Growing Feelings 2 (Bertholdt x Reader) College AU

Genuine Concern

- You want to talk? Sure, we can talk... I have no plans for right now anyway... no cookie?

I shaked the box in front of him but he still didn't move. I took it back with a "okaaay", grabbed one with chocolate chips and took a bite.

- Why was Armin here?

- I've just told you... it was for that extra class... I've mentioned it before...

I walked towards the table and placed the box there, while absently going through the paper that was left.

- But couldn't you work at the campus? Why would he have to come to your house? And this late at night.

I looked at him but he was so serious that it made me look down right after.

- Look... it's nothing like that. - I scratched the back of my head - We're here doing just the same we do at school, there's nothing weird about it.

- Then why didn't you stay there?

- Because this was more convenient.

- I see.

I grabbed the controler and turned the tv on.

- Want to watch a movie or something?

- How many times as he come here?

- I don't know, a few? But the project is almost done. You know, I think we're the top of the class, I don't mean to brag but-

- That's why you're so busy lately? I want to meet up but you can't... because of him?

- Not because of him, because of college. Because I have many things to do like you already know, you also have yours.

I found a place to sit on the couch and waited for him to join me.

For a while, the sound of the tv was the only thing that could be heard. But Bertholdt ended up giving in and reached for the couch as well, even though he placed himself a bit further than me.

- Can he... not come here anymore?

- I don't see the issue... I've already told you there's nothing to worry about.

- But I don't like it.

I took my eyes of the tv and looked at him.

- Look... when I was in highschool we used to go to each other's houses all the time, and it was a normal thing to do. Are you saying I'm not allowed to bring anyone here without your permission? You didn't seem to mind when Reiner came over.

- Reiner is different...

- So what, I need to bring only those you aprove of?

Bertholdt got up again, starting to raise his voice.

- It's not that!... it's just... why did it have to be with him??

Bertholdt's eyes were filled with a type of anguish I could not comprehend.

- What... you have something against Armin or something? - I got up as well, starting to loose the cool I was trying to maintain.

- No... I... can't you see? This is the same way we met! We were working on a project, you brought me home and then...

- And then what? We fell for each other? Are you saying I fall for any guy I bring home??

- No but-

- I can't believe this... 

- Look - he got closer to me and placed his hands on the side of my arms, firmly grasping them. - you might not realize it but he might do something! The both of you are here alone...