#kiss...

When someone has to tag Jean, automatically all the Trojans turn to Jeremy. He, who has gotten used to Jean shaking him around the court (and his physical condition has improved noticeably because of it, he must admit), nods happily.

"Of course, but at some point someone else will have to do it. I'm sure Jean is starting to get bored," he says.

"I don't think so," Lucas points out, which makes Jean slam the door loudly on his ticket clerk.

"Do you offer yourself as a sacrifice, Lucas?" Jean asks.

"Children," Jeremy says in a firm tone, something the Trojans are not used to.

There is no smile anymore.

Jean and Lucas stop immediately. Lucas leaves with a grunt, and little by little the team takes to the court. While Jeremy puts on his armor, they are left alone.

"Are you ever going to let them mark me, mother hen?" Jean asks with annoyance. Jeremy clutches the armor to his chest, pulling hard on the restraints, "I'm not going to hurt them."

"I know you won't hurt them, but you scare the newbies."

Jean seems surprised when Jeremy states this adamantly. Jeremy knows that they have already overcome the phase where Jean doubted the veracity of his words, but that blind trust, spontaneous and without apparent foundation, continues to surprise them both.

As Jeremy puts on his knee pads, Jean slumps against the lockers and his real concern comes to light.

"They're talking," he says.

"Everyone's talking," Jeremy says, downplaying it.

"You know what I mean."

Jeremy knows this, of course. It is the reason why he has started to hate the captain's position in the last year.

Jeremy finishes putting on his equipment and slumps against the lockers next to him.

"There are always people who talk, but when you get to the adult world no one cares. It will pass, I promise you."

Jean stares at him, his brow furrowing as realization hits his eyes.

"You think I care, but I don't. It should matter to you. It's your reputation that matters here."

Jeremy has a hard time processing the information. Sometimes it happens, more and more frequently. His mind tries to understand and assimilate what is happening around him, but it is often saturated with gray eyes and a thick accent, a deep voice and a kindness disguised as disdain.

"I like men. There has always been gossip about that. It's not something new."

"New or not, I don't want it for you if I can help it"

"You can't. Neither of us. I don't think we can control the situation."

"I know."

Jeremy has a suspicion (and a longing, intense and distressing) that they aren't talking about the rumors.

He hears the team on the court. They have already started practicing outside the locker room. Jeremy has no ability to control anything, but he will do what he can if that's what Jean wants.

"I'll tell the coaches to pick someone else to practice with you tomorrow." Jean nods, although there is not the slightest bit of comfort in this decision. Jeremy doesn't want to go to the court, but Jean seeks the tranquility that only the court offers to his thoughts and picks up the racket. Jeremy wants to shut up, and he tries, but again... Gray eyes. "It won't do. I don't care if they talk. For my sake, they can talk all they want."

Jean is silent for a few seconds, but doesn't look at him when he answers.

"I will not be the horse that destroys Troy, Jérémie. Don't let the wall fall."