"Thank you," Ansel said to Armin's grandfather.
"No need to thank me Ansel, you have our word that we will take care of her. Isn't that right, Armin?" The old man said, smiling at a young blond boy, with brilliant blue eyes. He nodded.
"Well, I best be off," said Ansel, turning around and walking away. There was a small tug on the sleeve of his jacket. He turned his head around, the small girl was in tears. Ansel crouched down so that they could talk at eye level. He pulled her close to him as she buried her head into his chest, her tears staining his shirt.
"I'll survive," Ansel said, rubbing her back, "don't cry,"
She pulled away, rubbing her eyes, "I love you,"
Ansel smiled, "I love you too," Tears began to brim his eyes as well. He pulled her into a hug again then pulled away and left her standing.
"(y/n)," Armin's grandfather said, "why don't you and Armin take a walk? I believe there's something he wants to show you." She nodded.
"It says it right here. Imagine that! Lights that flow like curtains in the night, snowfields of sand!" Armin exclaimed, pointing at the pages in the book he held. Sure the girl knew it was illegal, but the world beyond the walls had always interested her, especially the ones that had something to do with stars and the moon.
The last time she was in Shiganshina, she and Armin would read books that Armin's grandfather would lend, mostly vague explanations about the outside, but this just opened up a new world for her. Full of things she never even heard of, not from the books, or Ansel's stories.
I wonder if this is why Ansel wanted to join the Scouts, she thought, if it is, then I'll definitely join too.
"I wonder if this is what the Scouts see from time to time." She said out loud. A small gasp escaped Armin's mouth.
"Wow, the Scouts huh?" Armin asked nervously. She nodded. "Well, you have to meet Eren. Ever since I showed him this book, he's been wanting to join the Scouts too. I think the both of you would get along really well." Armin smiled. She looked at him. He was really sweet.
"Hey look!" A boy, along with two other boys, exclaimed, "It's the heretic!"
"Them again?" The girl asked Armin. He looked at her nervously. "I'm right behind you."
The three boys came up to the both of them. He tried talking to them. One of them took Armin by the collar and slammed him against the wall. The girl stood there, unnoticed. She took one of the boys by the collar and kicked his shin. Once he crouched down to rub his injury, she kicked his stomach causing him to hit his back on the wall. He coughed up blood as he attempted to get back up.
Another boy came and held her arms behind her back. She attempted to kick his shin but missed. The boy whom she hit earlier stood up and punched her stomach. She crouched down as a metallic taste began to stain her tongue.
"Looks like you brought your girlfriend." The boy who held her said as he threw her down and kicked her to the wall.
They later ignored her and focused more on Armin. They mocked him and spat at him. The girl growled as she was getting ready to pounce on them like a wild animal who finally found its prey.
"Stop it!" Another voice yelled. She looked at the direction of where it came from. Another boy with messy brown hair and remarkably vivid blue green eyes came running towards the scene.
"Hey look! It's Eren!" One of the boys yelled.
"Back for more?!" They yelled, raising their fists to their faces "It seems he hasn't had enough yet."
"Wait!" One yelled, sounding a bit nervous, "Oh sht! She's with him!"
A girl, whom (y/n) had never met before, with long black hair and a red scarf trailed behind Eren.
"Run!" The boys yelled as they squirmed away from Armin and the girl.
"Heh!" Eren scoffed in a prideful manner, "One look at me was all it took!"
"Actually, they ran because of Mikasa." Said Armin getting up. He fell immediately.
"Armin! Are you alright?" Eren said, lending his hand.
Armin looked at it, feeling a bit disappointed in himself, "It's fine. I can stand on my own thanks."
At the same moment, the girl stoop up as well, wiping off her lips on to the sleeve of her cardigan. Armin noticed her and realized that she was there and saw everything.
"(y/n)!" Armin said, running towards her, "Are you alright?"
She spat out some saliva with some blood, "I'm fine," she said wiping her lips, "are you?"
"I'm alright, a little bit bruised but I'm used to it." He gave her a weak smile
The girl looked over Armin's shoulders. Eren Yeager, she thought, looking at the green eyed boy, wearing a brown jacket, green shirt, black pants and brown shoes, he's still as stubborn as ever. I doubt he'll change. She looked over at the other girl. Who is she?
"Oh, (y/n)," Armin said moving to her side, "remember Eren? You probably don't know Mikasa but I'm sure you'll get along."
"Hey (y/n), it's been a while huh? How's it going?" Eren said, trying to be friendly, however she just kept her head down and her hair in her face.
"Um...okay...Oh! How's Ansel doing?" He said excited for he knew that Ansel worked for the Survey Corps Branch in the Military.
"Um, Eren," Armin whispered, "Ansel went back."
"What? So that means you're staying with Armin again huh?" she nodded.
"Maybe we should go to the lake. I know how much you love the water." Armin suggested.
"Yeah," she finally spoke, "sure."