#answered; Armin

[ungrateful-cyborg-moved]

Happy birthday!

💬 (what is this about DA characters I'm hearing? Can you show/describe them and their personalities?)

In order: Armin, Lancelot and Amaya. Hawke is just Hawke so I didn't put him here.

I'm sorry, this is... long :'D

Armin Surana

He's my mage Warden. Born to a Dalish clan, he developed his powers at an early age. Unfortunately for him, his clan already had a few mages so they gave him to another clan living nearby. Being a young boy who very much didn't understand why his people didn't want him anymore, he decided that he didn't like his new clan and ran away. Eventually he found himself in a village where Greagoir discovered him after he set his own hair on fire out of anger. And Greagoir being a Templar, he brought the kid to the Circle of Magi where the story starts when you chose that origin.

Honestly his life in the Circle was actually pretty good. Past the few first months, he managed to find his place and didn't particularly want to leave after his Harrowing. If not for Jowan, he was mostly set on becoming First Enchanter at some point in his life.

And I think Alistair was very lucky that the only surviving Grey Warden save for himself actually enjoyed leading and already had a strategic mind.

Though mostly Armin is fairly diplomatic, merciful and patient. He does have strong opinions about certain things, but is careful about which ones he publicly expresses and which ones are for his inner circle only.

I do think though that not a lot of people figured him as the kind of people to become Zevran's fuck buddy... and to eventually settle with Morrigan (and their son).

By the time Awakening happened, he was a changed man. More military leader than idealistic Grey Warden, still driven by the will to help others, but as you can imagine, having to sacrifice the citizens of Amaranthine didn't help him sleep at night. Although I think that knowing he'd do it again if the need arose was really what made him look at what he'd become and decide he needed to take a break from that kind of responsibilities.

Hence why he purposefully doesn't return in Inquisition. He didn't trust himself to not be more ruthless than actually needed.

(Please don't pay attention to the tattoos, I didn't know he would've needed to be an adult in a Dalish clan to have them since it's not explained in the Character Creator. Also he was meant to look East Asian but the CC is... well, it exists.)

Lancelot Cousland

My second Warden, a Warrior this time because I wanted to replay all three games as pro-Templar this time. And what better for this than to start with a young and charming noble who mostly succeeded in everything he attempted, except for, you know, saving his entire family.

I'm not yet done with him (currently nearing the Landsmeet) but he's grown more serious, albeit still joking and occasionally teasing people, and also increasingly interested in having a say in how Ferelden is ruled. I'm still not entirely sure how to go to make him marry Anora but that's the plan XD

Overall, he's charming, smart and resourceful man, albeit still a bit entitled as you'd expect from a handsome and rich young noble (though he's not exactly rich at the moment).

He believes in Andraste and the Maker like Armin does, but while Armin wasn't much of a practitioner outside of asking for a Blessing from time to time (never hurts when you need to save the world), Lancelot is more devoted overall and also a lot more wary of magic and mages. He doesn't hate them, however, and always tries to treat people fairly. His upbringing just occasionally gets in the way and blinds him, and he's more likely to seek to maintain the statu quo.

Also Loghain won't survive this play through (he did in my first and Alistair didn't forgive Armin for this, but Armin figured that killing a National Hero wasn't the smartest political choice. Especially not when you're trying to marry your friend to his daughter.)

Lancelot is romancing Leliana, because I want to see what she'll say in Inquisition—and it was the most ic choice for him.

Hawke

I won't go into too much detail about him considering he's a lot more fleshed out in the game than the Warden or Inquisitor. But I chose to play a mage again, and he took the mages' side because really, much as there is a blood mages issue in Kirkwall, the Templars were completely off the rails.

And he's an apostate.

Anders survived my first play through because you don't erase 6 years of friendship this easily, and contrary to Fenris, Anders didn't force him to kill him. They've lost contact since, however. Hawke couldn't forgive him.

He died in my Inquisition playthrough to help Loghain and the Inquisitor get out of the Fade, and it broke my heart. And Varric's.

And Isabela's.

But mostly mine.

I even took a screenshot to whine to one of my friends about it

Amaya Lavellan

A confident young woman, proud of her heritage and the mission of her people to preserve as much of their history as they could, Amaya was never one to entirely reject Humanity but never really trusted them either. Which is, in fact, specifically the reason why she never completely rejected them: she prefers to not blind herself willingly of what humans are doing in the vicinity of her clan.

I purposefully made her less diplomatic than Armin and Hawke, especially in the beginning because she wanted nothing to do with the Inquisition. Once she became the official leader, however, she took her role seriously. But even though she'd been trained to become the next Keeper of her clan, she never felt completely comfortable in her role as the Inquisitor.

Part of that is simply that Amaya wanted nothing to do with anything related to the Maker and the Chantry. Being called the Herald of Andraste kept irking her until the end, though over time she became less vocal about her disliking of the title and more pragmatic about it. She even gave more space to the cult of Andraste in Skyhold, as she figured, with a little bit of Josephine's nudging, that one of the strongest common point between Orlais and Ferelden was a powerful tool to wield to unite both countries against Corypheus.

The other reason why she didn't feel comfortable in her role was simply that the Inquisition grew too big too quickly, and the fallout in Trespasser was honestly not a huge surprise to her (she opted to disband the Inquisition rather than risk corruption again).

But because she has impeccable taste in men, and a purposefully made a female elf to romance Solas, she hm... she couldn't pretend to be surprised that the Inquisition was crumbling onto itself but she was not prepared for him to be the main culprit.

She's still hoping she can make him change his mind.

I also used a mod to be able to romance several people. And she does have impeccable taste in men, so obviously she also romanced Blackwall. And dumped him after learning the truth, though she chose to let him truly become a Grey Warden instead of letting him die or making him lie. Again.

Fortunately, Cullen proved more reliable than her other partners. They eloped in Trespasser.

(She also became a Red Jenny. An excellent way to deal with her anger while still being useful to the people.

It took me a while to figure out while she kept Sera in the Inquisition, considering that Amaya didn't consider her really fit for the job even though she does see Sera as her friend, but eventually it became obvious to me that what made Sera so important was how she never let Amaya lose sight of her priorities. She kept her down-to-earth, and with the power Amaya had at her disposal, someone not afraid to tell her when she started to lost herself in politics was truly precious.)

I'm sorry this is so damn long, but I hope you enjoy learning about them! And thank you so much for the ask, @confusedtia!

[melimpostor]

Asking the good questions

[annawayne]

You should draw a cat.

Hello!

Oh, a cat? Hhhmm... What about the cats? /⁠ᐠ⁠｡⁠ꞈ⁠｡⁠ᐟ⁠\

[itsnathateasy]

hello nat! <3 i've been thinking about The Characters and road trips - do you have any head canons about a road trip with Armin??

eb!! hii!! *starring at this ask with heart eyes* thanks for sending this ask, i was so happy to write this!🙆‍♀️ i'm staying on the armin x reader lane, cause this is so easy for me to end up as an aot characters shenanigans lmao

warnings: none word count: 677

going on a roadtrip with armin is always fun and easy. granted, he always has to be the project manager of everything, organising your supplies and packing a first aid kit, making sure to stop by the gas station in advance etc. in all honesty, it was amazing that someone took care of the “anxiety inducing” details, and it was even better that armin actually enjoyed doing that for you!

he’s sure to not forget a thing too, he’s the list boy! he’s even brought insect repellent and neck pillows and those crunchy biscuits you both love!!

he HAS to be in charge of the directions usually, but he trusts you to make sure you don’t get lost or miss a turn. he’s also annoyed by the google maps voice giving directions so it’s better if you tell him where to turn instead.

armin loves softly singing in the car while playing music and he’s made an entire playlist that he’s curated for that particular trip you’re taking. he’s the person to listen to a song on the playlist months after you take the trip together and be like “this is our roadtrip song!”

while you're still on the road, you ask him to stop at a few places where the view is really nice and even though he miiight complain about getting to your destination later than intended, he loves to do this for you, your smile is worth it! you also take some cool shots of the place, which is always nice! (except for that time when you put your phone on the car, counting down to take a picture of the both of you in front of a beautiful waterfall, and you took so many steps backwords you almost fell off) (still worth it)

armin’s favourite part of the roadtrip is when you’ve settled down at your destination and your tent is set up or you’ve finished creating a bed in the back of the RV and you can both lay down and enjoy the scenery and the quiet. “isn’t this better than the constant hustle and bustle of the city?” he says, taking a long sigh and stretching his back and arms.

big fan of reading with a view of the mountains/lakes (or whatever scenery there is at the place where you’re camping) or listening to music while talking about everything and anything.

armin loves to wake up surrounded by nature, but i think he mostly appreciates those tiny droplets on the RV windows left back by the morning mist.

he’s not a big fan of lighting up a fire, but he’ll help you do it if it’s important to you. if you do light a fire, he’s a bit on edge until you’ve made 10000% sure it’s been put out properly.

the moment he wakes up and you have breakfast etc, he transforms into david attenborough and tells you all that he’s learned about the local flora and fauna, making sure he takes photos of everything. and i mean EVERYTHING!

he’s calm when you’re on a trip, but he’s also too excited. he wants to take everything in but the fresh air gets to his head I’m afraid and he behaves like a kid in the playground. (he’s the most precious i swear!)

asks for extra cuddles when sleeping in the RV/tent, just because it’s more chilly out in the wild. “we have to share body heat y/n” “armin, we’re more intertwined than ivy on a tree” “i’m not being clingy! this is a conservation technique, you have to trust me” “i’ll cuddle you anyway, why are you making a fuss?” “shush y/n, cuddles only!”

if you’re staying close to the sea/a lake/a river and it’s spring/summer time, taking a dive is the first thing he does in the mornings and waits for you to join. then you can enjoy a slow breakfast and share each other’s company.

he's just really THAT precious, yk? he enjoys time spent outdoors and loves it even ore when he gets to spend it with you!

[karizard-ao3]

So in aot annie was about two years older than armin but by the end she was about two years younger?

I never really thought about it, but I suppose that's true! As long as she didn't age while she was in the crystal, she would be a couple years younger than him when she comes out.

[dudewhy3]

Omg, what if Armin is also into Twilight but he's Team Jacob while Mikasa is Team Edward? 💀

OH MY GOD, YES!!

I think that Armin has this natural tendency to disagree with the source material and explore other alternatives, so it'd make sense for him to be team Jacob. But in this case, maybe he also picked the werewolf because he genuinely enjoyed the ship. He does strike me as a 'closeted' Twilight fan though, the only two people that know about it are Eren and Mikasa (and later maybe Annie too). And Mikasa being team Edward is self explanatory

I think it would be very funny if they had a twilight night once, in the sense that they *wanted* to watch the whole saga but ended up debating who was the better choice and making entire PowerPoint presentations about it. They had Eren be the judge, and he ended up saying something extremely vague, like "what really matters are the people you're watching with and the blissoming friendships" yada yada. Mikasa and Armin stopped arguing to stare him down for 3 whole minutes, than went rught back.

But it’s such a funny concept for sure!! Thank you Myrtle for tye ask!♡

[moonspirit]

More Cadet!Aruani.. pretty please? Like, literally tell everything you got, I am willing to read an entire thread of it.

Ohhh anon~ I'm glad you enjoy my cadet!Aruani haha xD I don't do it often tbh, somehow.

But nope, not literally everthing I've got! Only bit by bit, so I can savour and ruminate on the thoughts and eke it out for future posts too xD

For now, maybe... some fluff between the two will do for now?

It's a slow day in the 104th training corps. No training since all superiors are away, no exams (also far away), no titans breaching walls and creating havoc. Everyone's off somewhere or very much in somewhere and being nosy about it, there's nothing to do, nowhere to see, and Annie's sure if she doesn't open her mouth and talk to another human-shaped being, she'll go insane.

Not that she has any energy for it.

But maybe... maybe if she can find him, all she'll have to do is listen.

It's doubtful, Armin is rather popular with the people and for all she knows, he could be making the girls flower crowns and reeling off obscure fact after obscure fact to anyone who listens with gusto. On a free day like this, maybe he's not even in town. Maybe he's been whisked off somewhere by his friends. Maybe he-

And then she stops in her tracks because there he is, sitting by the canal, a book in his lap (how typical, she wants to laugh), but all alone.

Maybe he'd rather not see her though and be bothered by her empty presence when he could be reading the book in peaceful solitude.

Somehow, even if she can't nearly overturn her desire to take his time for herself, the sudden doubt roots her to the spot and she can no more walk forward. Instead she just stares at the back of his head where the pale afternoon sun warms the locks of smooth gold hair with a desolate sensation of longing taking over her heart.

Who knew loneliness could cause feelings like this. Her father would be disappointed.

But maybe she creates a darkness, or maybe she creates a void, it's lost to her which, because Armin seems to think he should turn around at that very moment and look for some reason, only to end up blinking with surprise at the sight of her lurking around the corner like a homeless kitten with "take me home" written all over its face.

It's embarrassing really, but thank god he can't see her cheeks properly at this distance.

"Annie!" he calls, a great big smile spreading over his face.

Oh, stupid. Stupid of her to think he wouldn't want to share his time. Armin's an idiot, carelessly giving everyone his time! She's just another one.

"Hi." She says, stepping into the sun to sit next to him. The canal is like the dozen others just like it in this town, nothing remarkably large or impossible to fathom; if she transformed, she'd step right over it without so much as a glance down. She's also nimble and quick on her feet, qualities her father had made certain she was aware of if only to size up an enemy by comparison - even if she were to stumble sitting down by the edge of the canal, nobody in the military would expect her to fall.

So why then, does he reach a hand out as if to catch her if she falls?

And why can't she look away from the shape of his palm?

Armin's smile is, somehow, brighter than the sun on the back of her neck. "I thought you would've gone to the market with Mina and the rest. What are you doing here alone?"

"I could ask you the same," She retorts. "You're always surrounded. How come nobody needs you today?"

There's a flash of something like the edges of disappointment in his eyes, so quick and fleeting that Annie thinks she imagines it when it's gone.

"Well, you know, I'm glad to have the day to myself," He chuckles. "It's quiet and peaceful."

"Right, and then I intruded."

"No, no," He laughs, shaking his head. "I'm glad to see you, Annie."

Annie looks away, squinting at the flowing waters. The sunshine makes it glitter in a million different ways, dazzling her until all that's left in her vision is a soft, beautiful river of light, flowing to some unknown place. In the corner of her vision, she's acutely aware that the book on Armin's lap leaves its place for the stone ground - a sign that makes her nervous, really, because it means that all of his clever little attention is now on her.

"Pretty, isn't it?" He says softly, making her look at him.

At the shape of his face, framed by a soft molten gold that flutters with the wind; at the blue of his eyes, a shade she doesn't really know the word for as it penetrates deep into her own; at the tip of his nose, always dusted an endearing pink; at the ridge of his brows, a tad stronger whenever the bangs move away in the breeze; at the set of his jaw, the shape of his lips, the-

"W-what is?" She stammers, dazed.

"The water." He laughs, and she feels so silly.

"... Right."

Some of the people back in her hometown used to believe in Gods; said calling upon their names would ease their thoughts and bring them to calm.

Perhaps she should try it, just this once, because her heart-

But then, Armin leans in, a smile just short of bashful playing on his lips.

"There's more water like this beyond the walls."

Oh god, there it is. Again. Somehow, she's glad for it.

Annie can't help but release a sigh. "I was wondering if you'd grown tired of talking about the sea. Haven't heard about it in three days."

There's everything in his laugh, embarrassment, happiness, hope the size of the sun, and then some more embarrassment. For better or worse, Annie decides, it's her favourite sound and can he please continue to laugh?

"Sorry. I'm sure I've bored you by now..."

"No," She hums, drawing her knees to her chest and closing her eyes to the warmth heating up her face. "Tell me about it again."

And he does.

And Annie decides it's her favourite story because it's kind and beautiful and better than any of the ones she grew up hearing.

This story of the sea is sweet.

[sinukiyo]

Girl you gotta show us a Pinterest inspired aesthetic board of what the characters were wearing at the party. (If you have it)

Okay, this took a while to answer because I did not in fact have a Pinterest inspired aesthetic board of what the characters were wearing at the masquerade.

But when I saw this, I thought, “I should make aesthetic boards of what the characters were wearing at the party.”

And so here we are!

1. Mikasa

When describing her dress in this week’s chapter, I didn’t describe it as clinging to her body which means it was a flowing dress. It did have a slit too. Mikasa also had matching gloves and a mask. Sasha did her makeup!

2. Eren

Eren didn’t attend the masquerade to have fun or anything. He wanted to sneak into Rod’s home. He didn’t have time to think of what color would look nice and what wouldn’t.

So he settled for all black like the emo kid he is.

This board features that annoying glass of non-alcoholic wine Armin gave him.

3. Armin

Armin was going for a more classy, casual look so he went for a white shirt and black pants. He also brought along a jacket incase he (or anyone else) got cold and accessorized with rings so he wouldn’t look too plain.

At the masquerade, he ate a concerning amount of chocolate-hazelnut cookies

4. Sasha

Sasha attended the masquerade to eat good food but that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to slay while doing it.

5. Connie

For some reason, green just seems like Connie’s color to me. He didn’t want to go for a regular mask so his only covered one side of his face. He also added some really cool rings to Sasha and Mikasa’s cart when they ordered their gloves.

6. Jean

Jean, I imagine already had his outfit lying around. He just slipped it on and managed to look cool in it. The highlight of the masquerade was definitely his dance with Mikasa so that was included in this board.

7. Historia

You may see Historia’s dress and ask me, “how the hell did she fight Eren in that?!”

And the answer to your question is, “she’s simply a badass princess.”

8. Erwin

Erwin had the audacity to attend the masquerade looking as hot as an angel on earth and ask Hange why everyone was staring at him.

The last two characters weren’t present in this week’s chapters but there was no way I was going to make mood boards for others and not them✋🏽

9. Hange

Hange wore a regular face mask unlike everyone else and still managed to look like the coolest person in the room. They also spent a lot of time at the open bar in an area separated from the ballroom chatting with Levi.

10. Levi

There was no tea at the masquerade but somehow, Levi found a cup. He didn’t really want to be there but Erwin managed to convince him to go and Hange bought a mask for him.

And that’s it for now! This was fun to do actually so thank you @mslizsteele-stories for this ask. If there are any other characters you would like to see, let me know using the ask button!

For those who may need context, Read “A Thousand and One Lifetimes” today✨

Thank you!❤️

[a0random0gal]

"healthy" doesn't always mean good in fiction. Eremika's unhealthiness is what makes the ship compelling and interesting. It's built into the core of the story. Also your "healthiest ship" requires ignoring that he emotionally manipulated her into keeping her mouth shut about his genocide plan and threatened to have her memories erased. Historia never expressed any interest in him that way. Men and women can in fact just be friends.

Ohh boy, you're bold anon, I have to hand it to ya.

Yes healthy doesn't always mean good, in fact it can actually lead to some very boring ships, but that is still a perfectly good thing to look for in a pairing.

In contrast unhealthy can be interesting, but mostly leads to abusive relationships that get glorified by the fandom in spite of their toxic nature, and in this aspect Eremika is no exception. These two are just awful for one another.

He headbutts her, call her names, tells her he hates her (I know he didn't mean it, but it wrecked her emotionally so my point stands) put her in a situation that could have gotten her killed, never confided in her regarding his plans etc...

She was an overbearing mama who constantly treated him like an incompetent child that couldn't do anything on his own.

What's compelling in a relationship with this dynamic:

"Eren eat your veggies!"

"Eren put on a coat, or you're gonna catch a cold!"

"Eren don't run you're gonna trip!"

Oh and don't get me started on this

She literally deluded herself for years into believing that everything he did was somehow tied back to her. Even Armin, Reiner and Berthold gave her the 🙄 look.

Also her entire character revolves around him and it makes her super boring and robotic. Even after he dies she spends her life worshipping his grave and dies with that gosh darned scarf on her neck. She only took it off once ( when she gave an ounce of development) before cruelly snatching it from the hands of a dying girl that was using it for comfort (something I'll never forgive her for).

She was originally meant to break away from him but alas, good writing died after 134.

Annd the story never revolved around them. Mikasa only became the protagonist in the last chapter out of fucking thin air and it looked soo forced. Lmao Hisu had more parallels with Ymir than Mikasa of all people.

The only time their relationship mattered was at the end of season 2, but after that we got nothing important.

Last thing on this dumpster fire of a ship... They're boring asf.

Like I know some unhealthy relationships that are toxic and all, but the characters have chemistry, and it can make up for the awful shit they can do to eachother. Eremika has no chemistry. I would rather watch paint dry than think about them romantically.

Regarding Erehisu... Have we read the same aot chapter? Or just the same conversation between Eren and Historia? Because I don't think so.

He emotionally manipulated her to keep her mouth shut

What? When did this ever happen? She chose to stay silent. Hell he didn't even need to tell her his plans, it was quite risky, since she could have snitched on him to the Mps and ruined everything.

He chose to confide in her cause he knew she wouldn't tell, cause she was the worst girl in the world who saved him, the girl who chose her selfishness over the world already, in that cave when she saved him, when she told him that she would always be his ally, that they were enemies of humanity.

She never wanted the future that she was destined to if she accepted the 50 year plan. She had accepted it for the greater good. Something selfless that only Christa could have done.

He knew that, and reminded her of who she really was. A selfish, normal girl like everyone else.

She was shocked by the genocide that awaited them if they followed Eren's plan but ultimately chose it over sacrificing herself and her future children. Totally in character, no manipulation involved lmao.

He threatened to erase her memories

Nope. She was upset so he offered to lighten her burden by erasing her memories if she wanted to. It was a proposal made out of empathy for her shock. No threats, where did you see em?

She was never interested in him

Say what you want about her feelings for him, interpret them how you please, but you can't deny a connection from which feelings could blossom. This meme perfectly sums up my thoughts about this:

Yes men and women can be friends, I just don't see it this way for Erehisu. Actually I could tell you the same thing for Eremika. Better as siblings lol.

[pickalilywrites]

It would have been interesting if the Levi squad was a bigger group, seniors members with the newbies together. Such as cleaning for example. The dos and don'ts. Such as when they first joined the squad. Oluo and Eren teaching them how to clean.

That would be an interesting fic to read. If that interests you that is

thank you for requesting :)

welcome to squad levi

new squad levi. squad levi. canon divergent. 1799 words.

The newest recruits of the Special Operations Squad are gathered in the castle’s drawing room, most of them collapsed on the rug or couch after a long day of chores. When the young soldiers had been assigned to Captain Levi’s squad, they hadn’t expected this much cleaning even with the fair warning Eren had given them. Nobody was used to such intensive labor, and only Eren and Mikasa seem unaffected by it. The rest of their peers are moaning and groaning about how much their muscles ache. 

“I thought it wouldn’t be anything compared to the training we endured under Shadis, but the Captain really works us to the bone,” Sasha complains. She sits on the floor, her back resting against the couch. Connie sits behind her with his hands massaging her shoulders, nodding sympathetically as she complains. “He banned me from the kitchen after seeing me snacking on a few bread crusts in the pantry. Can you believe it? I just needed a little something to sustain me after cleaning so hard.”  

“Knowing you, it was more than just a little snack. You were probably going to clear out the entire pantry if the Captain hadn’t stopped you,” Jean scoffs. The tips of his ears turn red when hears Mikasa’s laughter mingling with everyone else’s.  

“I guess that’s one way to clean it," Armin muses. He sits in a chair rubbing the muscles in his arm. Every few minutes he switches to the other arm. He had been given the task of dusting the library and had somehow miraculously resisted the urge to pull out every book and flip through their pages.  

“At least the senior members are nice,” Historia says. She’s also sitting on the floor leaning against Mikasa. “Gunther helped me with dusting the shelves when he noticed I couldn’t reach the ones on the top.”  

“I don’t know about nice. Eld told me if I left any streak marks on the window that the Captain would chop off my limbs and feed them to Titans on our next expedition,” Jean says with a shudder.  

“He was just teasing you. Captain Levi would never do that. It’d be too messy to have to haul around your disembodied limbs,” Eren says earnestly, and Jean scowls at him.  

“Auruo talks too much,” Mikasa says. “He kept telling me I was doing everything wrong and tried to do everything for me.”  

“Petra is nice,” Armin says. He curls up in the armchair, his legs pulled up underneath him and his arms wrapped around his legs. He rests his chin on his knees. He closes his eyes, feeling the warmth of the fireplace on his skin as the flames flicker in the hearth. “She kept giving me pointers. I barely got scolded by the Captain when he came by to inspect our work.”  

Connie waves off Armin’s words with a dismissive hand. “No, the Captain just likes small, cute people. If you and Petra were working in the same room, of course he’d go easy on the both of you.”  

“He’s not nice to me,” Historia sniffs. “He kept telling me I missed the cobwebs in the corner. At least Gunther was nice enough to take the blame and say it was his fault for not teaching me how to clean properly.” 

“Maybe you’re just not cute enough,” Mikasa suggests, and she smirks when Historia whips her head around to give Mikasa a scandalized look for even suggesting such a thing.  

“It’s not that bad. The Captain is just really difficult to please,” Eren says. He reaches up to tug at a lock of his hair nervously. He knows it’s not his job to make his friends’ time in the Special Operations Squad enjoyable — it’s not like they can leave if they want to — but he does want to make this as painless for them as possible.  

“What’s that guy’s deal anyway? I don’t think I’ve seen him smile once,” Jean says with a scowl. Like Historia, he had also been scolded by the Captain for his poor cleaning skills and was made to redo all his work on cleaning the windows. He had been one of the last to be relieved of his duties for the night and he’s still sour about it.  

They aren’t thoughts that Eren hadn’t had himself regarding the Captain, but it makes Eren antsy to hear it from the mouths of his peers. Eren stammers, “It’s not so bad. He just values cleanliness. You guys will get used to it soon enough.” 

“I guess his height isn’t the only thing about him that’s short,” Connie snickers. “He’s got a short fuse, too.” 

“It’s not like you’re very tall yourself, so who are you to talk about height?” Sasha grins, poking a pouting Connie in the thigh.  

“Maybe he’s just old and grumpy,” Mikasa says, which elicits some grins and surprised giggles from her peers who aren’t used to her badmouthing their superiors. Then again, she’s never been fond of the Captain to begin with.  

Historia sits up straight, a strange expression on her face. It’s oddly stern, brow furrowed slightly, and her mouth is set in a thin line. In a deep voice that’s clearly meant to be a mockery of the Captain’s, Historia says, “Ackerman, if you don’t get the dust underneath the rug, you’ll be cleaning the stable tomorrow as well.”  

“You guys,” Eren begins. His gaze flickers towards the hallway nervously as his friends burst into laughter around him. It’s no use warning them because his words are being drowned out by their laughter.  

“Pretty good, but his expression is more pinched,” Connie says, abandoning his task of rubbing Sasha’s shoulders so that he can give his own impression of the Captain. His grin disappears as his expression sobers before being replaced by one that looks just like the Captain’s. Like Historia, he also mimic’s the Captain’s low tone as he says, “You little shits better clean every speck of dust in this castle or else I’ll feed you to the Titans.”  

“That’s not -” Eren begins, but Armin interrupts him. 

“The Captain’s vocabulary is vulgar, but he doesn’t throw curses around so frivolously,” Armin says.  

“You should try it then,” Sasha grins. 

“Try it, try it!” Connie chants while the rest of their friends goad Armin on.  

“Ah, I really shouldn’t,” Armin begins. 

“Yeah, you really shouldn’t,” Eren  chimes, but his timid warning is drowned out by his friends’ cheers when Armin assumes his own imitation of the Captain’s typical stern expression.  

Armin tilts his head ever so slightly so that he’s looking down at his friends from the bridge of his nose. “Pipe down, brats, or I’ll have you scraping shit from the stables all day tomorrow.” 

Everyone bursts into laughter after Armin’s impression — even Eren can’t help cracking a smile — until a voice suddenly says, “That’s not how Captain Levi sounds like at all.”  

The startled friends turn their heads towards the doorframe where the senior members of Squad Levi are standing  with amused expressions on their faces.  

Auruo strolls forward, arms outstretched in a shrug. “Mocking our captain, I see. A pathetic attempt to capture any of his aura. It’s laughably bad. It’s a good thing the Captain wasn’t here to see how awful it was.”  

“Yeah, it’s not enough to copy his expression. You need to copy his entire demeanor,” Eld says with a lopsided grin. He  gestures for Petra to enter the room. “Come on, Petra. Show these kids how it’s done.”  

“I don’t know,” Petra begins, her voice trailing off uncertainly even as the corners of her mouth curve upward in a helpless smile. She coughs when she notices all the eyes on her and then says, “Alright, just once then.”  

Petra gestures for Eld and Gunther to stand in front of her. She whispers a few things to them and seems to get something from Gunther. The younger members of the Special Operations Squad crane their necks to see what’s happening, but it’s impossible to see what Petra’s up to when Eld and Gunther are in the way. Eventually, Petra clears her throat and Eld and Gunther part for her to walk through. There’s a handkerchief tucked into the front of her collar that’s made to look like the Captain’s cravat.  

The new squad members watch, eyes widening, as Petra walks across the floor, her boots clomping against the hardwood. Her gait is exactly the same as the Captain’s — the same powerful, confident stride — and she stops only once she approaches the empty armchair across from Armin. When she sits down, her right ankle rests on her left knee and her body is twisted slightly so that her arm rests across the back of the armchair. The disinterested gaze in her amber eyes and the slight frown on her lips is unmistakably the same as the Captain’s. Her brows lower disapprovingly as she gazes down at the amazed teenagers.  

“What are you brats staring at?” Petra says and even her tone sounds like the Captain. She doesn’t even crack a smile when she speaks. “Do you have to take a shit or something?”  

“That’s exactly like him!” Sasha says in amazement.  

“It’s like he’s sitting in front of us right now,” Connie gasps as Petra’s companions laugh behind them.  

“Well, he’s standing behind you right now,” another voice says, one that belongs to their real captain.  

“C-captain!” Gunther stammers. “We were just ...” 

“- showing the new recruits -” Eld continues before looking at Auruo to finish making up an excuse. 

“- how to do a good impression of you!” Auruo blurts and everyone glares at him. He throws up his hands. “You guys try to think of something on the spot!”  

The Captain seems unimpressed. “Why are you all still sitting there gawking? It’s late. Everyone is getting up early tomorrow for an extra round of training.”  

There’s a little grumbling and mumbling, but everyone gets up and shuffles out of the room. Before Petra leaves, the Captain says, “And, Ral?”  

“Y-yes, Captain?” Petra stammers, freezing just before she’s able to escape through the door. She swears underneath her breath, cursing her luck, and the Captain smirks. 

“I’d never wear my cravat that sloppily,” Levi says, reaching out to fix it.  He reaches out slowly, his fingertips brushing against Petra’s neck as he tucks the cravat in properly. His smirk grows when he sees the hitch in her breath, and he takes his time fluffing out the handkerchief so that it looks like a presentable make-shift cravat. He smooths out a corner, his eyes flickering up at Petra’s face as his hand finally leaves her handkerchief. “Dismissed.” 

“Yes, sir,” Petra breathes before scampering away, cheeks still flushed from the thought of her captain’s fingertips grazing her skin. 

[chaotic-on-main]

HEYY can I get uhhh a vanilla bean sugar cone with candy pls? 🎀

(And they’re both shy and blushy heheh)

Order up!! One vanilla bean sugar cone with candy for Tay!!

Sky's Summer Fall and 250 Follower Event!

☾ Pairing ➼ Armin Arlert x gn!Reader

☾ Content/Warning ➼ fluff, modernau, mutual pining

☾ A/N ➼ hi hi bby!! :3 thank you for sending a request in. i actually had one completely different planned but for the time, i had to move it and decided to go in a different direction. worry not though, i do plan to write that other one eventually!! because it's so cute. ANYWHO. have a cute armin hehe reader isn't too blushy but she is on the inside! i hope you like it!! happy birthday to the babiest of all babies, armin <3

☾ Wordcount ➼ ~2.2k

Armin Arlert spent his whole life busting his ass for a successful future. At a young age, he lost his parents from a plane accident and since then it's been just him and his grandfather. Due to his grandfather's old age, he did what he could to step up as soon as he was old enough – working odd jobs despite his long hours in school during the day. 

With great persistence, he worked hard enough to get into a decent college off the coast to pursue an education in marine biology but of what focus, he wasn't sure. Regardless, to say Armin was tired would be an understatement.

With his program came multiple opportunities to gain experience in his field. At first, he dabbled in small research groups, taking samples of the local corals and sea water – but it wasn't nearly as satisfying to him as when he got to volunteer once a week in the aquarium just a few miles south of campus. 

It took a few semesters to gain the necessary certifications and log enough dives to qualify. But eventually, he was able to start working as a diver, helping observe animal behavior and cleaning what was needed.

Armin has loved the sea for as long as he could remember, something his grandfather had instilled in him as a distraction from his deceased parents. It wasn't until his late teens that he was able to actually visit one, let alone live by one. Nothing could have prepared him for how much he would love it.

Even more so when he was underwater, whether it be in a tank or the wide ocean. There was nothing quite like the warbled silence that comes with diving deep in the fish tanks in full gear, nothing but various sea life and bubbles floating around him. But even with all of the beauty that surrounds him, nothing compared to the person that walks by the tank every shift with a gaggle of young kids and their chaperoning adults following behind.

You, the tour guide who worked every Saturday and a student who sat two rows ahead of him in the organic chemistry class you both shared.

In class, you were studious as ever. Attentive to every word the professor said. Typing away with nimble fingers at every comment and question proposed. Every day you would walk in like you were floating on air, a bright smile on your lips that matched the same shine in your beautiful eyes. There have been a couple times that you shot him one of those smiles and he swears he could have dropped dead then. He doesn't know when he developed this crush on you, but it was all consuming.

So he watches as he always does, you coming down the ramp with that smile and your arms flying around animatedly as you talked about the next tank – the one he was in. Like clockwork, you raise your hand and look over to him then wave prompting the little ones to wave as well. Armin waves back, as he always does, but his bright blue eyes don't leave your face.

Just as quick as you came, you ask your group a question before starting off in the next tank's direction. On your way past, you look up to where Armin still floats and offer him another small wave, this time your gaze lingering on him. If his face wasn't covered up, you would have seen the warmest pink flush his face.

The conversations between the two of you remained professional for the most part, whether it be about the aquarium or the coursework load. Armin would love to extend that conversation with you, but he was always too nervous around you. He was lucky to get more than thirty words out before choking or having to pull away for air. There was something about you that was just so intoxicating and Armin had no idea how to navigate that, never mind the fact that he hadn't had time to even think about dating ever with his busy schedule.

But one day, you made it easier for him.

Sometime during the late fall months, you found Armin in the break room propped up in the back corner with a book in one hand and sandwich in the other, half eaten. His blue eyes are practically glued to the page with his mind in another world, so much so that he doesn't even hear you come in. You take a moment to inspect his face. His eyebrows are furrowed in concern as his gaze flits across the words.

“That must be one hell of a book.” You joke as you walk over to your work locker. You miss the way Armin jumps at your sudden voice, but settle down quickly because he realizes it's you.

“I didn't hear you come in. It really is! Have you read it?” His soft voice responds back.

You look over your shoulder to see Armin holding up his book with a small smile. At first glance, you notice the big Stephen King across the top of the cover. Under that is a picture you know all too well with the title, ‘The Institute’. The biggest smile pulls at your cheeks as you see Armin holding your favorite book at the moment.

“I love that book! I've read it at least a few times!” You exclaim as you grab your belongings and sit on the chair next to him. Armin's heart leaps into his throat at your sudden proximity. Your faint honey-vanilla perfume dances in his senses as you lean over to get a better look at where he was at in the story.

“Oh you’re just at my favorite part, too!” Armin has to pull back so that you don't bump heads with him. He's never been so close to you before, but now that he is, he takes in the beauty of your face and complex coloration in your eyes. You raise an eyebrow at him, and he just now realizes that you've asked him something.

“W-what was that?” He squeaks out, feeling his face warm even more.

“I was asking how you liked the escape scene. It's so thrilling right??” You lean back finally but Armin still feels like he can't breathe from being near you.

“I- yeah. It's stressful for sure.” He smiles back at you, cautious but sweet.

“I'm sorry for getting so in your face, I'm just so excited to see someone I know reading that. It's easily my most recommended read.” You dig in your bag as you continue on, searching for the cool metal of your car keys that must be buried deep.

“What was your favorite part, if you don't mind me asking?” Armin carefully closes the book, making sure to place his bookmark in the right spot before doing so. Your excitement and happiness radiates off you like the sun.

“Oh my gosh, I love questions! It's gotta be when Nick and Kalisha kiss! I shipped them for so long so when they finally did that, it was like it all paid off. Not to mention that it was placed during a high tension moment!! I love those kinds of kisses. And you never would have thought they would end up like that, you know? Like, it's one of those romances where they end up falling for each other due to their circumstances and what not. It's just so cute!” You rattle on, staring straight into Armin's crystal blue eyes with a large grin on your face.

Armin’s interactions with you were always brief that he never really knew you, so to see this side of you was surprising to say the least. Not like it was a bad thing though, he already had a crush on you but now he was enamored. He could listen to you talking about your favorite things all day, he thinks.

“You think it's weird that such a little moment would be my favorite, don't you?” You tease, not a hint of distress in your tone.

“No! Not at all! Different, perhaps. But interesting for sure!” Armin waves his hands in front of his chest in a defensive manner, the book's pages fluttering from the back and forth motion.

“Good, because I was about to tease you about how goofy you look in your diving gear.” You laugh, the sound of it reverberating off the break room's walls. It tickles his brain in a pleasant way.

“What's wrong with my gear?” Armin glances at the clock briefly and notices he only has a few minutes left before he needs to get ready to leave for his night job. He found it easier for himself if he brought everything he needed for the day instead of going back and forth from his apartment.

“Nothing, silly. I'm just kidding. You look rather dashing in it, if I may be so blunt.” You mutter as you force your face into your bag. You still haven't been able to find your keys. Because of that, you miss the shell-shocked expression gracing his soft face. It's gone though as soon as you pop your head out. “Ah-ha!” You pull out a keychain with various charms sparkling off the bright fluorescents.

“Seems like it's time for us to head out, huh?” You check the time on your phone with a soft sigh before glancing over at him. Seems to Armin that he's not the only one who noticed you both left at the same time most days.

“Hey Armin, what are you doing tomorrow?” You ask innocently as you stand up, slinging your bag over your shoulder then turning to face the blushy blonde.

“Um, well it's my day off so I'll be catching up on some school work.” Armin stands up too, and much to your shock, you notice how much taller he is to you. Whenever you talked to him or worked with him, he was always in the tank or sitting at his desk. He wasn't towering per se, but you absolutely had to look up to keep his gaze.

“There's this bookshop that I've been dying to visit and I heard it has some published research journals I think would be great for our end of the year project.”

“Oh, uh. That's awesome, you'll gave to tell me what you think of it in class on Monday.”

“Well, why don't you come see it for yourself. Shopping is always fun with people you know, right? Do you have about an hour or so to spare?” You adjust the strap of your bag, mainly out of the sheer anxiety that floods your veins. You kept up a solid front, but inside you were churning.

“Yeah!-“ His voice jumps an octave before clearing his throat in a way to compose himself. “I can make time for that, sure.”

“Awesome! I think I still have your number from that homework assignment a few months ago so I'll message you when I'm ready tomorrow, yeah?” Another wide grin pulls from your cheeks, your stomach somersaulting at his cute expression. You were nervous around him but he was just so adorable, it made everything easier.

His heart quickens in pace as he fumbles with putting his own things away into his bag and zipping it tight. There's a pause as he watches you give him one more smile before turning on your heel for the door. He reaches a hand out as if to stop you but he hesitates. Is this what he thinks you're asking? If you were anyone else, he wouldn't have been so bold but there's something about you that makes him want to be a little more brave. So he calls your name to get your attention.

“Wait! Is this… is this a date?” His voice cracks ever so slightly.

“If you'd like that, yeah.” Your upper half turns in his direction as you throw him a cheeky smile.

“I would love that, actually.” Armin shuffles his feet, looking down at them only for a second before meeting your eyes once again. You're met with a shy smile and the softest shade of pink lighting up his face.

“Great. Then I'll see you tomorrow for our date.” And with that you're out the door, the lingering scent of your perfume the only proof of the interaction he just had with you. His hand closes in front of him, as if to grab hold of this moment.

On his way to his car, an inkling of a voice telling Armin he didn't have time for something like this creeps up on him. He had homework to catch up on, and not to mention the school week started up again so soon. For once though, he finds himself being able to overpower that voice so much so it turns into a whisper. He was allowed something like this. And if part of his day off included you, well. Working harder to make up some things would be worth it. 

[midnightraine131]

Hello Raine! 💙

How have you been? I hope everything is going well for you!

For the fandom ask:

2, 5, 9, 16, 22, 24

Have a wonderful *timezone*, and wish you all the best(⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)

Hey Anna, thank you for your ask.

It's been so long, well, uhm, I guess I'm doing just fine aside from losing a tremendous amount of weight for the past couple of months.... I can say it in a good way since all my medical results came out real good. I hope to have fewer medications after I see my doctor this week. *Cross fingers*

How about you? I hope you're having a good time (Googles your timezone) Oh, it's very early in the morning over there. Please take some rest.

Anyway, without further ado, here's all my answers.

2. a headcanon you weren't sure about at first but have come to like!

I came across a headcanon about Armin being the perfect husband material like he cooks, takes care of the house chores all by himself, and so on. In most of the fics I’ve read, especially post-canon or modern AU, he’s incredibly skilled at it.

But let’s be honest—during his time as a cadet and in the elite squad, Armin practically disappears when it comes to cleaning or cooking. Refute me if you want, but we never see him holding a spatula or a broom. He probably avoided Levi’s attention altogether when it came time to clean the headquarters.

Still, I like to imagine he becomes more responsible at home as he grows older. I mean, come on—when Annie gets pregnant (assuming that happens), there’s no way he’d leave Jean, Connie, or maybe Reiner to take care of her. Especially since we know she’s pretty unorganized in their shared space. So yes, post-canon husband material Armin it is!

5. something you see in fics a lot and love

Always the shy yet vocally bold Armin, and Annie, the emotionally constipated one LOL. This dynamic has always been my cup of tea in fics.

9. a ship that isn't your OTP but that you enjoy

Oh, this is tricky. I can say AruHitch (?) *blinks rapidly*

I like to think they could be besties when it comes to giving love advice—advice neither of them would actually follow by the end of the day. I imagine them staying up late at night by a bonfire, beers in hand, talking religiously about their crushes and how they have no chance with them in any scenario. They’d probably call each other dummies.

16. a tiny detail in canon that you want more people to appreciate

This one’s about Connie. I’ve noticed that most people in the fandom regard him as a dummy because of how the story portrays him in canon—or even how he views himself. But if you take a closer look at his character, he’s so much more than just a slapstick comic relief. Sure, he underestimates his own intelligence, but he often makes a lot of sense and has talents in his own right. I’ll fight anyone who calls him cringe. Try me.

22. the fandom friend you've known the longest

I guess I won’t count the mutuals I had back in 2013, since I don’t see their accounts anymore, and I wasn’t really trying to get involved back then. When I returned in 2022/23, I decided to start writing fics again and kept this blog active. The first people I talked to were @moonspirit and @annawayne, and they made me feel so welcome in the AOT fandom. I’m incredibly grateful for that.

They inspired me to write more, and knowing we had this little community tucked into a small corner of such an enormous fandom—it truly felt like a haven. It makes me so happy to see new people joining and contributing, whether through art, fanfics, or even as readers supporting everything we do. They welcomed them just as warmly as I was when I returned as a new writer last year, and that sense of belonging is something truly special.

24. how has fandom positively impacted your life

God, I can’t stop rambling about how much this fandom has positively impacted me in every aspect of my life. It might sound like I’m overreacting, but after I started writing Aruani fics, I realized something profound: first loves truly linger, even when you’re over 30. For me, that “first love” is twofold—my love for writing and the love I felt when I first shipped Aruani ten years ago.

Sharing that love has brought me happiness beyond words, especially when people read my fics, leave comments, or even reach out on my socials just to tell me how much they enjoy my work. It means so, so much to me. All the time, effort, and tears poured into writing every chapter feel completely worth it because of the love and appreciation from all of you.

Coming back to this fandom has been the best decision I’ve made in the past couple of years, and I truly hope it continues for many more. I’m definitely not ready to move on to another fandom, even though AOT has long since ended. I’m still holding out hope for High School Caste!

[ambassadorarlert]

WIP Wednesday!! Whatcha got?? 👀👀

it’s definitely not wednesday anymore lol oops

“ You don’t take your phone with you when you shower. Something about humidity and moisture ruining the circuit board and corrosion. You always kept it on your nightstand, on the charger, and that’s exactly where you last left it this time.

It just kept going off. Loudly. Armin knew what a Twitter notification sounded like, or a Facebook Messenger notification, and he definitely knew what your alarms and timers sounded like. These were text messages. The tri-tone dinging consecutively back to back. Armin saw your phone light up from the corner of his eye, where he sat up in bed reading his book. Two minutes later, another ding. Another two minutes went by, and another.

He really tried to ignore it. Armin’s never touched your phone. He had no reason to. You were his one, and he was your only. He trusted you with his life. What if someone else’s life was on the line? An emergency. Perhaps you were in a very active group chat. Your phone bwloop-ed again.

The water from the shower was still running, steam emerging from the cracks around the door. Armin almost couldn’t control himself, like his mind had detached from his body… ”

this is a work in progress by ambassadorarlert 2024 do not copy, repost, translate, or claim as your own.

[annawayne]

Hi Anna! 👀 I'm here to request your headcanons for what wedding gift everyone would get Annie and Armin! (you can include as many characters you want) love you🥺🩷

Hello, hello, Stella🩷~

And OH, thank you a lot for asking this! It took me a while to think *properly* about it, and now, finally, I can share my thoughts on this!

I'll speak about it in a post-canon setting. Therefore, the whole wedding will take place, let's say, in 5 years after the series ends. Many people speculate about AruAni having two weddings, one for the public image as a Paradisian-Marleyan union and another one with their loved ones, and oh, I'm one of the believers of this idea, too! If the first one is a sheer disaster and more of a disappointment, both want to end as soon as possible and the second one - is just like a balm to their souls. The first, the public one, was more about keeping their breaths and smiles tight, trained and plastic, and they played these roles like the professional Ambassadors they are, almost not even feeling that it was their wedding since nothing about it was theirs, only names and familiar faces, that also looked like wearing masks for the perfect image. So the second one... This is where the whole avalanche of anxiety and worries comes. Despite it being in the closed circle of their most beloved people, this is exactly the reason Armin and Annie would be so extremely worried. This wedding will be imprinted only in the memory of their dear people; only they would see the true sides of themselves, and nobody else would share this sacred memory - only them and their family.

The first one would be Pieck and Jean: more like Pieck grabbing Jean's hand and pulling his anxious and worried mess with their presents closer to AruAni.

After some incoherent mumbling and blushing cheeks, Jean opens the box and Pieck's smile stretches on her face at the sight of Armin's and Annie's eyes widening: there, inside the box, is the photo camera, a small one, the luxurious thing, even for the Ambassadors, as all the factories that were working on photography industry were destroyed during the Rumbling and a lot of specialist disappeared in this tragedy, too, so the limited amount of photo cameras that is produced now, is only for the journalists of the big names, only for their professional role. The shock and awe haven't wavered as Armin and Annie notice another thing near - an album, but not the simple one, but the anniversary albums for each year, starting from the first and up to the 70th. When Armin, still stunned, asks Jean why he is so nervous about this gift, Jean grunts and says something like, "it's cheesy". But for Armin and Annie, for the ones who lived their lives knowing that their time was limited, and not even knowing if they would see each other again during the four years of Annie crystal imprisonment, now - seeing the testament that their lives really only begin. They're about to see this future together. Jean admitted later on, after seeing Armin and Annie taking photos, all smiley and so happy, and going through pages of the anniversary album, whispering something into each other's ears and stealing kisses afterward, that maybe it wasn't that cheesy, after all.

The next one is Reiner, and this man is so anxious that while he is going towards Annie and Armin, he almost falls on his shaky legs. The reason for it all was that he was the one who made something with his hands, and so his level of worry just skyrocketed. After the Rumbling, aside from the Ambassador's affairs, Reiner traveled a lot, not to see the destroyed world but to rebuild it; he often went away for renovation trips, helping people. There, he started learning the woodwork craft, and with time, Reiner became more engaged and fascinated in this process. So when his slightly trembled hands showed them Liberio and Shiganshina wooden puzzle pictures, all in wood, with tiny details, and just like Armin and Annie remember from their childhood, they burst into tears. These two home cities are different; they remember being destroyed and changed, but in this wooden form, they'll live again and be in Annie and Armin's new home.

The only person who isn't nervous is Connie. This man is absolutely confident in his present, so when he gives Armin and Annie the box with the smug face and knowing smirk, who would think to find there the erotic books of lovemaking of all kinds... Connie has his own understanding of the gifts :D

The next ones are Falco, Gabi, and Levi. It's not a surprise for anyone when Levi gives the massive box with the exclusive and rare tea, all neatly placed in the box with hand-sewed ornaments Gabi did (which left everyone in a huge surprise, knowing her energetic soul and imagining her sitting at one place for so long - is really something new). But when Falco, smiling softly, nodded at the box and asked to look underneath the tea bags, Armin and Annie didn't expect to see the two tickets to the country both of them were so eager to visit but always having a lot of excuses not to - work, work, work, endless work. Armin is the first to start sobbing and falling to his knees, hugging Levi and tugging Falco and Gabi along, between hiccups saying thank you's. Annie is hesitant, her eyes still kept on the tickets in her hands, but when she hears the tired sigh, her gaze lifts up to see Levi's grayish-blue eye on her.

"Tsh, how long will you stand there? Come here."

These are simple words, but when Annie takes a step and hugs him, Falco, Gabi, and Armin to her side, she thinks Levi's hand is warm on her back.

The gift exchange ends, and they enjoy the evening with the amber lights and soft music. An unexpected surprise happens when Armin and Annie are swaying lazily in the center of the room. Two people they didn't expect to see - but deep inside, hope to - suddenly appear in their living room, cheeks blushed and chest rising from the running, the dark raven and light blond hair plastered on their faces. When Armin and Annie's gazes meet the Mikasa and Historia's, they just run into each other's embrace. Nobody expected these two to arrive - with how things go on Paradis, it's almost impossible to leave the island without permission, even for the queen, as the Yegerists have more and more power over the government. But don't underestimate the clever queen, so Historia managed to find the ways, and Mikasa and she literally escaped at the very last minute.

"Sorry, we don't have any presents," Mikasa says almost in a whisper, her arms still around Armin and Annie.

"Silly," Armin whispers, his tone dancing with the joyful sparks. "You both are already here. This is the best present".

---

So, here it is! Thank you to everyone who reached this point and for reading, and thank you so much, Stella, for asking this incredible ask! I genuinely have a lot of fun thinking about all of it and then writing it all down, so thank you so much (⁠灬⁠º⁠‿⁠º⁠灬⁠)🩷

[lightsky03]

[karizard-ao3]

If you had to make EMA bilingual (or more), which languages would they speak?

Disregarding any of my fics where they spoke other languages, here's what I would probably do:

Armin: German, English, trying to learn Chinese. I feel like he would think of English and Chinese as being the most functional languages to learn.

Mikasa: German and Japanese for sure, and she would be fluent in both. If it was relevant for her to learn any other languages, she would and she'd be great at it.

Eren: You know, let's make it Swiss German, and French, because those are the two most common languages spoken in Switzerland. And let's throw some Romansh in there, too. I feel like he would go out of his way to learn it because it's an underdog language, although maybe he's only conversational in it rather than fluent.