geek | armin arlert

jellyfish

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armin excitedly pulled you through the aquarium, enough thrill for the both of you. on one hand, the aquarium had never exactly been something on the top of your bucket list. on the other, it was admittedly interesting seeing all the different types of encapsulated sea life, embarrassing as it was.

it was calm and peaceful like armin had stated, a stark contrast to the usual settings you found yourself in.

there'd been a few fish that caught the eye, and as the blonde boy noticed this he'd eagerly give a small synopsis like he was the fish whisperer. one was vibrant with many colors, specifically the one which armin claimed was similar to you.

it'd actually been because when first talking he remembered your mass amount of highlighters. multiple markers in multiple shades. you just figured it'd been because it was a pretty fish.

the boy would stand closely, grinning like a cheshire cat and explain each detail thoroughly. at first it was a bit boring. you were never much of an animal lover, better yet a fish lover. you were also not much of a beach person. sand inside your sandals was not your idea of fun. the ocean was also somewhat of a frightening part of nature but when this was mentioned to armin he was quick to prove you wrong.

he said not to think of the ocean as just a body of water but as another world. there were forests, frigid and cold parts, and reefs, but also warm, crystal clear, and incredibly inviting areas. 'it's one of the most important resources the citizens of earth have' he mentioned cheerfully.

it was amazing how educated armin was when it came to marine life, how educated he'd been about everything actually. 

for a moment you wondered how he could possibly know so much about the ocean and all its species. supposedly there'd been about 2.2 million species living deep underseas, and it felt as though he managed to know about them all.

then it struck, yesterday you'd seen a marineology textbook sticking out of his backpack. normally this wouldn't have stuck so clearly into your mind, but the picture of the turtle on the cover caught your eye enough to recall it.

armin pulled you into an enclosed room, though all sides of the wall had been glass, even the roof. behind the glass was what seemed like never-ending water, countless fish swimming overtop. the sight was beautiful though it also seemed dangerous to have 15 feet sharks casually splashing around.

without even noticing, a smile was plastered on your lips. armin looked charming prancing around, flushed cheeks with this look of extreme bliss. he'd definitely been in his element, the ocean light accentuated every detail of his face. eyes matching the setting, glistening with the utmost admiration.

it was becoming disgustingly evident how much you'd referred to armin with endearing words ever since meeting him. it'd been more in a brotherly way if anything. he was adorable in an i-wanna-squish-his-cheeks way. nothing more.

he still didn't hold a candle to reiner braun. tall, muscular and exceedingly sexy. braun was definitely your cup of tea.

on the other hand, he thought you looked stunning underneath the ocean simulators shimmering waves. he'd already confessed to having a crush, but if he could he'd go on rambling about how beautiful you were. even after witnessing the unbearableness of bitch moments, you'd always seem to win him back somehow. this time it was seeing you smiling in one of his favorite places in this shitty little town.

the two of you walked over to one of the small benches, sitting thigh-to-thigh but making no conversation whatsoever. just the sound of small children giggling, employees mingling and occasional tours walking through the center.

the room was cooling most likely due to the water surrounding the building, and it felt nice against your skin, you let yourself soak it in. you probably needed a drink and a prayer after yesterdays incident, but this was nice too.

"they don't have brains, you know. or hearts."

he'd been referring to the jellyfish up ahead, drifting in slow spirals, like tiny ghosts. they looked like sea ballerinas to you, interesting creatures.

"so they're like most of the guys at school."

he snorts, surprised, then is quick to go quiet as if on cue.

"just so we're clear, this isn't a date."

"i'm aware."

just like that, and snarky too. it was better than having him hung up on rejection, but the attitude was seriously not needed, that was your job.

"did your parents say anything about your lip."

"i told them i ran into a pole."

"dont worry, those injuries heal fast."

armin merely noted the side eye, being sure not to poke the monster within you further. you glance sideways at him, face lit soft by the tank's rather ominous glow, a little flushed. he's not looking back this time.

"you treated it well."

"experience."

two manhandling little brothers kind of experience. one got caught up in fights that led to busted lips while the other inflicted them, then somehow also managed to receive them. as the eldest it was second nature to take care of them, even if they annoyed the shit out of you, they did their fare share of taking care of you too.

in sixth grade when a girl made fun of your outfit, your younger brother colt took it upon himself to fight her own younger brother in an attempt to pay the price back. although it made you sort of happy seeing how scared she was to upset your brother after that, it was also morally wrong, and you let him know that.

"why'd you bring me here, really?"

"it's the only place i go where people shut up."

you sit there alongside him a moment longer, quietly admiring the jellyfish as they drift around like the mindless creatures that they were. for once you don't say anything else, just sat there, next to him. no talking, just existing.