Lucky | Reader x Armin

Chapter 18.

Before you knew it, you and Armin were sitting in a carriage on your way to the capitol. With your own hand in his, you sat side by side on a cushioned bench, staring out the window in awe as you passed through the colossal gates of Wall Rose. According to Armin, you'd have to travel all day to get there before nightfall. You packed your things quickly, Armin making it clear that you were coming with him because he didn't want to let you out of his sight.

He also told you that you and he had been offered one of the nicest suites in the capitol to stay in as long as you needed. Apparently, it was customary for Commanders to get special treatment. "Even the Scout Commander." He had added under his breath. You chose not to inquire about that comment because you realized the implication was that you'd be staying in the same room for this trip.

Armin was donned in his Scout uniform. You had only seen him in it a few other times but the effect was as heart-racing as ever. There was just something about a man in uniform. You had decided to put on your nicest shirt and pants so as to not look too out of place at his side.

About halfway through the journey, the driver had made a stop so that she, Armin, and yourself could stretch your legs and take a much-needed break. You had pulled off on the side of the road in the middle of a long stretch of fields. The air was chilly as you stepped out of the carriage, taking the hand that Armin offered you. You weren't even sure if you had shown any outward sign of being cold but Armin was already draping his coat over your shoulders.

"Thank you." You said and smiled up at him. They were the first words that passed between you in hours.

Armin nodded. You watched as he turned to look at the road behind you and then back. He let out a long sigh, and without looking at you, he took a step towards you. Before you knew it he had pulled you tightly against his chest, his hand on the back of your head, pressing you to him. His lips found the top of your head and he took a deep breath. The intensity of his embrace was overwhelming, and you found yourself melting into him, your body responding easily to his touch. For a moment, you forgot everything else as you basked in the sensation of his arms around you. But then, just as suddenly as he had embraced you, he let go and stepped back, leaving you standing there, dazed and confused.

"Maybe we should walk a little. We've been sitting for a long time." You said awkwardly.

"Sure." He said.

You wrapped your hand around his and began walking through the field. You tried to give him a comforting smile but nothing seemed to sway him from his anguish today.

The grass and weeds that once grew tall and wild had withered away, replaced by brittle brown stalks that bend and crack underfoot. As you walked through the field, your breath came out in puffs of steam, and you pulled Armin's coat tighter around you. The sky was a pale, washed-out blue, robbing the landscape of any shadow. In the distance, you saw the outlines of trees, their branches reaching up to the sky.

You walked for a few minutes, Armin on auto-pilot. When you stopped in your tracks he almost bumped into you. You let go of his hand and turned to face him.

"You're still feeling guilty." You accused.

Armin was startled from his trance. "Y/N," He held up his hands in front of him in defense. "I-" He cut himself off. He had been about to deny it. Your eyes narrowed on him. "Yes." He sighed. "There's something I didn't tell you. I don't think I really admitted it to myself until today."

You tilted your head and his gaze fell. "The other Scouts have been trying to prepare me for this inevitability. For everyone to find out there was a new Marleyan among them. But I..." He trailed off. He seemed to be choosing his next words. "I made up excuses, Y/N."

You weren't sure you understood. You reached out and took his hand in yours again, tugging him a bit closer to you. The small amount of warmth shared between you seemed to lighten him.

"They tried to get me to set up meetings. To let the other commanders know before something like this happened. But I always pushed it off. I was scared of what would happen when they found out and I chose to ignore the fact that the longer I waited the worse it would be." His eyes met yours and you sucked in a breath. "I wanted to keep you to myself. I think that's all there was to it."

The expression on Armin's face quickly shifted from somber to confused when he saw your reaction.

"Armin." You said softly, biting your lip to keep the smile from spreading too wide. You couldn't help yourself.

"What?" He asked, eyebrows knitting together. "Why are you smiling?"

You leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on his jaw. Then you turned on your heel and tugged him along behind you, back towards the carriage. You bit back a giggle as you twisted around to watch him while you walked. He still looked as confused as ever.

"Don't you get it, Armin? You like me." You teased.

He hurried to walk by your side, smiling himself now but still looking a bit confused. "Of course I do. You know that." He said.

You couldn't stop the giggle this time as it bubbled up. "Say it again." You asked.

Armin chuckled and your heart swelled at the sound. You were so glad to have pulled him out of his gloom. "I like you, Y/N."

You squeezed his hand happily.

"I like you a lot." He continued. "More than anyone." It was Armin who stopped in his tracks this time, keeping a firm grip on your hand, causing you to stumble slightly as you stopped to look at him. He pulled you into him again and you collided with his chest. You let out another happy giggle as his lips found yours. You could feel the smile on his face as he kissed you. He ran his hands up the length of your body and then back down, settling them firmly on your waist, pinning your body to his. He kissed you with more confidence than he had before. The tables had turned. It was his turn to show you how much he wanted you.

When you finally broke apart you were out of breath. You looked up at him, smiling. You could get used to his hands on your waist like this. "You said you wanted me to yourself." You said, a little breathlessly.

Armin nodded.

You shook your head. "That's the last thing you need to worry about. I'm all yours, Armin."