The Month Of May

Chapter 4

HE FELL FOR IT.

Honestly, I wasn't surprised. One look at my piercing eyes and people would do anything for me. Of course, nothing was without my personal interference, but for the most part, he'd fallen for it right away. Although, I was a bit surprised. He hadn't immediately jumped on the idea of helping me.

I was sure he was a nice boy, he sure looked innocent enough with jaw length blonde hair and ocean blue eyes, and a brown jacket on and white pants. Although, it would be dumb of me to assume he was nice based on his appearance. But in the end, it didn't matter if he was nice or not, even if one was horrid with their actions, they'd have to help me. It came with the job.

Now that I looked closer at his attire, I noticed his clothes had a symbol on it, with two swords clashing. I intended to ask him about it later. We walked to what I assumed was his house, my faked limp slowing us down. He helped me into his house, and onto his couch where I pretended to collapse from exhaustion. He stared at me, and I noticed that he avoided looking at me in the eyes, which surprised me. Most people couldn't stop looking at the distinct color of my irises, yet he avoided my gaze at all costs.

"What's your name?" He finally asked after a moment of silence. After a moment of caution, I finally answered him. It probably wasn't smart to give him my actual name, but since I wasn't officially known as an outsider yet, I didn't see the harm in it.

"Annie," I answered quietly, attempting to come off as innocent as I could. I fiddled with my fingers as he stood, and walked towards what I assumed was his kitchen.

"Well, I wish we could've met under better conditions," He sighed, pulling his blonde hair out of his face. He began to fetch food, which I watched to make sure he didn't poison it or anything. "I'm Armin."

"Armin," I said softly, saying his name without realizing. I put my hand to my lips as I do so. "S-sorry..."

"Don't apologize," He smiled at me slightly, walking back towards me with a loaf of bread in his hands. He broke it in half, and offered me a piece. I gladly took it, and began chewing on it absentmindedly. "I'm sorry, actually. My parents are going to be home soon. I'm going to have to move you upstairs, they can't know you're here."

"O-okay."

He helped me off the couch, and put his arm around my shoulders as we hobbled upstairs, to what was presumably his room. He has a blue theme, with the color of the ocean painted on his walls. I found it ironic that his room was painted as the very thing that they thought kept him inside the walls. Was he really so alone and friendless that he needed to feel as if he was engulfed in the waves?

He let me relax on his bed, and I absentmindedly rubbed the ring on my fourth finger. It was a simple metal band with a spike hidden in it, but it had a lot more purpose than that in the end. He sat on the end of his bed. I suddenly remembered the two swords on his jacket.

"What's the logo for?" I asked, and flinched inwardly at my lack of stutter or fear. I looked down, hoping to pass it off as a fluke. I couldn't bear to mess up now. Perhaps it had been a mistake to present myself as a scared orphan, but there was no turning back, and I couldn't think of another plan. "I-If it's okay for me to ask.."

"No problem," He said, slight smile on his face. He was proud of whatever he did, that much was obvious. "I'm training to be part of the military."

I felt the color drain from my face, and I stared at him as time seemed as if it stopped. This boy, this seemingly nice boy who helped me and didn't deserve anything bad from me...was going to be my ticket of entry into being able to spy. He didn't deserve it at all, to be used like this, but I had no choice. My mission had to be completed.

"Oh," I said, folding my arms. "Armin, I don't know where to go after this... I can't bother you here forever."

I was hoping he'd suggest I join the military, as barracks were given if necessary. I know I could've just gone to the barracks immediately, but now that Armin would be introducing me, I wouldn't come off as so fishy.

"Maybe...this might be a crazy idea," Armin sighed, and I hoped he was about to say it, because it sure as hell wasn't in character for the innocent facade I was putting up. "What if you joined the military? They have clothing, food, in return for your services... I'm sorry, I don't even know why-"

No, this is perfect.

"M-maybe," I pretended to look nervous, and I was getting tired of being fake all the time. Honestly, I just wanted to not have to be so wide eyed and innocent all the time. "I-it's not a bad idea..."

"Really?" He looked at me strangely, and for a moment, I wondered if I should've been more hesitant. "You just don't seem...like a military girl. No offense.."

Instantly, my eyes narrowed despite my best efforts to remain calm. My whole life I'd been trained for this very purpose, to fight, to make tactical decisions, and this boy thought I wasn't military fit-

I forced myself to stay calm, although I was sure he could most likely feel my hostile attitude. There was no way he could've known, since I had the innocent facade, but.. still. It hurt me with all my being, and for a moment, I hated this boy with all my feelings.

"I'm sorry," Armin interrupted my thoughts, and I looked at him, trying to break my rage. "It's just that everyone there is going to eat you alive because of your personality...you look pretty strong, but you're so timid...they feed off of that."

My anger started fading as soon as he said that, because he was only judging it off of the fake part of my personality right now. Still, I had to remind myself that I broke character. I wasn't particularly good at this act, but it was too late to stop.

"Oh," And the words started pouring out of my mouth before I could stop, which was not a trait I was accustomed to. I had to be careful with what I was saying. "Well, I'm not always like this, trust me."

"I didn't think so," He smiled at me, and for a minute, my heart stops, but it quickly keeps its pace. Why am I so easily flustered by him? "How else would you have lived on the streets for so long?"

We talked for awhile, and time seemed to fly. Finally, Armin's parents appeared.

"Armin! We're home!"

"Coming!" He shouted back, and turned to me, continuing on in a quieter tone. "I'll be back. Stay here."

I nodded, although as soon as he left, it was go time. After all, I had a military boy I needed to investigate.