[There's the sound of Eren's front door opening and closing softly with a click as Armin steps into the other boy's apartment. He has nothing with him, just the clothes on his back, as he pulls off his boots and moves to look for his friend. His eyes are puff and red, along with his nose. Eren'll surely notice he's been crying, but he can still try to pretend everything's okay.]
[ Eren peeks out of his kitchen, having been in the middle of making some tea for the evening and hanging out in his t-shirt since he's essentially turned in for the night, giving Armin's face a hard glance the moment he notices the red tinging his pale skin. ]
I'll add water to the pot.
[ But he doesn't mean right away, instead walking over to Armin and looping his arms around him. Can't fake it around Eren Yeager, man. ]
[Unlike the prior embrace he'd received from Jean, this one is returned as Armin immediately clings, burying his face into Eren's chest. He's determined to not start crying again, but he isn't doing a very good job of hiding just how upset he is. Even so, he's already putting enough on Eren as it is. He doesn't need to have a meltdown.]
[ Eren secures him against his chest, holding him just firmly enough that he's squeezing a little. Eren would be able to tell he's upset regardless, so Armin's efforts are doomed from the start. He tips his head down and presses his lips into Armin's hair. Something's wrong, who knows what, but if Armin's had to come here so desperately, Eren's not going to question it. ]
[The squeeze is returned and Armin's left feeling his chest swell at the pressure of lips against the crown of his head. At least here, he feels safe. At least now he can unwind, if only temporarily.]
[ Unwilling to let him go, Eren releases him only a little to go to hoist Armin up under his thighs if he allows, intent on carrying him to the couch to fold over him and quiet down whatever noise is going on inside him. ]
[There isn't any protest from Armin, but there is a small sound of surprise as he's lifted and eventually placed down on the couch. He looks tired, if not utterly worn out. He's not ready to say anything just yet, but with a little bit of prying on Eren's part, it'll come out.]
[ Eren's not read to question him yet, instead just looking him over when he's set him down to make sure he's not hurt. He looks alright physically, but that face is miserable. Eren leans and presses a new kiss to his forehead before holding him again, leaning back against the couch and pulling him with him to try and coax him to relax his weight against his body. ]
There must be something wrong with me...there are so many things people find normal or acceptable and I can't even begin to understand why...I just don't get it.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Text;
Text;
Text;
Text;
Text;
Action;
Eren?
Action;
I'll add water to the pot.
[ But he doesn't mean right away, instead walking over to Armin and looping his arms around him. Can't fake it around Eren Yeager, man. ]
Action;
...Okay.
Action;
Okay.
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Sorry...
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
I can't keep doing this...this place, it's eating me alive, Eren.
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Listen, you're being too vague. I can't help you this way. What's wrong? Why do you feel like you're going crazy?
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;
Action;