She walked around the headquarters, trying to figure out what she had just seen. Are her two friends... secretly sleeping with each other? Or is that something... serious? From what she saw and heard, she couldn't understand it. She couldn't figure out what to do with this information?
There were a lot of thoughts in her head. Y/N was her boss, she didn't like talking about her personal life, she lived in secret, not even telling her close friends anything. She always behaved professionally, she was smart, strict, influential... She was the commander of the engineering unit... And she was in a relationship with another commander? Or not? Armin also always took his work seriously, had a very positive reputation, and... no one knew about his personal life either, but everyone knew Armin, and... his personal life wasn't particularly interesting to anyone. And then there was Annie... her friend, who shared her feelings for Armin to Hitch. And... and Y/N was her close friend... Her inner curiosity yearned to know the truth. Hitch tried to build a logical chain of possibilities in her head.
Hitch reminisced about everything that could potentially connect Armin and Y/N... She remembered that when she first met Y/N and Armin, she had no idea that they were talking at all. She knew that they both worked in the Survey Corps, but... in her memory, they never even spoke to each other. Then, there was this whole war... then Y/N came back to Paradis, she talked about all the guys, never talking specifically about Armin... When everyone else came back, Hitch also didn't notice that they had any kind of communication... And, only after some time, when they were getting together with all their friendly company, Armin and Y/N could talk, but... Hitch wouldn't say that their relationship was close in any way. At work, all their communication was purely professional... except for today's incident. She couldn't remember anything that could connect them... But then...
- How long has this been going on?
She remembered one day. She then liked how Y/N's hair smelled... something light, fresh, with hints of roses... And then... on the same day she took the letter to Armin... and then she couldn't understand the feeling of deja vu that she experienced after this meeting. But now she understood. He also smelled of something light, fresh, with hints of roses...
Arriving at her workplace, she sank into a chair, still wandering in her thoughts. Her gaze fell on the bundle of documents she promised to take for Y/N. She sighed, and taking the papers, she went to do her work.
***
On Thursday, Hitch watched Y/N, trying to figure something out, but... it was Y/N, nothing could be understood from her. When she was at work - Y/N behaved professionally, "turning off" all friendly relationships. She showed no emotion associated with anything other than work.
Y/N only ran to work for a short time in the morning, and then immediately went to the construction site downstairs, saying that she would return after lunch. Hitch was engaged in the preparation of documents, went to the shops and laboratories, finding out how the workers were doing. Brought the letters. Entering the Survey corps, she chatted with Ana, casually asking if Armin was there. She was only interested because of yesterday. She thought for a second that maybe Y/N had lied and was spending time with Armin again. She saw hints everywhere that weren't there. All this "mystery" tormented her.
- Hitch, hi.
She returned to reality from her head.
- Oh, Annie. Hi how are you?
- All is well, I suppose. You're kind of confused today.
- It's all... work. Yes, it's work. Everything is fine.
- Okay. Are you free now? Shall we go to lunch together?
- Oh, yes, come on, I just have time. Y/N will return only after lunch, or maybe even later...
They went into town to have lunch and take a short walk.
- So, what's up with your job? Is it all because of yesterday?
- Y-yesterday?
Annie sighed.
- Sasha and Connie raised a panic here yesterday after returning. They said that because of them you're now in trouble. Y/N loads you with work to somehow cope?
- Ah... no, she said she would take care of everything herself. She said that the commandant and Stubbs would regret, I don't know what she was up to, but sometimes she scares me.
- It's great that she protects her employees. The Survey corps also has a rather friendly atmosphere, not like the military police had when we worked there.
- Yes, I like working with Y/N. She protects her employees by putting us first. Although she is demanding, in principle - she works the most. But... after yesterday, I wish she could trust me more, I wish I could help her. She's a passionately advocate for engineers rights, and she doesn't have time for much, and... and we don't have people to help her.
- Y/N is very serious and caring towards her friends and colleagues.
- Do you still meet once a week?
- Yes, the first couple of times it wasn't easy, because we didn't know each other at all. But she really knows how to listen, just like Reiner said. She's wise and speaks the right words, doesn't push, and... I don't know, she presents some of the situations that we're talking about from sides that I haven't seen before.
- Does it help you?
- Probably, but it's hard for me to say something. But... it's definitely better than being silent...
- And how are things with your work?
- At work, everything is calm, if you can call it that. Everyone is busy now. Armin also works a lot, I'm worried about him that he doesn't get enough rest. I even offered to help him with the cases of the Marley Eldians, but... he's still doing it himself.
- Do you still want to return him?
- In the future, yes. But I realized that first I need to deal with what is stopping me from building a healthy relationship with him. Now I understand that some things were wrong on my part. And when I couldn't help him, couldn't support him... then everything collapsed. Armin is a very open, smart, caring, emotional person, and I... I was always closed, cold... you know, during one of our conversations with Y/N, I realized that I don't know what I like... she just asked what I like to do in my free time, on the weekends... but I don't know. I never had the opportunity to do anything... it was always a struggle and... a war. I don't know... it's all hard...
- You know, you should forget about him. You don't have to change to get him back.
- I want to change not for his sake, but for myself, and then...
- Anyway, you'd better... move on, Annie.
- Why all of a sudden such thoughts? You seemed to support my idea of reuniting with him.
- Just... don't get too hung up on what's in the past. Maybe you're missing out something and... you left your whole life in Marley for the small hope that you would be with him... I don't know, it seems strange to me now...
- What happened to you, Hitch? Did another guy dump you or what?
- I was wrong in advising you to return him at all costs. It was wrong. Maybe... maybe when you decide to return everything, he'll no longer need it? What will happen if he finds someone? How will you react?
Annie was silent. She didn't think Hitch would talk about it. She was afraid to admit it to herself. She was afraid that... that Armin would find someone, that... that he would fall in love with someone...
- Annie?
- I heard you, Hitch, come on... let's not discuss this anymore, I...
- I'm sorry if I was rude, but... you know, I don't want... to hurt anyone. You're my friend, and sometimes I'm too frivolous, it seemed to me that I was giving you good advice, but... now it seems to me that I was wrong and it's up to you to decide how to build your relationship.
***
She sat staring at the documents in front of her. She couldn't concentrate on work. This was her feature - she really loved secrets, mysteries, gossip. And she kept thinking and thinking about it, building theories and...
- Hitch!
She winced, raising her head.
- What's happened?
Y/N was standing next to her, with a slightly annoyed face.
- I've been calling you for five minutes. And then I came, I ask a question, and you sit and stare at one point. Are you okay?
- Ah, yes... I was just... thinking.
- I thought 'just thinking' was more about me... What's wrong with you?
- I'm fine, what do you want?
Y/N slightly shook her head, casting aside her annoyance. She didn't understand why Hitch was so distracted.
- I asked you about what was finally handed over from the ODM production yesterday?
- Oops... I... I forgot to bring the documents... damn... I'm sorry.
Irritation reappeared on Y/N's face.
- Hitch, I understand that yesterday was a difficult stressful day, but... I just asked you about this one thing...
- I... you know, something didn't go according to plan...
- What?
- I... I'll take everything there now. I wanted to help yesterday, I tried to use my contacts in the military police to help with the cadets and... but it didn't work, and I... I got upset and that's all and...
- I understand, okay, then on Monday, please bring a report from the ODM production before lunch.
- Yes, yes, fine. Sorry once again.
Y/N nodded slightly in approval of Hitch's words, and was already heading back to the office, but...
- Y/N, by the way, can we go to a bar today? You, me and... new acquaintances? Maybe Damian will even keep us company?
- Do you want to spend time with me or... With Damian?
- WHAT? NO! It's just that you and I haven't spent time together like we used to.
- Hitch, I don't want to go on double dates again...
- No, no, just go to a bar together, maybe we can meet someone and...
- Hitch... I would like to, but today I want to rest. The week hasn't been easy, I just want to come home, maybe buy some desserts, take the bath, drink wine in silence and solitude.
- Okay, maybe then - tomorrow?
- Tomorrow I need to go to the Underground City, there were a couple of letters from the hospital, but I don't have time and...
- And on Sunday?
- You know that Sunday is always busy for me.
- It's a pity...
Y/N just smiled and disappeared into the office. And Hitch was only once again convinced of the veracity of her judgments. «How skillfully she, it turns out, knows how to lie...»
***
On Friday night, Armin and Y/N bought themselves a takeaway dinner together and spent the evening together sitting on the balcony. Both of them were tired after the last week, and, having simply taken a bath together, went to bed in anticipation of the weekend that they would spend alone.
***
She stood in front of the door, not daring to knock. She could no longer be silent, but... and she couldn't tell anyone. This mystery hung over her.
-Knock Knock-
***
Saturday.
Armin was lying on the couch in Y/N's living room shirtless, reading a book for Y/N who lay on top of him in his shirt. Armin tried to read to Y/N thoughtfully through one of her medical books, but he didn't understand much of what he read. Y/N pretended not to understand what he was reading and asked him for an explanation, and Armin made up something that made Y/N very amused. It was some kind of game that they liked. They sometimes liked to pretend to be someone when they were just the two of them.
Y/N giggled quietly, stroking Armin on his torso, sometimes her hands reached his cheeks and hair, sometimes she left a light kiss on his chest... Armin held the book with one hand, his other hand hugged Y/N, stroking her body.
-Knock Knock-
- Who could be there? Are you waiting for someone?
- And you?
Y/N smiled slyly at him.
- Very funny, Y/N.
Y/N smiled as she stood up slowly. She got up from the couch, stretching.
-Knock Knock-
- It must be some attendant brought clothes from the laundry.
- Come back soon.
Y/N leaned over and, kissing Armin on the nose, went to the hallway. Not expecting to see anyone other than the attendant, Y/N opened the door in a relaxed manner and froze.
- Hitch...? What... what are you doing here?
- Y/N... I... I can't do this anymore, I...
Y/N tried to close the door to prevent Hitch from suspecting anything, trying to leave the apartment herself...
- Did something happen at work? Why did you come?
- Listen, I understand that you wont like it, it's not just that you never want to talk about it, but... I thought that I'd better confirm it to myself, then I...
Y/N didn't understand what Hitch was talking about at all. She was chattering and looked a little confused and guilty.
- Hitch, what happened? I don't understand what do you mean and...
She stopped when she heard some noise from the apartment and a heavy sigh. «What is he doing there?»
Y/N noticed that Hitch noticed the noise too, but she didn't look surprised, didn't seem in a hurry to ask or anything...
- Hitch, look, I don't understand what's going on and...
- Will I come in?
- What? No, I...
But she didn't have time to resist. Hitch was up to something, she deftly squeezed her way into the apartment. Y/N prayed that Armin would think of going to another room or...
- Armin, I know you're here!
Y/N froze in place. She felt her heart pounding. She didn't understand what was happening now.
- Hitch, what are you...
Hitch whirled around, sighing briefly.
- In general, I know, Y/N.
- You know? What do you know?
- You and Armin.
- Me and Armin? What is me and Armin?
- Tell me. Are you just sleeping together or is this something serious?
- I'm confused now, Hitch. I don't understand what you mean.
- Oh, you understand everything.
Hitch kicked off her shoes and headed into the living room. But it was empty. Y/N followed her and breathed a sigh of relief when no one was in the living room.
- Hitch, what did you do? I didn't even invite you in and...
- «Stay quiet», Hitch said, putting a finger to her mouth.
- Quiet?
- I know he's around here somewhere.
Y/N rolled her eyes defiantly, sighing noisily.
- Stop it, Hitch, what a joke, I don't understand...
Then a noise was heard from her office, as if something had fallen. Y/N started to panic, but it was too late. Hitch headed towards her office and, opening the door...
- I knew you were here somewhere.
- H-hitch?!
- Hello, Armin.
Armin stood in Y/N's office, medical supplies scattered on the floor in front of him. He was holding a bandage that was partially wrapped around his index finger. He had a guilty expression on his face, and his ears were red with embarrassment. He looked at Y/N. Their eyes met. Y/N didn't understand how this situation even happened, and with every second it got worse. The only thing that made her happy was that Armin was wearing a T-shirt, which gave her a little bit of hope that they could trick Hitch. But...
- So, what's going on?
- «Is something going on?» Armin said carefully, bending down to pick up whatever he had dropped.
- Hitch, finally explain what you have in mind and in general...
- You still haven't answered me, Y/N. Are you just sleeping together or is this something serious?
And with that question, Armin once again dropped everything he had just picked up. He was lost and confused, he didn't understand what was happening now. Is their hidden private life over? Armin didn't have any words to say, but... Y/N was more collected.
- What the hell, Hitch?
- What is he doing here?
- We're friends, what is it. He came to visit me.
- Oh, you don't invite anyone here, Y/N.
- Yes, I don't invite everyone here, it's true, but...
- Have you ever seen yourself? You're wearing the men's shirt.
- It's just hot today, what's wrong with that. You also have several men's shirts, it was you who actually told me what is comfortable in them.
Hitch turned sideways to see them both.
- Although you lie well and keep your cold blood, but, Y/N, everything is written on his face. So... which one of you will speak?
- «H-hitch? What are you talking about? This is some kind of misunderstanding», Armin began to say uncertainly, not knowing what exactly he should say. He didn't understand how much Hitch knew, or if she knew anything at all.
- Yes, Hitch, this is some kind of misunderstanding, to be honest, I don't understand anything at all now. You've come uninvited and you're making some theories about...
- You know, Y/N, you could endlessly deny your relationship with Damian, because no one has ever seen evidence to the contrary, but here... hell, I don't know, of course, what exactly were you doing in that storeroom, but... it definitely sounded like sex... And don't you dare deny it! I not only heard, I saw you coming out of there!
Armin once again dropped everything on the floor. The situation has reached a peak. He no longer tried to lift something, it was useless. He looked at Y/N, who was staring at some indefinite point on the wall. He could practically see the thoughts swirling through her head.
- What do you want to hear, Hitch? Do you really care? You've probably already told everyone your version, so...
- I didn't tell anyone. I... I still consider you my close friend, Y/N, and I understand that... I understand that, in any case, whatever happens between you, you wouldn't want anyone to know, and therefore I'm here. My curiosity is eating me up inside, and... I'll at least talk to you about it. Well... with you and Armin, since... it's your relationship.
- We don't have any relationship, it was a one-time thing. There is nothing between us, we're just friends.
The way Y/N said it... Armin felt scared for a second, because she said it so... naturally, as if it was true. Her facial expression was the same - truthful. She didn't flinch. And it was so natural that it even made him upset.
- Okay, then why does Armin seem to be crying now?
- «What? I'm not going to cry! What nonsense?» Armin started to get angry.
- «I knew it was a bad idea», Y/N said softly, sighing, realizing that it was useless to lie any further. Hitch wouldn't believe it anyway. She turned around, walking slowly towards the living room.
Armin could see that Y/N was very upset, despite the fact that outwardly it looked like irritation and anger, but... he knew her well, he felt that if they were together, she probably would have cried. He quickly collected all the things that had fallen and, throwing them on the table, followed her, passing by Hitch.
- Hey, are you... are you just going to leave?
She followed them. Y/N was sitting in the living room, looking at one point on the wall. Armin sat down next to her.
- Y/N, how are you...
- It was a mistake, I told you that it would end badly and...
- But you said "lets do it", love...
- I know it was my mistake. And you see... my mistakes always end in something catastrophic...
- It's not a disaster, honey, it's...
- This is a disaster! It's Hitch! Of all people...
- HEY, I'M ACTUALLY HERE!
She sank into one of the chairs, looking at the couple sitting on the couch.
- Wait... why... why are you... are you seriously dating?! You know, I seriously thought you guys were probably just sleeping with each other, you know, for stress relief and all...
- «Hitch, please shut up», Armin told her sternly, his voice making her feel ashamed of her behavior.
He gently stroked Y/N's back as Y/N tried to deal with the stress by breathing slowly and looking down at her knees. It went on for a couple of minutes.
- Have you calmed down?
Y/N just nodded slightly.
- «Hitch, look, I know this is beyond your capacity, but please don't tell anyone», Armin told her.
- «If you tell anyone, I'll fire you», Y/N said harshly. «And I'm not kidding, Hitch. I don't want problems because it'll affect my work, so it's only fair if it affects yours too»
- But this...
- Yes, it's unfair. So, stay silent, it's not difficult.
- Y/N, but it's true, it's somehow too much.
- «Too much? You know, I just need some kind of guarantee. Or do you want to end everything, maybe?» Y/N answered him.
- «I didn't mean to tell anyone», Hitch said. «But I admit, the temptation is great. And... how long has this been happening between you?»
- Why are you care?
- So, I already know what is happening. So... how long?
- About three...
- About three months.
They started talking at the same time, but Armin was faster. Y/N tapped his shoulder a little annoyed.
- Armin!
- Why, Y/N?
- «I think Y/N was going to lie again, but you were just telling the truth», Hitch said, giggling. «And you two look so cute»
- «Did you mean to lie?» Armin asked her, smiling slightly as he felt the atmosphere begin to improve a little.
- I wanted to say three weeks, so that there were fewer questions and...
- «Damn, three months... that's... not that much different from the time you got back from Marley», Hitch said. «How did all this even happen? And... you hid well»
- «Ah, okay, I don't see the point in lying anymore, Armin will tell everything as it is anyway», Y/N said with a sigh. «Yes, we're dating. Yes, it's serious. Yes, we hide our relationship. This is my initiative, since I don't like all these discussions about my personal life. If I had my way, no one would ever know. But, one way or another, someday well tell the rest. But right now, our relationship... is not at a stage where we're ready for that. I seriously ask you not to tell anyone, Hitch, this is very important to me, and if you seriously consider me your friend, I hope that you'll do this little thing for me»
- I... I'll be silent, but... I'll bother you, but I'll need to talk to someone about this.
- Maybe you'd better talk to Armin about it? He loves to talk and...
- «Hey, don't throw your problems on me!» Armin said jokingly, smiling slightly.
- Oh, honey, that's your problem too.
- «Speaking of problems... what about Annie?» Hitch asked carefully.
- What's with her?
- You conduct therapeutic conversations with her, and Armin... well, you understand, she stayed here for him.
- During these conversations, I don't talk to her about Armin, I'm not a relationship expert after all.
- «And I've told her many times already that we can't be anything but friends to each other», said Armin. «I can't just tell her that I can't love her»
- «But you were as happy as she says», Hitch said sadly. «She's my friend and... I'm worried about her. When I found out about you... I realized how bad my advice was...»
- «Listen Hitch... Y/N and I... we have a long and complicated history, and just now... we finally have a chance... and Annie... I don't want to say it, I somehow appreciate her, I appreciate the time that we were together, but... it was my mistake. This shouldn't have happened at all», Armin said, stroking Y/N's back, not to support her, but more for his own comfort. The conversation wasn't easy.
- «Oh, those love stories...», Hitch said, looking at her friends with a slight smile.
- I'll tell you sometime if you don't annoy me much.
- Oh, Y/N, tell me now! I didn't come in vain. And you're so cute, and... you'll still have time for... well, you understand, you even do this at work.
- No, it was a one-time thing!
- How can I know that, Y/N? You're talented at lying.
- But it's true!
- And the most noticeable thing is that you're the first of my acquaintances who did this at work! And you're both so... quiet, from the side you can't say that you're doing something like that at all!
- «I'm going to make some tea», Armin said as he got up from the couch, wanting to get away from this conversation.
- «You're still doing it badly», Y/N said. «Sit back, don't leave me alone with her. This is not the kind of weekend I was expecting»
- As if I expected us to sit down and open up about our relationship with Hitch. Not the best pastime.
- «Hey, am I that annoying?» asked Hitch.
- «A little bit, Hitchy», Y/N remarked, smiling slightly. «Can we postpone this conversation, please? I'm tired this week and... I really want to be with Armin right now»
- Okay, I understand. But... guys, thanks for trusting me. Albeit... against our will.
- Hitch...
- But seriously - who has sex at work in the middle of the working day?
- HITCH!
***
Armin went to clean up Y/N's office while Y/N and Hitch were in the hallway.
- So, he was your secret "friend" all this time?
- Yes.
- This is interesting. But... you look good together. And... I think he's in love with you.
- I know.
- Has he already said "those three words"?
- He said them even before the beginning of our relationship.
- And you...
- And I said those words more than two years ago...
- Y/N?
- As Armin said, we have our own difficult history. We love each other, for us this relationship means a lot.
- You know, when I found out about you, I thought for a long time about how this could happen. I couldn't remember you ever talking at all before...
- It wasn't easy, Hitch. Someday I'll tell you, but not today.
- I'll be waiting for this story. You know I love beautiful love stories.
***
Sighing, Y/N sat down on the couch next to Armin.
- And what happened to you?
She took his hand, a bandage sloppily wrapped around his index finger.
- When you left, I got up from the couch to go put on something, and as a result, I cut myself on paper, and at the same time I tripped on the table... in general, I can be clumsy, you know yourself... then I went to your office, because the finger started to bleed... and then... then you know...
Y/N stroked his hand and left somewhere. A minute later she came, bringing with her a bandage and a couple of bottles. Sitting next to him, she took his hand, unwinding the bandage around his finger.
- You need to treat the wound... paper is not the cleanest thing...
She carefully unwrapped the bandage, and, moistening cotton wool with alcohol, treated his wound. Then, after applying a special ointment, Y/N gently wrapped his finger with the bandage.
- You're doing very well with this...
- I know how to operate on people, my dear, to apply a bandage - these are such trifles.
Putting down her medical supplies, she climbed onto the couch with her feet, climbing into Armin's arms.
- How are you after all this?
- As if there wasn't enough work. Another nervous shock. Tomorrow I'm definitely not going anywhere. I'm tired of people.
- I'm here for you, Y/N.
- That's all I need.
- Are you still worried about Hitch telling anyone?
- Not really. I really don't want this, really. But, something tells me that she'll still be silent.
- You won't fire her if she tell someone, will you?
- I'll fire her. I wasn't kidding.
- You scare me sometimes, honey.
- I shouldn't have scared you.
- It's just... that work side of yours... is a bit tough.
- You don't run into her, for you I'm always sweet, kind and gentle. Well, I try to think so.
- You're the best, the most incredible. I love you, love.
- It's sounded stupidly.
- I know. But still, I love you.
- I love you too...
***
A/N: so +1 person, who knows... I can say that there will be one other person, who will know about them before they'll actually reveal their relationship.
Now, there will be some timeskips in the story. If you have some ideas like some situations/dates/events which you would like to implement in the story - leave suggestions in the comments, I'll think about it. I always appreciate you feedback.
Little list of what I'm planning for the story: an jealousy argument, some parties, wedding party, a trip to the ocean, some business trips... and some kind of big timeskips later...