Changing Fast
Summary: Armin Arlert has always been a good kid. Always got good grades, was on time for all his classes, and was always stayed out of trouble. He then starts his Sophomore year and seems to end up tutoring a fellow classmate of his (Jean) who has been heard of being a really rebellious kid. Will Armin only be his tutor, or get mixed in with this kids crazy life to?
Pairings: Mainly Jean/Armin. Theres some Jean/Marco and other fluffy stuff about. Bits of angst and jealousy. Different couples in story, later on there may be some Eren/Levi.
Rating:
T But may change later on. T now for swearing.
~ Word from author: I just started my Freshman year and I'm limited on my drawing time right now so instead I've been writing way more. The fic idea came to me while listening to music on my first day of school. I've been really wanting to write this for a while actually. So if anything seems off or the spelling or anything just tell me and I will try to fix it! Thanks for reading! also I had to re-upload this because something on here happened and it was cutting off words.. But here you go! -Celyoncastle~
It was a crisp morning on the first day of school and dark clouds rumbled over head as Armin climbed the steps of Rose Walls high School. It was about to rain and Armin wanted to find his way to homeroom as quick as possible. Luckily, he had been there his Freshmen year so finding his way about wasn't a problem. He quickly shuffled his way down to court yard and into room 134. There, he was greeted by a bright and warm smile from his best friend, Eren Yeager. Following behind him came a subtle and cute smile from Mikasa Ackerman, who is Eren's adoptive sister.
"Armin!" Eren runs to recieve Armin into a huge hug as if they hadn't seen each other in years, despite the fact they had seen each other all summer.
"Hello Eren," Armin muffled out through Eren's huge hug and patted him on the back.
" Armin. How are you?" Mikasa then said as Eren released Armin.
"Fine of course!' Armin said beaming with a smile. " You guys saw me a few days ago, I really don't think anything could change that fast!"
" You never know for sure," Eren said back. "Aside from that, whats your first period?"
Armin shuffled through his bag and then brought out a folder. He pulled a piece of yellow paper out and scanned through it.
"Ahh... seems I have English with Ms. Tanner ," Said Armin turning to Eren.
"Awh, I have Math first with Mr. Brooker," Eren said frowning and let out a groan. " What about you Mikasa?"
"I have English too, and with Armin," Mikasa said pulling at her red scarf.
"Eh!? Really? Thats not fair I'm alone," Eren mumbled.
"Oh but look we have second period together! And fourth and seventh!" Armin said happily.
Eren smiled. "It seems we do!" And as Eren said that the bell rung. "Ok! I'll see you second period Armin!" Eren waved at them as he left the class.
Mikasa grabbed her bag and made her way out with Armin in tow. The hallways were crowded as usual but the good thing was that it was first day so there really was no reason to use a locker yet. Armin let out a little sigh of relief, knowing that the first day wouldn't be to hard. Infact it was probably the easiest day of the year. He followed Mikasa into class and took a seat with her in the third row.
"Tch... It's that kid again..." Mikasa mumbled to Armin.
"Hm? What kid?" Armin asked looking around.
"That kid out in the hallway. The one with wierd hair," Mikasa anwsered pointing out into the hallway. Armin followed her finger and saw a guy who was pretty tall. He looked like a Junior or maybe even a Sophmore. He had Light brown hair and eyes to match.
Before Armin could ask Mikasa what was wrong, the teacher told everyone to sit down and be silent. The first day of school started like any other first day of school. The teacher droned on about her rules and what they would be doing that semester and the what she expected from each student. Armin, who was starting to get bored turned to Mikasa and in a low whispered asked, " Who was that guy?"
Mikasa, with her eyes forward responded, " That guy is nothing but trouble really. I'd stay away from him all together. When Eren and I came here during the summer so he could join up for football, that guy was here too. But he was very... Annoying. At first I ignored his flirtatious comments, but then him and Eren seemed to get into a very heated fight on who would get to join the team since only two positions are open, but it seemed this other kid had one of the positions already won so Eren and that guy started arguing about who'd go first for the tryout."
Armin listened then another question rose in his head. "Whats that kids name?"
"His name is-" Mikasa was cut off by the bell ringing and the rush of kids running out of the classroom. Armin was left in an empty classroom all alone. He shrugged it off and moved on to the next class which he had with Eren. It was Science 2 with Mr. Houston and Armin was really not looking forward to the class but at least he had Eren.
The day moved on slowly for Armin. It was 5th period by then and he had just had Art class with Eren and Mikasa. He made his way to his next class which was Algebra 2 with Mr. Pixis. Now Armin had something to look forward to. Not only that, right after he had Geography which was his other favorite subject too. As he entered the class he noticed someone in the back he had seen that morning. It was that guy who Mikasa had told him to stay away from. He was sitting in a lay back position next to a taller boy with lots of freckles on his face and dark hair.
Armin, deciding to heed Mikasa's words of warning made his way to the second row and set his bag down as he sat. He heard a soft scoff come from the back, who he assumed came from the guy whom he still had no idea what his name was. The class then started with Mr. Pixis heading to the front and introducing himself. Armin was so emorsed in listening to Mr. Pixis talk about his class that he barley noticed when he was hit by a paper airplane. But he still felt it. The plane had fallen down to his foot and he picked up looking around to see if he could catch who had thrown it. He looked behind to see that guy in a fit of quiet laughter. His friend on the other hand was telling him to shut up.
The guy then looked at Armin and gave a devious grin at him. Armin just glared back at him. He then crumpled up the plane and through it away, huffing about being taken away from the learning enviroment. As he sat down he felt another plane hit him behind the ear. He clenched his fists as he heard little bits of laughter from the boy.
"I'm glad you find my class amusing, young man," Mr. Pixis said turning from the board to look at the unknown guy.
'Yes!' Armin thought, 'Now he'll probably get in trouble!'
The guy stayed silent and just stared back at Mr. Pixis. Mr. Pixis sighed and turned around again to read the rules of the class. Just then the bell rung and everyone ran out including Armin. He wanted to find Mikasa and Eren as quick as possible for lunch, but Mr. Pixis stopped him.
"Armin Arlert, right?" He said.
"Ah... Yes sir that would be me," Armin said a little hesitant.
"I saw your math test scores from last years exams. What are you doing in Algebra 2? Shouldn't they have moved you up to Algebra 3 at least?" Mr. Pixis asked.
" Well, yes I was offered to move up but I declined. I want to learn everything in order even if I'm ahead in some things. But I believe its best if I go in order," Armin said looking a little bashful.
Mr. Pixis smiled and then continued, " I respect your decision, but anytime you want to transfer you just tell me. In fact I may have a little project for you."
"Sir?" Armin asked looking a little curious.
"You see not many students had great grades like you did in math. In fact they are way below with their grades. So if you don't mind, do you think you can tutor some for me if they start failing in this class?" Mr. Pixis said stroking his chin.
"Oh. I don't see why not. Yes I guess I could help you out," Armin said with an unsure smile.
"Great! I will tell you then if anything happens!" Mr. Pixis smiled and then shooed Armin out the door. Armin then ran to lunch noticing he had about 15 minutes left of it. He found Mikasa and Eren who were eating pizza and had an extra slice.
"Oh hey Armin!" Eren said with his mouth filled with pizza. Armin smiled and sat down next to Eren.
" Ew, Eren how many times have we told you not to eat like that?" Armin said chuckling and beaming a smile.
"What? Like this?" Eren then stuffed the pizza in his mouth, leaned in and chewed it mouth open in front of Armin's face.
"Ew, Eren stop! You're getting the crumbs on me!" Armin pushed Eren back playfully and laughing.
"What? I can't hear you?" Eren leaned in more towards Armin's ear. "I'm to busy chewing with my mouth open!"
"Eren! Stop! I'm going to fall!" Armin said scooting backwards away from Eren, but still laughing.
Mikasa seemed to see that Armin was right about him falling, so she pulled Eren by the collar of his shirt and tugged him back. He made a choking noise, then coughed a bit.
"Bleh! Ouch Mikasa! We were just messing around!" Eren said facing her.
"Armin was about to fall," Mikasa said munching on her food.
"Ah, he would have been fine! Were not babies!" Eren shot back. "Hey Armin, why were you so late to lunch? Oh and by the way that slice is for you," Eren said pointing to the triangular box.
"Oh thanks!" Armin exclamied opening the box and taking a bite of pizza. " , my math teacher was asking me if I could tutor a few students for him if they start to fail."
"Did you say yes?" Eren asked.
"Well yeah I did. It's not like I really have anything better to do," Armin said biting the pizza a few more times.
" Oh, and that one kid is in my math class Mikasa. The one we saw this morning who you told me not to go near?" Armin said looking at her. She gave a little nod.
"Huh? Which kid?" Eren asked looking between Armin and Mikasa.
"The one at the football tryouts," Mikasa told Eren simply.
"Oh that asshole? Augh I wish you would have at least let me punch him or something Mikasa! Might have shown him in his place! He didn't bother you did he, Armin?" Eren asked to Armin.
Armin gulped. He knew fully well that to Mikasa and Eren, he was their baby brother in a way. They have always protected him from bullies and shielded him from the hatred of others. But Armin was starting to feel ashamed that any time he got hurt or teased, Mikasa and Eren would have to stand up for him, when all he did was sit back quietly and feel useless.
"No, he didn't," Armin said bluntly as he looked down at his pizza. He hoped that had worked. He looked up to see Mikasa and Eren staring intensely at him. Armin gulped and scotched back a bit.
"Armin, you've always been a terrible liar," Eren said shaking his head and Mikasa nodded her head in approval of what Eren said.
"I-I'm not lying!" Armin said quickly his face becoming flustered.
"Quick to defend what he said... He must be lying..." Mikasa told Eren.
" And a flustered face, too. Isn't that a way to tell for certain?" Eren said back to Mikasa.
Armin looked down, cheeks red and brows furrowed. He pouted at them as he looked back up.
"Awh Armin, were just teasing you," Eren said in a playful way and putting his arm around Armin. " But seriously, what did that dochuebag do to you?" Eren glared a bit and his voice changed to serious mode.
" It was nothing serious! Honestly!" Armin told Eren who was still staring at him intensely.
"Are you sure? Then I have a real reason to beat up the son of a bit-"
"NO, Eren no fighting! You know how that effected you last time," Armin scolded Eren.
"Yeah but that time it was really worth it! That guy shouldn't have done that to you!" Eren pouted back.
"Look I know what he did was wrong... Trust me I know. But at least hes paying the price for what he did now. You didn't necessarily have to beat him up," Armin said looking down.
"Didn't have to!? Armin, of course I had to! Listen what he did is-" Before Eren could finish the bell rung telling them lunch was over. Armin picked up his bag and stood up.
"I'll see you after school then," Armin then left. He really didn't want to discuss that topic anymore. It was in the past and it was wound he didn't want to reopen.
On the brighter side, he had Geography as his last period. He was super happy about that, since it was his favorite subject in the world. On the duller note, that guy was walking directly beside him. He was a little intimidating looking and had a really annoyed look on. Armin decided to look over to him and they met eyes. The guy glared at Armin a bit.
'Oh no, oh no, oh no,' Armin's mind raced with fearful thoughts. 'Hes going to beat me up. What do I do?' Armin's heart was racing. But luckily he saw the Geography class just a few steps away. They both entered at the same time and Armin was happy to be in a safe environment. Then his heart dropped again. There were only two seats left open, side by side. And all the way in the back. Armin hesitated, then slowly moved to his seat. The guy sat beside him and snickered at Armin when he noticed how annoyed he looked now.
They had a new teacher this year and his name was . He had slick blond hair that was combed back and sparkling blue eyes. He wore glasses and a white button up shirt with khakis.
"So, this is my new class? Well then, I'll start by saying my name is Irvin Smith. But you will all address me as ," He said coolly. "I expect you all to be fine young folks and pay attention in my class."
The boy next to Armin scoffed and then began to scribble on the desk a bit. Armin ignored him and payed attention to the teacher.
"I'll start with roll. Let's see who's first... Amelia Anton?" looked around for the girl who was up front raising her hand. She had brown hair the was up to her shoulder.
"Armin Arlert?" He said next.
"H-Here, sir!" Armin said raising his hand. Armin turned a little pink when the boy next to him chuckled a bit as if mocking him.
Armin felt him and this kid wouldn't get along at all. He had met kids like that before. They were rude and inconsiderate and only thought about themselves. They were just jerks.
"Jean Kirschtein?"
"What?" Armin looked over to the boy who had just said that.
'So his name is Jean?' Armin thought.
"That correct term is 'present' or 'here' Mr. Kirschtein," said.
"Whatever. Here," Jean said and lied back in his chair. ignored him and continued.
"Now that roll is over, let me tell you this will be your permanent seat for the rest of the year," Said .
Armin wanted to sink into the floor. Just great. He was sitting next to that guy for the rest of the year. Just great. He knows he shouldn't be freaking out about it but he really rather sit somewhere else. The rest of the class was the rules and expectations for the course they were taking.
Class soon ended. Armin was relieved. It was finally time to go home. Right before he exited he was bumped into very hard making him hit a wall.
"Hey!" Armin yelled back. It turned out the only one there was that Jean kid.
"What girly?" Jean said harshly. Armin felt his face go pink a bit at that comment.
"I-I'm a boy! And watch where your going!" Armin stuttered out.
"I know you're a boy, I'm just teasing you. I guess I'll just call you Shorty since you're so sensitive about girly," Jean told him back. Armin's face flustered up.
"I'm not that short..." Armin looked down a bit feeling like he was stomped on.
"Jean! Hey, leave the poor kid alone," the voice came from that boy from math who was sitting with Jean in math.
"Sorry about Jean. Armin Arlelt, right? I'm Marco Bott," the boy said and smiled kindly at Armin.
"You shouldn't be so nice either, Marco. People will walk all over you. Like him," Jean said pointing to Armin.
"Shut up, Jean. Well it was nice meeting you. So we'll see you tomorrow!" Marco waved at Armin and he left with Jean in tow. Armin noticed though that Jean turned around a bit and met Armin's eye. Armin looked away and Jean did the same. He then sighed as he saw them exit. Then he also made his way out of the building to look for Mikasa and Eren.
~Five weeks later~
It seemed like school was passing by like a breeze. But teachers were still handing out homework and huge assignments every week. Armin was working his butt off not only trying to get everything in on time, but also helping Eren with his projects and Mikasa as well. He was always trying his hardest on every quiz and trying to keep his grades up top.
The only problem he had was that the first week of school he was a period short because the office had messed up his schedule. He'd spend the extra period reading in the library waiting for Mikasa and Eren to finish their classes. But then, on his second week he got his fixed schedule. He had got P.E. for sixth period now. That was the one class Armin wish he could skip.
Another thing that bothered Armin was that Jean was always bothering in Geography. He was always calling him 'Shrimp' or 'Girly' or some other name around those exact same lines. The worst one he had heard was 'The boobless blonde'. Armin was pretty use to it all though. He had been teased his whole life so he had created some sort of tolerence to it. Of course it did bother him from time to time, but he never said anything.
"It seems like you know everything, Armin," whined Connie Springer who is in Armin's third period, which is Health class.
" Hey Connie? Do you think he has an alien in his head who tells him all the anwsers?" asked Sasha Braus who was on the other side or Armin.
"No way! I think he had brain surgery done on him when he was little by evil scientist! But Armin became so smart he escaped the labs. Then he decided to live the life of a normal human boy so he wouldn't be caught!" Connie exclaimed back.
"Eh!? Is that true Armin?!" Sasha said sounding very convinced.
"What? No of course that's not true, Sasha. Connie is just trying to fool you," Armin said smiling at Sasha.
"See Sasha? He's trying to cover up the truth! Just so those scientist won't come and try to pick his brain!" Connie told Sasha in a really shrilled voice.
"That's scary!" Sasha exclaimed.
"Connie stop feeding her lies... You're just going to get in trouble from doing that. Besides you're not even done with your work," Armin said giving a quick look to Connie.
"Psh... I'll get it done! I'm smart to Armin! So don't underestimate my intelligence!" Connie exclaimed. He then began to look over Armin's shoulder and copy down the answers Armin had written down.
"Are you serious?" Armin said glaring a bit at Connie.
"Eheh... yes..." Connie said smiling at Armin.
"You're never going to learn anything, Connie if you don't at least try. Look, number four shouldn't be to hard. Why don't you try that one out?" Armin said pointing at Connie's paper.
Suddenly the speaker in the class went on. Everyone in the class turned silent and looked up to it.
"Excuse me for the interruption, Mrs. Knauss. Could you please send Armin Arlert up to the office? immediately. Thank you," The intercom then shut off with a click noise and everyone's heads turned to look at Armin who had turn a little pale.
"Well, then Armin. You'd best by on you're way up there," Said Mrs. Knauss.
Armin picked up his bag and opened it. He began to put his supplies away and then proceeded by closing it and putting his bag on. He then made his way out of the classroom with everyone still looking at him. He closed the door and began to walk down the hallway.
A million things raced through Armin's head. He had no idea what was going on or what was going to happen.
'Have I done something wrong?' Armin thought. 'Maybe I forgot a book or paper somewhere? But they wouldn't call me up on the intercom for something like that... Then what's happening?'
Armin had gone into a cold sweat. He then reached the office, knees shaking in fright of what would happen. He opened the door and went up to the lady sitting behind the desk.
"Um. I'm Armin Arlert... I was called up to the office," Armin was trying to make his voice straight but it was all coming out shaky.
"Ah yes. Just go between those doors there, and you'll see and Mr. Smith and Mr. Pixis ," the lady said pointing to a brown door that was to the right of her. Armin nodded his head and headed that way. He was really confused now. Why would and need him?
Armin opened the door and entered closing the door behind him. He turned to face his two mentors, knees still shaking in anticipation of what was going to happen.
"Hello, Armin!" Mr. Pixis said smiling.
Armin was so scared that he felt a little faint when he heard Mr. Pixis first talk.
"H-hello and ," Armin said voice still shaky.
"You don't have to sound so worried, Armin. You're not in trouble about anything," Mr. Smith said with a small pause. "We just need to talk to you."
Armin felt relief course through his body, like a splash of refreshing water. He let out a deep breath and smiled.
"Oh. What is it that you want to talk to me about, Sir?" Armin said looking at .
"As you may know asked you if you could help with tutoring. We've seen your grades and how you always manage to do your best at everything. Well it seems we have a student you could tutor. Are you willing to take this job?" explained Mr. Smith.
"Of course I can! It shouldn't be to hard!" Armin said with a bright smile.
"We thought you'd say yes. Since we don't want to burden you, we've decided to give you only one student since we understand you also have your own work to get done," Mr. Pixis then said.
"We've put you with... Ah... I had the list a moment ago..." Mr. Smith then began to look around the desk that was behind him.
"I can't seem to find the paper... Oh here it is. Thais strange the name isn't here... Well, anyways here's the list on the subjects you'll be helping this student with," Mr. Smith then handed Armin the paper.
On it were at least every subject Armin was taking that year. This poor student seriously needed some help.
"Oh and one last thing. Since we don't know the students name, even though we just talked to them, you'll just meet them up in the library after school. Is that ok?" asked Mr. Pixis.
"Yes that's fine," Armin said scanning over the paper again.
"And one last thing. Can you give this to Eren? We'd give it to him but since we know you two are close friends we thought you could do it. Tell him he'll meet up with his tutor in room 204," Said Mr. Smith .
Armin's jaw dropped. 'Eren?! He needs tutoring?!'
"Y-yes, Sir. Well I'll be on my way. Goodbye Mr. Pixis and Mr. Smith ," Armin said taking Eren's paper and walking out of the room.
He skimmed over Eren's paper which said he needed tutoring in English. Armin gave out a small chuckle. He then wondered who'd be Eren's tutor.
Armin then walked to his next period since period three's bell had just rung. He went to art class which in fact he did have with Eren. He went straight to his seat to see Mikasa and Eren already sitting on the chairs beside his.
"Hey Armin! You're a little late! What's up?" Eren asked.
"Nothing much. I was at the office because the called me for the tutoring program. I'm supposed to meet this student at the library," Armin told them.
"Ah that sucks. Seems like you won't be able to hang out with us after school anymore,' Eren said pouting a bit.
"Oh! I almost forgot. This is for you, Eren," Armin handed Eren the tutoring sheet and saw Eren's face go a little pale.
"E-Eh!? Tutoring for English!? T-this can't be right?!" Eren exclaimed a bit.
"Heh its alright Eren. Its only until you get your grade up to a passing point. At least your tutor has it easy. My student is failing in almost every class," Armin said tugging at the end of his locks.
"Woah really!? Well give them hell Armin!" Eren said smiling.
Armin smiled. He then looked at Eren's paper.
"Your tutor is... Levi Rivaille? Thats a strange name. You guys are going to be in room 204. Ah... Sorry that we have to leave you alone Mikasa," Armin said giving an apolegetic look to her.
"Its alright. I'm thinking of joining a sport actually," Mikasa said bluntly.
"EH!? R-Really!?" Armin and Eren said together at the same time in surprise.
Mikasa was taken back a bit.
"Well, yes. I thought it'd be a great way to spend some time do something else this year. That and Eren told me to..." Mikasa looked down when she said that.
"I only told you that because you need to make more friends to. You can't baby me your whole life, Mikasa," Eren said a bit harshly.
Mikasa looked a little sad. Armin knew she always had a neutral face on, but over the years Armin was able to tell what she felt. It was in her eyes. To break her from her sadness Armin asked a question.
"What sport are you thinking of playing?" Armin piped up.
Mikasa looked up at him. Her eyes looked a little glassy but then she gave a tiny smile as if saying 'Thank you for caring,' to Armin.
"I've decided to join baseball this year. Ymir and Christa are joining so, I though I would, too," Mikasa told Armin.
"Thats good. I heard the captain is really nice. I believe her name is Hanji Zoe. I've talked to her once, so I don't know very well," Armin said with a little smile.
"Hey, let her figure out the captains name or else she'll never ask them," Eren then interjected.
"You needed my help just finding the coach. At least I can find out were to go," Mikasa then said back.
Eren turned a bit red from his cheeks. "T-That was one time only! And plus I talked to him in the end!" Eren said in his defense.
Armin laughed as he saw the two bickering. He knew Mikasa meant no harm. She loved Eren with all her heart. She may seem cold, but she was really sweet indeed. Armin really loved her like his sister.
The day passed by quicker then Armin expected. He was in Geography, listnening to talk about the subcontinents and there forms. He could hear Jean scribbling on his paper. Armin decided to peak over and see what he was doing. Sure enough he was doodling something. Armin scoffed and returned his attention to .
The bell then rang and everyone left in a hurry. Except Armin. He was in no rush. He slowly packed up his stuff then began to walk out of the class.
"Armin, don't forget," called out Mr. Smith.
"I won't !" Armin called back. Armin made his way to the library. To tell the truth, he was a bit excited about becoming a tutor. He also wondered about who his new student would be. Armin opened the libraries door and entered. He walked past the huge bookshelf's, heart thudding in excitement.
'Just as I turn this corner I'll see who's my new student!' Armin thought to himself.
Armin turned the corner and stopped dead in his path. Armin felt like he had gone pale white again. He wanted to run back out the door and tell he wouldn't do it. But he knew know that he couldn't. Sitting at the table, were Armin was staring at, sat Jean Kirtchenstien looking out the window.
Armin gulped.
~Author's note: Is gulp even a word? Thanks for reading! will make a part two soon and have it up! By the way I'm having a problem! When I type Mr. And a name It doesn't Show up! Why is that? Can someone help me please!?~