The petting helps. It always has, and now is no different. Almost in spite of himself, Alcuin begins to relax and nestles against Armin quietly.

Talk of Titans has him tensing again, however, and he winds his fingers into Armin's shirt, making a soft, helpless sound and turning his face into Armin's chest. "You shouldn't have to go. Can't they just leave you alone? You've been through so much already! You shouldn't have to deal with this as well!"