The Intern

Chapter 19

Armin

The internship had been a constant thought in my mind for the past year, and more than once I had found myself going over all the possibilities that could open up to me. It wasn't just a resume builder, although a recommendation from Survey Corp would go a long way in the fields I happened to be interested in. It was just so much more than that; it was a chance for me to do something other than intellectual work, which had always been my strong suit. Jean was interested sports, and Connie and Sasha had chorus and drama together. Mikasa was an incredible artist and head of the field hockey team, or at least she was when she was still attending school. With the exception of Eren, all of my friends were involved in activities outside of the academic field and I felt left out. I wanted to have an experience that I wasn't getting from inside my books. I wanted to enter into something that I wasn't entirely familiar with; something I could possibly fail at. Although, as arrogant as it might sound, I never actually expected to fail.

Of course, I also never expected to be invited to the president's private apartment.

I stared around the immaculate space, feeling like an awkward smudge in an otherwise beautiful oil painting. It shouldn't have mattered to me at all, but I was suddenly very aware that I was wearing an oversized, frumpy sweater. Of all days, I had to pick this one to dress down. I had been doing so well up until today; I had even surprised myself with the sense of fashion I seemed to have. Jean had said that I was a natural.

I rubbed at my chest as the name passed through my mind, my heart straining with a pain that had yet to fade. Of course, I was sure it would be a long time until I felt no pain at all. I wasn't even able to look at him without feeling my stomach twisting into uncomfortable knots.

Why had he done that to me? Why wasn't I enough?

I shook my head and closed my eyes, willing the thoughts away. It was those same thoughts that had upset Eren so much earlier today. I knew beyond a doubt that my tears had been the catalyst in their fight, and I had already promised myself that I wouldn't cry again. Eren might be out of the internship because of me and even if he didn't care about that, I did.

Which was why I was here. Well, that and the fact that I couldn't refuse the chance to go to the president's apartment. When he had invited me for lunch, my mouth had answered for me and blurted out yes. I knew, of course, that his real reason for bringing me to his apartment was to talk about the fight. The only detail I'd given so far was that Jean had upset me that morning, and I was positive that Erwin didn't believe it was as simple as that.

"So, what do we want?" Erwin spoke from his place in the kitchen. His large, muscular body was leaned casually over the marble countertop where he rested his forearms. His blue eyes were lingering on me in a way that made my body heat up, although I had no idea why. Even if I had been dressed well today, I was sure this powerful and intelligent man had better conquests to set his eyes on.

"I still don't have much of an appetite," I admitted, holding a hand against my stomach. All of the events had left me feeling sick, and I wasn't sure I would be able to keep much down. "So whatever you-"

"How about soup?" Erwin smiled and turned towards the cabinets, popping one open and snatching a can from the top shelf. He didn't even have to stretch to reach. "Something light. At least until you feel like you can handle more."

"Are you sure that'll be enough for you?"

"I had a big breakfast, and I happen to love tomato soup."

He poured the contents of the can into a pot and set it on the stove. The smile was still on his face, infectious enough that I almost found myself doing the same. As stupid as it sounded, it felt as if he were actually happy to have me here. I was full of myself, of course. He was looking for information on two of his employees, and a comfortable lunch was an easy way to get someone to open up.