that in front of Marco."

I asked with euphemism, "what did you guys get?"

Pieck said with a huge smile on her face, "Marco got some painting supplies, I suggested he should give painting a go."

I breathed a laugh and thanked her, Oliver asked, "Do you guys want to grab one last thing to eat before we go home."

Everyone agreed, I added, "lets go grab some early dinner, I'm in the mood for some steak, plus Marco needs some iron in his bones."

Pieck says excitedly, "ooh, I feel like some lamb."

Oliver softly smiles and says, "Pieck loves her lamb."

We all laughed softly, I smiled and said excitedly, "I know a good restaurant near here."

Marco and Pieck squealed with excitement, we all headed to our cars and drove to the restaurant.

When we got to the restaurant, and we quickly got a seat.

While socializing, the waiter asked for our orders, Marco and I got a 400g rump stake medium well, with mash and Diane gravy. Marco got chips as well.

Oliver got a some pork and mash, while Pieck had, lamb chops, mint jelly and mash.

With the drinks, I got the kids and Oliver soft drinks, while I just pretty much said, "give me your strongest whiskey."

Waiter took off. Marco says softly, "today the turtle plushie was actually from Pieck, The cow plushie still came from Porco, she actually makes the plushies and helped Porco giving the plushies names and personalities. Porco was paying her to make them."

Oliver smiles softly, "Pieck loves to crochet plushies, before her mother died, the two used to crochet together."

Before Oliver could say anything, the waiter interrupts, "Hey sir, the strongest Whiskey we have is The Bodt's Revenge, red label. But that is $500 per glass."

I looked at him and firmly stated, "not even the gold label... fine i'll take the red one."

The waiter took off again, Marco looked at me with a... disappointed look. I asked him, "everything alright Marco?"

"The Bodt's Revenge, that's the name of your liquor brand and brewering? Romans 12:19, God tells us to never take revenge and to leave it to the Lord. God is the ultimate judge and when we seek revenge, we are taking His place." Marco states firmly.

Now the waiters bring out our food.

Chapter Text

Marco's pov

I was on the drive back home, I asked Dad, "Dad are you hiding something from me? Do you really know who killed your father?"

Dad said firmly, "no and no. I called it The Bodt's revenge because, I want to get revenge for my Dad, but I can't if I don't know the guy. Plus the name is kinda badass."

I sighed and sat there, again, I got another text from Mr Smith, "when will you be back my star student? I want a date."

I typed in, "idk sir."

I put my phone in my lap and seeing, the trees pass as we drive. I just can not shake off this feeling that Dad is lying or at least with holding the truth, it's very unsettling.

When we got home, I immediately ran to my room, left my stuff in the car.

Mr Smith messaged, "Come on Marco, I really need to see my star student again. How about you meet me later tonight?"

"why?" I replied back.

I layed back, grabbed my tv remotes and decided to put on a random tv show. I got a text from Mr Smith again, "When will your parents be asleep?"

I just sent him a shrugging emoji. He texted again, "when your parents go to bed, sneak out and come see me. Don't want your grades slipping 😉."

I sighed and texted, "I'll think about it."

I got a knock on my bedroom door, turns out it was Mum. She asked softly, "hey Marco, why did Jean send a text to me?"

I got off the bed and opened the door. I said causally, "I don't know, I literally dumped him not too long ago."

Mum nodded, and asked, "Are you still full from your father's early dinner?"

"Not really."

She smiles softly, "okie, Madilyn and I were going for a spa evening, if you want to come, afterwards we'll just get KFC."

I softly said, "yeah, sure."

"go get ready." she beams as she walks off.

I decided to get ready to go out and met mum at the front door and Madilyn was there too.

We head to the car.

During the drive I asked mum, "do you know that Dad's Brand is called The Bodt's revenge?"

"Yeah." she replied softly.

I asked with a shocked, "don't you think it's weird or messed up?"

"not really, it's just a brand name, Mr Clean could be a hoarder for all we know. Jack Daniel's could be owned by an Emma Brooke, we don't know. Snapchat could be owned by someone who is introvert and hates talking to people, we don't know."

I sighed heavily, then quickly said, "should we take Grandpa's murder into account."

Mum sighs and said again, "it's just a brand name."

We went into the spa and went in, we were taken to a room and well the usual spa things go on.

I was literally getting a facial, mango flavoured clay mask, and my nails were getting done, Mum on the other hand were socialising with the workers and other women.

Madiyln was sitting next to me and said with a sassy tone, "Mum is such a chatter box."

I looked at her and said firmly, "I wasn't this mean when I was your age."

She gave me a dirty look back, 10 year olds are so mean. She said with a sassy tone, "Here comes Father Hannas."

"don't be mean." I pressed firmly.

She rolled her eyes and ask the lady, "can you do the cherry blossom pink for my nails please?"

The lady tells her yes, and decides to paint Madilyn's nails as I see father Hannas walk by, he sees me and says with an astonished tone, "Oh hey Marco surprised to see you here? You're nose is always in the bible or the hyme book."

I lied smoothly, "haven't read the Bible in 2 days."

Hannas gave me a look and asked with a puzzled tone, "uh is this part of your healing?"

I just shrugged my shoulders. Madilyn pointed to me then made circles with her index finger near her ear.

Father Hannas said to Madilyn firmly, "Madilyn be nice to your brother, he has gone through a lot."

Madilyn groans and rolls her eyes. Father Hannas says firmly, "no eye rolling Madilyn."

Madilyn huffed than said with an attitude, "that you and mum like to do kiss in mum's bedroom, does not mean you are my father."

I looked with Madilyn with wide eyes, "uh... what?!"

Madilyn smirks, father Hannas tells me reassuringly, "nothing is happening between your mother and I, plus infidelity is a sin Marco. You would know that."

I slowly nodded my head. Now both parents are hiding things from me. The true Origin's of Grand father's murder and a secret affair between Father Hannas and Mum.

Father Hannas also added, "another thing Marco, your mother mentioned that you have some concerns about your Dad. Should we organise a confession appointment?"

I shook my head and said, "Mum said it's just a brand name."

Chapter Text

Armin's pov

5 months ago, I just remember, I was in my classroom, Mr Smith was letting me watch videos on his laptop, I mean, I did ask about this certain stuff, but I can't remember what videos they were.

Although physically Mr Smith was very affectionate, he cares about his students and his subjects... after all he is the one and true God.

He always reminds me that I am just his subject. Currently, I am in a room and another boy was thrown in, he screamed and yelled, "Oi Oi, let me out you old fuck."

He was kicking and hitting the door but I couldn't see what he looked like, cause my glasses were taken away.

I could here him crying, then I heard him say, "you're that boy from the TV. You've been missing for months now."

I whispered, "I am so sorry, he is god tho, I could not refuse it."

Chapter Text

Marco's pov

It was 9pm, everyone was asleep, I watched my window as I saw Mr Smith's Holden SUV pull up.

I opened my window and felt the cold air on my face, I climbed out of the window, quickly and quietly.

Then ran to the SUV and got in the passenger seat. Mr Smith was in the driver's seat and the car was very warm when I got in the passager side.

He smiles softly and says, "finally got you out of your comfort zone. I like that in my students."

I said quietly, "well I found out that my parents might be hiding stuff from me and my siblings."

Mr Smith sighs and says, "good thing I got you just in time... Maybe a bit late."

I nodded and we drive to his house

when we got to his house, first thing I noticed was how huge and gorgeous it was. It had a fountain in the front yard.

I asked with astonishment, "how can you afford this with a teacher's salary?"

The house was made of white bricks, black tile roof. The windows are gold, but not tinted.

He softly smiles and says, "inheritance."

I nodded, we got out of the car and into the black but golden doors.

I felt the warmth of the house embrace me as I walked in. Mr Smith softly says, "I kept it nice a warm for you Markie?"

I quietly said, "family and friends call me Moo Moo."

Mr Smith did a long but quick nod and said causally, "I've noticed that especially with Jean and Eren, when they took to you."

He walks to somewhere and I follow him, Then I saw the kitchen, black pots and pans over the black, wooden island counter, The kitchen counter was marble with gold lining.

the walls were while but lined with gold, the house had a modern, yet sophisticated look. He asks softly, "Can I make you dinner?"

I sat down on a black leather chair, I said softly, "I had 2 dinners tonight, one at a restaurant and KFC."

He smiles softly, breathes a laugh and asked, "Should I make you a snack or something to eat instead?"

He grabs a pan and asks, "do you want me to make you Pizza pockets? I just use, tortillas, cheese, pepperoni, and tomato paste."

I nodded, he grabbed a tortilla and cut it into 4 strips, he put them into a plus shape, He put the pepperoni, cheese and paste on, wrapped them up.

Mr Smith then put them on the pan and heat it up. I asked softly, "Mr Smith, did your parents hide things from you?"

He looks at me and asked smirking, "Did someone find out that Santa or the Easter bunny isn't real?"

I shook my head and quietly stated, "My Dad might be a murderer and my mother might be kissing the priest behind Dad's back."

Mr Smith raises an eyebrow, "I need more information. Who did your Dad kill?"

"My grandfather, Dad was my age when it happened, it was a big thing back in Italy." I said quietly.

He slowly nodded, then asked, rubbing his chin with his thumb, "what about your mother and the Priest?"

"My sister Madilyn told me that Mum was kissing the father Hannas."

His eyes widened then said, "Kid's don't lie about stuff like that, which means your mummy is doing more then kissing Father Hannas."

My eyes widened, "THEY ARE CUDDLING?!" I exclaimed.

Mr Smith flips the food over and says, "I keep forgetting how sheltered you are. So you know there is sex right? Unfortunately for you no one went into depth to it."

I quickly said, "sir you don't need to, I'm fine, I can wait till I'm older."

Erwin pulled a astonished look, he said quickly, "no no no, you are at the age of consent, you need to know this."

I quickly said, "I really don't."

Mr Smith put whatever he made on a plate for me and he grabbed his laptop and typed up... Pornhub into Google.

I grabbed his hands and quickly said, "It's not necessary."

He firmly said, "it is."

He put on a video, i's of 2 men kissing, I tired looking away, Mr Smith firmly said, "Marco you need to see this."

I quickly said, "Sir this is very intimate, I shouldn't pry."

I looked again the men started taking each other's clothes off and they start touching each other's intimate spots.

I again, said firmly, "I should not pry, this highly inappropriate."

Mr Smith pauses the video and says firmly, "your parents will not teach you about this, you need to know about this, you'll thank me later."

He let the video play and made me watch it, it was 20 minutes long, the two men did it... The video ends with one men shooting white liquid into the other man's anus. I can't believe he made me watch that.

I asked quietly, "what happens next?"

Mr Smith answers softly, "there is something called after care, it usually involves, clean you and your partner up, cuddle and soft kisses sometimes sleep, sometimes a second or third round."

"WHAT!" I exclaimed.

Chapter Text

Marcus' pov

A week later

I was laying in bed, and Ava was sleeping soundly, I kissed her freckled forehead and admired her beauty.

So I decided to get up and walked out of the bedroom, I went to wake up Angelo and Madilyn for school. While walking toward the bedrooms, I walked past Marco's room.

I heard some talking, I pressed my ear against the door and... fucking hell, he is reciting certain Bibles quotes. More specifically Matthew 5:28 and Colossians 3:5.

I firmly knocked on the door and said firmly, "you better not reading the Bible."

He immediately quiet down and I moved to his brother's room, I banged on the door, "time to wake up Angelo!" I yelled.

I heard him groan and his feet shuffling, so I moved to Madilyn's room, opened the door and softly say, "hey princess, time to get ready for school."

Madilyn sits up and I go and close the door. I walked to the kitchen, and started making eggs and bacon for them as well as some veggie frittata.

While making breakfast for the kids and Ava, I got a knock on the door followed by a women calling, "Postie."

I walked to the door, opened it and saw post women, Yelena, she says softly, "Hey Marcus, Ava's candle supplies are here. Also do you want me to come back in an hour to drop the kid's off at school?"

I nodded and said, "yes, also Marco isn't going to school today. So when you drop Angelo off at the high school, can you collect Marco's homework? I'll let Petra know ahead of time."

Yelena softly smiles and says, "I can certainly do that."

She walks downstairs from the veranda and gets on her motorbike and drives off. I walk back inside, with Ava's candle supplies.

Speaking of my beautiful wife, She was in the kitchen helping with the cooking, I asked with a sweet tone, "Since when did you get into candle making?"

She giggles softly, "since my mother's birthday is coming up."

I smiled and kissed her cheek, I noticed she looked very refreshed. I asked her, "How was the spa day?"

She sighs playfully and says, "long overdue."

We shared a soft peck on the lips, She says softly, "I gotta stop by at the crystal store, you know my mother, she loves her crystals."

I nodded and said softly smiling, "take Marco, he can seriously use the essence."

We both laughed and kissed, Madilyn and Angelo came into the kitchen, we served them breakfast, Angelo says, "Marco is reading the Bible again."

"I'm taking it off him and locking it up." I said firmly.

Ava just sighs and says softly, "take it when Marco is out with me."

I nodded, Angelo and Madilyn finished their breakfast. Madilyn notices the candle making stuff, She asks with an annoyed tone, "Are you making candles without me?!"

Ava softly smiled and said, "Once you're back from school, we are all making candles for abula's birthday."

"What, we don't get to enjoy them?! YOU SUCK!!!" Madilyn yells, before walking away to the front door.

I called, "MAY! Are you gonna forget your lunch? You don't want your cabanara with bacon bits, cheese and crackers, apple and blackberry popper, and some garlic chicken and rice? You know what, I'll give it to Marco, He'll appreciate it."

I never seen a little girl turn around so fast, "NO NO NO, I WANNA I WANNA!!" She squeals.

I smirked as she ran back to the kitchen to grab her lunchbox. I chuckled, Angelo grabbed his lunch box.

Yelena came back and both Angelo and Madilyn got the que it was time to go to school, I messaged Petra that Yelena is coming over to pick up Marco's homework.

Once Angelo and Madilyn left for school, Ava starts unboxing the candle stuff and setting it up.

She starts laughing, I asked smiling back, "what is it?"

She giggles, "I didn't get changed. Marco is in his room, minding his business, the other 2 are at school, maybe we could?"

The places my mind went from there, we started kissing deeply until her phone started ringing, we stopped kissing, Ava says softly, "I gotta take this."

She answers her phone, then I heard her say, "No Oliver, Porco isn't here.... Don't worry, he always comes back."

I see her hung up, and softly says, "Porco ran off last night, Oliver is a bit worried."

I nodded and said, "ok, ok."

Then Ava's phone rang again, she sighs heavily, the answers, "Hello Mr Smith.... Marco will be back in a week or two, he needs this..... Maybe the principal and you could scheduled a zoom call..... I understand Mr Smith, but I don't want to overwhelm Marco again, you know how anxious Marco can get..... he'll be back in a week or two, goodbye."

She sighs and says firmly, "Mr Smith wants Marco back ASAP. Now lets get back to what we were gonna do."