Thanks to my beta reader SunaT.U for helping out with grammar and thank you for giving this a shot! I have another five chapter ready, so updates will come quick :)
WARNING: Involves established fictional characters, which may or may not fit within the reader's preconception about said characters.
DISCLAIMER: Relevant characters and source materials belong to their respective copyright owners. The author lays claim to the rest. Use for non-commercial purposes only.
1. Family – Sometimes only family can make you see reason.
"I CAN'T believe her!" his friend complained loudly on their way to their shared room. His stomping could be heard from miles away. It reminded Armin about titans.
He shivered. "E-Eren, please calm down. She just wants you to stay sa—"
"Save it! I could care less!" the fourteen year old interrupted him hotly. He threw his arms in the air and let out an audibly grunt, his frustration was almost palpable. "Has she ever thought about what I want? Huh? Has she?!"
Armin ran a hand through his hair nervously. It was not the first time that he had to play peace maker between his two best friends. He has known them for the longest after all. He always tried to stay neutral on every episode, but this time that just wouldn't do.
Eren stopped and pointed accusingly at him, "Even you have to admit that she went too far! Who does she think she is anyway? My mother?!"
Armin stopped too and flinched at his tone.
"H-huh… I-I don't…" he stuttered as his mouth tried making time for his brain to think of something intelligent to say to his distressed friend. He coughed twice and then sighed; Eren wasn't going to like this.
"I know Mikasa can be a little overprotective—" the brunette gave him a look, "O-okay, maybe more than a little. But see it from her point of view, Eren. Her best friend wanted to sneak past the wall, somewhere full of… of… them!" he shivered again. "And just for what? So he can win a bet? This time I have to agree with her. That's ridiculous!"
Eren snorted and looked away, still angry but lowering his voice. "Yeah, okay, I get it. But still, she didn't have to betray me. Why did she have to go and tell our superiors about it?" He tightened a fist until his knuckles turned white, "It's just like when we were kids… why can't she keep her mouth shut?"
The blonde scratched the side of his head in contemplation. Mikasa's actions might seem complicated to the lesser minds, but to Armin, all she did was crystal clear because he thought like that too. She was just scared to lose her precious friend.
"Look Eren, I don't think I understand her fully either, but she probably thought that was the only way to guarantee that you didn't go and get yourself killed."
Eren opened his mouth to retort, but Armin wouldn't have any of it, "She doesn't want to be alone again. She wants her family to stay together." He moved his index finger between them twice. "You and I are all she has left. Just you and me."
Eren's eyes widened for a second before narrowing again and straying to the wall. Armin might have been only speculating, but he was almost sure he hit a soft spot. It made him relax a bit, for at least the calamity was prevented. For now.
They stayed like that for a while, with Eren staring angrily at the wall and Armin watching him with a serious but calm expression, both having said their piece.
After a while longer, the blonde gave his friend a pat on the shoulder and walked past him to their room.
The brunette stayed rooted for a while, his mind running in circles, just now understanding how irrational he has been.
A few heartbeats later, when he thought the smaller boy was away from earshot, he murmured, "Damn it. You two are all I have left too, you know?"
Armin could only smile.