A dark blue umbrella was raised above Iris's head, shielding her from the heavy rain that poured down in the town of Mitras. The rain drops that bounced off the umbrella stung at her shoulder like needles, making her green military coat slightly wet.
Mitras, being the communal hub for the rich and famous of the three Walls, was equipped with the best of everything. Iris had seen much differences between the once destroyed district of Shiganshina and here: the pavements clean, the roads devoid of rubbish and dirt. Even the buildings that lined the streets were beautifully painted, standing tall and proud, the people milling about in the area dressed extravagantly in priceless furs and silks.
'It's just like Marley,' she thought to herself, making a turn into a dark alley, skirting past shallow puddles laying around. 'There's just no difference from how they separate pure blooded Marleyans from Eldians. Plain shit.'
Truly, if Queen Historia hadn't asked the Survey Corps' higher-ups to travel all the way here for mere dealings with political intrigue, they wouldn't be here at all. Despite Trost being not as lavish as any district of Wall Sina, it was modest in the very least. Unlike here, where it reminded her of her honorary Marleyan life.
Iris slowed her brisk walk to a stroll, defying the wind blowing against her frame. She hadn't told anyone about where she truly came from, except for her superior, the deceased Commander Erwin and her most trusted friends - Levi and Mikasa. They took the news in with monotonous and understanding expressions, but she could tell they were just as shocked as when they just found out Eren was actually a Titan.
If the two rather emotionless Ackermans could be surprised by her past, she didn't want to imagine what the others would say.
"Hey, Iris?"
The woman looked up, feeling a pit of dread pooling in her stomach. Out of all the people it could be, Armin stood in front of her, slightly panting as if he ran to her, letting the rain pelt on him, making him wet from head to toe.
She would've loved to see the blue of his eyes, hear his voice, but now, when she was contemplating about whether or not to expose the past of her life, it just wasn't a good time. "Hey... Armin. Here, take the umbrella. You're all wet. And don't give it back to me. " She shoved the handle of the umbrella in his hands, then formed a respectable distance from him.
Even though she gave it to him, Armin ignored her words, stepping forward to cover her from the rain too. Now the umbrella covered her more than it did him, leaving his back exposed.
"I said you can take it. I'm going somewhere else." She looked away, a frown on her face.
"Where then?"
"None of your business."
He huffed, forcefully grabbing her hand in his. "What's wrong with you, Iris? This isn't you. Please... Just tell me what's wrong. Okay?"
"Nothing is wrong." she bit back. "Please, just leave me alone. I beg you. Go find Annie or something." She pursed her lips, internally chastising herself for letting that slip. Annie wasn't the core of her problems.
"So this is about Annie? About me visiting her?"
Well... It partially was about that. When Iris saw Armin emerge from the dungeons with a Military Police officer, Hitch Dreyse that day, speaking of Annie, she was dumbfounded. And a tad bit jealous, if she admitted it. Yet, that was better than her admitting about escaping from Marley and how she actually got her powers. Instead of talking, she remained quiet.
"Look, I told you I don't like her at all. She's just one of my friends apart from Mikasa... And Eren. But there's nothing inappropriate between us, I swear!" Armin gripped her hand in his tighter, feeling his sea-blue gaze burning into her cornflower blue ones.
"I don't care, Sir." Iris flung his hand away, the artificial Winter genes in her beginning their work. She knew they did because Armin's whole body swayed at the force, almost lunging sideways before he resumed his stance quickly. "With all due respect, Commander, I don't freaking care about what's going on in your love life. If you need someone to confide in, go find Mikasa. Or even Annie." Annie's name came out harshly, spoken between gritted teeth.
Her angry sarcasm made the two fall silent, staring at each other for a moment. Even though it was just a few minutes, it felt like eternity, dragging at Iris's heart.
"Iris, I know this isn't the real reason. You're never petty or jealous about these things. You're so open, level-headed and accepting... Even though you're just like Captain Levi. That tough shell hides a tender heart of gold inside. I know it."
To be continued!
Okay! So that's about it today!! 😆 I wanna continue lol but that would result in me getting to engaged in the story and being unable to pull myself out 🤣
Maybe a part 2 later tonight or tomorrow? 👀 don't worry, this will only go to part 3 at most, it won't become an actual fic XD
Also, I know I might get hated by hardcore AruAni shippers after this, so I'm not gonna add any tags for now. Do know that I wholeheartedly RESPECT, and even SHIP AruAni, but this is just a story for my OC. ^^ Thank you, and enjoy reading!
