Title: Growing up can be Fracking Pain.
Pairing: Armin x Mikasa
Summary: There's a get together at the lake and somehow, Eren fucks it up. At least there's a giant dick in the sky to laugh at.
Disclaimer: I owe nothing of SnK.
Author's note: Oh gawd... its been a while since I last updated. I am soooo sorry about this. I got swamp over with RL and such. But, alas I have came back! I didn't want to make it any more angsty than I first wanted it to be, so here's a lighter version of what I originally had planned. I should be on my usual roll with the story updating, hopefully. XD
The sun was hanging out around on the east side of town, indicating that the afternoon was slowly ebbing away into non-existence. Though this didn't mean the day was over. Actually, the day has yet to start for several individuals on this semi-lovely Saturday afternoon. Yes, it was semi-lovely.
Why do you ask?
Simple. It was a Saturday and Mikasa is somehow still awake. Normally she would have slept in, do some form of exercise, have breakfast and get on with her day. Ha, like that would happen. Thanks to a very confusing week and her brother's ranting, the said girl only caught 2 hours of sleep that very morning.
Everything that happened after 9 am resulted to a blurred rush of getting chores done, packing up various things and arguing with Eren on who's turn it was to clean the bathroom. Yes, they argued over that. And like hell she was going to clean up after Eren's mess. Apparently he can't clean up after a session of shaving. There was just wayyyy too much hair in that sink and Mikasa didn't want to second guess where it came from.
Luckily she managed to wiggle out of cleaning in exchange for driving both Eren and Annie over to the lake. Of course that meant Mikasa had to waste gas, since she still had to come back and finish some more stuff. It wasn't that bad, considering the fact that most of the Saturday church-goers were locked away in their holy buildings.
So, with all of that set aside, we shall start this actual chapter in front of the Jeager household with a simple compact, Volvo automobile. The chores were done, as well as the packing. All that was needed was to haul her ass over to the lake so that some partying could be done. After all, it was one of the very few days left in summer so why not waste it on stupid underage drinking with the possibility of going skinny dipping under the stars.
Taking a moment, the brunette stared at the depths of her trunk. Going over the mental list, she knew she had the essentials all down. Extra drinks for those that don't want Braun's cheap ass beer, then something extra to get the fires going, as well as the belly's feeling nice, warm and stuffed with wholesome goodness. On top of that she was also bringing her own supply of meats that would be roasting by the fire. That thought reminded Mikasa she needed to thank Sasha for teaching her how to master fire roasting. Though something told her that the compulsive eater would take her thanks in a large serving of her famous kicking bacon mac'n'cheese.
Which gaves her the thought that Armin would love her kebobs.
Oh, yes. Mikasa was still wrapped up about Armin. She couldn't help it since Monday's breakfast ended on a rather tense note? It wasn't that bad. It was just... awkward. That may be the best way to describe it now that Mikasa thought on it.
Shutting the trunk close, Mikasa slipped into the vehicle and started to back out of her step-parents driveway. No matter how much she tried to shake it off, her mind would go back to that day. Heck, its been five days since she was given that little bit of information. Five days of turning those details over in her mind, trying her best to be there for the blond boy. She really did try. However, it felt as though she was failing him someway.
After their little moment over his shirt, Armin explained softly what was happening with his leg.
"The damage to my left knee is worse than my right. Though, that's pretty much obvious." He motioned to the brace on his left leg.
Mikasa nodded as she watched her friend lean against the wall. Nothing was needed to be said during the time. She knew from the get go what the situation was.
Avoiding Mikasa's gaze, a rather bitter smile tugged at Armin's lips. "Grisha thinks that I'm over using my muscles to keep some sort of balance, since my joints aren't strong enough to support all my weight. We don't know if this is the actual case, but from what he seen through past patients, he is fairly certain this is happening. Initially the damage dealt was... crippling. Some nerves were affected. Still can't feel my middle toe... but now, well..."
Armin choked on his next thought. Stepping into Armin's personal bubble, Mikasa gripped his shoulder's. It was suppose to be a comforting gesture. Something that took the blond a moment to realize before relaxing from his tense posture. Murmuring softly, "Its okay, take your time."
Armin shook his head in a stubborn manner. He didn't want to take his time, but he was. That didn't stop Mikasa from giving the blond comfort. Even as she heard Eren calling for them from downstairs, wondering what was taking so long, she continued to stand by his side.
Taking in a deep breath of air, "Its peroneal nerve dysfunction. Um... well... Nerve damage. Its getting worse and... fuck."
The information was a shock. Heck, it was still a shock, five days later.
Stopping at a light, Mikasa slump back in her seat with a heavy sigh. Lately sighing has been turned into a big thing. Especially when it revolved around Armin. It was a mean thing to think about, however it was true. That boy has too many issues. Hoarding his problems was becoming an issue as well. Heck, he managed to enlist Mikasa into his habit of hoarding.
"Please, don't tell anyone Mikasa." Armin's desperate plea matched his expression. Staring at the female with wide eyes, he happened to pick up on her line of thought instantly. "I... I don't want this to become a huge scene. For all I know, it could just be my knee and that I need surgery to readjust my joint."
He did have a point there. But, Mikasa wasn't going to buy it. "For all you know, it could mean that you do have neural damage."
Armin winced at the blunt words. Wrapping his arms around himself, "Yes, that is true. But... at least wait till I find out through Grisha. I-... I don't want to jump the gun is why."
She didn't mention anything to Eren. Her step-mother hasn't mention anything, so she could assume that she knew something but not all the details. Grisha most likely couldn't keep a lid on it. It happens when he takes in a patient that he's emotionally invested in.
A horn blared from behind. Muttering to herself about rude drivers, the Volvo sped on. Sadly that instant of distraction wasn't enough to stop her from thinking about Monday morning. It seem almost impossible, especially since she was still trying to get over the fact that Armin cried over waffles.
For Christ sakes, it wasn't anything special. It was just starchy batter made in a waffle iron. Sure there was blueberries in the mix, but that's all. And yet he managed to cry over that, stating that he was a mess that morning and he missed Carla's cooking.
Thanks to that incident, Mikasa tried to keep an eye out on Armin's eating habits. As of late he's been taking a special interest on ramen when it came to lunch. The cafeteria didn't serve ramen. Mikasa found out on Thursday that Armin was abusing the microwaves in the teacher's lounge. Being fed up with seeing him eating that crap, she ended up making him lunch on Friday. Of course that went well.
Armin declined the instant he saw the box. Mikasa kept forcing it onto him, yet he just kept saying no, no, no. She was very close to just hitting him with the containers of food. Thankfully (somewhat), Eren was there to intervene.
"Quit being a rude, ungrateful fuck and just accept it already! She was up late last night making that for you."
The harsh words got the blond to clam up, accept the containers and mumble out a, 'I'll hang with you guys tomorrow at the lake.' before departing to god knows where.
And thus Mikasa is here, in the Volvo, heading off to the lake as she tried to dodge the Saturday afternoon traffic of church-goers and assholes. Seriously, you'd think that folks would get the memo that it was a weekend.
"Fucken A!" the cuss left Mikasa's lips the instant the driver up front came to an abrupt stop. The horn blared a second later as the jackass of a driver went in reverse instead of forward. Seriously, who the hell gave this jackass a license?!
"Retarded fucks." she muttered just as she sped through the country road leading toward the lake. She really couldn't stand driving. It didn't help that the girl had the worse case of road rage known to mankind.
The car came to a complete stop, just near the edge of the campsite. Scattered across the lake shores were all sorts of crowds. Campers, high schoolers, local town folks, the occasional outdoor runner, old men fishing and of course, families with their loud children. Thank god the spot she hang at was a bit more secluded. Plus there was this great view of the whole lake from the shore and the pier.
Talking about crowds, Mikasa saw her friends loitering about on the shores. Reiner could be seen harassing Ymir. Course Bertolt would be near by, trying to get Reiner to calm down. Not like that was going to happen because a second later Ymir executed a perfect throw down on the burly blond.
This went unnoticed since the others were busy with a volleyball match. The others being Historia, Sasha, Marco and Connie. Boys versus girls game. And from the look of things, it was a pretty intense match. The only thing missing was either Annie or herself going against Eren.
Talking about those two love birds, Mikasa saw them near the fire pit. There was a lack of fire in the said pit though. Would have been a very romantic scene for the couple. Just watching the flame roaring, while snugging up to your "boo" for extra warmth. Maybe share a bottle of beer while you're at it.
Gritting her teeth, the all too familiar bubble of jealously clawed its way up her throat. She couldn't help but be envious. She wanted to share moments like those with someone particular. If only she had the guts to openly tell Armin that she liked him in a romantic sense. Yeah, that will be the day.
Mikasa highly doubt that the boy wanted to deal with anything complicated as his best friend seeking out a romantic relationship with him. Especially with all the problems he's dealing with.
Closing her eyes, the teen leaned against the steering wheel. Her mind wandered yet again as she thought on that blond. More specifically, Wednesday evening came to mind.
"Mikasa, promise me you'll watch over Armin for me."
Leftovers were being put away when Carla began. It was so abrupt that it took the teen a moment to realize what was being said.
"Of course I will Mom." There was no need for second thoughts or hesitation. It was second nature to Mikasa to always protect the blond boy in anyway possible. Even if it is to make a promise on top of promises.
"I know you will Mikasa." Kissing her step-daughter's temple, "He will try to push you. As much as he likes to deny the fact that he isn't his Father's son, they are similar in many ways. Be strong Mikasa and stay by his side. He'll need your strength when you least expect it."
Her step mother was right about that. She would need to use all her strength to keep up with that blond. Heck, all this thinking about Armin was exhausting. Then again, being in love with someone is never an easy ride. Heck, it's not the fact that she was in love with someone. She was in love with Armin Alexander Arlert. And, that boy was so darn complex at times that he'll just do a 180 on you.
That or he'll be on your mind constantly, like some damn tease.
Mikasa needed a distraction. Luckily the distraction was present just outside the car. The distraction presented itself as a blond, hooked nose female known as Annie Leonhart. With the trademark aloof expression on, her gaze was directed to the smartphone at hand. She didn't say anything, nor did she made any suggestion that she was up to something.
Stepping out of the car, Mikasa didn't give her much of a glance. "You can carry one of the coolers." The response to that was a grunt of acknowledgment. Seriously, what does her brother see in this woman?! Actually, thinking about Eren, "Where is the ball of rage and scraggy-brows?"
Glancing up, Annie raised a brow at the description. Course it would take her a moment to realize what was being described. "At the pit, grumbling about Arlert not being here yet."
That's right, Armin wasn't here yet. Mikasa was so caught up in thinking about the blond, she has yet to realize that his physical existence was scarce on this side of town. She hope he wasn't ditching again. Fear overcame the brunette as an image of Armin laying helpless on the floor of his home flashed through her mind.
"He'll be here." Shaking the thoughts out of her mind, a quick glance was given to the gray skies. "Hopefully not in too much pain..."
Annie glanced up at the heavens as well. "Hrmm... That's right, he has bad knees... How exactly did that happen?"
Popping the trunk open was easy. Collecting the boxes would be easy too. Trying to answer the question... not so easy.
Mikasa stared at the various items in her trunk with a rather dumbfound expression. She couldn't recall the details that much. All she knew was that Armin got very uncomfortable when it was mentioned. He never liked to explain how exactly he got into that accident. Just kept a simple, vague answer and changed the subject without a second to spare.
"... He doesn't like to talk about it..." The larger ice coolers was dragged out.
Annie reached into the trunk, pulling out the smaller ice cooler. "Can't blame him, especially since he got shot."
Thank god for Mikasa's amazing reflexes. If she didn't have them, the whole box would have dropped on Annie's foot. Still, it didn't prepare the teenager for the shock of the information. "W-What?!"
The shorter female stood there with a frown etched onto her features. "... I thought you knew. The scars. He was shot, multiple times."
A chill creep up her skin. There was no way that Armin got shot. No, that couldn't have happen. Mikasa or Eren would have heard about it eventually. Glaring at the blond, "He was in a car accident. A very bad one."
"It that what he told you?"
"Yes."
Pursing her lips, "Most of my family is in the military and scars like those always pop up..."
Mikasa's lips pulled back to a thin line. "There could be-"
"Yeah, there could be a possibility." Staring directly into Mikasa's eyes a no bullshitting was heard in Annie's tone. "But those holes on his stomach are exit wounds. Which means the one's on his bac-"
"Are entrance wounds..." Mikasa finished. There was a moment of tense silence as Mikasa reflected on this. It was such a shocker that the woman couldn't even think much on it. Only mumble off a somber comment of, "No wonder he doesn't talk about it..."
Shrugging at this, Annie began the trek back to the fire-pit. "He must have gotten a slug to the knee..."
Slamming the trunk door close, "No he didn't. He only has scars from reconstruction surgery."
"Huh... guess the car accident might be half true..."
Once the shock started to seep out of her system, Mikasa thought over the little bit of information on the trek down to the pit. She couldn't take Annie's words for truth. For all Mikasa knew was that the scarring was from a car accident and it just happened to look like gunshot wounds. But if it was true, Mikasa had to wonder just how much has Armin been hiding. Were there other things that she didn't know about either? If there was, by god, that boy is nothing but a ball of trouble.
Though what made the whole situation seem depressing was the fact that Armin hasn't spoken to her about this. Obviously Eren didn't get the memo. Mikasa would have been hearing about any violence directed at their lovely blond. But this shown just how stubborn Armin was when he thought he was a burden. That and there was also the fact that it was too traumatic to even bring up. Which was something that Mikasa can relate too.
"Why are you looking so glum?"
A quick glance up shown Eren's concerned face directed toward Mikasa. As much as he hates being mushy, he couldn't deny his brotherly instincts. Though, those instincts as of late were directed to the Jeager household specifically.
"I just mentioned that Armin's scars look weird." Shoving the ice cooler into Eren's arms, Annie settled down onto one of the logs. Which was a good thing because Sasha was bounding over not a second too soon.
Sidestepping the rather hyper-food-loving-country-bumpkin, Mikasa couldn't help but smile at the redhead. "Mikasa! Oh gawd you're here! Pleasssseeee tell me you brought something that isn't Braun's piss water!"
"It's not piss water, Braus! Its economically affordable elixir of joy!" Reiner could be heard between his grapples with Ymir.
"HA! That's like saying I'm suckin' dick!" The ever crass Ymir boasted just as she flipped the broad male over with a triumph yell. "Who's suckin' dick now?! You are, Bara Goon!"
Laughter spread like wildfire amongst the group of friends. Historia couldn't even scold her girlfriend for her behavior because she was too busy trying to get some sort of oxygen into her system. The one that recovered the quickest was none other than Annie herself.
"He's always sucking dick. Ain't that right Bert?" The question was accompanied by a knowing look directed at the said male. Bert couldn't even function due to intense amount of red and sweat he was producing.
Smiling at all of this, Mikasa busied herself with passing out the cooler and starting a fire. All around the conversation was kicking up as the cooler of refreshments was being attacked by thirsty teens. No one was that desperate for alcohol when all they had was Reiner's shitty beer.
Sharing a few jokes with her friends, Mikasa flashed a rare smile or two. Sasha and Connie managed to get a laugh out her, small that it may be but it was something. Though, she couldn't spend all her time doing that. There was the responsibility of being the chef tonight. So without much thought given to the task at hand, Mikasa went about roasting.
"-at did you mean that they look weird?"
The question creep into Mikasa's range of hearing. Peeking over the flames, Eren was seen conversing with Annie. They sat rather close on the log. Intimately close. Not, oh I-gotta-show-off-my-relationship-status to the world close. But it was a comfortable closeness where their shoulders touched – and if Mikasa dare say it out loud, you'd think they were leaning against one another.
It was always the little things you had to look out for when it came to complex couples like Eren and Annie. To a stranger, they'd think that Annie didn't want to be near the boy as she kept her attention on her phone. Mikasa knew better though. Especially when she saw that the blond's eyes wasn't registering what was on the screen. Instead Annie was staring off into space, lips pursed as she listened to Eren. She didn't even answer yet, just taking her time till she had the right thought at the tip of her tongue.
Mikasa wasn't certain as to how much the blond knew about the situation between Eren, Armin and herself, but something most likely was mentioned. Obviously from Eren and a few snippets from the step-sibling's as they converse. Either way, Annie knew something was going on between the them, so she had to be careful with her words, or else things will go sour in an instant.
"Knowing your intense personality, you'd take it the wrong way." was muttered out in a blunt fashion. Something Eren rolled his eyes at. There was another moment of silence between the pair and Mikasa is actually surprised that Eren was being patient with the blond. "He just looked like he got shot... A lot"
"'Looks like'?" Eren raised a brow at this, keeping a steady gaze on his girlfriend. "That's not a very Annie-like thing of you to say."
The blond huffed and glanced to the side. Catching Mikasa's gaze the blond bluntly asked, "How do you deal with this idiot?"
"Usually a computer with an internet connection. If it weren't for the soccer team, he'd be fat as a hippo by now."
A brilliant shade of red lit up Eren's face as he sat there, gaping like a fish. It took several moments before his teeth snap closed with an audible click. "Shut up Mikasa!"
Annie was already testing this theory out by giving Eren's sides a pinch. "You are getting a little tender at the sides, Jeager."
Swatting at the hands, Eren retorted with the usual statement of denial. Thankfully the main topic of conversation was no more. Seriously, no one wanted to deal with that sort of conversation just yet. Especially considering that Armin wasn't here yet.
The sounds of tires rolling over gravel was heard. Everyone glanced up, taking note of the classic, powder blue hot rod making it's way down to the shore. Speak of the blond devil and he shall be delivered.
"Armin!" Reiner was up on his feet, ready to greet smaller male.
Pulling himself out of the car, Armin flashed a warm, yet somewhat painful smile to the group. It didn't take a genius to know that his leg was bothering him yet again. And if you were that dense to notice at first, then his limping about should deliver the message rather well.
"Reiner! How are you doing? Still attached to Bert I see." The upbeat attitude wasn't going away anytime soon. As far as Armin was concerned it was just another day at the park.
Reiner and Bertolt haven't seen the bearded fellow since the past June. Right before vacation started and the infamous couple graduated from school only to move in together. So obviously those two were having a hell of a time with the new looks. Well, it was mostly Reiner having a hell of a time. Bertolt being Bertolt was just a nervous wreck and shared a few compliments and inquires.
As for everyone else, they either stayed where they were at or came on over to join the blond. Course, the only one's sitting was Eren and Annie. Ymir would have been part of the sitting routine if it weren't for Historia's nagging.
Slapping a hand onto Armin's shoulder's, Connie cracked a grin up at the blond. "Finally you're here! Now your boyfriend could shut up."
A hiss of pain escaped Armin's lips as he shifted his stance to a more comfortable posture. Though that proven to be difficult at the current moment. "Boyfriend?"
"He's talking about Eren." Sasha pipped in. "He wouldn't stop grumbling about it till Annie punched him."
"You know I can hear you two!" The current topic of the conversation could be heard yelling from his perch.
Rolling her eyes, Mikasa rose to her feet. Catching Armin's gaze, there was no surprise given when she noted how tired the blond appeared. Of course not everyone caught on. Armin was a master at hiding his own distress.
Without a word, Mikasa beckoned the male over toward one of the free logs to sit on. She even made a motion on offering him help. Armin declined the offer to help and happily hobbled his way over. Bumping shoulders with the brunette, a stunning smile was directed to Mikasa. Of course it would take every ounce of self control to not get oogle at the man in some school-girl crush daze.
Seriously, he should warn a woman before pulling that one off.
"I don't think Annie here would appreciate you all calling Eren my boyfriend." The silent exchange went unnoticed to move of the occupants as Armin lowered himself onto one of the many logs.
"I'd appreciate the fact that your name would not be uttered on his lips for the remainder of the day." Annie said as she glared Eren.
"Then what the hell am I suppose to call him?" Huffing this out, Eren's gaze was locked onto Armin's figure.
"Could try boobaloo." Nine sets of eyes turned to stare at Historia. "What? I thought we were still on the boyfriend page."
Eren scoffed, "If I was into guys, I wouldn't date him."
Armin laughed at that one, "It would be weird, since we're family."
Eren didn't bother to tune in his agreement. Instead he gave the other male a blank stare. This didn't go unnoticed by anyone as a very awkward tension began to grow.
Narrowing her eyes at Eren, Mikasa threw a pebble at her brother's knee. The look she delivered was self explanatory. It was uncertain though if Eren got the message of he was ignoring it.
"Soooo... Since these two are in process of a divorce how about we crack open some shitty beers?" Ymir pipe up. "Maybe talk about how Armin finally became a man and weaseled his way into one of the cheerleader's skirts."
"Wait, wait." Reiner began with a can of Natty Ice at hand. "Which cheerleader?"
"I have to quote Reiner on this one." Connie statement was accompanied by Sasha's eager nodding. Even Bertolt was shocked as he stared at Armin.
"Oh god... not this..." Rubbing the frustrations off his face, Armin shot Ymir a look. Mikasa had to agree with the blond on this one, since it wasn't a topic she wanted to listen on in the first place.
"Umm..." Marco began as he looked over Armin's distress state of being. "How about we not talk about this? I don't think Armin is up for that sort of subject..."
"I have to second this." Historia began as she glared at her girlfriend.
Rubbing at his temples, Armin slowly shook his head. Sighing heavily, "Thank you." this was directed to both Historia and Marco. Scratching at his beard, "Honestly I want to know who told Ymir..."
The said woman was too busy avoiding Historia's glare. It was a scary looking glare too. No one could survive Historia's glares and live to tell the tale. Though she did manage to point a finger at Eren, "Jeagerbomb there ratted Armin out! Don't give me that look baby, you know I wouldn't have said it if I knew it wasn't okay."
"Ymir, what the hell?!" Eren jump onto his feet only to glare with all his might at Ymir.
Sighing heavily at the commotions, Annie tugged at her boyfriend's shirt. "Sit your ass down Jeager. Everyone else, just shut up and change the subject. I'm already sick to my stomach hearing about the drama revolving around Arlert here."
"There wouldn't have been drama if someone kept his mouth shut." Mikasa muttered as she glared at her brother.
"It doesn't matter." Armin cut in just as Eren was about to shoot out an angry retort. "It was my fault for not keeping my business private is all."
"Oh yeah, private. You love to be private. Why not say that you like to lie and not tell the truth instead?!" Swatted at Annie's hands, Eren step toward Armin's way.
Mikasa was quick on her feet as she stop her brother. Laying a hand onto his shoulder, "Eren, don't start. Please."
The plead fell onto deaf ears. Pushing through Mikasa, Eren looked as though he wanted nothing more but to strangle Armin with his own hands. That look alone was what made everyone get onto their feet. Though, it didn't mean that everyone was ready to stop the man.
Surprisingly, Armin didn't bother to stand. Instead he sat there, on that log, idly rubbing away at his left knee. The only expression kept on the blond's face was a simple, unemotional mask. Most likely was trying to figure out what brought on this heated rage from his friend.
"What? Not going to bother to deny it? Just going to keep quiet, like always?! Or how about a lie? Most likely thinkin-"
"No." Shifting in his seat, Armin's left leg was stretched out. Rolling his ankle, "I'm just wondering what brought on this... anger. I know I haven't been a good friend since-"
"You god damn right you haven't."
"- I got back. But I'm trying to make it up. If you want me to leave I can leave."
Crossing her arms, Mikasa watched the scene unfold. She tried to not hunch over and reveal the fact that was indeed bothered by all of this. She couldn't show off her weakness, however that was going to prove to be difficult. It was as though she was watching her family being ripped apart in front of her all over again.
She was ready to knock Eren senseless if he tried anything stupid.
Marco could be seen taking a step forward, hand up as he tried to enter the tension in a relaxing manner. "Come on you two... you don't hav-" He was stop by Reiner's large hand.
Shaking his head no, Reiner pulled the freckled man back. There was a faint mutter of, 'let them sort it out.'
Eren didn't notice the crowd of friends around them. He was stuck in his rage like tunnel vision. "Wanna know why I'm so damn pissed off? How about the fact that you never mentioned you were shot. You told us it was a car crash Armin, why the hell did you lie to us like that?"
Shock broke through as Armin stared at his friend. "Who...?" and then his expression darkened to what could be described as anger and betrayal. "They had no right to release that information to you!"
"Yeah, well maybe if you didn't lie to us-"
"Oh shut up!" Armin jerked forward, standing on twos as he glared at Eren. "Don't act as though you care. So piss off and mind your own business!"
"Don't care?!" Eren stood so close to Armin that their chests touched. "How dare you! Who the hell was it that always drag your ass out of trouble?! How about all those jerks that beat you up?"
"More like trying to barge your way into my life!" Pushing his chest forward, Armin tried his best to look intimidating.
"Why you ungrateful little cri-" Eren stop himself short. All Mikasa could think about was how grateful she was to know that Eren didn't finish that sentence.
"Finish it. Come on, finish it." Armin shoved the other male with his hands. "Tell me how ungrateful I am to have a friend like you. A friend that thinks he's all high and mighty the instant I make a mistake. The one friend that thinks he has the right to judge me and get pissed off the instant I keep a secret to myself. The friend I called a brother, because he was understanding and supportive not some self-centered asshole."
"I'm not the self centered asshole here! You're the self-center asshole here, you crippled fuck!" And to prove that description, Eren pushed the blond back.
Already weak on his feet, it didn't take much before Armin dropped heavily onto his left side. All Armin could do was bite down onto his tongue to stop the pain yells from escaping. And what made all of this look pathetic was the fact that Armin did look like a cripple.
Before any regret could fall upon Eren, Mikasa gripped her brother's shoulder and spun him around. There was no thought given. Only action. The very action that expressed how much rage she held for her brother's behavior. All of that rage held and bounded in the form of a fist.
WHUMP!
Something cracked underneath the pressure of violence. Sadly, not a shit was given. It wasn't going to be given before, during or even after the fact that Mikasa slugged her brother in the jaw with all the force she could muster. She could care less if he was close to burning himself near the fire. Or the fact that his skull crashed into a fallen log. Though she couldn't help but feel smug over the fact that Eren spat out a mixture of blood and a tooth.
"What the fuck, Mikasa?!" Shame his jaw wasn't broken. Now she had to listen to him yell.
"How dare you... How fucken dare you say that to him." Glancing over at Armin, Mikasa watched as the blond held his leg. She would have moved to help him up, however the blond didn't want any help. It was expressed well enough in his eyes.
Leaving Armin to tend to his pride, her gaze shifted back to Eren, "Has it ever occur to your thick head that Armin didn't say anything because he doesn't want to think about it? Its the same for me Eren. Remember that I don't talk about that sort of stuff? Don't even get me started on thinking, because I sure as hell don't like thinking about it."
Avoiding her gaze, Eren just scoffed and got up onto his feet. Mikasa was ready to raise her fist at him again, if it weren't for a hand clasping her shoulder. The owner of the said hand just past her vision and checked on Eren's injured jaw. "We're leaving... You need an icepack."
"Don't butt in, Leonhart."
Annie glanced back at her rival. Giving Mikasa a shrug, "I'm dating your brother, so that means I'm involved automatically. Just pass me the keys so I can get him to his dad."
Eren narrowed his jaws and tried to hide away from Annie's touches. He was trying to play it cool, however it was obvious that he wasn't doing that okay. Taking a full force blow like that and not getting knocked out in the process was impressive. Though no one was going to be impressed if he didn't treat his injury.
Staring at the pair, Mikasa thought on it some more. She was ready to tell them to walk it off. She really was that close to saying it. However nothing will be solved if she did that. Plus, she knew she'd regret it if something bad happened to them.
Tossing the keys, "Get him out of my sight before I regret helping his dumbass out."
Eren flinched at the cold words. He couldn't say anything to that. Instead he was dragged off by the ever emotionless Annie so that some sort of medical attention was given. There was also the inkling of an idea that the aloof blond did this so that the fighting didn't escalate any further.
Everyone watched as a wobbly Eren was help into the Volvo. No one said much. They just took a breath of much needed air. At least the only thing that kept to its normalcy was the fire-pit.
Gravel and sand crunched underneath as Mikasa approached Armin. Sitting down beside her friend, no words were said. She just offered the most practical and useful support system she knew. No coddling, touching or the horrible sorry's being passed around. Instead it was an understanding silence of just being there for the other person. No need for judgment or anything like that.
This was something Armin was grateful for as he leaned against Mikasa's sturdy frame. He look ready to cry, but out of sheer stubbornness he kept it in. He was actually doing a really good job at keeping the tears at bay. Normally he'd be a sobbing mess by now.
Eventually, the others started to take their seats. It was still too awkward to say anything. Even Ymir didn't dare say anything. Though that was all thanks to Historia and her glaring. If she didn't open her big mouth, then maybe the argument could have been avoided.
Then again, it was bound to happen sooner or later.
Armin shifted at Mikasa's side and started to get up. Glancing up, concern crossed Mikasa's features for a moment. The blond didn't notice the gaze, that or he just didn't want to acknowledge it. He did acknowledge the fact that he was close to falling over onto his face thanks to his leg. A hand reached out to steady the blond onto his feet. There was a nod of thanks before he limp off to his car.
"Armin, are you going to be okay?" Bertolt was heard. The only response he received was a wave of a hand.
"Just give him some time." Mikasa told Bertolt. She didn't hear what he mumbled off next. Whatever it was caught Reiner's attention since he wrapped his arms around the man.
Sighing, Mikasa got up onto her feet and followed after Armin. The blond boy was busy riffling through his trunk, most likely looking for his knee brace. Or his painkillers. Though, he'd usually leave his medication up front in the glove compartment.
"Leaving so soon?"
Armin glanced up with an uneasy glance. He gave Mikasa a weird look. The one look she hadn't seen since the first week he came back. Glancing into the trunk, he went back to whatever it was he was doing. Mikasa could hear glass bottles clinking together. "Just wanted to get away from... that."
He didn't have to explain what "that" was. The awkwardness was almost impossible to get away from and they happen to be a good 10 yards away.
"... Mind if I join you?" She really didn't want to leave Armin alone to his own devices.
"Not at all." Thankfully the blond wasn't pushing Mikasa away today. He just zipped up a bag, shouldered it and slammed the trunk down. Using the car for support, he dragged himself up to the driver side and dug around.
Painkillers were found and swallowed dry.
He pulled out with a cane at hand. Motioning for Mikasa to lead, the woman took this in as a good sign. He trusted Mikasa to not fuck things up. That much should have been obvious the very moment she slugged Eren for his stupidity. Or maybe he was testing to see if Mikasa would turn against him as well.
Like hell that would happen.
Taking an easy trail near the lake shore a very comfortable silence fell between the pair. There was no need for rushing. Conversation wasn't needed as well. They already knew how the weather looking like. There was no need to ask the current condition of their emotions, since it was way beyond haywire to be fine. Of course there was argument that happened not that long ago. But who wanted to talk about that? Neither of them.
Leaning against his cane, Armin stop his walking in favor of gasping for air. Its been two hours since taking his painkillers and yet it wasn't enough to keep all of the pain at bay. "just...just need a moment..." The blond muttered.
Silent as ever, Mikasa shown her support by standing near Armin. As always, she was there ready to assist when needed. It seem to dawn upon Armin right then because he flashed a grateful smile at the woman.
Staring out at the sunset, Mikasa muttered a soft "... beautiful."
"Yeah... No matter where you go, you'd always get a beautiful sight here at the lake." Armin whispered as though he was afraid to disturb the peaceful moment.
"Yeah..." Mikasa whispered along with the teen. They both smiled at this.
Dragging his leg along, Armin made his way toward the shores. Mikasa had to hurry over or else Armin would have slip onto his rear. A hand placed onto the man's lower back and the pair made their way downhill without a scene.
Shoes were discarded as they sat by the shores. The waters edge barely touched their toes, but give it another hour or two and they'd most likely would be forced to move. For now though, it felt nice. Really nice actually.
Rummaging through his bag, Armin pulled out a glass bottle and offered it to Mikasa. Blinking a moment at what was being presented to her, the woman couldn't help but crack a smirk. Accepting the beverage, "To think, I'm having a Saturday evening without Braun's shitty beer."
"Read it before drinking it." the knowing smirk got a raised brow of wonder from Mikasa.
Glancing down at the dark bottle, Mikasa took notice that she was reading nutritional information. Turning it around, a snort escaped her lips. She really tried to keep her laughter down. But that was impossible. Of all the beers to bring over, Armin had to get the one that was the most arrogant thing to bring over.
The fact that it read, Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale, only got the girl to double over laughing.
"Why, the fuck, did you bring this with you?"
Armin raised a brow at the question. With a pleased smile gracing his lips, "Because we're all a bunch of arrogant bastards, one way or another?" shrugs some at that and pulls out a bottle opener keychain. Popping the top off his bottle, it was then offered to Mikasa.
"Thank you." she muttered and opened her own beer with the offered utensil.
"You're welcome, friend." The way Armin said that had Mikasa mulling over the words. There was a hint of melancholy. It was as though he was longing for something a bit more.
The pair drank away to the sunset.
Eventually dusk was no more and the water's edge reached their ankles. The whole time they just sat there, drinking bottle after bottle. There was only small comments here and there as they took note of what was going on. Other than that, it was blissfully silent for the party of two.
"My ass is getting cold." Armin grumbled behind his bottle.
Humming against her own, "I'd warm it up for you, but I think I'd be taken in for molesting a minor."
"Oh, you're so hilarious."
"Its very funny. Kind of like that one dick in the sky."
"There's a dick in the sky?"
Blinking a moment, Mikasa studied the bottle at hand. Glancing over at Armin and then the skies, "Yeah... You see that consolation there?"
"Huh? Where?"
"That one." Mikasa pointed the bottle neck upwards.
"Ehh?" Leaning forward, Armin tried to make sense of what he was seeing. "Oh shit. There is a dick in the sky..."
"Yeahhhhh. Like I said, its funny..."
"Know what makes it even more funny?"
"Wha?"
"Its god, saying that he don't give a flyin' fuck about us. He's the one with the biggest dick here, so we all best shut the fuck up..."
Mikasa almost choked on her beer. Coughing violently, she shot the blond a withering glare. He just cracked an innocent smile and rubbed Mikasa's back. "You okay there 'kasa?"
She just shot a glare at him and nudged the man with her elbow. "What was that all about?"
Armin shrugged at that one and glanced down at the bottle at hand. Though, his other hand never stop rubbing Mikasa's back. "I 'unno..."
Leaning into the touch, "Don't lie. You know what that's all about... Arrogant little blond..." She couldn't help but snicker into that beer bottle of her's.
"You mean bastard. Its Arrogant bastard... who happens to be stoned as fuck."
"With your painkillers? I wouldn't be surprised if you're fucked up right about now." Another swallow of beer. Enjoying the taste for a moment, "Kudos to you for talking straight."
"More like my liver has a high tolerance for this crap."
"Still didn't answered my question."
Armin didn't say anything. Instead he let the silence stretch between them as their rear ends grew cold. And wet. Seriously, fucken, icky wet with lake water. Though they didn't complain. They were too comfortable with eachother's company in order to move. That or they're starting to dive into the murky world of being drunk.
"I always believed that god didn't give a shit about us. It was his fault shit happened... bad shit. Ya know, beaten up, kicked out, accidents... my leg...it was just pure shit and I wanted to blame him for it. And the funny thing, I'm not even religious. I hate religion. I'm an atheist through and through, and yet... here I am, blaming some fucken concept."
Frowning at this, Mikasa glanced over at the boy. His distraught face was hidden behind his hand. The beer bottle laid forgotten in the sand.
"Then it hits me. Hits me like a ton of fucken bricks..."
"Armin..." was whispered out.
Shaking his head, "I'm a horrible friend... A horrible son... even worse, a horrible grandson. I thought I could do something right, but I end up doing wrong because I'm selfish, greedy and deformed."
"That's not true." Gripping the blond's shoulder. "You're not a horrible friend. Nor are you a horrible son. On top of that, you never done wrong to your grandfather. You're not horrible. You're human... just like the rest of the world."
Leaning heavily against Mikasa, Armin sighed heavily. "... I don't know how you manage to think that... That or the beer is talking."
Wrapping her arm around Armin's narrow shoulders, "Don't you know any better? A drunk only speaks the truth."
"Really?" Armin made a grab for Mikasa's bottle. "Is that how your dad told Eren about my little secret?"
Frowning at that, Mikasa watched as Armin drain the last bit of brew in her bottle. "Dad never said anything about your medical issues. Annie just mentioned that your scars look like... that you got shot."
Peering into the depths of the beer bottle, "Huh? Annie, ya say... Hrmmmmm, she's a Army brat, right?"
"Mmmm... Air Force, actually." Leaning over Armin, Mikasa went on a search for another bottle of Arrogant Bastard. "At least, that's where her parents are enlisted into."
"Ahh..." Bumping his nose against Mikasa's cheek, "I'm happy it wasn't your dad... I don't know what woulda happened if it was..."
Humming in agreement, "Well, I'll admit that its shocking but never doubt dad. He'd never rat out your medical records – unless its vital to your health." Rubbing her cheek against Armin's nose, the last bottle of beer was... not found. There was no more beer actually. "Awwwhhh... No more..."
"Huh?" Armin frowned at this and pouted. "Noooooo. I need more of the bastards nectar in me... holy shit that sounded horrible."
"Sounds like something you'd read in 50 shades of piss."
The pair shared a look before bursting out laughing. Armin was ready to roll over onto his otherside while doing so, however Mikasa wasn't letting that happen. Pulling the boy close to her chest, they rode the waves of laughter together.
"I think... we should walk off our stupid drunken asses to the car..." The whisper brushed against Mikasa's neck.
Shivering, "Yeah... want me to carry you?"
"Hrm?" Reaching up, Armin began to play with the ends of Mikasa's hair. Nuzzling at Mikasa's exposed neck, "I could walk."
"Yeah, but its gonna take forever to get back there and my ass is going to turn into a block of ice."
"That hawt thang of your's?"
"..." well, it was safe to say that Mikasa managed to sober up a bit. Did Armin really think her ass was hot? She forgets that Armin is a stupid, flirty drunk. "I'm carrying your skinny ass."
He whined, but did not protest to being picked up. It was better this way anyway. "Not skinny."
"Totally are skinny." Grabbing their trash and things, Mikasa kept up with the light banter.
"Hey, hey. Not everyone can be compared to your lovely, thick figure." Wrapping his arms around Mikasa's neck, the man held on tight.
Scoffing at this, "Lovely, thick figure? If I didn't know better, I'd think you were fantasying about me Arlert."
"Thanks for making me sound like a creep." Armin grumbled. "Now hurry up. My ass is freezing thanks to that stupid lake water."
Laughing at that, Mikasa quicken her pace to a jog.
By the time they got back to camp, Mikasa sobered up considerable and Armin was drooling on her hair. It was disgusting, but Mikasa could live with it. She lived with a lot of things. Like her brother for example.
Though, camp was a bit empty. Almost everyone had left, leaving behind clean cooler boxes and a dying fire. Luckily Marco was there, adding a few logs to the flame. Jean was there, though from the look of things, he wasn't going to be sticking around long. His car was running next to Armin's.
Glancing up the path, Jean raised a hand in greeting. "Yo... Is he alright?"
Marco glanced up with a worried expression. Tossing in the last log, the freckled man went to join Jean .
"Yeah. We just drank one too many beers is all." Lowering herself onto the biggest log there, Mikasa was careful with laying Armin down.
"Huh?" Groggily the man glanced about. If he was confused about he surroundings, Armin appeared to not give a shit. Instead he laid out on the log. "Mmmm... bark..."
"Just how much did you two drink?" Marco whispered with an amused grin.
Running a hand through her hair, Mikasa cringed when it came in contact to the drool pool. Making a face at her hand, "... A bit too much. He was also on painkillers, so its safe to say that he'll be passed out for a while."
"And who the hell is going to drive you two back?" Wrapping an arm around Marco's waist, Jean shared a concerned look with his freckled beau.
"I sobered up by jogging over here." Wiping her hand off, she gave Armin a disgruntled glare. Of course the blond would be dozing off without a care to the world.
"Well, I could drive you two back in Ar-"
"No." Jean cut Marco off. Of course he got a glare for this, but Jean shook his head. "Armin would be pissed if anyone other than Mikasa or shitfaced Jeager drove it."
"Oh... Really?" Marco frowned at this thought.
"He won't express it, but Armin will not be pleased. Its why he usually has camping supplies in the boot." Standing, Mikasa thought on it for a moment. She could set up camp right then and there, but that meant squeezing themselves into a tent. She wasn't so sure about that, especially since their pants were still a bit wet. Plus, it seem too much work.
"Ah... Never knew that." Marco mumbled. Glancing up at Jean, "Maybe we can offer them a ride back and hook the Chevy on hitch?"
"Don't ask me. Ask mighty woman there."
Rolling her eyes at Jean, "Thank you Marco, but we should be fine. I planned on driving back anyway."
"Um... if you say so..." Leaning against Jean's chest, Marco stared at Armin's figure for a bit longer. "... Why is his butt all wet?"
"We didn't bother to move when the tide was rising." Shrugging at this, Mikasa help herself to a bit of 'man-handling the Armin.' She needed his car keys damnit.
"Admit it Mikasa, you couldn't resist his tight ass." Jean joked with a suggestive grin.
"Um... Jean..." Marco couldn't finish his sentence, since Mikasa was glaring death at them.
Taking that as his cue to leave, Jean began to drag Marco to his car. Waving, "Um. Happy safe driving! Don't get pulled over and shit... yahhh. Keep his rear warm or else he'd get sick!"
"Jean, quit talking about Armin's ass like that! She's going to kill you." There was a pause, "No. fuck that, I'm going to kill you if you keep it up."
"Well I'm sorry for being honest. He does have the second best ass in the whole wide damn fucken world."
"Oh? Who has the first?"
"Freckled Jesus, of course."
"... I want to be angry with you, but I can't."
Marco climb into the car with Jean. They were still yammering away like a pair of love-sick puppies. Mikasa just rolled her eyes as the pair bickered in the car. At least they were driving away. Though...
Glancing down at Armin, Mikasa couldn't help but pinch his butt. "Your ass is number one."
RnR guys! I love hearing from you all. ^^
