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Gabi and Falco used to whisper to each other when they thought Armin couldn't hear.
"The day he steps out of the house without spending at least two hours on his appearance is the day he has truly fallen in love."
He would glare at them, and they'd startle before continuing to mix and chop up herbs for clients' magical potions. Of course, Armin was never actually mad at them, but he had to keep his reputation in check. Armin cared for both of them as if they were his own children, but they had no reason to know that, and certainly he had no reason to put it into words. The evidence was in how he took them in when they'd both turned up at his doorstep a few years ago. They managed to talk to Eren which undoubtedly proved their worth. Armin had plenty of opportunities to throw them out, but he didn't. That alone said everything.
When he heard the news that Jean had been kidnapped by the Witch of the Waste, Gabi and Falco had to pin him down before he rushed out of the door in nothing but his underwear. In the back of his mind, he registered on each surprised face how there was a knowing edge to both of their expressions. They knew Jean wasn't another one of his paramours. Jean was only meant to help around his castle, but he should've known when he saw him bickering away with Eren. During their quest, Armin thought his main goal was to defeat the Witch of the Waste. He wanted to go back to gallivanting around with women who were just as confused as he was. Back to what he was used to. And occasionally, he would break off a friendship with a man. Those always hurt him more than when a woman would tell him he helped her figure out she wasn't interested in men.
As he got to know Jean, everything else he had ever felt up until that point paled in comparison. Through every experience and dire situation they went through, and how Jean did everything in his power to help Armin over himself despite his own curse, his brain screamed at him to realize that he was on the precipice of feeling again. But his heart wasn't there to respond. When Armin's heart was taken by the Witch of the Waste, and his head was to be next, he found that he was ready to die. Jean wasn't. He used his one power to breathe life into something that had never tasted it. And someone as well.
Jean had overwritten the foundation his life had settled upon. All of his emotions flowed much easier when his contract with Eren finally broke. He realized how silly he was being by holding back his fondness for the orphans he had taken in, and how he had lost sight of the true reason he had been searching for love in the first place. Armin had always been a hopeless romantic, but the power he gained from forfeiting his heart took that away from him. And when Jean placed his heart back where it rightfully belonged, his hand stayed stuck in Armin's chest, and it never loosened its hold. Armin found he didn't want to feel any other way. He traded one life contract for another. They hadn't talked about that yet.
Today, Armin is woken by a kiss on top of his messy bed head as he rubs the sleep out of his eyes. He figures it must be Gabi cozying up to him for some outlandish favor, but Jean's wide eyes and stricken expression stare back at him. He falls out of his bed.
"I'm-I'm sorry. I thought you were asleep."
He tries not to think about the implications of that. And graciously fails.
"No, no, no, it's fine. I've always wanted to be woken up by someone beautiful in a pretty dress." The words slip out before he can clamp them down.
Armin watches as Jean's cheeks are splashed with a deep red. Even his ears seem to be radiating that embarrassed heat. He stands up without thinking and raises his hands up to Jean's face, but he turns away from Armin.
"Why don't you go wake yourself up by going to the market and getting this week's groceries? That'll set you straight."
He hears himself mutter something like yes or sure, but his mind is still wondering what Jean's cheeks would've felt like in his hands.
"Argh, you can't even walk at this time? Do I have to do everything for you?"
Jean grabs him by the hand and drags him to the door.
"Alright, now go. Don't make me push you out."
Armin spins around to face Jean whose face is now only the shade of a peach. He can't resist placing a chaste kiss onto Jean's cheek. Jean sputters and shoves him out the door, and the last thing he sees are the annoyed faces of Gabi and Falco over Jean's bright red shoulder. He didn't even know blush could reach down there.
The hustle and bustle of the marketplace snaps him back to reality. He notices that Jean managed to slip their grocery list into his pajama pants. The paper is littered with scribbles from everyone but him. They must've written it together while he slept in. He chuckles at the little doodles of each food beside their respective word. The day isn't getting any younger, so he stares up at the cloudless sky for a moment before getting to work.
People recognize him, and he's come to accept that. What's less appreciated is when he's recommended various daughters (some of which he has already dated). The rumor mill should've passed around to everyone and their mother that he's gay, but certain types of parents can be so kindly stubborn. Each time the daughters are incredibly embarrassed, so he makes sure to pass them whatever change or knickknack he's got on him. They deserve something out of the awkward interaction. But there are the few people who give him their ripest fruit or an extra vegetable and say to him: "I always knew you were good." And there's even one gentle old seller who wishes him the best with "that sweet hatmaker boy."
He enjoys the outings, and Jean knows it. They're also something Armin can't mess up. Unlike the multiple times he's burnt eggs or mixed up baking soda and baking powder. He has long since realized he's not totally incapable, but the way Jean fondly ridicules him before taking the spoon or pan out of his hands is something he could never tire of. The message is clear. "Let me take care of you. I want to make you a meal. Could you watch the kids while I do this?" Maybe he fakes being completely helpless. So what? It's not that far from the truth.
Armin returns home with his arms full of two overflowing brown paper bags. The kids each eagerly grab a bag and work on putting all the products in their proper places. Jean comes up to him, most likely about to scold him for not making two trips, but he stops short and looks Armin up and down.
"Did you go out in that?"
He looks down at his feet and sees his ratty old slippers staring back up at him.
"I guess so."
"Sorry. I didn't notice because I was so—"
"Embarrassed?"
He glares at Armin.
"Yes. Now I'm even more so since I let you walk out like that."
"Don't be. You know I only dress up for you now."
Jean goes stiff and turns away from him.
"Y-Your clothes are on your dresser like usual. And why don't you freshen up a bit in the bathroom too? We'll get started on lunch."
Jean's shoulders are pink again. He speed walks to the kitchen.
"Look, look! We put away all of the groceries just for you!"
Gabi gives Jean a toothy grin. He ruffles her and Falco's hair.
"Good job guys! Do you wanna help set the table too?"
They bounce to the cabinets, and Armin meanders to the bathroom. While he's brushing his teeth, through the wall he can hear Eren say, "wow Kirstein, you're almost the same shade as me" before Jean threatens to throw water on him again. He combs his black hair and splashes his face. Only a few minutes have passed, but he makes his way to his room. His favorite salmon tunic and a pair of white pants are folded neatly on his dresser. Jean has pushed a couple of his trinkets aside to make room, but he finds he doesn't mind. He puts on his clothes along with a few accessories like his earrings, necklace, and a bracelet. When he emerges five minutes later, Gabi and Falco give him a weird look and shake their heads. He hears Gabi whisper to Falco and Eren about how she'll never get used to that. He ignores them and sashays over to Jean's side.
"Need help with anything?"
He appears to be making some kind of soup. There are sunny side up eggs steaming on a plate in the middle of the table and slices of bread toasting in the oven.
"Even if I did, I wouldn't ask you."
"Aww, please? I'm sure I can do something."
"Fine. Cut up some chives."
He points to the cutting board. There's a knife already there, so Armin gets to work. He considers pretending to cut himself before deciding against it. That would be really stupid, and he's not that desperate. Not yet anyway. But having all of Jean's concern directed toward him again would be—
Armin yelps as the tip of his pointer finger bursts into pain. Jean drops the ladle in an instant and is at his side. He watches as Jean cradles his finger and then looks up at him with a furrowed brow.
"You know, your face will get stuck like that if you keep glaring."
Jean scoffs in disbelief.
"I wouldn't be looking like this if someone could just—no never mind. What were you thinking?"
"I was thinking about you."
Jean blinks. Gabi groans and he can hear Falco rolling his eyes behind him.
"If you didn't want to say, you could've told me that. C'mon, let's get you fixed up."
He's not sure how this got misconstrued, but more than anything else, he wants Jean to know he wasn't lying.
"N-No, wait—"
Jean drags Armin into the bathroom. Jean shoves his finger under the sink for thirty stinging seconds while rummaging around in the medicine cabinet for a bandage. Then, he sits Armin on the toilet lid and leans down to dress his earth shattering wound. The wrap helps of course, and he is nothing if not flattered by the reaction, but it feels a bit over the top. When Jean finishes, they stare at each other in silence save for their breathing for a few seconds.
"I-It would've gotten infected otherwise. God, I'll need to clean that stupid knife after this."
Jean seems to have read his mind. Their gazes naturally connect again for another few seconds, and then they both get up and start mumbling excuses at the same time. They should've learned to express their feelings, especially after saving each other's lives, but somehow saying "I love you" isn't nearly as vulnerable as being willing to die for one another.
"Are you guys done? The soup's gonna get cold, the toast's gonna get hard, and the eggs will run—well I guess they're supposed to do that. The point is: I'm hungry! And I don't wanna eat without Jean!"
The moment is broken by Gabi's whining. It might've been easier if it were only them, but there wouldn't be any progress otherwise. Sometimes, adults need kids not able to read the mood. They laugh and leave the bathroom.
Armin's finger still throbs with pain, but as soon as they get to the dining table, his attention is elsewhere. His bowl is already filled, an egg is already put on a piece of golden brown toast, and a glass of iced tea is already condensing on the wood. The table is set with everyone else's food and napkins. The two kids are vibrating in their seats, and Jean shrugs before nodding at them that they can start. As if they hadn't eaten in days, both of them begin to wolf down their meals. Despite the voracity at which they're eating, Jean goes over to them and kisses them both on the cheek.
"You both did a very good job finishing up lunch and setting the table for us. If there is anything left after this, you guys can have the extras."
Gabi gets a deranged look in her eye and starts eating faster.
"Gabi, you're going to make yourself sick. Slow down."
She hiccups in response, and Falco does a poor job of hiding his laugh. Looking him dead in the eye, she takes another piece of toast.
"Hey wait! I thought we had a rule that we don't take any more food until we're finished with our other food!"
A small square of toast remains on her plate. She sticks her tongue out at him and eats it.
"Falco is right, Gabi. But I guess it doesn't matter since you're clearly about to eat it anyway."
Falco pouts in defeat.
"Arminnn, back me up here!"
"Jean's rules are law," he perks up, "but sometimes the law changes." He deflates once again. "Do you want her to get another piece? Finish eating!"
Falco takes a massive bite out of his toast. Armin and Jean sit down and begin to eat as well. The eggs are fluffy and melt on his tongue, the toast has just the right amount of crunch, and the soup is the base that ties all the flavors together. He has a large swig of tea and sighs in contentment. Jean smiles at him and then looks back at the kids who are fighting over the last egg. He gets up and cuts it right down the middle. They watch in wonder as the creamy yolk gushes onto the plate. Jean serves them each a half piece, and for a moment everything is fine, until they start arguing over who got the bigger piece.
Eventually, lunch ends with everyone full and happy. Armin sips at a fresh glass of iced tea, Gabi and Falco throw bubbles at each other while doing the dishes, and Jean has gone into the back of the pantry to get something. He comes out a few minutes later with a jar full of what looks like cookies. Without even looking, the kids seem to know what Jean has brought out. They dry their hands in record speed and toss the leftover eggshells to Eren who swallows them with vigor.
"I didn't plan on making a dessert, but I was thinking about something last night. Baking always helps me calm down, so here we are. Kiddos can have three each." They begin to protest. "Three. And that's final. We don't want you spoiling your dinners now do we?"
"But it's hours till dinner! Ohh, we're gonna be so hungry and it's gonna be all your faaault..."
"Gabi, who ate four pieces of toast today?"
She giggles.
"Me!"
"That's right. I know you're a growing girl, but that's bordering on excessive. Be glad I didn't limit your lunch."
"Ugh. Fine, Jean."
Jean sets the jar down and gets out plates and glasses. Armin retrieves a carton of milk. They tuck in despite having just eaten a hearty lunch. He also tries a cookie, and it's got a perfect hard outside and gooey inside. But a thought keeps playing in his mind.
"Jean, these are really good, but is something wrong? You said you only bake when you're stressed."
"Yeah, Jean, is something wrong? I wonder what it is you could be stressed about. Something that is making you think deeper than ever before, and late into the night these thoughts plague you—"
"That's quite enough out of you, Gabi. Where did you even learn that kind of phrasing?"
"Oh, nothing. I just stole one of your romance novels."
"Gabi!"
"Hey, stop bullying Mom!"
"Falco, please. Why did you choose now to call me that..."
Armin, half listening and half drinking the moment in, chooses to speak up.
"You'd make a really good wife, Jean."
Time seems to stop as everyone slowly turns their heads to face him in shock. Gabi scrunches her face up in disgust and disbelief. Even Falco looks slightly put off. And Jean is holding his face in his hands. Armin realizes that might not have been the best thing to say at this time. Or really any time. He's mentally kicking himself.
"We're just gonna leave if you actually start flirting in front of us. I don't wanna see my parents kiss for the first time."
Falco nods in agreement. He would've been flattered being considered parents by them if the compliment weren't surrounded by mild embarrassment. Even these kids could pick up on his flirting.
"Jean, we should..."
Gabi slaps her legs and gets up.
"Alrightthankyouforthecookiesbye!"
She runs out of the room with Falco following behind her.
They stare at each other as the silence settles over them like a blanket. Maybe they could go on like this, without talking about their feelings or being honest with each other. But then, what would be the point? They already proved they are willing to die for one another. Saying I love you shouldn't be the next step. It should've come way before that. What is he so scared of?
In retaliation, he moves closer to Jean and holds his hands. Jean's gaze waves, but he keeps looking at Armin.
"Jean, I-I just wanted you to know that all those times I called you beautiful or told you you were the only one in my life, I meant it. I've never once joked or lied about my feelings for you. You're my best friend, the person I'm closest to, my family, and more than anything else, I love you. Do you understand now?"
"Armin I—"
"You know that I love this house and all the beings within it, right? I want to live happily with everyone for as long as we can. I want to live together until Eren gets sick of us, until Gabi and Falco move out, until we actually get old—together. Would you do that with me? Be together with me always?"
Jean sniffles.
"Are you proposing to me or something?"
"Or something." He laughs wetly.
"You're so stupid. Like I'd do any of this with anyone else. Of course I love you. How couldn't I? How could anybody not love you?"
Jean leans in to kiss him. Somehow, it feels like they've been doing this all along. He feels tears on his face, but he knows they're happy ones. They pull apart, but their lips hover close together.
"What an ego boost. I might need to get my heart back again after this."
"Shut up! You're never getting it back!"
They laugh until their lips find each other again. Down the hall, Gabi and Falco are smiling and laughing. Their dumb parents finally figured it out. Now they'll be together—always.