Title: Growing up can be a Fracking Pain.
Pairings: Mikasa x Armin
Summary: Mikasa realized that she had feelings for a certain blond – who just happened to have come back from a trip out in Europe. Lets just say that he came back not only with good looks, but a few problems that has him avoiding his best friends like the plague. There has to be a logical explanation for this, right? Well, these high school seniors are going to get a smack in the face with what we call 'growing up'
Disclaimer: I owe nothing of Attack on Titan. Just this here silly idea for a fanfic. That's all.
Author Notes: I noticed that there wasn't much love on the Armikasa spectrum. Like, you'd get Eremika, but no Armikasa! Where's the love for the little blond one?!
Now, let me explain something. This story would seem a bit out of pace, however I figured that it would be done like that because I don't want to bore folks with the melodramatic stuff. Its going to be filled with a lot of drama. There will be some character bashing. If you shed tears because of the bits of angst, I will not be held responsible for this. What I will be held responsible for is (what I hope) would be an epic Armikasa.
Oh, and yes. A few things may seem ooc. But you have to remember, its senior year of a high school and you got the Shiganshina trio enjoying their childhood/teenage years.
Anyway, enough of me rambling. There may be some more notes in the end. Enjoy!
Chapter 1: Mikasa the Selfish One.
"So, you're going to Europe for the summer with your cousin."
It wasn't a question. It was just a statement. Just a simple statement of the facts to come. Facts that she didn't want to hear. Yet, she wanted to hear them speak. Hear HIM speak, specifically. He really did have a nice voice. Much more soothing than her brother's.
"... Yeah... You remember Jack right? I'll be with that crazy bugger for a the next three months."
More facts on how long it was going to be.
"Damn, you're kidding right? Why can't you go with like... your parents?"
"Uh... Cause they're in Europe."
The tone sounded off. Something wasn't right there. There was a slight quiver along those lines. Though it wasn't from fear. She knew how he acted when he was afraid of something. It was more of-
"Really? I thought they just got back... weird."
"Um. Yeah. They did, but then they boarded a flight and you know, kinda left. You know how they are..."
The whole situation was just... wrong. This shouldn't be happening. He shouldn't be sounding like this. He shouldn't be leaving them for the summer. He shou-
"Hey, at least you get to be with your parents! And in Europe too? Man, that sounds epic. Make sure to take a load of pictures."
"HA! I'll be a typical tourist with a guide book in one hand and a Nikon in the other. I'm totally going to get jump for my stuff because of that."
The boys laughed at this. She would have been laughing along, however she couldn't get the thought of him leaving out of her mind. It felt as though she was loosing her family again. It was an irrational way of thinking and she knew it. She just couldn't help but be very selfish. Really selfish actually. And greedy.
This girl wasn't the type of person to share mind you.
"Mikasa, are you okay?" He asked.
A quick glance up and she was absorbed into a sea of baby blues. The intensity of the color stood out behind golden fringes. It was as though nothing could hide those wide, curious orbs from the world. Always searching, seeking and looking for every opportunity to see and experience more. It was a soul-consuming experience that would draw individuals in by the flock, just so that they can share such an moment with him.
Not only that, but the amount of intelligence that laid hidden underneath the vast depths of blue was another reason to get lost. Though, it was more of a personal, carnal desire to get lost in them. Similar to how a man would look into what they most desire. Be it for gold or just the knowledge hidden within that blond teen, the outcome would always be the same.
So, you could understand why Mikasa stood there with a rather dumbfound expression. Unable to utter a damn word. Sure she could... say something. Anything that could be witty. However she couldn't say a damn word to him. Why was it so hard to say something to him? Maybe its because he was so darn perspective. That or he could see the truth to her intentions.
That is if she had any intentions to start with.
Nodding her head rather quickly, Mikasa tore her gaze away from the blond. Instead she paid attention to her brother – who currently thought it was a funny idea to balance himself on the bridge's wall. It wasn't a funny idea. The old thing was falling apart. Actually, it was surprising that the old thing even stood. The structure apparently stood here since the town was built, some few centuries back. Or at least that's what He managed to find out.
Actually, why was she referring him as well...him? This whole vacation without him deal is going to suck. A lot actually. But that didn't mean she had to refer him in such an inhumane manner.
"Yeah... Just waiting for Eren to fall into the creek... again." She managed to find her voice. It wasn't the most impressive of tones, though she hope that H-... grrr. Armin. She hope that Armin wouldn't catch onto her thoughts.
"I'm not going to fall!" her brother shouted over his shoulder.
A quick glance at Armin shown that he was staring down at the waters bellow. Though he made no comment. Just stared into those muddy depths of what was once a beautiful line of waterlife. But you know what happens when humans inhabit an area. Trash, rubbish and dead things start to pile up. Pretty things become dull. Lets not forget that folks around here had a thing for hunting. So often you'd find rotten carcasses stripped for their skins laying at the banks.
It was a constant reminder that this world is a cruel one.
Nuzzling the red material around her neck, Mikasa spared her brother another glance. The weather was too warm for a scarf, however it didn't stop her from wearing it. Sure, it was the middle of June and to wear a scarf would be suicidal. Luckily they lived in the far north of New York state. Saranac Lake to be precise. Today just happened to be a nice, comfortable 75 degrees.
"That's what you said last time." Armin said after a few moments of silence.
"You know very well that it was the wind that caused me to fall!" Crossing his arms, Eren leaned toward Armin. Glaring at the blond, "Now you can't say that it was my fault."
"... You're blaming a natural occurrence of everyday life in an ecosystem for your failure at balancing on a bridge wall. Now, tell me how much fail you're made up of right now?" A smug grin was plastered onto Armin's face as he batted his eyes at Eren. This of course only angered the other teen further.
"I'm not made up of fail! And quit using logic on me! It won't work all the time, just so you know." And just to demonstrate his stubbornness, Eren pranced from one foot to the other. Yes. He pranced. This was a common thing whenever he wanted to prove Armin wrong. Which, mind you, it was a very rare thing for him to pull.
Armin shifted his stance so that his hip leaned against the old brick wall. Tilting his head upwards, the smug grin never drop. If anything, you'd think the god of mischief possessed the boy right then and there as he calculated his next move.
It didn't help the fact that the sunlight caused every detail of his facial features to glow. Puberty was doing wonders on the blond. He still had a bit of baby fat on his cheeks, though it complimented what was slowly becoming a strong jawline rather well. You could even see the faint stubble of blond on his chin. Armin most likely missed out on that morning's shaving.
"Its going to work. Trust me Eren, it'll always work." He spared Eren a saucy wink before delivering a solid kick against the wall.
"No it-whaahhh!" Sadly, not only was Eren eating his own words but he was also getting a mouthful of sludge from the creek bellow.
Peering over the ledge, Mikasa couldn't help but smile. "Can't say I didn't told you so."
The green eyed boy glared up at his adoptive sister. Mikasa knew that her step-mother would yell at the boy for ruining yet another pair of jeans. A new pair, mind you. Plus, knowing those waters, the stain would be impossible to take out.
"Very funny! Oh so fucken funny... shit, Mom is going to kill me..."
Armin's scoffing could be heard. "Well, it was your fault. Since, ya know, this old bridge is pretty rickety rackety."
"It's your fault!" Eren pulled himself up and sloshed about in the waters. "Fuck, this is so disgusting."
"I didn't do anything!" Armin called out and laughed.
Shaking her head, "You two are idiots..." Glancing over at the laughing blond, Mikasa couldn't help but hide her smile in that obnoxiously red scarf. "Do you mind if we head off to your place? The sooner we get those stains out, the better."
Armin's smile drop a bit, though his gaze kept on Eren's cursing form. "Yeah... that's going to leave a bad stain. Come on then. We'll cut through the forest. Though..." Pulling out his smartphone, Armin snapped a quick picture of Eren. "Snapchatting this mofo."
She had to laugh at that one. "Really? I swear, Jean is being a bad influence on you."
"Don't complain. It was your fault for ditching me for Eren at that party. If you hadn't done that, then I would have never spoken to Jean in the first place." That's right. She did ditch Armin for Eren that one time. Then again, it was understandable considering the fact that he was in the hospital because of another fight. I swear, that boy gets into one too many fights. Especially when she wasn't around to watch him.
The bad deal about that is the fact that it wasn't the first time that it happened. She had either drag Armin along or flat out ditch him just so that she can save her brother from whatever trouble he was causing.
Mikasa had to wonder though... Did Armin resent her for doing that? Its not like she ditched him for a stupid reason – like say get laid. Eren has done that to them several times. Mikasa was sure that Armin pulled it off once as well, but she didn't have the facts to prove it. Armin can be pretty secretive when it comes to his sex life. Not that she wanted to know. Honestly she didn't want to deal with hearing it. That was just... ew. No. Just... No.
So when Armin sang out the comment in a playful tone, Mikasa had to stand there to re-think on the meaning behind those words. There wasn't any resentment. It could have seem passive aggressive, but the playfulness contradicted the idea. Maybe he was just pulling at her leg.
Frowning, she watched the blond approach her brother, explaining their plans of getting cleaned up at his place before heading off to town. Most likely to grab some snacks before they set up camp for the night. They had to camp before Armin left for the summer. If they didn't, then it wouldn't be a proper way to start the summer vacation. It was tradition after all.
The flight was taken off at 11. It was around 10 when everyone gathered up in front of the gate. There was a request for only his closest friends to be there. Not that their circle of friends weren't close, it just would have been a hassle to deal with so many people at once on a Saturday morning. Most folks would rather sleep in on their first Saturday during summer break. So, obviously Armin would be considerate enough to request such a thing. It was optional and not everyone had to come over. Eren and Mikasa weren't going to miss out seeing their best pal off. Even if it was for the last 30 minutes spent on US soil.
Surprisingly Jean came around with his boyfriend, Marco. Though, those two seem to be a bit tense. Just a tad bit. It wasn't all too noticeable. Mikasa just happened to be an observant individual. So when she heard Marco sighing a bit too much and Jean tugging at his sideburns, she knew something was up between them.
Thankfully they didn't bring the relationship drama into the scene. It would have been not only disrespectful on Armin's part, but it would have been embarrassing for everyone. Seriously, whenever these two have some sort of row it ends up with one of them crying and the other decorated in a lovely shade of rage red – or a red hand print across the face. Not only that, but there would a few fists flying and very vulgar use of the English language being shouted from both ends of the room. It didn't happen all the time. Then again, relationships can't all be happy butterfly's and sparkles. If it was then you know there is a problem happening there.
Standing beside Eren, Mikasa's attention would often be directed to the crowds. She kept an ear out on the conversation happening between the boys, but she couldn't help but glance away. Its not as though her attention was escaping her. It was more of the fact that she was looking for a distraction. The fear of not seeing Armin ever against gnawed away at her insides. It was an irrational fear that would always stick to her side. It always had, ever since she had to witness her parents... passing.
"Jean, what the hell?!" Marco exclaimed in a puff of laughter.
"What? You can't expect him to leave the country without some sort of entertainment!" The obnoxious laughter was heard, which was followed by Eren.
"Holy shit, you did not give Armin porn to read on the plane!" A quick glance shown Eren tugging the magazine away from a very flushed Armin.
The poor teen. He honestly didn't know what to do with the materials at hand. Sure, he love to read and all. But to be given such products. Mikasa could take a wild guess that he was internally freaking out. Actually, she was half tempted to cuff Jean over the head for that stunt.
However, no one would expect Armin to snag the magazine out of his friend's hands and shoved it into his bag. "Hands off. That's my gift." was stated. Though his blush grew even more and you actually had to wonder if the blond would faint due to so much blood being forced in his head.
Mikasa had to chortle at that one. Sure, Armin was an innocent, shy, kind boy, but you had to remember. He was a boy. No matter how much of goody two shoes Armin was, he would still pick up on the habits that most men have. He was no saint. Instead, he was a healthy male! That's something Mikasa is happy to know about.
"Really? You're going to be looking at porn during the flight?" Eren nudged the shorter male.
A smirk grew on Armin's boyish features, "Why not? I gotta give some old ladies a heart attack or two."
"Oh my god. Armin, really? You're just as bad as Jean." Marco was double over laughing against his boyfriend.
"I'm telling you, this guy is a devil in disguise!" Obnoxious Jean is obnoxious. It should be obvious, right?
Eren gave the taller man a shove. "Choke on some hay, ya damn Horse."
"I swear, you're all just trouble." Shaking his head, the blond then smiled. "And I would prefer to be called a little Loki. You know I'm Norwegian with Viking ancestry."
"Really? I never knew that. Jean, how do you know this and I don't?" Marco seem surprised at that bit of information. Even as he leaned forward to study Armin's features, a bit of doubt could be seen in his eyes. This only cause the blond to stick his tongue out at the other male.
Jean on the other hand went back to tugging at his sideburns. Mumbling a soft, "Well, I asked why he was so darn hairy for a girly looking thing and he explained why..." At least that got Marco to divert his attention back to his boyfriend. Though a hint of jealousy could be seen in his eyes.
"When the hell did you see him naked?" Eren growled as he eyeballed Jean.
"Dude, how many summers have we spent at the lake? Sheesh, chill already. I swear, you have some creepy complex going on with all three of you."
"Shut it, Horseshit. Anyway, Armin is always bragging about that. Especially when he found out about it through his cousin. Actually, where are you meeting that crazy shorty at again?" Eren gave Armin a few mock punches. Something that Armin return in passing.
Rolling his eyes, Armin glanced over at Mikasa – who happened to be quiet through out the whole conversation. Shifting his gaze up, "I'll be meeting him over at London's international airport. From there we'll be going on some crazy road trip through out Europe. Actually, I should go load myself up, or else I'd be stuck with a crappy seat for the next seven hours."
"Ah... right..." Clasping his hand against Armin's shoulder, Eren then brought his friend into a tight hug. "Shit, I can't believe you're going to be gone for the next three months. Make sure to email us everyday, alright?"
Armin laughed into Eren's shoulder as he returned the hug with much gusto. "Really? Everyday? Isn't that a bit obsessive? I doubt I would have access to the internet everyday. But I'll try. Okay?"
"You better, or else I'll hunt you down and drag you back home!" Eren laughed as he picked up the smaller teen into an even more bone crushing hug.
"Whoa, Jaeger! Put him down before you break the little Loker."
"Its Loki, Jean."
"What the? Oh fine. Loki... Loker sounds better, just so you know.
"I swear, you're such a dork."
Armin laughed at the boys antics. Pulling away from Eren, "Thank god I didn't break. Now..." Jumping onto the couple, Armin pulled them both into a one armed hug. One for each arm! "I'm also going to miss both of you. God, its going to be weird not hitting up the lake this summer without you guys."
Marco and Jean grinned as they crushed Armin into what could easily be described as a sandwich. Of course, Armin being Armin took this in with a grin and a bout of laughter.
"Shit, Imma miss you too little buddy." Jean said in a gruff manner. "Don't get robbed and don't be looking for trouble. Your sassy blond viking ass is a magnet for that sort of shit."
"Jean." Marco chided as he gave Armin a more gentle hug. "You come back to us safe and sound, okay?"
Golden locked bounced as Armin squeezed the pair into another hug. "Of course..." Pulling away, the short male rubbed at his glassy eyes. It was obvious he was going to miss his friends. Pivoting on the spot, he then peered up at Mikasa with a wide, teary grin.
She should have said something beforehand. Joined in on the conversations instead of watching the crowds making their way through the terminal. Maybe even shared one last joke. Well, now was better than never. Right?
"I'm going to miss you the most though." Armin began as he step forward. Arms were wide opened, ready to take Mikasa into a loving embrace. His smile was warm and charming as ever. God, it was a sin to be this handsome. The words alone caused her heart to stop. You could imagine what it was doing to her body as he approached her in such an inviting way. Honestly, you'd think that he was ready to swoop Mikasa up and kiss her right then and there.
The image itself flashed before her eyes. Which in turn cause her knees to shake.
What the hell, Ackerman?! Get your head out of your ass! She scowlded herself on this. Ever since Armin announced that he would be away for the summer she was acting so irrational and out of character. On top of that she'd notice things at inappropriate times. Similar to this exact moment.
She needed to put a stop to this, like right now.
Clasping a hand onto Armin's shoulder, "I'll miss you too." That stop Armin from advancing at least. "Take pictures and if you mix anything, you know you can send it to me. I'll give you some input..."
Armin's smile drop a bit as he glanced down at the hand on his shoulder. He seem so... crestfallen at the fact that the only contact he received was a pat on the shoulder. Mikasa had to cringe at that. Of course she could pull him into a hug. Actually that woul-
"Right... yeah, I'll send you some music. I'm still editing my latest track, but, yeah." was said in a hastily fashion. Pulling away just as quick, he then slug Eren on the shoulder, breaking the conversation her brother was having with Marco.
"Hey! What the heck was that for?!" Eren took the words right out of her mouth.
"Its your fault." Was the witty response.
This time Mikasa tuned them out as she stood off to the side. She couldn't help but rewind back on Armin's expression. Some friend she was. Because of her lack of self control, she unintentionally hurt her friend. Or maybe it was intentional. Heck, she wasn't even sure what to make out all of this. If this continued on she knew that she wouldn't be able to survive summer break.
Mikasa's next chance to give Armin a hug didn't go so well. She couldn't even get a word out. Instead the blond clung onto Marco and Jean one last time before running off to this gate. He didn't even so much as acknowledge her. He gave Eren some attention – though it was more of a rowdy type of attention. Something that Armin usually doesn't do. Marco – who wasn't all that close to Armin – got a few jokes and extra smiles.
She forced Eren to drive the family car back into town. Eren accepted this with open arms, though he did give his sister a concern glance. Even Jean voiced out his concern in passing. She just gave the men a cold shoulder as she dug out her earphones. She was too upset at herself to even bother communicating with them.
You know whats the messed up thing about it all? She didn't even know why this was happening in the first place. She could rationalize her behavior. What she can't rationalize is why Armin had to leave for the summer. This wasn't suppose to be happening.
Instead they were suppose to be hanging out over at the lake side docks. Armin would have brought out his late grandfather's boat so that they could all hang out on the waters. Maybe bring out their fishing rods and try to catch something with trashy bait. Eren would be chatting up a storm, reflecting on the stories Armin told him. Mikasa would comment on the music he was producing. Most likely stealing Armin's guitar so that she could strum a few notes as the blond boy sang.
Then when the sun hit its highest point, they would all have strip down to their swimsuits. Eren and Armin would most likely have some sort of manly contest to compare who had grown the most chest hair. Of course Eren would argue with Armin, saying that the blond was hairless when in fact he wasn't. Blond body hair plus sunlight never did mix well. Plus they were sharing an arrogant male moment. So, they both try to emasculate each other in one way or another. Eventually Mikasa would get bored of their man-contest and shove the pair into the waters. Can't forget to toss in Armin's arm floaters as well, since he wasn't the strongest of swimmers due to his damaged knees.
Hours would have been spent, wasted away into those waters. But neither of them would have cared. Even as they loaded their pruney selves onto the boat, they just basked in the whatever sunlight was left. One of them would comment about being hungry. Though no one would move a muscle to search the icebox. It would be when Eren's whining became to unbearable, Mikasa would eventually get up and toss her brother a snack. Most likely one of Armin's pears, since he had a habit of buying the fruit by the crate.
When nightfall finally settled in, they would go back to shore and get a fire going. Armin would have dug out blankets from his car, along with whatever canned product they brought along with them. Most likely would have been baked beans and assorted chef boyardee. Smores were made. Can't forget about smores. Mikasa love smores and would often eat the majority of those little snacks. The boys would tease her about this, but she wouldn't care. She would have been happy. It was summer break and she was enjoying it with her family. Most likely would have dozed off at her brother's side, listening to Armin talk about the consolations and epic stories of old that went along with them.
Her step parents would have came by to pick them up. Dr. Grisha would most likely have carried her to the car. Carla would be coaxing the boys to get up. Of course Eren would follow along, since he was secretly a mama's boy. Armin on the other hand would have politely declined the invitations, wishing to stay out in the late June night. No one argued with him on that, since it was a common occurrence. So they all bid their farewells and made promises to meet up with each other the next day. The following morning Eren and Mikasa would find Armin hanging out on the same spot, waiting for breakfast to come.
That's how today was suppose to be. That's how it always has been. It was a habit that never changes when the trio of friends were concerned. They were just happy to be with one another and actually enjoy their childhood together. That's what it was all about to be honest. It was their last chance of being children this summer because next school year they were senors. After that, they would start their paths for a professional career.
Why couldn't they have their last summer together?
Why did Armin choose to go to Europe over a summer spent with his friends?
Why wasn't she taking this well?
Why was he making her act like this?
Why did she think it was his fault for doing this to her?
Why... was she crying?
Dr. Grisha owned a clinic and Mikasa would often be there in the summers helping out at the front desk or just clearing up the filed in the back office. She took the opportunity to throw herself into work when it presented itself. Which happened to be the next day after Armin left for Europe. No one questioned her for doing this. It was just a normal Mikasa routine. If something was amiss, she would have mentioned it verbally. Or at least demand something to be changed.
Mikasa did go out and hang around with Eren and a few other pals from the school, like Sasha or even Historia and her girlfriend Ymir. It was... nice. Enjoyable even. Though she didn't really connect well with the other girls.
Her thing was MMA, music, books and cars. She was a typical tomboy and was often mistaken for being a lesbian. There was no resentment when it came to that accusation. She understood that in a small town like the one she lived in, everyone was quick to use stereotypes in order to judge individuals. S'long as they understood to not cross her line, she could care less about the comments thrown at her way.
Though, for some reason during the July 4th weekend the little whispers from the town's populace was starting to get on her nerves a bit too much. Especially when hitting up Braun's party, she couldn't seem to brush off the snide comments the various popular kids would often throw at her way. Heck, even the nerds were annoying her. Mikasa had a feeling that it was because they reminded her of a certain know-it-all blond boy she missed dearly.
What was more annoying that some of females were actually coming on to her. She wasn't deaf nor blind. She knew for a fact that they were sent over her way by some of the... pettier females. CouhcheerleadingsquadcoughtheyarebitchesCOUGH. Most likely trying to prove the rumors true. It seriously didn't go all that well. Especially when one of the girls took it a bit over the line. This caused Mikasa to state the infamous words of, 'I'm strickly dickly honey.' The broad wasn't very happy about hearing those terms, though it didn't matter in the end since the girl got really personal with Mikasa's fists.
That night became one of the few highlights of Mikasa's summer break. Just one of the few.
Later on that month, her circle of friends were talking about Armin's recent uploads on Facebook. He was showing off his travels through Europe. Often they were of various historical places or just a very scenic route. Sometimes even street art would appear along with images of the average European's daily life. Then his cousin, Jack, uploaded some pictures of them partying. Lets say that Mikasa was a bit shocked to find out how popular he gotten. Especially with the female crowd.
Armin was always a bashful kid that enjoyed his privacy. When he had his few shares of boyfriends and girlfriends, Armin never advertise his relationship status in such a... suggestive manner. Especially when it came to the male crowd of his sexuality. He wasn't a closet case. It was more along the lines that his parents would not approve of such things. It was, after all, heresy in their eyes.
Now, you're most likely saying that it wasn't Armin's fault for advertising his lovely private affairs online. Of course it wasn't his fault. What was his fault, is the fact that he never bothered to take them down. Even after a status message explaining how his cousin stole his phone and uploading all those various images, he still didn't take them down. It was as though he was giving off a message. A message stating that he was becoming a man and he didn't feel the need to hide the fact that he a normal, healthy individual.
Mikasa honestly believed that he was being a stuck up jackass more than becoming a normal, healthy man.
On top of that, he didn't look all that attractive anyway.(Ha, yeah right.) It was disgusting how all those women on the photos would crowd around him like that. Even the men! Yeah... even the men... okay, maybe not the men. Being a straight female can ingrain some very bias opinions. Still. It didn't change the fact that he was acting in a disgusting manner. He shouldn't be out there partying. Instead he should be back home, hanging around with his friends, working on the old 57 Bel Air his grandfather left for him and sharing a few drinks out by the docks.
Armin didn't post anymore photos after that day. Even his status updates have went dry. Looking up his blogs would show a similar effect. Emailing did promise some sort of pulse of life. Though the replies would have a week long delay and were too short to be considered a proper message.
It was... depressing, honestly. Its as though they(she) didn't matter anymore. Well, of course he was exploring a new world that wasn't in a book or behind some computer screen. It was understandable that anyone could be distracted. But this wasn't how Armin acted. He would be more... thoughtful of his actions.
Sometime around the first week of August Eren found a girlfriend. It was none other than her rival – or so their peers would dubbed her – Annie Leonhart herself. Honestly, Mikasa didn't understand what Eren saw in that woman. However, it is her brother's choice. So, she'll respect his decision and support him... with a very watchful eye aimed at the back of that blond woman's head.
Urgh. Thinking about it brought a bad taste in Mikasa's mouth.
Sure, Annie Leonhart can be an agreeable person. She was quiet, didn't cause Mikasa much trouble and was a good sparring partner. The only thing that pissed Mikasa off about her was the fact that it felt like she was communicating with a dead person. As far as social skills go, Mikasa wasn't any better. She was just as stoic as Annie was and vice versa. But at least Mikasa knew how to share a smile, give some sort of advice, or at least that's what she hope she was giving out when someone asked for it. Oh, and comforting. She can actually be good at comforting people. She comforted Armin multiple times and... only Armin. Huh. That's weird...
Anyway! Annie was a lazy woman and never seem to express much of a drive unless it was for her own selfish goals. These traits would deem anyone untrustworthy in Mikasa's eyes. She always believed that you always had to give it your own when it came to protecting and supporting those around you, even if you don't personally agree with choices. Like right now, Mikasa is supporting Eren's decision on dating Annie.
If only it was easily done as said. It was becoming harder and harder to support her brother's idea on dating Leonhart as the summer break progressed. The blond was seeing more of her brother than she liked to admit. Not to mention she caught Eren coming home not only wasted on god knows what, but sporting several bruises and a new piercing on his left nipple.
Thankfully their mother didn't find out.
Keep in mind that Eren didn't go away without an earful either. Oh yes. Mikasa certainly gave it to him. She didn't drop the subject for a solid three weeks till Eren had enough and promised his sister that he wouldn't be doing anything drastic. Mikasa could trust his word, but she couldn't trust Annie to respect it as well.
They shared words, as well as fists, kicks and a few cracked ribs. Oh, and a twisted knee. That sort of pain was agonizing, since both Annie and herself are considered professional level mix martial artists. So you could imagine the kind of hurting those two were in at the end of the day.
Oddly enough that sort of pain was more full filling than the void she felt in her chest...
August was coming to a close when Mikasa realized something. Throughout the whole summer she really didn't have much fun. Instead she was working long hours, snapping at people left and right and... obsessing over Armin's departure. Plus the fact that she never gave him a proper goodbye. Sure, she was angry at him for leaving them in favor of another continent, but he was coming back. Eventually. Hopefully.
God, she missed him.
Just like that. It hit her. The whole summer she was distracting herself, not having fun and obsessing over things that happened all because she missed a certain blond fellow. It made so much sense! It explained why some mornings she would get up feeling like life is a drag. Ever time someone would mention his trip, all she'd want to do was punch something. Lets not even talk about the pictures that were still online.
GRRRR!
She wanted to board a plane, track him, find him and drag his skinny white ass back home.
She wanted to hug him properly as well. Tell him about the little updates happening in her small little world. Listen to his stories about the culture and history he found in Europe. Not the parties though. She doesn't want to hear about the parties at all. If she hears about them she will not be held accountable for the consequences.
Mikasa dug out all the tracks Armin produced and shared with her. Three years of work and there wasn't much. Just a total of 15 files. Most of them were instrumentals of what could be described as trip-hop or low tempo beats. Just sounds that were a mixture of various instruments such as guitars, violins, drums and synthetic notes produced from a keyboard. Everytime she listened to mix it never failed to relax her nerves. Or even give her a bout of inspiration to do something productive.
Though in a moment like this, the tunes were more of a reminder of what she was missing. It was depressing, yet comforting. It reminded her of Armin and other things that weren't in her life. Like her parents for example. Or the city she grew up in. She wasn't ungrateful for having the Jaeger family with her. She loved her current family very much and would do anything to protect them. Its just that the human heart at times can be very selfish and it long for things that could not be. Which usually happened to be things of the past. Never for the future though. You can never miss something you have yet to experience.
Maybe that's why she steaming over the past more than the future to come...
An email came in for the Jaeger siblings from their dear missed friend. He was going to be coming back home, just in time for classes. That was received two days before classes actually started. Two whole days of feeling...
What she was feeling was disappointment really.
It was Monday. The first day of school. It wasn't going to be en eventful day. It was just going to be a day about seeing who was in what class and who was who's teacher. Oh! And when was the earliest time who got out and what classes had to be made up before the end of the year. Plus the speeches each teacher made about the importance of Senior year.
Students all over saw their friends, squealed as though they haven't seen each other, when in truth they were most likely hanging out in the downtown area over a few scoops of ice cream, and then after that went bonkers about how awesome the summer break was.
Mikasa and Eren on the other hand kept an anxious eye out for a familiar crown of blond.
They did find a crown of blond. However it was attached to the wrong person.
"At least I know how Armin feels like when they mistaken him for me." Historia Reiss grumbled as she gave her girlfriend a glare. Laughing girlfriend, mind you.
"Don't give me that look! You were squealing all because Eren manhandled you." The freckled latina exclaimed with a bout of giggles. Honestly she should be pissed off that it happened in the first place, but it was just too funny. Plus you had to see Eren's face. The look of absolute horror was etched onto his features as he rambled off apologizes after apologizes to Historia.
Shaking her head, Mikasa cuffed her brother over the head. He exclaimed loudly in protest, but said nothing afterward. Just rubbed at the back of his noggin thanks to all the abuse he gotten. Apparently Historia knew how to throw a few solid ones. Mumbling a soft, "Sorry about that Historia. We're just a bit anxious to see Armin."
As Historia continued to glare at Ymir, she idly waved her hand at Mikasa. "Its okay. I could understand since you guys are so close... This is the first time you've been separated from him in a long time, right?"
"Yeah... Last time was 08's Winter break when he had to visit his family for Christmas dinner..." Mikasa explained as she watched Ymir try to coax her girlfriend with a hug. "Oh come on Historia... Chrissy, babyyyyy. You know I don't mean it. I'll kick his ass."
Historia gave the other female a pointed look of, 'you're not going to get any loving anytime soon.' Turning her attention to Mikasa, "You see what I have to put up with? I swear... Now, you haven't seen Armin yet? Don't you have the same homeroom with him?"
Nodding, "Yes." That caused the blond girl to frown. Mikasa held a similar expression for most of the morning and it was already lunch time.
"Yeah, its weird. Usually he'd try to do everything in his power to get to the first day of class like... on time." Eren stated with a worried expression. Obviously this would affect him as much as it affected Mikasa. Armin was after all the only person in the world Eren would call his brother. They've been through thick and thin. The bond those two had was... like gorilla glue.
Historia shared a look with the taller female beside her. "... Europe is pretty far off. Maybe he got held up with a flight or two? Or maybe jetlag hit and he's sleeping it off at home...?" Ymir shurgged at her girlfriend's question.
"Hopefully that's the case." Eren stated as he wrapped his arm around Mikasa's shoulder. The said girl was actually grateful for the gesture and easily leaned into the embrace.
"That or he's busy getting his booty on." Ymir began with a grin. "Remember those pictures on his FB? Shit, I can't blame him for missing a flight or two. Th-though they're no where as beautiful as you babe." The lanky woman said hastily as she flashed a cheesy grin at the blond. Eren was snickering behind his fist. Yeah, that girl had it bad for Historia.
Historia rolled her eyes and then glanced at the siblings. She obviously took note of the darkened expression Mikasa was sporting. How else would you explain why she elbowed Ymir's side sharply? It was obvious to get her to shut the heck up.
"Oof...ern.. oh. Um..." Ymir began as she tried to dodge the killer glare directed at her. So the best route of escape was to direct her attention to her girlfriend. "So, its time for lunch. How about we hit up Charlies downtown for subs?"
"That sounds great actually." Historia said softly as she spared the Jaeger siblings a smile. "Don't worry, Armin will be back. Safe and sound. We'll see you in a bit with subs."
"Sure." Mikasa muttered as she pulled away from Eren's embrace.
Eren followed along after a rushed farewell directed to the couple. They were making their way to the lunch room, along with the majority of the high school. It was the rush hour of the hungry teenagers. Mikasa would be tempted to leave campus in order to get something other than school food, but she wasn't going to leave until she found Armin.
"Ya know, she might be right. Historia I mean. He most likely is passed out back at his place. Still wearing the clothes he had on all week or something like that. Oh, and a book would be held in his hands like some sort of teddy bear. Remember the last time he did that? He had an indent on his chest for the whole week."
"And he was complaining about how weird it look each time he had to see it..." Mikasa smiled at the memory.
"He actually called us, crying on the phone! Remember that? Oh my god, I couldn't stop laughing. He was asking dad all sorts of questions."
"It wasn't that funny." She had to snerk at that one. "It was pretty darn funny."
Entering the cafeteria revealed a huge room, with large open windows and a soup line awaiting the latest serving of slop. Well, the food wasn't that bad. City schools always served the worse due to the high mass of children coming in. The school food out in the country wasn't as bad, since the cooks don't got to worry about feeding 10 thousand kids at once.
Still, it was school food.
Dropping her tray at the usual table by the back pillar, Mikasa gave the crowd a look over once more. No Armin. This was starting to frustrate her on so many levels that it wasn't even funny. I swear if that little blond coconut thought this was funny... She'd most likely cuff him over the head. Honestly she doesn't have the balls to punch him, since he dealt with enough bullying for the majority of his life. Still, a good cuffing would do him some good.
"There you are." A very bored tone was heard on her left. Mikasa didn't need to turn her gaze to know who it was. The voice alone revealed that it was her least liked – yet tolerable – person in the whole school.
"Hey Ann." Eren was heard from behind, sharing a kiss with his girlfriend. "You're looking good."
"Same to you, Handsome." Urgh... really? She was calling Eren handsome? Well... Actually, no. She wasn't going to think on that one. "Where's the Coconut?"
"Don't have him catch you saying that. Mikasa is the only one allowed to call him that." Though it didn't stop Eren from laughing.
"What is he going to do? Throw a bitch fit or something?" Annie scoffed softly at that one.
Tearing her gaze from the crowd, a glare was sent toward Annie. "No, but promise me. He'd get even with you, one way or another." Its true. It was an actual saying to be honest between the trio of friends. Fuck with the heretic and it'll be returned ten-folds.
You laugh now, but its serious. Armin managed to pull some serious stunts on his past bullies with pure intellect and the right tools. Plus a bit of creative thinking on what could be the most embarrassing and nastiest scene that could be made. The pranks he managed to pull off really had you wondering what kind of god you pissed off. And guess what? To this day, no one outside their little family knew about those pranks. Heck, the teachers were still talking about the Brown incident.
Seriously, how do you manage to slip in fast acting laxatives in the football team's drinks during their final game for the year's trophy? The fact that he managed to tamper with the team's water supply was an impressive and almost impossible feat by itself. On top of that he still kept it a secrete as to how he even managed to slip it in. All Eren and Mikasa knew was that he was the one behind it and everyone got to see the most disgusting, embarrassing scene ever played out in Shina High School football history. You could imagine the results. The Shina Reds were smeared brown by the end game.
So yes, when you mess around with Armin he will definitely return it ten-folds plus more.
"Really now?" She kept an aloof expression, but her sullen eyes shined some interest. "I got to see this unfold now."
"Can't say we didn't warn you." Eren stated with a grin.
"Exactly wha-" Something heavy slid up against her seat and leaned against Mikasa. Though what was the bad part was the fact that whatever it was currently had their beefy arms around her head, literally face hugging her to a very... firm, man chest.
"Whuddup sluts?!"
"Armin?"
"Is that the fucken coconut?!"
"Holy shit man! WHAT THE HELL!? DUDE! Your face!"
"I can't even call him a fucken coconut..."
"Fuck coconut! He just called us sluts! What the fuck man!?"
"You're concerned about him calling us sluts? I'm concerned with who gave this kid steroids."
"Yeah! Like... What the fuck?! What the fuuucckkkk!?"
Eren has officially freaked the fuck out.
The rumbling sound was coarse and deep, yet it held a sense of familiarity and security. Every three to five seconds you'd hear the signature snort. It was a snort wasn't loud and noticeable, for it was one of those small, quick sounds that mixed in with the laughter. Warmth bubbled over and spread out, as though trapping everything and everyone in its vicinity in an ectoplasmic goop. But the sound. God the sound. Yes it was deeper than before, but it was music to Mikasa's ears. She missed that laugh so much. To hear it again made her feel so much lighter and happier. Heck, she didn't even realize that she was carrying around a ton of negativity on her shoulders until she heard those notes of joy ringing in the air.
Snaking her arms around the broad chest, Mikasa smiled into the material of his shirt. Either the blond was working out or he hit a growth spurt because Mikasa doesn't remember Armin being this broad. Yeah, he had a bit to fill out as far as puberty went, but this was definitely not something Mikasa remember.
That didn't matter though. What matter was the fact that she had Armin in her arms. He was back! And whole! Safe as well! Safe in her arms. On top of that, he wasn't going to pull a stunt like that ever again. Mikasa was determined to make sure something like this never happened ever again. She swore on the scarf that Eren gave her, that she either came with him or he'd never leave. She'd always be at his side, one way or another. And damn the bastards that try to separate her from the man she loved.
Wait... what was that she said? Loved? Love? Armin? Wait... whoa, lets rewind here. There was absolutely no way in hell that she fell for her best friend. No way. That's impossible. Hell no. Nu uh. Denying that shit. Right here. Right now. Just as soon... as she released her hold on Armin.
Actually lets forget that word ever came up to mind. Okay? Okay.
"I miss you guys too." Reality crashed on down as Armin wrap Mikasa up in his strong embrace. Sheesh, the muscle. Where the hell did it come from!? "Especially you. I hope Eren hasn't been giving you trouble."
"Hey! Don't throw accusations like that Armin! You know I don't give her trouble!"
"That's what she said..." Someone got reallllly cheeky during their vacation overseas.
"Fuck you man." Mikasa could see the shit eating grin plastered on her brother's face.
"When, where and how?" was the quick reply.
"After school, your place, with a bag of popcorn and the latest B-rated thriller you gotta see."
"Awhhhh sheeeeeet. You is on my brutha."
"Helll yahhhhhh."
"I swear. Someone must have drop me off in the most cheesiest bromance scene I have ever seen." Annie was heard muttering this. It was true. These two were the master at cheesey bromancing.
Pulling away from Armin's welcoming embrace, Mikasa reworked the scarf around her neck. She couldn't help but hide her smiles. "You two are still dorks." Her gaze was kept on the table now. She has yet to look up and find out what the big shock was all about.
Laughing softly at those words, "You're right. We still act like a bunch of dorks. This does include you, just so you know."
Scoffing at those words, "Don't clump me in with you two idiots. I got style, unlike you two."
"What?! Style? You can't out shine the Jaeger Bomb." Eren was throwing around hand signs that was most likely a failed attempt at being 'gangster.'
"Okay. This is getting way too weird." Annie announced as she stood from her seat. "I'm going to find my room-homos and bother them." She tugged at the back of Eren's letterman jacket. The said teen leaned back with a smile, mumbling what could be guessed as a soft, 'text me when you're free.' The blond woman nodded before sharing a kiss with her beau.
Something gnawed away at Mikasa's chest. It was an emotion, yet she couldn't describe it. She had a distinctive feeling as to what it was. Especially when I want to do that with Armin came up to mind. No. no. She had to distract herself.
Diverting her gaze away from the pair, Mikasa finally took a moment to take in Armin's features.
Eyes widened to the size of saucers as she stared up the man next to her. There was no way that... Holy shit. He was... he was... Fucken sexy.
Wide, curious blue orbs shifted its gaze from the kissing pair to the Mikasa's own slanted eyes. A thick brow rose in a confused manner. "What was that?"
"Huh?" she could regester his words. How could she? Here was Armin Arlert. Shina High's own little blond nerd that grew the fuck up. No. Litterally. He grew.
Before Armin left for the summer he stood at what he assumed was his highest point: 167.5 CM. If he was standing, Mikasa would bet her scarf and twenty bucks that he grew an additional 10 centimeters over the summer. Not only that, but it wasn't just the length that went up. The width was obvious too. Sure he wasn't built like a brick house, but it was noticeable that he no wouldn't be confused with Historia from behind. Yes. It was obvious that he was a man. Not a woman, but a man.
Though that wasn't the most shocking of the changes. The facial features. The last of the baby fat disappeared, leaving behind a very elegant yet strong jawline. He still had the button nose and those big, wide curious blue eyes. Even his thick brows were the same. Well, maybe they got a bit furrier than before. It was hard to say since its been ages since she last saw the man. Heck, his hair. Oh god. His hair got longer and was currently tied up into what could be assumed as a bun. However, all of this wasn't what made everyone – including Mikasa – shocked as far as features went.
It was the beard.
Yes.
He had a beard.
A very nice, sexy beard.
It wasn't one of those nasty, greasy beard that were unkempt and bristling out in every direction known to mankind. No. It was short, well groomed and... trimmed? It was safe to assume that it was trimmed. It looked trimmed. Have you seen his beard line?! It was kept at perfect curve just underneath his cheekbones. What made this fact even better was that it made his jawline stand out even more. It was rugged, yet handsome feature that complimented his looks in what could be best described as irresistibly sexy. And it look soft to touch. Mikasa was ready to run her fingers through that crop of facial hair.
Actually, it was safe to say that now her new obsession with Armin would be his ability to grow facial hair. Seriously. This wasn't a joking manner. The only other man who could pull off such sexiness with a beard was Robert Downey-fucken-Jr. However, Robert Downey-fucken-Jr. had nothing on Armin. Armin actually out shined that man a million-to-one easily... Only because it was more realistic to sit next to Armin instead of Robert Downey Jr.
Just marry me already! Oh god. She really had it bad. Really bad. Really, reallly fucken bad. And all she could do at that very moment was sit there and gawk at the man before her.
Yes Mikasa. You are totally fucken in love with your best friend.
Read and Review guys. I love to hear comments. Especially on what you thought about bucket of crazy. Yes I know, some of it doesn't make sense but I promise you it will. :D