Here Again || Armin Arlert x Reader

3 | Love and Imagination

The Blouse Farmstead was the largest land owned by a commoner. No titles since Mr Blouse turned down the King's offer to have one, believing that their kids would be best without it. The old man respected the ruler of the Kingdom, and it was boosted with how the King even told him that if he had another chance, perhaps he would prefer to be born in a farmhouse instead of a Royal Palace.

Just like what Artur Blouse had now. He was so content to have his little family being in the same house, not having to run to another side of the building just to call them. However, it meant he could hear almost everything that happened in the house if things got a bit too — rowdy.

"You wouldn't understand, Sasha!"

"Oh, come on! I am not that dumb!"

"I never said you are, though."

"So why don't you tell me?!"

This had been going on for minutes now. Artur could only shake his head, amused at the two young women who were now shouting at each other. It was in a friendly manner, thus why he didn't bother to check on them.

Sasha was with her dearest friend at the moment, none other than the Princess herself. He couldn't catch what they were talking about, but he had a feeling what it was all about. Around their age, the mind would be filled with love and imagination. Either a romantic or platonic love, and daydreaming about the future.

He knew it well, he had been there before, anyway.

The commotion died down already, and he made himself comfortable by reading a newspaper, more often glancing at the kitchen where his wife cooked.

"Tell me if you need any help, alright?"

"Will do, my love."

Back to the second floor, there was an entertaining room where you and Sasha often went to. It was far from the prying eyes and ears, none of you knew that the entire house could still hear you talk if the volume was too loud. But you were already extra careful now, not wanting anyone to know about your secret.

"Promise me you would never spill this to anyone, Sasha."

"Oh, please. No one knows that you are here for almost three years now."

"That's true."

You hugged your knees, feeling so small at the idea of someone else knowing this part of you. Sasha was your first friend outside of the palace, and you didn't want her to think you were weird. Then again, she wasn't that normal. So surely, it would be alright. "I have a new tutor, Sash. He's only two or three years older than me."

"And you are in love with him—"

"I do not!" You retorted, eyes widening at the accusation. Your friend only had this annoying smirk on her face, but you tried to not acknowledge it. "I think... I am not." She knew. Sasha was sharp, her intuition was out of this world so you wouldn't be able to lie. "It's just, around him is a bit weird, but a good kind of weird."

You couldn't possibly tell her that you often dreamed about him. At least, you believed it was him that kept appearing in your mind now and then. You never saw the man behind that wooden door of the house on top of the hill, and yet your heart knew your new history tutor was the one. Armin — was the one.

"This side of you is new." Your friend whispered, brown eyes staring at you with a gentle gaze. She hugged her knees, peering to take a proper look at your face. "You are really smitten, Your Highness." The smirk now turned into a smile instead as she was happy for you. "And nothing's wrong with that."

"Even though I just met him twice?"

"I fell in love with Niccolo right after I tasted his cooking, remember?" You snorted at the remembrance. Ah, yes. Sasha and her beloved lover who was the restaurant owner downtown. "And it's just... How long is it? Five minutes after we arrived there."