Prologue

A blond boy was running as fast as his feet could take him through the darkening forest. The heavy book he's carrying didn't help him in his goal, though.

The sun was setting fast and he's absolutely late with his daily meeting with his crush. Not that he'd tell anyone about it.

He finally reached the clearing and saw the familiar mop of blonde hair and white hoodie sitting silently on the ground, looking at the shimmering lake. He took a minute to admire her before sitting next to the blonde.

"You're late," she said without looking at him.

He shook his head slowly, still trying to catch his breath. "Sorry. Grandpa didn't allow me to go out until I finish all my homework."

She turned to him and asked, "am I being a bother to you?"

"No! ofcourse not, Annie!" He continued to shake his head. "I just had a lot of homework today is all."

"Armin-"

He pulled out the book he was carrying and showed to her with an exaggerated "ta-da!" which made Annie smile.

"My teacher taught us about the world today! She said there are seven continents across the globe! Did you know that, Annie? Oh! And most of the world is covered in water-" Armin continued to ramble on as Annie listened to him intently. He always had different stories to tell her everyday and even though she knows most of it already, she continued to listen.

Annie loved the way his eyes shine when he's telling something to her and how he will continue to ramble on and on and lose track of time. Armin will be flustered for making her stay late and will say sorry but Annie will cut him off with a light peck on his nose and a small smile.

Armin opened his book and pointed at the blue areas of the world and rambled more about how beautiful and amazing the ocean is. He then turned the page to show a picture of an iceberg and told her that there are lots of those in the countries close to the North and South.

"Annie, one day, I will take you to the ocean, to the North and South Pole! I will take you all around the world! You and I." Armin took her small hand in his slightly bigger ones, making Annie flush scarlet but she answered, "I would love that."

His big bright blue eyes shone as he looked at her, a light blush coloring his cheeks. Annie tried hard to hold back tears. How is she supposed to tell him that this will be their last day together without snuffing the bright light in his eyes as he looked at her.

"Armin?" Annie started, her voice low with sadness.

"Hm?"

"What if I won't be here to see you here tomorrow?"

Armin was confused. Why is she telling him this? Did he do something wrong? His mind reeled into the times where he lost track of time and Annie was forced to stay late. Is she finally tired of his stories?

Seemingly reading his thoughts , Annie said; " I-It's not like what you think!"

Armin gazed at her with wide, puppy-dog eyes.

Oh no. Not those eyes.

Annie fumbled, choked and stuttered through her words. How is she going to tell him? Annie could feel her heart being ripped in half. To be honest, she really didn't want to end their meetings but she has to. She has to because her father is starting to get curious on her whereabouts and if he finds out that she's hanging out with a kid that is not in their league….well, it would be bad.

At first, she's lucky enough that her dad trusts her two almost- brothers Reiner and Bertholdt to watch over her. Annie had no problem talking them into covering up for her when she's going out to meet with Armin. But now, her father had taken matters into his own hands and she's scared that he'll find out about Armin- the boy she's crushing on.

"It's not about you.." Annie managed to say.

Armin nodded slowly, trying to see through Annie's fringe. He knew her long enough to know that she's not telling him everything and he wondered why.

"Don't you trust me, Annie?" He asked her innocently and she gazed at him.

"I trust you," she replied, "but I don't trust some people around me. Do you trust me?"

"Ofcourse!"

"Then believe me when I tell you that you're better off without me." She pulled her hand from Armin's hold and stood up.

Armin scrambled to his feet. What? He didn't understand. Why am I better off without her? Before he could say anything, though, Annie reached down and kissed his nose before running away. Armin tried to follow her but she's too fast. He stumbled on a root and fell face first. Tears brimmed his eyes as he stared at Annie's retreating figure.

But when will I see you again?

I do not own any of the characters or SnK :)