I love AruAni. Best thing ever. Should've happened. My saltiness is indeed real. Also, keep in mind this is my second AoT fic. So, it's probably gonna be bad. Maybe I'm just underestimating myself, though. Anyways, lets get started!


'...I hate my life,' Armin thought to himself. Why would he, the smartest Cadet in the entire 104th Trainee Squad, say something like this? Probably because he was currently tied to a chair in the girls' cabin with every single one of them save Christa and Mikasa glaring daggers at him.

Including her. The one person Armin would never want to hurt. Now, how the hell did Armin get into this predicament you may ask? Well...


Dinnertime, Cadet Barracks...

As everyone in the barracks ate their food and conversed among themselves, Armin was suddenly brought outside by two of his friends; Reiner and Jean. They both looked nervously at Armin who merely raised an eyebrow.

"What is it, you two? Is something wrong?" The two exchanged nervous and Jean merely nodded his head towards Armin while looking at Reiner, who sighed in response. He cleared his throat.

"Armin, me and Jean need you to do a...favor, for us." Armin smiled.

"Why didn't you just say so? Sure, what is it?" Jean stepped forward with a smile.

"Great, Armin! Now, what we need you to do is sneak into the girls' cabin and-"

"What?" Armin interrupted Jean before he could continue further. Reiner facepalmed at Jean's eagerness.

"Seriously? You couldn't say it any better than that?" Reiner sighed and looked back at Armin. "Look, Armin, hear us out. We overheard Ymir telling Christa and the others that they should all do a little...truth or dare. And, we really, really want to hear if they say anything about...y'know...the guys. Get what I mean?" Armin shook his head nervously.

"N-No! I mean, yeah, I get what you mean, but why are you asking me?!"

"Well," Reiner started, "I mean, look at you. No offense, Armin, but you're definitely one of, if not the smallest guy here. Well, that's not actually an insult in this case. You've the least likely chance of getting caught with just how small you are in comparison to us. You really think I'm someone that could do stealth?" Armin gulped nervously. He had a point.

"I-I'm sorry you two, I just don't think I can-"

"I'll put in a good word for you with Leonhardt." Both Armin and Jean paused as they looked at Reiner; Jean with confusion and Armin with shock.

"Reiner, how is that supposed to convince...him..." Jean trailed off in realization. He then looked towards Armin with a smirk. "Really, Armin? You and Annie? Now that's something I definitely didn't expect...thought you would've been more into Christa, to be honest. Or even Eren! Never would've thought you had feelings for Annie, of all people." Armin frowned.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Armin shot back.

"Oh, uh...nothing, nothing." Jean rubbed the back of his head as he looked away from Armin, whistling. Armin looked at Reiner, still frowning.

"H-How'd you know, Reiner?"

"Well...you see..."


"Hey, Reiner," Eren walked up to Reiner during their training, "do me a favor?"

"Sure, man, what is it?" He smiled at the boy. God, if only he knew how awkward this was...

"Could you ask Annie to practice working together with Armin?" Reiner raised an eyebrow.

"What? What for?"

"Well, Armin noticed that Annie has been getting pretty low grades when it came to teamwork, so he wanted to help her." He answered honestly. Reiner put a hand to his chin. There were plenty of people here who, to be blunt, sucked when it came to teamwork, so why would Armin want to...

His eyes widened in realization.

"Why didn't Armin just ask me himself?" Eren shrugged.

"Don't know. He just blushed and said, 'No reason', then ran off."

"...He likes Annie, doesn't he?" Eren raised an eyebrow.

"What? Why would you say that?"

"Eren, you are one dense guy man..." Reiner sighed. "Sure, I will, but don't expect her to say yes." Eren nodded. "Thanks! Appreciate it!" Eren ran off to find Armin.

"...This is gonna end badly, isn't it?"


"..." Armin sighed. Damn it, Eren...

"So, yeah... Hey," Reiner tried to cheer him up, "at least you two got to spend a few weeks together, right?" Armin blushed again.


Armin and Annie were both inside the forest, practicing their use of 3D Maneuvering Gear while also trying to stay together in formation. However, Annie kept speeding away from Armin at random intervals, at which point they had to stop, get back into formation and do it again.

"You just have to keep a steady pace, Annie, so that you can stay together with everyone." Annie scoffed.

"Not my fault you're going too slow..." She muttered whilst moving a bit of hair to the side of her face; something Armin could never get over.

"Annie," he started again, "This is why you keep getting those low grades when it comes to working together. Pushing away others who are trying to help won't help your skills."

"What's the point? They'll only end up dying, and in turn, get me killed. Everyone here serves as nothing more than useless fodder for the Titans. Besides, I'm only in it for myself, Armin. That's why I'm aiming for the MP, so I can save myself and only myself." Armin frowned as a silence fell upon them.

"...Does that include me, too?" He whispered, though Annie managed to hear what he said.

"What?" Armin nervously shook his head.

"A-Anyways, come on! That test is coming up in a few weeks, you kno-"

"Armin," She called his name with a bit of force in her voice. "what do you mean. 'does that include me, too?'" Armin sighed as he looked at her with slightly downcast eyes.

"Nothing, nothing... I think we should take a short break, Annie." She shrugged as they both used their gear to climb up a tree and sat down on one of the branches.

"I meant...do you view me the same way?" She raised an eyebrow. "Useless fodder for the Titans, I mean." She paused for a moment.

"...No, I didn't." She crossed arms as she looked away from Armin.

"It's fine, Annie. You don't have to hide how little you think of me; I'm used to it, actually." Annie frowned.

"Armin, I meant it. I don't view you the same as the rest of these morons." Armin tilted his head to the side.

"Then...how do you view me?" She looked back towards him with a slightly irritated look.

"...Doesn't matter."

"Annie."

"Fine... Unlike just about everyone here, you actually have an idea of what you're doing." He raised an eyebrow. "I can tell that while you're lacking in the physical department, you make up for it with this." Annie pointed to her head absentmindedly. "That's honestly more than I can say for most people I've met in my life. It's also why I can't comprehend why you're a soldier."

"Huh?" He looked confused.

"You're probably the smartest one here, Armin. So, why are you trying to be a soldier; someone known more for physical experience rather than mental capacity? Moreover, why are you trying to help me be a soldier? I obviously do just fine on my own, so why are you trying to help me?" He shifted a little.

"Well... I want to help people, you know? I want to be beneficial to Humanity in any way possible, so we can get over the Titan threat. Besides, Eren and Mikasa are here, too. I don't know what would happen to me if they weren't there for me, so I owe it to them to try my best." Annie slowly nodded.

"You didn't answer my other question," she noted, "why are you helping me?" He glanced around nervously.

"W-Well, Annie, I just want to he-"

"That's not it. Otherwise, you wouldn't be putting up with how I'm talking to you like this." He sighed.

"I guess it's because... I-I like spending time with you, A-Annie..." Her eyes widened for a moment before she quickly hid her surprise with her usual blank expression.

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"I-I...consider you a close friend, is all. Friends spend time with each other, right? I thought this would be a good way to get to know you..."

"I don't recall asking for your friendship, Arlet." He looked down.

"W-Well, I was hoping for the chance that...we could be friends, Annie." He looked at her to see if there was a change in expression. There wasn't. An awkward silence fell over them.

"W-Well," Armin chuckled nervously, "it's about time we head back, Annie." Armin stood as he got ready to go back to camp and cry himself to sleep, but-

"Fine." She said with a shrug. Armin looked at her curiously.

"I...don't mind being your friend, Armin... I guess." He smiled.

"Thank you, Annie. Now, let's go back, yeah?" She nodded and they left the forest, both keeping their inner thoughts to themselves.


Back to the main story...

"Look, Armin," Reiner placed a hand on Armin's shoulder, "we need you to do this for us. Besides, if Annie's playing with them-"

"That's a big if, Reiner." Armin interrupted.

"Still, if she is, she might get asked about you. Plus, don't forget; you do this for us, I'll put in a word for you with Annie. Please?" Armin stood still for a few moments, then nodded.

"Great, Armin!" Jean smiled. "Now, they'll be starting a few minutes after dinner time, so try to be in position by then, alright?" Armin nodded in response.

"By the way, you two...who are you trying to listen for?" They both froze.

"After all, I can't exactly remember every little thing they talk about, so it'll help if I know who exactly I'm supposed to be listening for." Both Reiner and Jean blushed furiously.

"Oh, wait, I think I already know! Christa and Mikasa, right?"

"H-How'd you know?!" They both exclaimed.

"I'm not the only one who's really obvious about who they have feelings for, y'know. In any case, I'll help you, so don't worry 'bout it. By the way, Jean, Reiner, you mind doing some of my chores for a few weeks?"

"What?!' Jean shouted. "Why would we do tha-"

"Mikasa, Christa!" Armin yelled. "Reiner and Jean want to talk to y-" Reiner rushed over and put his hand over Armin's mouth.

"Alright, alright, we'll do it! Just don't say anything!" Armin nodded and Reiner let him go.

"Well," Armin waved to the two of them, "bye!" He went back inside the barracks while the two merely sweatdropped.

"That is one evil kid..." Jean said absentmindedly while Reiner nodded in agreement.


A few minutes later...

Armin sat directly under the window of the girl's bedroom window; all of them save Annie and Mikasa who were off to the side sitting in a circle.

"So, Sasha," Mina looked towards her with a smirk, "truth or dare?"

"Dare!" She said excitedly.

"I dare you...to kiss this potato without eating it!" Mina threw Sasha a potato while everyone in the room (save Annie and Mikasa) had a laugh.

"What? But..." Sasha looked at the potato with an irate expression. She tried to give it light kisses, but eventually, she bit down on it and scarfed it down.

"Well, that was a fail!" Mina laughed along with the others.

"Hey, Annie, Mikasa," She called to the both of them, why don't you join us?" Mikasa simply nodded while Annie looked away. Mina sighed. "Please? C'mon, what's wrong with having fun once in a while?" After a few moments, Annie merely sighed as she walked over and sat down between Mikasa and Mina.

"Alright, my turn!" Ymir jumped in. "And this one goes out for everyone! Also, it's automatically a choice, so too bad if you wanted a dare!" Most of them chuckled while the same two ladies merely looked on.

"So, ladies...if you had to date someone here, who would it be? Oh, and you don't have to answer, my little Christa! I already know who it is since we're getting married someday!" She swung an arm around the girl who merely blushed in response. All of the girls eyes' widened in response as they waited for someone to go first.

"Well," Ymir started, "if none of you speak up, I'm gonna have to pick someone..." Her eyes glanced from person to person. They landed on Mikasa, but she soon turned to find someone else. "Don't worry, Mikasa, we all know it's Eren!" The girl blushed intensely as she brought up her scarf to hide her face.

"Hm... Annie!" All of the girls' eyes landed on Annie, who glared in response. "Hey, no need to glare! C'mon Annie, we're just dying to know who you like!" Annie paused for a moment, but then shook her head.

"I don't like anyone here. There, happy?"

"That's not what your blushing face says! Come on, it'll just be between us girls!" Annie raised a hand to her face, but retracted it when she realized she had been duped. She sighed as she brushed a strand of hair from her face. Meanwhile, Armin's heart was beating intensely fast; so much so he was surprised it hadn't exploded yet.

"...I guess..." The girls leaned forward curiously while Armin raised his head slightly so he was actually looking inside.

"I guess...Arlet is...alright." A very light blush was just barely visible on her face. Not only did the girls pause, but Armin did as well.

"Woah, really?" Ymir said, taken aback. "I would've figured you would say... I don't know, Reiner or Bertholdt, but Armin?!"

"W-What?" Annie was clearly offended. "Like hell I would ever think about them in that kind way of way. Don't even entertain the mere thought of it. Makes me sick..." They all looked curiously at Annie; her distaste for the two pretty evident.

"...Well," Mikasa spoke up, "did you just say Armin because you couldn't think of anyone to say, or do you actually like him?"

"What's it to you?" She shot back. Armin gulped nervously. The two always had a rivalry, and with Mikasa already being overprotective of Armin, this was surely not good for anyone.

"He's my friend and, frankly," she stared directly at Annie, "I honestly don't think you deserve him." Gasps could be heard from many of the girls there.

"Ackerman," Annie said in a dangerously low tone, "I recommend watching what you say. It could be dangerous for your health, after all." The two glared daggers at each other.

"I'm just worried for Armin is all. Someone like you is only going to get him hurt." Annie stared at Mikasa for a few moments before laughing out loud, something no one thought she even knew how to do.

"The amount of hypocrisy I'm hearing right now is astounding, Ackerman. If only you could hear yourself!" She said in between her laughter. Mikasa raised an eyebrow.

"Hypocrisy? What are you talking abou-"

"Eren or Armin?" Annie cut off Mikasa who could only stare at Annie in confusion. "If someone held a gun to Eren's head and said that they would only spare him if you torture Arlet to death, what would you do?" Mikasa's eyes widened.

"W-What? How could you say something like th-"

"Answer. The. Question." Annie cut her off once again as she smiled. Mikasa fell silent as she bit her lip in anger.

"How could you ask me something like that, Leonhardt? That's low, even for you."

"Please, you're just angry because we all know who you would save without even a moment's hesitation. Honestly, you're so obsessed it's actually frightening the lengths you're willing to go for him..." Mikasa stood up from her spot as her eyes narrowed dangerously at Annie. Her death stare would intimidate anyone else; but not Annie. Annie stood up as well and crossed her arms.

"Well, Ackerman? I'm waiting." The girls could only stare in shock at the situation unfolding before them. Even if they tried to intervene, they would, more than likely, just get thrown to the wayside. After all, these were some of, if not the strongest in the entire 104th Squad.

The air was heavy as the two girls had a silent face-off, waiting to see if the other would back down. Even Armin was sweating and he wasn't even in the same room as they were. Though, he was honestly rather glad Mikasa hadn't answered her question. He trusted Mikasa as much as he trusted Eren, but...no, he couldn't think like that. Besides, if anything, he'd be fine with giving his life for Eren's anyhow. He was his best friend, after all.

"Leonhardt, take back what you said."

"The truth hurts, doesn't it Ackerman? Honestly, saying I'm someone who would only get Armin hurt when you're willing to sacrifice his life just because you have a hopeless crush on someone who obviously doesn't even think about you in that way... It's a load of bull, in my honest opinion."

"And what about Armin, Leonhardt? Don't tell me you actually think that you have a chance with someone like him?" Annie scowled at Mikasa while Armin actually had to hold in his chuckle. He was the one who didn't think he had a chance with Annie, actually.

"Ackerman, I've warned you already; do not test me." Annie slowly got into her fighting stance while Mikasa merely balled her fists.

"The truth hurts, doesn't it Leonhardt? Honestly, saying I have a hopeless crush on someone who obviously doesn't think about me like that when you yourself have no chance with Armin... It's a load of bull, in my honest opinion."

"That's it," Annie said in a low growl as she moved in to give a punch to Mikasa's side. Mikasa responded by immediately aiming a jab towards Annie's jaw, but-

"Stop fighting!" Armin stood up from his hiding stop and exclaimed. Not only did Annie and Mikasa stop mid-punch, but everyone else in the room froze. Armin did as well, realizing the mistake he just made.

"Peeper!" Christa exclaimed as she hid behind Ymir.

"Get him!" Ymir shouted as her and, surprisingly, Sasha and Mina went to grab Armin.

"Damn it-woah!" Armin attempted to turn around and run, but was caught by his jacket hood by the girls and pulled into the room. Ymir cracked her knuckles.

"So, Arlet, any last words?" Armin gulped.

"I...regret...everything."


Fast forward to now...

'...I hate my life." Armin thought to himself. Being tied up to a chair was not what he imagined he'd be doing this evening. All of the girls except Mikasa and Christa glared at him, anger evident in their expression.

"Armin," Mikasa bent down to his level, her expression soft, "what were you doing here?"

"Isn't it obvious, Mikasa?" Ymir chuckled. "The boy was just going through puberty, that's all. Though, looks like it hasn't hit him fully, yet..." Mikasa gave her signature glare at Ymir causing her to go quiet. She turned back to Armin.

"Armin, you weren't here to spy on us, right? I know you, you wouldn't do something like that...right?" Armin nodded.

"O-Of course not!" Mikasa sighed in relief.

"Good...now, what were you doing here?" Armin went silent.

"...I can't say." He looked away from Mikasa's gaze, not being able to handle the amount of pressure he was on. He wouldn't be surprised if he passed out from all of it. Mikasa frowned.

"A-Armin... I t-thought you, of all people, weren't...that kind of guy..." Christa muttered sadly. Oh, not that face... Though Armin wasn't head over heels for Christa like, more than half of the guys in the 104th Squad, seeing or making her sad was not something he enjoyed in the slightest. He glanced towards the one person who was staying away from all this and stood in the corner; her glare at him not resting for a moment.

"..." The entire room was silent. The girls were obviously thinking about what to do with him, and whatever they had in mind he was sure he wasn't going to like it. He looked towards Mikasa for sympathy, but she could only look disappointed at him.

"...Arlet," Annie stepped forward until she was directly in front of Armin, staring directly at him. He involuntarily swallowed.

"How long were you there?" Armin kept his mouth shut.

"Fine; how much did you hear?" Yeah, no, he definitely wasn't saying jack to that. Though, he had to admit...he was cracking under the pressure Annie's sharp glare was giving him.

"N-Not much... I-I wasn't there for long, I swear!" Annie scoffed at his obvious lie.

"You heard it all, didn't you? Well..." She looked down, seemingly irritated, but looked up with a small smirk.

"Tell me, what did you think of the question I asked your friend, Mikasa?" All eyes in the room went to Annie. Mikasa immediately glared at the girl, though she ignored the glaring girl.

"W-What are you-"

"Don't play dumb, Arlet. You were there the entire time, right? So, tell me...who do you think she'd pick? I bet she wouldn't even hesitate on her choice. What do you think of that, knowing just how little your life means in comparison to Yeager when it comes to the three of you?" Mikasa moved to stand directly in front of Annie.

"Leonhardt, drop it." Annie smirked.

"What? I'm not even asking you the question; I'm asking Armin. So, Armin...?" She looked towards Armin with a smile. Armin stayed silent, his head staring at the ground.

"Well, Armin...?" Annie was clearly getting impatient with Armin's lack of response, causing Armin to begin sweating furiously.

"I-I..."


End of the first chapter! The second one will be the end of this short little story! Hope you enjoyed!