Written for the prompt; "Why can't we get matching clothes?"
Armin may hate shopping, especially with Alexy, but he's easily led. Alexy's known him long enough to know his weaknesses; promise to buy him dessert and he's putty in your hand. Better yet, swear you'll buy him a game or the latest volume of the manga he's been reading and he'll fall at your feet. But Alexy hasn't got money to waste so cake it is.
Armin's not having the greatest time, following Alexy from shop to shop and carrying his purchases, but the taste of sugar and lemon still lingers on his tongue so it's not an entirely wasted day. He even succeeded in bargaining for a cake and a milkshake so maybe he's the one coming out on top here. Well, that line of thinking goes out the window when Alexy drags him into Julien's.
Immediately taken with a rail of jackets, Alexy pulls out two and holds them up for Armin to judge. "Blue or red?"
Armin shrugs, the shopping bags in his hands rattle as he does. "They're both nice."
"Yeah, but which one's nicer?" Alexy presses the red jacket against his chest and checks his angles in the mirror. "Which one suits me best?"
Armin sighs. Alexy always does this, he always asks for Armin's non-existent opinion when he clearly knows better himself. "Both?"
Alexy scrunches his nose, disappointed in the lack of an answer. "I can only afford one."
"Get the red one then."
"But I really like the blue."
"So buy the blue one."
Alexy sighs and bites his bottom lip until he gets an idea and his eyes light up. "What if I get the blue one and you get the red one." Of course, he intends to frequently 'borrow' Armin's jacket, but there's no need to state that outright.
Armin's face falls in shock and then returns to an irritated scowl. "I am not matching with you."
Alexy blinks, not sensing the issue. "Why can't we get matching clothes?"
Armin practically wheezes in a half laugh, half gasp. It shouldn't be that hard to grasp. "Because we're not toddlers anymore."
"You know mom would think it's cute if we start matching again." Bringing their mother into it is a total guilt trip, but Alexy's not above that.
Armin rolls his eyes, then sighs. "How much more money do you need to buy both of them?"
"What, you'd really do that?"
"If it gets us out of here today then yes."
Alexy throws and arm around Armin and squeezes. He better enjoy the moment, because there's no way in hell he'll convince Armin to come with him again.
