Missing Keys

Chapter 9

Armin sat on the edge of the bath tub as Eren pulled out the first aid kit. "I found it!" He announced and put in onto the sinks counter top. He pulled out a wash cloth and damped it and then handed it to Armin, "Um... By the way I'm wearing concealer." Armin mentioned before he brought the cloth up to his face.

"If you don't mind me asking, why are you wearing concealer?"

"Well I have some other bruises on my face along with some other stuff." He murmured and started to clean off his face. Eren turned around to face Armin, looking very concerned.

"How long has this been happening?"

"Only fo-for a weak..."

Eren didn't believe him. "Honestly, tell me how long." He said, crouching down so that they were at the same eye level.

"Honestly?"

"Honestly."

"Ever since school started..."

He letted out sigh and brought him hands up to cup Armin's cheeks, being very careful not to hurt him in anyway. "Why haven't you told me sooner?" He cooed and he started to slowly rub his cheeks with his thumb. Armin's lips parted just the slightest bit and leaned a bit forward. His pupils dilated.

"I didn't want to you to worry about me."

"I only worry about you, that's because I l---"

Because I love you.

"Because I like... Really care about you."

Eren pulled away and stood up. "I'll be back... I'm just gonna get some ice, because ice is chill and will help your face." And with that Eren left the room.

Smooth Eren, smooth.

Eren walked down the stairs and headed into the kitchen. He pulled open the freezer drawer and grabbed the frozen bag of peas. "Eren I'm home!" Mikasa yelled from the front entrance and and walked into the kitchen.

"So you're finally home for once." Eren said flatly, closing the freezer drawer. "Actually I'm grabbing my violin, I'm gonna head back to Annie's." She grumbled left the kitchen. Eren followed her up the stairs and walked into the washroom.

When he walked in Armin was drying off his face. He placed the dry cloth onto his leg and Eren handed him the bad of frozen peas. Eren sat beside Armin on the edge of the tub and asked, "So what exactly happened?" Armin sighed and rolled his shoulders back.

"Well I walked out of the school and the same three guys came out and started to beat me. Then they threw me into the snow and held me in place for awhile. Someone came by and they left me there," he took in a shaky breath "One day karma is going to get them." Eren studied his face, He was full of adrenaline. "Armin if this ever happens again then please tell me." Eren said and placed a arm around the blonds shoulder. Armin nuzzled himself in, "I will."

Everyday was the same. Armin would wake up, have breakfast, get dressed, catch the bus at 8.

Everyday was the same, get pushed around by the same people and going to the same classes. Skipping out on lunch because he was to afraid to go out into the crowd. He wished that Eren would be there with him. Be there to talk to him, be there to worry for him even though he hated it, to be there to have his side.

After long painful hours it was time to escape onto the bus. Sadly it was like everyday.

Someone grabbed onto his sleeve and throws him into the snow. "And where'd you think you're go'n?" Said the tall blond, Ricky. "I need those notes that you have." Said the other, Jamie. They stood around Armin and watched him weakly stand up. "Now, I suggest that you hand over the notes we might not break your legs." Ricky said and took a step forward.