Trouble (Eren/Reader/YandereArmin)

Chapter 20

"Hey..." Armin tried to keep the giddiness from his features whenever (Y/N) answered her door. It wasn't just acting when his eyes landed on her, he didn't like seeing her eyes puffy from crying over Eren. He also hadn't liked that she didn't reach out to him, but did understand the hesitation given the reaction she received last time (even though it hadn't been her that time). "I heard what happened and I just wanted to check on you..."

"He told you?" (Y/N) was a little surprised, but maybe it was just her that was keeping them apart.

"Well... no. I overheard it... are you okay?" Armin stepped forward just a bit, and she opened the door wider for him to walk in.

"Yeah... no... maybe I overreacted?" (Y/N) sighed and plopped herself down onto her couch. She supposed she should've been a better host, offering a drink or some sort of refreshments, but at the moment she couldn't be bothered. Armin didn't seem to mind though because he sat beside her, a sympathetic expression on his face.

"Maybe I'm biased considering he punched me in the face, but I don't think so... I mean it's kind of selfish that he wanted to control your communications with people. I get being jealous but I mean..." Armin trailed off hoping his opinions weren't falling on deaf ears.

"I just don't understand why he looked me in the eyes and told me he understood my point of view if he had no intentions of actually understanding my point of view."

"I like Eren... he's one of my closest friends, but I mean he's not known to be the most reasonable. He probably just didn't expect to be caught." Armin didn't smile when she nodded, and for the rest of the night Armin was there. Every thought she had about Eren, Armin was there to place a 'well-meaning' observation about him or gentle insult, trying to drive negative emotions into her brain. It worked. A

It was true that Armin didn't want her to cry over Eren, hell he didn't want her to know Eren at all, but this was the way it had to be. So he listened to her cry. He encouraged it. Telling her it was okay to be upset, and in a more subtle way where he just rubbed a little salt into the wound every now and then. (Y/N) had tried to keep it all down, she really did. A few tears slipped out here and there, but she never liked people to see her openly sob. She did a decent job, but the more she thought about it the more it hurt and finally she broke... finally letting the tears fall openly and the sniffling start. She hadn't thought a single thing of it when Armin pulled her into him, wrapping his arms around him with a soft, "Come here..."

Armin smiled softly, knowing she couldn't see him so it would be okay. His cheek rested on top of her head as he used one hand to stroke her hair and the other to rub soothing circles across her back. She melted into the embrace, wrapping her arms around him as well and burying her face into his chest. How could he not feel some happiness when she was clinging to HIM. Sure she was upset about Eren, but it was Armin who was holding her right now. It was HIM who got to comfort her, hopefully finally getting to cement the idea that he would always be the one who was there for her... all she had to do was let him. Armin dared to press a small kiss to the top of her head and thanked the heavens above that she didn't seem to notice or care one, "You'll be okay... I promise."

Eren stared at his ceiling. Jean and Connie had offered to take him out, get his mind off a things, and maybe he should've taken them up on the offer. Because lying in his bed, alone and upset, all he could think about was her...

He truly felt justified. As stupid as it was given how close he and Armin used to be, he KNEW that Armin had a crush on her and he didn't think it was wrong to be upset by that. Maybe he could've argued his point more. Maybe he could've apologized for trying to cut him out without her knowing.... But damn those few weeks with him not around had been nice. Eren wanted to punch him again. He had a sinking suspicion that Armin knew exactly what he was doing when he told her everything, not like he could prove it though.

It felt weird. He supposed it should've felt normal given that he'd spent most of his adult life not being tied to a single person, but now it just didn't feel right at all not having her with him. Or at least the promise of seeing her again... they didn't even have a class together anymore (last week they celebrated a passing grade on the final with a few cocktails and more than a few kisses). But now they were on a 'break', whatever the hell that meant. He was sure that they were broken up, but maybe there was hope. Ross and Rachel would've gotten back together if he hadn't slept with someone else hours later. Eren didn't do that! He tried to tell himself that it mattered, and there would be a reunion soon.

Ignoring everything he'd ever heard about not wanting to seem desperate or needy, Eren picked up his phone and dialed her number. After four rings he was sent to voicemail. A long sigh left him as he waited for the beep and listened to her greeting/apology, "Hey... god. I'm not sure I've ever had to leave a voicemail... anyways, Umm I was wondering if we could talk. Things got a little heated and I know I rushed out without saying everything and actually listening to what you had to say. Just... just let me know. Call me or text me I guess. I'd really like to see you though... Umm. That's it. I guess I'll hang up now. Bye... love you."

Eren wasn't sure if he was allowed to say that, but he'd already ended the call and said it with no way of taking it back. It wasn't like he didn't mean it. Even if this wasn't a "break" and they were actually broken up, it wasn't like he could just stop loving her immediately... he wondered if ever, but hopefully she'd call him back and they'd make up and he wouldn't have to worry about that at all.

(Y/N)'s sobbing had long since subsided, replaced with a gentle breathing as she continued to hold onto Armin, though her grip had loosened a bit. Surprisingly Armin hadn't minded this fact, because he was more thrilled with the fact that she had fallen asleep in his arms and he was holding her while she slept.

Armin stared down in awe of her, she was just so perfect. Armin knew they were meant to be and that she would feel good against him (they'd had short embraces before). There was nothing in comparison to her willingly holding him so close and being so comfortable she dozed off though, and holding her so tightly Armin could confirm that they fit together like a puzzle piece, just further proof to him how they were made for each other. He planned on staying there all night, or at least until she woke up, but he doubted he'd get any sleep. The event was far too precious to sleep through and he wanted to burn every second of it into his brain, knowing he'd have to be a little more patient for it to become a regular occurrence.

Everything was so silent and peaceful... until her phone started buzzing on the coffee table in front of them. Armin winced at the sudden noise, but thankfully it didn't seem to be waking the sleeping woman. As carefully as he could he reached for the offending device, he simply meant to silence it. Though when Eren's name flashed on the screen with a picture of them together he was thankful he paid attention and knew the four digit lock code on her device. Armin waited until it stopped ringing and waited a few moment more to see if there would be a follow up call or text.

1 new voicemail.

He put the phone to his ear and listened. Maybe if Eren were drunk and angry he wouldn't delete the message, but that wasn't the case. Love you. Eren might've loved her. Armin couldn't blame him she was absolutely and utterly the most amazing person he'd ever met... but Eren would never love her as much as Armin did. Eren would never go to the measures Armin did for her affection, well being, and to protect her. So Armin didn't feel even the tiniest bit of guilt when he deleted all evidence of the message and call.