Chapter Text
You are a disgrace, Armin! I can't believe you failed at the one thing we expected of you! I swear, you will have a Soulmate Cover for the rest of your life! And I do not care if you don't want one!
*****
Nothing made Armin’s heart beat more than waiting in that tattoo parlor. After intense online research and getting advice from acquaintances, his grandfather decided that one of the parlors in Rose Mall was the best to get Armin’s Cover removed. It was a different business than the one from thirteen years ago. The parlor invested in the newest and safest technology and machines to allow as painless an experience as possible. Of course, pain was never absent when it came to Soulmates Covers. And, of course, the anticipation was practically killing Armin.
He was pacing back and forth in the main lobby. It was a nice place, in his opinion. Many pictures of pleased customers decorated the walls. The cushioned benches were a thoughtful touch. In the back, several doors and hallways led to the private rooms. Pretty soon, Armin would be led down one of those hallways.
“Armin, you know that it’s not too late to bail, right?” Eren asked with an obviously concerned look.
Oh, Armin knew alright. It wasn’t too late to get a full refund. It wasn’t too late to spare himself from an intense amount of unbearable pain. It wasn’t too late to avoid an unwanted trip down memory lane.
However, unlike that day from thirteen years ago, Armin was in full control. And he knew what he wanted.
“I’ll be fine. It’s just twenty minutes of pain.”
Eren waved his hands around in disarray. “Twenty minutes of some of the worst pain in existence!”
Mikasa shook her head in disbelief. “Oh my gosh, Eren, chill. You’ve known about his decision for weeks. I don’t think you’re going to be able to stop Armin” — she looked at her phone’s home screen — “two minutes before he removes it.”
“And, this time, I have the numbing cream,” Armin reassured. Armin's grandfather had paid for the majority of the expenses and bought numbing cream for his wrist. Online reviews claimed it helped with the pain of tattoos, and should work to ease the pain related to Soulmate Covers. New technology and medicines were very impressive. “I think it’s working. My wrist feels weird, so that’s a good sign. Though, I’m not sure how much it’ll help.”
“I know…” Eren muttered. “But, still.”
Touched by his boyfriend’s kindness, Armin quickly gave him a gentle kiss. Whether to calm Eren down or to share his appreciation, who knew? (It also didn’t matter that they were in a public tattoo parlor and in front of his grandfather and the Yeagers.)
“I’ll be fine,” Armin stated more firmly than before. “I’ll finally get to see my wrist after thirteen years, I’ll get to see my Timer, and I’ll take off some of my parent’s grasps.”
“Right. This is about you. Not me, or your parents, or your Soulmate.”
“Don’t count yourself twice,” Armin mocked.
Eren’s eyebrows creased. “I didn’t…” But the intent behind the tease just hit him. “You don’t know that.”
“You were the one who convinced me of the possibility,” Armin said, knocking his head to the side. “Don’t leave me behind.”
Eren smiled at Armin. “I won’t.”
From the back, an employee walked into the lounge, calling for Armin Arlert. Immediately, the weight of the situation hit Armin like a truck. Hazy memories from that day came flooding back. The sensation of the pain was reaching out to him, ready to finish the thirteen-year-old attack.
But it was different. Armin wasn’t alone. Behind him were loving and caring friends and family. (Minus Jean. He was stuck at practice but awaiting a text message.) They all had their hands on Armin’s back, supporting him more than he ever realized. It was love; appreciation overtook the fear eating him away.
Armin began to walk to the back room, but only after he stole a quick look behind him. He knew he wouldn’t forget the image of everyone giving their nods and smiles of encouragement. He was about to turn around to follow the employee into the unfamiliar room, but a hand grabbed onto his left.
Armin fully twisted around to see (not to his surprise) Eren.
“I know you said you don’t want us there. Since it’s your journey and all,” Eren started. “So, just know that we’re all waiting for you.”
Yes, Armin was right; it was love. The kindness and determination in those deep green eyes were heartwarming. They were the same ones Armin noticed from the very beginning. And they were still there --- all of Eren was right by his side.
Armin lightly squeezed Eren’s hand, and they parted from each other. But they both knew it wouldn’t be long before they saw each other again.
*****
It burned. It burned horrendously. Yet, Armin knew it wasn’t even an 8 on the pain scale for getting/removing a Soulmate Cover. Never before was he so thankful for a simple purchase; the numbing cream was a lifesaver. The burn was the worst pain he needed to endure.
Still, he had to fight back watering eyes and the pounding of his heart. The studio everyone was at was a different place than the one from all those years ago. Even so, the sensation was the same. The same technology (with some advancements and modifications to limit the pain), the same duration of time, and the same trapped arm. The fact that Armin’s upper forearm was pretty much ‘stuck’ inside the machine did not help to calm his initial nerves. Only an absolute emergency would prompt the employee to stop the machine. But, he kept his wits, sat on the soft chair as still as possible, and concentrated endlessly on the clock on the wall, watching the second hand tick by.
Finally, finally, after what seemed like centuries, beeping sounds came from the right side. Armin almost missed the whirling sounds and the employee congratulating him. But he absolutely realized the movements of the Soulmate Cover machine as it finished its job. The top whirled and lifted itself up, allowing Armin to see his fingers, palm, forearm, and wrist. His wrist was red. Not bleeding red, but irritated red.
As careful as he could, Armin took his right arm out from the inside. He longed to see the numbers on the wrist. The suspense was killing him, eating away at his heart. But, the sight of the days, hours, minutes, and seconds made the entire world come to a halt. The Timer was still on, and the numbers were oh-so-familiar.
4818:02:17:52
Armin sucked in his breath, trying to get oxygen into his brain. It was real. Armin and Eren were… were… were…
We’re Soulmates!
How could one even begin to explain the pure excitement? It was like a lifelong dream finally coming true. His suspension and beliefs were the final piece of the puzzle. It shimmered and hit him in the face.
The shock hadn’t settled yet, even when Armin walked out of the backroom with the biggest smile. (The joy definitely counteracted the intense pain.)
Eren was the first to rush over to Armin, meeting him halfway.
“Are you okay?” Eren asked. His watch was on the right side instead of the usual left. “We didn’t hear any screams, and you don’t look like you’re crying, so I assume the cream worked…?”
Armin didn’t reply. Instead, he decided that actions were louder than words. He raised his arm to present his new and exposed Timer.
4818:02:19:24
“Wait, it’s so red…” But Eren’s words died as his expression took over. His face turned from concern to shock to delight. He instantly rolled up his sleeves, and his left wrist joined Armin’s right arm.
4818:02:19:31
4818:02:19:31
Armin was the first of the couple to break from the shock. With his left hand, he gently (but quickly) grabbed Eren’s shirt and brought him down for a kiss. It wasn’t as steady as using two hands, and it wasn’t long, but it held all of the emotions they were experiencing. All the happiness, relief, excitement, and love. Armin was Eren’s Soulmate. Armin was Eren’s Soulmate. Armin was Eren’s Soulmate. They were Soulmates.
From behind Eren, Mikasa walked over and one peek was all she needed to put two and two together. With a sigh, she said, “I knew I should’ve placed that bet with Ymir.”
“What the hell, Mikasa?” Eren grumbled.
But his protests went unnoticed as the rest of the families joined the teens in the middle of the studio. Everyone arrived with joyful smiles on their faces and ‘congratulations’ rolling off their tongues. Armin took their praise and buzzes of excitement with his heart. Speaking of buzzes, Armin felt his phone vibrate in his pants pocket. When he took it out, he saw numerous messages from Jean.
Jean: Congrats, Armin
I guess i have to try to not hate him, dont i?
Armin laughed at a message
Armin: Thank you!
Sorry, one question.
How did you find out
Jean: Your grandpa
Armin looked up from his phone, trying to lock eyes with his grandfather. Even though Armin was unsuccessful, as the elder was at the front counter, talking to an employee, the dots were instantly connected.
Armin: ah
Makes sense
Jean: crap gtg
Our break is over
Seriously, im happy for you. U deserve it
Armin: Thanks, Jean. For everything.
Jean liked a message
Eren knocked his head to the side, obviously silently asking who it was from.
“Jean,” Armin answered after he pocketed his phone. “Giving us his congratulations.”
“Ah. I have to get used to him from now on.”
Armin laughed. One day, he’ll get them to see how much they have in common with each other.
Just then, Armin’s grandfather broke through the small crowd and wrapped his arms around Armin, careful to avoid putting pressure on the teen's sore wrist.
“I’m proud of you,” the elder whispered.
Armin blinked at the affirmation and physical affection. It felt as nice as a field of flowers. He greatly appreciated everything his grandfather had done. They both knew the beginning was rocky, with a silent dinner table and apologies. However, at that moment, Armin wouldn’t trade his grandfather for anything.
Breaking the hug, his grandfather handed him a white washcloth. “The employee gave it to me. She said it helps with the pain.”
Armin grabbed the damp cloth and draped it over his wrist. The numbness was wearing off, so the cool moisture felt relieving.
After that, the blond felt a tap on his shoulder; the touch made him turn his head around. It was Mrs. Yeager who had the kindest and most supportive smile on her face.
She brought Armin into another warm hug and rubbed his back soothingly.
“Congratulations, dear. I should’ve known you were the one from the moment I met you. You’re always welcome in this family.”
Armin had to clear his throat before replying. “Thank you.”
She broke the hug and motioned at Eren. “Eren, come over here. I need to get a picture.”
“Mom, his wrist is red,” Eren frowned. “Shouldn’t we do it later?”
“Oh, I’m fine if she takes a picture,” Armin voiced.
Apparently, that was enough confirmation for Eren. As Armin was handing the towel to his grandfather, Eren walked over to Armin’s right side. Their Timers met at chest level with their pinkies interlaced. A genuine smile overtook Armin.
After the quick photo shoot, Armin heard Mikasa say, “Can we get Korean barbecue now?”
Right, it’s almost noon.
Eren dropped his arm. “Ooh, and ice cream?”
“Ice cream?” Mrs. Yeager repeated with a hint of amusement.
“Please? It’s the middle of March! It’s practically summer,” Eren said.
“You let us get ice cream in the winter,” Mikasa added.
As they continued to protest, Armin smiled as the fond memory came back to him. It seemed like it happened so long ago, but at the same time, it was just like yesterday. Gratitude spread through him as he realized that day was when he really felt closer to Eren. It took a bit, but Armin was eternally grateful.
Armin looked back at the Yeagers and saw that Mrs. Yeager defeatedly shook her head. It became clear who won.
“Let’s get going, then,” she said.
Armin felt a brush against his right hand, and he didn’t even need visual confirmation to determine what it was. Two seconds later, their hands laced together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
The five of them left the parlor (not before returning the washcloth) and walked through the loud and crowded Rose Mall.
“I wonder exactly how we met,” Eren said. “I know it was at a park, because that’s what my mom said, but…”
Armin nodded. “I know.” He really did.
Was it me who left you? Was it you who left me? Or did we both leave each other?
“We’ll never know,” Armin continued. “But, we shouldn’t dwell on the past. I’m happy in the present.”
With you.
Despite not saying the last part out loud, Armin had a small suspicion that Eren still heard him.
“I’m happy, too,” Eren said, joy obviously was consuming him whole.
They continued walking behind Mikasa and farther behind the adults. While the conversation was on the quiet side, it was as loud as ever in Armin’s head.
Mom, Dad. I did it. It took over thirteen years, but I’m free. Err, that sounds wrong, but you won’t be controlling the reins anymore. Although, this is what you two wanted: my Soulmate. You were just… horrible at conveying your love. It wasn’t the best at all, but thank you for being there for the first part of my life. Now, I’m in the next stage with different people. And I have no doubt in my mind that I love them, and they love me.
Armin looked back at Eren with a smile, and he got one back in return. He added one more thought.
Eren, I found you again. And I’m so thankful I did.