"Merry Christmas, Annie." Armin exclaimed upon turning around and seeing Annie at the foot of the stairs.

"What are you wearing?" she asked, eyeing up the most hideous sweater she had seen in her life. A mixture of bright reds and greens and right in the centre was a snowman. It was something only Armin would be caught dead in. Oddly enough, she found it somewhat cute on him. It was a sight she would treasure; after the holiday season was over she was certain things wouldn't be the same. Annie knew she had to make the most of him. Not that she wanted to think about that now. It was Christmas day, after all.

The blond boy's expression dampened as he looked down at the jumper and back up again at Annie, but then his lips twitched up into an unexpected smirk, "Well, at least I'm not still in my pyjamas, like you."

Annie flushed red. She was always late out of bed. She hadn't even bothered to comb her hair either, but it wasn't like he wasn't used to seeing like this by now. "Whatever…" Annie approached Armin who beckoned her to sit on the floor by the tree. The girl sat down and crossed her legs, "Merry Christmas to you too." she finally said. The blonde then looked around, "Where's your grandfather?"

"He's in the kitchen, making something to take around to Eren's later."

"Eren's…? What. Why?" Annie didn't like the sound of this.

"Yeah, my Grandpa and I usually spend Christmas with the Jaegers…Um, I hope you don't mind." Armin knew that Annie probably didn't want to go to Eren's place, but it had been this way for years. After his parents died, Armin had no other family other than his grandfather and Eren's parents had always been a close family friends.

Annie quickly shook her head, "I don't mind." Of course Annie minded, but she wouldn't ruin Christmas for Armin. Besides, the blonde thought, it seems like he's decided not to hassle me anymore. At least this way he's more tolerable.

Eren had visited Armin's house during the week after finding out that Annie was temporarily staying there with him. He had apologised and been very awkward around her, obviously feeling guilty for his behaviour towards her before knowing the circumstances. Eren and Mikasa had both been informed of what had happened, of course with Annie's permission, and although she wasn't in the slightest comfortable with two people who may as well be strangers knowing her father was an abusive alcoholic who had attempted to kill her, she figured it was the least she could do for Armin. It wouldn't be fair to him if he wasn't allowed to tell his two best friends something that directly affected him and was important. At least she hadn't had to go to school for the last week before Christmas break, so she didn't have to endure facing everyone. Annie wasn't even sure whether or not she'd ever have to face them again. Was she even going to be going back to that school? Social services would let her know her fate soon enough. She only prayed that Armin had a part in her future.

"If you don't want to go, then we can always stay here." Armin smiled warmly and placed a hand over hers.

"No. We'll go to Eren's house like you always do."

"Alright, then. It will be fun, I promise you." the blond beamed. Annie couldn't help but give Armin a smile, he had never broken a promise yet, and so she trusted his word.

"I always remember this one Christmas," Annie began and Armin looked at her intensely, curious to what tale she was about to tell. It was rare Annie spoke openly about herself, even though she had tried to do it more often lately. Her pale blue eyes turned distant for a moment as if she was looking into the past, the smile was still present on her face, however it seemed to turn more bitter sweet. "My mom had tried so hard to give us a proper Christmas, you know with a nice meal and all. My dad was never fussed about it, and being a young kid I didn't care as long as I got a few presents. Anyway, everything went wrong and the turkey ended up blowing up our oven. I couldn't stop laughing, even though my mom had cried. She did join in laughing with me about it afterwards, though. In the end we ended up eating pizza."

"That sounds really crazy." Armin let out a laugh.

"Yeah, it was always like that. It's sort of a sad because my mom was such a perfectionist. She always wanted me to be perfect. I don't think I ever impressed her, I wasn't really an ideal daughter for her…" Annie's eyes were suddenly on the floor and Armin knew thinking about this upset her deeply.

"Annie, I'm sure you made her really proud. Especially since you took care of her when she was ill, I'm positive she noticed how strong you were throughout that ordeal." Was it even Armin's place to say any of this? He had no idea what Annie had gone through, or her mother for that matter. He could only imagine it must have been hell, and he hated the idea that Annie seemed to feel inadequate or like she hadn't been a good enough daughter.

"She let me know how thankful she was. But there is just no way of bringing back those lost years. I could have gone to ballet classes like she had wanted, or let her play with my hair for longer, or wore that dress she bought me for my birthday more often…instead, I spent most my time with my father, doing what he wanted me to do. I really regret it."

Armin was lost for words, even though Annie had definitely been more open with him in the time that she had spent at his home, she had never spilled her heart out like this. He had no idea how to respond to make her feel any better. "You were only a kid back then, you shouldn't have any regrets. How were you to know how things would turn out? Not only that, you can't change who you are for anyone. I think your mom would be glad that you stuck to being yourself. You're really amazing and strong…be proud of yourself."

"I'm sorry for talking about this now, it's Christmas…" Annie mumbled, suddenly feeling guilty.

Armin shook his head, "Don't be." there was a pause for several moments and then the boy spoke again, "But, you know…you're right, it is Christmas, and I've got you a little something…" a smile formed on Armin's face as he turned around to grab a parcel from under the tree.

Annie's eyes widened for a brief moment, and she took the gift from his hands. The blonde then proceeded to unwrap it, and was slightly surprised that Armin had gone to the trouble. Then again, she knew the boy well enough by now to expect this. When she finally discarded the paper, she took out a pale blue hat with a bobble on the top and a pure white scarf. Annie looked to Armin who hadn't stopped smiling the entire time, "You're so thoughtful. Thank you so much." Annie then placed a brief, light kiss on Armin's cheek.

"I noticed you never had a hat or scarf on you, and I know how much you hate the cold." Armin was glowing.

"I loathe it." she chuckled, but then her blue eyes fell on Armin's again, "…I'm sorry I wasn't able to get you anything." Armin simply shook his head with kind eyes, not expecting anything from her. It was then that Annie had a sudden and strong urge to kiss him. Without further thought, she pressed her lips against his.

Armin was surprised at first, even though it wasn't like they hadn't had a couple of making-out sessions while she had been staying with him. However, this time was undoubtedly the most passionate Annie had ever been.

She scooted forward onto his lap while one arm wrapped around his neck and the other met the back of his head. Her tongue had already found its way into his mouth as her fingers tangled in his blond locks. Annie kissed him almost ravenously while Armin eagerly returned her enthusiasm, he could feel his face burning up and his hands began to wander, finally resting around Annie's waist. When Annie bit his lip for a second time, he was sure it had been intentional and the action had caused him to make a sound that came from deep within his throat. In response, Annie only tightened her grip on his hair.

Armin wasn't exactly even sure how he was able to think straight in a situation like this, but all that was on his mind was how unbelievable it was. How against all odds, he had the girl of his dreams in his lap, in his home, kissing him. The girl who had been so closed off and abrupt with him the first day they had met in homeroom, the girl who was undeniably broken and hid behind a wall, the girl who was extremely intimidating despite everything and also highly mysterious. She had been suffering for such a long time, she was so strong but there was a limit to what she could take, and he was the one who was there to make everything better, to act as the hero, to try and help her put her life back together. In the end, Armin was just beyond glad that she had decided to accept his help. He didn't even want to think what could have happened if he had turned a blind eye on her, but it was quite impossible to do that to someone like Annie, he had found himself drawn to her from day one, and he literally couldn't keep his eyes off of her.

When Annie finally broke away, she stared at him deeply for several seconds. Both their breathing was heavy, and the blonde leaned her head against his chest, feeling his heart race. After several moments like that, she regained her breath and was able to speak, "I hope I was able to make it up to you for not getting you a present."

Armin wrapped his arms around her back, "You definitely did."


"Merry Christmas!" Eren bellowed in Armin's ear as he stepped inside. Mikasa was to the side of Eren and she gave Armin a nod while repeating the same phrase again. Both of them were wearing similar sweaters to Armin and Annie soon realised it must have been some kind of tradition for the three of them to wear these type of things on Christmas.

Annie stood beside Armin, and his grandfather stood slightly behind the pair. "You too, Annie." Eren added, feeling strange that she was with him. The boy couldn't help but find it weird that Armin even had a girlfriend, and the fact that she was now living with him was even crazier. Then again, he had to remind himself of the circumstances, not that he could really forget. He had to be sensitive, and Mikasa had really enforced that to him earlier on.

After greeting Armin's grandfather as well, Eren's father met up with the man and they headed into the kitchen to help prepare the meal. Eren's mother Carla would have been angry if she didn't get any help, and although Eren knew this too, he still didn't bother to join them in the kitchen to help out. Instead he had other ideas.

"Armin, do you want to check out the PS4 I got for Christmas?" Eren was as eager as ever, he was like an excited little kid. How old was he again, ten? Annie didn't have an interest in games, but perhaps Armin did? His face had lit up just a bit at Eren's request. The girl only wanted Armin's happiness, that's all she really cared about now, so she decided she wouldn't complain. She'd go along with whatever Armin wanted.

"Sure." Armin smiled but then looked to Annie as if he was looking for her approval, but she remained silent.

Mikasa's eyes travelled down to the small blonde girl, knowing full well she had little interest in the PS4, "Do you want to help me set up the table? My mom will be grateful."

Annie simply nodded, and at that, Eren pulled Armin upstairs to his room.

"I don't know what it is with Eren and video games." Mikasa let out a sigh.

Annie just looked at the darker haired girl with a blank expression. She didn't really know what to say, she was well out of her comfort zone. She was here for Armin, but she guessed she could try and enjoy Christmas, too. After all, if Armin had not saved her from her disastrous life, she'd probably most likely be spending Christmas locked in her bedroom or the bathroom, while her father drowned himself in endless amounts of alcohol, that, or she could have been dead.

"Are you okay?" Mikasa questioned, her face portrayed little emotion as usual, but the fact that she had asked the question must have meant that she cared.

"I couldn't be happier." The blonde replied truthfully.

"Eren was really worried after he heard about what had happened. He also feels extremely guilty for the way he treated you—"

"It's fine. I'm fine. We don't have to talk about it, and I would rather you didn't bring it up."

"Okay." Mikasa's face was stoic as ever. Who knew if she even really cared, but it seemed like maybe she did after all.

The two proceeded to set the table in silence, but it wasn't really all that awkward. Annie wondered whether or not Eren's parents had been filled in on the situation, they may have wanted an explanation to why a stranger was staying with their son's best friend. Annie hoped they didn't, but she didn't really care; she highly doubted they would bring it up today, anyways.

"So…how are things with Armin?" Mikasa suddenly enquired and Annie looked up into her black eyes for a brief moment. It looked like she had genuine interest, and Annie knew it would be rude to tell her that it was none of her business. If she was Armin's girlfriend, she knew that that meant accepting his best friends and being civil with them.

"Good." Annie stated rather bluntly.

"Do you sleep in his room?"

Annie turned to Mikasa abruptly, her face immediately turned beet red. What the actual hell. She wondered if the girl was joking around with her or not. "N-no. I sleep in the spare bedroom." Dammit, the blonde mentally cursed herself for stuttering.

"Oh yeah, I forgot that there is a spare room at Armin's house." Was that a smile on the Asian girl's face?

"Of course there is." Annie murmured and looked down to the table to try and hide her red face.

"Well it's just that, you two are a couple now, right?"

Annie wasn't sure how much more of this she could take, "Yes we are." She glared at the girl, thinking that she was being out of order for bringing something like this up. Heck, she barely knew her. She had no right.

Mikasa's eyes were gleaming despite her face remaining blank, Annie hadn't pin pointed Mikasa as the type of girl who liked to joke around, and she had the feeling that she wasn't really kidding in the first place, she was just being nosy.

"Eren, get down stairs! You have guests for crying out loud! And Christmas dinner is ready!" Eren's mother's voice shook the house with her sudden outburst. Annie was relieved it was enough to break the conversation completely. Soon after, Eren and Armin could be heard thudding down the stairs. Carla Jaeger then turned to Annie, "Oh hey, dear. You must be Annie?" Annie simply nodded in response. "And you're now staying at Armin's I hear?"

"Only until other arrangements can be made."

"Oh, I see. From what I've heard, Armin is quite crazy about you." Miss Jaeger smiled and Annie's whole face flushed red. She felt disturbed that the woman knew this much; it really showed how close of a family friend the Jaegers were to Armin and his grandfather. How was she to respond to this though? She had no clue, so she decided to remain silent. Thankfully, before it got too uncomfortable, Eren and Armin appeared. "Right, you two can help bring the food in."


After everyone had settled down at the table, Annie felt much more comfortable. Armin was back at her side and the Jaegers seemed like decent people. Eren was behaving himself, and Mikasa had stopped with the way-too-personal questions.

"Are you enjoying the food? Eren's mom is a really good cook, I think." Armin addressed Annie.

"Yeah it's really nice." Eren's mother really was a talented cook, Annie wasn't sure she had ever had a meal as good as this.

"After dinner we usually all play a game of some kind, it will either be monopoly or we'll have a quiz. Maybe it will be both." he explained.

Annie's lips curved up into a smile, "If we're having a quiz, you and I are going to be in the same team. You're smart, we'll definitely win."

Armin couldn't help but laugh, "Oh okay, but I can't be sure that we will win because of me…"

"Quit being so modest."

"But quizzes have multiple categories, and I'm not good at all of them."

"Oh," Annie bit her lip, "What are your weaknesses, then?"

"Anything to do with TV shows or celebrities…"

"You really are a nerd aren't you?" Annie smiled to herself and Armin blushed lightly.

"Y-yeah I guess."

"I'm joking Armin. Well, maybe you are a nerd but I find that…cute."

"I find you cuter." he added quickly and Annie's face tinged pink.

"Hey Annie. I don't mean to interrupt you two, but, did Armin propose to you?" Eren smirked and the question caused the blonde to raise an eye-brow, wondering what on earth he was even on about. "The ring…" Eren's turquoise eyes trailed down and fell upon the silver piece of jewellery.

"It's my mother's." Annie rolled her eyes and looked back down to her dinner. Eren's stupid question had caused Armin to become flustered even though Annie hadn't been affected. Though, the question did make her start to imagine Armin proposing to her and being married and she couldn't help but like idea. "Besides, why don't you use your brain? We're only sixteen. Not to mention the ring isn't even on the correct finger" Annie turned to look up at the brunet boy again and dead-panned.

"Oh…right sorry." Eren laughed awkwardly, not realising that the ring was a bit of a sensitive subject in the first place.

Armin knew damn well that Eren had only asked the question to embarrass him in the first place, and he silently vowed to himself that he would get Eren back later by winning all the games. Losing always angered the fiercely competitive boy, and what a shame it was that Eren often did lose against Armin in games that did not involve physical activity, simply because he was just too impulsive and did not stop to think, whereas Armin did.


In the end, Mikasa ended up winning the game of monopoly. It had started out quite well for Armin, but he knew it was all over when Mikasa had decided to play her usual little game which involved not owning any valuable property, but instead making sure that she had a piece of property under every colour and refusing to trade with anybody. There had been a sly glint shimmering in her black eyes and a small smile on her face the entire time. Eren had got tired of her ruse and tried to cheat but was caught out, and Annie quitted about an hour in after working out where it was going and simply could no longer be bothered to participate. Of course Armin had won the quiz for Annie and his grandfather who were in a team against Eren, Mikasa, and his parents.

Annie couldn't deny she was having fun when it seemed like Eren was almost throwing a tantrum after losing at everything, but the Christmas spirit had been too strong for the boy to get too angry. Later in the evening, everybody had some hot chocolate and Christmas cookies that Carla Jaeger and Mikasa had made earlier on that day, they then all settled in the living room.

Annie found herself snuggled beside Armin, and by this point she was pretty tired and could barely keep her eyes open. Perhaps it was because of all the social interaction she had engaged in today, she wasn't used to it after all.

"How are you feeling?" Armin whispered into her ear, causing her drooping eyes to open a little wider.

All of the adults were engaged in conversation, and Eren was playing Dance Dance Revolution, taking it in turns with Mikasa. Armin had had a couple of turns but once Annie had rested against him, he didn't exactly feel like moving from the spot again.

"I'm fine, just tired." She moved even closer to Armin, brushing her nose against his arm and almost burying her face completely into his side. "Wow Armin, you smell so good." Shit I'm so tired. I wouldn't normally say something like that, Annie thought while beginning to feel embarrassed.

"Thanks." Armin smiled, his body temperature increasing. It seemed every time the blonde ever dropped him a compliment he would suffer from the same reaction.

"Hey, Annie do you want to have another turn? You only had one go after all." Eren asked and Annie shook her head, not wanting to leave Armin's side now, not only that, but her ankle was still somewhat sensitive from a few weeks back.

"Ok then, suit yourself." Eren turned around again and played another round.

Annie closed her eyes after a few moments and Armin stared at her, admiring her features like he always did every time he was this close to her. It seems like she's enjoyed herself, or at least I really hope so. I wouldn't want to break my promise to her. Armin was terribly tempted to give Annie a kiss, but he wondered if it was wrong to do so without her permission. The boy wasn't even sure if she was asleep or not, I'm sure she won't mind, Armin kept telling himself that as he leaned closer and planted light kiss on her forehead.

Although Annie didn't react or let on that she had felt his lips on her skin, the girl had felt a warm wave of happiness wash over her. She was overwhelmed by the feeling of love and comfort, and despite her mind not even functioning currently by this point due to being so tired, there was one thing she was absolutely positive: she never wanted to leave Armin's side ever again.