You really know how to make me cry…

When you give me those…

Ocean eyes…

I’m scared…

I’ve never fallen…

From quite…

This high…

Falling into your…

Ocean eyes…

Your ocean eyes…

April 7th is the 9 year anniversary of the premier of Attack on Titan! In honor of this event, I’ve created a (not so little) ask game for the community! Since it’s officially the 7th in japan, I’m posting this now! Feel free to reblog and answer the questions yourself!

What was your first impression of the show?

What did you think was in the basement?

How old were you when Attack on Titan first came out?

What’s your first memory from the show?

Who was your favorite character originally? Did it change?

Who was your least favorite character initially? Did it change?

Favorite season?

Favorite episode?

Do you own any AOT Merch?

Any AOT tattoos?

In your opinion, who had the greatest glow up?

Worst glow up?

One thing you’d change about the story?

If you contribute to the fandom, what’s your proudest work?

Controversial opinion?

Would you go to the AOT world? What would your role be?

What twist genuinely surprised you?

Favorite op?

Favorite ed?

What was the hardest death for you?

You're transported into AOT, how long would you survive?

Original uniform or timeskip uniform?

What regiment would you join?

Any weird headcanons about the world / a character?

What character grew on you?

Who would be your best friend irl?

Who would you hate irl?

What’s your favorite of the 9 titans? Would you be willing to be a titan shifter?

You’re trapped on a deserted island, who would you be paired with ideally?

Who would be the worst person to be paired with on a group project?

Favorite trio?

Favorite AOT fanfic?

Favorite outfit for your favorite character?

You're at a bar, list five characters you’d trust to hold your drink. Who’d you trust the least?

Is there a character you really see yourself in? Why?

Did you read the manga? Do you have a favorite panel / scene?

Character(s) you’d love to share a beer or two with?

What job do you think [Character] would have in real life?

Who’d be the best roommate? The worst?

How did you originally think the show would end?

What kind of movies/tv shows do you think [Character] would enjoy?

What kind of music do you think [Character] would listen to?

What do you think [Character’s] favorite type of food would be?

Smash or Pass [Character] ?

Falco, sarcastically: Well, because I wanted us to fail

Reiner:

Hange: Gotten so excited that they forgot how doors work and ran face first into one.

Levi: Literally killed someone for tracking mud on his freshly mopped floor.

Eren: Seriously, unironically picked a fight with a cat. And lost.

Mikasa: Surreptitiously smacked her own ass out of curiosity, then immediately decided not only did she like it, but that she would be keeping that secret to her grave.

Armin: Once (honestly accidentally) faceplanted into Mina's boobs during ODM training in the woods and felt so embarrassed he cried. (Mina didn't really care)

Jean: Tried a backflip out of the ODM gear, landed it, but five seconds later tripped over his own feet and tumbled ass first to the ground.

Sasha: Is ace, but actually considered being sexually attracted to Ymir and Jean for like a solid month in the training corps.

Connie: Legit misspoke by asking Historia how she knew who her baby's father was, before freezing with a look of pure regret, turning around, and leaving the room without a word. He was then heard screaming once, but short and loud in the hallway.

Ymir: Tried to eat a rock. No, she didn't mean to. No, she doesn't want to talk about it.

Historia: Drank herself blackout drunk only once, and everyone found out she was an angry drunk when she tried to punch Jean in the face, missed, hit Armin, and then got confused because she thought he was her double who had come to take her soul.

Reiner: Kissed Bertholdt for the first time on a dare. Turns out they both liked it 'cause they came out together a month later.

Bertholdt: Secretly painted his toenails once and liked it.

1. What’s a fic with your favourite trope?

2. What is a fic that hooked you in just by the summary?

3. What is a fic that hooked you in by the title?

4. What is the most creative title you’ve seen? (Doesn’t need to directly relate to the fic)

5. What fic would you read again?

6. What’s the longest fic you’ve read?

7. What’s the shortest fic you’ve read?

8. Short fics or long fics?

9. What’s your [current] favourite fic?

10. What’s the fic you’re reading now?

11. What’s the fic that’s next on your tbr?

12. What’s an unfinished fic that you forgot you started?

13. What’s the fic you instantly go to read when you see it’s been updated?

14. What’s your biggest fanfiction pet peeve? (please do not attack the author)

15. What’s a fandom you are a part of that you would not read fanfiction for?

16. Which fandom that you are a part of is the most popular in having fanfics?

17. What’s a fanfiction you read that inspired you to write your own fanfiction?

18. Do you remember the first fanfiction you ever read? If not, do you remember the premise?

19. Canon Universe or Alternate Universe?

20. OOC or IC Characters?

21. What is your favourite fandom to read fanfiction for?

22. Do you have a favourite fanfiction author?

23. Have you ever printed out a fanfiction to have your own paper copy of it?

24. AO3, Fanfiction.Net, Wattpad, or other?

25. Reading on your phone, tablet, laptop/computer, or other?

26. Have you ever read a fanfiction and missed a warning, only to find out when you reach that part? (please do not attack the author)

27. Have you ever read a fanfiction where you’ve been left on a cliffhanger and it hasn’t been updated in several years? And did you know it was unfinished?

Here are some of my favorite jearmin fics of all time!

Canonverse:

1) Thought-Provoking by cherrybubblegum

Jean makes an unlikely companion after the disaster in Trost. A look at how the implied friendship between Jean and Armin may have developed, with a romantic twist. (72k words)

the characterization of the Armin and Jean is so spot on, and I could imagine all these events occurring in the story on the pages we don’t see, i love the slowburn and watching their relationship develop from a more centralized point of view though still keeping the main events and canon storyline

2) A Life Within Walls by GoodGuyJean

Armin Arlert grew up a “heretic” in Shiganshina; always questioning the status questioning the status quo and adept at keeping secrets. Determined to see the world outside the Walls and prepared to make terrible sacrifices to do so, Armin stumbles when he falls in love with another soldier, the uncomfortably honest Jean Kirstein. As Armin and Jean continue to fight side by side in a war long before their time, Armin struggles to open up, fearful of his own feelings and their consequences. (37k words)

this fic literally made me cry! warning: lots of angst. it’s beautifully written and Armin and Jeans dynamic is so authentic. I also love me some time jump (s4) jearmin, and the possibility of what occurred during that long period of time and if you’re going to read any of the fics from this list, this should definitely be one of them!

3) Unspoken by armint

Pre-season 4 in Marley. Mikasa is asked to a dance club/party, the rest of the gang decide to go and Armin and Jean are decided as partners. (4.6k words)

ive reread this fic like 6 times already it’s just so dang cute! jean and armin have to learn how to ballroom dance together in Marley after everyone else has been partnered up. literally was smiling and squealing all the way through this read!!

4) Bottle It Up: Or, Of Ice Cream and Wine by GoodGuyJean

It’s the first Paradisan Eldian expedition back to the mainland and things are … weird, between the young members of Squad Levi. Much to Jean’s confusion, his ex-lover Armin, who has been giving him the cold shoulder for years after ending their brief but intense relationship, begins flirting with him once they set foot in Marley. Or is that Jean’s desperate imagination? Drunkenly confronting Armin at a party (started by the perpetually broody Eren, of all people), Jean may get more than he bargained for. (5.5k words)

this fic is an addition to A Life Within Walls where it gives more insight to their relationship and the events prior to the main fic. you absolutely have to read this one if you’ve read a life within walls, it’s heartbreakingly beautiful!

5) A Bright Nowhere by corbaccio

Jean was silent for a moment, and then spoke with obvious awe: “Wow. I can’t remember the last time I saw so many stars.” Armin felt something warm settle in his chest. He knew, of course—he’d been watching this same sky for long enough—but still he lifted his gaze upwards, the glory of it filling him, charging him. (3.6k words)

i can’t talk enough about this fic! jearmin stargazing one last time before the world falls apart. the dialogue between them feels so incredibly natural and the writing itself is gorgeous. this fic holds a big place in my heart!

6) Red Sky by corbaccio

Jean’s stare did not waver. Armin wondered what he saw, when he looked at him; if it was anything at all like what he saw looking at Jean. He let that thought fill him with sad hope. (3.2k words)

another incredible fic with beautiful dialogue! this author grasps their dynamic so well, so I just have to add more of their work on this list.

7) Golden by TheIndifferentVoid

The mission leaves Armin changed forever. In the immediate aftermath, Jean has to deal with how it changed him, too.

really lovely fic about jean coming to terms with his feelings for armin after he thought that armin had died. this is canon to me.

8) Four Years by wordsforjearmin

Young Commander Armin Arlert has only four years left in his term as the Colossal titan, and in turn, only four years left of his life. Jean Kirstein, skilled Squad Leader and Armin’s partner, is grappling with the knowledge that he’ll be losing him so soon. Haunted by their shrinking amount of time together and his love for Armin that only seems to grow stronger, Jean tries to hide how hurt he is at the expense of Armin’s own guilt. (13k words)

i haven’t read this fic in a while, but i definitely remember it pulling on my heart strings! it takes place after the story of attack on titan ends, and how jean and armin would deal with their relationship if the curse of ymir had not been broken.

Updating to add a few more!! (3/8/22)

9) Paint Tomorrow Blue by batwake

Usually patient, Armin feels himself getting somewhat annoyed. Eren’s disappearance has already unsettled him, putting him on uneven footing. Jean’s inability to find words makes him feel worse; it’s unlike the other scout to speak without being sure of what he is about to say. It makes something within Armin crackle, like a titan just as it forms. As if sensing his irritation— perhaps something in the air had changed— Jean finally manages, “Are you okay, Armin?” Or, they lose Eren in Marley, but Jean and Armin find each other. (42k words)

Genuinely a masterpiece. the characterization, tension, tenderness, everything about this fic was incredible. i also take this as canon.

10) The Way We Were by wordsforjearmin

“I don’t think you’re allowed to get jealous if we’re not together.” Armin’s hand slid down and twisted in the fabric at the hem of Jean’s shirt. Their faces were so close now that their noses were practically knocking together. “Doesn’t seem very fair.” Jean swallowed, his heart rate thumping and his blood running hot. “Yea,” he muttered, eyes darting back and forth to take in whatever it was lurking behind Armin’s. “And remind me why we’re not together again?” (3.8k)

HOOOOLY. this fic. the sexual tension and pining is god tier. i love the angst and how versatile their dynamic and relationship can be presented!

Other canonverse must reads!

the truth about the flower boys by sodas

camaraderie by sodas

The Human Dress by Flesner

Auguries of Innocence by Flesner

teeth in the grass by billionairevolleyballboysclub

The Sun Hasn’t Risen Yet by vidnyia

For The Hearts That Break Under The Weeping Willow by cunttwatula

Regret by GoodGuyJean

A Page in the Wrong Direction by Aespren

Gone Adrift by Aespren

firsts by armint

atlas by slippages

To Be Human by firegrilled

Letters and Lovers by wordsforjearmin

i have a bias toward canonverse fics and am very picky when it comes to reading au fics, but here are my favorites!

Alternate Universe:

1) It Might as Well Be Spring by vidnyia

When moving across the country to the house he inherited from his deceased grandfather, Armin expects to find the same old boring grey he grew up surrounded by. Before long, he meets Jean Kirstein, the leader of the jazz band that used to rehearse in his grandfather’s cellar - and suddenly, there’s colour in his life. [70s AU] (100k words)

i absolutely adore this fic! it’s a slowburn and definitely worth the build up. I love the complexity that the author adds to both Armin and Jean, as well as the other cast of characters. the storyline is well thought out, and definitely had me hooked with all the twists and turns. the way the author describes music and art feels like they are speaking from their soul. just amazing

2) Feeling This by cunttwatula

Sleepless nights and city lights bring together two broken boys in a suburban park. It’s only when they’re together that they realize how desperately they’ve needed one another. (67k words)

by far one of the most incredible pieces of fan fic I’ve ever read. the writing is superb and the story itself is so well done. this could honestly be something of a published piece of work or a short novel. the plot is so intricate and delicate, and I could not stop reading it. be warned, there are mentions/actions of sexual assault, trauma, death, teen pregnancy, etc.

3) Capture by vidnyia

Jearmin 1960s AU. When Armin Arlert moves from Seattle to a tiny seaside town in France to pursue his dream of writing, he is given the task of caring for his dying grandfather. He soon meets Jean Kirstein, an aspiring photographer who works as a milkman for the local farm. Jean promises to teach Armin French, and as the summer progresses, they realise they might be more than just friends. (34k words)

ahh the first jearmin au fic i ever read! everything about this fic is adorable. I love the setting in France and just the vibes of it all. the progression of their relationship is just so tender and thoughtful. give this one a read!

4) A Light in the Fog by VioletteMoon

Armin is beside himself grieving over his hospitalized grandfather. With the distraction of sadness, he doesn’t anticipate the chance encounter with Jean Kirschstein – the genetically-blessed football player at his school with a face seemingly made for cocky grins. Armin also doesn’t anticipate the flurry of emotions that follow their subsequent meetings. (19k words)

i can’t talk enough about this fic omg. jean is whipped and armin’s basically oblivious to it because he’s perceived as the quiet new kid by almost everyone else and doesn’t understand why jean wants to get to know him. their interactions are so cute, and the writing and setting feels very cozy.

5) My Boyfriend’s Boyfriend by Endymien, lucabee

“Need a date for Christmas? Want to make your dad mad?” Eren Jaeger wants to piss off his parents so he does what any perfectly sane individual would do and finds a fake boyfriend on Craigslist to bring him home for Christmas.Jean Kirstein quickly realizes that agreeing to fake date Eren Jaeger may have been the craziest decision he ever made.Armin Arlert just wants this whole ridiculous fake boyfriend ordeal to be over–only partially because he finds himself increasingly enamored of Eren’s “boyfriend.” (62.5k words)

this fic had me laughing out loud so many times, the humor is immaculate. honesty, if you’re looking for a more lighthearted fic that’s could fall under the category of a romcom, this one is perfect for you. the dialogue between eren and jean when trying to act even the tiniest bit couple-like always has me on the floor. the relationship between Jean and Armin feels more secondary to the main plot, but either way this is just an amazing read.

6) In Corpo by Violetta Jones

Jean is sometimes awkwardly embarrassing, and Armin feels embarrassingly awkward most of the time. Working together on a school project might just serve to show that they’re not too bad of a match for each other. (7.5k words)

another really cute academia-based fic!

7) Never Have I Ever by orphan_account

An awkward party game outs Armin as a virgin. Jean decides to change that. (3.8k words)

smut. very well written smut. I love it.

8) Arms Unfolding by vidnyia

Jean and Armin were best friends growing up, talking of nothing but escaping their small town and exploring the world together. Four years have passed since Armin left for college, and he is finally coming home for reasons he doesn’t really understand. Jean made plans to leave long ago, but life got in the way. [80s AU] (90k words)