If Only For A Little While

Cold Hands

Eren

"Dude what the hell was up with Mr. A today?" Conny asked as bits of food tumbled from his mouth.

"Gross dude," Sasha laughed, "Swallow before talking."

"That's what she said." He grinned at her, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Both of you shut up," Jean growled taking a bite of his apple, "and I don't care what Mr. Ackerman's deal was cause my mom will sue his crazy ass either way."

"Lay off man," I muttered, "He probably had rough night."

Jean scowled at me, gritting his teeth, "He was probably just up all night drinking or whatever the hell he does. Have you all heard the rumors? People say he's involved in gang activity and that he's only a teacher to disguise himself."

I frowned, "Don't assume shit about someone unless you know for certain it's true. It's just a rumor."

"I heard he killed somebody!" Conny piped in.

"Me too!" Sasha giggled, "I also heard he's been with all the female staff and even some of the men! That's why he hasn't been fired yet 'cause they all like him so much!"

"Well I didn't hear any of that," Armin rolled his eyes, "Just that he doesn't really bother trying to be a good teacher."

"I don't care about the specifics," Mikasa reached out to brush a crumb off Armin's cheek, "All I know is I don't trust the midget and that's that."

Jean snorted, "I bet he's shorter than 90% of the school."

I was growing tired of their gossiping, "Shut the hell up!" I snapped. Surprise etched on each of their faces at my outburst, "You don't know shit about him so quit acting like you do!"

"Eren..." Mikasa softly murmured placing her hand on my shoulder. I brushed it away harshly. "Eren don't repeat yesterday." She stated more firmly.

"Well well," Jean smirked, "Looks like Jaeger has a crush on Mr. Ackerman. So tell me, since we obviously know nothing about him, what exactly do you know about him?"

"Jean stop." Mikasa snapped but it was too late. I wasn't putting up with any more of Jean's crap. I jumped out of my seat and grabbed a fist full of his shirt from across the table. "Eren!" She reached to pull my arm back but I was already on top of him.

Jean yanked himself away, stepping backwards. I climbed over the table and swung my fist at his face. It collided with his Jaw and he staggered back a few steps. Jean lunged forward and tackled me to the ground. A small crowd had gathered around us watching the scene play out. We probably would have kept at it if we hadn't been pulled apart.

"What's going on?" Mr. Ackerman yanked Jean by the back of his shirt just as Mikasa hauled me to my feet. The crowd of students slowly dissipated other than a few brave stragglers.

"Nothing sir," Mikasa bit out in a voice laced with venom, "Everything is under control."

He raised an eyebrow, "Is that so? It looked to me like things were a bit out of hand before I got here." He turned to the blonde boy who was still clutched in his hand and shoved him towards the cafeteria's exit, "Jean go to the office."

"What!?" Jean shouted, spinning around to face the teacher, "What about Jaeger he started it!?"

"I'll handle him myself. Now go, before I loose my temper."

"But-" Jean started but was instantly shot down by Mr. Ackerman's cold stare. He sulked off towards the office, shooting me a glare on his way out.