For some reason deep in my very twisted subconscious I stood up and leaned over a bit as I shamelessly gawked. Armin was the last person I would have guessed to see here, let alone standing in the spot light in a purple leotard with his hair in waves. He stood and looked much taller and almost elegant. That's when my eyes caught themselves targeting in on some turquoise heels. I was half hypnotized as he sauntered over, his legs moving one in front of one another and his hips slide and swayed like some jazz lounge songstress. His hips flared in a way I had never really noticed at school or parties before. I swallowed and literally fucking heard myself gulp as he looked up. Of course the spotlight half blinded him and he couldn't see me. He had long eyelashes, purple winged eyeliner and green lips. His features were exaggerated a bit, but the curves and slopes of his face were unmistakable. I wanna see your peacock, cock, cock. Your peacock, cock, Your peacock, cock, cock, Your peacock.

I saw shimmers on his arms like he had sprayed himself with glitter. A trail of peacock feathers followed him like a train on a dress. It came around like a belt and I followed to see silk purple fabric crossed like suspenders over him. His eyes were on the crowd, who immediately began yelling and whistling obviously pleased. Plastered on Armin's face was this smile. It was huge and showed off dimples I didn't know the boy had. If you would have asked me thirty seconds ago if I had ever seen Armin smile I would have laughed like you were crazy and said of course. But it clicked in my head he never smiled with teeth. Always he was just smirking or grinning. Armin's cheeks plumped and his eyes crinkled at the corners and dear god did that smile lit up not only his face but this entire room.

The intro kept pumping and I saw the crowd act differently. They began clapping and clearing the middle of the dance floor. Some jumped and bounced a little and others flat out danced where they stood. I picked up the fact this wouldn't be like Levi's dance and I couldn't tell if I was relieved or a bit let down. I mean, did I really want to see Armin swaying and shedding clothes? I paused my thoughts, not really wanting to go down the rabbit hole to fetch that answer. I tried not to question thoughts like that because I usually didn't like where they went. Standing there in secret peering in on this hidden life of a supposedly close group of friends, one of whom happened to be center stage, I was struggling to stay in control. Keeping an iron grip on my calm, on my stoic emotional and mental levels was something I was creepy good at. People thought I was a hot head, but in reality I hardly lost my temper. Not caring who I offended or what I broke was kind of my thing. Looking out at Armin shining like a fucking beacon I was suddenly nervous I'd mess this up for him. Like my sheer presence would bring trouble. My brows knitted together and I slid one arm across my stomach and raised my other hand to my mouth running my fingertips across my lips. How much trouble could I cause up here just watching?

Armin's toned arms moved with every punctuation of the beat. They pointed up, went to his hips, pointed at his eyes… No part of him was still. His motions were bubbly and very feminine. Hips would jut out just so in this fucking adorable sassy little way that made me raise an eyebrow and chuckle. " Word on the street, you got somethin' to show me, me." I was a bit floored when I saw Armin's mouth move to the lyrics. I smiled as he walked out to the crowd, tracing his fingers down one girl's jaw. Lip syncing was so silly sounding but Armin looked like he was really into it, and something about how he threw his body up and down as he stomped in those heels made the whole thing a bit sexier than silly. He made his way to through the crowd's edge and people handed him money. "Magical, colorful, Mr. Mystery, ee. I'm intrigued, for a peek, heard it's fascinating. Come on baby let me see, What you're hidin' underneath…" My mind was more than struggling to take this all in and process but it was functioning well enough to catch the tongue in cheek innuendo and the fleeting thought that Armin wasn't as innocent as he seemed flickered through my brain. He pranced and for everything looked like he was performing the song himself. People screamed as he came near and arms stretched out with more and more money. They were paying just for the chance to touch his hands! He did more than touch, he shook hands quickly, kissed the backs if palms and mouthed thank you's and even threw winks. Shy little Armin was reeking of confidence and sheer charisma.

The beat changed and Armin threw his legs wider and looked around mischievously as he stood still for a second. Soon he began to thrust his chest and hips in opposite patterns so that when his hips came forward, his chest was back. It was flashier and honestly surprisingly hip hop in a way. "I want the jaw droppin', eye poppin', head turnin', body shockin'…" Small hands slid down hips and a strange ebb of something between nervous and excited crept into my gut. I should be floored that Armin could shake his ass like a damn Destiny's Child but I was more so just happy for the kid. "I want my heart throbbin', ground shakin', show stoppin', amazin.'" He turned and I couldn't help but take in the curve of his hips and how his small frame hosted such a round and high ass. I mean it wasn't huge or anything, it was proportionate but damn was the thing perky. The leotard left about as much to imagination as a bikini bottom and I found myself looking at the edges of his cheeks where they met his thighs and the way his hips curved up to a small waist. This guy was text book image of petite. If anyone had the 'school girl' figure it was him.

He lifted an enticing finger in a come hither motion and from the crowd stepped Ymir. She was in jean shorts, high tops and a sports bra. Her trademark low ponytail was still there and her cheeks were a bit red. She threw her head back and laughed as she twirled Armin in a circle. He ran his hand over her arm and collar bone singing. "Are you brave enough to let me see your peacock? Don't be a chicken boy, stop acting like a bitch! I'm a peace out if you don't give me the payoff…Come on baby let me see, What you're hidin' underneath..." I giggled into my hand as he pulled the sports bra away from her chest and peered down. Armin turned back to the crowd with his hands over his mouth in a naughty, surprised way. I knew Ymir and that haughty laugh was truly her enjoying herself. Ymir's arms were steered by Army as he turned and rubbed his body down the front of hers.

All of the sudden Armin's hands pulled on the purple fabric over his shoulders and the peacock skirt stood up, towering over his head and completely hiding Ymir. It plumed out, huge and regal indeed just like a peacock. I watched as the two danced, Ymir swinging hips and being totally danced on and led around by Armin and I couldn't help but just soak in the scene. My eyes were not mine to command. Armin stole my gaze the second he stepped out and for everything I knew right then that I would never be able to look at him the same way. It wasn't even sexual. It's not like I was biting my knuckles trying not to think about fucking him. I just felt like I was seeing him for the first time. This confident and full of smiles guy who could dance and throw a teasing look was a whole new layer to him. The ocean obsessed, poor as dirt, book loving third wheel to the Yager boy was still there under the glitter and fake eyelashes. It's like for seven years I had been zoomed in on one aspect of him and now I'd finally stepped back and was taking in the whole masterpiece you know?

Standing there little things came back into my mind. Armin's passionate speech for class about how the holocaust killed more than just Jews and focusing on the genocidal side of the disaster was only ensuring hate for other communities (Including the LGBT) to continue. Armin defending Ymir when she was called a dike even though the girl could obviously take care of herself soon followed. Flashes, bread crumbs really came into mind. It wasn't obvious by any means. Clearly the people here were ones he trusted immensely. I doubt just anyone got to see this side of him. Was it bad that I was seeing him? I feel a bit like a peeping tom up here in my both.

"The innocence is what hurts the most." I hear and I turn to see Levi, clad in tight denim and a black tank top, hair still wet from a quick shower. I blushed, feeling as if I'd been caught. "The ones that grab you with their beauty tend to be the ones who get ruined by you enjoying them." A pale hand brought a cup of tea to his lips. I stuttered not even throwing together a logical syllable. His narrow eyes fleeted from me to Armin. Then to someone else in the crowd as he sighed and ran his free hand down his face. "Fingerprints don't wash off of people. " I should have denied it. It would have been perfectly logical and believable to act like I didn't understand. I knew Levi was talking to himself just as much as me. "You're a bull in a china shop too, huh?" he said and sauntered over, leaning on the railing next to me. He smelled of soap and expensive cologne.

"Oh le." I said taking a puff of my cigarette. Apparently the monotone impression of a matador made him give a dry "Tch." A silence passed and I got the sense Levi was feeling pretty low himself. The guy was a vocal, commanding, cold jerk. No wonder I was starting to relate to him a bit. Looking at him closer I noticed small lines around his eyes. Sure, he was way shorter than me but I got the sense he was much older. His hair was in a cut similar to mine but longer and falling in his face. The song was winding down and Armin was blowing kisses heading back stage. I reached down to give Zoe time to speak and when I looked back up from hitting the key, Levi was gone but two twenties sat on the desk.

"Wasn't that the prettiest damn bird you have ever seen?!" Zoe half squealed in the microphone. I smirked as the crowd yelled and agreed. "Ari never fails to deliver does she?" I was confused. Levi was a male, and called a guy but Armin was a girl? "Let's keep this party going and welcome Miss Amanda Hold!" The next song was where you have been by Rihanna. I couldn't help but think about who would come out next. I hate to admit but I was kind of disappointed.

Levi slaughtered it, and it was clear he was an exotic dancer. Armin had a natural and very girly look to him, and seemed to target people hearts more than just pockets. This person was obviously flashier. It was a man, a tall one at that with wide shoulders and he looked even taller in heels. I mean damn, he cleared seven feet with those things on! A wig topped his head, curls and curls of brown hair. The makeup was a lot thicker than Armin's. The dancing was less innocent too. People loved him though, and I was really shocked to see Reiner getting a lap dance.

It hit me how hard he had cheered for Armin. I felt like I swallowed ice water as I watched how nervous the big guy seemed, he was practically sitting on his hands. Amanda ran her hands through his hair and down his chest as she sang to him. Well, lip sang. The poor guy looked like he would combust. Was he scared? I couldn't help but picture him and Armin together. Why the hell did that disappoint me?! I crossed my arms and frowned. Of course they were dating. I was suppressed and let down by that for reasons I had no grasp on.

I gathered that there were four types of people at this club performing. Dancer's like Levi who wanted money and showed the most skin. They were hard core sexy and the center of everyone's lust. Amanda Hold was a drag queen. Glitz, glamour and bigger than life was their scene. They were men, dressed as women and called she's and hers. Then there was drag kings, which were women who dressed like men and performed. Finally there were people who were way more natural and low key. I had no clue what to call them but Armin seemed to be one of the latter. Two others came on after Amanda Hold and I was kind of let down. I mean they were good but clearly I was not going to be as happy with or interested in anyone but Armin. The last performer was on and Zoe ran up my stairs and looked at me giving me a thumbs up. "Amanda sprained an ankle so there is just going to be Ari's number after people get drinks. Run the smoke machines for her as a surprise. We need to make a dramatic finale since it will be short. You're doing great!" She said and bounded away, her bunny ears swaying with the momentum of the steps.

I played some generic pop videos on the screens as the crowd took the cue and dispersed. They knew the drill all right. Despite how smooth the night was going, my mood was soured. Clanks of glasses filled the air as the bar went in over drive. I made sure the fog machine was full and cranked it up letting it spill over the stage and felt the chalky dust catch in my throat. Fuck that stuff was brutal. I coughed a bit and went back to my computer as I bobbed a little to the hip hop beat. I looked out and saw Eren and Mikasa dancing in a group with Ymir off to the side talking to Christa and Reiner. Amanda Hold was sitting next to them with a zip lock bag of ice on her ankle. I coughed again and the paranoid thought that someone would look up at me and I'd be caught hit my brain. I couldn't let that happen! I tried to clear my throat but it still tasted like some weird fucked up baby powder. I pulled out my bag and rummaged until I found a bandana. It was a Misfit one with a Danzig style skull printed on it. I folded it in half and tied around my face. I saw my reflection in the mirrored wall. It lined up well and created a totally creepy cool effect.

People mulled around and danced and laughed. I actually enjoyed them enjoying themselves. I was looking over the edge now and my head was nodding again to the beat. That's when a message flashed across the flirt-o-gram.

5738: HELL YEAH and DJ said LET THERE BE FOG

6281: Umm… Who's the new DJ?

I froze. I felt a shit ton of eyes turn to me. I was suddenly pretty damn happy I'd choked myself half to death and slid this thing on. I didn't know what to do. I thought of all the heroes I had. What would Calvin Harris do? I channeled a silent Zoe and waved as I cranked the music up and hit the preprogramed lightshow. Green and blue lasers shot through the industrial beams.

That was the first time anyone cheered for me.

5738: DJ SKULLFACE

2195: get that fukin dude a drink. skullface needs a muthafuckin drink

3464: Hey Skullface, play Bang Bang by Jesse J

So apparently I was DJ Skullface now. I was smiling like an idiot as I pulled out my phone and shot a text to the number Zoe had given me.

8762: Skullface here. Bang Bang coming up, then its back to the show. Thnx for the 3! Now dance like ur wasted, bitches.

I smiled as people pointed and make some amazed noises. Eren fist pumped and I noted 3464 was the same number that fan girled over Levi. So Eren liked Jesse J as well as six packs. I rolled my eyes. I'd forever look at him differently too. Next thing I knew Zoe was hugging around my neck, spilling something that smelled like vodka on my lap. "JEAN! YOU GENIUS!" She pulled back, handing me the plastic cup. "Using flirt-o-gram to take requests and communicate with the crowd is smart." This mask, the texting… it was easy to be brave behind a skull and a keyboard. I peered back over the crowd and they were losing it. It looked like a rave down there. It was like I'd set fires under them. She shoved my arm and forced the cup to my lips.

"It's a Kamikaze. You'll like it and you've earned it. I am seriously impressed kid. Look at them!" she said swinging her arms wide. I felt like a king. The lasers shined and I saw bodies and arms all moving and twisting. I saw Mikasa's hair swaying as turned and Christa was twisting and moving against Ymir. Eren was into it too. They were having fun because of me. I was Jean the asshole, not the guy who inspired laughs and fun…

I was the good guy here, some party hero that people obviously liked. The drink tasted terrible but I gulped it down and felt her ruffle my hair. It was seriously amazing feeling not only like I belonged but like I was appreciated. I was able to keep myself an arm's length away and stay anonymous but know that these smiles were because of me. I thought I was happy…accepting all the bad things people shove down your throat and tell you about yourself didn't make you self-aware. I thought I knew who I was. I was the bad guy. The one who didn't care, love or get invested… I had been lying to myself. I was getting a taste of acceptance and admiration without the risk of being exposed or being called out. My guard was down and truth be told I was soaking up this fun and praise like a sponge. I wanted more.

I licked my lips as Zoe left and realized I had been smiling so much my cheeks hurt. I dimmed the lights and turned the spotlight back on while softening the last bit of the song all at once and so smoothly I felt like an electronic maestro. The crowd moved like a single organism and I saw Reiner standing by the stage and Christa patting his back softly as she spoke privately to him. They made the now understood customary U shape around the stage. "I take it you little devils met my new favorite person like, ever! Who came up with Skullface, was it you Nanaba?!" Zoe asked a sudden hand shot up and I saw Ymir with her hand raised high. Of course she'd be behind this. "Well sporty spice, you get a free drink! I talked to my bosses and I'd like to take this time to formally offer Skullface a job. Would you guys like him to stick around?!" They roared and shouted and few even jumped up and down. I waved and looked over to the sound board and remembered the effects I was playing with waiting on the doors to open. I hit a key and lil jon's voice in a customary "What?! Okaayyyyyyyyy." Filled the club and Zoe beamed at me as I shot her a thumbs up. "I think that's a yes! Welcome to this giant fucked up family baby boy!" They clapped for me. I took it in as Zoe's slightly terrifying cheer was zeroed in at me. I would get to do this every weekend!

I saw Armin lurking off to the side of the stage, pacing. His shoulders were high and tight and his hair was now up in the same bun as earlier. I hit the key as Zoe stepped off stage and this beat filled the air. It was heavy, serious and had a tone that went higher and made a feeble brass sound. I knew the song by heart, it was Elastic Heart by Sia. Armin danced to the pole and he was in just an oversized black shirt. Gone were the fake lashes and heels, Armin stood looking so much like, well… Armin. Barefoot and half naked he rocked his shoulders and hips in perfect synch with the song. That's when Reiner stepped up.

Their dark shirts matched, only Reiner had jeans on. I noticed he was barefoot too. Armin locked eyes with him and danced over with every single cell in his being screArming seduction. I was floored at how Armin's eyes narrowed and his mouth hung slightly open as he and Reiner drew closer together. A hand ran down Reiner's cheek and Armin looked up. He wasn't wide eyed like a child. He was steady, in control and I could see a sharp intake of breath that made me want to hear the small sounds and gasps he would make. Those sea like eyes were full of emotions I had never even pictured Armin having.

I felt more than the letdown of earlier, more than disappointment or surprise. I was pissed. I mean I adored Reiner, he was such a good guy and never turned down a chance to help or lend a hand. But I guess seeing the way Armin looked at him made me realize two things instantly.

One, Armin Arlet was giving him fuck me eyes and two…

I wanted him to look at me like that.