Not Just an Act [ArminxEren]

~ things aren't weird ~

• Armin's P.o.v. •

Casually leaning my head on Eren's shoulder, we shared chocolate pocky. People around us didn't stare, knowing our situation is best solved by getting friendly in actuality. It was our... 29th practice? It had indeed been two days short of 9 weeks since that eventful day of our first official practice. Hugging lovingly on stage is common, but we haven't gotten to part where the kissing scenes start. Thankfully.

Nonetheless, Eren has been very calm around me. Has he forgotten our 'contract'? His wish? His looking at my uh- gluteus maximus? Of course that wasn't the case. He's probably pushing that away to prevent any possible awkwardness. But I wasn't going to let that happen.

"Luca, my everlasting love shall always remain. You are the stem of my flower of hope- a thriving chrysanthemum- as bright and yellow with happiness as the morning's sun. But love alone cannot save humanity from lessening. I promise you, I will return. But for now, the treacherous landscape of war awaits me." Eren dramatically dragged out the beautiful line, my jaw, gently clasped in his hand. "Auggie! You must stay alive. No matter what, my love. A promise is always a promi-!" His hand trailed down to my neck as he gently dragged his fingers along as he circled me. "Never would I break one. I'd never do such a thing to you- my everything." His touch gave me shivers, almost causing my voice to crack during my next line.

"Stay strong for me, August."

•••

Many dramatic, cheesy scenes later, we finally completed our practice. Eren and I fled the room before Miz could give us any extra assignments, good freaking thing. "Ar- you know we only have two weeks of practice left. We can't keep pushing the good stuff back, or it'll be too much for you when it has to happen. A-and don't think I'm worried you're a bad kisser. I'm certain you're a wonderful one." I felt color rush to my face, but shook it off quickly. Wait- 'good stuff'... "Oh, yea that's right." Eren nodded and smiled, lifting his hand to ruffle my hair. "You're blushing."

The rest of the walk home continued in pleasant silence, simply enjoying the company of each other. When Eren and I parted ways, we agreed to Skype each other and went off going to do whatever the hell theater kids do with their free time.

•••

I sat in my bed, texting my friend Marco. He had went off to a private school after middle school, so we haven't seen each other face-to-face in a very long time.

"So I've been hanging out with somebody... And I kind of like them..."

"Sounds great Armin! You should ask them out."

"But that's not it... I've only really known him for... Twelve weeks? And uh, after only three weeks he made a move and I kind of friendzoned him..."

"Him? I didn't know you were into dudes."

"That's not my point! I had only known him for less then a month and I already liked him, and he even was looking at my ass... I feel terrible."

"I really don't know what I'd do. Jean and I were tight on our second day and I was the one to confess. You should just go for it, man!"

"Whatever. I don't even know if I really do like him or not! Ugh. Anyway, I promised to talk to him so I'll cya later. Ciao!" I quickly turned off my phone so I didn't have to read whatever shit advice he would give me in response.

Of course I was NOT going to admit that to Eren right now. I mean, things aren't weird and I'm glad. I guess I'll just... Have to see how all of this plays out. I have absolutely no clue how this will turn out, but I have a good feeling about it. I dragged a blanket, a bean bag, and my Totoro pillow to the foot of my bed and opened up my mac. As it slowly turned on, I stared blankly at my socks. I had slipped them on immediately when I got home, not being able to stand the feeling of a cold hardwood floor beneath my feet. They were Puella Magi Madoka Magica Kyubey socks.

Of course my mind went back to nine weeks ago.

Eren hasn't been weird about it. Like at all. One of the things that made me happy but slightly worried me. What if he hasn't since he was testing me?! No. He would never do that. I'm certain he just decided against his feelings. But isn't that a little odd? The way he acted... He was actually in to me. At least then.

I typed in my passcode quickly and opened skype. Eren was already online, he was probably had been waiting for a while. I clicked the call button and he quickly answered. "Hey!" I heard his familiar voice as his face came into view. He was in what looked like what would be his room. The walls almost matched the color of his eyes identically, but could come nowhere as brilliant and sparkly. "Hey. Sorry to keep you waiting, I was texting an old friend." I apologized, confused when a disappointed look came over his face, but it quickly went. He nodded. "It's alright. I was drawing on SAI anyway, so I wasn't bothered by it."

He smiled for a bit and looked down at his keyboard. "He better not be hitting on you. I only except the Armin booty." He wiggled an eyebrow jokingly and laughed. Ohhh great. I hugged Totoro tightly in my lap, finding such ridiculous words strangely arousing. "Ay now. You're blushing." He winked and returned to his regular goofy smile. Shit. "O-oh I am? Uh. Weird." Eren shook his head lightly. "Things aren't weird."

"Right! Uh, and he wasn't hitting on me... He has a boyfriend." He gave me a little thumbs-up and fiddled with the tie of his pants absentmindedly. Once again, we found ourselves simply enjoying each other's presence. Looking down to my keyboard and fidgeting the mouse, I crossed my legs around the Totoro pillow and snuggled my chin into its back. Slowly looking up, I met Eren's eyes "O-oh I wasn't staring at you...!" He look startled and embarrassed, a light pink dusting his cheeks. "It's alright! Don't worry about it it's fine... Are you going to stay up?" I found myself scratching the back of my neck. Armin. Armin please. That's an Eren thing.

"As long as you do."

He snuggled his blanket and we began to talk about nothing. Small things, nothing important. Adding in a few inside jokes here and there, eventually falling asleep together far away from each other. A type of relationship that was unique to us and us only. And I thought that was very, very beautiful.

• Author's Note •

I did NOT want to end this chapter freaking.

→ → And thanks to @bookreader9420 for that whole Eren Gayger thing! ← ←

That was hecka fab.

Long chapter to make up for the lack of updates. SORRY ABOUT THAT. I've been busy.

So yea! Swag!

Sincerely your sincere friend,

GoatBooty 🎌