The next morning found Armin brushing his teeth as he leaned in Eren's bedroom doorway, watching his best friend snore. He rolled his eyes at the way his best friend had sprawled over the entire bed. He glanced down at his watch and quickly returned to the bathroom to finish getting ready. A few minutes later Armin was barging back into Eren's room with Bertl hot on his heels. He took a running start and launched himself onto his best friend. Bertl jumped onto the bed and licked his owners cheek before plopping his head onto Eren's chest with a satisfied woof.

Eren groaned and wiped his cheek before glaring up at his smiling best friend through slitted eyes. "Why for the love of God, are you sitting on top of me."

"It's time to get up. We're already late." Armin grinned widely as he made himself comfortable on top of Eren.

"Hell no, you were up almost all damn night typing away. I need my sleep and there is no way, I am getting up at…" Eren glanced over to his alarm clock on the nightstand and groaned as he flopped back onto the bed. "3:45 Armin?! You woke me up at 3:45 in the fucking morning? Are you fucking kidding me? How the hell are you even awake?"

Armin grinned widely as he watched his best friend try to get into a comfortable position underneath him. "Practice, I've been doing this for years Eren. We need to stop at my place before opening the bakery and…" Armin felt his face flush brightly.

Eren groaned and cursed before quickly reaching out and taking ahold of his best friend's collar and dragging him down onto the bed beside him. Bertl let out a soft grumble as he hopped off the bed to avoid being crushed by the blonde. He let out a bark before scurrying back out of the room. "Shut up… not a word, it's your fault."

Armin chuckled and poked Eren's cheek, "Why Eren… I didn't think you saw me in that way…" He felt his cheeks flush brighter.

Eren smacked his hand away and turned on his side to face Armin. "Leave me alone, I'm tired, and speaking of being tired, you need to start sleeping more; Bertholdt and Moblit closed the bakery last night. They can open it. Mikasa also has a key she can get things started just message her. I need sleep, two and a half hours is not enough. Judging by the bags under your eyes it's not enough for you either."

Armin opened his mouth to deny that Eren was right when he broke out into a yawn instead. He frowned as he wiped his eyes and met Eren's smug smirk. Before he could say anything else Eren turned over and reached out for his phone. Armin watched as Eren typed out a message and sent it before laying back down and pulling the blonde closer. He dragged the blanket over his best friend and yawned. "Go back to sleep, Mika will handle the bakery until we get there."

Armin nodded and yawned again as he snuggled closer into his best friend's sleepy warmth. Eren chuckled sleepily as he pulled the blonde as close as possible and let himself slip off into a deep sleep.

Eren rolled his eyes as he glanced over to where the blonde was sitting with his arms crossed and a pout splayed over his face. It was nearing 1 in the afternoon and Armin was not in the least bit happy about having slept so long. He even ignored Eren the whole time they had stopped over at the blonde's apartment to get a weeks worth of supplies. Eren sighed and reached out to nudge his best friend. "Hey, I really am sorry Ar… We both needed the sleep and I honestly thought I had set an alarm…"

Armin turned to glare at his friend, he made the mistake of looking into Eren's wide green eyes. He sighed as he felt his anger dissipate. "Yeah, I know… sorry, I just have a lot of things on my mind and this was just the icing on the cake…"

Eren gave a small smile as he pulled into the parking lot in front of the bakery. By the time they made their way into the somewhat busy bakery, the two had gone back to teasing each other. It was very rare if one of the two stayed upset at the other, they usually patched things up within a few hours, at worst a few days.

Armin and Eren passed by with quick greetings to Moblit and Bertholdt as they headed into the office. Eren paused at the mess of flowers, papers, wires, and computer screens he walked into before stepping aside so Armin could have a look.

"Well now… this is a sight… hey guys." Armin greeted as he carefully made his way to his closet to hang up his coat, making sure not to step or trip on any computer wires. Eren followed the blonde through the mess as Mikasa glanced at the two before returning her attention to the screens in front of her.

Marco's head shot up from behind his own set of screens as he gave a bright smile and quick wave, "Hey guys… sorry about the mess… it's the fastest way I could think of to browse through everything…" He waited until Armin acknowledged his excuse before returning back to work. Eren shook his head at the sound of keys being pressed at almost a mile a minute. Marco was known to be quick in scrounging up whatever needed to be found. Eren would constantly tease their hacker over his ability to completely tune everything out within seconds, just so he could continue pressing a million and one keys.

Armin glanced around at the assortment of flowers and quirked an eyebrow, "What's with the flowers? I mean thanks, Mika...but just seeing you two working on figuring this out is enough to cheer me up…"

Mikasa looked up at her two childhood friends, standing side by side in matching aprons, "Those aren't from me, Armin… they were already here when we arrived." Something in Mikasa's voice was enough to gain Marco's attention as he looked at the humongous vases.

Armin felt a shudder go through him, he wasn't certain why, but he wanted nothing to do with the flowers. They creeped him out and he couldn't place a finger on why, he just wasn't comfortable. He took a deep breath and felt everyone's eyes on him as he moved to the closest bouquet of flowers, which also seemed the be the biggest and most extravagant ones he had ever seen. Under other circumstances he probably would've felt flattered, at the moment all he felt was the need to throw them away. The closer he got to the bouquet the easier it was to spot the small white note card, with a hesitant hand he reached out and gently retrieved it, so as not to harm any of the flowers.

I hope you're enjoying your gifts, you never take the time to answer my letters… thought you'd enjoy this far more than words -from your secret admirer.

Armin felt a chill creep down his spine as he read and reread the small note card. He stood there for a few minutes before taking a deep breath to wash away the chill, he looked around at the others before picking up the largest bouquet with ease and walking out of his office. He spotted his two employees sitting at the island and figured the only reason the two of them would be sitting there, would be because rush hour was over and they were taking their break. He frowned at the thought of both of them taking a break at once, but that was a problem for later, right now he had a slightly more pressing matter to attend to.

He was aware Eren had followed him out and he was pretty sure Mikasa and Marco were listening from their spots in front of the computer screens. He walked up to the two boys and not so gently placed the flowers between them, the action quickly demanding silence and attention. Both men turned to their serious boss as he placed his hands on his hips and looked from Moblit to Bertholdt and back.

"Who signed for it?"

"Uh… well you see…" Bertholdt shivered and felt himself straighten under the icy glare his boss shot him as he tried to explain.

Moblit glanced at his friend and couldn't stop the overwhelming feeling of pity as he cleared his throat; he gulped loudly when the icy gaze landed on him. "I did… I didn't think you'd mind and well… I didn't want to seem rude."

Bertholdt and Moblit watched as their bosses nose scrunched slightly as he thought. Eren watched his best friend as he walked out of the fridge with a cake and set it on the island. He gathered the remaining things he needed as he listened to the conversation. "Throw them away. I don't want them. It's bad enough I get letters here, I don't want gifts as well. Stop signing for things, understood? I don't want to see this again." Armin finally answered in a clipped tone as he stared down the two fidgeting employees.

Eren sighed and glanced at the other two in the room before shaking his head, "Hey isn't it time for the two of you to get back to the front. I think I heard some customers come in." Moblit and Bertholdt stood quickly and mumbled their thanks as they scurried off through the double doors. Armin turned his glare on his best friend who merely shrugged and started piping roses onto the cake. "I don't see the problem, Ar. So someone loves your books, and he or she sent you flowers. I think that's actually pretty sweet of them."

Armin quickly tied his hair back into a ponytail as he made his way to wash the dishes piling up in the sink. "The problem, Eren… is that I shouldn't be getting anything. Not once did I ever give this bakery's address and my books aren't even that popular. Don't you think it's odd that I'm getting gifts when the only people who know about this bakery are our customers?" He sighed as he put down the last dish to dry and turned to lean against the counter. He watched as Eren finished piping roses. He could vaguely hear the tip tap of keys being pressed, assuming Mikasa and Marco went back to work.

"It's not odd Armin. You mentioned the bakery by name the first time you ever had a book signing. It doesn't really take a genius to figure out how to use google." Eren shot his friend a small smile as he reached over and placed the cake in a box, attaching the recipients receipt to it.

Armin took a deep breath and thought about that for a bit before shrugging, "Yeah, you're right. Maybe I am overthinking things. I just don't like receiving gifts from strangers…" Eren nodded in understanding as he patted his friend on the shoulder, while making his way to the fridge with the finished cake.

Armin watched his friend working and decided he should start doing something productive as well. He went out into the front to check the message board to see if there were any other specialty cakes that have been ordered. As he glanced around the message board he noticed a small gray and gold card hanging in the bottom corner of the board. Frowning in confusion as he reached up for it, he turned to Moblit, who was busy filling a cup with coffee.

"What's this?"

Moblit froze slightly wary about his bosses temper. He quickly handed off the coffee to the waiting customer. He glanced over to where Bertholdt's eyes met his and sighed, "One of your customers overheard me and Bertholdt talking about the gifts and stuff… mostly about how you didn't like it… anyways, he gave that to us and said there might come a time when you need a bodyguard so… I put it there…" Moblit grimaced at the way his voice slowly died out at the end, no matter how much shorter the blonde was than himself, he somehow still managed to frighten everyone with his temper.

"Bodyguard? No. I refuse, I'm not some well-known actor or writer you guys." Armin directed towards his two employees, Bertholdt had slowly made his way over to listen. "I don't need something like this. Bodyguards are for important or rich people and even politicians. I am none of those, I don't need it. Next time just throw things like this away, Moblit."

Moblit frowned, he hated when Armin said things like that. "But Armin, you are as important as them and it does no harm in just keeping it in case you need it…"

"No. Now I'm done talking about this, we have work to do." Armin stated as he turned back to the message board.

Moblit bit his lip as he cast a look in Bertholdt's direction. He knew he was asking for it when even Bertholdt shook his head and mouthed for him to drop it. The smart portion of his brain knew the taller male was right and he should just let it go, but the stubborn part of it was annoyed with how often his blonde friend thought so little of himself. He took a deep breath and tried again, "Armin… I know you don't believe me, but I have read your stories, and they were amazing… You have such a wonderful talent, have you ever seen what everyone is saying about your books? Hell, Armin, you're about as well known as that chick who wrote Harry Potter. If you're that well known then it means you are as importa-"

"MOBLIT!" Armin slammed the clipboard down onto the counter and silenced his employee. He noticed Mikasa and Eren glancing through the double doors at his shout. Bertholdt noticed them as well and quickly shook his head and waved them away when they spotted him. Armin pinched the bridge of his nose as he inhaled slowly to calm himself before turning to his employee. "Enough already, please. I appreciate that you've read my books, however I've had enough of this nonsense. Now if you're done, go and finish preparing the rest of the birthday cakes that need to be delivered tomorrow. Got it?"

Armin felt his anger bubbling and tried to keep it in check. Moblit was a great employee and an even greater friend, he absolutely hated when he had to argue with the male. He watched as Moblit opened his mouth argue back, he knew that stubborn look anywhere. He quickly raised his hand to prevent his employee from responding, he had a feeling the next words to come out of Moblit's mouth would send him over the edge. He clenched his teeth and spoke, "No. Enough Moblit, seriously get to work. I don't want to hear about this anymore. Do I make myself clear?"

He watched as the employee in front of him opened his mouth once more before closing it and slumping in defeat, "Yes sir…" Armin bit his lip feeling like a total ass at how he treated his friend and employee before briskly turning away and heading back into the kitchen. It was definitely going to be another long and excruciating day.

Jean was having a rather horrible day, he and Levi had spent the night binge watching Eren's tv shows. He had fallen asleep earlier than Levi, and even though the short male had spent the night, it wasn't enough to keep the nightmares from plaguing his dreams. He woke up multiple times to a somewhat awake Levi, shushing him and running fingers through his hair. No one said being a bodyguard was an easy job, certain things stuck with them. Like the 15 year old girl they failed to save whose body was found skinned alive; or the 64 year old father who decided he'd had enough and couldn't take how paranoid he was and slit his throat in front of his kids; or even the family of 4 with an infant all of whom they were too late to pull out of a fire. That last one always stuck with him the most. It was the last straw for him and the reason he had quit volunteering at the fire station.

He never liked speaking about what woke him up and Levi never pressured him to. It was an unspeakable understanding the two had, while Levi had nightmares as well, they never reached the point that Jean's did. They were never as often as his either, needless to say Jean was extremely envious of that. However, the envy would always melt away the second he turned and found his best friend by his side comforting him the only way he knew how. Jean felt a small smile form on his face at the thought of his gentle and kind friend as he put the last book on his cart away. He yawned and stretched as he made his way back to the front counter, he'd known Levi almost his whole life and never once understood why he acted so cold and heartless to others. He shrugged off the thought as he came to a stop beside the counter and frowned at the enormous stack of books waiting to be checked back into the system.

"Y'know, usually the person who volunteers is just supposed to help around… not do all the work…" Jean glanced over at Connie who merely shrugged and flipped the page in his manga.

"Don't care, you wanted to volunteer, I let you. You're helping me do the duties I don't want to, so technically you're still helping around. Don't make me ban you from volunteering here Kirstein." Jean let out a snort as he shook his head before smacking Connie's with a book.

"Don't even try, your dad would never allow you to ban people from helping. Besides you guys have known me since middle school, I'm pretty sure your dad loves me more than you." He smirked as he started scanning the books back into the system.

Connie deadpanned as he flipped Jean the bird and turned his attention back to his manga, his back facing the counter and any customers coming up to the counter. "Yeah yeah, whatever, you keep believing what you want. Anyway, how is the temperamental midget doing? I know you two keep in touch, you always used to follow him around like a little lap dog." Jean huffed out a soft chuckle as he glanced up from the last book needing to be scanned.

"That temperamental midget, of which you speak, is about a second away from shoving his foot so far up your ass for ever calling him a midget." Connie froze for a split second before letting his head fall back, sporting a wide grin aimed at the frowning raven-haired male.

"Levi! What are you doing here? How've you been?" Levi rolled his eyes at Connie's attempt at light chatter to keep from getting injured. It wouldn't be the first time Levi had done something to Connie just because he was called a midget.

He quirked an eyebrow and stepped aside as the next few customers placed their books in the return bin right next to him. "I'm here to pick up Jean. We have plans."

Jean grinned widely as he shrugged on his coat and met Levi on the other side of the desk. "See you Connie. I'll leave these here for you, maybe now you'll do some work, lazy ass." Jean chuckled as Connie groaned pathetically while waving them off and putting away his manga, before finally getting to work. Jean shook his head as he followed the shorter man out of the building, his mood lightly perked up knowing exactly where they were headed.

Jean couldn't stop the overpowering yawn even if he wanted to, Levi quirked an eyebrow as the taller male bumped into him slightly. He watched as his best friend rubbed his eyes and couldn't stop the way the corner of his mouth tilted upward. Sleepy Jean reminded Levi of when they were younger and still at the orphanage. The way the taller male was far shorter back then and always carried around that little stuffed rabbit which Jean had named Flopsey. Levi felt his chest warm slightly at the picture of a young Jean popping into his memory. Hair sticking up every which way, one arm rubbing his eyes while the other clutched tightly onto the arm of a white stuffed rabbit, and the forceful yawn that always made young Jean lose his balance. Levi shook his head as if to clear the memory when Jean yawned widely again and bumped into him slightly.

"You need sleep, once we get to your place it's straight to bed. Got it?" Levi questioned in a tone that held no room for disagreement. Jean wiped his eyes again before shoving his hand into his pockets and grumbling.

"What did you say?" Jean fidgeted and looked away from Levi's stern glare as he answered.

"I said fine, dad." Jean felt his cheeks warm at the childish tone his voice had taken.

Levi on the other hand huffed in amusement as they rounded the corner and walked up to the bakery, he pulled open the door as he responded. "With as often as I have to look out for you, it's a fitting title."

They both got in line behind two high school girls and Levi watched as Jean grimaced. "Dude, no. Gross. You as a father figure? Don't make me puke before I'm going to eat something."

Levi frowned and elbowed the taller male as they moved up in the line. "You may have grown taller than me now and we may be in a public place but don't think I won't knock you on your ass if you insult me again." Jean cringed and nodded once in apology as he scooted away from Levi, worried the shorter male might actually follow through with his threat. Levi smirked as the two spent the rest of the time waiting in line in silence.

Levi knows Jean is taking in the sight of everything in the bakery, just as he is. Even if they have no reason to be worried they still can't stop themselves from always being on guard and keeping their eyes roaming discreetly to take in every detail. He took note of the employee from the previous day, Moblit he recalls, making a new pot of coffee. He spotted the raven haired female at the counter again and vaguely recalled seeing her the first time they were at the bakery, right before Jean dragged them out.

Levi watched as the door that lead to the kitchen is pushed open and an energetic brown haired male makes his way to the display case. He could recognize Eren anywhere, he continued to watch as Eren bent over and presumably wrote down the pastries they were running low on. Levi was so focused on the other male that he startled slightly as he felt a sharp jab his his ribs. He looked up at Jean and sent him a glare.

Jean rolled his eyes and nodded in the direction of the counter, where a very pissed off looking girl stood, staring him down with a glare that would have frozen anyone else had they not been Levi. He merely strolled up to the counter and stared right back at her with his own challenging glare. He mentally smirked when he saw the way her jaw clenched.

"What can I get for you?" Mikasa asked as politely as she could through clenched teeth.

"Coffee, black." Levi ordered as he noticeably brushed her off in favor of glancing back at where Eren was bent over.

"And for you sir?" Jean sighed as he could both feel and hear the anger coming from the girl in front of them. He subtly kicked at the shorter male and sent him a glare of his own before turning to the display case and ordering.

"Um… I'll take a coffee… and the individual cheesecake, oh and can you throw in…" Jean is cut off mid order at the surprisingly loud voice coming from behind the display case.

"Hey Ar! We need more crumb cakes!" Eren yelled as he crouched down to peer into the lower trays, reaching in to take out the empty ones.

Mikasa turned towards where the brunette was crouched down to chastise him, "Eren for goodness sake! You have a notepad, write it down and stop shouting like a lunatic!" She finished in a hiss as Armin walked out from the kitchen over to the brunette, Moblit joining at his side to peer over his shoulder.

"What do you mean we need more crumb cakes? I literally gave you guys a fresh tray of them about five minutes ago." Armin questioned as he leaned over and peered into the display case for himself, feeling a frown forming. He reached over and took the notepad from his best friend as they both stood up and examined the list Eren had made.

Levi and Jean stood at the counter eyeing the writer and actor, completely oblivious to the harsh glare being directed at them or the way Mikasa cleared her throat. Moblit glanced over upon hearing Mikasa and spotted the two customers, somewhat thankful they were the only two in line. He noticed they somehow always managed to be the only customers in the bakery as he gently nudged his boss.

"What?" Armin questioned as he tore his glance away from the notepad and up to Moblit.

Moblit turned to meet his eyes and mumbled softly, "Those are the two who left you that bodyguard card." Armin quirked an eyebrow as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ear and turned to the two watching the small group. He looked over to his best friend who merely shrugged and took back the notepad as Armin made his way to the counter. As he got closer he noticed the taller one start to blush and look away, no doubt embarrassed at having been caught staring.

Usually when people stared at Armin he hated it, but he found himself surprised at not minding it in the least when the taller male's eyes were on him. Armin reached over and patted Mikasa's arm gently and gave a small smile when she took the hint and hesitantly relinquished her spot in front of the two customers. Armin turned to the two who had both now turned their attention to him.

"Good, evening. I'm Armin Arlert, owner of this bakery. It has come to my attention, you two gentlemen have left behind your business card. While I do appreciate your kindness in trying to help, I must decline. You see, I don't need a bodyguard, nor do I want one. For future references, please choose a more willing person to leave your card with. I am sorry you have wasted your time." Armin finished in the most polite business voice he had ever had to pull. He reached into his apron pocket for the card and kindly slid it across the counter. He glanced up at the two men again and was instantly surprised at the way they both looked.

Where there had been starstruck gazes, now stood professionalism. Both men stood up straight and it was clear to anyone who was watching, that these men meant business and they were not the type of people to mess around with when they were working. Armin couldn't help feeling as though he somehow offended the men in front of him by giving back the card. He hesitated slightly with his hand still touching the card before slowly pulling away.

Jean glanced down at Levi and kept his expression unreadable, he was surprised that it was his best friend who chose to address the situation that they found themselves in rather than himself. "I know you believe it may be a waste, however we do not. We like to believe it's always best to have a back-up plan. Keep the card, even if you never use it, it's best to have it in case it's needed."

Armin bit his lip and glanced between the two customers before reaching out slowly and taking the card back. The tone which the shorter male had used, offered no chance for rebuke and Armin had admitted defeat by placing the card back in his pocket. Eren and Mikasa glanced over at the exchange between the three men from where they stood. "I appreciate the gesture… I'll keep it in case it's needed, even if I believe I will never use it. Now then, with that out of the way… Is there anything else we can get for you?" Armin sighed and felt himself relax as his business persona melted into a kind worker.

Jean and Levi noticed the change in Armin's tone and let themselves relax. Eren shrugged and continued writing down things they needed. Mikasa watched as Armin continued the order before walking over to the end of the display case and frowned as she pulled out a tray. "Eren."

Eren glanced up and smiled widely as he scratched the back of his head, "That's where I put them! Never mind, Armin! We don't need any more crumb cakes. I misplaced them."

Armin flinched and turned to glare at his best friend, "Inside voices Eren. Stop shouting already, I'm right here, not across the parking lot!" He scolded as the brunette merely shrugged and placed the tray where it belonged. Armin turned back to the duo with an apology on his tongue to find the shorter one staring at Eren. He quirked an eyebrow and glanced up at the other male who merely shrugged and glanced back at the display case.

"We'll take a crumb cake as well… and that'll be all." Jean finished and turned back to stare at the blonde. Watching as his cheeks turned a soft pink.

Armin felt eyes on him again as he rang up the two customers. "Wonderful, that'll be $19.57." He smiles up politely as Jean hands over his credit card. Armin took a quick peek at the name as he charged the card. "Thank you, Jean. Please, come again, the both of you." Armin stepped aside and made his way towards Eren, as Mikasa placed the items on the counter.

Jean felt his cheeks flush brightly at the girls next words. "Yes, please come again, and please try not to stare at our workers. It's rather uncomfortable." Armin and Eren glanced over to the counter at Mikasa's rude tone to find both men sufficiently embarrassed. Jean glanced their way one last time as he grabbed his things and dragged the annoyed looking male out of the bakery.

Armin felt himself blush at how cute he thought the taller looked with a reddened face, as he scurried out of the bakery. He turned to his best friend who seemed to be having the same thoughts about the shorter male, if his warm cheeks were anything to go by. They met each others eyes and both froze when they felt a cold stare. Looking over to where Mikasa was glaring at them both Eren and Armin chuckled nervously before scurrying off to the kitchen.