gay

[lengthyspeech]

[from here]

I'm not going to leave you behind.

[It's a firm response almost immediately as Armin shifts in Jean's grip. It's likely painful for the both of them in this close space, skin rubbing against skin as he slips down. His hands move to Jean's wrists to guide them away so he can properly slip down into the space in front of him.

It's not nearly as cramped for him as it is for Jean, but they're still pressed uncomfortably close, with his face right to the damage Jean has sustained.]

Can you reach behind me to my pack? There are some bandages in there.

Comments

[bravelypees]

Wait, you–[Holds up a hand leaning closer towards Armin.] You carried me all the way back?

[He pulls back slightly, regarding him with both disbelief and respect.] You're such a shrimp, I'd never figure you'd be able to handle something like that.

[A short grin. He's definitely impressed. Maybe a touch flattered that someone would do that for him, nevermind wait until he wakes up. Still smiling, he flops back onto the pillow–winces slightly–and watches the blonde.] So you thought I was gonna die, huh? Must have been bad.

[lengthyspeech]

I don't really think it's something to joke off like that...

[With a smile, like it was amusing or anything of the sort. It was serious. Armin was worried. Sometimes he doesn't get Jean... but--

He pulls his hand back after an awkward moment, eyes shifting from his lap to Jean again.]

Do you remember anything at all?

[bravelypees]

[His smile fades at the scolding. He shifts in his seat before glancing down at his hands.]

Not after a point. Maybe when we left the tunnel?

[He presses a hand into his hair, trying to clear his head. Remember the exact point.]

[lengthyspeech]

[Armin grows quiet at that, head turning down a bit as he thinks. Maybe it's for the best? He was clearly out of it. He didn't want to share unnecessary things that would only cause problems. And he's not quite sure he understands it himself.

Staying silent wouldn't help either, though. He knows that.]

You were really out of it. [That's enough of a summary, he thinks, looking back up to him.] How are you feeling now?

[bravelypees]

About as good as I should. [His body aches, but he's not sure if that's because of being stationary too long or a lingering result of the injuries.] Kind of thirsty. Not bad considering the circumstances.

[Timid attempt at a reassuring grin, maybe? Armin seems pretty worried.]

[lengthyspeech]

Oh... I'll get you some water. Give me just a moment.

[Worried, yes, and his mind is wandering on top of that. But action would help with that, he thought. Debating on what he should or shouldn't reveal to people was always a frustrating task. Even so, the answers came to mind pretty firmly. If Jean didn't remember, then...

He pushes up from his chair and moves to fetch him a quick glass, returning after a few minutes to offer it forward once he'd found it.]

[bravelypees]

Thanks.

[When he takes it, his fingers brush against Armin's. If he notices, he doesn't show it, sipping the water pensively. Trying to remember what Armin could be referring to and coming up blank. It's frustrating, but after a couple sips he gives up, leaning to deposit the glass on the bedside table.]

Has anyone else come around?

[lengthyspeech]

[It's strange-- Armin doesn't normally pay attention to things like this, but the weight of what's on his mind right now has him all too aware of the way their fingers brush. He plays it off without even a blink in reaction, but he's feeling awkward by the time he sits back down. The small tells are in the way he holds himself. His overly straight posture.]

Eren visited briefly, and Mikasa followed him. I think everyone else thought it better to leave you to rest.

[bravelypees]

Ah. [He breathes out a forced laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.] Should have figured it'd be something like that.

[Can you blame him for hoping more people would care? It's shameful, really. But what more could you expect from a selfish guy?

He sighs quietly, looking back at Armin as if just noticing the stiff posture.] You're pretty on-edge, huh?

[lengthyspeech]

You shouldn't worry about it. [He has a feeling he knows what Jean's thinking on the matter, and he's quick to shut it down.] Everyone was worried. Most people just checked in over the pocket watch.

['Everyone' may be a little too kind, but plenty of people were worried. He wanted to stress that. But then Jean's shooting him a question, and he has to react pretty immediately to that as well, hands folding into his lap a little tightly.]

I'm fine. [But the way it comes out so quickly seems defensive, he realizes, and he's quick to add on more to soften it.] I'm just thinking that it's been a long past couple of days.

[...]

I'm sorry. I knew it was risky to go further, but I couldn't pass up the possibility of finding out something more...