Desire Lines - armin x reader, eren x reader

chapter one - trust

Content warnings - light drug use (weed), manipulative behavior

This is a rewrite of something I put out months ago. I decided to go in a different direction with this story/the original needed lots of improvement. Chapter two is already out! I really hope everyone enjoys, it's been fun to write <3

***

You can't focus on anything today; it's hopeless. Your mind has been stuck on a never-ending loop since last night. You've tried. You really have. You've opened your psychology book and scanned page after page, yet you can't comprehend a thing you've read.

You let out a small huff and slam your textbook shut, finally giving in to your distracting thoughts. You allow yourself to sink into your bed and close your heavy eyes before drifting off.

Your mind feels so foggy, entirely clouded by the thought of him. He looked so fucking good last night. It's been nearly impossible to forget it. He was so pretty; his eyes were heavy-lidded in concentration, the sheen on his face, the way his damp tee shirt clung to his body. The way he flashed a smile every time he saw you in the crowd. Fuck. He had played so well too. You don't think there's ever been a time he's sounded better.

It wasn't just him, though. All of them sounded incredible. Last night they performed at this shitty local venue, but the turnout was huge. The place was packed, and the three of them had never played so fucking well before. Their energies bounced so well off each other the entire night, they were practically glowing on stage.

The band had been rapidly getting more and more traction over the last few months. Every show had an even bigger turnout than the previous. Then suddenly, everyone at your university started talking about how cool the new band "The Basement" is.

It had actually been Jean's idea for them to play together. None of them expected popularity to come so quickly. As great as their music is, you can't help but feel like their looks have helped speed things along a bit.

Their growing popularity has only made everyone's obsession with Armin crazier. It was a daily occurrence to overhear someone talk about how hot he looked or what a good fuck he was.

It's the inevitable trap that most people stumble into. Completely falling in love with Armin. You've seen him break countless hearts over the years. Like seriously, countless. You recall watching a guy and girl wail in the hallway together after realizing Armin had been with both of them within the same weekend. They always forgive him, though. His reputation is somehow always salvaged. Then he looks for his next victim, and the cycle continues all over again. And it fucking hurts.

The pain is unbearable. You are just like everyone else. Helplessly in love with him. It's a constant ache in your chest, sometimes dull and bearable, other times horrific and violent. Like a knife in the heart, twisting and turning. It makes it so much worse that you think you might be different from all the others.

Armin makes it seem this way though, he gives you valid reasons to think this. The two of you have been so close the last three years, practically inseparable. He does things with you that he doesn't do with anyone else. He acts differently with you. It's an indescribable bond, you swear it. He makes you feel so safe, so comforted. You feel complete when you're with him, like you aren't actually a person without him.

Plus, if you were like everyone else, he would have already fucked you. He's never even tried, and there have been so many times he could have. You would have let him too.

Armin would never intentionally harm you. He cares about you. It's different with you.

***

You opened your eyes slowly, grogginess hitting you instantly. You're greeted with a small smile. You jolt upwards, trying to snap yourself out of your sleepy confusion.