Defrosting Mr Ackerman

AN: This oneshot was written for the 500 word winter drabble challenge on my Discord server. (minus the Author's Notes, this is exactly 500 words)

It's my first time writing Levi/Armin (Levarmin), but I've been wanting to give it a go for ages, it's a really undervalued ship!

Please note Armin is not underage in this, I imagine he's 18/19. And despite sounding like a grumpy old man, Levi is maybe mid/late 20's. Just so there's less of an age gap than canon!

"Captain Levi, please come quick!"

I glare up from my mopping. The floor is covered in melted snow, from shitty soldiers incapable of wiping their boots.

Armin Arlert stands in the doorway, panting, his face pink from the cold. His blue eyes are wide and imploring. But he has the decency to wipe his boots.

"What is it?"

"It's Eren and Jean, sir – they're fighting again! And Eren says he's going to turn into a titan and eat him!"

Fucking bratty shitheads. Can't I ever have a moment's peace?

But it's not fair to take my frustration out on Arlert.

I follow him outside, shivering against the snow flurries. Did I mention I hate winter?

"In here, Captain!" Arlert shouts. He might be small but he sure can yell.

We enter the Recreation Building. This is where soldiers socialise in the evenings. So naturally, I hardly ever come here. Arlert leads me to a closed door. He raps on it loudly.

"Arlert, why are you knocking?!"

"Oh! Just in case… Eren and Jean have stopped fighting and started making out! They do that sometimes."

Holy fucking Founding Titan. I'm going to vomit.

Arlert shifts from one foot to another, waiting before entering. He shoots me a little smile, his eyes warm, then looks away.

Damn. The kid's cute. He's been giving me admiring glances for a while now. But he should be smart enough to stay clear of an asshole like me.

"Alright, that's enough time," Arlert declares, pushing open the door.

We enter a huge room – probably used for gatherings. There must be a party coming up, because the walls are decorated with a winter-themed array of silver snowflakes and glittering icicles. There's food on the tables; including some of my favourite treats - iced cakes and gingerbread biscuits.

"Arlert, what the-"

"SURPRISE!"

I reach instinctively for my non-existing blades, as people spring out from various hiding places.

"What the fuck-"

"Happy Birthday Captain!" Arlert yells. The kid is beaming, his eyes glowing affectionately.

"How did you know…?"

I pick out familiar faces in the crowd – Eren and Jean (not making out, thankfully), Mikasa, Annie, Petra, Mike, Sasha and Connie (stuffing their faces of course).

"Levi!" Hange sprints over, flinging their arms around me. Erwin follows at a more sedate pace.

"Didn't I tell you I'd feed you to titans if you ever had a birthday party for me?!"

Erwin smirks. "We didn't. Armin asked us about your birthday. He noticed nobody seems to celebrate it. And he decided to throw a party."

I glance in surprise at Armin. He's surrounded by his friends, all chattering excitedly. He organised a party for me?

Does he know it's my first birthday party ever?

Armin catches me staring. "Are you mad, Captain?" Worry creases his brow.

My mind churns with a range of emotions. For once, anger isn't one of them.

"No. Thank you, Armin."

The young man smiles – a dazzling, heart-stopping smile.

And I find myself smiling back.

AN: It was so tough keeping this under 500 words. I hope I managed to create a sweet/fluffy/light-hearted scene that gives the Levarmin ship some much needed love.

As always, I'd really appreciate your thoughts! :D