A/N: I accidentally wrote a long chapter, so... And it's not November 3rd, but let's pretend it is...
***
Y/N woke up in a warm bed to Armin's soft sniffling. In her sleep, she lay on her side, hugging Armin, who slept on his stomach, buried his face in a pillow. She watched him as the morning sun kissed his fair skin. His mouth was slightly open, he was sound asleep. She lay and looked at him for a long time, wanting to remember him like that. The impending parting with her beloved boy hung like a stone on her soul, she couldn't deny that this bothered her. But she believed that they would manage, and, having survived this, their relationship would become stronger, their feelings would become stronger.
Looking at him for a long time, her eyes fell on the camera, which lay on the chest of drawers opposite the bed. She got up slowly, trying not to wake Armin, and took a few shots with her camera. She felt that she didn't want to sleep anymore, she would have liked to just lie in bed with Armin, but... she decided to get down to business - cook breakfast, put photos on development.
She quickly cleaned herself up and headed to her office. She had special equipment for developing without a special room. She set up the equipment, prepared everything for development, but decided to wait until then. She looked into the bedroom - Armin was sleeping, hugging her pillow, burying his nose in it. She smiled at the picture she saw.
For breakfast, she decided to make something simple - an omelet with cheese, some toasts. Also, she bought a cezve - it was such a device to brew coffee on her own. While she was cooking, she didn't notice the appearance of Armin.
- Good morning, Y/N.
She turned around, seeing her still sleepy boyfriend. She smiled at him.
- Didn't I wake you up?
- No, but I would like to wake up next to you.
- We can have breakfast and go back to bed.
- Okay, I like the idea.
They had breakfast and, as planned, went back to bed. The apartment was still cool, but the bed was comfortable. They lay in bed for hours just talking to each other, and then Y/N showed Armin how to develop the photos.
They had lunch together at home, and then, sitting near the fireplace, they read books until late in the evening. And then - Armin went home, although Y/N wasn't opposed to him staying one more night.
***
- What time is everyone going out tonight?
- After work, as I understand it, after about six. Perhaps we should go together?
- Hitch, I have to go down today, it's Thursday.
- But it's Armin.
- He will understand. So I can be late, just tell everyone, okay? If I'm late, of course. I don't know how long we'll be at the construction site today.
Hitch and Y/N sat in Y/N's office, going through the to-do list for the day, as they did almost every morning. Y/N brought coffee and bagels for them. Hitch had recently pleased her as an employee and as a friend. Y/N even thought that the fact that Hitch knew her secret brought them closer and gave Hitch some sense of loyalty to her friend.
- What will you give Armin?
- I bought him a book about the study of underwater life. He loves the sea.
- It's boring, he's your boyfriend.
- Well, for everyone - he's just my friend. Therefore, giving him just a book in the presence of friends is quite appropriate.
- Hmm... you're right, it's logical, but... what else will you give him?
- I bought him a navy blue padded coat. I was just shopping one day, and I saw it, and I thought I wanted this for him.
- It's expensive...
- He is dear to me, and I don't care about the money. Moreover, this will be my first full-fledged birthday present for him. And what will you give to him?
- Yes, I bought a beautiful red leather notebook, it will definitely come in handy for him, he probably also writes a lot of things, like you.
- Yes, it's not bad, a useful gift.
- It's always difficult with boys when it comes to gifts - it's one thing when you choose a gift for your boyfriend, you can buy something for yourself and sort of like for him, well, you understand. And when you choose a gift for a friend... it's difficult...
- I don't know, I give gifts based on the principle of practicality - what would a person really need or want to, and not just some unnecessary things. For example, Damian loves ties - he already has more than 50 pieces, he just likes it. He wore some of them only once. And he loves to take care of his hair, which is amazing. I gave him a set of cosmetics for men for hair, he really liked it. He quickly ran out of everything then, and he asked where else to buy.
- Hmm, that's something in his style, I guess. I wonder what the rest will give? What do you think?
- No idea. Sasha and Niccolo will surely give some kind of joint gift, as a couple, it happens so often. Connie will certainly not strain, and will buy what the first thing that comes to his mind, or something that someone advises him. As for the rest, I have no idea. I think Jean would also have bought something unobtrusive before, but now he has Mikasa, so she will probably advise him something.
***
After lunch, Y/N, as usual, went to the Underground City, where she spent several hours. But she didn't have time to come to the bar to her friends on time. She left the city after six, and headed home. The bar where she was supposed to meet friends wasn't far from her apartment block, so she decided that she would have time to run home in just a couple of minutes.
When she got home, she quickly left all her belongings and changed into a milky knitted sweater with a gray-beige pencil skirt. She took her bag with her, putting a paper-wrapped book for Armin in it.
She was only twenty minutes late to her friends. But she wasn't the last one to come - there was still no Historia at the table. The others were already seated in one of the corners of the bar she had long known, several tables pushed together. Armin was seated in the center, as a birthday boy should be. Sitting next to him was Jean on one side and Connie on the other side. Next to Connie sat Sasha with Niccolo, then Annie, Hitch and Mikasa, blurring this circle.
- Sorry for the delay, I'm a little late.
- «Oh, Y/N, we've already placed bets on who's coming later - you or Historia», Connie said, rising from the table to greet her.
- «Mm, did someone win?» Y/N said jokingly.
- «I won!» happily Hitch said. «They all said that you would come later than everyone else, it was only me who had to defend your honor, Y/N»
Jean, Connie and Sasha handed over some money to Hitch, Hitch was quite pleased. Y/N walked over to Armin, who got up from the table after noticing her.
- Happy birthday!
She hugged him warmly in a friendly way, smiling broadly at him. Armin hugged her back too. She was so beautiful today, she smelled of lavender as usual, smelled like home.
- Thank you, Y/N, thank you for coming.
She just smiled at him and... went to sit next to Mikasa. Armin sighed a little, wishing she'd sit next to him, but he knew they'd have time together.
- Let's order something to eat and drink already, we are all hungry after work, and who knows when Historia will come.
They all started looking at the menu and exploring the options.
- «What do you want, Y/N?» Mikasa asked her.
- Hmm, well, I don't know. I know I'll drink iced gin like always. And as for food... It's difficult. And you?
- Won't you want wine?
- I rarely drink wine in bars or restaurants. I prefer to buy it myself in stores and drink it at home, because I really understand what I drink. I still have a bit of a hunch about this.
- I wanted wine, but...
- «The girls will probably have wine too, so you won't drink it alone», Y/N turned to Hitch, who was sitting to her left. «Annie, Hitch, are you going to drink wine or what?»
- «We're just thinking about which one to take», Annie answered her. «Do you want wine too?»
- «No, I don't want to, but Mikasa wants to», Y/N replied. «Order then with the expectation of her too»
- «And the cheese? Will we order the cheese?» asked Hitch.
Everyone was actively talking about what everyone would eat. After placing their huge order, they began to chat. A few minutes later, drinks were brought to them.
- «Let's drink for the birthday boy!» exclaimed Connie.
- «But Historia hasn't arrived yet», said Armin, «And please, let's not do all that, I...»
- «Armin, stop it! Everyone is here to congratulate you, so just enjoy our company. We will all have a good time and talk at last, we haven't all gathered together for a long time», Jean said.
Each filled their own glass.
- «Since everyone is here today because of me, then let me have the first toast», said Armin with a smile. «I'm glad that we all gathered, although Historia is not here yet, but she is busy, I hope she still gets to us. In general, I'm very glad that we are all still holding together after so many years. We have lost many, but gained a lot over the years. I'm glad to have such friends around, comrades... family», he looked at Mikasa. «Once upon a time, when we went to the cadet corps, we were alone, we didn't have a family... lonely children who had lost everything – home, family, hope. Fun fact - once I was so afraid of being alone that I went to the cadet corps following my friends, then I thought that I definitely wouldn't live long. But, I didn't expect how my life has changed. I didn't expect that I would find so many people close to me there, that I would find the work of my life... In general, why am I saying all this... I'm glad that we are all together, and I hope that this will continue, that we will not lose each other, and we will build our lives next to each other»
- «Great toast», said Mikasa. «We are all glad that we are all together, even though not everyone made it to this point with us...»
- «Today is not the time to be sad», said Armin, «Let's have a drink»
They began to clink glasses with each other, rejoicing at the meeting. After drinking, everyone slowly began to communicate with each other. Hitch actively communicated with Annie, they rarely saw each other, so Hitch told Annie her news. Y/N unobtrusively eavesdropped on conversations at the table. Sasha and Niccolo were talking about their new apartment to Connie, and Armin was chatting with Mikasa and Jean. She didn't care that no one spoke to her - she was tired of talking about today after a three-hour walk around the construction site. She sat with a slight smile on her face, sipping her iced gin, glancing at her friends from under heavy eyes.
- What were you thinking, Y/N?
Mikasa addressed her, distracting herself from her conversation with the boys.
- Nothing in particular. I'm more tired than I thought. Levi and I were on the rounds in the Underground City for a long time today, a lot of noise load on our heads. I'm not really a fan of such spontaneous meetings in the middle of workdays, so... I just relax. I'm glad to see everyone...
- Are you bored?
- No, no way, I...
- Guys! Sorry for being late!
Historia ran up to them with a slightly guilty face.
- Oh, Historia, hi!
She walked over to Armin, hugging him from behind.
- Happy birthday, Armin! I'm sorry I'm late, I was really looking forward to this meeting.
She kissed him lightly on the cheek, and looked around at everyone present with a smile.
- «Armin was just talking about how we rarely get together», Connie said. «We need to meet more often»
Historia sat down between Sasha and Connie.
- «Everyone didn't want to let me go», Historia said. «My guards are worried about me, so...», she pointed behind the bar.
There sat Damian, who caught Y/N's eye, and a familiar girl who had accompanied Historia to one of the «girls» parties.
- «The head of the royal guard himself even decided to accompany you», Y/N said jokingly, waving to her friend.
- «He decided that one guard wouldn't be enough because it's a bar», Historia said. «But I think he wanted to see you more than accompany me»
- We really haven't seen each other for a very long time, but still - he takes his work responsibly.
Historia also made an order for herself, and they all began to chat. After some time, food was brought to them all.
- And let's congratulate the birthday boy!
- I'M, I'M FIRST!
Historia rose from the table, smiling broadly.
- Armin, I'm happy to have a friend like you. I cherish all my friends, especially now, when basically everyone around sees me as not just a simple person. And with you, I can be myself. I, without a doubt, can call you one of the smartest people I know, especially considering that you didn't study anywhere, like many capital figures, which makes you even more outstanding. I have always admired your courage. And you are a wonderful friend - you care about your loved ones, and you care about what you do, giving all your strength to this work. I'm grateful to have someone like you by my side, whom I can always rely on. And on this day, I prepared a gift for you.
She handed him a beautiful box wrapped in mustard paper.
- These are chess pieces made from our mountain granite, they are made according to my order, so no one else will have chess like it. I know that you love to play chess, we even played with you a couple of times. Of course, I'm not that good in chess like you, but I'm sure that you have someone to play with.
- Thank you Historia...
- «And like how we should outdo such gifts», said Hitch. «Now all our gifts will seem insignificant after this, guys, let's go home!» she joked.
- «I just thought for a long time what to give, and since I'm the queen, it was foolish not to take advantage of my opportunities, especially for my beloved friends», Historia said, smiling.
- «This is a cool gift», said Armin. «Thanks a lot!»
He embraced her, accepting the gift from her hands.
- «Now I'm next», said Mikasa.
Everyone took turns congratulating Armin.
Mikasa made a very sentimental toast, remembering their difficult past, which touched Y/N very much. She couldn't imagine what it was like for Mikasa and Armin to go through all this horror at such a young age. Mikasa gave Armin a sky blue scarf that she knitted herself. It was a little crooked, but filled with love. At that moment, Y/N realized that this was the best present of the day. It's not for nothing that Mikasa considered Armin to be her best friend. She did all the best for him, putting her soul into it.
Next, Jean made a toast, saying that he didn't expect to find such a friend in Armin - they were really close - their stronger friendship began at the time when Eren began to change, and Armin was having a hard time with him. Jean, as Y/N thought, didn't bother much with the gift - he just gave Armin a bottle of whiskey, knowing which one Armin preferred. Mikasa looked at Jean a little annoyed as he gave his gift, clearly disapproving of his boyfriend's choice.
And one more Y/N's assumption came true - Sasha and Niccolo gave one gift for two, but... it was a worthy gift. They gave Armin some new-fangled camera that would take pictures right away, and some packs of special film. They decided to give a camera as a present, as everyone knew that they had a big trip to other countries and... so Armin could bring back the memories captured in the photographs. It was a useful gift.
Hitch presented her gift to Armin, sprinkling some ridiculous jokes about work and the past. It was funny, especially when it turned out that Connie bought exactly the same notebook for Armin. When the two started arguing, everyone watched with a smile, laughing at their friends. When the showdown was over, Hitch sat down, complaining to Y/N that she hadn't given her advice about the gift when there was still time.
Annie... gave Armin a very expensive gift - a pure silver wrist watch. She didn't make a toast. She just walked up to Armin and said something quietly to him and kissed him on the cheek. Y/N watched this, seeing sadness in Annie's eyes. Her meetings with Annie became regular - they met every Tuesday at lunchtime. Y/N has seen Annie's progress in these meetings, especially lately. The girl became a little happier with the arrival of her father, who had a very positive effect on her. She became more outspoken in her meetings with Y/N, which she said was due to her father. He supported his daughter. Y/N even started to tell Annie about her father, sharing wonderful memories with her. Y/N began to understand Annie better, to understand her desire to return Armin. But Y/N was sad that Annie's wishes didn't come true. She tried never to talk to Annie about him, but didn't stop Annie from talking about Armin. And now she saw the longing in her eyes. Y/N wasn't jealous, jealousy wasn't in her nature. After Annie's congratulations, everyone just silently drank to congratulations, no one spoke, knowing that everything wasn't easy between Annie and Armin, given their past...
Next, it was Y/N's turn.
- «So, now it's probably my turn», Y/N said, getting up from the table. «After all these words, it's hard enough to say something original, you know?»
- «You're the smartest and wise among us, to whom, if not you, to speak last», Connie joked.
- «How nice, Connie», she smiled at him. «But I will try my best. It makes no sense to repeat after the rest what a wonderful person and amazing friend you are, Armin, everyone has already said these words today. I want to say that... you became my first real friend, it's true. I've always been pretty lonely, I didn't need friends. And, having entered the cadet corps, someone teased me a lot», she looked at Jean with a slight smile. «Outwardly, it might seem that I didn't care about anything, but it wasn't easy for me. And then you showed up. The boy who just sat next to me when I read. Over the years we have become close friends, I really appreciated and appreciate it. And then... our lives changed. I think each of those present suffered some kind of personal tragedy in those days... We are all... children of war who were just trying to find some drop of happiness and hope in the cruel reality in which we lived. We were comrades, we were enemies, and this is where we are now. Why am I saying this all... we will remember everything that happened to us all our lives, but... all this struggle was for the sake of this - for the sake of our happiness. I am happy that we are all together again, I am happy that my friend returned to me. And I just want to... wish you well, Armin. So that your life brings you joy, so that you doubt yourself less, so that you believe in yourself the way we all believe in you. Do what you like, travel, take risks, smile, love and enjoy life, because why else would all this be», she raised her glass, looking into his eyes. «Happy birthday!»
Everyone raised their glasses and began to clink glasses.
- «Thank you for those words, Y/N...», he looked at her, smiling lightly.
- «Oh yes, the gift», Y/N put the glass on the table, rummaging through her bag. «Here you are. My humble gift. To be honest, I didn't know what to give... You always say that you don't need anything, but... in general, I hope you like it»
Armin walked over to her, taking the gift from her hands.
- This is a book, you probably already understood.
- Thank you...
Armin hugged her lightly, thanking her for the gift.
- «Just don't unpack now», Y/N whispered softly to him as he hugged her. No one heard these words but him.
Pulling away, Armin smiled, took the gift and returned to his seat.
After all the congratulations, the evening went in a good direction - everyone began to actively communicate, drink and joke. Soon, the guys began to move around the table, changing the company for communication. Sasha and Historia moved closer to the other girls, they began to discuss something as usual.
- «It's good that we saw each other», Y/N said. «This trip is coming soon... By the way, who else is traveling with the Marleyans besides Armin?»
- «Connie and Annie», said Sasha. «And Niccolo and I will go with them, but... we will just go on a trip. Niccolo will show me his country»
- «It's so sad that so many people are going to leave», Hitch said.
- «But we will still have the opportunity to be together», Historia smiled, looking at Sasha. «Have you told everyone yet?»
Sasha shook her head.
- «Guys!» she said loudly. «Actually, since we are all here, I have a little announcement! As some of you already know, Niccolo and I will also go to Marley, but not to work. In general, we decided to arrange a wedding before leaving and... Historia has already arranged everything, therefore - on the last weekend of November, you are all invited to our wedding», Sasha announced with a smile and excitement.
- «Let's drink to that!» Connie said. «Congratulations!»
The guys refilled their glasses and began to drink to the news.
- «Yes, by the way - this is an occasion to arrange a bachelorette party», Mikasa remarked. «The boys will surely arrange something like that. We need it too!»
- «Good idea Mikasa, we need to think of something», Sasha said. «No, Historia! This time we will manage without you, you have already done too much, which makes me extremely uncomfortable!»
- «So, what are we going to do?» asked Hitch. «Sasha, what would you like for your party so that we come up with something?»
- «I don't even know, I'd love to just spend time with you girls. Maybe eat something tasty, chat...», said Sasha.
- «Oh! Idea!» Y/N said. «How about a house party? We will cook everything together, taste wine, relax, chat»
- «That would be great», said Sasha. «But my apartment is probably too small for that, so I need to come up with something outside the apartment and...»
- «I have a big apartment!» Y/N said. «I finally invite everyone to visit me, you should be happy»
- Are you serious, Y/N?
- Yes, sure. By the way, I recently bought a record player, so there will be music. And I have a large kitchen and a spacious living room - there will be where to sleep! Yes, we'll all sleep on the floor like a real slumber party!
- «I see, you have already planned everything», Jean suddenly intervened, turning to the girls, hugging Mikasa by the waist.
- «Yes, and what will you prepare for Niccolo?» Mikasa asked.
- «And you don't need to know that, dear girls», he smiled at them and returned to talking with the guys.
- «I wonder what they will do?» Sasha began to think.
- «Surely they will go to a bar, get drunk and that's it», Y/N said. «Maybe someone will get a haircut again. Do you know this story?»
The girls laughed.
- «Armin was walking around all twitchy after that for a whole week», Sasha said. «I even felt sorry for him a little»
- «It's funny to us, of course, but he wasn't funny», Mikasa said. «In principle, he often feels some kind of insecurity, and not understanding what happened was very stressful for him»
- «It would be funny if Jean had his stupid beard shaved off», Y/N said,
- Y/N!
- So what! That would be at least fair!
They continued to communicate on various topics, soon their companies began to change - someone talked one on one, someone in companies. At some point, Y/N was left alone. She was already quite drunk, but still kept everything under control. She watched her happy friends who laughed and chatted among themselves. Her eyes fell on Armin - he was so happy. He was laughing while talking about something to Jean and Mikasa, his cheeks were blushing drunkenly, and playful lights were playing in his eyes. She smiled looking at him. Her beloved boy... She didn't want to part with him.
She got up from the table and walked over to the bar where her friend was sitting.
- Hi, Y/N! I see you are already in a good mood.
- «Damian, I'm not as drunk as you think», Y/N said jokingly. «Hello Marion»
- «Hi, how are you doing there?» the girl answered her.
- «Historia is fine, if that's what you mean», Y/N said. «But I think if they order another bottle, then you will have to carry her home»
- «Have you decided to join us?» Damian asked her.
- Will you allow it?
She sat next to Damian and Marion, who were drinking tea.
- Don't drink at work?
- «It's looks like our Queen drinks for all of us tonight», said Marion. «It's nice to see her like this – a simple girl with friends. A bit unusual, too»
- «And you? Bored in the company of your friends?» Damian asked her.
- No, I just decided to come to you. Damian, we haven't seen each other for a long time. I recently just thought that we hadn't spent time together in such a long time. We need to plan something. Go play cards or pool...
- Didn't know you were missed me.
- I have a lot of work, I'm really sorry that I don't have enough time for friends.
They started chatting among themselves. Damian told Y/N the latest news, about his girlfriends, about his father, about his plans for the winter holidays. Marion also joined in the conversation - she and Damian were close friends and colleagues - Marion was one of the few who remained in the royal guard after the change of the power. She was the same age as Y/N - she was trained in the western cadet corps, and then immediately entered the royal guard, since her family at that time was very influential. And... she remained a royal guard. She was a pretty girl - she had lush red hair, bright green eyes, pale skin with mischievous freckles.
- «I think it's time for the queen to go home», Damian said, looking at the table where the whole company was sitting. «Marion, let's slowly guide her towards the palace»
- Fine.
Marion went to the table, starting to talk to Historia, leaving Y/N and Damian.
- So, what do you think about my idea? Do you have plans for New Year's week?
- Damian... who knows what will happen in two months...
- But the idea is great! We've been discussing this place for a long time. It would be nice to get some rest.
- Can I invite Hitch on vacation with us? I think she'll like it.
- For what reason?
- Well... maybe you'll be happy. I know that you and her...
- Stop it, I explained to you, it was only one date...
- Well, admit that you would be perfect for each other. Hitch is really cool, I've been discovering new good things about her lately.
- I don't think that she, like me now, needs a serious relationship. She's a pretty sweet girl, but... I don't know, maybe it's just me...
- Of course you're strange... but that's your business, of course...
- What about you? You all look at your blonde and sigh...
- Shut up.
- Then you don't remind me of Hitch.
Y/N looked at him displeasedly, finishing her gin from her glass.
- I'll go home... Tomorrow I'll go to work...
- You're leaving early. Your friends are still celebrating...
- Today was a difficult day at work. It's one thing to have fun when you have the strength and energy, but now... I would bury my face in a pillow and fall asleep. The main thing is that I had a good conversation with everyone, congratulated Armin... and now I can go home. You know me - I'm not a fan of this...
- I would say - everything is about your mood. Sometimes you just like to have fun.
- That's right... I love it when I have the strength and when I don't have to go to work tomorrow.
She stood up and walked over to Damian and hugged him.
- Let's meet sometime and talk normally together, otherwise it's so strange when I drink gin and you drink tea. I'm used to being in this situation only with Levi, who basically doesn't drink alcohol.
- I'll write to you when I have time. Let's coordinate our friendly gatherings.
She walked back to the table where Marion finally pulled Historia out. She was already quite drunk and didn't want to leave, sticking to her friends. Y/N looked at her friends. Hitch and Annie were sitting and chatting, Connie and Niccolo were already seated dozing. Armin and Jean were still drinking while Mikasa and Sasha tried to slow them down.
- Guys, I think I'll go home, if you don't mind. We all have to go to work tomorrow. Yes, and we, as it turned out, will often meet again in the coming weeks.
- «Oh, Y/N! Listen», Sasha got up from her seat, approaching Y/N. «We live nearby... can you help me with Niccolo? He went over a little with alcohol... And I wouldn't want to interrupt the boys - they are celebrating»
- «Oh, honey, no problem», Y/N answered her. «Wake up your man and let's go»
While Sasha was waking up Niccolo, Y/N walked over to the others.
- Guys, thank you for the evening. It was fun, I was glad to see you all.
- «Oh, are you leaving too?» Mikasa said frustrated.
- «Sasha asked me to help her bring Niccolo home», Y/N said. «We live nearby, so it's not difficult for me. Yes, and I myself am already tired, one more glass and my limit will be reached»
- «And we agreed not to go to work tomorrow», Jean said contentedly. «Armin let us all take a day-off»
- «I.. I... I just suggested... I didn't confirm it... I», Armin started to say something.
- «Listen, Mikasa... you're in control here, aren't you?» Y/N asked her quietly.
- «Yes, I already ordered strong black tea for them, otherwise we will need to take Connie with us. It's a long walk to his house, so Jean offered to just offer him our sofa», said Mikasa. «And Annie and Hitch, if anything, will help Armin, he is still at least conscious»
- Listen, maybe I should ask Damian to help?
- «No, Y/N, don't worry, we'll be fine», Jean told her. «If anything - the sofa in my apartment is large - and Armin and Connie will fit. Mikasa definitely won't let his friends sleep over anywhere»
Y/N smiled at them and once again approached Armin.
- Happy birthday again, Armin.
- Y/N, don't leave, stay, I still want to talk to you...
- Another time, dear, I really have to go.
She playfully tousled his hair. And she went to Sasha, who was already standing with Niccolo at the exit. Niccolo leaned against the wall, trying to sleep standing up.
Y/N, along with Sasha, slowly walked to their apartment block, holding Niccolò, who now and then just wanted to sit on the ground and get some sleep. Upon arrival, they put him to bed. Sasha thanked Y/N and wished good night to her friend.
Y/N leisurely reached her apartment. She got ready for bed at a calm pace - she washed, changed, smeared her face with cream, and settled into bed under a warm blanket. She fell asleep thinking about Armin's happy smile.
***
-Knock Knock-
-Knock Knock-
She opened her eyes and glanced at the clock — three in the morning.
-Knock Knock-
- Only not drunk Armin, my God...
She got out of bed a little irritably and walked towards the hallway.
-Knock Knock-
She opened the door.
- Y/N... I...
- Armin, what are you doing here?
- I... I need you.
- Armin, you're drunk.
- No-no. When you left, I stopped drinking. Mikasa made me and Jean drink a whole pot of tea. And then I helped bring Connie to his apartment. Then they walk me home... I left all the gifts at home, and... I realized that I want to see you...
- Armin, it's night outside, three o'clock in the morning, and tomorrow I have to go to work.
- Please...
- In any case, I will not let you go home now... Come in.
Armin came in, but Y/N didn't wait for him, going back to bed.
She heard the water rustle in the main bathroom. After a while, she dozed off. Then, she felt Armin climb into bed.
- Y/N, are you sleeping?
- Hmm...
- I'm sorry I woke you up.
Y/N turned to face him, looking into his tired eyes. She smiled slightly at him.
- Armin I understand that you miss me...
- I miss you very much... I miss you, our closeness... I understand that it's necessary for now, but... please... can I... can I kiss you? Like before...
- Armin...
- My dear, my love...
Y/N moved closer to him, kissing his forehead. Armin didn't lose the opportunity to bury his face in her neck, brushing his lips against her skin, gently, with all the love he had.
- Don't take off our clothes, honey.
- I know. I will have enough.
And he unceremoniously dug into her lips, in an instant running his tongue into her mouth. His arms immediately wrapped around her, pulling her closer. Y/N relaxed in his arms. She allowed him whatever he wanted within the limits set by her. She missed him too. She kissed him back, moaning against his lips, lightly squeezing the hair at the back of his head. She could feel the slight hint of alcohol on his tongue, hidden behind the minty toothpaste.
Armin only thought about keeping himself under control. He was ready to rip off all her clothes, cover her with kisses, drown between her legs. Having to keep his distance didn't bother him, but right now it pissed him off — he wanted to be with her. Before his eyes were the memories of their shared intimacy, of her beautiful flawless body, of her touch...
- Armin...
His hands slowly crawled under her shirt, squeezing her breasts until his lips moved to her neck. Y/N felt him leave hickeys on her skin, she wondered if she had a clean turtleneck sweater to wear to work tomorrow. She would definitely need it after what happened.
She snuggled closer to him, throwing her leg over his body. Armin pulled her closer, one hand squeezing the skin of her back while the other caressed her breasts under her shirt.
- Armin...
She cupped his face in her hands, bringing their lips back together. She, too, missed him as much as he missed her.
Their make-out session went on for a long time. Y/N felt it was time to stop, her body burning with desire for more and she could feel Armin's desire pulling on his underwear. His kisses became more sloppy, his touch more greedy, even aggressive. His lips roamed the hem of her shirt, trying to keep the marks as low as possible.
- Armin, we need to stop, honey... I know... I...
He stopped, looking into her eyes.
- I'm sorry.
- It's all right, my boy. I love you, you know?
- I love you too. I miss our closeness...
- I can feel it, I miss it too... but we both agreed that for the time being we need to take a break from this...
- When will it end... this break...
- Soon...we still need to talk about what happens next... I want us to have no trust issues before you leave. I don't want you to be nervous while we're away from each other. I want you to travel, work with pleasure, without worrying about our relationship.
- I'll miss you anyway, my love.
- On Saturday we will go on a date again, my dear boy. We will talk.
- And there will be only one date left...
- Don't treat this as some kind of test - just to end this faster... It was only my suggestion... I wanted us to communicate with each other, reducing the emotional and spiritual distance between us, while maintaining a physical distance. When we make love... we ignore all our problems as a couple. Sex is wonderful, and I miss it, but... in the end, sex will go by the wayside, unless, of course, we really want a healthy, fulfilling and lasting relationship. And it's important for me that when we decide to develop our relationship further, we don't have such problems as problems with trust. I don't want a year or more later to realize that you don't trust me. You often say that we lost so much time, so I don't want to go back to try to solve some of these problems, which are basically formed from the very beginning...
- And you... do you trust me? You're not afraid that I will leave with my ex and...
- No, I'm not afraid. Armin, I trust you. And Annie... I'm sorry she can't let go of the past yet, but still our conversations help me understand her myself. I understand her, why she wants to return your relationship, I don't blame her. You were the light in her life, and having lost you, she somehow blames herself, because even in childhood they were all blamed for all the problems... I try to help her, guide her... but she needs to start moving on herself.
- And you don't doubt me?
- Hmm, let me think... after everything... you came to me in the middle of the night just to kiss me instead of getting enough sleep before the work day, despite your tiredness and condition... No, I definitely don't doubt you, my sweet boy. And how cute you blush when I say something frankly about our relationship.
She made Armin embarrassed again. He buried his face in her neck, hiding the blush that played on his cheeks.
- Well, here it is again...
She wrapped her arms around his head, snuggling closer.
- Going to sleep?
- Maybe I just need to take a shower.
Armin pulled away from her, sitting on the bed. Y/N moved closer, kissing his shoulder.
- I'm sorry it happened. I can...
- No, Y/N, it's all right. Go to bed, I... this is not the first time.
- And how often do you relieve yourself?
- Recently, more often than usual.
- Sorry.
- It's my own fault for not being able to control it.
- And you still say that I can doubt you...
She reached for his cheek, leaving a light, warm kiss. And then she returned to her side of the bed, burrowing into the blanket.
- I will wait for you.
Armin went to shower and came back fifteen minutes later. Y/N was already dozing, but she felt Armin crawl under the covers, and his hands found their usual place on Y/N's waist. He buried his nose in the back of her head, starting to fall asleep.
- Happy birthday again, honey.
A light kiss on the back of her head...
And they fell asleep.
***
A/N: now - important question - which party chapter would you prefer to read first - the bachelor party or the bachelorette party?🔥🍾😉