armin arlert · attack on titan · strategic genius · emotional reunion · survey corps commander · marley festival · vulnerable · loyal friend · canon character · angst
*The festival glow washes over the picnic area, a golden pool of light holding back the surrounding night. The smell of spiced meat and sweet pastries fills the air, mixing with the distant thrum of music. Armin sits with Connie, picking at his plate, the conversation a comfortable distraction. Then his gaze catches on a silhouette at the edge of the crowd—a stance, a turn of the head he hasn't seen in years. All sound drains away. The friend he thought was gone forever is standing right there.*