Growing Feelings 2 (Bertholdt x Reader) College AU

New Project

Summer vacation had ended and the new school year had just began. 

I was walking towards the classroom where I would have my new extra class, and I could not deny that I was a bit nervous. I had found the advertisement for it and signed up a bit on an impulse, since this class wasn't required for my university plans. Still, it looked fairly interesting and it even promised to give great opportunities for the best projects there developed.

I entered and there weren't many people there yet, since I got there a little early. Still, I was able to recognize a familiar face that instantly put all my worries at ease.

- Armin!

I walked towards him sporting a wide smile, relieved that at least I wouldn't have to go through it alone.

- (Y/n)! You're taking this class too?

- Yeah it sounded good and I was like, why not.

He smiled at me while I pulled a chair and I sat next to him. The teacher entered afterwards and began explaining the things we would be doing from there on out.

I started to feel more confident.

Maybe this might have been a good decision afterall.

___________

I was at home, watching tv with Bertholdt's head comfortably placed on my lap. My hand was combing his hair softly.

- By the way - I said during the commercial break - I went to that extra class I talked to you about. 

- Oh, nice... how was it? - he asked, with a sleepy voice.

- It was good. It seemed like what I was expecting, it will be of great value for me... but anyway you won't believe who I found there.

- Who..?

- Armin!

Bertholdt raised his head and looked at me with sleepy narrowed eyes.

- What? Armin was there?

- Yeah!

- But like... just passing by?

- No silly... I meant he's taking the same class. 

Bertholdt's mouth turned into a weird grin, like he was forcing a smile - How nice.

- Right? I'm more at ease since he seemed like a nice guy... it's very easy to talk to him. We even agreed on working on the project together.

- Oh really?

- Yeah... you went to highschool with him, right? He's like, super smart isn't he? He appeared to be.

- He was... indeed.

- Awesome then... might have just hit jackpot. If we work on this together we'll do great in this... I'll be sure to work extra hard then, I don't want to fall back and for him to think I'm dragging him down or something.

I was talking casually, but I sensed a bit of unease coming from Bertholdt. Still, I thought maybe he was just worried I wouldn't be capable to be at his friend's level.

But I would do my best to prove him otherwise!

- Anyway do you want some popcorn? I'll go get some.

__________

Days passed by and it was getting harder and harder to meet up with Bertholdt. I was drowned in assignments and so was he, even though I had more work than him. 

Mostly due to this one extra class, that turned out to be more demanding than I had anticipated.

- (Y/n) do you think it's possible we meet up after class? It's alright if you can't, we can continue to each do their part... but I feel like we could get more things done if we could do it at the same time... - said Armin while we were discussing the project.

- Hm sure! You are right, it would be easier... well, how about you swing by my place after we're done here?

- Your place? Are you sure? I was more thinking about the library.

- But the library closes early and it's harder to talk freely... - I pondered.

- That's true... but I wouldn't want to be a bother - he waved his hands in front of him - maybe we could find a different place...

- It wouldn't be a bother at all! Don't worry. 

In end, Armin gave in and agreeded to it.

___________

Armin had been coming to my place whenever it was necessary, and I felt like our project was going great. From what I had seen of other's people work, our was a league above and I was proud of what we were achieving. True that most ideas came from Armin, but I tried my best to lead those and work together to improve on it.

It was one of those nights, where Armin and I were on the living room with papers scatered across the table, when we heard someone knock on the door.

- Oh you were waiting for someone (y/n)? I can leave.

- No I wasn't expecting someone to come... give me a second.

I opened the door and saw Bertholdt, standing there holding a box of chocolates.

- Hey! Sorry for coming like this without any warning... but... I missed you and wanted to surprise you. I saw this at the store and thought you might like...

I grabbed the box that he handed to me and smiled. - Thanks! I was actually craving for some chocolates right now... it's great fuel for the brain you know. But wait how did you get here...? - I said while I oppened the door more so he could enter.

- Oh that, your neighbor was leaving the building and let me in-

Bertholdt narrowed his eyes and leaned his head to the right, focusing his sight on what was behind me. 

- Oh hello, Bertholdt! How are you?

- ...Armin?

He then looked back at me. His face was a mix of shock and confusion.

- We were just working on that project I talked to you about. - I said right away, so there wouldn't be any misunderstanding. - but you can stay with us for a bit if you want! I have some cookies-

- Actually how about you both stay and I leave - Armin got up from the chair and started to clean up the table. - I was already planning to go since it's getting late. 

- Then what about that thing we were going to work on-

- We can finish it some other time. Or actually... We already agreed on what to do there so I'll finish it myself.

- Are you sure?

- There's no problem at all.

Armin smiled and waved before leaving, all the while Bertholdt didn't say any other word.

I grabbed the box of cookies and walked towards him, trying to ignore the deadpan expression all over his face.

- Want some? They're really good-

- (Y/n)... we need to talk.