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Armin struggled to tighten the straps of his ODM gear. The noise outside was no help to the pressure he was currently under to secure himself in time to catch up to Connie. A million different thoughts were running through his head. The door gently creaked open.
“Armin…” Marco’s face peeked at him through the sliver of the door. Armin didn’t bother to look at him as he fought to untwist the strap.
“What are you doing?” Marco stepped into the room fully.
“Gearing up.” Armin huffed. He was getting frustrated. Not only with the straps that wouldn’t lay flat but with the new presence in the room.
“Have you seen Jean? And the others? I just…I don’t know what to do or think about all this.” Marco began to stammer feeling nervous, especially with Armins dismissive tone.
“No. You should go look for them. I’m fine in here.” The strap he was working on undid itself entirely and he cursed under his breath.
“But what are you planning to do? Armin, If you’re planning on running after Eren I-”
“I DON’T KNOW. I just DON’T okay?! Connie is probably halfway to Ragako by now and…” He snapped. “We’ve completely lost control of Eren. It’s too much. There’s not point in worrying about Eren he’s a complete and total lost cause!” He threw his hands angrily as he shouted.
Locking eyes with Marco for the first time since he stepped foot in the room. His face adorned with freckles seemed sadder than his usual expression. He looked drained. The two stared at each other before Armin saw the ugly black armband tainting his crisp Military Police uniform.
“…no.” He stood to reach for it. “Not you…” Marco looked at him solemnly.
“This is what I get for trying to fit in with the higher ups.” He gestured to the fabric Armin was gripping in pure disbelief. The shock ran cold through his body.
“I think. It’s funny. I spent my whole life trying to join the MPs because I was so convinced I could give myself, my family, and even citizens a better life. Serving the king was my only goal. But in the end, even before this, it was all lies. Everything I’ve ever worked for was built on top of corruption. After what I’ve been apart of, after what I’ve complied to, this might be the most fitting end.” He looked down at Armin.
“Let me help you with your gear.” He reached up to touch his cheek gently. He used his thumb to wipe a stray tear from large blue eyes.
Armin backed himself onto the bench and stuck out his leg for him. He sniffled a little as Marco got onto his knees and wrapped the leather around his thigh. Moving as though Armin would shatter like glass if he wasn’t careful enough. He laid the strap flat and secured it the first try with no error. He snapped it just to make sure it was secure before patting it and looking at Armin with a small smile on his face.
“All set.” He couldn’t help but notice the tear accumulating in Marcos eye.
“I’m sorry…” Armin choked out. Armin cupped Marcos face in both his hand, trying to provide the comfort he gave to Armin. Marco reached up to touch one of his hands. He rubbed it gently with his thumb.
“There’s nothing you could’ve done.” The noise outside began to grow farther and farther away as the rumbling moved forward. “If you want to catch up with Connie, you’d better go now.” he sighed.
Armin nodded but made no attempt to get up.
He stayed with Marcos face in his hands. Trying to soak up every minor detail knowing this was probably the last he’d ever see of him. Slowly, he pressed his forehead to his.
“You’re going to be okay. When this is over I’ll find you again, okay?” Armin whispered. He felt Marco nod against him.
Before he pulled away he leaned in to meet lips with Marco. Although he didn’t feel sparks only a sense of overwhelming dread and grief. Knowing this kiss is the last thing he’ll ever have of him. A moment that was supposed to be happy forever polluted with salty tears and the bitterness of the situation before him. When he pulled away they sat, exchanging one last glance, before heading outside the door.
He sped down the hallway as Marco trailed behind him before making his way to a stair case. He turned to the freckled man.
“Goodbye, Armin.” Marco said in a grave tone.
“I’ll see you later, Marco.” Armin turned to ascend the stairs but not before Marco grabbed his hand and left him one last kiss. Armin held his hand until he physically couldn’t anymore. He kept his eyes on him until he was out the door only looking away once it was fully shut behind him.
Before him laid the carnage of the rumbling.