It was about the same time last time that the homecoming committee had decided to go to their new meeting spot. And what they saw and heard caught the whole crew of over twenty kids off guard. There in front of them was their beloved Eren and his fiance arguing with each other. Both of them were obviously very upset in their own way, however it was very odd to see this sort of scene. After all the quiet boy who never really talked to anyone was outwardly ordering the play boy around.

"Twenty, it's the twentieth time you have broken the rules. Go put a rock outside again." Armin orders the other who was fuming across from him.

"WHAT I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG!?" Eren insisted not paying attention to the crowd of people that started to flood into the house.

"Mentioning other people and comparing them is a terrible thing." The blond states with a stern yet gentle voice.

"What's so bad about it!?"

"It makes them feel insecure, like they're not doing something right."

"Yeah, but it makes everyone fight over you."

"You have no competition so there is no reason for anyone to fight. And I'm pretty sure you don't want her to know that you stoop down like that."

"She'll never know."

"Wanna bet?" The masked teen suggest as he glances at the people behind him who were watching the scene.

"Hell yeah I do."

"Okay, if she finds out you have to change the homecoming work place."

"Fine, but if I win you have to actively help me to win our crowns. This is some hard work."

"Deal, so just to clarify we're betting that you-know-who won't find out you compare other people to each other so they can fight over you."

"Yes!" Eren says without a tinge of regret in his voice.

"Oh yeah, I think it's my time to tell you everyone from the committee is here: I win." Armin says with a small smirk on his face watching as Eren slowly turns around to see their audience.

"So that's how you get all those babes to fight over you." Connie interjects as he pushes himself in the front to give Eren a high-five. Meanwhile Eren's gaze was stuck on the one person whose response truly mattered. Looking Next to Connie his black haired beauty watched her adopted brother with disappointed eyes. Her head shook ever so slowly to indicate her disapproval. After seeing that expression, a piece of Eren's small heart started to crack.

"Judging by your expression that person is in here right now," Sasha states.

"Wow, you sure did set yourself up for that one. Good to see there is someone who will point out your bullshit." Jean says as he eyes Armin from the other side with a small bit of interest starting to bubble within him.

"W-What are you guys doing here so early anyways!?" Eren questions ignoring the rapid beating of his heart from the recent "heart attack" he had suffered from.

"We're here at the same time we were last time. However seeing as you lost the bet it looks like we'll be here for the last time. So I will change the meeting place to our place." Mikasa points out to Eren making eye contact with him as she did so.

"W-What why our house!?" The brunette inquires not liking the idea of all his classmates knowing where he lives. After all he only allowed a select few people to know the address where he lived. It would be a hassle if everyone knew where he lived since he had a lot of angry suitors.

"It's fine, I'll tell dad about it tomorrow." Mikasa told her brother.

"Tomorrow is the photo shoot, we're not even gonna be at school."

"You're right, well then Armin do you mind if for one more day we can use this place?" Mikasa looked passed Eren to see the masked teen who was about to escape homecoming once more. However after hearing her voice, the blond immediately turned around nervously. Bringing his gaze to look to where Mikasa was, he could see the other pairs of eyes behind her looking at him with pleading eyes. Eyes that asked for him to say yes so that they could get as much decorations done as soon possible. After all, homecoming was only a month away and they would be behind one day if he were to say no. Calculating what had to be done,and was already finished Armin knew that they losing a day would affect them.

After all they didn't have a large group of people helping and that wouldn't happen until the days closer to actual homecoming. And a majority of their decorations had to be painted and sit over night for them to fully dry. Along with that the float had still yet to be made as well as the class skit. In a sum there was no way Armin could say no without his conscience telling him he would be doing wrong.

"S-Sure...I-I don't see what's wrong with one more day." Armin lied through his teeth as he slowly started to back away with an awkward grin on his face.

"Where do you think you're going?" Eren walks over to Armin so that they are about a foot away from each other noses almost touching. Armin who didn't like the lack space in between them slowly but surely started to take steps back to make more distance between their bodies. On the other hand Eren saw this as a way for Armin to try and escape since the sliding door that lead to the beach was slightly opened. So the brunette walked with the other making sure not to step on his feet. As they got closer to the door, Eren put his hands against the glass and slide it closed. Now trapping Armin with his arms, Eren notices the other looking to the side as if trying to look for an opening.

"Now you can't all we need you right guys!?" The play boy says as he grabs Armin's chin and brings the other to look him in the eye. Hearing the cheers from the other people in the room, Armin knew then and there he wasn't escaping today. He then felt Eren's hands on his shoulder's turning him around to face the crowd. "After all we do need the other prince since we're going to be making the skit today. And guess what we have the lead roles!"

"W-WHAT!?" Armin exclaims in shock. No one told him that he would have a role int he skit, and why would he?He was a nobody who had just started going to an unfamiliar school. Not to mention he was the self-proclaimed ugliest kid of the school, so why in the world would they make him a lead.

"Well Armin you see we all were talking about it it's the best decision you and Eren are the story we are going to be telling." Mikasa chimes in eyes focused on Armin.

"W-we don't have a story though. And why can't it be Eren and someone else?Someone who is better."

"It has to be your Armin, after all we are running for king and queen. And what better way to campaign while also contributing to the entertainment part of Homecoming." Eren states as he brought his mouth close to Armin's ear. His hot breath causing Armin to shiver.

"Yeah, plus we heard your photo shoot is coming soon. So we can use that as publicity too, the other candidates wouldn't do that." Jean adds into the conversation after getting bored just watching.

"But why would we need to got that far? Sure no one else will have that, but my engagement to Eren wasn't meant for us to win stupid they are just family pictures how can they help?"

"Well it is now, and who doesn't love to hear a love story like that. I would pay money to watch you two go from hating each other to loving each other." Sasha comments as she starts to set down some cardboard and paints along with a few other people who grew tired of the conversation.

"Fall in love no way." Armin tells the lot still trying to get out of the hold that Eren has him in.

"Armin, you are apart of our class like everyone else is. If we all lose homecoming so do you, and I heard you don't like losing." Mikasa points out causing Armin to feel as if an arrow of guilt ran straight through his chest. His words being used against him didn't feel any better either."Now that you see why you have to stay, let's start brain storming an original story."


-After Homecoming Armin's House-

"Ugh, that was so tiring." Armin complained as he sat at the dinner table with his father.

"What happened?" Erwin questions his son as he looks up from the documents he was reading.

"I was forced to stay at Homecoming...They even told me that I would have a lead role in the skit."

"Well that's a good thing, nice to hear you're getting out there now."

"I don't want to be...It's Eren's fault."

"Ah Eren, how is making him a friend working?"

"Hard, I don't even like him to want to be around him. Plus for now it seems like were doing everything to get on each other's nerves."

"Sounds like a beautiful friendship there."

"Uh huh..."

"You excited for the family photo shoot."

"No, you know I don't like my picture being taken."

"I know, but we have to have it. Especially the other half of the session."

"Other half?"

"Yes, didn't Mikasa tell you? You and Eren are going to be taking engagement pictures."

"ENGAGEMENT PICTURES!NO WAY!NO I'M NOT DOING THAT! That's more pictures than I am willing to take!"

"But Armin this is just for show. You never even have to see the outcome."

"Yeah, but everyone else will see my ugly face!"

"Armin your face isn't ugly."

"How do you know!?You're not the one that has to look at it everyday...I-I saved you from looking at it dad.B-But as for me, I-I have to see it everyday when I take a bath or wash my face. I have to see it and it hurts."

"Armin..."

"Nothing will ever change this face I was born with!I don't want to."

"Please Armin, it's just once. After that no more pictures, I won't even allow the media to put their camera near you. Please just take these engagement pictures, Levi says that he wants , he even said his son came up with the idea."

"Eren!"

"Yes, he said you guys needed them for something."

"I need to go outside, if you will excuse me." Armin stands out of his chair and grabs his wallet and phone as he stormed out the door into the drive way and started to walk away from the house. It didn't take too long for him to finally reach his favorite coffee shop and order some hot chocolate before walking to a near by park. Finding an empty swing, Armin sat there alone with his hot cup of hot chocolate in his hand. He remained there for a few moments, trying to mentally prepare himself for what was going to happen. And just as he anticipated it to happen it did. The masked teen's heart began to race and his mind sort through different paths tomorrow could take. He could feel that oh so familiar surge of energy go through him telling him that his anxiety had arrived once more.

"I-I can't do it...I can't...They don't know what it's like to be ugly and take pictures. All their faces come out beautifully while mine comes out with a new flaw each time. Why can't they just stop it!" Armin mutters to himself as he looks down to his hands tightening the grip on his cup. "Why can't they just leave me alone!"

"Armin?" A familiar voice said to him gaining the blond's attention.

"M-Mikasa..." The blond mutters.

"What are you doing here alone at night in the cold?" She questions with eyes filled with concern, though her expression would tell you otherwise.

"Just thinking...I'm..I-I'm nervous."

"For the photo shoot?"

Armin nods.

"And you're here to clear your mind?"

Another nod

"I see, will trust me everything will be fine."

"H-How?"

"It's just a few pictures."

"A few pictures would have been the family pictures, but what is this about engagement pictures?"

"Well...It was decided two days before the photo shoot. My father thought that since we were already in the studio it would be best to had the engagement pictures done. So during dinner, my father called the place to have it arranged. Then when Eren over heard he told father that he wanted to pick out the theme for the engagement pictures. Then it kind of got word at lunch today that we would use them for homecoming."

"So that's why my father and Jean said those things...I thought they were planning to use the family pictures."

"Yeah, so it's all new. Eren hasn't even told us what the theme is, but you can expect that it will fairy tales."

"I won't do it."

"W-What?"

"I-I can't...That's way too many pictures...I can't let the photographer see my ugly face for that long."

"Ugly?"

"Y-Yes..."

"Armin you're not ugly."

"Yes I am."

"No you're not."

"Yes I am."

"Says who?"

"Says that boy in kindergarten who caused me to wear this mask."

"I'm not following."

"I-It's just something that happened in the past."

"Do you mind telling me?If not it's alright?"

"I-It's just I've been ugly since I was small. After I told someone I liked them they told me the truth and since that day I haven't been the same."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Mikasa tells the other as she tries to figure out why that story sounded so familiar.

"..."

"But that still doesn't mean you grew up ugly."

"Huh?"

"So that person said you were ugly back then, but your face must have changed. So you might actually be beautiful understand mask."

"N-No...I-I've seen myself:I'm not."

"Hmm..." The beauty hums to herself trying to find a way to convince Armin to go through with the photo shoot. And then it hit her, there was a way to persuade the other. However how effective the plan may be will be all based on Armin's answer.

"Can I ask you a question?" The student body president inquires stopping Armin from taking a sip from his hot chocolate.

"S-Sure..."

"Why do you wear the mask?"

"T-To protect people from seeing my ugly face."

"And does it work?"

"Y-Yes, no one really knows what I look like."

"Well then pictures shouldn't' be a problem. Your mask hides your face, so it won't show in the pictures and you won't be compared. All that it will show is the beauty of the mask. Have you picked out a mask for tomorrow?"

"N-No..."

"I have one in mind."

"Huh?"

"I can let you have it. It would work perfect with the theme and I'm guessing you like mask."

"Y-Yes I do!" Armin says happily his previously depresses started going to the back of his thoughts.

"Well you can have it, just get through this photo shoot engagement pictures and all."

"O-Okay, I-I'll do it."

"That's it."

"C-Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure thing?"

"Why are you out here so late at night?"

"Oh I was just getting somethings for the house." Mikasa held up some plastic bags that he didn't notice she had before.

"Oh, well then you better be getting home."

"Hmm, I don't want to. Let's just talk so we can get your nerves down, plus your family and I want to get to know you better."

"S-Same here!" Armin lies through his teeth seeing this as an opportunity to get closer to Mikasa and also find out things that could help Eren win her over.

"That's good then."

"W-What do you like to do?"

"Hmm, I really like kendo along with Karate. I feel that I'm fairly good at them. I am stronger than anyone else. I enjoy student council, it helps me to fight for what the students of like a sense of justice."

"I see."

"My turn, what are you favorite things."

"I-I like the ocean, science, and mask. I find them all beautiful and amazing! Every time I learn something new about any of those things I can't help but have my heart race."

"I can see that. Hmm, maybe one day you and I can go to the ocean and you can teach me some things."

"I-I could sure...B-but you know we've been near the ocean the whole time for Homecoming."

"Yes but that was without your permission. It was wrong for my brother to allow us into your hide out."

"H-He told you?"

"No, he told our friends. He hasn't talked to me since a few days after you came."

"H-How come?" Armin ask innocently though he already knew the answer to it.

"Well that's kind of a long story..."

"I-Is it really?You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"No it's fine, in fact I think it's best I at least tell someone about it. I've been trying to work on telling people things."

"I see..."

"A few days after you arrived I went out to find Eren. He was at a club doing his thing, we started fighting. I was getting really heated about it too. He kept hanging out with all these girl.I didn't like it, especially when he has someone like I kept mentioning you, and asked why he couldn't give you a try. He then said he couldn't, and then I asked if he loved someone. He told me yes,but he couldn't court her. I asked him why and kept pushing for an answer and then he said it was me."

"Then what happened?"

"I walked away and told him I was going to the car:I was shocked. I needed time to process everything."

"How are you now?"

"I'm fine, but I'm willing to move on from it. But for Eren he doesn't seem like he's ready. He is ignoring me now, he just needs more time than me."

"Y-Yeah."

"You know the funny thing is, if he had told me this when I was in middle school I would have actually said I felt the same."

"W-WHAT!?"

"Mhmm, when I was in middle school I liked my brother."

"W-Why?"

"Well when we were small he and father came to the orphanage where I was. Father wanted another kid to keep Eren company, so he had Eren choose who his future sister would be. Then he chose me; I was so happy. He chose me out of everyone there and gave me my favorite red scarf that I wear almost everyday. As we grew up together I saw that he got into fights and didn't have many friends. So I was always there to protect him, and he would try to do the same for me. Sure he was a bully, and bullied this one kid. But if he was going to be a bully so was I. I didn't want him getting hurt.

Then when I was in my first year of middle school, I was with a bunch of girls talking about Eren. They said they liked him and wanted to go out with I over heard them, it didn't sit right with me. I then started to act really weird towards Eren. And in the end I realized I liked Eren and started to feel uneasy about it. It was odd to like someone who thinks of you as a sibling. Sure we weren't blood related, but it was still odd when your father considers you both his children. Not to mention all of the school's populace knowing you're siblings doesn't help as well.

It was a tough time but I held my crush in until seventh grade. Eren had gotten into an accident, he hurt his head during it. He saved me from a car that was coming straight for us, he took the hit for me. So when I saw him on the floor all bloody something in me snapped. I first felt guilty that I wasn't the one to protect him when it really mattered. But after I got over that initial feeling my hormones told me that I needed to tell him.

So when he woke up a few days later, I was by his side watching over him. A week later I told him I liked him, he looked at me confused. After he told me to get out, the next thing I knew he was sleeping around. It hurt to hear that the one I liked was doing those things, and having it happen right after I confessed to him. But you know I got over it, I had to. So by the time I was in high school I would be free from those feelings and I am."

"S-So, it was just poor timing."

"Yes it was."

"Would you ever consider dating him again even though you got over it?"

"No I don't think so. After he started sleeping around I didn't like it, I still would protect him though."

"How come though."

"I'm not looking for a relationship, I want to graduate and be the valedictorian. That's a lot of work, so I need to focus."

"I-I see, same here honestly."

"I hear you're very smart."

"I-I'm okay..."

"Straight A's in every class but P.E. is pretty good."

"It's fine...A-Anyways what do you look in for a guy now?"

"Why?"

"J-Just wondering, I mean you said you liked Eren but now you don't what changed?"

"I guess I want a guy who is honest with himself and is loyal."

"Ah I see..."

"Well anyways, it's getting late. It's already ten at night."

"T-Ten!"

"Yup, and my father must be wondering where I am. I guess yours is too."

"You're right."

"Say hello to your father for me."

"W-Will do."


-Ar the Arlert-Smith house-

"Dad, I-I'm home."

Armin announces as he closes the door behind him, shivering as he did so from the dramatic change in temperature. Walking deeper into the house, Armin proceeded to the living room where he thought his father was. Turning his head from side-to-side, the blond found that his father was not there. Shrugging it off, the masked teen ventured out to the second place he would find his father. Strolling down the hall ways, Armin took two lefts and a right until he was finally in front of two wooden doors with gold handles. Judging from the light emitting from the tiny cracks the teen was sure that his father was in there. That and the fact that there was murmurs of someone speaking to someone on the phone from the other side. Gripping the right handle, Armin pushed lightly making sure that his entrance wasn't loud. However once he heard his father speak to the person on the other side, he paused. Doubting he had heard what he had thought, Armin listened in once more to confirm.

Yes,he knew that spying was wrong but who wouldn't do it. Especially in this case, for after a few more moments of listening Armin confirmed what the conversation was about. Armin could feel the pounding of his heart when he realized that his father talking about him and sounding disappointed. What did I do wrong? Did I do something wrong recently? What did I do? Should I wait and listen, or should I forget I heard my name and worry about what he could have said later? The teen thought to himself as he fell into a state of panic. No I have to find out if I don't I'll just be up all night wondering what he said. But on the other hand if what I hear will hurt me?

"Yeah, I just don't know what to do about him anymore Levi..." Erwin sighs as he turns around in his chair allowing Armin to see his face of defeat. Stopping his inner conflict, Armin paid attention to the words that were coming out from his father's mouth as Levi responded in real time.

"You have to tell him. It's just a few pictures, we're not making him do a speech." Levi responds in his usual monotone voice.

"It'll crush him."

"You baby him too much Smith. You need to do tough love."

"And where has that gotten you with Eren?"

"We're not talking about Eren right now."

"You're right, sorry. But how? I can't just go up to my kid and tell him he needs to grow up."

"Yes you can."

"But you don't know him. He'll freak out, he has this act for over analyzing things."

"How so?"

"When he was ten someone told him he laughed too loud during a recital. So he stopped laughing for a month in fear that he would disrupt other's peace and cause too much attention to himself."

"He has a lot issues."

"I know he does. Ugh, I wish I could just tell him. Tell him that he needs to grow up and that there aren't a lot of people like me in the real world. That he is going to have to get over his anxiety and face the problem. Life isn't going to be served on a silver platter. How am I safe knowing that this company has an heir that will manage everything when I'm gone? How will I even know if he will be able to make a living for himself? And what will he do when he can't wear his mask when he gets his dream job?"

In that moment Armin could feel an arrow stand through his being. Was this how his father really felt about him? Is that what his father had feared? But how could Armin even doubt it? His father had expressed what he was holding in for so long. And all Armin could do was stand behind the door, and listen to even more words of worry. Erwin was concerned for Armin's future, a future that Armin had never even thought about except for what he wanted to do. Erwin's words rung truths that Armin had long thought he had made up by himself. Alas here he was listening to them, and getting confirmation for his deductions he had made so man times in the past. And now knowing that his anxieties were valid, and it was all because he chose to stay behind that door.

Letting go of the handle, the blond allowed it to remain open and then darted down the hallway towards his room. He ran as fast as he could pumping his legs as hard as they could. Some maids called for him to slow down, but he wouldn't listen. Right now he needed to sort his thoughts together.

He needs to grow up and that there aren't a lot of people like me in the real world.

The voice of his father rang in his head, words looming over him like a cloud. With each sentence he remembered the more he could feel the ache of his heart increase.

He is going to have to get over his anxiety and face the problem. Life isn't going to be served on a silver platter.

Armin opens the door to his room forcefully, and rushes to get spare clothes planning to take a bath to calm his thoughts and hide his swelling eyes once he starts to cry. Once he had his things collected and was ready he threw all his belongings onto the counter and ran the bath to get warm. He started to strip down avoiding the mirror, but then remembered another one of his father's words.

How will I even know if he will be able to make a living for himself? And what will he do when he can't wear his mask when he gets his dream job?

Right as he was about to strip off his pants, he stops as he recalls those words. The words that hurt him the most, the words that caused him to run away from his father's study. Standing up right, Armin looks toward his mirror an act he had never willingly done before. Walking over to it, he noticed that it was starting to fog up, but that wasn't all: he saw himself. His hair was everywhere and his mask was still on. And what will he do when he can't wear his mask when he gets his dream job? The sentence repeated once more, as he stared at himself. What would he do, now that he thought about it? He did want to be a teacher, and you would need to show your face for for many years of his life he relied on this mask to help give him whatever confidence he had.

Gazing at himself hatefully, Armin took a deep breath of the steamy air and brought his hands to the back of his head. Grabbing onto the two ribbons that keep his mask in place, he tugs at them moderately allowing their knot to untangle. Feeling the pressure from the strings clinging to his head, he slowly brings his hands up to the sides of the mask where he takes it off finally revealing his face. The clear skin he had from constant cleaning to ensure he had no pimples to make him uglier than he already was. Those smooth lips that be religiously moisturized to make sure no one saw the dry ugliness of his natural lips. His forehead paler than the rest of his body from less sun exposure but not noticeable. And to top it all off his bright blue eyes that would shine even more without the mask taking away their attention.

"It's all this face's fault. I owe all my problems to you. I-IF YOU WERE MORE ATTRACTIVE I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN BULLIED! I-I...I wouldn't have been different. I wouldn't be such a can't the world not look at face and judge from that? Why must we compare ourselves?" He tells himself as he allows some his sadness take over and his tears fall down. Looking up once more, he sees his reflection again, however it was blurry from condensation. No longer wishing to see his face for much longer than he already has, the teen walks into the shower and lets his thoughts consume him.

You have to change Armin;you have to change. You can't let your dad think of you as a disappointment. You saw how worried he was, he loves you and all you do is cause him more stress. It was because you of what you did at dinner that caused all this. But then again, it was your fault for being this way. I'm sorry dad, I'm sorry that I can't be a better son. I-I must embarrass him so much, I don't deserve to have a nice dad like him. I need to change! Starting tomorrow! I will go do the photo shoot and I won't have an anxiety attack. I-I'll talk to Hanji about my problems so that I can have someone to talk to. Then eventually, I-I'll take off this mask by the end of Junior year! Yeah, that's it! I'll do all that! I can hopefully make dad proud. I've disappointed him for way too long!


-Day of the photo shoot-

"Armin are you okay?" Erwin asked his son on the car ride to the studio, noticing that he was falling asleep.

"Y-Yeah, I-I just didn't get much sleep last night. I was nervous, but don't worry I can get through today." Armin yawns as he waves his father off. How can I tell him I cried myself to sleep? I'm just tried from all that crying.

"Alright, but don't push yourself too hard. I made arrangements so your room will have the mirrors covered. But because of that people are going to have to dress you since there is no mirror for you to see what you look like."

"Thank you, but can't I just dress myself and they fix me up afterwards?"

"You have a point there,okay I'll bring that up to be make-up team. Speaking of which they will have to put make-up on you, not a lot. I have told them the mask stays so no worried there."

"Thanks a bunch."

"I want you to feel as comfortable as possible. Just remember you don't have to smile unless you want to, and the engagement pictures are longer and will happen right after the family pictures. The family pictures will be 3 sets: one of us two, one of the Ackermans, and then finally all of us together. After that you will change in to the clothes that Eren had hand picked out."

"He picked out clothes?"

"He said it was for his theme. From what I hear you guys are making a fairy tale love story. Quite romantic if I do say so myself."

"Dad, he's a play boy..."

"I know,and you don't have to fall in love with him. But you do remember our promise?"

"Yes, change his ways and make him a friend."

"There we go. I knew I can count on you."

"You can always count on me. I'm am growing up after all."


-Studio Armin's dressing room-

"Five minutes 'till photo time." A worker announced into the room as the make-up artist rush to finish Armin's make-up. Feeling their brushes tickle across his face was uncomfortable but he would manage. He had to manage after all he was going to do this for his father. However he couldn't deny the fact that his heart was beating rapidly and his head was a bit lighter than it usually feels. Taking in deep breaths, the blond tried to think of other things to help him pass his anxiety. Gripping the cloth that was places onto him to prevent make up from going onto his suit, Armin allowed that tension to be in place for his nerves.

"Alright all done, now that you're done you can join your father since you guys are first. Follow the person over there with the clipboard to the studio. After you're done with your pictures, you will wait on set for the Ackerman's to finish their's and after that the family one." One of the make-up artist instructs Armin who nods and follow's their directions. In no time he was in the same room as his father who smiled at him gently. Watching as the elder walked up to him, Armin tensed up only now realizing how nervous he was once more.

"You ready? It's just a few shots don't worry. I'm here with you, everything is going to be okay?" His father says as he pats his son's head while making sure not to mess up his hair.

"Don't worry, I-I can do this." Armin replies as he walks over to the seat he assumes he would be taking, and watches as his father stands behind him. Next the photographer came up and started to position the two. After being previously debriefed about Armin, the photographer didn't ask for a smile in this case. After looking into the camera for a bit and seeing the flashes Armin felt like he would go blind. Everything was so bright, he wasn't use to it. As he blinked he saw spots of red and green that would fade every time he blinked. The lights that were on him too made it harder for him to stay composed in the same position as well since it was making him sweat. But just as he was about to call a quits, the photographer said he was done with their session, and asked them to step off set.

Sighing in relief, Armin got off and went to get water at the refreshments table as he watched the Ackermans come in. Observing their entrance, he saw Mikasa dressed in a beautiful red dress, with a diamond necklace and red heels to match. Levi who wore a suit similar to Erwin with his hair slicked back and nice dress shoes walked in right beside his daughter. And then there was Eren, who was wearing a suit similar to Armin's but instead of a blue tie he was wearing a green one. Looking at them all together, they were a gorgeous family which made Armin worry.

How was he suppose to compare to these people who were like gods. Hell,even if he didn't want to admit it in that moment Eren looked pretty good. After all anyone would if they were wearing something besides jeans and a t-shirt. The family in front of him fell into place with a couch where Eren and Mikasa sat while Levi stood in the behind. Just like Armin and his father's photos they stood there in the same positions as the photographer tried to get different angles. After a few minutes they were done, and allowed to take a five minute break before the family photo.

For Eren and Mikasa they grabbed some waters and sat by themselves while Erwin and Levi chat. Eren was getting touched up by one of the make-up artist, flirting with them as he did so. Letting out a sigh, Armin looked across the room to see what Eren was up to, and once he was what the other was doing he was disappointed. He's going to have to add another rock! Armin thought as he started walking towards the two people interrupting their conversation.

"Well look at my fiancee the cheater." Armin remarks, causing Eren to flinch and the make-up artist to excuse them self.

"Thanks a lot, I was really getting somewhere with her." Eren replies rolling his eyes.

"May I remind you that you have to add another rock to the beach house now."

"Ugh, that is so stupid."

"Who are you trying to get here?"

"Mikasa, but that's besides the point. I need to warm up you know. I can't just talk to her."

"Yes you can."

"Well, I don't want to say anything stupid."

"Did you bring the thing I gave you?"

"Yeah..."

"Before we leave put it in. Whatever I say you will say to here to arrange the date."

"Oh that's great."

"...Just don't flirt here anymore."

"Why you jealous?"

"Why would I ever be jealous over you?"

"Most people are."

"In your head I'm sure."


"Look at them over there, arguing. They are practically married already." Erwin jokes around happily as he takes a sip of water.

"It does look like they've been getting along more. But something is fishy about it." Levi responds.

"I have to agree, Armin hated your son but now he is getting closer to him."

"Same here, I guess this homecoming thing may be a good thing."

"I heard about homecoming. What role does Armin play in it?"

"Him and Eren are going to be The King and Queen."

"Oh really?"

"Apparently, I don't know why. They asked me to use our house to have all those brats do their decorations. I couldn't decline since Mikasa is the ASB president."

"The burdens of power ha ha."

"I suppose, but I hope Armin can handle the engagement photo shoot."

"Same here."

"Especially with the kiss."

"A yes the kiss...W-WAIT KISS!?"

"You didn't hear? Eren is planning for a kiss since this is a fairy tale."

"Armin hasn't even kissed anyone yet!"

"Well then I guess that's going to be a shock."

"What am I going to do!?"

"Erwin this is your time to let go."

"Let go, no offense I don't think your son will be appropriate."

"None taken, but I told him I would kick his ass if he even tried anything inappropriate in front of me."

"Thanks for that. Oh boy, I just need sometime to process all of this."


"Alright everyone on set!" The photographer announces as he readies his camera lens. Meanwhile both families piled onto the set awaiting their directions. "I want the two fiances on the couch together holding the pillow with the heart. Everyone else I want behind the couch smiling if possible. That goes for the two boys as well, if possible smile." The man commands once more watching as the two families followed their orders. Sitting next to Eren, Armin did as told and took the heart pillow into his hands only grabbing half of it. The other half Eren held onto as he adjusted himself right next to a few moments again, the familiar lights had click of the camera were present. Armin who tried his best to smile, also tried his hardest not to blink as he gripped the pillow tightly. Once the photographer had taken a few more shots the family photo session was over and the family members went back to their changing rooms.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Armin began to remove his clothing and go into the robe they had supplied for him. After that was all done, the costume designer came in with his costume setting it down on the counter and allowing Armin his privacy once more. Scanning the clothes Armin saw a small box with a small note attached to it that caught his attention. Taking the box and note into his hands he opened the package to see that it was a beautiful gold colombina mask one that he had wanted for a long time too. Opening up the note, Armin's eyes scanned the words and it made his heart swell with happiness.

Here is the mask I promised. I hope you didn't have this one already. I hope you wear it for the photo shoot.

"Thanks Mikasa." The masked teen states as he takes off the mask he was wearing preparing himself to change. Slipping into a white poet shirt,wait high light brown pants, and black boots. Armin paid no attention to the other articles of clothing that he couldn't figure out how to put on. Once he was finished Armin unveiled one of the mirrors to see what the outfit looked like on him. And what he saw only made him cringe.

"At least it's simple." The masked teen comment as he puts on his new mask in the mirror to ensure that he had it on straight. After that was all said and done, Armin told the make-up team and costume designer that they could come in. Observing as the run in and set themselves up, the costume designer is the only one to approach him first. Acknowledging that he needed to add the final touches, Armin allowed them to fix whatever they needed to. Feeling hands go around his waste to put the red cloth that he had left behind on his hips Armin tried to pay the other no mind. When the designer was done, he was then lead back to the make-up chair where they did their magic in making Armin camera ready. For the finishing touches they added elf ear prosthetic and a halo like crown onto his head to complete the look.

"Alright sir, you're all done. You may now go to the set again, please follow the person from last time."The artist instructs before setting her things to the side and allowing the blond to move past her. Walking down the hallways, Armin didn't think much about the photo shot as he did last night. This was due to the fact that he was trying to impress his father, and grow on his own. The words he had heard from last night had proven effective, for they made Armin want to continue though. It was tough to have two conflicting mindsets, and Armin knew that this was only going to be the beginning. Upon arriving on set, Armin saw his father had changed into clothes similar to him though he wore a crown made of branches and flowers along with more floral jewelry.

Looking around Armin then noticed, Mikasa who was dresses as your stereotypical princess and she was Armin didn't know better he would have though that she was a real princess. The way she carried herself only added onto her appearance. Then Armin looked down to himself who was wearing simple clothing, and automatically felt like he was nothing once more. Bringing himself to look down, Armin tried not to look at the rest of the Ackerman's because he knew he would just sike himself out once more.

"Alright let's get this rolling guys. I want this whole story to look and play like a movie!" An obnoxiously eager voice exclaims to the room. Directing his attention to the source, Armin's eyes widened in shock at what he saw. There stood Eren who was dressed as prince charming from Cinderella except for a green sash in place of the red. Just once glance at him and Armin could feel his heart skip a beat. Eren looked perfect in what he wore and the crown on top of his head only emphasized the fact that he was royalty. How could Armin ever complete with someone so beautiful, he would only ruin the pictures. And that's when it hit him again, that same disgusting feeling from earlier. His knees began to shake, his stomach felt upset, and his blood began to rush. Oh no please not this again, you have to get past this. Armin thinks to himself but right as he says that he looks at Mikasa seeing how beautiful she was and then looked at Eren only to realize that they really did belong together. This photo shoot should have been their's not his and Eren's. The thought consumed him and made him sink into a familiar darkness.

"Armin are you okay?" Erwin voices his concern as he steps closer to his son. However before he could get a reply, Armin was running towards his dressing room ignoring everyone's screams for him to come back. Taking all the right turns, Armin opened his dressing room and crouched down onto the floor gripping his head.

"Stupid stupid! Stop feeling this way! You're honestly so annoying. Your dad is counting on you, and all you do is disappoint him. Watch right now he must be sighing in disappointment because you ran away! Ugh, why couldn't I have been born normal!?You need to get through with this. You already knew they were gorgeous and you still reacted like this! Ah I'm such an idiot!" Armin screams out to himself as he feels tears build in his eyes and his breathing pick up. Being stuck in his world, Armin lost connection with the real world as the one in his mind consumed him. All the harsh thoughts were now the only thing that existed and it was a terrible feeling. He wished that someone would be able to help him, that someone could help him out of his thoughts. But alas there was no one there, because no one would listen.

"Armin..." A voice in the distance calls out to him.

"Armin..." It cries out once more causing the blond to start to realize that he was no longer alone at least physically.

"Armin!" It calls out once more, awakening Armin from his thoughts. Once fully awakened Armin looks to see intense green eyes staring into his while sturdy tan hands held his shoulders.

"E-Eren..." Armin whispers out confused as he started to calm down.

"Gosh I thought you were a goner there. What the hell was that back there? You just ran, so I went after you and I saw you panicking." Eren says as he lets go of his grip and gives out a sigh of relief.

"W-What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to get you duh. Why did you run out like that?"

"I-I..I-I can't do it!"

"Can't do what?"

"The photo shoot., I-I can't."

"Armin you can."

"No I can't, there is so many things that can go wrong. Not to mention that I'm not suited to be the next to you in all the pictures. I-I'M UGLY AND TERRIBLE I'LL RUIN THE PICTURES."

"Armin are you listening to yourself, you sound ridiculous."

"I-I can't, I CAN'T!" Armin screams as his breathing picks up once more, causing Eren to panic.

"W-Wait not i'm sorry, don't breath like that! Breathe with me 1...2...3.. breathe." The brunette instructed as he put his arm across Armin's shoulder's to try and comfort the other. Not wanting to lose consciousness, Arimin followed Eren's instructions about ten times until his breathing regulated and he was able to talk one more.

"How did you know to do that?" Armin ask now realizing that Eren's demeanor had changed.

"Do what?"

"Tell me how to breathe?"

"Mikasa use to have anxiety attacks too."

"S-She did?"

"Yeah, when we were little she was scared of a lot of people because she didn't know how to make friends. So I helped her out when she got like you did just now."

"Thanks...But I still can't do this Eren..."

"You can and you will."

"I can't."

"You can, you're the only one telling yourself no."

"Yeah because i'm right."

"No you're not,at least not now. Look we need these pictures, and your dad is worried about you we need to get back out there."

"M-My dad?"

"Yeah, he was freaking out about you. My dad had to calm him down, I guess anxiety runs in the family."

"Is he alright?"

"Yeah, but come on now we need to let him know that you're okay."

"I-I'm such a terrible son..."

"Okay you know what new deal!"

"W-What?"

"New deal."

"Deal for what?"

"Every time you have self-degrading thoughts you have to make a rock pile too. And by the looks of it for today you need to add ten."

"Why."

"I'm helping you out here. Don't get me wrong I'm only doing this because we need to get this over and in homecoming you need to learn how to get social. So it's perfect training for you. Plus it's pay back. And stop looking down so much it makes you look shorter than you already are."

"Gee that's nice to know."

"What are fake fiances for am I right?"

"W-Whatever...You're a real jerk you know that?"

"What's knew?Now come on we need you to get your make-up redone. We'll have them do it over there."

"Ok." Armin follows Eren close behind as they slowly made their way back to the set.


You're a real Jerk you know that?

The words resonate inside Eren's head as a flash of his childhood comes into his head.A little boy about the same height as him in blue clothing cries as he backs away from the other. He then mutters something that cases more kids to come around. But who was that boy? Why was he so sad? What exactly was happening?

"Hmm, maybe it's just a bad dream..."


Admin: Next time we find out what happens with their photo shoot. I'm sorry if this chapter was annoying. I tried my best to portray how anxiety felt, it's honestly really hard to right down what it's like. Like in the moment I can describe how it makes me feel but idk with writing. I'm still getting use to this whole writing tell me if you liked this chapter or not. Please nothing negative my soul can't handle critiques yet. I'm just writing for fun.