Eren grumbled as he woke up. He checked his alarm and moaned. Late again.
He shot out of bed and quickly gathered his clothes, getting dressed hurriedly and throwing his books into his bag. He picked up an apple and ran out the door, yelling goodbye to his parents. He ran down the street, his legs sprinting as fast as they possibly could.
He finally reached the school gates and shot through, running down the hall and pushed the doors open to his classroom.
"Jaeger. You're late, I see." The professor grumbled, raising an eyebrow at the panting mess stood at the doors.
"I woke up late. I'm sorry."
Jean laughed and grinned at his friend. "What an idiot."
"Shut it, horse-face!"
"You little sh-"
"Enough, Jaeger! Take your seat. The work is on the board."
Eren mumbled an apology to the teacher and sat in his usual seat. It was as far away from Jean as possible. He noticed Armin wasn't sat next to him.
'Maybe he missed his alarm too… No, that's not like Armin. He wouldn't.'
Eren sighed as he sat alone, his intelligent friend not keeping him company or helping him with whatever he was stuck on.
The bell rang for second lesson. Eren grabbed his book and bag, rushing out the door before Jean caught up with him.
He had gym next. He couldn't be doing with that, especially with Jean there and Armin not there.
He left the building, not bothered if anyone was to catch him. He walked down the empty streets until approaching Armin's home. He knocked the door. He waited a moment before he heard light footsteps. The door opened, revealing a pale and sickly looking Armin.
"Are you okay?!" Eren asked, his eyes wide at the sight before him. Armin nodded, stepping aside for Eren to enter his home. Eren stepped in and closed the door behind him. He pulled Armin into a tight hug to which Armin returned.
"Eren that hurts." Armin whispered against Eren's shoulder. Eren mumbled an apology and let go, looking down at the sick boy who stood before him.
"What's wrong, Armin?" He asked. His eyebrows furrowed and his eyes shown worry and sadness.
"I just hurt. I only got one hour of sleep last night. I had a bad dream." Armin sat down on the couch and pulled his knees to his chest. Eren kicked off his shoes and sat beside Armin.
"Why are you awake now?" Eren asked.
"I didn't want to sleep in case I had another nightmare. I didn't want to be scared whilst home alone."
"Sleep now. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere." Eren softly replied, leaning back into the couch. Armin nodded hesitantly, laying down on the couch and closed his eyes. Eren looked down at the boy, curled up in a tight ball. His face buried into the couch.
Eren reached over and grabbed a cushion, he then lifted Armin's head and placed the fluffy cushion under his head. Armin mumbled a thank you and nuzzled his head into the soft material. Eren smiled at the sleepy boy and took off his fluffy coat and placed it over Armin. He watched as the delicate boy drifted off. He carefully brushed the blond hair from his face and whispered gentle, protective things.
'I will protect you…' He thought to himself.
He hated Jean's guts. And Jean's friends. He hated what they did to Armin. Everything. Armin didn't deserve that kind of treatment. They didn't even deserve to know Armin. Armin was too special. He was much more important than them.
