Complexity- Armin x Reader

Chapter 20: In Retrograde

Eren chuckled at the two nerds and calmed down a bit. He guessed that Jean was right. It would simply be a matter of time for the two.

"Wanna go knock down their sand castle?"

"Yeah, let's go."

~♢~

Armin and Y/n, after a cruel half-hour of shooting Jean and Eren with water guns for the destruction of Castle Crab, had tired themselves out and relented to heading down to the pier for ice cream.

Y/n had her favorite scoop with sprinkles while Armin enjoyed his cookies and cream inside a chocolate-drizzled waffle cone.

"I'm still mad at Jean and that green-eyed menace." Y/n pouted as they walked along the pier and ate their ice creams.

Armin chuckled.

"We'll get back at them, don't worry."

The two of them found a lone bench by the pier's rail and sat down. It was situated perfectly in front of the sunset. They had an incredible view of the battle between the sky's electric blue and the sun's fading light. The contrast was beautiful, and the two sat peacefully together for a while.

"I really did miss you," Armin said out of the blue. "I feel weird not seeing you for more than two days."

Armin was sincere, and Y/n's heart warmed at the boy's words.

"I missed you too, Min. And I'm-I'm sorry about distancing myself. There's just been some things I've been dealing with."

Y/n looked down at what was below them. Down into the rushing waters of the deep blue waves that fanned out the ever-cooling day. The girl found herself to be shivering slightly, not knowing if it was from the cold or from her guilt.

A fluffy green towel was placed over her shoulders, and she felt the weight of Armin's arm drape across her quivering shoulders. She blushed and looked at her friend, who offered a warm, soft smile that could melt away all the cold.

"Don't worry about it. Just...please don't cut yourself off. I care about you and want to know if you're fine."

Y/n stared in wonder at the boy. Wonderstruck and breathless as she looked deep into her favorite oceans of blue. Armin kept a steady view of the girl, once again lingering down, down to her parted lips, before turning away, clearing his throat.

Y/n smiled and called him out at the sudden lack of boldness.

"Cheesy. And you couldn't even keep a straight face."

The girl giggled and poked Armin's red face. The blonde smiled and crossed his arms, looking down at his shoes.

"Alright, alright, you can stop now."

"So what's been up with you, Min?"

"Not much. Just thinking about the future."

"Like what?"

"Well..."

They both finished their cones and strolled back onto the beach, taking pleasure in their conversation.

"I'm thinking of joining Hange's swim team in the winter. And then water polo next spring."

Y/n gaped and shook Armin excitedly.

"Yes! You totally should! Then you can get enough experience to become a lifeguard here at the beach!"

Y/n looked at the blonde in joy, and Armin blinked in thought at the idea. He then slowly began to nod his head in approval.