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The blaring of the alarm signified the start of another day. The twenty seven year old detective groaned and slammed a hand on his device. Armin Arlert sat up in bed and he rubbed his eyes tiredly.
6am.
He needed to start going to bed on time - less time spent staying up on case files - but New York City was fraught with crime. The blond hopped out of bed and ran through his morning rituals. He snagged a cup of coffee on his way to work and ran down the stairs of the subway. He blinked tiredly, peering at the heads of the passengers.
0.
0.
0.
He loved seeing the number 0.
The blond made his way into the station and nodded tiredly to his colleagues. He took a seat at his desk, nodding to his partner. Wilson slammed the phone shut, cursing under his breath. Armin arched an eyebrow inquisitively and the auburn haired man waved him off with a grumble.
The blond turned to his case files, opening his computer.
“All hands on deck! We got an armed robbery on 34 Avenue St!” His superior yelled as he grabbed his coat.
Wilson cursed and grabbed the keys, nudging his tired partner out of his seat.
Armin hated Mondays.
The sound of sirens filled the streets as Wilson drove like a madman. Armin gripped the edges of his seat and he listened to the transmission - suspects armed. Hostage situation - The car parked haphazardly onto the street and the officers rushed into the perimeters. Armin narrowed his eyes, assessing the situation.
He counted seven bodies, on the ground with three armed men waving their guns around. “What are their demands?” He asked his commanding officer.
“They aren’t cooperating. We are negotiating right now.”
The blond nodded and he pursed his lips in concern. He watched as the specialized team went out back. Armin gazed through the windows and he clicked the safety of his gun, readying himself. The transmitter went off again - shots fired! - He gritted his teeth as one of the armed man aimed his rifle and shot at the ceiling in warning.
The blond watched through the glass with a racing heart. His eyes widened as he saw one of the hostages move. The man was tall, with light brown hair and he moved with purpose, slamming into the armed man’s side. Armin heard exclaims of alarm from his colleagues and they moved forward hurriedly. The blond stood his ground watching as the man moved expertly - disarming his opponents, evading the shots fired.
There was a fluidity to his movement - a practiced ease - He couldn’t make out his features from here. There was a glaring red number over his head - it was unclear - but he saw the numerous digits and his breath hitched in alarm. The specialized team broke through and shots fired. Hostages took cover and the armed men went down.
It all went quickly from there.
Hostages were cleared - EMT’s checked them over. Armin searched through the crowd of hostages, looking for the foolishly heroic man.
He was gone.
The blond frowned in confusion.
Armin held his phone to his ear and he smiled softly as he listened to his best friend lecture him about his unhealthy habits. He peered at his watch and rolled his eyes affectionately. He entered the elevator and he clicked the button for the 16th floor.
“Seriously Kasa, I’m good.” He spoke softly.
Mikasa was quiet on the other line. “What time did you sleep last night?”
Armin grimaced. “Uh… I’m…I’m not sure?”
Mikasa sighed heavily. “Seriously, do I need to move in with you to ensure you get to bed on time?”
Armin chuckled. “No Kasa, you got your own stuff to worry about, pregnancy and all.”
The blond exited the elevator and he made his way down the hall. He paused, seeing the open apartment door next door. There were a number of boxes stacked together. A neighbour. How unexpected. No one had moved next door after Mr. Dickson passed away - tenants did not feel comfortable moving into a place where a divorced man committed suicide.
The blond made his way past the ajar door and he chatted softly with his childhood friend. He kept his gaze away from the open door - not wanting to be intrusive on his new neighbour - He pushed his keys into his lock and he heard a thump. Armin turned curiously and he blinked at the sight of the unfamiliar man. He was tall with brown hair. Expressive viridian eyes stared at him, wide and alarmed.
Armin smiled hesitantly - He didn’t know the man. He was very handsome, long hair tied in a loss bun with long locks falling into a golden complexion. He was wearing a tank top and ripped jeans accompanied with thick boots.
“Hi, you must be my new neighbour,” Armin spoke easily. He reached out a hand. “I’m Armin Arlert.” He smiled politely.
The man stared - eyes wide - He glanced down at his hand and his face drained of all colour. It was like he saw a ghost. Armin frowned and he lowered his hand sheepishly.
“Uhm…if you need anything…uh…let me know.” He added with a smile.
The auburn continued to stare. It was sort of creepy. Armin held his smile and he glanced upwards dismissively. He froze in his spot and his mouth grew dry. He struggled to maintain a friendly expression as his heart seized in revulsion at the jarring number. What the —? He stepped back unintentionally and he shakily waved to his neighbour, rushing into his apartment.
His phone clattered to the ground and he fell down to his knees. He had never seen such a high number. How was that even possible? He had met war veterans a few times and they never held such a colossal amount of lives stolen. The blond wrapped his arms around his sides shakily. What the —?
Armin’s eyes shot open and his chest fell and rose rapidly in terror. He had a nightmare - gruesome and otherworldly - He turned on his side and retched violently. He pressed a hand to his forehead. Hot. He was running a fever. The shivers racked his frame and he groaned pitifully.
“Shit,” he cursed, fumbling for his phone.
He blearily sent a text to his partner - informing of his sickness - and he fell back against his sheets. His stomach turned and he rolled on his side, grabbing his trash bin and he hurled loudly. Armin whined and he rested against his pillows. He closed his eyes and fell back into a fitful sleep.
A hesitant knock pulled him out his sleep a few hours later. The blond stumbled to the door and he opened it carelessly. He blinked at the sight of his neighbour and he paled at the sight of murderous man. He was taller - standing in front of him - broader shoulders and he was staring down at him with a concerned expression. What the —?
The man pressed a takeout container in his hand with a determined expression and he turned on his heel, leaving him at the door. Armin stared after him, watching in confusion as he disappeared in his apartment. The blond frowned and entered his apartment. He stared at the container warily, opening it to see a hot serving of chicken soup.
Armin frowned. He thought of the red jarring number - the number of kills - and he felt disgust. He dumped the soup in the sink and went back to bed.
His neighbour was a monster and he wanted nothing to do with him.
Armin was a detective - a very good one - and he wasted no time in gathering information about his neighbour. He checked his mailbox, finding out his name and he listened through the walls, noting his schedule. He followed him with his car - He was determined. A man with a number that high lived off killing other people. He would see him behind bars for the rest of his life.
Eren Yeagar, age twenty-seven, a graduate with a double MA in business and engineering. He was a reclusive intelligent man. He did not interact with anyone - He looked listless, with weary eyes and a tired expression. He worked in a small company, went home after work and spent his weekends inside his home. He had no history in the military. The child of an overworked single mom in Harlem.
Armin tapped into his phone line and listened as the man picked up the phone.
“Yeah?” Eren’s voice rang through tiredly.
“Darling, it’s been months.” A woman’s voice spoke in frustration.
A sigh. “And?”
“Eren! I’m only worried.”
“I know mother but you don’t need to call. Nothing has changed.”
“A mother can worry when her only child moves to New York City. How are you really?”
Silence.
“Fine.” Eren spoke curtly.
Silence.
A heavy sigh.
“I’ll call back.”
“You don’t have too.”
“I will…someone has too.”
Click.
Armin sat back with a frown - he gained nothing - Eren was a very careful man. None of his actions alluded to the number of kills. The blond closed his eyes and he stood up - He needed a drink.
Armin stumbled down the hallway drunk and grumbling under his breath. He struggled with his keys and he pouted down at his lock in irritation. He heard the click of the door next door and he whirled around, tripping over his feet with a yelp. Eren stared down at him with wide eyes - staring at his red face in bemusement.
“Are you drunk?” He asked.
Armin glared.
“Oh he speaks, ladies and gentlemen, give the man a prize!” He sat up and clapped his hands dramatically.
Eren frowned and he stepped forward.
Armin squeaked and he moved backwards, his back hitting the wall. He hiccuped and stared at his neighbour with wide eyes, watching the red numbers blur into each other. The tanned man knelt in front of him and he stared at him with a troubled gaze. Armin glared at him. He pointed a finger and swayed drunkenly.
“I will figure you out!” He hiccuped, leaning forward dangerously. “You can’t hide from me.”
“You…you don’t remember anything right?” The man asked quietly.
He looked heartbroken.
Armin glared up at him.
Hah. As if he would feel empathy for a mass murderer.
“None of you remember,” he whispered running a hand through his messy hair. “I guess…” he smiled a smile that did not reach his eyes. “Huh…a fitting punishment for my crimes to be the only to remember.”
Armin gasped. Crimes. See! He knew it! He swayed dangerously as the dark spots filled his vision. “Gonna catch…you…jerk face…” He felt the bile rise in his throat and he leaned forward, vomiting all over his neighbour.
He blacked out.
He is not the enemy of mankind! I will elaborate on his strategic worth with the last breath I hold!
Eren! Why do you want to see the outside world? Eren, answer me!
One day, let’s see the ocean, together, all three of us!
Armin’s eyes shot open and he blinked at the bright lights groggily. He felt like utter shit. Had he dreamed? What the—-? Everything evaded him as he regained consciousness. He couldn’t remember a thing.
“Mmmrphhh!” He whined, turning away from the harsh light of his window.
Armin pressed his face into his pillow and he felt his body relax in the covers. It was comfortable. Soft sounds filtered through his kitchen, the sound of cooking and his coffee machine brewing. The smell of coffee wafted through - it was his Starbucks brew - It - Armin’s eyes shot open in shock. What the —? He sat up with a whine - ouch shit shit ouch - and he fumbled with his blankets, flailing and falling off his bed with a yelp.
“Ouch,” he grumbled.
“There’s aspirin on the table,” a voice spoke.
Armin pulled the blanket off his face and his eyes widened. Holy shit! His neighbour stood in his bedroom, leaning against his door with a patient expression. He wore loose sweatpants and a grey sweater. Armin blinked slowly and he raised a shaky finger. Wait…was that his sweater?! That fugger! That was his favourite clothing article! Mine!
“Y-you you who said you can break into my home?!” He squeaked, equal parts terrified and mortified as he stared up at the red number.
Eren blinked slowly. “You don’t remember. You puked all over my clothes and then you fainted, right out in the hallway, keys on the floor.” The man sighed. “This isn’t exactly the safest neighbourhood so I brought you in, changed your clothes and all. You don’t need to thank me.”
Armin flushed red in embarrassment. Oh my God! He … he… Wait, how was he even alive? Mr. Serial Killer should have strangled him for his actions instead he took care of him. Armin’s mind spun and he groaned. It was too much to think about with an awful hangover. Eren walked over and passed him the bottle of aspirin with a glass of water. Armin stared. He glanced up at the red number.
Ah hell.
He grabbed the bottle and the water tiredly.
“Come eat,” Eren ordered.
Armin glared at his back and he stood up. He took in the sight of his apartment carefully. Nothing was amiss. He eyed the hearty breakfast and he blinked at the sight - eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausages, bread, jam - Holy hell.
This was a very strange start to his weekend.
“What?” Mikasa hissed.
Armin gulped and he pulled his phone away from his ear before she started shouting. “And you let him into your home?!” She yelled in a shrill voice. “Are you out of your mind?!”
Armin winced and he took a seat on his bed, eyeing the bottle of aspirin and water. Eren had left after he watched him eat his breakfast with a distant gaze.
“Okay I was drunk and it’s not like I could kick him out after he made me breakfast! Mother taught us better Kasa!” He hissed back.
Mikasa scoffed. “Yes and she taught us stranger danger! Seriously Armin what the hell?”
“Ugh. I didn’t want to stress you out! You're due soon Kasa.”
“I’m coming over. You’re not safe with a mass murderer next door.”
“Well…he could be…a war criminal…a mercenary?”
Mikasa was the only one who knew that he could see numbers. Armin cursed as he heard the click of the phone. He groaned and sat up. He needed to clean his room up for his adopted sister’s arrival.
Armin awoke with the loud sounds of banging on his door. He groaned - seriously he wanted to sleep - He banging ceased abruptly and he heard the sounds of voices in the hall. He blinked tiredly and he sat up in alarm. Mikasa! Holy shit! She was interrogating his neighbour. Armin leaped out of bed and threw his apartment door open.
Mikasa stood - very pregnant - with a mean scowl on her face, glaring and accosted his neighbour. Eren… Eren was staring at her belly with wide eyes. He looked sick. Maybe he did not like pregnant women? Mikasa jabbed his chest with a finger, face turning red in anger.
“And just because he’s drunk doesn’t mean you can barge into his apartment and help yourself to his kitchen, that’s trespassing! I can have you charged for-”
Eren was turning green staring at her belly.
“Hey! Are you even listening?!”
Armin rushed forward and grabbed his best friend, pulling her away. “Sorry Mr. Yeagar! She’s dealing with pregnancy hormones.”
Mikasa scowled.
Eren stared at them with a lost expression.
Armin frowned.
“Uh…well we will see you later Mr. Yeager. Sorry about this!”
Eren looked at them and he opened his mouth. No words came out. He shook his head and swallowed thickly. His eyes glinted wetly. What the —-? He shook his head and turned on his heel, slamming the door to his apartment shut.
Armin blinked.
He scowled and turned to his childhood friend.
“Mikasa!”
“Don’t you Mikasa me Armin Arlert!”
He pulled her into his apartment and locked the door. He turned to his best friend with a stern expression - It was his I am about to lecture you face - Mikasa glared up at him with an unimpressed expression. They were both a very stubborn pair. Armin opened his mouth and paused as he heard the sound of violent retching through the thin walls. He whipped his head and stared at the peeled walls worriedly.
Was Eren sick?
“Armin Arlert,” Mikasa hissed dangerously. “Is that an expression of concern I see on your face?”
Armin turned to his adopted sister with wide eyes and he raised his hands imploringly. “No!”
No.
Definitely not.
He felt his stomach twist in disgust.
He wouldn’t feel sorry for the man next door.
He wouldn’t do it.
Eren didn’t deserve it.
The weeks passed by uneventfully. Armin didn’t see Eren since the confrontation in the hallway. Weird. The man made himself scarce. The blond stared at his auto repair bill and grimaced. His car suddenly stopped working and he hated having a car unavailable to run his groceries. The blond stood up and grabbed his subway card and he paused at the sudden gasp of pain.
Armin turned to his sister and he blanched at the sight.
Mikasa’s water broke.
“Oh no no no! Mikasa!” He freaked out. Shit shit shit.
There was an awful storm outside. Taxi cars would not run. He shakily shuffled through his apps. The blond was not ready to deliver a baby in his apartment. He rushed out of his home and banged his hands on his neighbour’s door.
Please, please, please.
“Mr. Yeagar! Open up! I need your help!”
The door flew open and Eren stared at him with concerned eyes. “It’s Mikasa,” Armin breathed. “She’s giving birth! Do you have a car?”
Eren nodded. “I’ll drive, you’re panicking too much and I don’t think you can drive safely in this weather.”
Armin swallowed.
He helped Mikasa up and they followed the brunette into the elevator. Eren kept glancing at the mother in concern and another emotion - mixed feelings sped by his wide eyes. Eren helped them both into the car and he drove out of the garage hurriedly, weaving through the storm with focus. Armin ran a hand down his sister’s back, speaking to her softly.
“Breathe breathe, you got this Kasa.”
“I will stab you if you say I got this one more time,” she hissed, holding onto his hand tightly.
“Okay okay uhm names names! You still need a name for the baby right? Hmm okay boy names, how about Timothy?”
Mikasa crushed his hand in her hold. Armin yelped in pain.
“Okay uh… Jason? Leapold? Ow ow owww I’m joking, uh… Levi?”
Eren made a small noise - Armin glanced at him in confusion but the brunette had his gaze on the road.
Mikasa frowned. “No…I feel like Levi is the name for a short person.”
“Alright err…”
Eren swerved violently and they lurched in their seats.
“Sorry,” he spoke softly.
Armin looked ahead and his eyes lit up. The hospital. Good grief.
“Mikasa! We’re here!”
He helped his sister out of the back and Eren opened the door. He hovered awkwardly, looking like he wanted to help.
“Thank you Mr. Yeager, I got it from here.” Armin spoke politely with a strained smile.
“Please call me Eren, I can stay…” He spoke softly.
Armin stared up at the bolded number. He smiled tightly. “That’s alright, this is a family only affair. Thank you for your help. Have a good night Mr. Yeager.”
Eren reeled back like he was slapped. He nodded slowly and lowered his head. Armin frowned and pulled his sister into the hospital. The nurses rushed forward and sat the birthing woman in a wheelchair, wheeling her away hurriedly. Armin looked over his shoulder - seeing Eren standing with his head bowed, fists clenched, staring at the ground, unmoving as the blizzard blew around him.
The blond turned on his heel and went after his sister.
Armin heard the crash from his thin walls and he lowered his phone with wide eyes. Another crash followed, the sound of items breaking and glass shattering echoed from next door. He heard curses followed by angry hissing. Armin opened his apartment door and made his way next door, knocking carefully.
The sounds ceased.
The door opened and he stared at his very-drunk neighbour with wide eyes. “Uh…it’s kinda late…” Armin began. “And the noise laws…” He yelped as Eren gripped his collar and dragged him in.
Armin flailed his arms in surprise and Eren dropped his hand, walking deeper into his apartment - I should leave - The blond eyed his drunk neighbour in fear. No. This was the perfect chance to gather evidence. He followed the brunette in and his eyes widened at the mess. The entire apartment was destroyed. Furniture was overturned. Plates and glasses littered the floor. Armin stared at his neighbour with wary eyes.
Eren had a temper.
The brunette swayed and he took a seat on the ground. The blond made his way forward warily. Alcohol made me people loosen up. This was his chance. He knelt down in front of his neighbour and he eyed him curiously. How did Eren Yeagar manage to kill so many people? The number made no sense. Eren lifted his bottle of whiskey and he took a large gulp.
“Uh Mr. Yeager-”
“Eren.”
“Hmm?”
“For fucks sake, just call me Eren!” He hissed angrily. “How many times do I have to ask?”
Armin shivered and he stared into expressive viridian eyes. “O-okay Eren… uhm… how…how are you?”
He wanted to face palm.
He was a seasoned detective.
This was not how his interrogations usually went.
But there was something about Eren that made him react in an uncharacteristic manner.
Ugh.
The said man huffed - Was that amusement in his gaze? - He took another drink and he stared at his broken home with a distant gaze.
“You know…” Eren began quietly. His voice was low - a soft intonation - saturated with palpable grief.
“I’m the only one who remembers…no one…” His breath hitched and he stared brokenly at his cracked walls. “I saw others throughout my life … Captain… hell even the potato girl… and horse face…but…no one remembers…” He waved a hand. “I’m…a stranger.” He whispered the last part.
“The horse has his own practice, can you fucking believe it? He’s a chiropractor, pretentious as fuck and the potato airhead runs a bakery. Captain is a lawyer, which is weird as fuck. Eyebrows is a school principal. And…” his voice cracked and he gazed at him with a weary disposition.
Armin’s breath hitched at the sight of anguish.
“You’re a detective…” Eren released a mirthless smile. “I guess that one makes sense, all the brain power had to go somewhere, a do-gooder.”
Armin stared.
Nothing Eren was saying made sense. What the hell did a potato, eyebrows and horse have to do with anything?
The blond froze as Eren lowered his bottle, staring at him with an intense expression. He moved forward and what the hell — hugged him. Armin froze, his eyes grew wide and he opened his mouth in confusion.
“Uh…”
Eren tightened his hold on him.
“Uhm…E-Eren?” He spoke hesitantly.
This was really weird.
He reached a hand and patted him awkwardly on the back - please let me go - I don’t make it a business to go around hugging killers - This is really really weird - Eren did not relent his hold. He smelt of rainwater and whiskey. His heart beat thrummed against his chest - steady and firm. Armin stared up at the ceiling as he allowed himself to be hugged.
What the hell is going on?
It was just me convincing myself. Convincing myself that I was powerless and a burden. That thought never crossed his mind.
Armin, we don’t have time!
Those two entrusting their lives to me are the most important people to me.
I care about all of you, that’s why I want you all to live long lives.
Eren!
Mikasa… I’ve always hated you.
Eren!
Armin…the truth is…
Eren!
I’m sorry…
Eren!
Farewell Armin.
Eren!
The blond’s eyes shot open and he stared up at an unfamiliar ceiling. He sat up warily and stared down at the unfamiliar room. He was in a soft bed - white sheets covered his body. Armin blinked. There was something - an incessant tugging in his mind - He was in Eren Yeagar’s apartment. The blond tugged at his hair. Shit, shit, shit. He wasted a perfect opportunity to gather information and evidence. He - The blond frowned and he lowered his hands with wide eyes.
I’m the only one who remembers.
Eren!
Armin’s breath hitched in alarm.
No.
The ocean - salty waters - mountains of sand - it’s real Eren! The outside world is vast. Someday, let's go and see the-
No.
I’m the only one….I guess….a fitting punishment for my crimes to be the only to remember.
Armin… I’m sorry…
You’re all free now.
Eren!
The blond felt his eyes water. The tears slipped down his face and his entire world collapsed.
He remembered.
He leapt out of bed and threw the door open searching for his best friend. He found him standing in the kitchen, hair wet and wearing loose sweats - his grey sweater - and green eyes turned to him with a concerned gaze. Eren’s eyes widened as he saw his tears and he reached a hesitant hand forward, only to drop it with a grieving expression.
No one remembers….I’m…a stranger.
Armin shook his head as the tears continued to spill. He ran forward and lunged at his best friend, throwing his arms around him. He broke down, wailing like a child. Eren froze and they both stumbled to the hard ground. Armin latched onto his best friend’s sweater, crying hysterically, failing to formulate the words. The red number - the heavy casualties - It all made sense.
“Armin?”
“Eren! Eren! Eren!”
Eren sat up with a groan and he held him hesitantly. “Are you okay?”
“Eren!” Armin raised his head and he wiped his wet face with broken hiccups. He stared at his best friend - It had been so long - He reached a hand forward shakily and touched his friend’s neck gently, staring at the unmarred skin. His fingers trembled as he felt the warm skin.
Alive.
Whole.
He broke down again. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry Eren.” He whispered. “You waited so long. I’m sorry it took me so long.”
Eren’s breath hitched and he stared up at him with wide eyes - Hopeful - Scared. “Do…you…”
He swallowed.
“I remember…everything.” Armin whispered. “God I…I missed you, so fucking much.”
Eren’s expression broke and his bottom lip trembled. “I…Armin…no one remembers…” he whispered. “No one…hell Mikasa is a mother… I… I was so alone… you…you stared at me like a stranger…It hurt so much…I almost gave up.”
Armin shook his head and he gripped his friend’s face in his hands desperately, staring into his eyes resolutely. “No, I’m here, I remember and I swear on my life I will never leave you. Fuck this shit, Eren let’s move in together, leave this crappy destroyed apartment, come move in with me.”
Eren released a watery laugh and he nodded. The tears spilt from his eyes and he hugged his friend desperately. “Can I?" He asked in a hopeful tone. “I don’t…I can’t do this alone Armin.”
Armin nodded and hugged his friend back. “Yes, I need my best friend.”
“What about Mikasa?”
“We will figure this out, we have our entire lives to work everything out. Eren please. Say yes.”
Eren nodded against him. “Okay,” he breathed. “Okay.”