Notes: The Rivarmin scenes here turned into something of a fluffy dating montage, which I'm not displeased about. Also there's a BIG revelation for Armin that was fun to write.

I hope you enjoy!

Previously: Despite their troubled history, Armin unexpectedly bonds with Floch over a shared love of books. He feels guilty over Mikasa's continued hostile treatment of his former bully, wondering if Floch has perhaps changed?

Meanwhile, Erwin attends a trade negotiation summit in Mitras. Levi and Armin arrange to meet up as friends while he is away…

Chapter 19: Proposals and Preparations

Armin

As soon as Armin saw Floch strolling through the front door of library, he called out to him.

"Hi Floch!"

The man had barely made any conversation with him for the past few weeks, ever since that incident with Mikasa. In an apparent effort to avoid Armin, he'd reverted to going through Emilia for borrowing and returning books.

When Floch approached the reception desk, Armin removed two books from a shelf and placed them on the counter with a knowing smirk.

"Are you still interested in reading these?"

Floch frowned, picking the books up and reading the titles. Then his mouth fell open.

"Wait - these are the second and third books in the Shadow and Storm series! I thought you couldn't put them out yet?"

"Well, we're supposed to wait until the new shelving is built before putting out the rest of the foreign books. But that's going to take another two months. In the meantime, readers of the first Shadow and Storm book keep pestering me about when they can read the rest of the trilogy. So I got permission from Emilia to put the whole series into circulation. There's been so much demand, I've had to create a waiting list. It's already got twenty-five names on it!"

"Could you add my name to it?" Floch asked, staring at the books as though they were made of gold.

"Actually, I already put your name at the top of the list."

The other man gaped. He couldn't have looked more shocked if Armin had punched him. "Why - why would you do that?"

His meaning was clear – what prompted Armin's act of kindness, after Floch had treated him so cruelly in the past? Armin didn't know how to answer that question. Except that he'd seen how lonely the man was; how he depended on the refuge of books and the solitude of the library more than any other soldier he knew.

And perhaps he was also trying to make amends for Mikasa's hostile treatment of Floch a few weeks ago, when she'd intimidated him into leaving the library. Armin had a duty to create a safe space for everyone within these walls. The outside world may be uncertain, but here he wanted soldiers to find a sanctuary away from their troubles.

"Well, you were the first person to read the first book, and ask me about the others. I thought it was only fair to put your name at the top of the list."

"I – you didn't need to-" Floch trailed off, his mouth quivering like he couldn't find the right words. "Thanks," he finally rasped out.

Desperate to relieve whatever strange emotion had overcome the man, Armin pinned a cheery smile on his face. "You better tell me what you think when you read them!"

"Yeah… I will." Floch huffed out a small laugh.

Armin checked out the two books for him by recording the information in the loans ledger. When he handed the books over, Floch stowed them carefully in his bag, looking as thrilled as a kid who had just been given a gigantic bag of sweets. When he glanced back up at Armin, his eyes narrowed.

"Wait, since when did you start wearing glasses?"

Armin raised his hand impulsively to adjust his new eye-wear. He usually only wore them for heavy paperwork in the back room, but he'd forgotten to take them off when he took over reception duty.

"My eyes are really tired with all the extra reading I'm doing for work, so Emilia recommended I get them. I don't normally wear them in public," he explained, bracing himself for a sneering comment.

"They really suit you. I guess that's why I didn't even notice them."

Heat flamed his cheeks. Had Floch Forster just complimented him?! His tone sounded genuine; nothing like the veiled insults he used to fling at Armin during their cadet years.

Before he could stammer out a reply, Floch added, "Thanks again for the books Armin. I really appreciate it."

As the man strolled off, a surge of relief rushed through Armin. He would probably never forget the anguish and shame Floch had once caused him. But it was time to move away from that old part of his life.

I have an obligation to treat him like any other library customer. After all, he's made an effort to be polite to me these last few months. What more could I ask for?

Armin squeezed his eyes shut as the answer clawed at his consciousness.

An apology.

Emilia was covering the late shift at the library that evening. So after dinner, Armin headed outside to the gardens with his friends to make the most of the waning September sunshine. They set up blankets on the grass and discussed the latest updates from the diplomatic trade negotiations occurring in Mitras.

"What will we do if Marley doesn't want to form an alliance?" Marco asked.

Jean shook his head in disbelief. "With Hizuru already supporting us, I think any other nation would be insane not to follow suit. Think of all the foreign goods the rest of the world has that we don't! There's a lot of profit to be made from us importing their products."

"Yes, think of all the new food we can try…" Sasha's face took on a dream-like quality.

"We have resources and knowledge that they want too," Armin added. "Like using our iceburst stone as a fuel source, and how to craft ultrahard steel from iron bamboo."

Mikasa appeared agitated all through the conversation, fingers twining in her red scarf. When Armin asked if anything was wrong, she pulled him a little away from the others. Then his friend showed him the latest letter she'd received from Lady Kiyomi Azumabito.

"Kiyomi's invited me to visit and stay with her in Hizuru," Mikasa confessed. "And I'd love to go – it sounds like an amazing country. But I'll have to tell her it's not possible."

"Couldn't you get permission to visit in a diplomatic role? Surely Erwin will approve of it, if it supports our political ties with Hizuru."

"Huh, that's what Levi said to me too. He told me to speak the Commander first to see what my options are."

Armin's stomach lurched. "You talked to Levi about this? I didn't realise you two were close enough to discuss personal matters."

"We're not," Mikasa admitted. "But lately, he does seem to be making an effort to be – well, not exactly friendly – but less gruff. He noticed I was preoccupied during training earlier and asked what was wrong. I didn't see the harm in getting his advice, so I told him."

Armin was dying to ask more questions about the relationship between the two Ackermans. Instead, he focussed on his friend's current predicament. It was rare to see her so distressed over anything.

"So will you seek permission from Erwin to go?"

"No."

Mikasa cast her gaze over their friends. Eren had taken out his sketchbook and was trying to convince Marco to pose for him. For some reason, Jean opposed this idea, and began one of his habitual arguments with Eren. Meanwhile, Connie and Sasha had wandered off to feed some birds with bits of bread they'd taken from the mess hall at dinner.

Mikasa's lips quirked at their antics. "It's not simply a matter of permission. I don't want to go," she continued quietly. "I can't imagine being away from home for so long. Away from all my friends. I doubt that you, Eren, or anyone else would be allowed to come too."

"You can't let us hold you back Mika. Visiting another country is a wonderful opportunity. And you'll get to see more relatives from your clan, who I'm sure would love to meet you! Then when you get back, you can tell me and Eren all about it."

Her mouth lifted in a wistful smile. "Do you remember those crazy plans we had as kids? We were determined to defeat the titans, and then go travel the world. And now we've helped the Survey Corps to achieve that first part, only to discover the outside world is more complicated than we ever expected."

She reached out to cover Armin's hand with her own.

"I know I'll get to meet relations from my mother's clan if I visit. But truthfully, I don't even know those people. My real family is right here." Her gaze flickered to Eren, now staring back at her with a goofy grin. Behind him unnoticed, Jean was flicking bits of grass into his hair while Marco looked exasperated.

Armin's throat tightened at this intimate admission from his friend. What could he say to express how much her words meant to him? He too considered his two best friends to be his family.

"There's something else I want to talk to you about." Mikasa chewed her lip in a most un-Ackerman fashion. "Can we go for a walk?"

After informing their friends of their intentions, they rose and wound their way through the gardens. This was one of Armin's favourite places on the Survey Corps grounds, and he often came out here to read under an ancient oak tree. It was to this very tree Mikasa led him to now.

They settled down on the grass beneath it. Armin appraised his friend, her face dappled from the sunlight shining through the branches. Mikasa toyed with the edge of her scarf and remained silent.

But Armin's mind was rapidly connecting the dots – her unusual sentimentality, the discussion about family, and her reluctance to travel.

"Mika… are you pregnant?"

"What? No!" Mikasa's brows knitted together, her dark eyes blazing. Then she burst out laughing. "At least, I hope not."

"Sorry, you're just being so mysterious. What's this about then?"

"I need your advice on something." Mikasa went back to chewing on her lip, brow furrowed. "Because I have no clue about any of this. And I'm more comfortable talking to you than anyone else."

"I'm honoured," Armin said, still completely baffled about what his friend was getting at. "But please explain to me what it is that I'm honoured about."

Mikasa squared her shoulders, setting her hands firmly on her lap; like someone bracing themselves to share a piece of difficult news.

"I want to ask Eren to marry me."

Her solemn expression turned to surprise when Armin flung his arms around her, squeezing her tight.

"Mikasa that's amazing!" He pulled back to survey her faltering smile. "What's wrong?"

"Well it's just… I don't know if he'll think it's weird for me to propose. I know women in other parts of the world can do it – I've heard it's not unusual at all in Hizuru. What do you think?"

"You do realise that Eren's obsessed with you, right? He'll be so overjoyed when you propose, he won't care about stupid tradition!"

Holding Armin at arm's length, Mikasa appraised him. "Are you ok with this? I know… I know since Eren and I started dating, it probably hasn't been easy for you. And now with us possibly getting married-"

Armin desperately needed to divert the topic. His friend had touched on something that he himself hadn't fully wrapped his emotions around.

"What do you mean possibly? He's going to say yes Mika! Unless our teasing is correct, and he really is secretly in love with Jean…"

"Armin, please. I've never bothered asking how you felt about me and Eren. But you can be honest with me now. Is this hard for you?"

She was right. Neither she nor Eren had ever checked how he felt when their friendship trio turned into a romantic couple plus their hanger-on friend. He'd never expected them to deny their attraction for his sake. But his genuine happiness for them had always been stained with a simmering resentment.

And now by getting married, they were officially breaking away from him for good.

Pull yourself together, he told himself sternly. You knew this would happen eventually. At least you have other things going on in your life now; not everything revolves around them like it used to!

Much to his shame, these brave thoughts were not enough. Mikasa's concern had ripped open an old wound that he'd long been trying to ignore. Tears blurred his vision and his mouth quivered. He tried to reassure Mikasa that he was fine, not wanting to spoil what was supposed to be a joyous occasion for her. But when he opened his mouth to speak, a strangled sob came out.

Mikasa held and soothed him for a long time, so long that Armin was afraid their friends would come looking for them. The sweet floral scent of her perfume was a comforting balm, reminding him of all the other times she'd protected him. Even her stubborn, unnecessary hostility towards Floch was simply her way of keeping him from harm.

"I'm sorry." Armin wiped his face on a handkerchief. "I knew for years that you and Eren would probably end up together. Everybody did! But ever since it happened, I – I can't stop thinking that it means I'm going to lose you."

"You'll never lose us." Mikasa's face radiated with resolve. "I know things have changed for the three of us, and will continue to over the coming years. But we love you Armin. And we're always here for you."

A weight eased from Armin's chest at his friend's sincerity. "I love you both too, and I truly want the two of you to be happy."

Mikasa clasped his hand between her own. "You might be thinking we're still too young for marriage. But it was always going to be him. I know he's an idiot sometimes. But he's our idiot. And without him, who knows where I'd be now? Both he and you helped shape me into the person I am today."

"Yeah, you didn't turn out too bad. You're certainly more pleasant to talk to than the other Ackerman we know," Armin teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"Hey, Levi's alright once you get to know him!"

"I'll have to take your word for that." It took all Armin's determination not to smirk. Mikasa was right - Levi Ackerman certainly did improve upon further acquaintance.

"So... do you think you can help me figure out the best way to propose to Eren?"

Armin fixed his friend with a solemn expression.

"Mikasa, together we'll come up with the perfect romantic marriage proposal for Eren. One that'll make him forget all about Jean Kirstein."

Levi

The knock on the door came at exactly eight in the evening. Just as they'd arranged.

Levi sprang up from his bed to let Armin in. He shut the door quickly behind him, in case anyone should walk by outside. They had an excuse prepared for their meeting, but he'd rather avoid having to use it.

"Take off your shoes," he ordered.

Armin obeyed, placing them beside Levi's by the door. He was clutching a paper package and a small wooden box. He gazed around the sparse room – furnished only by a bed, a small round table with two chairs, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. A door on the far side of the room led to a private bathroom.

"This is a nice place you've got here."

Levi snorted. "Isn't it the exact same as your quarters?"

"Yeah, more or less. I was just trying to be polite."

Levi gestured for his guest to take a seat at the table. Armin swivelled his head around, as if searching for a topic of conversation.

"This is the cleanest room I've ever seen. Are you sure I'm allowed in here?" The question was laced with mischievousness.

Levi's chest smouldered at the compliment. "Just make sure you behave, or else I'll have to throw you out."

"Alright then, I'll be good," Armin laughed. "Does anyone else ever visit you here?"

"It's mostly just Erwin, but not that often since he became Commander. His new quarters are far more comfortable for us to use now. Before that, we used to take turns meeting in each other's rooms."

A familiar inquisitive spark shone in Armin's eyes. He always got captivated by stories of Levi and Erwin's early relationship, and he jumped on this opportunity to ask a string of questions. Levi fought his innate urge to tell Armin to mind his own business. After all, they'd already shared many private details with him, and could trust him to stay quiet.

And he couldn't deny the man's interest was gratifying. Levi didn't possess Erwin's charms or grace when it came to social situations. But Armin leaned forward in his seat, eyes bright and attentive.

He's a manipulative little brat, dragging all my secrets out of me!

Yet somehow, it was impossible for Levi to be truly mad at the man. Hadn't he shared so much about his own life in return? His sexual fling with Jean, his guilty resentment ever since Eren and Mikasa got together, and details of that incident with Floch Forster last year?

It's possible Armin's been confiding in me and Erwin more than anyone else these past few months, he realised. Fuck! How did this threesome go from casual and 'sex-only', to all of us pouring our damned hearts out to each other?

As they chatted, Levi poured tea into two cups, using the well-worn tea set he'd bought after first joining the Survey Corps. He gave Armin the best cup – the only one without any chips or scratches, which he usually reserved for Erwin.

Armin opened the paper package he'd brought with him. A tantalising smell of caramelised sugar and cinnamon wafted out.

"I picked up some almond biscuits." Armin gave that playful, crooked smile that always made the Captain's heart skip. "I noticed when we had pastries a few weeks ago, you liked the almond ones best. So I thought you might like to try these out!"

Levi licked his lips at the delicious treats, dusted in brown sugar and topped with nut flakes. He didn't often eat snacks like this. But it would be rude to rebuff the man's thoughtful gesture.

"Well Arlert, your observation skills are a little disturbing. But thank you. I wish Erwin was here to enjoy them too."

"I'm sure he's enjoying himself at the trade summit right now," Armin said wistfully. "Isn't he lucky to be able to go? Think of all the diplomats from foreign countries he'll get to talk to! I bet he's learning so much about other cultures."

"I just hope he's getting enough rest," Levi muttered.

The conversation shifted to discussing their day. Armin shared an amusing story about Sasha and Connie getting kicked out of the library after the Head Librarian caught them eating between the bookshelves. After that, Levi explained some of the new techniques he was teaching his elite squad of soldiers. Of course Mikasa had no trouble learning them, and had spent today's lesson helping Levi to instruct the others.

"With a bit more experience, she could easily be leading her own team someday," Levi admitted. "She'd make a better instructor than me, and she's already outmatching my skills."

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about Mikasa." Placing his half-eaten biscuit on the saucer, Armin settled his teacup between cupped hands. "She told me yesterday about Lady Azumabito's invitation, and how she'd asked for your advice on the matter. I didn't realise the two of you were on such good terms." His features took on a calculated edge.

Levi's lips twitched. Was Armin jealous?!

"Don't worry, I'm not stealing your place as best friend any time soon."

Armin didn't seem reassured. "It's not that. I'm actually glad if the two of you are getting on better. I'm just worried that she'll figure out that we're… well… you know-"

"Fucking?"

"Yes," Armin winced. "The morning after our last encounter, she complimented the smell of my hair and asked what product I was using. What if she figures out it was your coconut conditioner I had used?"

"You think she'll be suspicious simply because two people use the same hair product?"

"Don't underestimate Mikasa Ackerman. She's already guessed that I'm sleeping with someone," Armin warned. "I just want to be careful, that's all."

"Alright, I promise I won't have any heart-to-hearts with her about our little threesome meetings."

Despite his teasing, Levi resolved himself to be more cautious around Mikasa. Simply imagining her reaction upon discovering her captain was sleeping with her beloved best friend was enough to make him change the subject.

"So what do you think of the tea? I made the blend myself."

He'd only recently started creating his own tea mixtures, and hadn't tested his experiments on anyone before. He figured Armin would be a good candidate for giving him honest feedback.

"Wow seriously? It's really nice!"

"Have you any suggestions to improve it?"

The man twisted his mouth in thought. "It's fine as it is… although I guess you could add a little honey?"

"Tsk. You and your sweet things." All the same, Levi made a mental note to test the suggestion next time.

After they'd finished their tea and biscuits, Armin opened up the wooden box he'd brought.

"Do you want to play cards?" he asked, displaying a fancy deck on the table. Each card depicted a different sea creature – many of which Levi had never seen before. Instead of actually playing anything, he spent the next half hour asking Armin about each picture.

"What's this one, a titan fish? Is it really as big as it looks?"

"That's a blue whale," Armin explained, before launching into a stream of information he'd read about the different whale varieties in books.

"Not all of them are as big either. Like these orcas for instance," Armin pointed at another card, with a black and white whale. "But they're still cool, right?"

Levi scowled at the caption on the card which read, Orca – also known as the killer whale.

"Arlert, that bastard would probably devour you without a second thought!"

Armin tilted his head, wearing a sly little smirk that was more suited to a bedroom environment. (Technically they were in Levi's bedroom. But that wasn't the point.)

"Yeah… but maybe he has hidden depths? I'm sure there's more behind that deadly façade."

Levi knew they weren't really discussing whales anymore. And while Armin and Erwin might relish subtle games like this, he preferred to be direct.

"Tsk. If I was that whale and I looked at you, all I'd see is a cute, tasty snack."

The librarian laughed, cheeks tinged pink. He fixed his eyes on the table and fiddled with the cards.

Good, he's flustered. That's what the brat gets for teasing me!

They eventually did start playing a card game. Levi taught Armin one that he sometimes played with Erwin, Mike and Hange.

"We usually place small bets, but I think it's better if we don't this time."

"Oh I don't mind! Sometimes I do that with my friends too."

Levi met those ocean-blue eyes levelly. "Arlert, Erwin and I have already taught you way too many vices. I'm not adding gambling to the list."

That dangerous gleam returned to the man's features. "Perhaps not gambling… but what other vices are you prepared to teach me?"

"For fuck's sake Arlert. If you don't shut up I'll throw you out!"

Armin raised his cards to cover his triumphant grin.

Levi invited Armin to visit again a few nights later.

This time his guest did not come bearing sugary snacks. Instead, he arrived on his doorstep clutching a potted plant.

"Arlert… what the hell is that?!"

Armin's face shone like the sun emerging from the clouds. "It's a spearmint plant! I thought it would make a nice decoration for your room."

"Did you dig it up from outside or something?"

Armin beamed, the snarky tone bouncing right off him.

"Yes, I volunteer to help out in the new garden patch sometimes. We've planted seeds that we've been gifted from other countries, such as–" Armin halted, as if realising he was rambling. "Anyway, this is from a plant that was getting too big. I divided it up into smaller sections, and potted up the spares. I already gave a pot to Mikasa, and another to Emilia that we can keep in the library. So this last one is for you."

"Me? What about Eren, or your other friends?"

"The last time I gave Eren a plant, it died." Armin's face darkened. "My other friends aren't much better. So it was between you and Erwin. And no offence, but your room needs the decoration more than his does."

Levi couldn't decide if he was more flattered or insulted.

"I hope you washed your hands after playing around in the dirt!"

"Of course I washed my hands. Do you think I want you to murder me?" Armin strolled over to the window and opened the curtains. He placed the plant down in the centre of the windowsill. He turned to Levi, hands on his hips. "It needs plenty of sunlight, and water it lightly every two or three days. If you're having any issues just tell me."

Armin's tone wasn't far off his bossy bedroom voice. Was this how he spoke to troublesome customers in the library? Perhaps Levi should borrow a book, and purposely 'forget' to return it on time...

Since protesting probably wasn't going to work, Levi gave in with a dramatic sigh.

"Fine. I guess I'm a plant parent now." He inspected his new plant, inhaling the fresh minty aroma. Perhaps this isn't such a bad gift…

"It's got practical uses too," Armin continued. "I was thinking you could try harvesting the leaves for tea?"

Levi had only ever tried peppermint tea before, not spearmint. Curiousity gnawed at him.

"Let's try it now," Levi decided. He cut off a few leaves and rinsed them under the tap, before placing them into a teapot and pouring boiling water in.

Then he poured out two cups for them to test. It was just as refreshing as peppermint tea, but had a sweeter edge, and was easy to drink.

I definitely won't let that plant die, Levi vowed to himself. Even if it means missing out on Armin punishing me...

This time Levi was the one to provide snacks. In an effort to appease Armin's love of sweet things, as well as his own determination to have something healthier, he'd prepared a mixture of fresh and dried fruit which he divided up between them into two bowls.

Under Armin's barrage of well-intentioned questions, Levi updated him on his tea-making experiments with different blends. He was already in the process of making his own batch of chai tea as a gift for Erwin, since it was his favourite. He couldn't quite get the mixture of spices right though.

"It's hard taste testing everything myself, I could do with a second opinion."

Levi had been debating whether to ask Hange or Mike to help. But he didn't want to endure their knowing looks once he told them he was making the tea as a present for Erwin.

Just as he'd hoped, Armin's face brightened. "I'd love to help you! And what about other blends, have you considered making any types of green tea? Lady Azumabito gave Mikasa a box of matcha powder, and it made a really nice tea."

"If all these new trade agreements go through with the other nations, maybe we'll start importing different teas that I can try out. Then I'll try figure out how to make them myself."

"Of course. And I'm sure if Erwin ever needs to travel abroad for his diplomatic work, you'd be able to go with him! Think of all the new teas you could sample."

An anchor of dread dropped inside of Levi. What will I do if Erwin needs to travel? Would I be able to go with him? Do I even want that? But the alternative is spending weeks – or months – away from him…

Armin's brow furrowed, and he took a hasty gulp of tea as if sensing he'd walked into a tricky topic.

Levi didn't have any obligation to explain himself. His guest wasn't his partner; he could be as evasive with Armin as he was with everybody else. And yet he found words tumbling out of his mouth.

"Are you joking? I'd be the last person allowed to go on any sort of diplomatic visit. Meeting new people is like torture to me."

He spoke flippantly, as though his own shortcomings didn't bother him in the slightest. He was Humanity's Strongest, after all.

When Armin opened his mouth, Levi cut in quickly. "What about you? I remember a time when you and Eren were always shouting about seeing the outside world. Do you still feel the same way, now that we've discovered there's actual fucking people out there too?"

Armin laughed. "Those people are just like us, Levi."

"Yes, that's true. But I hate everyone equally."

"I see now why you wouldn't be allowed to travel…" The librarian's tone was more affectionate than mocking. As if Levi being the way he was wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

It's funny. When he makes fun of me, I tend to feel better about myself, not worse. Just like with Erwin.

"So tell me Armin. What are your grand plans if you and your friends ever do get to travel the world?"

Levi wrapped his hands around his warm cup of mint tea, absorbing Armin's enthusiastic ramblings and animated hand gestures. Meanwhile, an icy tendril of foreboding threatened to engulf him.

Armin is pledged to serve the Survey Corps; both in his library position, and his sworn duties as a soldier.

What if he never gets the chance to pursue his other dreams?

On their third meeting, they decided to get down to planning their special night for Erwin.

Levi had an unopened bottle of mead which Hange had gifted him last winterfest. Knowing Armin's love of sweet things, he offered him a glass of it. He sipped at a small portion himself to stem off the awkwardness of what they were about to discuss.

To Levi's bafflement, a colossal grin spread over Armin's face as he pulled a notebook out of his bag.

"I've given this some thought since we last discussed it. And, um… I've written down a few ideas."

A fond smirk tugged at the Captain's lips. "Of course you turned this into a homework assignment. Well, if it makes things any easier, I promise not to tease you about your ideas. What's the first one?"

An hour later, after another glass of mead each, the younger man was decidedly tipsy.

Levi cursed himself. It had been the same that first time he and Erwin had a proper discussion about the threesome with Armin. A small amount of alcohol had gone straight to his head that time too. How the hell did I forget that?! I guess I was just so focussed on helping us both relax tonight…

They reached the end of Armin's list of ideas, and were debating the merits of his final suggestion. Levi had his doubts about it.

"It's a little complicated, I'm not sure we can pull it off-"

Armin's warm hand encircled Levi's wrist, his eyes blazing like a bonfire. "Don't say no yet! We should test it out first. Come on, let's head down to my room."

Heart pounding, curiousity won Levi over. "Alright fine, but we can't walk down the corridors holding hands, even if it is late. You go down first and I'll follow in a few minutes."

Apparently the notion of being seen holding hands with Captain Levi was hilarious enough to make Armin's eyes water. Levi shooed him out the door, swearing to never give the brat alcohol again.

Shortly afterwards, they were both in Armin's quarters. And Levi realised why the man had been so shocked by Levi's barren room the first time he'd visited. This place by comparison was bright, cosy and inviting.

A sturdy bookcase dominated one wall. Half the shelves were neatly packed with books, with the rest covered in various trinkets - including a set of delicate seashells, which he recalled Armin collecting on the last Survey Corps outing to the sea. Adorning the wall over his bed were an array of sketches of animals and people. Levi guessed they might be Yeager's work; he'd heard from Mikasa that her boyfriend loved to draw. As he strolled over towards the far end of the room, he noticed a prickly succulent plant perched on the windowsill in the gap between the drawn curtains.

The room was clean and tidy by most people's standards. But Levi's sharp eyes spotted a clump of dust lurking under the bed that Armin must have missed. Well, nobody was perfect.

"Come on, stop judging my room and let's try this! Take off your jacket." The librarian pounced on Levi, helping him tug off the black jacket he was wearing.

I can't believe I let him talk me into this! Erwin will have a great fucking laugh when I tell him.

"Giving you that second glass was a bad idea," Levi grumbled.

Armin tottered over to his wardrobe on unsteady legs and rifled through the contents. He pulled out his favourite light-blue jacket, his features shining with approval.

"I think this one would work best. Shall we see if it fits you?"

After trying it on, Levi appraised himself in the mirror. It was bizarre to see himself wearing Armin's signature blue jacket. He never usually wore anything so colourful. Black, white and brown were his preferred colours.

And the jacket actually did fit him, even if it was a little tight at the shoulders. But he wouldn't be wearing it for long anyway. What would Erwin think of it?

"That looks so good on you!" Armin cried. He slung an arm around his shoulder, tilting his head against Levi's and smiling at their reflection. "You should definitely wear it."

Fuck! Does he have any idea what all his casual touches do to me? If he wasn't drunk, and Erwin was here with us, then maybe…

Levi visualised sweeping these pointless thoughts away with a broom. Instead, he focussed his mind towards the matter at hand – Erwin's special night.

"Are you sure this whole idea isn't too weird?"

"What? No!" Armin gave a little hiccough. "Doesn't Erwin like when you pretend to be me?"

Feeling his cheeks burn, Levi stepped away from Armin's warm touch. The man's lavender scent hung pleasantly in the air, and dammit, it was hard to think straight. Levi shrugged out of the jacket and hung it back up in the wardrobe before replying.

"Yeah. But won't it make you uncomfortable?"

"It's just a game. And we'll go through dialogue and behaviour beforehand. Maybe we could meet again before Erwin gets back?"

Levi nodded. This plan of Armin's was a little complicated, so they would both need to figure out their roles in advance of the actual night in question.

Erwin has no idea what he's in for, he thought smugly.

However, Armin was in no fit state to discuss anything complex right now. Levi ordered him to bed, promising they would meet again tomorrow evening. Perhaps it would be a good opportunity to test out his latest tea experiments on him? (He certainly wasn't giving the brat any alcohol again).

Or maybe if it was a clear night, they could head up to the roof, and Levi could tell him about the constellations? It would be nice to be the one imparting knowledge to Armin for a change, instead of the other way around. He might even feel up to sharing stories about his old friends Isabel and Farlan… the three of them used to love gazing at the stars together, and dreaming of the future.

By the time Levi left Armin's quarters and entered his own, there was an ache in his chest.

You like him too much, a traitorous voice snarled in his head. You haven't felt this desire to open up to someone else since you fell in love with Erwin.

Levi collapsed on his bed, realising too late that he'd forgotten to remove his shoes at the door. He kicked them off irritably.

But like a sponge in soapy water, his mind saturated with thoughts of meeting Armin again tomorrow – seeing that cheeky smile play on his soft lips, hearing his unrestrained laughter, and having the pleasure of those captivating ocean-blue eyes fixed intently on him.

Keeping things platonic while Erwin was away had not been easy. As Levi's guilty mind imagined all manner of forbidden scenarios with the librarian, a rush of adrenaline spiked through his veins. Not dissimilar to when he soared and spiralled in the air during a training session, or battle.

With a groan, he forced himself to stand and get dressed for bed. Then he curled up under the blanket with his spare pillow clutched to his chest.

Erwin is the most important person in my life. I'd never risk everything we've built together over some silly crush! My feelings for Armin will fade away after the threesome ends, and then we can simply be friends with him.

Besides, the man can do better than this casual, secretive arrangement. When we let him go, he'll be free to find someone who can give him what he deserves – a normal, healthy relationship.

Yes, Levi resolved, squeezing his pillow tighter. This way is the best for everybody.

Notes:

So...

What do you think of all the drama in Armin's life – is he right to be friendly with Floch? And are you surprised Mikasa wants to propose to Eren?!

I wrote WAY more for those Rivarmin meet-up scenes than I'd intended. Originally, I'd only planned a small section summing up their meetings… but as soon as I worked on this chapter, I knew it wasn't enough. Hence we got the fluffy 'dating' montage!

Erwin's coming back from his trip next chapter. And in the following chapter, we'll see what Levi & Armin have planned for him for his Special Night…

Please let me know what you thought of this chapter! If you're enjoying this story, I recommend following me on Archive of Our Own – I update more frequently there, and I've posted more AoT stories. My name is LauraScofield there 😊