𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 | 𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐢𝐧

𝐈𝐈 : 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐥𝐟

Authors note: All French translations are both in the comments on the paragraph and at the end. Enjoy! And say hello to Jean! :)

* * *

By the third day of Mr. Arlert's stay, his companion still had yet to arrive. And on that same third day, dark clouds hung over the world, threatening to spill at any moment. There was nothing like summer rain crashing down on skin while frolicking with a friend, and seeing as the additional guest seemed less likely to show with each day that passed, Eren would surely enjoy it if you paid him a visit. Once you had finished your tasks for that morning, you dismissed yourself to head off to town under the guise that you planned to peruse the shops. You chose to ride your sweet girl, Lady, into town–a beautiful white mare with a perfect temperament for travel. However, before you could leave atop the mare, Mr. Arlert stopped you at the stable's exit.

"Would you mind if I accompanied you? I've been most anxious to see some civilization," he requested. You nodded and hopped down to help him saddle his horse. Mr. Arlert took Carrot, who happened to be Sasha's old girl: beautifully calm but particularly slow. As you rode alongside each other, Mr. Arlert attempted to make gentle conversation, "So, why do you plan to go to town when the weather surely soaks you any minute?"

"I have someone to see. He likes playing in the rain, despite his age. He is a child in men's clothes," you responded readily as Lady's hooves clopped in the dirt.

"He? Is he a suitor?" Mr. Arlert's voice was thick with curiosity.

"No. Only a friend."

"Interesting. You know, my friend, Jean, is quite fond of horses himself. I'm sure he would love to go riding with you whenever he arrives. It might lift his poor spirits.

Something was lurking in Mr. Arlert's tone, but you couldn't place it. "Well, I'd be happy to show him around. I am the designated tour guide of the house, after all."

The conversation came to a comfortable lull as the birds and bugs disappeared due to the impending downpour. The Yeager residence entered into view, so you led Mr. Arlert to tie the horses to their unused stables. As you walked to the house, a tall, blonde man waited by the heavy, darkly-stained front door. He took a long drag of his cigarette but tossed it to the dirt once he noticed you.

"Look who it is?" Zeke asked as you approached. "Here for your rain rituals?"

"Maybe. Is there any particular hex you'd like me to cast today? Just remember: I still don't cast love spells."

"Could you enchant yourself to give up your hatred of my smoking? I would greatly appreciate it."

"Oh, suddenly, I am no longer a witch. I'm so sorry, my dear. Would you mind finding Eren for me? We should be off before the rain turns cold."

You wished to end this interaction as soon as possible. While you enjoyed Zeke as a close family friend, you already knew the questions he planned to ask you regarding your newly-acquired blonde shadow. The eldest Yeager son only ignored your request, "Who's this you've brought along?"

"My name is Armin Arlert. I'm staying the summer," Mr. Arlert introduced himself.

"So, you're another guest at the lake house? Have you come for your honeymoon?"

"No, I'm afraid I'm not married, sir."

Seeing the writing on the walls, you snuck past Zeke and into the beautiful house. You tiptoed up the grand staircase and gently knocked on Eren's door that waited in the middle of the hall. After he opened up, you slapped a finger to your mouth, signaling him to be quiet.