Butterflies fluttered in Annie's stomach as Armin led her up the stairs, carrying their daughter fast asleep in his arms.
His bedroom was quaint and cosy, she found. In one corner there was a crowded bookshelf, in another, a dresser with even more books piled on top. There was a fireplace on the other side with a mirror above it, and a mantelpiece where photos in frames rested. The entire room smelled of him, and Annie felt instantly at home.
She watched as Armin carefully set the girl down onto the bed before quietly saying, "I hope the both of you will be comfortable here." There was a bashful look on his face, and he brought a hand to the back of his neck.
"It's perfect." Annie whispered. She walked over to the edge of the bed and sat down, but as she moved the blanket to finish tucking Emma in, the little girl stirred and opened her eyes.
"Mama," she yawned, "Where is everyone?"
Her father had hosted the Yeagers that evening. When Armin had told Eren and Mikasa that Annie Leonhart was here, and invited them over to meet his daughter Emma, they were shocked to say the least.
Annie had tried to take it all in her stride and, for the most part, did. It was mostly thanks to the drink, and a couple of cigarettes, which left Armin to wonder when she'd picked up the habit. But, any initial hostilities and awkwardness aside, Annie realised that Eren and Mikasa were his family, they'd been there for him when she hadn't, and she was grateful to them for that.
"They've gone home, mein Liebchen." Annie replied and leaned forward to place a kiss on the girl's forehead.
"Oh." Emma smiled sleepily up at her parents, "I think they're very nice." She yawned again.
Armin joined them on the bed then, taking a seat on the other side while Annie began to brush her fingers through Emma's hair. Moritz came padding up the stairs moments later and hopped up onto the bed, making himself comfortable just below Emma's feet.
"You'll see everyone again soon, don't you worry." Armin assured the little girl.
"It would be lovely to see Aunty Hitch again…" the girl said wistfully, "can she visit someday, too?"
"Of course, Emmalein," Armin gave his daughter a kiss on the cheek, "Hitch is always welcome here."
"Ab in die Heia (It's time for you to get some sleep now)." Annie smiled.
The little girl nodded and said goodnight to both her parents, completely content.
"Träum was schönes (Dream of something beautiful)" Armin said softly.
He watched as the little girl's eyes began to flutter and it wasn't long before she was fast asleep again. He couldn't help but think how cute his daughter looked, and he felt as though his heart was about to burst.
"She's exhausted." Annie whispered, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips, "All the excitement has finally taken its toll."
"Yeah," Armin smiled, "You must be tired, too."
"Yes," Annie admitted, "But the night isn't over."
The way Annie's piercing blue eyes bore into Armin's soul in that moment sent a shiver right down his spine. He felt a rush of heat to his face and audibly swallowed. He looked down at the sheets, but when he looked up again, something seemed to come over him. Without speaking a word, he walked to the other side of the bed where she was sitting and extended his hand.
Annie took it, and Armin led her over to the dresser where he proceeded to open the top drawer. He took out a small jewellery box, closed the drawer, switched off the bedroom light and showed Annie out into the hall.
Inside the box were two rings; one, Annie recognised as her mother's, the one they had passed back and forth over the decades. He returned the ring to her, the symbol of their loyalty to one another, their connection, their love, and what had represented hope for him throughout the years, "Thank you, Annie." he spoke softly.
"Armin…" she was at a loss for words. She slid the ring onto her index finger and as she admired it, a sentimental smile found its way to her face.
Armin closed the jewellery box and swiftly slipped it into his pocket. "Hey, Annie," he whispered to her then. She looked up, and their eyes met, "I would like to show you something." She nodded.
The blonde followed him down three flights of stairs to the ground floor. They entered the bookshop by the backdoor, as the floorboards creaked and squeaked beneath their steps. The streetlamps were still on, and coupled with the silver light of the moon, the store was partially lit.
Annie wandered over to the bookshelves and briefly skimmed over some of the titles, "I've read your book, you know." she said casually a few moments later, turning to look at him.
"O-oh? Really? How did you—? I mean, what did you think?" he managed to stammer out, blushing, and moved closer to where she was standing.
"A brilliant tragedy."
"It was supposed to be a memoir," he looked mildly embarrassed by her answer.
She laughed a little which brought a smile back to his face, "I'm kidding, Armin."
She is so beautiful, especially when she laughs, Armin thought then, and was suddenly reminded of their childhood, of summer days long past.
"What is it you wanted to show me?" Annie questioned, bringing him back to the matter at hand. Armin dipped his hand into his pocket then, and pulled out the jewellery box. He was down on one knee a moment later, Annie's left hand in his. "Armin—"
"Annie," his eyes were wide and bright, his brows knitted together in determination, "This was my mother's ring," he continued, "Will you marry me?"
My god, he is charming, she thought, when I look into those eyes…
Annie's face relaxed into a smile, "Stand up, Armin," she spoke tenderly. When he was on his feet, she placed a kiss on his lips and wound her arms around his neck, pulling back to say, "I'm sure you already know what my answer will be, but yes, of course I'll marry you."
"Well it's hardly like you would come all this way and say no," Armin chuckled mostly to himself, "And yet," he gestured to his trembling hand, "It was spontaneous really, not my best idea, but I watched you this evening…I saw how you look at Emma and, I was struck by the overwhelming urge to marry you. I mean, I would've liked to have taken you out for a romantic dinner and gazed at you by candlelight—not that I'm implying you're not beautiful under normal light—but anyway, instead, here we are, in my dusty old bookshop," he breathed. His mind was racing, overflowing with ideas and visions of their future together, "We can get married in a garden this summer, surrounded by flowers—"
Annie pressed a finger to his lips, cutting his rambling short and raised a brow; "Hold on," there was a playful look in her eyes, "You needn't have brought me to your dusty old bookshop to ask me to marry you. Why are we down here?"
Armin's ears suddenly turned red, and he looked down at his feet. But, when he looked up, there was what could only be described as a smug smile on his face. "Well, Annie," his eyes were alit, shining through the dim light of the room, "I have a hunch you already know."
Her heart jumped into her throat and her heart beat suddenly escalated. His change in demeanour threw her off slightly, but she was quick to collect herself, "I won't deny it," she smiled. "I must say you've been very patient."
"And what about you, Annie?" his gaze was so terribly intense, and he was so close she could feel his breath, inhale his scent, reach out and touch him, kiss him again, if she wanted. Instead, her expression turned pensive. Annie knew what Armin was implying.
"The truth is," she began, "there is no one like you in this miserable world. To do what you did for me was insane but incredibly brave, and I only wish I had been a better person to you back then, but I was young and coward, a girl who went along with the flow." She paused for a moment to collect herself, "But you…You look at me like no one ever has or will, and…I adore you with my whole heart. Not just as the father of my child, but you, Armin." She could have gone on, but Annie was anticipating another kiss from his sweet lips. "Does that answer your question?"
Armin nodded, rendered speechless by her heartfelt words. But as he gazed down at the young woman, his thoughts became jumbled, perhaps, because of how close she was, how ravishing she looked, and, because of how much he wanted her.
"I love you." His eyes were glistening, his face filled with a look of such conviction that it sent a thrill right through her.
He kissed her then. It had been a long time, seven years in fact, and Armin was quite frankly done with waiting. There was still so much to be said, so much that he yearned to know, but his mind was already made up. Words could wait for another time.
He planted light pecks down the side of her chin, and when his lips met her neck, Annie drew in a sharp breath and closed her eyes. His hands trailed down the length of her sides and rested on her waist, her own hands behind her as she leaned back against the shelf.
Annie opened her eyes when she felt Armin pinch the sides of her waist, his way of letting her know he was about to try something different. In the next moment, his tongue was gliding over the sensitive skin of her neck, his hot breath making her tingle. Armin very tenderly cupped her breast and continued his assault on her neck, sucking and biting here and there. All her senses were aflame, her composure rapidly slipping away.
But it wasn't like Annie to give in, not so soon anyway. She smiled, and reached down to brush her fingers over his crotch. Armin froze when he felt her featherlight touch and clenched his jaw, suppressing the urge to moan. Annie could feel his hardness and lowered her eyes to the visible tent in his trousers. He pulled back then, and she was able to see his face in all its glory.
"You're blushing" she told him.
He smiled, "As are you."
It was true, but how could she not when he looked at her like that? "You're beautiful," Annie blurted a second later. She closed the space between them once more, backing him against the shelf opposite; they were standing so close they were touching, and Annie could feel the heat emanating from him. And, for a moment, they were lost in each other's eyes, the intensity almost palpable as adrenaline coursed through their veins.
Annie brushed her hand under his chin then, directing him into a kiss, while the other rested at his side. Armin took hold of her arm and leaned in, his bangs sweeping the top of her forehead as his lips greeted hers. His grasp on her arm tightened when he felt Annie's hand down below again, but he didn't pull away.
She started to palm him through the fabric of his pants, tantalizingly so, and Armin shivered into her touch. The atmosphere around them was hastily heating up, and he subconsciously began gently thrusting into her hand, which resulted in a moan that slipped out between kisses.
Butterflies fluttered in Annie's lower abdomen and a rush of heat flooded through her. She wanted to hear him moan again, wanted to see the look of pleasure on his face. She sighed into his mouth, and kissed him with even more fervour.
Armin dug his nails into the palm of his hand as Annie continued her ministrations. He sensed her patience was fading, her movements were becoming feverish. When she started to fumble with the zipper of his pants, Armin swiftly reached for her wrist. Annie looked up at him with the moonlight in her eyes,
"Why do you hesitate?" her voice was steady, but beneath it all, Annie was nervous. Up until that point, she had been following her instincts. But what if they were wrong? Was she being too impulsive? She knew she hadn't quite mastered the art of seduction, yet.
But Armin was completely captivated by her, "A-Annie," his eyes were wide, his pupils dilated, "You're simply breath-taking, you know that, right?" he told her before letting go of her wrist and bringing her into a kiss. He didn't know why he was holding back, especially when all his instincts were yelling for him to do the opposite.
Annie returned the kiss, and settled for placing her hands on his shoulders. Armin proceeded to leave kisses on her jaw then her neck, while his hand wandered below her waist to run up and down her thigh. His touch was turning her on even more, and it was becoming increasingly clear to Annie that she would be the first to cave.
The shelf pressed into her back as he kissed her, when and how he'd managed to corner her again, Annie had no clue. Her mind was in a muddle, she'd lost the ability to think, and Armin wasn't exactly giving her the chance to try. Her anticipation met new heights when his hand hovered over her sensitive area, and she inhaled sharply.
But he shied away a second or two later, snaking his hand up under her shirt to massage her breast. Annie took the initiative and began unbuttoning her blouse, but stopped when Armin's hands reached to cover her own.
"Wait…please," he locked eyes with her and Annie stared at him, and for a moment, all he could do was stare back. "Allow me," he finally managed to say, and she nodded, letting go.
Armin immediately picked up where Annie had left off, his pace quickening as his fingers neared the last several buttons. He didn't remove the blouse completely though, and took a moment to admire her. But when his gaze lowered to her cleavage, temptation got the better of him.
His hands were on her breasts again within moments, his fingers treading over the lace of her bra. He felt her nipple harden beneath his touch, and Annie's breathing became noticeably heavier. The blond yearned to see her face in that moment, and couldn't help but look up.
She was flustered, her cheeks pink, her lips parted ever so slightly, but she didn't let him look for long. Annie locked her arms around his neck and wrapped a leg around his waist, pulling him into her. When her hips came into contact with his, she heard a quiet gasp.
The sudden friction made him throb below, the pleasure dulled by an ache as his pants became tighter and warmer. All Armin knew was that he was losing himself. But Annie guided his hand to her thigh, distracting him from his thoughts. And, when his gaze fell to where her skirt had shifted, his eyes darkened with lust.
He pressed his fingers into her pale skin, leaving small pink marks in his wake. He moved upwards, softly stroking, before his fingertips brushed her inner thigh. She tightened her clutch on him as his hand rested teasingly close to her heat, and in response, he pushed back the fabric of her skirt.
He touched her then, and she slammed her eyes shut as delicate fingers skirted the lace of her undergarments. Armin brushed over her sweet spot and began rubbing with light circular motions. Annie's head was spinning, her stomach flipping over.
She was hot and wet, Armin could feel as much through her panties, and he had to swallow the lump in his throat. Her body was pressing into him, making it hard for him to think, and the sight of her melting under his touch had him in a daze. In the heat of the moment, he reached to lift her, but it was as if she had read his mind. Annie thrust herself up into his arms and locked her legs around his waist. He carried her over to the countertop with strength he didn't know he had, at least not since being wounded.
The young man found that adrenaline was a powerful thing, and his mind wasn't on the pain in his shoulder, but rather the pain in his pants. And to his delight, Annie was perfectly level with him as she sat atop the counter, looking absolutely divine. He wasted no time in closing the space between them, and took a step forward, parting her legs with his body.
It was Annie's turn to swallow then and, in an effort to hide her surprise, she tugged at the collar of his shirt and pulled him into a kiss. Just when did he get so bold? She couldn't help wonder, and had to remind herself it had been seven years. Seven years of pent-up passion that had led to this very moment, the moment in which they would finally rekindle their fire.
"Armin," she pulled back and wrapped her legs around him once again, trapping him there, "I've never seen you look at me with those eyes before."
The way she said his name made him reach for the zipper of his pants, but Annie took the task for herself. He watched her pale, slender fingers undo the button, pull the zipper and tug at the hem of his underwear. When those fingers came into contact with his cock, he swallowed back a moan and squeezed his eyes shut.
Annie's index finger glided over the tip where precum glistened, while her hand clutched the shaft. As she began to slowly stroke up and down, she heard Armin exhale a shaky breath.
"Ahh," came a few moments later. She kept a steady pace, and yet the pleasure was overwhelming. Fearing that he would finish if he looked at her in that moment, Armin kept his eyes firmly shut; it was only when her touch left him that he reopened them.
In those dark blue eyes, Annie saw a brief flash of indignation before they softened. She smiled at him, and then turned her gaze away from his, eager for the next move. She stripped herself of her undergarments, while Armin watched with wide eyes and a racing heart.
When Annie flung her underwear to the floor a moment later, she gave him a look that took his breath away. It was his move now, and Armin didn't hesitate in giving her what she desired.
He grabbed her thighs and spread them apart, closing the remaining space between them. Annie hitched up her skirt as Armin took his cock into his hand and wrapped her arms around his neck. Fire burned in their hearts when their lips crashed together in a fervent kiss, and as Armin slowly entered her, they moaned into each other's mouths.
"I've missed you," Annie sighed as he filled her completely. Her lips were parted, her skin flushed right down to her thighs.
"I've—ahh—I've missed you too." Armin's eyes were glistening in the silver light, his thick brows knitted. Annie was hot and tight and so very slick, and all his senses were on fire as he felt her surround him.
Armin's warmth breath tickled Annie's ear and she turned to kiss him again, craving for more of the intimacy that set her heart aflame. Her fingers threaded through his blond locks as she raised her legs. Armin's hands found her thighs and he bucked his hips into her, groaning as another wave of pleasure hit him.
The feeling only intensified when Annie moaned softly into his ear, begging for him to go harder. Armin obliged and sped up the pace, but the longer his eyes gazed into hers, the closer he felt to finishing.
He slowed, and Annie seized the opportunity to unbutton his shirt. When she'd worked on the last of his buttons and looked at his lean figure, she bit down on her bottom lip. He was perfect. She watched as a single droplet of sweat ran down the length of his chest, and in the moonlight, he looked as though he'd been carved from marble. But when his shirt slipped from his shoulder, exposing his scar, Armin came to a stop.
It was a painful reminder, one that Annie had no words for. Instead, she reached to caress the length of his scar with tender fingers, and Armin drew in a sharp breath. The blemish was deeper and longer than she'd imagined.
"Turn around," Armin breathed, fixing his gaze on hers.
She didn't question him, for her need was too strong to deny him. With her back facing him, she felt Armin's hands shift the fabric of her skirt and grab her. He sighed as he took her from behind, and she leant forward against the counter top.
Much to Annie's relief, Armin picked up the pace, panting and moaning her name and sweet nothings into her ear as he thrust into her. She was very much aware of the sounds she had begun to make, mixed with the sound of skin on skin and their heavy breaths.
And then Armin hit a certain spot, and Annie cried out in a high pitched tone. He was relentless then, pounding into her, repeating the rhythm of his hips that seemed to please her so.
"A-Armin," Annie gasped through the haze and delirium of pleasure, "I want to," she cried out again, and Armin bit down on his lip, "I want to see your face." she demanded.
Armin was close, and he realised Annie was nearing her peak too. He complied, pulling out and allowing her to turn and face him once again. They reconnected, both moving in sync, Annie using the counter top for support as they moaned and gasped, until she saw stars and clutched Armin's shoulders to hold her up as her legs turned weak. In a matter of moments Armin finished loudly and Annie's gaze never left his face as he came, shuddering and panting heavily. Armin's head fell forward and he leaned his forehead against hers as their chests heaved; a light laugh escaped his lips between heavy breaths and he smiled,
"I love you so much, Annie."
Annie could not find words in that moment, instead, embraced him in another kiss, reveling in peace and bliss.
