The horses rapidly gallopped forward, trying to avoid as many titans as they could along the way.

The Scouting Legion once again, has courageously exited the confines of Wall Rose, in order to reach Maria and Shigashina.

This expedition was not any more special than the previous ones- loss of comrades and friends, as well as the eradication of some areas of the formation.

In an unfortunate event during the expedition where one flank was attacked by a deviant titan, she thanked her survival to Armin Arlert.

He was quick to think, making him a valuable member in their formation- even in the Scouting Legion. Without his thinking, she was certain her group would have been entirely wiped out.

"Armin, good job today," she held out a thumb to him, "I honestly would have been dead if it weren't for you. You're so smart." she complimented.

"Thank you, (y/n). You're too kind." he responded, almost reluctant to accept it.

"You're welcome." she replied, smiling at him, walking away, going to her own dormitory.

She internally grunted, how could he be so dense and oblivious? She was obviously trying to hit on him. Everyone knew it but him.

"Hey- uh- Armin," she turned back around, "do you want to be my partner for training tomorrow?"

"Sure!" he grinned at her, making her lightly blush- if it was anything besides his capability of acting so fast that attracted her, it was the cute smile he had on. It was a sight to see.

She went back to her dormitory and had a restful sleep.

---

"You ready?" she asked Armin who was stretching, preparing himself to train with someone who was significantly physically stronger than he was.

"Y-yeah," he stutted, getting into his stance.

They sparred for minutes- she thought she would have to go easy but she could tell how much he's improved over time.

"Geez, Armin." she panted, sitting on the floor, "You've gotten so much better at sparring since the last time we were partnered up." the last time they sparred was a couple of weeks back.

"Do you think so? I didn't even notice. I think I've picked some lessons up from whenever I sparred with Eren or Mikasa. I kinda had to learn the hard way..." he replied, basically mumbling his words.

"Yeah, I do. It's really impressive. You could probably take me on head to head in a few weeks." she said, getting up from the floor giving him a hand.

"I don't think I can, (y/n). You're so strong." he grabbed her hands and pushed himself up.

She smiled, "Don't underestimate yourself. You're capable of getting stronger, you're Armin Arlert." she attempted to compliment him.

"Thank you, (y/n). But I think you are also capable of getting stronger." he replied.

She nearly punched herself in the gut. He completely missed the target. It was impossible to hit on him.

---

"Thank you, how very kind of you." she said as he helped her get down from her horse after practicing.

"You're welcome, (y/n)," he replied and smiled at her.

"I really like your smile, Armin. You need to smile more." she attempted once again. He blushed at her sudden compliment. 

"T-thank you, (y/n)." Armin stuttered. "I'l... I'll smile more because you like it." he added. 

"Heh..." she tried to genuinely smile, but she just couldn't be pleased at him missing the point completely. "Damn it Armin. You're impossible." she slowly shook her head.

"Sorry, what?" he tilted his head in utter confusion. 

"Armin, you're so smart and stuff, and you're really quick to think, but you miss the little things that are infront of you sometimes. I'm very blatant about it- basically the whole Scout Regiment knows it, but somehow, you just don't ever notice." she bit her bottom lip. "To say bluntly, I like you."

His face turned red; he was surprised to have someone confess to him since no one has ever done that, but there is a first time for everything. "G-gosh, I'm so sorry. It's just that, when I get compliments, I often recieve them as a friendly statement. But I did notice that you complimented me the most, and I had my assumptions, but I just stuck to my feeling that you were just being friendly. Sorry for being inconsiderate of your feelings." he looked down and played with his hands.

"No, you don't have to apologize for anything. I just wanted to let you know I like you." she admitted.

"I haven't had anyone like me before, it feels nice that you're the first person to feel that way for me. I'm very lucky." he warmly smiled at her. His eyes, crinkling as his smile grew.

"W..." she uttered, looking down at her hands, "Well in that case... do you want to...if... if you don't mind." her face turned red upon asking, her voice became inaudible as it ended.

"You could be a little more blunt to ask me to be your boyfriend, (y/n).  I don't mind at all. In fact, I know it's a good idea." he said, taking hold of her sweaty, limp, hands.

She flinched, suprised with his response, "You make good decisions, Armin."

"(y/n), you don't have to keep complimenting me, I already know you like me. I like you too." he replied, squeezing her hand.

She put her fingers upon his cheek and pinched it, "I know, you're just so cute."

(A/N) *dramatically collapses onto the ground*
hey reader!
I think I'm satisfied with the plot of this, can't really say the same with the ending. I really enjoyed writing this bc Armin is adorable.
Anyway, I have no requests at the moment. Which means I will be spending ample time on Dark Shines. (but you can still give in requests, tell me if you ever want au's or specific plots)
have a nice day and thank you for reading my abhorrent writing
No, but in all seriousness, thank you for reading!