[It’s strange. That’s exactly what Aubrey’s betting on, isn’t it? And what Armin’s saying isn’t news; he wouldn’t have stopped her so insistently at the screens, just for a glimpse of Eren’s humanity, otherwise.

[And yet: Eren broke Armin’s heart. Eren broke Armin’s heart for her.
[It makes Armin’s words hit like an insult.
[That Aubrey knows it’s not what he means at all? It’s worse.]

You know, after Eren said I should marry him… I said I’d break him.

I said I’d break him until he wanted to live again.

[Finally, a swing. As metal slams into wood, Armin will hear fragments of a conversation:

“It’s worse than enemies, isn’t it?”

“You get it.
“It’s loving someone whose destruction is your responsibility. It’s mourning someone that just won’t die.”
“It’s a worse Hell than I can describe.”

[Aubrey has taken multiple swings. It’s corroded a good chunk of the titan’s leg; not quite enough to throw the balance, but more than enough to send splinters flying.]

[She looks to Armin, apologetic, frenzied, desperate.]

It’s not your fault.

“I think I break everyone I love.”

[Out loud, out of breath:]
You’re too good for that.