Indefinitely - Armin X Reader

Chapter 11 | The Fate Of Squad 34

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Regrouping

I turned and left Hannah and what used to be Franz, flying up to the roof where a bunch of other cadets were standing and talking. It was a large roof, the building beneath us probably one of Trost's best selling points, especially with the large tower covered in glass windows towards the back of the roof. I dragged Armin up after me, and he didn't complain. I doubted he had enough left in him to do so. 

I landed shakily, legs hurting due to how many times I'd done so today; coming to a sharp stop with such momentum behind you always ached. Armin deftly moved backwards to the tower the second he landed, and I supposed he was dreading talking about what had happened, dreading looking anyone else in the eyes who wouldn't understand. I followed his path, only pausing to mention to Reiner about how Hannah was still on the floor trying to revive Franz, in case he could get her to move. His eyes were dark, and before I left, he pulled me into a tight hug. 

"You okay?" I asked softly, and he didn't reply, just pulling me in tighter. When he finally released me, he only offered a curt nod. I turned to Bertolt next, and to my surprise his expression was noticeably darker, like he was grieving something different entirely. I half opened my arms to him, and when he noticed, he bit his lip. He bent down a little bit allowed me to reach up and wrap my arms around his neck, and he almost picked me up in order to return it. His form was tense, and it made my heart ache. He was warm, incredibly so, and I realized then that Reiner was as well; my own personal heaters. When Bertolt set me down, I gave him one last hug around his waist, to which he replied by patting my back softly. 

"It's gonna be okay." I whispered, and at this point I didn't know who I was reassuring; myself or them. Bertolt only nodded, like Reiner. I finally left them to mutter amongst themselves, and walked back to where Armin was, not noticing Annie walk over to them.

I sat down next to Armin as he sat stiffly, back to the glass panes littering the tall tower behind him, his eyes wide. I put my head on his shoulder and took his hand in mine, entwining my fingers with his as the pain returned and tears rolled down my cheeks. I glanced up at Armin as I felt him start shaking softly. 

It was like he was dead,  just stared at the roof tiles, eyes empty. It was... unnerving.

"It wasn't your fault, Armin." I mumbled, not knowing if he would even reply, but he did.

"I didn't move... I could've just...moved."

I was silent for a few seconds, thinking of what to say. "There was nothing we could've done, Ar."

"If I had just moved... If I had gotten out of the way and saved myself so that you... and Eren... didn't have to do what you always do..."

"Armin..." I whispered weakly, my words failing me. 

"You should've just left me to die... then Eren would still be here... if you had just dropped me..."

I gave a shaky inhale, unable to speak due to how his words horrified me. 

I would never leave you to die.

If I wasn't such a burden..." His voice gave out, clearly choking back tears.

That was it. I turned to face him, lifting my hand to cup his face, tilting it to face me like I did all those years ago. "Armin, I will always give my life for you. I would never leave you to die, I don't care what the circumstance is. Nothing you could say will ever make me stop valuing you. I will save you, again and again, indefinitely."