Chapter 32: Epilogue
5 Years Later...
Returning home after a trip abroad was always a shock to Armin's system.
Gazing out the car window, he spotted buildings being renovated, new shops replacing old ones, and the advancing signs of technology marking once familiar streets. Even though electricity poles and telephone wires were a normal sight abroad, Armin was still adjusting to seeing them in his own town.
Paradis is starting to catch up with the rest of the world.
Sometimes he felt a twinge of loss at how much his beloved town was changing. But for all the differences, there were some things he could always rely on.
Armin's chauffeur today was extremely chatty. His name was Onyankopon, although he told Armin that everyone called him Oni. He explained how he'd relocated here last year with his partner, and took up a position as a driver. Since vehicles were still new to Paradis, most qualified drivers were people from abroad.
Finally, they reached their destination.
Armin stepped out of the car, admiring the simple brick building in front of him. The window frames and door were painted a soft, inviting blue – a colour Armin had personally picked out.
He inhaled deeply, savouring the early summer air. Despite the chill morning, he felt like he was wrapped up in a well-worn, much-loved blanket.
He was home.
Oni helped Armin carry his luggage out of the car. He stared at the building in open curiosity, lingering on the sign above the window. Elegant green letters proclaimed it as:
Levi's Teashop
"I've heard about this place. Isn't it run by the guy you used to call Humanity's Strongest Soldier?"
Armin chuckled. "Yeah. Don't tease him about it though. He's still a bit sensitive about going from slaying titans to selling tea for a living."
Oni settled a heavy suitcase on the pavement. "Doesn't the ex-Commander of the Survey Corps live here too?"
"Yes."
"And they're a couple, right?"
"Yes. Why don't you come in for tea? You can meet them both."
"I can't right now, I've got another job to do," Oni said reluctantly. "But if you don't mind me asking… what's it like living with them? They've got quite the legacy from what I've heard."
Armin took a moment to finish gathering his luggage before responding. Officially, he was living with Levi and Erwin as a roommate. Renting out their spare bedroom, so to speak. Only a few trusted friends knew the truth of their relationship.
Armin laughed, brushing back his hair from his face. "Don't be intimidated by their old lofty titles. They're actually nice guys."
Oni smiled back. "I might visit next weekend with my husband. Reiner loves cosy little cafés like this."
He'd mentioned his partner on the drive earlier. The man was fascinated by Paradisian culture, and Armin guessed he too would be eager to meet the famous Captain Levi and Commander Erwin.
"You'd both be very welcome. I'll make sure Levi gives you a discount."
Oni's eyebrows rose, as if surprised Armin was so friendly with the legendary Captain Levi.
With a jovial wave goodbye, the man returned to his car and on to his next collection job. Armin pushed open the teashop door. The bell chimed as he carried his luggage inside.
The room was empty – it was apparently too early for customers. But Levi preferred to rise early, and usually opened up the teashop at the same time too.
A large, refurbished bookcase dominated one wall. Two weeks before his trip, Armin had convinced Levi to buy it at a second-hand furniture shop. They got it for practically nothing. Then he and Erwin had sanded, repainted and varnished it. Now it was stuffed full of donated novels for customers to read.
The children's corner (affectionately called 'the brat's corner' by Levi), had expanded in Armin's time away. Toys and soft animals spilled across tiny chairs and tables, along with a miniature bookcase of colourful picture books. It was the one part of the teashop that wasn't compulsively tidy. Even Levi had understood that kids would play more easily in a laid-back, cluttered setting.
Speak of the devil, Armin thought, as a short, dark-haired man wearing a green apron appeared at the counter.
"Welcome to Levi's teashop, what would you like to–" His polite greeting cut off mid-sentence. "It's you! You fucking brat, you said you wouldn't be back until this evening."
It had been a few months since Armin had last seen Levi in his teashop outfit. His apron was the exact green of his old Survey Corps cape. (Which incidentally, he still owned. The trio liked to pull out their old uniforms now and then when they were struck by the mood to role-play.)
Levi's smart dark trousers and shirt were topped off by his customary white cravat. The man looked even more delicious than the sweet iced buns on sale behind the counter.
"Wow, what a lovely welcome home. I missed you too," Armin said.
Levi made a huffing noise. "Shut up. Of course I missed you."
He came around the counter, giving him a tight hug. But there was something odd about his body language. He shifted from foot to foot, as if anxious.
"Why are you shouting Levi? Is everything ok?"
Erwin emerged from the backroom, a bulky notebook tucked under his arm, and a pen behind his ear.
His eyes lit up as they settled on Armin. Striding around the counter, he engulfed the smaller man in an embrace. Then he pulled back to admire his partner once more, drinking him in like an icy glass of water on a hot day.
"You're so tanned! Are you sure you wore enough sunscreen? And I hope you weren't skipping meals like on your last trip. I know you're busy, but you need to eat. And you've got circles under your eyes like you've been staying up too late–"
Armin batted away his partner's concerns. "That's rich, coming from the ex-Commander who literally never stopped working."
"Good one," Levi smirked.
Erwin glared at both of them. Once, an expression like this from a such powerful man would have terrified Armin. Now he just patted the man's shoulder.
"Speaking of work, are you heading there soon?" he asked.
"No, I took today off. I've got… ah… some things to get done," Erwin said evasively.
An idea formed in Armin's mind. Since it was still too early for customers, and both Levi and Erwin were here and otherwise unoccupied…
"Why don't we head upstairs, and you can give me a proper welcome back?"
A frown clouded Erwin's face. He gestured at the bulky notebook he was clutching. "Actually, I was hoping to do some writing for my book today. I work best in the mornings."
It was two years since Erwin had stepped down as Commander. With the extra free time of a less demanding job, he'd decided to write a memoir about his life in the Survey Corps.
Would he really rather work on his book than spend time with me?
"Listen, if it's an inconvenient time, I can come back later," Armin joked.
Erwin and Levi shared a cryptic glance.
"Would you mind?" Levi asked. "We could do with some space."
What the actual hell is going? I've just been away for three whole months!
"Ok," Armin said slowly. "Let me put my luggage away in my room first-"
Levi swooped down, picking up the three heavy suitcases at once.
"I've got it. Why don't you go… visit your friends or something? Karla never shuts up about you. She'd love if you called over."
"Just promise to be back at 6," Erwin added. "We'll have dinner together then."
Feeling like he was being kicked out, Armin faked a smile and swallowed his irritation.
"Sure. I'll see you both later."
On his way out, he paused to pet the sleek black cat sunning himself on the window sill. He had an odd little white patch on his neck, resembling a cravat. But the strangest thing about this cat was his name – Maria.
They'd thought he was a female when they took him off the streets as a bedraggled kitten. By the time they'd realised their mistake, the name had already stuck.
Maria stretched out long, exposing his belly for scratches. He was the most complacent of their three cats. The two girls Rose and Sina were shyer, and didn't come into the public part of the building too often.
"Do you know what those guys are up to?" Armin asked, tickling the cat under the chin.
Maria released a low, rumbling purr. The sound soothed away Armin's nerves.
His partners were clearly keeping a secret from him. But he'd trust them for now, and confront them about it later at dinner.
Armin passed the old Survey Corps grounds on his stroll across town. Although now, it was the headquarters for the Department of Transport and Foreign Relations. He debated whether to pop in and visit his friends who still worked there. But instead, he decided to make the most of his free day.
He reached Eren and Mikasa's home – a cosy townhouse with bright red flowers hanging in baskets outside. He knocked a few times before getting an answer.
A messy-haired Eren opened the door. Paint marks covered his clothes, hands and face.
Before either man could utter a greeting, an unholy screech interrupted them.
"Uncle Armeeen!"
A small, dark-haired blur barrelled towards Armin, almost knocking him over. He bent down to swoop the girl up into his arms, spinning her around.
"You've gotten so big Karla!"
He put her down, letting her catch her breath. She was covered in splotches of bright paint just like her dad.
"Where's my hug?" Eren asked.
Armin gave a fake exaggerated sigh and threw his arms around his best friend.
Eren squeezed back tightly. "It's great to see you. But why are you back so early?"
Why is everyone making such a big deal over that?!
"I managed to catch an earlier train from the coast." He unswung his satchel from his back. "I forgot to bring your presents over, but I do have some sweets here."
Eren ushered him inside to a parlour at the back of the house, where a large window soaked the room in sunlight. Traditionally in Paradisian houses, this was supposed to be a 'good' room reserved for entertaining guests. But a large table took up half the room – strewn with canvases, newspapers, paints, and an assortment of art supplies.
"This is the brightest room in the house for painting," Eren said, a little defensively. "I'd have tidied up if I knew you were coming over–"
"You never need to tidy up for me."
Armin meant it. He felt comfortable in this cosy chaos. Although Levi would have a heart attack if he saw the paint drops on the carpet.
Karla showed off the picture she'd been working on.
"Is that… a giant bird?" Armin guessed.
"Yup, a bird titan!"
Eren shook his head as he poured out drinks. "She's obsessed with titans."
"I had a dream Daddy was a huge titan! And Mammy, Uncle Armeen, and Uncle Levi had to fight him," Karla said seriously.
"What about your Uncle Erwin, was he there?" Eren asked.
"He was probably ordering everyone around," Armin said.
Karla didn't get the joke, so she focussed back on her drawing.
She clearly shared Eren's artistic passion. Which was interesting, since the girl wasn't Eren and Mikasa's blood daughter. After it turned out they couldn't have kids, they'd adopted her from an orphanage.
But the influence of Karla's adoptive parents was unmistakable. The girl was a charming blend of both Ackerman and Yeager.
Eren made up coffee for himself and Armin, and gave his daughter a cooled down cup of herbal tea.
"It's one of Levi's blends," Eren said in an undertone as Karla sipped the drink. "She saw Mikasa drinking it and now she insists on having it too."
"It's cute she likes copying her parents. She's obviously taking after your interest in art too."
Eren shrugged. "Whenever she sees me working on my commissions, she demands to join in."
Armin privately admired how Eren had adapted to the role of house-husband. At first, some of their other friends teased him about how Mikasa was working full-time, while he raised their daughter and looked after the house. But it gave Eren the freedom to peruse his passion for art. Also, he was a lot more patient with children than his wife. Mikasa openly admitted she'd go crazy if she had to stay at home all day.
His best friends' family situation was unconventional. But traditions were changing fast in Paradis.
Who knows? Maybe someday Levi, Erwin and I will go fully public about our triad relationship.
Eren eagerly spilled all the latest gossip about their friends. Connie, Sasha, Jean and Marco were renting an apartment together. Last week they'd thrown a raucous party for Jean's birthday, which got them into trouble with their landlady.
"How are things at the Survey Corps – I mean, the DTFR?" Armin corrected himself. God, the Department of Transport and Foreign Relations doesn't have the same ring to it.
"Mikasa says the roll-out of the new computer system is a nightmare. Hange and Mike have their work cut out for them."
"Erwin mentioned that the last time I called home." Armin took a sip of coffee. "He's having trouble getting used to typing. But I keep telling him it's way faster than writing by hand."
The conversation shifted to Armin's work abroad, including the global library conference he'd just attended.
Eren poured fresh coffee into their cups. "I don't know how you manage all that travelling. You always come back wrecked after your trips."
"But I love it," Armin insisted.
It was true. Although lately, his perspective had started to shift.
The downside to his travels were starting to stack up – a mountain of missed moments with his friends and two partners. Even though everyone always welcomed him back, their lives continued on without him while he was gone.
Levi and Erwin didn't begrudge Armin living his life. They'd all made sacrifices to make the triad work, and ensure each of them had the chance to pursue their dreams – Levi retiring from the Survey Corps to open a teashop, Erwin writing his memoir, and Armin spending part of each year travelling the world as part of his job.
But is this really what I want forever?
After another hour of comfortable catching up, Armin decided to let his friend continue with his art work. He wanted time to wander around town before heading home for dinner with his partners.
Karla waved as he walked out the door, still clutching a wet paintbrush.
"See you later, Uncle Armeen!"
Eren made a frantic shushing noise.
"Um no, I mean, I won't see you later." Karla covered her mouth, eyes wide.
Is it just me, or is everyone acting really weird today?
Armin spent the afternoon wandering through town – checking out the new bookshop that sold books from all around the world, strolling around the markets, and curiously entering a new store that sold all manner of modern technologies. Armin was familiar with these from abroad, but it was still strange to see them on sale at home.
He lost track of time as he examined different computers. Surely Levi and Erwin could use one of these at home? Levi could record his business information on it, and Erwin could use it to write his book. He'd need to convince the men about it first though.
6 o'clock rolled around before he knew it. He rushed home a few minutes late, eager to get back. After three months apart, he couldn't wait for some quiet time alone with partners. He'd picked up a new toy for the three of them to try out in the bedroom later tonight…
Armin pushed open the door of the teashop. The bell chimed as usual. But he froze in shock in the doorway.
The place was transformed – the tables laden with delicious food, bottles of wine and beer sitting in ice buckets, and colourful decorations plastered on the walls.
Are they having a party? Why the hell didn't they warn me–
Suddenly, like a stealthy cat lying in wait for an ambush, Karla popped out from under a table.
"Armeen's here!" she screeched.
A sneaking suspicion clawed at Armin's mind.
"Wait, Karla? What are you doing–"
"SURPRISE!"
From behind the counter, about a dozen people jumped out. Armin's heart leapt as he scanned the faces of his friends.
Eren, Mikasa, Jean, Marco, Connie and Sasha (already snacking on party food), Floch, Hange, Mike… and of course, Levi and Erwin.
Now everything made sense – his partners' secrecy this morning, their urgency to get him out of the house, and Karla accidentally saying she'd see him later.
Levi came over and slapped him on the back.
"Don't tell me you're fucking surprised? I was sure you figured it out."
"Maybe I would have, if I wasn't so exhausted." Armin laughed. In truth, he was glad he hadn't put the pieces together. After five years of familiarity together, it was getting harder to surprise each other.
But as for the reason of the celebration, Armin had no clue. It wasn't anyone's birthday. And the men hadn't held a party like this any other time he'd returned home from a trip.
"What's the occasion?" he asked.
Erwin came over and gripped Armin's shoulders. He steered him in a semi-circle, back towards the café's door. Above the large window was a gigantic banner.
Happy Anniversary Armin, Levi & Erwin!
Mikasa wrapped Armin in a tight hug. Her hair had grown out, she now wore it in a short ponytail.
"Eren made all the decorations," she said proudly.
"I helped too!" Karla added.
"Yeah, right. You just stood around watching me." Eren rolled his eyes.
"Sounds like she was supervising." Mikasa patted her daughter's head. "Someone has to keep an eye on you when I'm working."
Eren grinned. "What did I do to deserve you two bossy ladies?"
Karla wasn't listening. She was too busy waving at Levi on the far side of the room, trying to get his attention.
Levi, in the middle of a conversation with Hange and Mike, made an exasperated face. Then he crouched down to the floor with his arms out.
Karla dashed around the adults to reach him, shrieking, "Uncle Levi, make me fly!"
The ex-Captain dutifully swung her up and around in the air. His lips quirked at her breathless giggles.
"Do you think you, Levi and Erwin will ever have kids?" Mikasa asked.
The question pierced Armin like an arrow. He'd always assumed that adopting a child wasn't feasible for them. But his certainty softened as Erwin scooped up Karla next and carried her around on his shoulders.
I never thought about it much, but they're both great with kids. Is it something they want?
Of course, it wasn't as simple as that.
"Wouldn't three people raising a child be weird?" he asked.
Mikasa pursed her lips in thought. "Maybe to some people. But I think having three parents sharing responsibility could be an advantage. And even though it's a lot of work, Karla's one of the best things that ever–"
She cut off mid-sentence as her daughter started chasing a disgruntled Maria around the room. In less than a second, Mikasa went from doting mother to stern Ackerman.
"Karla, what have I told you about chasing animals? Leave that poor cat alone!"
While Mikasa dashed off to reprimand her child, Floch approached Armin.
"Did you hear the news? Tali's finally gotten a placement in Paradis. She'll be working at the local library in a few months!"
"Yeah, she told me at the conference. I'm really happy for her. For both of you," Armin amended. "I know the long-distance thing was tough for you."
A stupidly happy grin consumed Floch's face. "Tell me about it. We're hoping to get an apartment together. She'll still have to go abroad now and then for her job, but not nearly as much as before."
Tali had already discussed the matter in depth with Armin. He recalled her excitement over her future plans.
"It sounds like she's getting sick of travelling. She told me she wants to settle down and get a dog," Armin laughed.
Floch leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "I'm thinking of proposing to her. But what if she wants a big wedding? I don't know if any of my family will attend, Father hasn't spoken to me in years. Although I'm on better terms with Mother lately."
He sighed, staring into the depths of his wine glass. "Tali's literally the best part of my life. I'm still waiting for her to realise she's way too good for me."
"Stop putting yourself down," Armin said, patting his arm. "She's crazy about you too."
The ground tilted as he felt the surrealness of the moment. Here was Floch Forster, the cadet who'd bullied and tormented him for years, pouring out his personal problems to him.
This sensation struck Armin a lot whenever he returned home from a work trip. It's like all the changes in his life cascaded around him all at once.
Sometimes he got caught up in the choices he'd made, and how things might have played out differently. What if he'd never befriended or forgiven Floch? What if he'd rejected the position of library ambassador? What if he'd decided the risks of a triad with Levi and Erwin were too much, and broken up with them for good?
The questions spiralled around his mind in an endless loop. One always stood out, though.
What if I never applied for that Survey Corps library position six years ago, and never walked in on Levi and Erwin together?
It had been thanks to Eren and Mikasa that he'd decided to drop his application form into Erwin's office that evening. In the end, the beginning of his relationship with Levi and Erwin came down to a moment of pure chance, or luck.
Or perhaps fate.
"Hello, Armin? Are you awake?" Hange's voice broke through his deep thoughts. He'd scarcely noticed them coming over.
Armin gathered himself together to listen to their updates on work. Hange and Mike were joint leaders of the Department of Transport and Foreign Relations. Hange covered the foreign relations side of things, while Mike was the head of transport. The old title of Commander was dropped after Erwin stepped down from the post. Hange liked to complain their new title of 'Governor' didn't have quite the same ring to it as Commander.
After sharing all the latest administrative headaches, Hange excused themselves to chat to Eren, who was working on a commissioned painting for their office.
Hange was soon replaced by Jean and Marco.
"I'm sorry I missed your birthday party last month," Armin told Jean.
"Please. I doubt you think of any of us while you're away!" Jean snorted, rubbing at his beard.
Marco, ever the diplomat, intervened. "Don't mind him. He was delighted with the present you sent him."
The couple updated Armin on their work situations. Jean had gotten another promotion, and he admitted his aspirations of working his way up to be leader of a Department someday. Meanwhile, Marco had transferred to a job in the Department of Health, and was training to be a councillor.
"Guys," Sasha interrupted them. "Come get some food! Connie and I spent ages finding somewhere that made mochi cakes, so you better enjoy them."
It turned out that Sasha and Connie had helped Levi and Erwin source a list of very specific food for the party. Armin was confused why they'd made such a fuss. Until he properly scanned the food table for the first time.
Just like Sasha said, there were mochi cakes – arranged in a rainbow of colours and speckled with snowy icing. There was also a large red velvet cake, coated with a thick layer of butter frosting.
As if this wasn't enough sugar, stacks of mouth-watering pastries were piled on plates. Armin spotted raspberry and almond tarts, chocolate puffs, apple pies, and…
"Cinnamon rolls for our cinnamon roll." Erwin ruffled Armin's hair.
Armin's heart melted like a hot fudge dessert.
They put so much effort into all of this. They should have let me help out, instead of keeping me in the dark all day!
Aside from some light teasing and touches, Armin rarely made public displays of affection towards his partners. Especially not in such a big crowd of people.
But everyone here knew about their triad and supported them. Without thinking, Armin threw his arms around Erwin, pulling the taller man into a tight embrace.
"You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble without letting me help," he said.
"Good thing you're worth it," Erwin murmured, kissing his cheek.
When they pulled apart, Levi strolled over and flung an arm around Armin.
"Yeah, we need to give you a reason to keep coming back to us, you little brat."
Jean made a noise of mock disgust. "Could you guys get a room or something please? We're trying to eat here."
"You're one to talk!" Eren pointed at him accusingly. "You were all over Marco at your birthday party last month."
Sasha waved a pastry in the air to get everyone's attention. "I for one am totally fine with watching three hot guys making out."
"What does 'making out' mean?" Karla asked her mother.
"Um… it means cuddling," Mikasa said, glaring at Sasha for using such terms in front of a child.
A loud shriek cut through the tension. Every head in the room turned to Floch, perched on his seat with a wide-eyed, terrified expression.
"The c-cat. It s-sat on m-me." His words were a strangled whisper.
Sure enough, Maria had curled up on Floch's lap, looking like he wasn't going to budge anytime soon.
"He likes you!" Karla said, bounding over to investigate.
Floch gulped. "If I die, please don't tell Tali it was by a cat."
"For fuck's sake!" Levi growled, low enough for Karla not to hear.
"Don't worry, I'll get her off." Erwin carefully detached the cat from Floch's lap.
Armin smiled, savouring the familiar chaos in the room.
I missed this. It's so good to be home.
The party continued late into the evening. After the leftovers had been divided out and everyone went home, it was just Armin, Levi and Erwin in the house. And the three cats, of course.
Armin sank into a hot bath to unwind, sprinkling in a handful of scented salts he'd picked up in Hizuru. Afterwards, he joined his partners in Erwin's room.
They'd specifically picked out a house with three bedrooms – one for each of them. Sleeping together all the time was impractical, and they liked their own space sometimes. Since Erwin's room had the largest bed, it was their designated room for intimacy that involved all three of them.
After a slow, lazy session of love-making, they lay together in a contented haze.
"I can't believe you decided on our anniversary date without me." Armin poked the men either side of him.
This had been an ongoing topic between the trio – debating over what date to mark as the start of their relationship. Was it when they'd started the threesome? Or when they'd formed a committed triad? Or was it after they'd temporarily broken up for a few months during Armin's first trip away, and later reformed the triad again?
One thing was certain. Their relationship defied all normal conventions.
"Well, it's five years since you came back from your first trip abroad," Erwin explained. "Or more precisely, the day we recommitted to the triad for good. Whether we agree on that as our official anniversary or not, it feels like an important milestone to celebrate."
Five years… god, it's gone by so fast.
"I hate that we have to pretend you're our roommate," Levi said. "Does that bother you?"
"Our friends know the truth. That's all that matters to me."
Erwin steepled his fingers together, in that way he did when he was concocting a plan. "I've been thinking. We could always elope to Hizuru, or somewhere else where three people can legally marry."
"And then what? Come home, officially declare we're a triad, and tell everyone they just have to deal with it?" Levi scoffed.
"I'd be fine with that." Armin shrugged. "But on the other hand, I'm not too bothered about getting it legally recognised."
"Yeah. It's just a fucking piece of paper," Levi agreed.
Erwin's dreams were not shattered so easily. "Wouldn't it be nice to have a ceremony with our friends? We don't need to make a big fuss, but I'd like to mark our relationship the way other people can. I don't want our love for Armin to be kept in the dark forever."
"Who knew you were such a romantic, Commander?" Armin ruffled Erwin's hair.
The man was unperturbed by this teasing. "And now we're discussing the future, what about kids? Karla's such a sweetheart."
"Don't you start talking about kids!" Levi shook his head vehemently. "We've got enough work with those fucking cats."
Erwin nudged Armin. "Did you know he lets them sleep at the end of his bed sometimes?"
"Shut up, that was one time!"
"I've caught them there five times at least," Erwin countered.
Armin's heart twisted. He missed out on so many little moments like this on his trips away. Sure, he still stayed in contact with his partners. Now that Paradis had phone lines like the rest of the world, he could call and fax them easily enough.
But it wasn't the same as being with them face to face. He experienced the stories of their lives second-hand. Not as an active part of them.
After five years of hectic travelling, he'd begun to feel the calling of slowing down. Maybe he could put in a request to work at one of the local libraries here, like Tali had done? He'd still have the opportunity to travel now and then. Just not as often.
Armin shifted to lie on his back between his partners, sinking into the soft pillow. How come no bed abroad ever felt as comfortable or safe as the ones in this house?
He needed to discuss his career plans with his partners.
But not tonight.
"Before we go adopting any kids, we should borrow Karla for a few days," Armin suggested. "See what it's like to have a child around all the time."
"Borrow?! She's not a library book," Erwin said.
"Good thinking Armin. That'll put Erwin off this crazy scheme. Let's see how much he wants a kid after Karla sets fire to his book notes."
Levi and Erwin continued to bicker back and forth, arguing over exactly how much damage a single child could do.
"Hey, what would you guys think about getting a computer?" Armin cut in. "It would be really helpful for recording information on. Much easier than paper files."
Unfortunately, this topic proved to be just as contentious as the matters of children and marriage. Levi had heard a story about a computer blowing up. Erwin insisted he preferred writing by hand.
Armin admitted defeat for tonight. He kissed both men goodnight and settled down to sleep.
Whether the men liked it or not, there'd be more changes to come in their lives. There was no avoiding that. But despite the mysterious unknown of the future, a certainty swelled in Armin.
So long as I have these two men by my side, I can face anything.
The world had turned out to be just as vast and wonderous as Armin's childhood dreams. But even after all his travelling, the centre of his universe had never changed. Home would always be right here – surrounded by his chaotically loving friends.
And of course, Levi and Erwin.
His Captain and Commander.
The men he planned on sharing the rest of his life with.
The End
Notes:
IT'S FINALLY OVER!
If there's anyone actually reading this, please let me know if you enjoyed the story. I apologise for my sporadic updates – I mainly post on Archive of Our Own where there's a lot more activity, so I often forgot to update here too.
I'm probably talking to myself right now lol But if you made it this far, I hope it was a fun ride, and thank you for reading XD