Always and Forever
Armin x Black Reader
1 | When I first laid my eyes on you
masterlist | wc: 3.4k
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Munich, Germany 2010 | 7:24 PM
"Come on we're going to be late! The concert starts in thirty minutes!" Your best friend yelled from behind the hotel bathrooms door. She knocked profusely startling you, and causing you to mess up your eyeliner.
"Shit-" You whispered to yourself, scurrying to find a q-tip somewhere deep inside your makeup bag.
"Okay okay, i'll be out in a second!" You yelled as you rushed to fix your eyeliner.
You managed to fix it somewhat, though it was still a little lopsided. You sighed, looking at yourself in the mirror. "Eh, it's not too bad." You say before opening the bathroom door and shutting off the lights.
"You ready?"
"Yes Sasha, let's go."
The train station was packed tonight. People crowded around trying to make the next train. Germany was so different from the highway centered America you were used to. This crowded train station was equivalent to traffic in Atlanta. Both similar but also completely different.
"My fiancé wants to meet you." Sasha said as she texted away on her phone. "He asked if you could come over tomorrow for lunch."
You nodded, a small smile gracing your lips.
"Of course! Should I bring anything?"
"Nope! It's all on us." She said softly.
You have known Sasha for about seven years now. The two of you met your freshman year of college, and since then have been inseparable. She's always mentioned taking you to visit her home country for years, and now finally got the chance.
"Oh my gosh they're playing Hadyn's Suprise Symphony!" Sasha exclaimed. She handed you her phone displaying the digital concert program she downloaded.
"Remember when we performed with our college orchestra a few years back? That was the piece that stuck with me the most." She said looking over your shoulder as you browsed through the program.
"Yeah I remember. It's honestly so cool that we get to see it live this time around." You say as you now look at the names of the people who will be performing tonight.
"Your fiancé's performing?" You let out a small gasp at the familiar name listed below.
Sasha smiled widely.
"Yeah, Niccolo is the one who invited us, I forgot to tell you. He even granted us 'VIP' seats." She said as you handed her phone back.
Niccolo and Sasha have been together long before you and Sasha have known each other. They grew up together here in Munich, courtesy of their parents being best friends. You've heard all the stories about their relationship and how music really brought them together. It's beautiful to see young people so in love and in a happy, healthy relationship.
"Ugh you guys are so cute I swear." You sulked. "I'm jealous."
"Hey hey, you will find your person soon. I believe it!"
"I wish."
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The two of you finally arrived at the grand concert hall. A long line looped through the cones set up along the cobblestone streets. You followed Sasha as she was more familiar with where to go than you were of course.
"Right this way. Lucky for us we have a quicker, more efficient way of getting in."
"I trust in you girly." You say as you tried your best to keep up with her quick pace.
Sasha walked up to a door with a sign above that read 'Nur für VIPs'.
"Here's the entrance for VIP." She said as she held the door open for you to walk in. You thanked her before letting out a small gasp.
"Holy shit-"
"Beautiful right?" Sasha walked up next to you.
You could only nod as you took in the very large hallway. People dressed to the nines were gathered around conversing amongst each other. Your eyes swept over the many classical paintings that were hung up on the marble walls.
"I haven't been here in years and it's like i'm seeing this for the first time as well." She said gazing up at the paintings as well. "Oh! The concert starts in five, we should start heading to our seats."
The both of you walked up to one of the workers who stood right outside the entrance to where the main hall was.
"Darf ich bitte ihre tickets sehen? The worker spoke.
Sasha looked over to you holding out her ticket, gesturing you to do the same. After inspecting both tickets, the worker nodded before moving aside for the two of you to walk by.
"You've seen the hallway but wait until you see the main hall." Sasha was practically cheesing at the fact that you get to see this in person. You were too though, it was something the both of you have been planning for years.
Your face was in awe when you both made it to your seats.
"It feels like we're in a movie, are you kidding!?" You hugged Sasha's arm in appreciation. "I know we're VIP but not box seats VIP!"
Sasha snickered.
"And it was free. Isn't that crazy?"
You nodded before turning back around to the main stage where the orchestra was tuning up.
"Niccolo also plays violin?" You asked. Since Sasha plays violin, you assumed that he did as well.
"No, he plays cello." Sasha said scanning the stage before her eyes finally land on the dirty blonde man with the wavy hair. "Ah there he is!" She pointed down onto the stage. You tried to follow to where she was pointing, but since you were high up, it was hard to tell who she was looking at.
"He's the dirty blonde with the short wavy hair." She said after realizing you might not know where she's pointing.
You scanned once more, finally landing on the man. You noticed he was talking to another blonde man beside him. It was hard to see their faces though as their backs were facing you.
"It's starting!" Sasha clapped her hands together as the lights dimmed. The audience also quieted down at the sudden queue. Then-
Applause.
You looked over stage left to where the conductor took his time walking up to the podium. He took a step up before opening his binder. His dark hair was neatly cut and he wore a typical black tuxedo that almost all (male) conductors wore. You watched in awe as he lifted his arms up, signaling the orchestra to raise up their bows and instruments. This was really taking you back.
The anticipation was felt all over the grand hall as the audience awaited that very first note. Your eyes drifted down to Niccolo and the man sat adjacent to him. They sat idly still—awaiting the conductors queue just like everyone around them.
The conductor took a deep breath in, his arms raising high. Then, faster than you could even blink, in unison, he and orchestra began their journey through the first piece. Brahms's Hungarian Dance No. 5.
The sounds reached far beyond the surface of the grand walls. You watched as all the people with their different instruments—the strings, the woodwinds, the brass, the percussions, move together in a dance like motion. This was truly a beautiful experience.
Sasha leaned over to whisper in your ear. "The man on the podium is the Levi Ackerman."
You looked over to her in shock.
"The world renowned conductor? I didn't even recognize him-" You gasped.
Levi Ackerman has worked with many orchestras worldwide. He's famous not only for his exceptional conducting skills, but also his looks. Funny enough, he's even landed himself on the cover of vogue magazine.
"Look over there." Sasha pointed to the far right corner of the stage. "The pianist." Your eyes drifted over to the grand piano, and then to the woman who was playing it. "That's Annie Leonhardt. She's widely considered here in Germany to be the best female pianist of the twenty-first century. I'm not a fan though." She grimaced. "Enough about that though- Oh we are finally at the last piece. Ugh I don't want it to end." You were a bit curious at her previous statement, deciding to press her later about it.
You were starstruck as the orchestra played perfectly through their last, most anticipated piece, Hayden's Symphony No. 94 "Surprise".
Your eyes landed on the man beside Niccolo. You were curious as to who he was. His playing style was beautiful and intriguing. You watched as his fingers practically glided across the strings almost as if they were dancing. His body swayed to the music—precise and pristine.
"Who-"
Suddenly, applause echoed across the grand hall. Sasha quickly stood up, Her smile was wide as she waved down to her fiancé, who was also waving back at her. You stood up right after her, eyes still glued to the lighter blonde man as you clapped. His side profile was slightly visible but still obscured by the angle to which he stood.
"Let's go down to meet Niccolo!" Sasha exclaimed.
"Yeah, okay." You nodded before walking off to the exit.
Unbeknownst to you though, a curious pair of blue eyes landed on the very box the two of you sat at.
More than once.
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"Niccolo!"
Sasha ran up to the tall male who stood right outside the exit door from the stage. His face morphed into a huge smile at the sight of his financé.
"It feels like I haven't seen you in forever even though we were just together this morning." Sasha said as the dirty blonde left multiple kisses across her face.
You caught up to them a few seconds later, Niccolo looked up at you and smiled.
"Ah, you must be Y/n. It's finally nice to meet you." He nodded.
"It's nice to meet you too! Thank you for treated my Sasha so wonderfully." You looked over to the brunette who blushed at your words.
"Oh stop it!" She playfully smacked your arms.
The three of you conversed amongst each other in the crowded hallway.
"Nic, let me fix your tie, it's a bit wonky." Sasha said reaching up to the fabric.
"Oh, I didn't even notice! Thanks babe."
As she was fixing his tie, you looked around at all the other people who were gathered to meet with their loved ones. You smiled to yourself when your eyes landed on a couple—a woman who was holding a violin smiled up at a man who held a huge bouquet of flowers for her. So cute.
Then you heard a bit of commotion coming from the center of the hallway. Many people were gathered
around someone, but since they were speaking in german, you couldn't understand what was happening.
"Ist das Ackerman, um den sie sich drängen?" (Is that Ackerman they're crowding around?)
"Nein, so wie es aussieht, ist das Arlert. Du weißt, wie beliebt er bei den Damen ist." (No, from the looks of it, that's Arlert. You know how popular he is with the ladies.)
Two women conversed.
Your eyes landed on the taller man at the center. He looked a bit uncomfortable with all the people surrounding him. You watched as he waved at the people around him, before scurrying away to the exit.
"Ugh, we never get to meet up with Armin after these things. He always has to leave early before that large crowd surrounds him." You heard Sasha say beside you.
"Armin? Who's that?" You asked. The name was new to you.
"He's my best friend." Niccolo spoke. "He's always been popular, especially when we were in college together. Also- I hate to say it, but he's also a way better cellist than me."
Then it clicked. He's the guy who you couldn't stop watching at the concert.
"I haven't seen him in so long!" Sasha added.
"You just saw him two days ago." Niccolo laughed.
"Meh, whatever. Okay let's start making our way out, I have to drop Y/n off at the hotel she's staying at." Sasha said, slinging an arm over your shoulder. "Wait you know what- Why don't you just stay at our place!" Sasha then exclaimed.
Niccolo nodded in agreement. "Yeah we have two extra guest rooms for you to choose from. Free of charge!"
You were a bit skeptical at the offer. You didn't mind staying at the hotel, not wanting to intrude—but also, it would be cheaper to stay at their place.
"I don't kno-"
"Pleaseeee!" Sasha gave you those puppy eyes, the ones you could never say no to.
After a long second, you let out a big sigh.
"Okay okay, I will stay over—but are you sure for the whole time i'm here? I don't leave until the end of summer."
"No worries. We have guests over all the time!" Niccolo said.
Sasha nodded in agreement. "Yeah so let's go! I've been dying to show you the place anyway.
The three of you made your way to Niccolo's car parked in the employee parking garage. It was a nice little SUV.
"Buckle up!" Sasha said. "We'll stop at the hotel to get your things and then head off to the house." she added.
You nodded, eyes looking out the window at city lights.
You all finally made it to their beautiful european style home after an hour of traveling. Sasha showed you to your room located on the first floor. It had its own bathroom and the window had a nice little cushioned seating area. You told them both goodnight before heading off to shower and then to bed. A small smile was plastered on your face as you lie in bed. You decided to check your socials and update friends and family about your travels.
"I'll be here for about three months." You spoke through the phone. You sent a little voice message to your brother who was basically interrogating you.
"Okay well it's 11pm over here and i'm tired so i'll talk to you tomorrow."
Before you turned your phone off and put it on charge though, you were still a bit curious about the man from earlier.
"Armin Arlert-" you said to yourself as you typed his name into the search bar on instagram. His page popped up immediately.
"Holy fuck-"
You say as your eyes land on the followers count then to the photos below. You curiously swiped through his photos, completely entranced by them.
"Now I see why he's so popular, he's so handsome." You say out loud. "He definitely has a girlfriend though so i'll stop lurking." You finally turn off your phone and drift off to sleep.
The next day, you woke up to the sun shining gently through the window. You slowly rose up out of the bed checking the time in your phone.
"12:07 PM?!" You gasped.
You scrabbled through your luggage trying to find something to wear. Your eyes landed on your long white skirt. "This'll do." You then grabbed your navy blue halter top to go with.
After throwing your outfit on, you went into the bathroom for a little touch up before heading out into the living room where multiple voices were heard.
"And then- Oh Y/n! You're finally awake! Sasha said. "I knew you were tired so I didn't want to wake you."
"It's fine Sash, I feel very refreshed after that good amount of sleep." You let out a small chuckle.
You started walking over to the couch when you suddenly froze. An additional guest has joined the three of you today.
He turned around as soon as Sasha greeted you.
"Oh I totally forgot. This is Armin, he'll be joining us for lunch today!" Sasha added.
The man quickly stood up, stepping to the side.
"Please, take my seat." He said motioning to where he was just previously sitting.
You felt your face heat up at the kind gesture, as well as how good looking he was.
"Oh um- that is very kind of you, thank you." You awkwardly scrambled to sit down on the couch. Armin walked over to the wooden chair by the fire place taking a seat.
"And Armin, this is Sasha's long time best friend, Y/n." Niccolo spoke.
"It's nice to meet you." He smiled. "Are you from Germany?" He asked, genuinely curious.
Suprised at his question, you let out a small laugh.
"No, i'm from the US. Just visiting for the summer." you answered.
Armin nodded. "Wunderschön" (Beautiful)
You watched as both Niccolo and Sasha jerked their heads in his direction.
Sasha laughed awkwardly. Maybe he meant that in another context. She thought to herself.
Niccolo spoke up changing the subject.
"Okay since we are all gathered, I made some lunch! Let's go eat." He quickly stood, with the rest of you following right behind.
Armin's POV
I haven't felt this way in a very long time. My heart palpitates at a quickened pace and my breathing has become shallow. This woman, she is so pretty I can't imagine looking else where. Her hair cascades down her shoulders, neatly braided with beautiful curls flowing from them. Her eyes are doe like as we make eye contact for the first time, her expression and features photographed into my memory forever.
She is a rare beauty, something to be cherished.
I quickly stand up offering her my seat. "Please, take my seat." I say, my voice wavering bit.
She answers right away, voice soft and gentle. "Oh um- that is very kind of you, thank you."
I nod before walking over to the chair by the fireplace, taking a seat.
There are people from all walks of life here in Germany even though it is still very much a homogeneous country, but i'm a bit curious if she is from here.
"Are you from Germany?"
She looked a bit taken aback by my question. Then suddenly, she let out a breathless laugh.
"No, i'm from the US. Just visiting for the summer."
My eyes flickered across her face as she spoke. I heard every bit that left her mouth but I couldn't stop staring.
"Wunderschön" I accidentally spoke aloud.
I felt Niccolo and Sasha's gaze on me in an instant. I purposely avoid their eyes still staring at her.
"Okay since we are all gathered, I made some lunch! Let's go eat." Niccolo changed the subject, thankfully.
Original POV
The four of you all gathered around at the dinner table. Niccolo being the great cook he is, made some delicious seafood pasta. You sat directly next to Armin while Sasha and Nic sat across.
"So Armin." Sasha smirked. "Y/n here also plays the piano. She's like really good too."
He looked over at you beside him in shock. If she couldn't get any more perfect. He thought to himself.
"That's amazing! It's rare to find pianist around amongst all these string players." He joked, looking over at Nic and Sash who were both giving him the death stare.
"Arschloch" (Asshole) Niccolo spoke.
"Thank you!" You smiled sweetly up at him. "I just recently got my masters in piano performance and i'm now working to get my doctorate." You said before taking a bite out of your food.
"My bestie is amazing." Sasha praised.
"Thanks Sash." You responded giving her a warm smile.
Before Armin could respond, his phone began to ring. He looked down at the caller ID, and his face instantly morphed into disappointment. Sasha also had seen the name pop up as well and spoke again. Her tone slightly annoyed.
"Don't tell me you're leaving again." She sulked.
Armin stood up taking his plate and utensils placing them in the dish washer before walking back over to the table.
"I'm sorry guys." He said grabbing his coat from off the chair. "I have to go-" He looked over at you a second too long—almost as if he had something else to say, before turning around and heading off to the door.
Nic stood up as well. "Wait! Let me walk you out." He followed.
You watched as they walked out the door. You were a bit confused as to why he had to go so soon. Somewhere deep down, you were also a bit disappointed.
"Remember the pianist from the concert yesterday?" Sasha spoke up.
You looked over at her trying to think back to who that was.
Then, it clicked.
"Yeah, the one who you seemed not to like?"
"Yeah her." She grimaced. "Well uh, her name is Annie Leonhardt-"
"Armin's Fiancé."
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© banzambaz
