Home We'll Go

Chapter One

Armin was staring at Eren from across the room. Eren was bickering with Sasha, which was a rather normal occurrence. Armin liked the way Eren's green eyes flashed when he was passionate about something, even if what he was passionate about was winning a pointless argument against Sasha. With his chin resting on his hand, Armin wasn't aware of what was going on around him, he was so lost in focus on Eren. Well, he was until Mikasa decided to drop a book on his desk. "Waaahh!" Armin jumped, almost flipping his chair over with the force of how quickly he pushed back from the desk.

"What are you looking at?" She asked, her voice unperturbed by his reaction as she picked her book back up.

"What?" Armin looked up at her, his brain scrambling to come out of panic mode and process what she had said. "Nothing."

Mikasa's gaze flicked between Armin and Eren. "Why were you staring at Eren?"

"I wasn't. I was staring off into space. That space just happened to be in the same general direction of Eren, I guess." Mikasa's facial expression didn't change at all and Armin could feel his face flushing slightly red. "Maybe I was staring at Sasha. Did you think of that?"

"No." She said simply. "I know you." Just then, the bell rang, marking the end of their 8th period study hall, and the end of their school day. Armin thanked his stars as he grabbed his bag and slipped out of the room. Mikasa was one of his best friends, more than that really, and he certainly trusted her. But being called out was embarrassing to him, particularly having it happen at school were Eren could have overheard. He knew those particular feelings were unrequited, and didn't want people knowing about them. To be honest, he usually did his best to squash those feelings, though like today, sometimes they snuck through.

"Armin, wait up!" Armin resisted the urge to sigh as he spun around and smiled at Eren, who was pushing through the crowd to catch up to him. Sometimes, Armin just really wanted some separation, but since he couldn't explain why, he couldn't get any. And it could be exhausting. "Where are you booking it off to?" Eren asked as he reached Armin.

"Maybe he has a date." Mikasa said, sliding up alongside the boys.

"Don't be ridiculous! Who would date Armin?"

"Thank you for that." Armin just shook his head. And just like that, the feelings would go away. It was like magic.

"I'm sure there are plenty of girls who would want to date Armin." A voice from behind them said, and an arm was thrown around Armin's shoulder.

"Thank you, Sasha." Armin said, turning to look at her.

Apparently, she wasn't done speaking, however. "Or boys. I'm not trying to be heteronormative. I mean, he is rather small, and sort of feminine looking. One could make an argument for androgynous. But plenty of people go for that." She waved her hand nonchalantly.

Armin just stared at Sasha for several moments. "I know that you think you're helping, and I appreciate the sentiment, but I really don't think you are."
"Stop being ridiculous, Sasha!" Eren exclaimed.

"I'll stop seeming ridiculous when you stop being so close minded!

"How dare you call me close minded?" Eren was yelling now.

"I'm going to go get his by a bus." Armin said softly, shrugging out of Sasha's grip and moving towards the door.

"Okay, have fun." Eren said, clearly not paying attention.

"Eren!" Mikasa scolded, followed by a thump. She'd probably just smacked Eren, but Armin couldn't be sure with his back turned.

"Ow! What the hell?" Eren exclaimed, confirming Armin's suspicions.

"Pay attention when people speak to you."

"What? Wait, Armin! What did you say?" Armin just gave a wave as went out the door. "Wait! Armin!"

He'd only made it a little ways down the sidewalk when he heard a different voice call his name. He spun around and gave Mikasa a smile. "Hey."

"I didn't mean to upset you."

Just like Mikasa to cut right to the point. "I'm not upset."

"I'm just trying to protect you. We've talked about this before. Eren will-"

"Mikasa, I know. I've- I've always known. And I remember our pact. It was just a stupid moment. I got over it quick."

"Good. Then let's go home." Mikasa started walking down the sidewalk.

"Wait, what? What about Eren?" Armin called after her.

"What about Eren? He's going to be arguing with Sasha over the pettiest stuff for the next twenty minutes, and I'd much rather spend that time getting home and relaxing than listening to those two."

"Fair enough." Armin shrugged before setting off after her. Getting a snack from Mrs Jaeger would definitely be more enjoyable than listening to Eren squabble. Not to mention some alone time with Mikasa.

Mikasa slung an arm around his shoulders when he reached her. "I doubt he'll even notice we're gone."