Title: Welcome to Trost High
Pairings: Jean x Armin
Summary: Everyone has problems when it comes to High School. For Armin, it meant that he had to make a shady deal with his PE teachers in order to pass. Guess who's going to ensure the infamous Recon Scouts' football superstar jock Jean Kirstein pass all his classes? Best he smoke a bowl before that headache comes down.
Disclaimer: I owe nothing of Attack on Titan
Author Notes: So... umm, i got the second chapter up. I hope folks are enjoying this as I continue to write it. Not sure if I should spot in a bit of angst here and there in the future chapters, however I'll be keeping it mostly humor base. This chapter is longer than the first, which is surprising. Still, its short compared to my other stories.
Seriously let me know what you guys think. Reviews are great motivators for me.
FINALLY! Freedom! YAY!
You know what freedom meant, right? Packing your stuff up and running as quick as possible to the nearest exit toward home. Don't forget to pull out all your electronic devices while doing so. Oh, and your jacket... and the stuff you forgot in your locker. Can't forget about that one either. And... meeting with Mikasa! Wasn't Eren suppose to join in today?
Actually, that was something he asked his friend while walking down the halls.
"He's at practice." She said simply.
"Practice? Isn't it Tuesday? He has practice on Wednesdays."
She raised a brow and then rapped her knuckles against Armin's temple. "Either quit studying so much or lay off the bong." was the muffled response.
"Mikasaaa." Armin whined as he tried to avoid the noogies. "You're making it sound like I got a problem." A faint tune of Darth Vader's theme song could be heard coming from his pocket. Someone was messaging Armin! Yayyy! He had messages.
"Everyone knows you're addicted to studying. Its only your best pals that know about your use on the medicinal compounds." Only a hint of playfulness laced Mikasa's words. Just a hint of it. Which was realllllllllly hard to hear. You need BFF ears for that. Something Armin had!
Pulling out his phone, "You make it seem like its a crime." chuckles some at that as he glanced over the list of sent messages. "I'm just running on a few hours of sleep, so I tend to forget ev...er...y... ah, poo." Of course Armin would be the type of person to say that. Though, the message he received caused him to flush in embarrassment.
"Hrn?" Mikasa looked over Armin's shoulder to read the text.
It read as such:
From: Papa Fwenchie
Msg: Brat you're tutoring a shit today, right?
"Well, guess plans changed." and Armin sent a text back. "I totally forgot about my deal today..."
Mikasa's hand roughly ruffled up her friend's golden locks. Mumbling a soft, "Best hurry to the library, or else he'd think you stood him up."
"I feel bad enough as it is... don't have to rub it in." Puffing out his cheeks, baby blue orbs peered up at his friend. "Make sure to cheer Eren on for me then."
She raised a brow at that one.
Of course she wouldn't cheer for Eren like Armin did. It usually consisted of loud woots and jumps of joys. Sometimes Armin would clasp his hands together and let out a trumpet noise. Actually, the image of Mikasa pulling that one off would be hilarious. Something that was ripped out of an alternate universe obviously. Most likely one of the DC multiverses.
"See you later Armin." Mikasa stated as she walked off to the exit leading to the football field.
Sighing heavily, Armin then pivoted on the spot and headed back to where he came from. Best he make haste to the library then. Hopefully the usual gang of Trekkies won't be there. Shame the school didn't have a huge influx of Whovians, unlike back in Boston. Those were the days, that's for sure.
Shouldering the door open, Armin glanced about quickly. It was your typical library. Bookcases, upon bookcases were filled with all sorts of books. There was computer stations somewhere, though the only good thing you can do with those fossilized boxes was to type up a report. Tables were set up here and there at random places with wooden chairs. Wooden chairs from hell as some students would state. Armin had to agree to that, since he recalled having to pick out splinters from the back of his thighs on one hot September afternoon.
Urghhh. The memory gave him shivers just remembering it.
The librarian, Miss Hutchinson was seated behind the desk as usual. She was an elderly woman with a thick mane of peppered brown hair was pulled back into a simple braid. She was kind, but strict. It was always strict business when you were in her library. Any rough housing and you'd be kicked out ASAP.
Waving at the elderly woman, "Hello ma'am." Armin kept a friendly tone as he approached the desk. "Sorry to disturb, but have you seen Jean by any chance? You know, the football super star."
Glancing up from her computer, the woman raised a dark brow. "Kirstein? Ah, yes. I recalled he came here looking for you apparently. Proceeded to the back. Most likely would find him napping."
"I apologize before hand if you hear a shout." Armin smiled at that one as he then went on his mini-quest to find Jean. "Have a good day Miss Hutchinson."
Just as Miss Huchinson promise, Armin found Jean sprawled out on a chair in the farthest corner of the library known possible. Sadly, he was not sleeping. If anything, the teen was slowly flipping through a magazine. That was disappointing, since he wanted to give the jock a scare.
Armin actually had to stop and stare at the figure. It wasn't a special sight. Jean was just there, wearing a pair of loose jeans with a rumpled button up green shirt to top it off. His jersey jacket was tossed off to the side, along with his backpack. The only thing that Armin could consider stunning was the other teen's looks.
Eren always went on and on about Jean's 'horse' features. There wasn't much of horse features on the man. Sure he had a wonderful elongated jawline that was chiseled to perfection. But that didn't mean he looked like a horse. Even as he sat there with a scowl, it only only enhanced his handsome features. Especially considering the fact that Jean's lovely sandy-brown locks were swept off to the side. Have you seen his sideburns by the way? Armin was itching to run a finger through his sideburns.
…. That sounded weird and creepy...
Shaking his head, Armin then thought it was best to announce himself before he lost his deal before it even began.
"Sorry I'm late. Had a bit of a run in with a friend." Armin began as he pulled off his backpack. "We never properly introduced ourselves before, if I recall correctly. My na-"
"Don't care Goldilocks, now lets get this over with. I got stuff to do." Jean grumbled in the rudest manner ever known to man kind.
Armin raised a thick brow at the nickname. "Yes, you do have stuff to do." Digging through his backpack, "Take out the subject you want to start on first."
"Sure... You can pick it out for me." A glossy page was flip.
"Um..." Armin stared at the teen, unsure as to what to do. "Well, I guess we can start with Social Studies?" It was Armin's favorite subject, so might as well start with that.
"Mhmm. The books are in the bag, you can like... do my essay or somethin'."
"You... expect me to do your work?" That man had some gall.
"Yeah. Its why you're here, right? You help me pass and you don't have to do a physical exam next week, or whatever Shardis said."
Gritting his teeth for a moment, Armin stared at the man. He really wasn't happy about this. Didn't Jean understand that his whole athletic career depends on his academic scores!? This wasn't a joke. Armin could care less about this phyiscal exams if some jerk thinks they're going to one up him and bully him into doing their work. What the hell was the point of being a tutor if you're expected to do the work!?
Snatching the magazine away, "Take out your books now." Armin said in a stern manner, "There's no point in tutoring if you're not learning. So get to it." Bossy Armin could be bossy.
"Hey, I was reading that!" Jean snipped out as he tried to reach for the magazine. Sadly it was tossed off to the side. "Sheesh, if I knew it was your time of the month I wouldn't have came in the first place."
"I see a promising failure in your comedic career. Best you keep to the athletics, Though... You need to get your studies on board before that happens, am I correct?" A low blow was delivered on Armin's part. Hey, someone had to be reminded of the situation.
Jean glared with every ounce of glaring he could muster at that very moment. "I never taken you for a bitchy one. Thought you were one of those innocent girly types that cut themselves in the closet."
Taking in a deep breath of air, Armin forcing out a smile, "Look, how about we just tackle on the subjects and get you caught up with your work? The faster we do this, the faster we can get out and I can get into a bed." Not to mention he could be smoking a bowl. Hrmm, maybe he did have a problem... He'd have to blame it on the Frenchie at home.
Jean released a heavy sigh as he ran a hand through his mop of hair. "Fine, fine. Sheesh, you're a bossy Barbie doll." Reaching for his bag, Jean riffled through it. Pulling out a folder, he continued on with his grumbling. "No wonder you're so damn unpopular. Even the nerds would get tired of that attitude... uh, you good with math? I got Trig stuff that makes no damn sense to me."
Armin took in a deep breath and ignored the comments. Armin was use to the teasing and insensitive insults thrown at him. If it wasn't for his looks, then it was his standoffish attitude. Granted he got better with his shyness thanks to living with his current guardian. Still, he couldn't help but fall back into his introverted self at times. Right now though, it wasn't the time to go into those habits. He worked too hard to get where he was at today.
This also reminded Armin why his crush on the boy happened to be based on lust. He couldn't be attached to someone with such a brash attitude like Jean's. Sure, Eren could be just as rude and insensitive, however he doesn't go out of his way to state such... things. Though something nagged at the back of Armin's head as he thought on it.
If Jean was similar to Eren as far as attitudes go, then maybe he wasn't all that bad? Who knows, the boy could actually be good company... Ha! Like heck that'll happen. Armin was being too nice to give Jean the benefit of the doubt.
Leaning forward, "Ah, yes. Trigonometry, also known as angles of pain. Lets see where you left off..."
Other than the rude comments and insults, the session went rather smoothly.
Armin explained everything as easily and clearly as he can to the other male. Apparently Jean commented that Armin explained things better than the teachers, thus why there was an issue happening with his studies in the first place – or at least that was the excuse. Armin could understand that reasoning though, since most of the teachers had a habit of ripping their lessons out from the textbooks. And let me tell you, some of those textbooks made absolutely no darn sense.
The only issue Armin had was the amount of work they had to catch up on. Shardis was kind enough to give him an outline of all the work that Jean missed out on. Apparently the only subjects that Jean seem to put effort into is English and PE. The latter shouldn't be a surprise. English on the other hand... that was an interesting thing to take note of.
Talking about taking notes, Armin took notice of a few things. English was a subject that Jean had no problems in what so ever. Math held some promise for the teen, s'long as the equations were explained in a very clear, simple fashion. Science on the other hand was the bane to Jean's existence. Apparently he couldn't understand physics and thought it was the most mind numbing pain he had to endure through. Then social studies... You'd think he wouldn't have a problem with that subject. Honestly, he didn't have a problem of understanding the subject and such. He just had a habit of keeping awake.
Actually, it was during their reviewing of European history when the jock would doze off. That or complain how boring it was. I swear, he was just as bad as Sasha and Connie combined when it came to attention problems. And let me tell you, that alone spoke on multiple levels.
"Oh, come onnnn. Can we like, take a break or something? We've been on this shit for like hours. I swear, you're becoming a typical blond Hitler, just so you know."
Rolling his eyes, Armin exhaled sharply through the nose. "We're almost done with this. Loo-"
"Pleaaaaaaseeeee. I'm begging you on my knees girl. Can we at least go down the road for some Mickey Dee's? Come on gurll, I'm starving here."
"Calling me a girl will not help your current case."
"Okay, okay! Sorry. I'm just reallly hungry right now... man."
Armin shot a glare at the jock. Taking in a deep breath, he then glanced at the clock. It shown that the library would be closing within the quarter of an hour. They still had another seven questions to go before they could officially state they were finish for the day. Plus, fries sounded amazing at the moment. And a sundae. Strawberry sundae...
"... You're getting me a strawberry sundae and fries then." Armin stated as tore a piece of paper to be used as a bookmark.
"Yes your Majesty." Jean's tone was dripping with sarcasm. No surprise there.
Shrugging, "You mentioned food. Its either I pick off of your plate or you get me something to eat." Plus he wanted to give Jean a hard time. It should be sufficient enough considering the fact that he had to deal with the teen for the last two hours. God, he was ready to pass out right then and there.
"You pick at people's plate?" He raised a brow at the blond. "That's so...weird."
Blushing a bit, Armin threw his bag onto his shoulder. Mumbling a soft, "Yeah." Not waiting to hear the response to that one, Armin quickly moved off to the exit. God knows what sort of teasing he would have to suffer for that one. Actually, why on earth was he did he say that?!
Shouldering the door open, he barely acknowledged Miss Hutchinson's wave. Armin just wanted to get some distance between himself and Jean. Even if it did mean rushing off like some idiot. Actually, he was acting like an idiot. He shouldn't have opened up to the jerk. Wasn't it enough that he had to sit next to such a handsome being?
Inwardly, he shook his head and tried to calm down. If he wasn't careful, then he'd make a total fool of himself. Knowing Jean, he would most likely open his mouth and say something to his peers. Armin had enough bullies to deal with at school. Come on, you know you have it bad when the nerds start picking on you.
Rummaging through his pockets for his phone, he then glanced over the various messages sent his way. He needed a distraction. Though, he regret even taking the device out. Squeaking loudly, Armin's face flushed a wonderful magenta thanks to his embarrassment. He really had to unorganized all of Levi's things when he got home. Seriously, why on earth would he send him an image of THAT?!
Or maybe it was Commander Eyebrows trying to pull a fast one on him?
"Whoa, is that your boyfriend?" Jean asked as he peered over Armin's shoulder.
"Wha?! NO! OH GAWD NO!" Armin screeched out as he fumbled with the device in his hand. Why couldn't he get it in his pocket?! Why on earth did it have to be fucken Levi on that picture?! Actually, why the heck was Jean that close to him!? Oh gawd, oh gawd, oh gawdddddddd!
"Whoa, calm down there." Jean laughed as he walked ahead. "I could care less what you dig. Its pretty obvious that you're the fruity sort anyway."
That got Armin to stop in the middle of the hallway.
Narrowing his eyes, Armin glared at the back of Jean's head. Shoving his phone away, the boy string along in a sulking manner. He was tempted to just ditch the jock right then and there. However... that meant Armin was giving up. Like hell he was going to give up on a task. Sure, he may be physically weak and sometimes a total crybaby, but that didn't mean he gave up easily!
Plus, he really didn't want to deal with PE. He loaaaathed that class. Absolutely loathed it! It was the bane of Armin's existence.
Fishing out a pair of earbuds, Armin couldn't help but sigh a bit. He doubt Jean would be chatty on the walk to toward food. McDonald's was actually one of the few fast food joints around this area. Not a surprise there, considering the fact that the golden arches are more recognized than the Christian cross. If Armin had to choose, he'd prefer to hit up the greasy spoon down Foxtrot Ave. God, that sounded amazing. Though it would require a car to get there. Something Armin lacked at the current moment.
So he held the door opened for the other teen and kept his gaze on the ground. Please don't say anything.
"So like, if he wasn't your boyfriend, then who was that?"
Well, there went his wish. Karma, why you so mean? Also, why on earth was he so interested in knowing?
Pinching at the bridge of his nose. "It's... embarrassing..."
"Oh come on. I won't tell anyone if you're worried about that. I just find it weird that someone like you would get a picture of some guy in fishnet stockings on a stage."
Groaning some, "... I swear, I'm going to make a mess of his room tonight." Armin grumbled.
Raising a brow at that one, "... I'll get you nuggets with your sundae and fries if you tell me." Then Jean had to flash a charming smile. God, did that man understand how contagious his smiles were? If anything, Armin wanted a kiss. He'd tell him anything for a kiss.
God, Levi was rubbing off of him.
Releasing a heavy sigh, "... Its my... Guardian." he explained simply. "I don't know why he sent me that. Something tells me it was Commander Eyebrows. I know he does that at times..."
"Commander... Eyebrows...?"
"...His boss. I..umm.. He just has really thick eyebrows. Its a joke."
"Oh." Jean just gave Armin a weird look. "You said guardian. Is he like your step dad? What does he do? Act?" Jean's eyes brighten up as his curiosity took control. Who'd though the jock could have a childish side to him?
Armin had to snort out a giggle at that one. "More like strip." Shaking his head, "And yeah, Levi is my step-dad? I don't really view him as my dad. Granted, he would be an amazing father. Its just that... He's difficult. He knew my Mum, back in the Royal Navy. So when she passed, Levi step in to take care of me."
"Oh." Jean blinked and stared at the other teenager. "... You're British? You really lack the accent..."
Armin shook his head and allowed a sad smile to grace his lips. "Born in a Kenya base and lived the first five years of life in Wales. Then I was sent to America before I turned six. Lived in the Boston area before I moved in with Levi... and voila, last six years of my life is recorded in Trost, Washington. Ah, the story of my life."
"Damn..." Jean fell silent at that one.
Not many would expect that sort of story out of Armin. Then again, who would? It wasn't anything horrible. Mum passed away, he was booted to his grandfather's care in Boston. Five years later and the old man passed away, so he was left in a weird stripper's care. Not to mention he had a huge inheritance from both his mom and grandfather. Simple as that. It was pretty mundane. Well, it was Levi's current profession that threw folks off in the loop.
Seriously, who'd thought he'd live with a stripper that had OCD issues? Even Armin couldn't believe it at times.
"So, you live with a stripper... That's pretty ironic since he was a sailor, right?" Man, Jean was a chatty one today. And nice... way too nice.
Yawning loudly, "No. He was actually a Royal Marine. Special forces sorts. Um... But yeah. He strips, sometimes bounces. When the customers get too rowdy he tends to throw folks out." He had to giggle at that. If only Jean knew how short Levi was. The picture didn't show off just how short he was, considering that he was sitting on the stage.
"Whoa... That's weird and really kick ass at the same time." Jean laughed at that one. "No wonder you're such a bossy little thang."
Armin rolled his eyes as he waited for the traffic to stop. "Keep it up and I'll have you order me a frappe with all my lovely treats."
Jean scoffed some at that one. "Really; you drink that shit? Its like an insult to good coffee."
"Well then, please point the way to the nearest Shitebucks. If I have to deal with the lowest of lows for caffeine I might as well get it while I still can."
"Are you really that tired?"
Nods, "Running on an hour and a half of sleep and... five cans of Monster. Or was it six? I can't remember."
He whistled at that one, "Daymn... And you still came around to tutor me?"
Without missing a beat, Armin then crossed the intersection. "Yup. If I take on a responsibility I see to it till the end." pausing a moment, Armin eyed the taller teen for a few moments. "You're being awfully nice all of a sudden. What's up with all the questions?"
"Huh?" Jean blinked at that. Rubbing at the back of his neck, the boy glanced away in a bashful manner. "Um... Well, I thought I'd get to know you. Not like I like you or anything, well I kind of do. You're helping me out, as much as I hate to admit it... wait, I just admitted it. Fuck." narrowing his eyes, Jean huffed loudly. "What I'm saying is that we'll be hanging around each other for a while and well... you're like the biggest mystery in the life of Trost Highschool! No one knows shit about you other than you're really fucken smart, polite and a total pushover. Oh and you look like a girl."
Raising a brow, Armin gave the other male an odd look. It was then that something dawn upon the blond. It should have been so damn obvious before hand. Honestly he didn't know why he didn't recognized it earlier.
"You really speak your mind out, don't you?"
Shrugging, "What can I say, I'm an honest fellow." there was an awkward pause on Jean's part. "That's... not a bad thing, right?"
Smirking, "At least you'll know why I'm demanding you to feed me." With that said, Armin then skipped up the road to the fast food restaurant.
"Huh?! Wait, what?! HEY! Explain what you mean, Goldilocks!" Jean yelled as he jogged after Armin, "Awh shit, don't tell me you're one of those fat ass eaters that stuff everything into their mouths! Oi! Girly, answer me! Oh come on. God dammit, what is your name!? Argrin? Aaron? Arm? Army! That! Yes, Army!"
Despite all the crude humor and insults, Armin was happy that he had an afternoon to get to know the other teenager. It was refreshing to be honest. Normally he'd hang around Mikasa and Eren so much that he tended to forget that there were other organisms outside his fish bowl.
Though, this was also bad news on Armin's part. Or maybe it wasn't? Who knew what the future had to hold. All that we know is that his so called 'physical' crush aka lusting, would eventually become a more emotionally attached one.
What can he say? Jean certainly had an addicting personality.
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