Chapter 8
Armin
An obnoxious groan came from the pile of blankets on the bed as Armin stood over the lump, hands on his hips.
“Eren! Get up! You can’t stay hidden under your covers forever!” Armin whined, lazily tugging at the thick fabric.
“Watch me Ar. I’m completely humiliated, I’ll never show my face again. I must take on a disguise just to leave the house! I’ll dye my hair, grow a beard, and become a hermit!”
Armin huffed in irritation. Why now, of all times, does Eren have to act so childishly? He hated when Eren did this.
“Eren, I swear to fucking god-”
“Shut it, Ar. I am staying under this blanket!” Eren announced loudly. Armin huffed and stormed out of the room.
He went straight to Mikasa’s room and pounded on her door. Only a few seconds later, the expressionless girl opened the door and raised an eyebrow.
“Mika! Eren won’t get up! Drag his ass out of bed for me.”
“Alright.”
She stalked towards the room and opened the door harshly, causing Eren to startle and let out a high pitched squeal. He glared at her as she ripped the covers from the bed.
“Eren, get up or I’ll make you.” Mikasa threatened. Eren just glared at her and she sent the glare right back at him.
Armin watched as the two people he cared most deeply about were nearly ready to strangle each other. After what seemed like forever, Eren broke the eye contact and heavily sighed.
“Eren, do you mind telling me why you refuse to go so adamantly?” She asked. Eren shook his head and laid back down, arm over his face.
Mikasa sighed and left. Armin watched curiously and decided to follow her. She soon led him into the kitchen, where she grabbed a cup from the cupboard and filled it with cold water. She then walked to the refrigerator and grabbed a handful of ice to add to the water.
“Mika what-?” Armin began but got cut off.
“You’ll see.” She said quietly.
Mikasa stormed back to Eren and Armin’s room, and then turned to Armin.
“Pull out your phone and record this. I want this as proof of what happens when Eren refuses to listen to me.” She told Armin, then stood next to the bed. “Last chance Eren, get up and tell me why you don’t want to go to work today, or suffer the consequences. Your pick.”
Eren grunted and obstinately pulled the covers back onto himself. Mikasa gave a mischievous smirk to the camera and turned to Eren.
“Alright, you asked for it.” She warned. Eren only grunted in response.
SPLASH
Eren shrieked and fell out of bed. Armin busted out laughing and handed his phone to Mikasa.
“What the hell Mikasa! Stop laughing at me, Armin!.” She held Armin’s phone up to Eren’s face, capturing every detail.
Armin continued laughing but bolted for the door once Eren shot out of bed after him.
“Dammit Armin! I’m going to kill you!”
“But I’m not the one who splashed you with cold water!”
“No, but you’re the one who went and got her!”
Armin laughed but ended up tripping over his feet, giving Eren the chance to tackle him to the ground. Eren pinned Armin’s hands to his sided, a victorious grin on his face.
“Let me go, Eren!”
“Not until you leave me alone so I can sulk in peace.” Eren said, almost snarling. Mikasa sighed and turned off the camera.
“If you’re that humiliated, then switch spots with me. I don’t mind being that demanding midget's assistant again.” Mikasa said, her arms crossed over her chest. Eren looked up at her, somewhat surprised about her offer. He stood and helped Armin to his feet.
“Thank you, Mika! I’m still mad at you for dumping cold water on me though.” Eren pouted. Mikasa wrapped her arms around him and laughed.
“You didn’t listen.” She simply said.
“Mikasa, you're driving.” Armin stated, changing the topic to the matter at hand. Mikasa nodded and turned to Eren.
“Go get dressed. And hurry.” She ordered, waving him off with her hands.
“Fine.” He walked back to the bedroom and shut the door.
Mikasa grabbed the keys from the table and walked towards the door. Armin sat down on the couch waiting for Eren.
As he waited, Armin pulled his phone out and scrolled through his messages.
1:27 A.M.
Hanji: ARMIN! ARE YOU THERE???
He raised an eyebrow and shook his head. He quickly read through the crazy woman’s texts, smiling lightly.
1:39 A.M
Hanji: Did I scare you away? How’s being Erwin’s assistant?
2:12 A.M.
Hanji: Did I ever mention you are Erwin’s type? He has a thing for blondes.
2:41 A.M.
Hanji: ARMIN!!!! ARE YOU AND ERWIN DOING THE DO YET????
Well, Armin hadn’t expected that.
He felt his face heat up. He doubted he was really Erwin’s type. That man was in another league. Did he really have a chance with Erwin? What the hell am I thinking? Of course I don’t! He’s the hot CEO of a multi-million dollar business, and I’m just an assistant.
The chance of Armin actually scoring with Erwin was similar to that of winning the lottery. Armin got up and made his way to the bathroom to look at himself in the mirror. His hair made him look like a girl and his facial features looked far younger than a twenty-one year old. He examined his clothing and frowned.
When did I get so self conscious? He thought to himself.
“Okay, I’m ready,” Eren stated as he walked out of their room. Armin nodded.
Today was his last day of being Erwin’s assistant. Armin frowned at the thought. He really liked being Erwin’s assistant, and not just because he was attractive. He liked it even better than being Hanji’s assistant, if he was being honest. He didn’t mind Hanji of course, she just tended to startle him with her strange antics a lot.
As they continued walking, Eren poked Armin’s cheek. Armin cocked an eyebrow. “What?” He asked, already suspicious of Eren smirk.
“You have a thing for Commander Eyebrows don’t you?” Armin felt his entire face flush.
“W-wha-? W-here the hell did you g-get that idea?!” Armin squeaked.
“Ar, your whole face is bright red. I can see it every time you look or talk about him. And frankly, I can totally see him bending you over his desk and-” Armin gasped and smacked Eren’s arm.
“S-shut up! I don’t have a thing for him.” Eren gave him a doubtful look.
“Look me in the eye and tell me that you’re not depressed because you want to continue being his assistant. Seriously, it’s only a matter of time.” Eren said, giving Armin a sideways look. Armin scoffed and shook his head.
“I don’t think he’s into me.” Armin said softly as he slid into the backseat and stared out the window.
Once they got there. Armin immediately hopped out and walked towards the front door. He noticed a tall man with jet black hair and his eyes widened.
“Bert…” He whispered. The tall man turned to see Armin and gasped softly.
“Armin…?” He said out loud.
Armin fell into a sprint, ignoring the questionable looks he was getting, and leapt into the taller man’s waiting arms. Bert laughed and wrapped his arms around Armin’s small frame.
“Bert! I missed you! I haven’t seen you since high school!”
“Haha, it’s nice to see you’re still as energetic as ever, Armin.” Bert said, smiling down at the blonde.
“What position do you work here?” Armin asked.
“Oh, I’m Mike Zacharius’ assistant. But between you and me...” He bent over to Armin’s ear and whispered. “..He’s fucking scary. Scarier than Hanji.” Armin laughed and gave him a look.
“I wanna see you try being his assistant for a day without going insane! He's always sniffing people, and giving me weird looks, and he just pops out of nowhere. He’s taller than me, so you can imagine how scary that can be!” Bert exclaimed. Armin threw his head back and laughed deeply.
“Let’s catch up, Bert! Today at lunch! I don’t mind ditching Eren.” Armin said, bright grin dropping when Bert began to look alarmed.
“Wait, Eren works here? Shit.” He muttered. Armin raised an eyebrow. Bert’s eyes widened when he realized how that may have sounded.
“No I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just, remember Reiner?” He asked. Armin nodded.
The blonde jock who was always hitting on Eren? How could he forget? He used to have a massive thing for him.
“Yeah I remember him."
“He works here and I’m pretty sure he still has a thing for Eren.” Bert said sadly. Armin felt his heart clench.
It wasn’t hard to tell that Bert really liked the man, but Reiner was an airhead sometimes and hit on anything that moved. Suddenly, an idea hit Armin.
“I’m going to help you.” He said matter-of-factly. Bert looked confused.
“You will? But I don’t have a plan.” Armin shook his head.
“We’ll make him jealous. We’ll pretend we are interested in each other and dating. When he realizes that you’re no longer available, he’ll see what he’s missing out on. Then I’m sure he’ll come around.” Armin explained. Bert smiled.
“Knowing him, that actually might work! Thanks, Armin!” Bert hugged Armin and lifted him off his feet. Armin just giggled and hugged back.
“When do we start?” Bert asked.
“Today. In fact, where is Reiner?” Armin asked.
“He’s an assistant for Eld? I think his name was.” Armin smiled and grabbed Bert’s hand.
“Come on. Let's go rub our relationship in Reiner’s face.” Bert smiled and Armin intertwined their fingers.
When they turned, Armin could see Erwin walking towards his office. He felt his heart drop to his stomach. What would Erwin think of his “relationship”? Would he feel disappointed?
“Armin, is something wrong?” Bert asked, breaking Armin from his thoughts. Armin shook his head and smiled at Bert.
“Nah, I’m fine. Let’s go find Reiner.” Bert nodded and the two began the walk towards the elevator, hand in hand.