Complexity- Armin x Reader

Chapter 10: Wilting Before Blooming

Y/n pulled away and had both hands on Armin's shoulders. She looked at him with glee and the blonde smiled, blushing under her gaze.

"Now, I didn't have wrapping paper because I forgot to buy some, but..." Y/n let go of Armin and twisted herself as she reached for her backpack which was on the floor. She unzipped the bag and produced the manga volume, holding it out for Armin. "I hope you like it."

Armin's mouth formed the shape of an "o" as he marveled at the volume. He then, to Y/n's surprise, began to laugh spiritedly as he got up to grab a bag from under the Christmas tree. He offered a confused Y/n the bag while taking his gift from her hands, gesturing for the girl to open it.

"You're going to laugh."

Y/n furrowed her brows at him as she nervously smiled, not really knowing what was going on. She parted the red tissue paper and dipped her hand into the festive gift bag, her fingertips brushing against a smooth surface.

As soon as she looked at her present, she closed her eyes and giggled, bringing a hand to her forehead out of wonder.

"You've got to be kidding me. We picked out the same presents for each other?" Y/n and Armin smiled together, the both of them marveling at the new, shiny front covers of the AOT mangas.

Y/n, having been caught up in the excitement, overlooked another small, hidden present. Her fingers came into contact with a soft fabric. She turned the book and saw the tail of what looked to be one of the fancy bookmarks that she had often seen at the bookstore.

"Aww, you got me a bookmark, too?!" She exclaimed as she opened the book to retrieve the item. She was astonished at what Armin had chosen for her. It had a dark, navy-blue background that held metallic-gold outlines of the planets of the solar system, with a golden tassel that held a charm resembling the Earth. Y/n went crazy over the small thing.

"Armin, I love it so much! You know me so well!" Y/n gushed over it for the next few minutes while the blonde next to her smiled gently at her, loving the way Y/n was grinning ear-to-ear. His heart felt full knowing that he had pleased her this much. Her joy was the best Christmas present he could have asked for.

"Yup, I know you're an astronomy-nut, so when I saw that bookmark I knew I had to get it for you."

Y/n turned to Armin and launched herself forward to hug him, and the boy froze in surprise.

"Thank you thank you thank youuu!" Y/n nuzzled into the blushing boy's shoulder, not being able to express how overjoyed she was. Pale cheeks burning, Armin grinned widely and hugged the girl back.

"You're welcome, Y/n. I also love my gift. I was just going to buy it next month for myself, but this saves me a trip to the bookstore."

"Oh, wow, I was going to buy it later on, too." Y/n let go and set the book back into her gift bag. She then gently took Armin's hands into her own and smiled softly at the boy, who she believed to grow even more handsome under the dancing flickers of the fireplace.

Armin's heartbeat quickened as he held the attention of the one person he cherished most. He melted under the girl's compassionate gaze, his face becoming impossibly warm at the fluttering, romantic thoughts he caged inside.

"I l-love you, Y/n. You're my best friend and it has made me incredibly happy to have been able to spend Christmas with you." Armin shyly looked away and Y/n beamed.

"Big softy. I love you too, Mr. Goldilocks."

Chuckling at the nickname, the blonde got up and walked over to the recliner chair situated next to the tree. He grabbed the blankets and playfully tossed them on top of Y/n.

"Go to sleep, clown." He chided as he yawned.

"Kay, night." Y/n responded from within the cocoon of blankets, not making a move to topple them off of her.

Armin laughed lightly, taking the covers off and patting the top of Y/n's head.

"I'm gonna head to my bed, since someone refused to take it." He gave Y/n a look.

"I'm not taking your bed! It's yours and I'm perfectly fine on this couch. You know damn well that I've fallen asleep on it lots of times." The girl yawned as she waved off Armin and plopped the pillow behind her on the end of the couch. She let herself fall back onto the cushion and messily pulled the blanket over her, not caring if it wasn't completely unfolded yet. She felt her eyes sting with the natural feeling of exhaustion, but before she let herself knock out right then and there, she groggily smiled at Armin.

Armin found it completely charming.

"Night, dork." He flicked her forehead lightly and headed off as soon as he was bid goodnight by a soft, fading voice.

The blonde kept his door open, not feeling right closing it off from Y/n just in case anything happened. He wished that he could have the night play out like it had at Eren's house, with Y/n cuddling close to him and the both of them suffering together in the cold because of an AC system that had no business being on in the winter.

Maybe he could convince Eren to possibly host another sleepover simply to satisfy his own selfish desire. He mulled the thought over and shut his eyes, his dreams pooling into his fervent state of sleep and panning out on lovely scenes of him and an endearing girl that simply captivated him.