Lucky | Reader x Armin

Chapter 17.

You quickly changed into something more presentable and joined Eren at the breakfast table while Armin started on a new batch of eggs. He hadn't bothered to put on a shirt but you obviously didn't mind. You couldn't help but wonder if it was a pointed choice, to show Eren that he had been intruding.

Armin brought you a coffee, placing a hand on your shoulder as he did so. Eren watched you both closely. You saw that Eren was already sipping at a steaming mug.

"Thanks for cleaning the pan, Y/N," Armin said as he went back to the stove.

"Of course." You said. "It was my fault anyway."

Amin smiled and turned to you briefly. "It wasn't. But thank you for that."

It was then that Eren seemed to realize he might really be intruding. He cleared his throat and you turned back to him. Suddenly feeling guilty for ignoring him. You were the one who invited him in after all.

"So Y/N." He said. "How are you? How have things been going here?" His eyes found the back of Armin's head again.

"Good!" You said quickly. "Great actually. You know Armin. I couldn't ask for a better housemate or research buddy." You grinned. "I don't think you could pay me to go back to Marley at this point." You added. It was an afterthought but you closed your mouth as soon as you said it. It felt like too much. You hadn't even told Armin that.

Eren laughed and you thought you felt Armin's presence still behind you. "That's good to hear," Eren said, offering you a genuine smile. "And I can't say I'm too surprised, after seeing you two at dinner the other night."

You blushed and just then, Armin came back to the table with plates stacked full of eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. You had to work hard to resist the urge to kiss him or touch him as he sat your plate in front of you. Instead, you offered a, "Thank you."

Eren thanked Armin as well and began to devour his food before Armin had even sat down. "You're welcome," He said. Pointedly saying the words to you and not Eren as he took his seat next to you.

"Now will you tell me why you're here, Eren?" Armin asked.

Eren paused. "Oh shit." He said. His eyes flicked guiltily between yours and Armins. "I forgot." He laughed awkwardly. "I have some not-so-great news."

You and Armin both stilled.

"It's not a huge deal. But word has gotten out that you have your own little Marlyan here."

"Don't call her that. She's not some toy" Said Armin, eyes narrowing.

"Relax. You know what I mean." Eren waved a hand.

Eren had said it wasn't a huge deal but you found you had suddenly lost your appetite. You had no idea what that meant for you.

"How did this happen?" Armin demanded. All air of formality and pleasantness gone from his voice.

"I don't want to name names. But I feel like you can guess who might accidentally let something slip."

Armin shook his head as he breathed, "Sasha."

Your eyes were fixed on the wood of the table in front of you, feeling as if you were about to disappear.

"And who all knows?" Armin asked. He spoke in a voice you barely recognized. The voice of the Scout Commander.

Eren hesitated. "Well. Pretty much everyone now. Word got to the capital and then it was all over."

Armin's fist came down on the table, making you jump. You finally tore your eyes away from the table to find him. His jaw was clenched. "If everyone knows then it's not safe for her anymore."

Eren's eyes fell. "They want to see you in Mitras. The other commanders."

Armin nodded. "When?"

"Tomorrow morning."

Armin's fingers flexed and he balled his hands into fists, his eyes fixed on the table now.

"Armin," Eren said softly. "I can stay here and watch over her."

Armin shook his head. "No. I need you with me." He said, and finally, his blue eyes found your own. "I'm sorry, Y/N." His voice had gone back to normal. He was your Armin again when he spoke to you in almost a whisper. "I'm so sorry. This wasn't supposed to happen. This information was supposed to stay in our control. We were supposed to decide when and how it got out. If it got out at all. I put you in danger."

You reached for his hand but he chose that moment to stand up, leaving you grasping for nothing.

"Armin you haven't done anything wrong." You said, watching him cross the kitchen.

"She's right." Said Eren. "It was on us to keep this secret safe."

You shook your head and turned your eyes to Eren. "You shouldn't blame yourself either." Armin had begun to pace as he rubbed at his neck. "Even Sasha shouldn't be blamed. It was an accident."

Armin didn't seem to be paying attention anymore. Every step he took seemed more tense than the last. You stood up quickly and stopped him in his tracks. He seemed almost surprised to find you there. When his eyes found yours you could see the pain clear on his face.

You took his hands in yours. "Breathe Armin." You said softly. "It's not a huge deal like Eren said. We'll figure this out." You squeezed his hands tighter in your own. "I know you'll keep me safe. If there's one thing I know, Armin, it's that."

He stared at you for a moment, eyes frantically darting back and forth between your own. The fact that Eren was sitting just a few feet away, watching this exchange, seemed to seep completely out of your mind. You stood on your toes and wrapped your arms around his neck, burying one hand in his hair. You pulled him close to you and he wrapped his hands gently around your waist, allowing his head to rest on your shoulder.

"Breathe." You whispered. "This isn't your fault. Remember what you promised me yesterday."

To your relief, Armin's breathing began to slow, and you felt his muscles relax. You pulled away from him and turned to see that Eren was standing now.

"Armin." He said seriously. "I promise you I'll do whatever I can to protect her as well."

"Y/N." Eren's eyes found yours. Something was clicking into place behind them. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I let my best friend lose someone like you."