A/N: Firstly, I own nothing. Secondly, I'm extremely happy and proud to present the last chapter of this fanfic! Thank you all, who have stuck with me since the first chapter! /cries

Armin shot up from the bed. He was already wide-awake and ready for the day. A jolt of excitement ran through him. He could smell it in the air, he could hear it in the birds' chirping this morning.

It was finally Christmas!

He leapt out of bed, showered in under 5 minutes and ran to the kitchen, almost tripping over himself. He had to start on the food already!

Soon, other soldiers began to arrive at the kitchen. Armin greeted each one of them happily.

"Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas to you too, Armin!"

Slowly, the kitchen started to fill up with soldiers, all chipping in to prepare the food for the party later at lunch. Eren came in and hugged Armin tightly.

"Merry Christmas!" he swayed from side to side, making Armin laugh.

"You too, Eren - ah! Be careful! I'm holding a knife …"

Almost after he had said that, Mikasa and Krista walked through the door, both wearing smiles.

"Merry Christmas!" They chimed and then whipped out Santa Claus hats from behind their backs which they swiftly put on Eren and Armin.

The kitchen was becoming a bustling place of Christmas cooking and preparation. Armin absolutely relished the spirit and push everyone was giving. Dish after dish was cooked as Armin ticked off the items on his menu list.

Just then, Jean came in. They both spotted each other at the same time.

"Merry Christmas!" They said from across the room but all the hustle and bustle made it impossible to hear what they just said. Still, he grinned at each other, almost shyly and turned back to their work.

Jean went over to help the group of soldiers making the Christmas pudding. They looked like they were struggling the most. As he was mixing the fruit that was going to go into the pudding, he could smell the roast turkey and already felt hungry.

Today, he had woken up in a significantly lighter mood. Although he was never one to celebrate Christmas, he could feel … something in the air that filled his lungs and lifted his spirits. It seemed like Armin's Christmas cheer had really gotten to him.

Thinking about all the fun things they had done together leading up to this day, made him smile. Yes, Armin did get to him and what's more, he liked it. It was the first Christmas he had ever properly celebrated and he was glad to do it with the Survey Corps, his friends.

"What's with that silly grin on your face, Jean?" Sasha laughed as she walked by carrying a large bowl of honey-roast carrots.

He kept his grin while he blushed. "Just feeling the Christmas cheer, Sasha."

The mad rush to finish all the cooking on time was surprisingly enjoyable and Jean found that he did not dislike working with these people … Here at Headquarters, it was starting to feel like a second home. He was struck with a sudden gratefulness for the people around him and pushed himself to work harder to get all the food done on time.

Similarly, Armin was greatly enjoying the cooking and all that rushing about. Everything felt so lively and spirited! Especially since the soldiers who had left for home had returned and were now helping out in the kitchen too. Armin was thankful for all his friends here, and not just that, even the soldiers whom he didn't really know. They all were here, pitching in to make this party a success. His heart swelled with pride. He was proud to call this place his second home.

Then, finally, it was noon. After making his final rounds to inspect everything, Armin loudly declared the party had begun!

In unison, the soldiers punched their fists in the air and cheered loudly. The food was quickly brought out to the cafeteria and laid out on the tables.

Armin exited the kitchen, he had to tell Commander Erwin that the party had begun. However, just as he was about to exit the cafeteria, Erwin strode in along with Levi and Hange.

"Sir," Armin saluted. "The Christmas party has begun!"

Erwin burst out in laughter, shocking Armin. "You look strange saluting while inviting me to a party." Then he reached out to rub the top of Armin's head. "Good work, Arlert. I look forward to a fantastic lunch."

Armin closed his jaw and called to them while they made their way to a table. "Merry Christmas! And … happy birthday, Captain Levi!"

"Merry Christmas!" Hange laughed.

Levi snorted but gave a silent nod to Armin.

Feeling pleased with himself, Armin pivoted around to find his friends only to meet Eren face to face.

"Shall we?" Eren guided him over to a table that Mikasa was sitting at.

Feeling brave, Armin thought it was time he told them. He took a deep breath. It was now or never. "Eren, Mikasa."

They looked at him with smiles. "Yes, Armin?"

"Guys …" His voice wavered a little but he kept going. He wondered where all this courage came from. "It's about Jean …"

"Did you talk to him?" Eren asked. "You didn't tell him what I told you right?"

Armin scratched his head sheepishly. "I may have said something … But Eren! Wait, listen. Be quiet," he laughed. "He's fine - no, he's not mad, don't misunderstand me … can I finish?"

Mikasa chuckled. "Let him finish, Eren."

"I … just wanted to let you two know that I fully trust Jean, and that I hope you two can trust me when I say that he's not manipulating me in any form." Armin put a hand over his heart which was beating erratically right now. "I really value him as an important friend …"

Eren stared at his best friend. Something was going on. Armin's expression, him hiding the tremor behind his voice, the delicacy in which he referred to Jean. Eren blushed a little. "It sounds like a confession."

Mikasa got up from her seat and gave Armin a hug. "Of course. We're sorry we ever thought otherwise. Now I'm comforted to know that Jean is genuine towards you and you to him."

Eren felt his own heart beating. This sounds like a father giving away his daughter!

Then, Erwin stood up, raising his mug. The rest of the soldiers noticed and looked on curiously. A hush fell over the cafeteria. Armin watched him with awe. The ability to command silence without even speaking … it was truly impressive.

"I wish to commend all of you for your efforts in making this party possible. Christmas is a time for joy and magic, but also family and friends. As soldiers, we tend to forget these things as we face the harsh realities of this world. But today, we celebrate and acknowledge the existence of universal values love and gratefulness for each other, as for many of us, we see the Survey Corps as our second family. And so I say, let's cherish all the people around us today and drink to our heart's content tonight!"

When Erwin ended his speech, the Survey Corps erupted into enthusiastic cheers and applause, many of them saluting him and raising their own mugs into the air.

Soon, the whole cafeteria was filled with chatter and laughter as everyone dug into the food. Armin was so overjoyed to see how things turned out, he teared a little. It was true, food does taste better cooked with friends in a jovial mood. And eating, talking and joking with everyone made the whole event seem more festive. Armin felt so much closer to all of his friends and even the soldiers he had never really spoken to before.

The Christmas lunch party lasted approximately two hours before all the food was finished and drink had gone. Everybody too, helped with the clean up which sped things up a lot faster.

The mail had arrived too and Jean was surprised when Connie found him at the sink drying some plates with letters.

"Are those for me?" Jean asked with surprise.

"Yes! Merry Christmas, Jean!" Connie patted his back and went off to help Sasha with the soaping.

Jean stopped drying for a moment as he examined the letters. One, two, three, four brown envelopes. They were papery in his hand. Upon closer inspection, he recognised the address and the writing. They were from his family! Excited, he put the letters in his jacket and hurriedly dried the pile of dishes he was given. He intended to read them as soon as he was finished.

A few minutes later, Jean excused himself and almost sprinted to his dorm. He sat on his bed and began to excitedly tear open the first envelope. It was from his sister, Liese.

He unfolded the paper inside, read it and smiled as he went along. She felt sorry for not being able to be there for him now that she was older but also hoped she could still maintain a good relationship with him.

"I'll definitely come visit Mum more. I hope to see you again someday too, Jean. Please be safe and write often. And did you know - Ethel is going to have a baby! Merry Christmas!"

Jean tore open the second envelope from his younger sister and read it excitedly. It was true! She was going to be due in a few months. It felt so surreal she was so grown up now.

"It felt like it was just yesterday when we played tag in the backyard. I've always looked up to you Jean. Thanks for contacting me and once again being a role model to what being part of a family is like. I'll write to you often so please receive my letters in good health! Merry Christmas to you too!"

He put her letter aside as he took up the next one. Now the warm, fuzzy feelings he had been experiencing were met with some apprehension. This one was from his father. As he began to read, mixed emotions welled up inside of him. His father was expressing some remorse for leaving the family and was apologetic for not being there for them. But he also made it clear in his letter that he had a new one now that he wanted to be responsible for.

"Still, I'll try my best to give your mother support or aid when possible. You are all still my children and I hope to see you again one day so that I can fully express my love for you."

Jean sighed as he put that letter aside. It may be too late, but he supposed, there was always a chance. He picked up the last letter from his mother. He opened it gently, a little shakily. Jean unfolded the piece of paper. It smelt like home which already made him tear.

His mother related her happiness at receiving a letter and her regret for not writing to him sooner.

"I thought I might be disturbing you if I wrote, that was the reason why I haven't contacted you. But I often thought of you and wrote letters to you and your sisters that I never mailed. You have all grown up to be so strong and independent. No matter what, I'm proud of you and will love you until my last breath. Thank you for writing, Jean. I haven't felt this happy in a long time. Reading your letter felt like you were almost next to me, talking. I love you, dear. Eat properly, stay safe and live your life. Merry Christmas."

Jean broke down in tears. For the first time in a long while, he was sobbing with abandon. He didn't care if anyone heard him or walked him. He was just happy to cry and relieved to have his family by his side.

Finally, he slipped the letters back in their envelopes and stored them carefully in his trunk with new resolve to write to them every fortnight at least. Jean really felt some hope now, that his family could be properly rekindled and pieced back together.

His hand touched the candle jars he had thrown in his trunk. It was all thanks to Armin. He took them out gently, a little embarrassed at how he had been treating them so roughly because of his own insecurities with Armin before.

Jean felt a certain … tenderness in his heart as he wrapped the candles in cloth. He would have to properly thank Armin later.

He went out of the dorm, holding the wrapped present in his hands. Jean was met with dancing soldiers, groups singing Christmas carols as they went down the hallway, people stopping others to gift presents, soldiers reading mail …

It was such a festive atmosphere that Jean embraced too, with his entirety. It felt great to fill himself with the spirit of Christmas. Somehow, he felt like a new person, and more than ready to face the next year with his family and friends.

Jean walked around trying to find Armin. He checked in his dorm but he wasn't there. Perhaps he would have better luck with the library?

He opened the double doors and walked inside. And true to his guess, Armin stood there facing the window.

"Armin?" Jean asked, startling the other boy a little as he turned with surprise.

"Jean," he smiled warmly. "Did you know it's starting to snow again?"

"I didn't, but I imagine it must be really beautiful outside." Jean answered honestly. "Aren't you going out?"

"Later," Armin said, adjusting his Santa Claus hat. "I feel like some quiet to ponder about some things."

Jean couldn't help but think about how adorable Armin looked. And why should he deny it? It was true, Armin was cute and at that moment, Jean wanted nothing but to be close to him.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you," he said, walking towards the window to join him. The falling snow was light and powdery. It did look beautiful, perhaps even magical as it fell gently onto the castle grounds and all the soldiers playing outside.

Armin shook his head. "Not at all …" He smiled shyly. "In fact, I was just thinking about you."

"You were?"

He nodded and looked outside. "I just … I was just thinking about how much closer we've become this holiday season and honestly, I'm really grateful for it." Armin brought his eyes to Jean's face. "It's so weird but I've never liked someone this much in such a short period of time. You've been such a wonderful friend … always being there for me, helping me, trusting me. I really owe you, Jean."

Jean's heart started to race. Face flushed, he quickly replied, "A - Armin. If anything, I should be thanking you … You've helped me open up and find happiness. I mean, look - this afternoon I just received letters back from my family!"

Armin gasped in response. "Really? What did they say?"

"Great things! I - I was able to reconnect with them and realise how much I meant to them … and now I'm filled with new determination to patch up family ties. And it's all because of you, Armin. Thank you." Jean finished sincerely.

The blond boy bowed his head as he blushed. "J - Jean … I'm so happy for you." He said softly.

Just then, Jean remembered his mission. He showed Armin the wrapped package. "Here! I … umm … got you something."

Armin took it with shock. "Really?"

"Y - yeah … I'm your Secret Santa."

Then, Armin burst into laughter. "Oh Jean! I'm your Secret Santa too!" He then held up what seemed to be a jar of round cookies with a snowdrop garnished on top. "I baked you something!"

Jean took it from his hands. The round, white balls reminded him of the snowball fight they had that day. He blushed too. It was such a beautiful present.

Armin had unwrapped the cloth, revealing two peach-coloured candles in a jar.

"Originally, there were supposed to be three …" Jean said a little ashamed. "B - but … umm. I kind of dropped the other one the other day when I was … uhhh eavesdropping."

Armin giggled. He clutched the candles tightly in his hand. "Thank you, Jean! They are perfect!"

Then, the two fell silent. A strange feeling came over the both of them.

Perhaps it was the weather; the light in the room that cast a soft glow on things. Or perhaps it was Christmas, the spirit of it that made everything seem so magical. But whatever it was, Armin felt like he wanted to express something.

He looked at Jean who was also looking at him. His face turned red as he realised how important he was to him. Armin didn't quite know what to say. He was finding difficulty at picking his words.

"Jean …" he said softly. "Jean, you're … really important to me."

Jean smiled gently as he reached forward to tuck a strand of loose hair behind his ears. Armin didn't realise how close they were standing together until then. His heart pounded and felt like it was going to jump out of his chest any moment. His breathing became erratic as he felt slightly faint.

All Jean could think right now were Armin's brilliant blue eyes and how beautiful they looked. He felt like the more he stared, the more he was falling into it but he couldn't tear his eyes away. He had impulsively reached over to tuck his golden hair behind his ears. His hand brushed the skin of his face briefly. It was so soft.

Armin's face was completely red. Was he feeling what he was feeling too? Jean thought about Armin's words. He was important to him … The phrase felt like a warm blanket around him. Standing in front of him was Armin Arlert, confessing that he was important to him. Jean felt relief and joy, because he felt the same way too. Jean felt like cherishing the person in front of him forever.

"Armin …" Jean said without thinking. "You're beautiful."

If he just leaned in, Armin thought, slowly losing control of his emotions somehow. If Jean just leant in a little … They were inches apart. Was Armin subconsciously leaning in? He didn't care; they were so close … he could feel Jean's breath on his lips.

Suddenly, the double doors burst opening, shocking Jean and Armin as Eren and Mikasa came in.

"Armin! Let's go ice-skating! Historia's already there!" Eren jumped up and down excitedly.

The two had reacted instinctively. Jean pulled away, crossing his arms and looked to the ground while Armin … Armin collapsed to the floor. He was panting heavily.

"What just happened …?" Eren looked at them with surprise.

Then, Armin got up shakily. He grinned as he stumbled towards Eren, red-faced and grinning. "Fine. Let's go."

Eren stared after his best friend. "What? Armin come back - you're - careful! You're not walking straight!" He ran after him out of the library.

Mikasa addressed Jean cheerfully. "Hey, you're invited too."

Jean didn't answer for a second before he too, gathered himself and went to Mikasa, taking the skates she was holding out. "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming."

Mikasa smiled, watching his flustered expression and his trembling hands. She wondered what would have happened if she and Eren just paused a moment before entering.

"Merry Christmas, Jean," she grinned.

Jean gave her an embarrassed grin back. "Yeah. Merry Christmas to you too, Mikasa."

A/N: I'm feeling slightly emotional ending this. Writing this fanfic was not easy especially since I planned to post a chapter every day until Christmas. Now that it's finally here, no more sleepless nights and endless hours of planning! I'm so overjoyed and proud to have finished this fic! Thank you everyone for your support.

And since it's Christmas, I want to wish everyone MERRY CHRISTMAS and happy holidays ~~! Have a fantastic day ahead!