AN: Oh gosh, for a while I completely lost the motivation to write, but I finally got it back! Still trying to take the characters and stuff slowly. Thank you for your patience and support!
The dust settled slowly, and Armin's nose twitched. He really needed to give the place a good dusting; half of the books in the makeshift library were older than he was, causing them to collect years worth of dust along the covers and spines. It wasn't being too kind to his allergies. Sighing softly, he flipped the worn page of his current book, skimming the words, and unable to truly immerse himself in the text as usual. He closed the book with slight reluctance and stood up, deciding that some stretching might do him some good.
Mikasa's words had lingered in Armin's mind for weeks, and the blonde's cheeks were just the slightest bit pink whenever he thought back on it. "It's good to know Eren is in good hands while I'm gone..." were her words, and they caused the blue-eyed boy to let a small smile slip from his lips. He felt so important in that single moment, like he truly mattered, and it was such an unbelievable feeling - being relied upon with someone you care for. A loud knock suddenly interrupted his thoughts, and the blonde looked over to the door instinctively.
"It's open." he called out loud enough for the other to hear. With a creak, the door swung open and the familiar, energetic brunette had a fire in his turquoise eyes.
"Armin!"
"Yes, Eren?" The blonde replied, raising a single brow.
"Let's spar!" Came the reply, and an amused smile appeared on Armin's face at the suggestion.
"What brings you to suggest that all of a sudden?" he asks, simply out of curiosity.
"Well, we haven't sparred in forever." Eren replied as if it's the most obvious thing in the world, and I wanna see if I can still pin you down. I bet I can!" a cocky grin plastered on his face, Eren's eyes were still ablaze with energy. Armin could tell there was no way to talk himself out of this sparring match with the determination Eren seemed to have today, but then again, he wasn't about to back down from a challenge like that regardless.
"You sound pretty confident in yourself." Armin laughs.
"You bet!" Eren retorts with self-assurance. "Let's go! One-on-One. CQC. Backyard. Now," he said, cracking his knuckles for added effect, causing the blonde to laugh.
"Alright, alright." Armin reluctantly agrees, following the excited brunette out of the door and to the backyard.
Left punch. Right kick. Left punch. Right punch. Left Kick. The blonde was too easy to read, and Eren blocked each of his attacks with ease. Routine began to set in and Eren's mind began to auto-pilot as he sparred with the blonde. But suddenly, he was laying on the ground. Confused, he looked up at Armin, who appeared slightly frustrated.
"Don't underestimate me, dammit! You're the one that wanted to spar, so take it SERIOUSLY!" His voice raised, and his annoyance clear. He holds out his hand to the brunette on the ground, helping him up as they prepare to continue sparring. He began to hit harder, causing Eren to begin countering and soon enough the two were locked in intense combat. Both were focused on weaving past the other and landing hits, their concentration completely steady. Going in for a kick, Armin's defense opened. Eren immediately swept his feet. Losing his balance, Armin instinctively grabbed Eren's arm, dragging the other down with him as he fell.
"Oomf-" the blonde grimaced, looking up at Eren right on top of him.
"You left your defense open" Eren blurted, looking at the boy underneath him.
"Yeah? Well you're heavy." Armin bitterly retorted, mildly irked that he had lost the match. He looked up at the green-eyed boy with annoyance, but the expression slowly melted as soon as he saw the brunette's innocent pout.
"Anyways, are you gonna get off me, yet?" Armin asked, raising his eyebrow.
"Oh, uh- yeah." Eren murmured, almost...embarrassed? He rolled off the blonde and laid in the grass next to him, staring at the sky as he tried to catch his breath. The match ended up being more intense than usual, Eren noted, remembering how he had to keep his guard up a lot more, and was very close to losing a few times. Armin was definitely getting stronger, Eren had to give him that. With a tired but satisfied sigh, Eren looked over at Armin.
"Told you I'd win," He said, grinning despite how worn out he felt.
"Yeah, yeah." Armin chuckled, rolling his eyes. He stole a glance at Eren, taking note of his cheerful grin. I guess I'm kinda okay losing this time since he seems so happy. But next time, I won't lose! Armin slowly gets up and brushed the grass off his shirt and pants.
"Next time I'll get you for sure." the blonde said, a determined fire mimicking Eren's own in his eyes. The fight was a lot less one-sided than usual, and he knew it. It felt unbelievably amazing that they were getting stronger.