They'd been in New York a total of four days, and Annie still couldn't stand the cold. When in a desert that's normally seventy degrees year round, it's easy to forget the feeling of chattering teeth, numb fingers and toes and the shaking from your shoulders down your spine.
Of course, the salt in the proverbial wound had to be that it hadn't been cold enough to snow. Rain had been falling heavily the past two days, making the chill even worse. Annie loathed winter. She was incredibly sensitive to the cold, and tended to become moody the shorter the days got. However, she did love snow.
She had to feel bad for all the fans that had come up to her in the past few days, given the mood the weather put her in. And lord, were there plenty of fans. The moment she stepped off the train, she was almost pushed back down by people trying to get to her. She fell right into Connie Springer, who was quick to support her and laugh it off.
"OY!" She heard Eren yell, as someone rather rudely knocked the off-guard Mikasa out of his way. Were it not for the police officers around, she was fairly certain someone would get trampled. Through countless handshakes and shouts of "Merry Chistmas and Happy New Year," Annie, and by extension her entire group, made it out of the train station in one piece.
She crouched down in the car, resting her head on Armin.
"Bit of an enthusiastic greeting, yeah?" He quipped, earning a laugh from the otherwise overwhelmed Annie. It usually wasn't like this. Of course, she usually travelled with other stars. With the specific hope that people would focus more on them and let Annie get away smoothly.
Even the cab driver seemed amazed at her being there. He kept flicking his gaze back at her, which she returned with a forced smile. When asked where they were headed, Annie was quick to say the address of the little apartment in Brooklyn where Armin, Mikasa, and Eren lived. She wasn't ready to go back to the upper west side just yet.
Back in the present, she huddled under layers of Armin's blankets. The fireplace crackling near by did little to help anything.
"You look glamorous." Armin teased, setting a cup of coffee for her on the nightstand. He kissed her nose, snickering at the half-dead, half-annoyed look on her face.
"I could kill a man right now, I swear."
Armin bit his lip, concealing another snicker as he lay down next to her. He wrapped his arms around her tight, trying his best to warm her up.
"Hmmm, I do admit it's cozy in here though…" She let out a sigh, closing her eyes for a moment as the small amount of activity in the apartment went on around her. Eren diligently packed his overnight bag, doubly checking and stuffing in as much as he could. Mikasa was, as usual, the more practical one. She stood near the bedroom doorway, leaning against the frame. Annie couldn't help but admire her patience.
"Okay! Okay I think I have everything!" Eren triumphantly announced, shutting his suitcase with a loud thud.
"Everything?" Armin asked, his tone of voice and inflection giving rise to some sort of odd suspicion to Annie.
"Yes. Everything. Believe me." The boys gave each other a nod.
"Long Island, huh?" She asked, sitting up a bit in Armin's bed. "What the hell are you doing going to the beach in this weather? You'll probably freeze."
"Freeze?" Eren clicked his teeth and chuckled. "Yeah, I think you've been in California for too long. It's not that cold out. Right Armin?"
Armin gave him a rather half hearted shrug, a mischievous look growing on his face.
"Okay. Have fun freezing. I'm sure Mikasa will get on okay." She snuggled back down, barely acknowledging the little glare Eren shot her.
"Eren, now's not a good time to get in a lather," Mikasa called, waving him over with a muted look of excitement on her face. "The train won't wait for us." He grabbed his bag with a huff, and made his way to the door. As his eyes met Mikasa's, his demeanor softened considerably once again.
Despite the company, Eren took her hand into his own tight. There was little hesitation to grab her waist and pull her in, completely closing the gap between them as Eren's lips captured hers. Startled, she actually managed to drop the suitcase in her other hand. Eren held her face, almost knocking the cloche hat off her head. Her jet-black hair fell into her eyes, but neither were willing to part. Neither cared enough to fix it. She grasped the fabric of his waist coat, somehow managing to pull him in closer than he already was.
It seems their little world was too good to break out of, even as the awkward moments passed by for the other couple in the room. Annie scrunched her face, turning to Armin as he began to laugh into his hand. He winked at her, and loudly cleared his throat.
"Mmmn-!" They collected themselves as fast as they could, each of their faces burning scarlet as Armin and Annie, for once, were the ones looking on in amusement. Mikasa fixed her hair, and crabbed the suitcases again as the two were finally ready to go.
They waved, yelling a goodbye, and practically sprinted out the door.
"You know," Annie began, as she once again sat up and stretched. "I don't think I've ever seen them be so….openly affectionate before."
"Heh, yeah, big public displays of affection have never been their thing." He got up from his bed, kissing her cheek as he changed into a clean shirt. "They've been together for so long, it's gotten to the point where no one can even question it. I can hardly remember a time they haven't been together." Annie could practically hear the smile in his voice, even though he was turned toward his wardrobe. "You know he saved her life? And, I mean that in every way."
"Oh?" She shifted in her seat to become more comfortable. "I have a feeling this will be a long story."
"Psht, no extensive details necessary. I won't beat my gums and bore you to death, Ms. Annie." He grinned as he stole a kiss from her. As he began talking again, he moved out into the small kitchen. "I was about eight at the time. Eren had just turned nine. At that time he still had Doctor Jaeger and Carla, his parents. Mikasa's family had just moved into our neighborhood in Brooklyn. We lived in Greenwood Heights, see? Mostly Polish, but a few Germans and Italian families as well. Mikasa's family was a bit different. Her dad was a German immigrant, but her mother was Japanese. I only met them once, but they were lovely people." She could hear him rustling around in the kitchen, putting a kettle on the stove, cracking eggs, the whole shabang. Well, she'd long since learned he had a way with multi-tasking. "but, Brooklyn can be a bit rough. You get into a couple bad deals, and you can end up at the wrong end of a gun barrel. They had lived in the country their whole lives. I don't think they were completely prepared. I mean, not that I mean to cast my city in a bad light, but that's reality for ya."
Annie also found herself multitasking. She hopped up out of bed and shifted through her suitcase. She slipped her green winter day dress on slower than usual, as she listened close to his voice. Of course, Armin's voice was one she never had a problem with hearing.
"Dr. Jaeger had a house call with them and Eren came along, but all they found was Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman cold on the floor. No Mikasa, and….after that, they haven't really told me much. Eren went looking for her and found her in a shed near the docks." He walked into the bedroom with a tray under two cups of coffee. "Lord only knows how he managed this, but he got her away safely from her three kidnappers. I think...well, I don't think it was a pretty scene when the coppers showed up. Whatever really happened is irrelevant in the long run I guess. He saved her, and she lived with them as a welcome guest and member of the family from then on. And I think she fell in love with him almost as soon as he pulled her out of that shed and gave her his scarf." He smiled, looking down at the tray as if his mind was miles away for that split second. "Eren's a bit more stubborn, though. They became an official item the day Eren turned fifteen. Honestly, it feels like they were always together. I'm not surprised he's asking her to marry him now. I'm only surprised he didn't do it sooner."
"Ah," She grinned, moving toward him as she straightened up her dress. "So that's what's happening in Long Island?"
His cheeks grew pink, but his smile was bright. "Heh, that's exactly it. Of course, among other things."
"Mmhmm, I'd rather you not elaborate on that."
"Deal." Armin snickered, as he scurried back into the kitchen. "Hey! You know, Greenwood Heights had a beautiful park near it. I think we should take a stroll today, yeah? I-I mean, I can't imagine you have anything else planned."
Annie bit her lip. "I don't…"
The hesitance in her voice made her unease obvious to him from the other room. The crease in her brow solidified it when he walked back in.
"I doubt you'll have to worry about people mobbing you there, bearcat. It's a working-class Brooklyn neighborhood. Any fans you have may be too shy to come up to you." He set her breakfast down on the table and flashed a smile. That damn smile that made her so weak at the knees.
"...Okay." She returned his smile, and thanked him for breakfast. "Give me an hour. I still need to do my makeup." Currently, she was in the process of slipping on her stockings. Armin made a point of keeping his eyes on her face.
"Absolutely!" He beamed, and kissed her cheek.
"Hey, actually, may I ask you something?"
He cocked an eyebrow, but nodded accordingly. "Anything."
"At what point does avoiding someone become self destructive?"
"...Annie, if you want me to come with you to visit your father, you need only ask." He frowned, as in that moment she refused to meet his gaze.
In typical Annie fashion, she was quick to change the subject.
"I'm glad I remembered to pack my gloves. The wind is making it look biting cold out."
There was a pause, and Annie was quick to feel a familiar pull at her chest. He was always so patient, and in Annie's mind she did nothing to deserve it. She continued to put her stockings and garters on in silence, her mouth pressed in a straight line.
The pull in her chest subsided when she felt his hand on her shoulder. The bed dipped as he sat beside her, smiling warmly as he brought her hand to his lips.
"I said I wouldn't pry. I won't pry." Armin knit his brow, and gave her a look akin to that of a parent nicely lecturing their young child. "However I will encourage you. The more you put it off, the more it'll weigh on you, and it'll crush you. Besides, I think part of you misses him and is eager to at least spend a couple hours with him. You're a lot softer than you think."
She cocked an eyebrow at him, and squeezed his hand. "What the hell gives you that impression?"
"Hmm, just my own observations." He shrugged, pulling a smile that made it look like he was up to something. Of course, as Annie thought about it, his smiles always seemed to make it look like he was up to something. His cute face almost made her forget how devious he could be. "Now if you're up for that walk in the park, we should hurry before the streets start getting busy."
"...Alright, tiger, you got me." She stood up, the corners of her lips pulling back into a grin as she pulled him up as well and into a kiss. "I'll be ready in 20."
She hopped off the bathroom, looking around the side of the bedroom that was obviously claimed by Armin on the way. Annie had been there for several days and there was always something to admire about the mess. It mostly consisted of piles of books and magazines, with the odd stray sock or pair of suspenders scattered around. She was somewhat relieved at having not spotted any magazines bearing her image. Besides, what she'd found so far was much more entertaining. A copy of James Joyce's Ulysses (a book and author of which she was not in the least bit surprised he enjoyed) rested on top of a growing pile of Weird Tales magazines. Modernist brick novels and trashy Pulp Horror monthlys.
Annie smiled to herself, wondering how she ended up falling for such a funny old bird.
"I thought you said we were going to the park, Mr. Arlert."
"We're in a park! And look, not many people come here!"
"That's because it's a cemetery, Mr. Arlert."
There was a natural gloom around cemeteries, but it didn't take away from the beauty of the frosted grass and slowly dropping light snow onto the tombstones. It was eery, but beautiful.
Though, it did make the Christmas cheer and spirit of the neighborhood a bit more, well, sinister. Church bells rang as a choir outside the nearby church sung carols for those who passed by, mostly consisting of children running around unsupervised in clothes that couldn't have possibly kept them warm. Wreaths hung from street posts and Fords as a local grocery store owner stood outside his shop dressed as Santa, ringing the bell in his hand as anyone who could afford to made donations.
What Annie loved most was the persistent scent of peppermint, cinnamon, and fresh pine. The Polish and Italian bakeries around the block opened their doors to let out the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies, which Armin readily bought for Annie when they originally walked passed them. She felt more Holiday cheer and happiness in that little working class neighborhood than she ever did in the Upper West Side, and especially in the dreary tenements of Orchard street.
Still, the Christmas tree decorated right at the opening of the large Green-Wood cemetery seemed a little in bad taste.
Her arm was linked with Armin's as they walked up the sloped pathway. She looked up to see him beaming, his button nose and cheeks red from the chill in the air. The winter coat he wore looked thin, and Annie remembered that he himself had been living only a few steps above these conditions up until several months ago.
"You know, I never quite thought of it like that? Eren, Mikasa, and I used to play here all the time." His gloved hand grabbed hers, and led her toward a large mausoleum with loose hinges. "We used to play house in this tomb! I think Eren and Mikasa had their first kiss in there too, actually."
"That's….a little disturbing, but who am I to judge." She squeezed his hand, flashing him a grin before stealing a kiss. "Aww, look. They put a wreath on the door. How charmingly morbid."
"And how!" he chuckled, kissing her nose as they walked along and further up the hill. "Yeah, it's obviously no Prospect Park, but it is certainly a place to be alone, don't you think?"
She nodded, a constant little grin on her face as they continued. Annie had never really been to Brooklyn outside of scheduled performances during her Vaudeville days. Even then, she was kept mostly in the car and backstage, only really exploring the single block between the theater and her hotel room. It might not have been as big as Manhattan, but Brooklyn was certainly bustling with activity.
And Armin was right. No one mobbed around her. Though people certainly stared slack jawed, no one attempted to trample her like they did when she got off the train a few days prior. It was a nice change of pace.
"You know, I would absolutely love to film here for another picture in the future. Maybe….maybe more of a gothic horror than a German expressionist one?" He tapped his chin, and Annie watched his face closely as he brainstormed. "Ohh, maybe some kind of a horror-romance blend?"
"Slow down, tiger, focus on the film you're working on now."
He chuckled, and pulled her in close against the cold wind. "I know, I know. I can't help it. I'm always getting ideas for the future. You know, for my next picture, I'd actually like to do a historical drama. If that's okay with you?"
"Well sure, I don't see why you would need my approval."
"Why else?" He asked, his tone almost playfully teasing. "You're my leading lady, after all."
"Hm. Assumptions, assumptions." Her lips pulled into a smile as she linked her arm with his. Even further into the cemetery, she could still hear the music from town. A familiar Christmas Carol played, though it was odd hearing it outside its original German. Stille Nacht, she hummed softly under her breath
On top of a hill they found a bench, only barely covered in snow. Annie stood back, waiting for Armin to dust it off before sitting down.
She hardly remembered ever feeling as content as she did in the hour she sat there with Armin, head rested against his shoulder as their hands locked together. The snow was still no more than a light dusting, but it made for a nice added depth of view of lower Brooklyn. In the distance, the city lights of Manhattan shined bright against the grey sky.
Armin lazily rested his head on top of Annie's, and spoke more about the type of film that came to mind when he looked at the backdrop of the cemetery. Annie listened close, though didn't respond. She always loved listening to him ramble on about nothing in particular, to the point where his voice alone was enough to sooth her.
Though the mood was killed just a bit with the sound of Annie's stomach growling.
"Well, you didn't eat much breakfast." Armin murmured, checking his pocket watch as the two reluctantly started to move again. He helped her up, and the two linked arms again as they made their way back toward the entrance. "How about I treat you to lunch? There's a small cafe not too far from here and I happen to know the owner. He always gives Eren, Mikasa, and I nice discounts."
"Sure, just don't be afraid to ask for help paying for anything." She squeezed his arm, looking up at him with a grin. "I know those evil producers haven't given you your paycheck yet."
He shrugged and snickered, officially leading the way out.
The cafe stood across the street from the Green-Wood cemetery gates, and luckily had an open table for two toward the back. She was particularly grateful for that last detail. Armin pulled a chair out for her and made sure she was comfortable before he went to see the owner. Peaking over, she could see he was a middle aged blond man, most likely of German descent telling solely by his name. Mr. Hannes, a former lieutenant in the army, only to retire right before the dawn of the great war. Convenient timing, but he was certainly making a cozy living.
Armin strolled back over with two cups of coffee in his hands and two menus under his arm.
"Not many wandering eyes here, Ms. Annie, and I assure you this place makes a darb beef stew." He flashed her a little wink as he handed her a coffee and a menu, before sitting himself down right across. They shrugged off their coats, and Annie shielded herself behind the menu as people walked in and out.
Her hand, however, was outstretched, eager to grab on to Armin's. He held it tight, running his thumb over her knuckles.
"Know what you want?" The owner asked, a smile on his face that Annie could see out of the corner of her menu. Heat crept up on her face as she realized how downright self conscious she felt in that moment.
Being out on the town in Hollywood was different. Everyone generally knew everyone. They were all in the same boat.
But this neighborhood was small. Most people, she'd realized in the last hour, were too busy to care about a Hollywood actress strolling down their streets.
"Soup and sandwich sound good to you, Ms. Annie?" Armin asked, tipping her menu down just a little to get a look at her face. She nodded, biting her lip as she grinned in approval. "Alright! Make it a Manhattan clam chowder."
With a nod, Hannes took their menus and was on his way. Annie still felt more than a little exposed, and once again reached for Armin's hand.
"I will say, this has been nice." She lifted her head a bit, meeting Armin's bright eyes. "I don't believe we've had a proper date outside of my kitchen. It's nice to have someone else who isn't you cooking for me."
"Is that a knock at my cooking, Annie?"
"Absolutely not, Mr. Arlert." She leaned against her palm, tapping her fingers on her chin. "Though your range as a chef is very limited."
"Ha! Okay, you have me there." He leaned forward, mimicking her pose. "I'm glad you're having a good time. I know being in New York is making you a bit uneasy, but you would feel much worse being stuck in my dingy little apartment."
"It's not a mansion, but it's still cozy, homey, even." She mindlessly stirred the spoon in her coffee, eyes drifting down, though the grin on her face stuck.
"Even so, going stir crazy would complicate things even more." His cheeks turned pink as he felt Annie's foot run up his leg. At least in this occasion, he knew she wasn't pulling some strange test-of-character on him. "I'm glad you feel so comfortable in my company."
Annie peaked back up at him, the look on her face significantly softer than it typically was. She felt a warmth in her chest as their eyes met, as well as an overwhelming sense of security. She relaxed considerably, physically feeling much less rigid and tight. When their food came, she ate slowly, wanting nothing more than to prolong their time together in that moment.
Eating homestyle food in the company of the person she cared about most while not having to worry about someone breathing down her neck for one reason or another. It was an afternoon she needed.
"Excuse me?" Annie heard a small voice, and felt a tug at her sleeve. "Are you Annie Hart?" Her and Armin both looked down to see a girl, no older than eight, staring at Annie with starry eyes when they made contact. "It is you! Papa, I was right!"
Armin sat up, giving the little girl an awkward, though warm smile. Before he could say anything to protest for Annie's sake, Annie herself spoke.
"Keen eyes, fella. I was trying so hard to hide." She took a peak around the cafe, noticing that the small number of people looked on with a mix of excitement and confusion. Men leaned over to whisper to their friends, and a group of teenage girls near the store window giggled as they no doubt imagined themselves in the role of the young Hollywood starlet.
Perhaps it was the genuinely calming atmosphere of that afternoon mixed with Armin's soothing and encouraging presence, but Annie felt significantly less dreadful than she expected.
"Can I please have your autograph?" The little girl asked, bouncing on her toes as Annie nodded in agreement, showing her that classic actresses smile Armin was accustomed to seeing on screen or in photos. The girl reached into the pocket of her dress, pulling out several miniature studio photos of stars before finding the one she was looking for.
Armin could tell she was pulling a fake smile. She was an actress, and she was damn good at it, but Armin could see through her pretty pearl teeth. Though, he noticed it was easier for her to fake a smile for the kid, she knew it meant she was going to be here even longer than she originally thought.
"And who am I making this out to?" Annie asked, as Hannes handed her a pen from across the counter. She nodded a quick thank you to him.
"Abigail Brant!"
"How pretty." With a quick motion of the pen, Annie signed the little picture;
To Abigail,
Smile bright, stay polite
Sincerely and Truly,
Annie Hart
It was a nice little message, Armin thought. Though knowing Annie like he did, it seemed almost funny.
"So Abigail," Armin asked, leaning forward with a grin. "Who's your favorite actress?"
Without a moment of hesitation, Abigail turned to him beaming.
"Christa Lenz!"
"Oh." He raised his brows, taken back for a second before noticing the tight lipped smile Annie gave him. He laughed, and it was as infectious as usual. "Well I'm sure she'd love to hear that!"
The little girl's father swiftly came to whisk her away, apologizing to the two as they left. Annie wouldn't have minded one bit, were it not for the fact that there were now four others waiting for her autograph.
Well, the peaceful afternoon could only last for so long. At least no one has a camera.
"Sorry," She could see Armin mouth. His brows knit, stomach tightening as he realized he was the one who put her there.
Annie simply shrugged, tapping his foot under the table as a response. She took a deep breath, gluing the smile on as she signed her name, one after the other, on napkins and photos, and even a man's shirt.
It was times like this she remembered just how much she hated feeling surrounded.
"Have a wonderful day," She wished to the final person in line, really pushing the cheerfulness. Finally, the cafe had emptied with the exception of Armin, Annie, the owner, several employees, and a small group sitting at the counter.
She took in another deep breath. Annie hunched over the table, expressionless for a moment before glancing up at a concerned looking Armin.
"An actress who doesn't like crowds and attention. You must love your line of work." His tone was playful, but restrained. He leaned over, grabbing her hand.
"It pays the bills." She brought her cup of coffee up to her lips, only to find that it had grown cold. Disappointed, she set it down and huffed. "I don't care about the rest, I can deal with it."
"Hmm. By choice?" Armin leaned closer to her, trying his best to read her downcast eyes.
"It pays the bills." She repeated, her tone low. Armin nodded, and dropped the subject all together. He had questions rolling in the back of his head, but he bit his tongue, hoping maybe she'd be able to open up to him soon.
He leaned forward again, and smiled sheepishly at her. "And that's an acceptable way to live. Just know, you can do anything you want to."
"Anything I want to do…" She nodded as she stirred her coffee again. "Is it alright if I want us to leave?"
Armin nodded in agreement, and Annie eagerly paid for their meal before he even got the chance to take his wallet out. They walked out arm and arm, and both took in deep breaths of the crisp winter air.
"Are you okay?" Armin asked, squeezing her close as they strolled down the thankfully empty block. She looked up at him with a smile, though Armin was quick to notice the crease in her brow.
"Hey, don't worry about it. And….thanks." She slipped her hand down to meet his, squeezing tight. Her face felt warm as Armin pressed a kiss to her cheeks.
"Just let me pay next time, doll, okay?"
"Armin…" The urge to be closer to him was growing unbearable. Annie pressed her lips into a tight line, scanning the streets before promptly pulling into a nearby alley.
He let out an almost puppy like yelp as Annie pulled him down by the tie, pressing her lips firmly and sloppily against his. Without hesitation Armin wrapped his arms around her waist, grinning as she held his face. Their sloppy kiss soon found its rhythm, with tongues brushing together in slow, languid motions.
"Sorry," She whispered as they finally came up for air, foreheads resting against each other. The smile on her face seemed so easy, relaxed. It's easy to relax around you. "Think of it as your way of making it up to me. You know, for not hiding me well enough. A necking session for each autograph I have to sign."
"W-Well, it certainly seems fair enough, Ms. Annie." He snickered, pressing a kiss to her nose and pushing his blond hair out of his eyes. She really did have a thing for messing up his hair in these situations. He captured her lips, holding her as close as he could. The heat and pressure from their hips made the air weighted, and thick.
The moment Annie felt Armin's hands grab her bum, the life practically drained out of her as a man's voice yelled out toward them.
"Hey! Your parents outta know what you kids are up to!"
The two pulled apart, instantly turning red at the sight of the large man glaring them down. A pastor by the name of Nick, if the tag on his shirt was to be believed. He spoke with a husky Missouri accent, and carried a pile of papers and books under his arm. Annie recognized the title of one of them. A paper popular with conservative church groups.
"Hey, I recognize you, little miss. You're in the pictures, ain't ya?"
She wiped her mouth, glaring down at the pavement as she grabbed Armin's hand and swiftly walked past the man.
"Oy! It's people like you in that town of jazz hounds who're ruinin' this country! An unmarried woman like yerself should be ashamed!" Armin looked back, eyes furrowed as the man slowly left his sight. Annie's grip on his hand was solid.
No no no no no. Her chest tightened, and she couldn't tell what was causing it more. Embarrassment, or momentary panic. He's some nobody from nowhere, the studio won't care. The papers won't care, just- She stopped, taking in a deep breath. Annie's face was back to its default of emotionless and icey in no time.
"Annie?" He put a tentative hand on her shoulder, and Annie was stiff. Eventually, she placed her hand on top of his.
"Sorry, I just," The two continued walking, finding themselves down a familiar block. "I don't like being on thin ice."
"...I'm sorry." He mumbled, a sullen look on his face as he once again felt the guilt in the situation. Annie stopped in her tracks, though she looked on ahead.
"Are we close to the subway?"
"Ah! Yeah, the nearest station is a block away."
She bit her lip, anxiety creeping up on her as she squeezed his hand and resolved to do what she had to.
"Come see my dad with me." She asked, her voice back in its monotone, lacking the melodious aspect that usually came along with it.
A smile returned to Armin's face. "Of course."
Armin never much liked the subway. It was always crowded, hot, suffocating, and usually insufferably loud. He didn't mind people chatting and having a good time, of course, but he did wish he could tune it out. Unfortunately for him, a trip from Brooklyn to Upper Manhattan wasn't likely to be a short one. He scrunched close to Annie, who laid her cloche hat on her face so she would look like another napping commuter.
It looked oddly….adorable. He smiled, and leaned his his head on top of hers. Rush hour had yet to set in, much to his delight, but the crowd and noise was still there. It put him on edge. Like being at a party, it was hard to think.
They were quick to rush off as soon as they reached their West 74th Street stop, and Armin couldn't help but feel incredibly anxious. He knew it wasn't the same, but meeting her father almost felt like he was courting her like they would have a decade ago. Not to mention he'd never quite been in that part of town. Gorgeous brownstone townhouses lined the streets, with expensive looking automobiles parked out front. No doubt owned by old money families of Manhattan. "Buncha good for nothin' eggs," As Eren would call them.
Annie fit in well, despite her "new money" status. Armin, on the other hand, felt downright sheepish in his hand-me-down coat and flat cap.
And of course, back to Annie's father. A man Armin had only heard about in snippets, as Annie was always reluctant to talk about him, but could safely assume was not the warmest of men. The more timid Armin could only do and say so much when brought up against a large, bitter, aging German stage parent.
He could feel Annie's hand shaking in his. She remained silent and stone faced during most of the three-block walk to her apartment, but her own anxiety was obvious in her tremors.
What kind of man is he? Armin wondered as he squeezed the hand of the usually stoic actress.
"Armin," She spoke up finally, turning to him and clutching onto the fabric of his jacket. "Do me a favor and don't take anything he might say to heart."
He cocked an eyebrow, but nodded. As they stood in front of her large brownstone, Annie stole one more kiss from him. It brought an easy smile to both their faces, and a warm blush to Annie's that she tried desperately to will away as they walked up the steps to the door.
Armin flinched at the obnoxiously loud buzzing doorbell, which to both of their luck only needed to be rung once. They were greeted by a pleasant, pretty young woman with black hair tied back tightly under a handkerchief.
"Ms. Leonhardt!" The young woman sounded bright and peppy in contrast to the stiff atmosphere of the house. "We weren't expecting you!"
"Mina, it's nice to see you." The girls hugged, and Armin couldn't help but smile. It was nice to see someone else Annie was genuinely friendly with. "Uh, yeah, we were in town and I figured I'd crash here for a bit. Oh, this is my director, by the way. He's been kind enough to chaperone me around. Mr. Armin Arlert, this is my housekeeper, Mina Carolina."
"How do you do?" He shook her hand, meeting her gaze with a gracious smile. Mina returned his grin, and nodded in response.
"Your father was just napping in the living room, if you'd like me to wake him?"
"No, I'll take care of that." Annie gestured toward Armin, and the two walked into the pristinely kept foyer. "If you could make us some tea, though?"
"Absolutely!" Mina scurried off into the nearby kitchen, leaving the two alone.
"You've got a good head on your shoulders, tiger, but please, remember what I said." She murmured as the large living room came into view. "Don't take anything too personally."
He nodded, his smile looking more and more forced as they entered. Armin's eyes immediately fell on the collection of studio portraits hanging over the mantel. Five in total, and telling by the length of her hair alone, they must have been taken once a year since 1919.
There were pictures much older spread around the room. An advertisement hung near the far end featured a little girl dressed in a tutu, hair tied back into a bun as she curtsied. It was almost sickeningly cute. And it was Annie, he quickly realized, circa 1910. A much younger Reiner and Bertholdt stood in the background. He had to stifle a giggle. Pictures like that dominated the room. Advertisements, publicity shots, and studio cards dating from 1910 all the way up to a few months ago.
He could only imagine how self conscious they made Annie feel.
One picture stuck out to him, however. It was older even still, kept in a frame, but relatively cracked all around its edges. A young family stood in front of a recognizable New York harbor. They dressed practically, with the young mother wearing a large handkerchief around her hair as her husband stood by, hand on her shoulder as he hoisted a large burlap sack over his own. One medium sized suitcase rested in front of them, and a girl no older than four was held on her mother's hip.
They had to have been fresh off the boat. Armin's family had taken a photo just like it when they arrived in 1908. The woman was smiling, but the little girl and man had similar blank expressions. In the corner was written 'May, 1906.' It seemed even as a young girl, Annie had a bit of a naturally glum face.
His eyes returned to her, and saw her hesitate to approach the sleeping form of her father. Their coats were very neatly set on a nearby chair, telling him that she was certainly taking her time.
"Papa?" She whispered, crouching down next to him and giving his shoulder a light push. She grabbed the hand that rested on his lap. "Papa, ich bin es. Annie."
The first thing Armin noticed about him was his eyes. They were a piercing, icy blue, almost identical to his daughter's. The biggest difference Armin could find other than age, was that her father's eyes were much, much harsher.
At least, his gaze was harsh when it fell on Armin. That split second was one of the most terrifying in Armin's young life.
"Ann, was hat dich heirhin verschlagan?" His voice was deep, and sounded groggy as he picked himself up. Before he could settle, he erupted into a short coughing fit that made Armin jump.
Annie's stoney expression faltered, and Armin had an increasingly hard time determining how she was feeling as the atmosphere in the room somehow became both suffocating and affectionate. She kissed her father's cheek, and sat next to him.
"I was in the neighborhood." She answered in English, much to Armin's relief. He stood awkwardly by the mantel, wondering if he was even welcome to sit down in this man's company. "I'm sorry I missed Thanksgiving. I promise I was working."
"Were you…" His voice was heavily accented. "With this new studio?"
She hesitantly nodded.
"I read in the magazines that they're only paying $400,000." There was an unmistakable edge of criticism rising in his voice that Armin was quick to note. His coughs did little to hide that. "The other studio payed you more. Was your contract even up? Why would you do such a thing? That's very selfish of you."
Her brows furrowed, and Armin wondered if they usually greeted each other by talking business.
"Did they fire you? What did you do? Ach du meine güte, Annie, I leave you to make your own decisions, and this is-"
"I didn't do anything." She spoke up, her voice level, though it certainly had its edge. Annie took a breath, and changed the subject. "How's your health?"
"As good as it can be with less funds."
The conversation went on, and Armin knew he wasn't the only one feeling an immense awkwardness in the air. When Mina brought them in a tray of tea and sandwiches, he took it as his cue to sit down, taking his place on a lounge chair beside Annie. Her father finally seemed to actually acknowledge him. However, it wasn't necessarily a welcome thing.
"Wer ist das?" He grumbled to Annie, as if Armin couldn't hear him from that distance. He may not have known too much German, but he knew what he was asking.
"The director of a picture I'm working on. Mr. Armin Arlert." Annie peaked over at the young man in question, and Armin immediately tried to put on a friendly face as he outstretched his hand. Her father did not return the gesture.
Armin cleared his throat, and sat back. "It's a pleasure, sir."
There was no warmth in his stare. Her father looked at Armin as if he were an insect. One that needed to be squashed before it could cause any damage.
"Why are you with her?" He asked, voice level, but not without a bite that Armin was quick to note. Annie's eyes flashed to Armin, her eyebrows creased. She must have been nervous. Her cheeks became flushed, and she took a deep breath. Armin could feel a knot in his stomach and a lump in his throat.
"I live near where she was staying, and I thought I'd chaperone her around." He wrung his hands together on his lap. "I figured it would be a bit safer for the young lady if she was with someone. And I'm not a recognizable face, so it's easier for people to overlook us in a crowd."
He turned to Annie, a hint of suspicious in his eyes.
"My daughter knows I don't approve of her walking around with strange men." Annie was quick to turn her gaze to the side. Her father's returned to Armin. "People might get the wrong idea. I'm sure you understand, don't you, Mr. Arlert? I assume you're smart enough to know what's expected of her?"
"With all due respect, Mr. Leonhardt," Armin balled his fists, eyes locked with the other man's. Something about the way he talked about her didn't sit right with him. None of this did. "I think your daughter's allowed to take a break from her role every once in awhile. She's only 21. It wouldn't be healthy for her to stay so isolated."
"I'm glad working with her for three months has made you think you know my daughter better than I." Like Annie, the emotion in his voice was subtle. But if Armin's ability to interpret a Leonhardt's voice was right, there was anger rising. He looked back to Annie. "What, is this boy going to take my Löwenbaby away from me?"
Annie's brows furrowed, her cheeks growing red at the sound of her old pet name. "It's fine papa, I'll be more careful."
Armin bit his tongue for the moment, trying his best not to dig Annie, or himself for that matter, into a deeper hole. Her father fell into another short coughing fit, this time making Annie flinch.
"Good. The last thing I need to read in the papers about how my daughter has become another Hollywood schlampe." He glared back up at Armin, and he knew exactly what he meant. Certainly nothing kind. "Or maybe she's already there. Ann, Schläfst du zusammen?"
Annie tensed, her eyes darting up to meet her father's. Armin quickly realized what the man was asking. Are you sleeping together?
"No."
"Don't lie to me," He spit back. "Since when do you become close to a director?"
"Am I not allowed to?"
"Do you think it's nothing, to tromp around like a little harlot and ruin everything we've worked for?" Finally, he raised his voice. Annie held firm, but Armin couldn't help but jump. "To be blacklisted and kicked out on your ass, forcing us back to Orchard street?"
"...Why do you think so low of her? She's more than your cash cow." Armin instantly regretted saying that.
And he promised her he wouldn't take anything to heart. Well, he was keeping that promise. He wouldn't take anything he said about Armin to heart. However, he couldn't stand to listen to him degrade his own daughter.
"You have a mouth on you."
"It's 1923, women can vote now, and you think having a boyfriend is enough to ruin her career?" He was at the edge of the seat, brows furrowed. "I'm not saying we've slept together," Which they hadn't, to be fair. "But you need to leave this townhouse and catch up on the times if that's what you truly believe. She's been doing wonderfully on her own."
"A nobody like you thinks he knows how the industry works?"
"I know how the world in this decade works, sir."
Armin was completely unprepared to get up into her father's face, but that's where he was.
"You're an undeserving child. I don't know why my daughter would possibly want to risk everything we have to bed a big mouthed piece of shit like you." He held on tight to his cane. "I could easily pull her out of your project-"
Before Armin could respond, Mr. Leonhardt erupted into another round of coughs. Armin thought it was rather convenient. You're the one who doesn't deserve her.
Her father hadn't even settled down when Annie got up from the couch, standing there ridgid. She stared at her father, her emotionless expression breaking in a way Armin had never seen.
"I'm sorry for letting you down, papa." She took in an audible gulp. "Auf wiedersehen." She turned to Armin, motioning for him to get up and follow her out. He hesitantly nodded, grabbing their coats as he fumbled to catch up.
"Annie," He pleaded, as soon as they felt the fresh December air. "Annie, I'm so sorry. I...I can't believe I gave in like that, and you ended up getting hurt. I just couldn't stand to hear him talk about you in that way. I...please forgive me."
She was silent, back turned to him as she adjusted her cloche hat. Annie crouched down on the sidewalk, hugging her stomach.
"Annie…" He felt a prominent lump in his throat. You useless idiot, why couldn't you stay quiet? Armin hesitated before going up and placing his hand on her trembling shoulder.
He almost put his arms around her, but instead Annie stood back up. Slow and shaky, but breathing at least.
Nothing prepared him for what she did next.
The wail that came out of Annie's mouth, as she hurled a rock at the house they'd just left, was so unlike anything he'd heard from her, he wondered if she had been momentarily possessed. He was too shocked to even react immediately.
She picked another rock up off the ground and repeated the action, hissing as she missed her target; the beautiful, stained glass window that adorned the front door.
"Annie!" Armin finally shouted, going in to grab her hand. She was strong however, and easily bumped him off to grab more rubble. "Annie, please! Stop!"
"GOD-" She threw one final rock, managing to hit the window finally. It didn't break. It didn't even crack. "G-Goddamn it-"
She stumbled backward, falling into Armin's hold. Her hands grasped at the fabric of his coat, and Armin was once again shocked to see her crying, no, sobbing into his chest.
Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her tight, resting his chin on top of her head.
It was a few minutes before she was finally calm, and a few minutes still until she was ready to walk away toward the subway station.
Armin found that Annie was gripping his hand as if for dear life.
"I'm…"
"You don't have to be sorry, tiger." Her voice sounded scratchy, but was returning to its usual melodious monotone. "I've never actually seen someone stand up to him like that...you're scrawny, but you sure as hell have guts."
Armin cocked an eyebrow, but looked down to her and smiled.
"Thank you, bearcat." He said, producing an airy little snicker from her. They walked down into the station, catching the train just as it came in. No one noticed Annie, and he silently thanked the heavens for that one. As it wasn't too crowded at that hour, they sat near the doors. Annie rested her head on Armin's shoulder, and he was quick to wrap his arm around her. They were silent, but it was a peaceful silence, as the train started to move.
"You know…" She began, voice low as the car moved. "When I was 8 I came down with a mild case of diphtheria. My throat was killing me, and I had my fifth performance ever the next day. I refused to get out of bed, and my father shouted at me. How, since my mother passed, it was my responsibility to help support us. How it was selfish of me to think of breaks and days off. So I performed like hell that next day and got my first standing ovation."
She went quiet again, and Armin squeezed her tight. Well, our first outside date's a bit of a mess, huh? ...Wait.
He stuck his hands into the inside pocket of his coat, and felt the large wad of cash Jean had stuck there before he left. He smiled bright, whispering a cheer under his breath. Jean Kirstein, I owe you.
"Annie, do you mind if we make a quick stop?"
The hustle and bustle of the Great White Way was something Annie had grown used to, and even a little fond of. She frequented broadway in her Vaudeville years. That area of the city was filled with so much life and sound, even Annie could feel uplifted.
Lights filled the street up and down. A musician in front of the New Amsterdam theater played a jazz rendition of Christmas carols on his saxophone. Annie could feel the corners of her lip pull into a smile.
"Do you mind telling me why we're here, Mr. Arlert?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at Armin's knowing grin.
"Don't cast a kitten, you'll see in a moment." He shrugged, and really played up the cheer. Annie found it incredibly suspicious. "Just something I thought you, as a former little ballerina, would enjoy."
"Would I? Hm." She linked her arm with his, reveling in her rare moment of public obscurity. Whatever he was trying to pull, it was already working. The anxiety and anger from the last hour was vanishing fast. Armin Arlert, she'd come to realize, had a talent for making her forget about all her troubles. In a moment of weakness, she reached up and pushed stray pieces of blonde hair out of his face, readjusting his flat cap as well. "Ah. Such a cute face. I can see why people would question your age so easily."
"Heeey, be nice. I'm trying to spoil you here." He playfully booped her nose, making Annie's face scrunch in fake disgust. After a ten minute wait, they strolled up to the ticket counter. Armin reached into his pocket, pulling out a clip of cash that stunned her. Where did you-?
"Two tickets to the six o'clock show, please? Thank you!" He paid up quick, and grabbed her hand as they made their way into the lobby. An usher stood by the door, and practically shoved a program into her hands.
Armin turned to face her, biting his lip as he tried to keep down his expectant smile.
"...Ah." Her eyes went wide for a moment as she read over the title of the show again. Swan Lake, as performed by the company of one of the most famous ballerina's in the world. "Christ...Armin, you didn't have to do this."
"Of course I didn't. I wanted to, though" He took one of Annie's hands, squeezing lightly. "I remember putting a recording of it on the phonograph that first night I cooked for you. I couldn't help but notice you hum along. Now I can't help but think of you every time I hear it."
Annie's face grew red fast. A warmth burst in her chest, and she forced back the lump in her throat before looking back up at him.
"You sentimental sap." An unusually soft smile spread across her lips. Grasping his hand tight, she lead him into the theater and found their seats toward the back.
Apparently, neither of them were dressed for the occasion. The rows were lined with men and women in their best evening wear. Gowns that dragged on the floor and tailed tuxes, Armin chuckled to himself. "We may be a bit underdressed."
"Really? Hadn't noticed." She nudged his shoulder, and leaned against him as they sat. "That's okay. If we look like bums, we look like bums together."
"Ah, a woman after my own heart."
They snickered to themselves, earning a muted dirty look from an old woman in front. They stifled their laughter and voices just in time for the lights to go down and the prologue to start.
Music filled every corner of the theater as the principal ballerina appeared on stage. It didn't take long for Annie to get lost in all of it. The dancing, the music, the story, it all gave her an overwhelming sense of nostalgia.
She hadn't realized how much she was squeezing Armin's hand. She peeked up at him, more than happy to see him enjoying what must have been his first live theater performance. Seeing him so giddy, experiencing something completely new, brought an easy warmth to Annie's chest once again. His smile was always so childlike in these situations. She'd turned back to the stage, eyes becoming misty as act two began. Annie felt chills the moment the Swan Queen's melancholy leitmotif played through the air.
She took another quick peek at Armin. He was far more emotional than her. No doubt he followed the story easier than most people would if they were seeing it for the first time. It was strange, she thought, how the happiness of this one person was slowly becoming more important than anything else.
I love you. In her head, it was as clear as day. The thought of saying it to him, however, weighed down on her tongue, keeping her mouth closed.
She found herself becoming more and more entranced with each act. By the time act four came around, she felt light. Like she was on stage once again. There was something to be said about the art of dance, and that was that Annie would have adored it, everything about it, were it not forced and guilted on her.
"Oh wow." She heard Armin mumble as the music came to its climax. He looked at her, bashful with how much his eyes had watered up. "Don't give me that look, it's a beautiful story!"
"I know." She smiled at him, and turned back to the stage. Her head rested on his shoulder. She felt so comfortable and dreamlike in that moment, she could've fallen asleep.
The thunderous applause that came with curtain closing was enough to bring her back. Armin was one of the hundreds giving a loud standing ovation.
Though reluctant at first, she soon joined him, smiling as she wiped away a stray tear. She stopped only to link her arm with Armin's.
"Hey you," She mumbled, just barely audible over everything. "Thank you."
Armin looked down at her with a bright, teary smile. He bumped his forehead against hers, and kissed her nose. Before he could turn away, she tugged at his arm.
"Let's get out of here."
Bows had yet to start when they scampered out into the lobby hand in hand.
"You know," Armin began, catching his breath. "ballet has a lot in common with film, don't you think? Acting wise, I mean." Annie listened to him with a smile on her face as they walked out into the open. The air was freezing, but she felt warm. "The fluid movements and pantomime. Both very visual. I can see why a lot of former ballerina's have gone into film!"
"Mhmm." She squeezed his hands, huddling against him as they waited for a taxi. His ramblings never failed to be entertaining. Thank you.
"People assume acting in movies is just making faces, but it takes the whole body, you know? Body language can really make-or-break a performance in my opinion-Mm-"
If her father was right about one thing, Annie thought, it was that she was a selfish person. Out there in the open, no matter who was watching, she pulled him down and kissed him. There was nothing sloppy about it. No roughness, or over eagerness. She simply held him as close as she could, desperately wanting more.
Armin pushed away in a hurry, resting his forehead against hers. He was scarlet, looking at her with both confusion and affection.
"Annie, are you sure about-" Again, she cut him off with a kiss. It was all the answer he needed. They pulled apart only to breathe and laugh, before capturing each other's lips once again.
The crowds from inside the theater started to spill out, and Armin tugged down his hat in front of their faces as he kissed her deeply.
"Clever." She teased, coming up for air once again.
The honking of a taxi could be heard, and they rushed off to catch it. Annie found herself trying and failing at keeping her hands off of him.
"Brooklyn, please!" Armin huffed, flashing the driver a smile. Annie could only wonder what face the driver made as Armin strategically stuck his hat right in Annie's face.
"Slow down," He teased, as Annie tugged him back and into her arms. She couldn't help it. If there was one thing she was certain of in that moment, it was that she needed him. All of him. The closer, the better. She could hear her heart pounding in her ears as they got closer to his apartment, her eagerness and want almost getting out of hand.
Armin tipped the driver, and the two tumbled out of the taxi snickering hand in hand. With bated breath, they hurried up the steps and into the apartment they were alone with.
The moment the door closed, their lips had crashed together. She was practically clawing at his coat, fingers fumbling with the buttons as Armin worked on hers. Of course, their winter coats were only the first obstacle.
She grabbed his tie, pulling him into the bedroom. He couldn't help but smile at her, especially as she pushed him onto his bed. Annie straddled his lap, kicking of her shoes in the process. He'd already taken care of his.
She had her hands in his hair, and panted against his lips. Armin's hands were occupied with her back, frantically trying to find the little buttons of her dress. The complicated designs of women's fashion were currently the bane of his existence.
Annie pulled away with a snicker, resting her head against his shoulder.
"Let me." She sat up straight, meeting his eyes as she unbuttoned her day dress. As it slipped off her shoulders, Armin's eyes went wide. His breathing pace picked up, and he gently leaned up to capture her lips again.
"Wow," He breathed, smiling against her lips. He kissed down her jaw and pressed his lips against her neck, reveling the gasps it produced. Annie tilted her head back, a smile growing wide on her face as he continued to pepper her neck in kisses. It was her turn to fumble with buttons, her hands shaky as she started to see the skin of his chest. For all he'd seen of her, she'd never gotten this much from him. Her already red cheeks flushed. Armin started to loosen his tie, pulling it over his head as he tossed it to the side, eyes intense on hers as he did so. Annie was quick to pull the rest of his shirt off, staring intently, yet sheepishly at his bare chest.
"Not much of a show, hm?" He mumbled, leaning his forehead against hers. Annie simple smiled, and pushed him back as she kissed him again.
"It's a lot for me." She whispered, heating up at the sound of her own sap.
In a matter of moments, they were both down to their undergarments. Armin had a hard time keeping his hands off of her garters and thighs, just as Annie had a hard time trying to not focus too much on the very obvious arousal in his boxer shorts. As if she could judge. She wanted nothing more than to make every stitch between them disappear.
Armin flipped them over, and Annie found herself surrounded completely by him. The heat and weight of his body against hers made her sink into the sheets. It was almost exactly what she craved.
He began kissing down her neck again, however he went further. His lips pressed against her sternum, stopping only once they met the top of her step-in. Annie reached out to unbuckle her garters, but he stopped her.
"Now let me." He pushed himself up and moved himself down. His hands quickly snapped her garters off, resting them on the floor next to the rest of their clothes. Now, came the matter of her stockings. The smile on his face widened, and Annie could see a plot forming. He pressed his lips against the top of her thighs, causing her to gasp at the unexpected sensation. Slowly, he started to roll the hosiery down. He pressed kisses against every new patch of skin, smiling as he moved down. Annie's breathing was becoming more audible, and he loved it. As soon as he got to her ankle, he removed the rest and repeated the action on her other leg.
"Good thing you're short, or this would take a while." He always knew how to make her laugh. The tension she had in her chest eased as she tried to muffle herself. She hadn't even noticed her hands gripping on to the sheets.
There was a sense of relief when Armin came back up to her, capturing her lips in an increasingly sloppy way.
"Ah-" Now that was something new. Pressed up against her, she felt Armin roll his hips against hers. Her thighs squeezed together around his waist, trying to squirm. "Y-You haven't done this before, have you?"
"Of course not." He snickered, speaking between kissed on her neck. "I have, however, stumbled across some less than clean books. So...I, uh, might not be the greatest to-"
"I haven't either." She cut in, meeting his eyes. "I don't care how good or bad it might be. It's just me. And all I want, is you."
He bit his lip, holding her face for a moment before pressing a kiss to her nose.
"And...you want this?"
"More than you know, Mr. Arlert."
The tone of her voice made him shudder, and she couldn't help but smile. Annie took the opportunity to flip them over again, and straddled his waist as he lay flat on his back. She started to feel hot under her step-in. It was on for far too long, in her opinion. Armin must have shared the testament, due to his hands slipping up her thighs, thumbs teasing the edges. Annie smiled down at him, and shrugged the straps down before it fell altogether.
As she pulled it off completely, a wave of nerves washed over her. This was real, and it hit her.
"You can always say no. We don't have to do this." His tone was sweet, reassuring. His finger gingerly traced up and down her bare arms, giving her chills. She answered him with a hesitant, but firm, roll of her hips.
The gasps and moaned he let out brought her confidence inching back. His head had thrown back against the pillows. And Annie certainly loved the sight.
She leaned down over him, kissing his neck before taking skin in between her teeth.
"Nn-ahh!" And to her pleasure, he seemed to enjoy it. She heard him gasp her name, and that was enough to start sucking. His hips bucked up against her, and Annie lost her concentration. As he continued to buck up against her, she returned the gesture in full.
She was below him again before she even realized. His hands rubbed down her sides, resting against her upper thighs.
"C-Can I?" He asked, hands inching inward. Annie tilted her head, unsure of what he meant. Armin let out a nervous half-laugh, and licked his lip, glancing down and back up, hoping it would hint to her what he was hoping for. He licked his lower lip again before taking it between his teeth. When Annie didn't immediately respond, his embarrassment got the better of him as he buried his face in her neck. He pressed a kiss to the crook, and he laughed softly. "You know…?"
"...Oh." She breathed out heavily as she understood. The thought of it alone made her ache, and she didn't even realize the word "yes," slip from her mouth.
His mouth immediately began to latch against expanses of skin, nipping and playfully sucking until he ended between her thighs, his teeth grazing the inside. Annie was squirming, and set her legs apart. He inhaled, slowly, letting the intense smell take him in. The cool air brushing against her made her hands dart to his hair, tangling the locks between her thin fingers. He groaned, and moved her legs out further, letting her core bloom. His breathing was rigid, and he felt her face go red.
Annie squirmed, becoming impatient.
"A-Anghh," She groaned as his flat tongue pressed against her. It was warm, and wet, adding even more to her own. Armin was whining as well, and he wrapped his arms around her legs, pulling her in closer to his mouth, as he let his mouth work on her.
He felt her opening pulse as his tongue teased, and he had to let his tongue press in a bit. Her high pitched squeak immediately made him start kissing her thighs again.
"I didn't hurt you, did I?" He didn't wait for an answer, pressing his tongue against her again, licking upwards slowly. She spasmed then, throwing a hand from his hair down to the mattress. He mimicked the motion and her back arched. He had noticed a little button between her legs was causing her to spasm, and he began to lick and suck at it. He hadn't a clue as to what it was, but her loud noises only muffled by her hand made him grin.
Annie felt her abdomen burn, as buzzing happened between her ears. "Ahh! Nngh, yes, yes!" Her pleas sounded like hiccuping sobs, as she rutted up against his mouth until she felt herself collapse against the bed. She was roughly panting, her voice flickering in. Armin stood over her again, wiping his mouth with his hand, flushed completely red. Probably due to the suffocation, but it didn't seem like he minded all that much.
"Thank you," he whispered to her before taking her lips with his own. Annie felt completely out of breath, yet knew she wanted more. Her arms wrapped around his back as her rather shaky legs tightened around his waist. She wanted him inside her, especially after that.
"Please," She whispered against his lips, eyes half-lidded. He held her face, brushing his thumbs against her flushed cheeks as he nodded.
"As you wish." He smiled, kissing her again before pressing his hand against the inside of her thigh. Annie was more than willing to open up, and watched as Armin's face burned red the moment he started to line himself up with her.
"P-Please tell me if it hurts?" He murmured, shaking a little as he started to push in.
A loud squeak came from her lips, and she winced. Armin stopped, head deep. His was panting, but he wouldn't move unless she gave a cue. She nodded her head, digging her nails into his shoulders as she held her breath. He murmured into her ear, "We can stop if you want."
Annie shook her head, a little smile pulling at her lips. "Don't stop. It's okay."
Through lapsing breath, their lips met with an intensity neither anticipated. He pushed in further, panting and gasping between their lips. Annie's legs wrapped tightly around him, as if she was afraid he'd somehow get away from her. Hands tangled into his hair, and it was becoming difficult to distinguish whose moans belonged to who. Everything, her entire body, felt hot. Her throat especially, down to her collars. It didn't help his lips were stopping there, nipping. His hips were bruising her thighs, and the pain from that ebbed the pain of penetration. She grew hotter down there, and whined loudly as he moved slowly.
Her own desperation caught on, and she rolled her hips up against him fast, physically begging him for more. Pressure built in her abdomen with each thrust. The little motion from her had caused him to happily pick up pace, Annie's breath catching in her throat as her tension piled up.
Finally, she felt completely light, as it took her. She collapsed from the high quickly, noticing in a daze he was just around the corner. His hips became erratic, his hot breath against her ear made her smile. She squeezed her thighs around him tighter, and he let himself finish. He let his head fall against her shoulder as he rode it out, and pulled out, slowly, shuddering.
For a couple minutes, they stayed like that. Catching their breaths, cooling down internally. Their bodies felt cold as they laid against each other.
"...Heh," Annie was the one to break the silence, much to Armin's surprise. He peeked up at her as she cracked into an incredibly infectious giggle fit. He leaned down, kissing her cheek before rolling off of her.
Annie was quick to lay back on him, however, and rested her head against his chest. Her laughter was barely calmed down.
"Well, I guess we have slept together now. Thank you for ruining my virtue." She teased, squeezing him tight as Armin let out a chuckle.
"You said 'please.' You know I can't say no to you."
"Hm. That's true. How selfish of me." She flipped over onto her stomach, legs tangling with his as he brushed the hair out of her eyes. "It isn't like you wanted to stop."
Armin wrapped his arms around her tight, peppering kisses all over her face as she chuckled. A familiar warmth spread in Annie's chest along with the butterflies in her stomach.
The room was lit solely by the moonlight reflecting off of the falling snow outside, making the peace of that moment seem like something out of a romance she'd starred in at one time or another. Minus the sinning.
It was enough for her to conquer one weakness and fear.
"Armin?"
"Hm?" His face nuzzled into her messy hair.
"I love you."
Armin stiffened for a moment, before moving to look at her face. He was smiling. "I love you, too."
A/N:
Congratulations to Armin on discovering what few men in his time had; The female orgasm.
I listened to Young and Beautiful while writing a good 60% of this chapter. It probably shows.
The other 40% were slightly unsettling 1900's era recordings of Christmas carols.
Play 'em for your kids! It won't cause nightmares at all.
Feedback encouraged! I hope you've enjoyed so far!
Also shout out to my friend for helping me write the nsfw scene, as I am a huge baby. You know who you are.
History and slang notes:
Darb- Great
Old Money-
New Money-
"Ich bin es"- "It's me"
"Ann, was hat dich heirhin verschlagan?"- "What are you doing here?"
"Wer ist das?"- "Who is that?"
"Löwenbaby"- "lion cub"
"schlampe"- "tramp"
Diphtheria- an infection of the nose and throat that nowadays is easily preventable with vaccines, but unfortunately for Annie, that wasn't the case back then. It's pretty gross looking, so I wouldn't suggest throwing it into google images.
Great White Way- Another snappy nickname for Broadway