[video]// backdated to right after malik's post, filtered from Malik and Rose

[neverfeltthatway]

[Armin's expression is hard and angry, but his words are clear and considered.]

I want to make something clear. It's true that Eren may not have acted well with respect to learning red magic. But those spells Malik keeps going on about - ripping someone's heart out, or giving them cursed wounds - those are things Malik can do, not things Eren can. Eren has not and would never attempt to learn such things.

His most powerful spell gives him the ability to fly. His most dangerous spell lights his blades on fire. Neither are things Malik considered or even bothered to learn before mentally violating Eren and Mikasa with a forcible interface after seeing Eren flying. He has said since - openly, on the network - that it was somehow his only option short of ripping Eren's heart out.

[Ripping Eren's heart out - because the boy learned how to fly. Armin falls silent for a moment, as he lets Malik's words speak for themselves.]

Even if I understand why Malik acted the way he did, it does not excuse his actions. And Eren is not careless or vicious with his power, as Malik is trying to make him out to be.

Comments

[rustyhonesty]

That's right. But first... did something else happen? You look awful.

[There's clear worry in his eyes.]

[neverfeltthatway]

[Armin opens his mouth to deny it - then glances away.]

...No, not really. Not something else.

[Just the thousand things that already had been or were happening. The straw that broke the camel's back his composure is hardly even worth mentioning.]

[rustyhonesty]

[Jean watches Armin quietly before closing the distance between them and wrapping his arms around him. Something about him looked like he needed a hug.]

If there's anything I can do, just tell me? I'm here for you.

[neverfeltthatway]

[Armin freezes - surprised, not expecting the hug. A couple moments later, he starts trembling, just a little. A few moments past that, he cautiously wraps his arms around Jean in return, relaxing into the hug.

Half a minute later, he's not crying, but his breathing is unsteady, and he still hasn't let go.]

[rustyhonesty]

[Jean is quick to notice how long Armin stays still and how his breathing changes. Quietly, he pets his back with small strokes.]

Let's rest a bit before getting to any lessons, okay? There's no rush.

[neverfeltthatway]

[He closes his eyes, tight, against the tears.]

I'm all right. [It's a whisper, and not terribly persuasive - not least because he's trying to convince himself as much as he is Jean.]

[rustyhonesty]

[There's a soft sigh and Jean pulls him a little closer.]

You don't need to act all tough in front of me. Just let your feelings go. We have time.

[neverfeltthatway]

[He takes in a shuddering breath, still holding tightly to the other boy.]

I, I don't mean to. It's just... [He trails off, his hold on Jean tightening ever-so-slightly.]

It's too much. I don't know if I can do this. If I can keep this up. [His voice is barely audible, and he shakes his head, not pulling away]

[rustyhonesty]

You shouldn't try doing everything on your own. You have friends to share your burdens.

[It's a bit generic of a thing to say, but he doesn't know what all Armin is dealing with. It's genuine though, despite being like that.]

You have to feel tired though. Want to take a nap before attempting any kinds of lessons?

[neverfeltthatway]

[He lets out a breath, still unsteady, but sounding a little more in control, if no less quiet or tired.] That... maybe that's not a bad idea.

[rustyhonesty]

I'll be there when you wake up.

[Who knows, he might fall asleep as well, for a while, but mostly he'll just be there.]