"what's that girl's name? the one always lagging around Eren and Mikasa."
"girl? Don't you mean Armin?"
" wait that's a guy? When did you find out?"
"Well I guess he does have girlie hair, and a pretty face.."
"Oh God you're not falling for him are you? I bet he's a fag too"
" whoa hey I'm not a cocksucker!"

The blond stood silent at the conversation held behind him, as the two trainees continued.

"But seriously, he can't do anything for himself and he's even crap in physical training. What a girl."
"Well what'ya expect from a bookworm? I bet he gets himself killed on the first day."
"Or one of us."

The boy stumbled away, unable to continue eavesdropping on their chat about his petty 'life'. If only he had the courage to turn to them and yell what he was really made of, and that he'd never been out with a guy!... Or a girl for that matter. Still, he could never seem to shake away the fear or anxiety constantly swarming him. Even for a trainee, he was a nervous wreck.

With a loss of appetite, the bookworm exited the dining hall, head hung low as he left for the dorm.

"think he heard us?"
"Maybe. He just doesn't want to hear to the tru-ACH"

A fierce impact shuddered through his spine, knocking the breath out of his lungs as he hit the wall. Seconds passed before he recognised the horse-face opposite his own, feeling a tepid breath against his skin.

"What gives you the right to talk about people like that?" The guy grunted, fist clenching tighter around his victim's collar, "It's bastards like you that really piss me off, you jerk about other people, yet you're no better yourselves. No, you're even worse dipshit, you're the one who'd be better off dead."

Maybe he's right. Maybe I am a girl. Maybe I do rely on others all the time. One day I'll get someone killed..

The blond sat on the edge of a bed, toying with the metal item rested on his lap, the decision had been made and, despite his reluctance, he was willing to stick with it. Raising a hand, he brought the blunt knife his ear; he may have been unable to change his looks or height but this was certainly one option he could take.

"Armin?" Briskly twisting his spine to the call of his name, the blond jolted back as a sharp blow to his hand sent the knife skidding across the floor. "What the fuck are you doing?!" Armin strained open his eyes to reveal a distressed Jean Kirschtein clutching onto his wrist. Slightly tilting his head, he peered into Jean's clouded irises, confused as to why this man was so concerned about him, when it was usually Eren or Mikasa who came running to his aid.

Jean felt himself melting into the frightened wide eyes before him, calming his voice to a softer tone.
"You know, you don't have to carry everything on your own shoulders. Don't forget you have friends that.. worry about you..." His cheeks reddened bashfully as he mumbled the last lines, "But doing that isn't the answer!"

"Ah Jean I... WAIT JEAN YOU HAVE THE WRONG IDEA!" frantically waving his hands in the air, Armin took a step back, "I-I was just cutting my hair"

Jean blushed, quickly looking away, embarrassed yet grateful the situation wasn't as heavy as it could have been. reacting briskly, he softly warmed the small teen within an embrace.

"Don't be silly." He soothed, "you're beautiful the way you are."