Not Just an Act [ArminxEren]

~ friend... ~

• Armin's P.o.v. •

Sprawled across my bed, I tightened my grip on the sheets below me.

December 9th.

It was 11:28 post-meridiem.

The play was on the 10th at 6:00 post-meridiem. And our several whole-play rehearsals had resulted in stupid fake stage kisses since I couldn't bring myself to actually kiss Eren. I felt horrible about it.

Now I can wholeheartedly admit that I do have very strong feelings for Eren, but that only made it harder for me to do it. And even worse- he apologized for my not being able to. Saying he felt he was pressuring me to a point where I just couldn't, but he couldn't be any more wrong.

He never pressured me at all, and it wasn't his fault any way. Finally feeling back to him brought up past events I am certain I do not have to name. I rolled over and shoved my head into my hands. I'm going to to mess up. Badly. I can feel it in my blonde. Deciding I should probably get some sleep, I snuggled my nose into Totoro's nape. Tightly hugging the fat, adorable pillow I silenced myself with the thought of our old Skype conversations. We had decided about a week ago that we had to practice instead of using our free time 'fooling around.'

Ah, memories.

•••

5:45 ante-meridiem. My alarm clock had been startling, given I regularly get much more sleep then I did last night. Slowly, I got up to get ready.

Today I decided to wear a way oversized electric blue sweater with a black collar that exposed one shoulder, and black skinny jeans that scrunched up at the top. Embarrassingly much, Miz had asked me to wear heels to school. Today was going to be just great.

When I came downstairs for breakfast, I found my grandfather peacefully sipping coffee and reading. Our adorable little cat, Biscuits, sat in his lap but leapt down to greet me when I had arrived. Grandfather had to stay in veterinary business since he had to pay for various things thanks to me- and for that I felt terrible- but that's where he adopted her for us. I always told him I should get a job and pay for my own things, but he always just smiled bad place a gentle hand on my shoulder, saying "A wonderful young man like yourself deserves more then I can provide, it is no bother to me staying in work."

I greeted him with a small smile, a little hand-flick wave, and got to making breakfast- which consisted of four well-buttered pieces of toast. "I'm very proud of you, Armin. I'm certain your play will be wonderful. I hope you understand my not being able to come... I truly am sorry." Grandfather frowned as he spoke, but I just shook my head."It's alright. Those cute little injured animals' lives are much more important then my petty play." He heaved a sigh and placed his mug onto the oak table we say at. "Like most everything else, it can't be helped. I have to get going. I wish you the best of luck." He ruffled my hair before slowly walking off to grab his computer.

I checked my watch and decided I should make my way to Eren's house, leaving my last piece of toast half eaten and abandoned on the tall wooden table. I grabbed my bag and said my goodbyes to grandfather before rushing off to the highschool, both excited and nervous to get going.

•••

When I got to Eren's, I found him waiting in the bench-swing on his porch. Burying my nose into my scarf and pulling my beanie over my forehead, I gestured at him to come on and get over here, though instead of noticing and walking over as always, he simply sat and patted next to him. Lightly, I shook my head and smiled, running over to join him. "Hey..." I sat down and immediately felt the familiar- yet foreign- feeling of Eren wrapping his arms around me. I squeaked in surprise, but he only squeezed me tighter. "Get used to it." Frowning, I nodded and hugged him back.

I knew I had time, but I eventually unwillingly let go of Eren's warm body with a shy smile, which he returned and released me as well. We got up and made our way to the sidewalk, both of us glowing with anxiousness and joy. Eren looked like a happy old dog when he was this way, all pleasant and fun, which I found somewhat... hot?

We were more talkative during the walk, yet avoided the topic of tonight's play to keep good spirits- although it was an inevitable thought for the rest of the day, which distracted me quite a lot during classes but of course, nobody blamed me.

I had almost completely forgotten about my whole popularity idea when I met Eren, as I noticed. Although I had gained quite a few friends during training, none other then him really mattered, which was rare for me. I never picked favorites before.

He must be something special.