[It's easy to lie. Armin does it all the time. He's a fantastic liar, in fact. Unfortunately, the universe doesn't seem to care about that; he can't bring himself to no matter how hard he tries - and if he tries too long, the answer will be obvious anyway.

[So, he offers a weak echo instead.] In front of Eren...?

[He stares at his sleeping friend. Eren's brow is pinched. He must be hearing all of this too...]

I...

Not...not without...talking to him first...?

[Oh, yikes...]

I'm sorry! I really don't mean anything by that-- I-I'm sorry.