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Post by Decoii on May 18, 2021 20:37:32 GMT -5
The wind was welcomingly cool against her skin. After hours of mindlessly running through the fair, Annie felt sticky and slightly uncomfortable. She wondered why Armin still wanted to touch her so much, didn't she feel slightly gross? With the way he had attached his lovely mouth to her neck, Annie knew he probably tasted the salt from the dried sweat on her skin. It was a hot day, the sun was harsh, but she could see the shadows extending out as the sun promised to set soon. It was a nice sight, the faris wheel a much needed change of pace.
Annie listened past the sound of the wind picking up his voice and holding on to every word that came out of his mouth so easily. When he mentioned his mark, her own hands went up to her neck, longing to feel the rise of the scar his teeth had left behind and the sensation that would radiate from the location at the simple thought of their bond. A bond she hadn't really understood all that well. A bond she still found herself longing for. Placing her hand back down against her lap, she swayed her legs as her body dipped while the wheel spun them up higher before stopping, signalling the end of the ride. they'd be there sitting for a while longer as the conductor worked on emptying the carts before them.
Glancing over at Armin, she raised her brows. "Marriage... It's kind of ridiculous how such a simple human notion made me so scared before." The excitement in her had started to die down into a low flame, thier word vomit full of love and promises had all been said. She didn't feel the same frantic uncertainty she did back in Paradis. Didn't feel so scared of failing to live up to his expectations of her. Now she felt comfortable and safe, in a way. This time around it would either work or it would fail. There was no other reason for it if it did fail other than themselves. The pressure was heavy on her shoulders and in a way, she'd give it her all, but expect little in return.
She loved Armin. God, she loved him more than anything else.
But even after everything he said, she wondered if he expected too much from her. Something too good that she couldn't satisfy. Huffing, she leaned her head back on her seat, wondering why she was thinking so darkly when everything had been going so well. Maybe it was due to past experiences and how every time she's felt happy something stupid tore it from her hands. She blew at the strand of hair that he had been playing with, watching it sway before falling against her face. She wiggled her nose and moved it away to avoid sneezing.
"Isn't the mark a shifter's way of getting married? Or is it different? I don't understand that." She said honestly, looking up at him. "Communication is key, right? But I've never been one to communicate well, Armin. Maybe it's not your fault even if you see it that way." she glanced at the stuffed animals across from her. "With you, I act so differently than I do with everyone else. I talk so much but then I think about everything I say and it just feels... Like I sometimes don't even say the right things, the things I meant to say. There should be rules, if we're actually going to try this for the long run. There should be some things set in place but I wouldn't even know what those things could be. All I know is that I'm not going to run away and that I don't want you being with other people while you're with me."
Finally it was their turn to get off the ride and Annie carefully removed herself from the seat and grabbed both plushies. Throwing the red one she'd won for him in his direction before getting off and exiting through the exit closest to them. She waited for Armin away from the gathered crowd.
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Post by Ventia on May 18, 2021 21:49:54 GMT -5
Watching Annie by her side, seeing every thought and emotion flicker in her eyes, at her little movements that had Armin deeply breathing especially while she touched her neck, every word she was expressing for himself, was slowly building up Armin’s smile and the tightness in his chest. He wanted to reply back to her but before Armin knew it, the ride conductor was opening their door and Annie was already exiting.
Armin caught the red plushie, hearing Annie’s sweet voice telling him how it matched his face. His blushes. Armin nodded his thanks at the guy and followed after her, staying patient as he had to go with the crowd. Armin’s eyes locked on Annie’s figure, his hand tightening over the three tailed wolf. Staring at her holding on to the blue cat. Away from the crowd and all by herself.
Armin had a heart clenching flashback, of Annie always being alone. During the five long years she had been at New Dawn and their scattered moments of their time together. Of all the times Armin would turn a corner and find Annie by herself. Once he found her sitting on a tree, her back to him, the sun setting as it was now. Armin couldn’t see her face, could only see the tight way Annie held herself together. Could feel the dull pain that she tried to hide. Armin walked out into the clearing, knowing he was giving himself away but not caring. Turning to face her, to see if he could see into her eyes. She barely noticed him, eyes distant and away, seeing a different scenery than him. Armin wanted to call out as he had wanted to all the other times.
“Annie.” Armin called out now, seeing her raise a eyebrow since Annie was already looking straight at him. Armin finally reached her, his lips stretched into a wide smile, and Armin bent down and hugged Annie. Slid his arms over hers, locking her in place in his embrace, his breath laughing against her ear. Even as the last few bites of his bittersweet yearning for her still clung to him.
Armin pulled back before Annie could hit him and snatched her hands instead. “Some food? Then let’s call it a night, where were those elephant ears...” Armin thought out loud and lead Annie towards the front to where the majority of the food stalls had been.
Continuing in a gentle tone. “I feel the same way. Like I don’t say the right things even though I think so much about what to say. Even when everyone looks to me for guidance I’m still insecure about it. But that’s okay isn’t it? Doesn’t it show that we’re still human? Still normal to a degree. We shouldn’t have to know all the correct answers right away-the right rules that’ll actually help us-it’s okay to fumble ahead, make mistakes and have fights, as long as we don’t give up. Dont run away again. And agreed, not be with other people.”
“We’re learning Annie, each day there will be something new. Each day something will click in place. We’ll take our time and learn together. We tried doing it before but everything was moving too fast. We-I was insecure. I’m sure you felt the same way. We could have kept staying together but I think there would always be a different kind of doubt in our heads.” Armin remembered that damn moment when he had a inkling to what Annie was feeling in Paradis, about whether they loved each other or were just with each other for other reasons.
“Now we know that’s not true. Took a while but looking at it in a positive light, maybe it was for the best. Because we can focus on other things now, on us. Without any excuses. Any doubts. And if there is any still, we’ll work on it. I’m not looking for us to change Annie, I’m in love with you for a reason, not anyone else. There’s no reason for you to do more than what you’re already doing. There’s no pressure. I just want to start my life with you. With you Annie.” Armin paused by one of the food stalls, at the one Annie had been smelling earlier and got in line.
Turning his smile towards her. “Mmm im not sure if the mate bond is like marriage, my parents didn’t tell me much of it and I rarely asked the couples around New Dawn. But I think it brings us closer than any other person in the world. We belong to one another on a level deeper and tighter than just words and a piece of paper. Maybe it’s more. Maybe it’s not. I just like it.” Armin squeezed Annie’s hand and pulled her further along once it was their turn. Letting her order and adding two elephant ears, he was really curious about them.
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Post by Decoii on May 18, 2021 22:37:36 GMT -5
the way he called out for her, the way his impossibly bright big eyes shined as he approached her, the way he just was impossibly and truly always himself made Annie smile. It felt like there was something else beneath his gaze but she ignored the feeling once he trapped her in his arms. She let out a small huff at his laugh but despite her small sound of disapproval, she didn't stop smiling. she wanted to ask why he was hugging her but when his hug turned into one that lasted a bit too long, she brought up her hand to hit him.
He easily caught it and moved them right along, letting her feel slightly flustered. With a sigh, she fell easily besides him, walking at his pace. "Let's grab something light and maybe eat actual dinner later?" She was trying to extend their time together. After this would he be taking her to the hotel? she didn't want to leave his side just yet. She had forgotten what they'd agreed upon earlier. Since they'd still been talking too fast and saying things impulsively. As he talked, Annie knew that he too felt calmer and more rational then they had been earlier today. "I could really use a shower..." She was trying to pry into what he had in mind after the food.
She simply ordered two corndogs and two drinks, pausing to let him pick what he wanted as a beverage and letting him add elephant ears to the order. She paused and added two cotton candy as well before pulling out her wallet to pay. she quickly glared at Armin, kicking his leg when he tried arguing but giving him no room to try and stop her. she realized they'd order a bit more than could comfortably be carried so she led him to a small picnic area so they could sit down and try the food.
for some reason, his earlier words bothered her a bit and once they split the food and drinks, Annie found herself idly picking at the breading to her corndog. "I never thought of it like that, I guess." she said with a sigh, bringing some of her food to her mouth so she could have more time to think before replying to him. She felt as if the amount of time it took her to process what he was saying was growing more awkward by the minute. "The human thing, I mean."
But Annie felt bitter about the thought. About how he said it so easily. If the Titan's would be stripped away, Annie and Armin would have just been another pair of humans, living their lives out without sin, without death, and Annie wondered who they would be like if they'd simply not fallen victim to a genetic mutation in their bloodline. she'd laughed at him for wanting to be married to her, saying it was human, as if it was something they simply aren't. but when stripped down to their cores... Human was the only thing that was left. the world they chose to be a part of wasn't even theirs to begin with.
"But everything you said, I guess I could turn around and repeat it back to you, Armin." She said a bit quickly, trying to change what she was thinking about into something more positive. "I know I'm not the easiest person in the world to talk too or even be around. But just be honest with me. Just stay being true to yourself. We'll learn about each other and with time... Things would either click in place or fall apart and it'll all be fine this time. No regrets, right?"
she took a proper bite of her food before taking a gulp of her drink, the sweetness making her feel more thirsty. "I'm waiting for you to try the elephant ears, who even names these kinds of thing? they don't even look the part." She wiggled her nose and ate the rest of her corndog, leaving the cotton candy for later and waiting for Armin to try the food before she would dare to try it.
"... As for the mate bond... do you want me to pencil it into my schedule? When are you available to bite me, Armin?" He had marked her when he was avoiding killing her. For Annie marking him back was an impulse during their first time together. she'd been drunk, too. So maybe this time it could just... Happen when the time was right? she knew she was being sarcastic, but acknowledging it after not mentioning it for a while was as much of a yes as she could give him. the whole thing made her want to blush with how intimate the bond was in general.
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Post by Ventia on May 18, 2021 23:21:30 GMT -5
“No regrets.” Armin agreed, watching Annie eat and drink for a moment before chewing through the corn dog and all it’s dough. Armin wasn’t a fan of it, too much dough he thought but the hotdog was good. He pulled it from the stick with his teeth, and chewed on the salty meat before putting the stick and half of its dough back on the paper wrapper. Annie’s words sinking into Armin’s mind, and Armin wiped at his mouth with one of the napkins. Taking a few mouthfuls of the soda, his lips quirked upwards at her last bit.
Armin licked his bottom lip slightly, his eyes darting down towards her neck once more. He swallowed the impulse to do it right then and there because surely such things were frown upon in human society. It contradicted with what Armin had just said as well, about how they were humans at their core. Humans didn’t mark one another. Couldn’t grow out their teeth’s and create a mark- couldn’t create a connection out of flesh, blood, and spirit. But they could. Annie and Armin could. In some ways they’d never be human. Never belong to this world. But Armin didn’t mind. He wanted it all. Annie’s humanity. His own. His Titans and her Titan self. Armin wanted it all and knew they could have it. Could have it all.
Armin tugged at one of the elephant ears, the powder sugar puffing everywhere at the small tear Armin made and he rolled the piece as to not get powder sugar all over him, bent forward and popped it into his mouth. The sweetness exploded on his tongue and this dough was much tastier than the corndog’s. Armin held up a thumb to Annie, still chewing the chewy crunchy ear and taking a sip to wash down its overly sweetness.
“Tastes like a pastry.” Armin frowned at the thing and stretched his legs out from under the table, watching Annie silently.
Armin didn’t want to say he’d try his best as he had said before-back in Paradis-because Armin hadn’t tried his best. He let himself listen to the negative voice in his head and sabotage everything, pushing Annie away thinking it was for her benefit but hadn’t Armin just been scared? Wasn’t he still that little crybaby who was afraid of his own shadow? Even now, when they finally reconciled, Armin could feel himself thinking of the worst, even when all Armin wanted to think about was them succeeding.
Armin sighed, wiping his fingers on the napkin so when he tugged at his hair, he wouldn’t be getting grease and sugar on his hair. He rubbed his face, the tightness forming in his shoulders. “I’m still such a scaredy-cat Annie.” Armin admitted, doing what she asked and being completely honest with her. “I still worry despite my speeches. I still see us falling apart. I see me hurting you and getting hurt in return. I see us running away even after we say we won’t. I see Paradis happening over and over again.” Armin straightened, leaning his chin on his hands, smiling wrily at Annie.
“But I also see us succeeding. I see us crawling back together and making it work. Falling asleep in your arms. I see our lives together in all its glory. I see us having a family. Little ones. Making a home together. Creating our own kind of Paradis. So I’ll cling to this one. I’ll live my life the way I want it-with you-knowing I’ve done everything I could-no regrets indeed.”
Armin glanced at the setting sun and stretched his hands up, cracking his neck as his fingers tried to grab the setting sky. “That shower is calling my name as well. We can shower and change and go out for dinner.” Armin got their garbage and got up, going over to the nearby trashcan and throwing it in. Armin went back to the table and tore another piece of the dessert, sitting next to Annie now and chewing on the sweetness.
Once he swallowed Armin wiped at his mouth. “As for that...” His eyes drifted towards her neck again, “I’m sure we’ll find the time soon enough love.”
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Post by Decoii on May 18, 2021 23:55:00 GMT -5
Annie shook her head at the way he ate his corn dog and his excitement for the elephant ears. She ripped off a bit of the pastry and chewed on it thoughtfully. Enjoying the flavor but feeling a bit sick at all the sweetness that seemed caked in her mouth. Sicker as he talked and mentioned having a family. She was sure she couldn't even swallow after that but forced herself to do so anyways so he wouldn't think something was wrong.
But Armin was always so observant. He always saw emotions when other people saw aloofness and boredom. He always saw parts of her she hadn't even been revealing in the first place. Armin was always so dangerous and Annie quickly coughed, bringing the drink back to her lips as she tried swallowing down the lump that suddenly formed in her throat. With teary eyes, she picked up a napkin to wipe her face clean before rushing over to one of the stands and buying a bottle of water.
She allowed him to clean up while she stood in the distance trying to drink down the roughness she felt in her throat. When he was finished and she couldn't possibly delay more, she moved closer to him. How could he say things so simply? About starting a family, about wanting children with her. The idea was so bizzare Annie really couldn't even think of anything to say. How could he tell her that there was no pressure and fantasize about such a thing? Annie wasn't mother material. She never could be and she was sure she never would be. Armin was the only exception to her anger and wrath and with how many people she killed it would seem so cruel and unfair to crave creating and bringing a life into this world that belonged to the two of them. The people she killed had once upon a time been children too.
"You can't just go around... Implying such... Lewd things Armin!" She snapped, blush on her face as she covered her neck from his greedy eyes. It was easier to pretend that this was why she was so flustered, even when she had previously spoken about honesty. She grabbed the bags of cotton candy and handed him the rest of her elephant ears, making a face of dislike so he would eat them. She threw out her drink and empty water bottle and grabbed their prizes. "Come on pervert, a cold shower is waiting."
She led them through the fairgrounds, back to his car. When he moved to open her door for her, she placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. "Let's make a promise, another one, I suppose." she paused, shifting on her feet. "There is no running away. When things get too much and we need space let's agree on a place where we can turn too and be on our own for a while with the intent on coming back. Even if it's a closet, I don't care. We won't run away, we'll end things. Running away left me with too much insecurities and what if's and I refuse to put myself through that again. If one of us chooses to leave, that's the end. For real this time. If I run away and you find me in our place, then you'll know I'll come back when I'm ready and I say this because I would probably want to run away a lot but never forever and I can't let that insecurity just linger in the air because it causes so much fucking harm-"
She snapped her mouth shut with a sigh. "Sorry, ranting- are you going to open the door for me anytime soon?" She asked, removing her hand from his shoulder and pretending she wasn't the one that stopped him in the first place.
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Post by Ventia on May 19, 2021 11:59:24 GMT -5
Armin raised a brow at Annie’s choking cough sound and watched with wide eyes as she ran off to get her water. Unable to stop the light chuckles that escaped him. It was a good thing she kept away, Armin busied himself with his drink and a few more bites of the powdery ears and gave Annie a innocent smile once she came back and touched her neck. His eyes slightly narrowing but the smile still wide on his face.
“But I don’t want a cold one.” Armin complain, glancing down at the half eaten ears and tossing it in the trash since he didn’t want sugar all over his car. Armin followed Annie closely behind, still seeing that blush against her cheeks and tips of her ears and finding it charming.
Armin paused when Annie stopped him, smiling more at her words. “Agreed. But I think there’s some better choices than a closet, Leonhart. Of course of course, right away madam.” Armin teased, slipping his hand into the handle and pulling the door open for her, watching her get in for a moment and leaning against the door.
“What if I want to hang out with you in that place? I promise to be quiet.” Armin had told her earlier that even when she needed time alone from him, he still wanted to be by her side, maybe if he was lucky hold her hand.
“Either way I like it. Even if you hinted that I’d run away which I won’t.” Armin made sure Annie was out of harms way and closed the door. Making his way to the other side and easing in, tucking the stray strands out of his face which was often now with his haircut. Turned the engine on and waited for the others to pass before backing up, following the line of cars out of the Fair’s exit and once on the road, made his way to the home he hoped Annie would like.
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Post by Decoii on May 19, 2021 13:20:01 GMT -5
Annie didn't really want to mention that she was pretty sure she'd be the one getting overwhelmed and running away. It wasn't really the time for that and she was only thinking about her past logically and assuming that this time it wouldn't be different. Armin always brought out sides of her she wasn't ready to face, so what if one of these new sides belonged to a better version of herself? One that didn't just assume the worst and run as fast as she could.
"I don't know." She said honestly, "It depends but I don't think I'd stop you, I suppose." If she needed time to herself, would she actually push Armin away or allow him to watch from a safe distance?
She didn't know how any of this would go and instead sat silently for the rest of the ride.
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Post by Ventia on May 19, 2021 19:12:32 GMT -5
“Mmm.” Armin hummed, reaching over to slide his hand over her thigh, gripping her and caressing at the same time. The drive was only forty minutes from where they were at, Armin was going into the Neutral Grounds countryside, where he had purchased land and began building up the house. This was where Armin mostly was these last three months, getting things into working order. He had finished everything about two weeks ago and besides from a few shopping sprees, mostly stayed away. There was security precautions in place and Armin kept a eye on things, but the lands were safe and Armin hadn’t ran into any difficulties.
They came to the outer fence and Armin hit a button on the car, waiting the few seconds the gate took to open before passing through. Trees surrounded them on both sides and there was a long driveway until Armin paused by another gate, pressed another button and glanced over to gauge Annie’s face. Driving on auto mode once the gate separated and following the curve of the driveway to park right next to the side of the house, near the big pool and lounge area that was decorated in blue and white. Despite the garage that waited at the end of the driveway. Armin cut the engine and took a moment to stare at the house in question.
It was big and fancy, countless rooms and floors, separate wings even. Lights were shining on over the lounge area and around the yawn, sensing their arrival. Trees provided protection all around them and in the back Armin had created a few gardens. For vegetables, fruits, and flowers even. It shouldn’t have fit Armin but Armin felt comfortable with the sight of the house, of its majestic feeling, and the beauty and solace it provided him with.
Armin nervously licked his lips, turning to Annie, his hand still rubbing at her thigh, watching her face to see for any signs of her hating it.
“Want to take a tour?” Armin asked, turning the engine on again and driving the little ways to the garage door, another button and they were parked inside the large space which could hold about three more vehicles if they wanted it to. Armin turned the engine off for good and made his way to Annie’s side of the door, holding out his hand for her once Armin had it open.
“If you’ll follow me..” Armin didn’t know but he was blushing with nerves already.
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Post by Decoii on May 19, 2021 19:46:32 GMT -5
Annie had been for the most part silent throughout the ride. At one point, the hum of the car riding along the smooth road soothed her enough for her to start dozing off, but she forced herself awake. Thirty minutes into the trip she wanted to ask him what he was doing but instead, started picking at her cotton candy. Armin, she believed, wasn't much of a person to like eating sweets. He tended to take his coffee on the bitter side, frowned when she used too much syrup in breakfast, and made a face at the fact that she was happily eating away at large amounts of fluffed up straight sugar.
She left the second bag alone, for him if he wanted it, even though she was giving the purple colored cloud of sugar longing glances throughout the ride. When the first gate opened, she glanced at him in confusion. He looked nervous and unconsciously was holding onto the steering wheel a bit too tightly. Once the second gate opened she leaned forward to look out at the place he stopped at. The pool was huge, fancy chairs decorated the area nicely. The color of the wood balanced well with the blue of the seat cushions. The trees, the lights, everything was breathtaking. Everything reminded her of Paradis with how perfect it all looked.
The sun had started setting, offering long shadows that with the lighting of the house seemed warm and welcoming. Annie glanced at Armin again once he started driving off towards the garage. She didn't say anything and grabbed his hand when he opened the door for her. She let go quickly, turning to grab her flowers and handing them to him so she could get out of the car without dropping them. "What is this place?" She finally asked, looking at the huge garage, the answer settling heavily in her stomach when she looked back at his red face.
She closed the car door behind her and grabbed her flowers lightly. "Armin..." She started, pausing to hold his hand. "Armin, you said a house. A house not a... Not a mansion? How big is this place?"
With how big it was, she felt like it would house more than just the two of them. She felt like she could get lost. Annie had never been inside a place that looked so damn nice. But as he guided her around, she placed her flowers down on a random table and followed. Listening to him as he gave her details of the house, as he explained rooms to her and inspirations and everything in between. He was talking a lot, which made her smile, because he was so damn nervous.
Armin for all his glory, had silly moments. One moment, for example, was when he thought that she wouldn't like this place. "Is it... Just the two of us?" She asked after a bit,m confused at the size still. "Before you burst a blood vessel Armin, I love it." She said after a couple of moments of silence, pulling on his hand to make him stop walking and talking. "I really do. How did you even find this place again?"
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Post by Ventia on May 20, 2021 15:24:21 GMT -5
Armin knew he was talking too much, little details that in the grand view of things didn’t quite matter. But Armin couldn’t stop himself, pausing in countless areas of the mansion like Annie had said, where he thought Annie would appreciate the sights. The large kitchen, the massive entertainment center, the pantry room, the storage room, the many closets, the many bathrooms, and bedrooms, the terraces, extra empty rooms that still had to be decorated, the ten foot tall training hall that already had a few equipments set out. And so on. Until Armin felt like he was boring her with all his words.
Armin laughed nervously, squeezing her hand and glancing around the second floor that overlooked the first. Then back to Annie’s wide eyes. “It’s home, or at least I wanted it to feel like home. Just the two of us-for now. I’ve been holding off on decorating more because I thought you’d like to help with some things. Well that was if I could even get you here. I wanted to get some guard dogs too but I was waiting till...well you. Didn’t think it would be fair to get them and leave them alone here. Umm I made it? Well not me alone I had a crew of about thirty men, a few women, helping out.”
Armin paused for a long moment, his heart thudding wildly against his chest, “Do you really like it? I know it’s a bit much but...” Armin glanced around again, then rubbed at his neck. “I’ve always wanted a big home.” He chuckled and gave Annie a sly smile, staring at her face and squeezing her hand again.
“Come on, I haven’t showed you...our room yet.” Armin swallowed down his nerves and pulled Annie up the next flight of stairs, there was a elevator tucked in the corners but Armin needed the extra excursion. Armin opened the first door to his left once they were on the third floor and walked in the master bedroom, looking at the blue marbled floor that was set to look like a ocean underneath them. The bed was a dark blue and the ceiling was painted to look like blue endless skies with brushes of white for clouds. There were two bathrooms on both sides, and a big window to the right that had a wrap around balcony. Two large closets on both sides as well, both walk-ins. Armin might have already started packing clothes in both of them. Unable to pass up buying clothes for Annie again.
Armin let go of Annie’s hand, so she could explore the extra details it held and went over to the left bathroom. It held a big tub enough for the both of them, a large sink and toilet, and a shower stall as well. He knew the other one was set in a similar fashion but instead of a large tub it was a hot tub with lots of functions.
“I made sure we had two so if you wanted to take a shower alone, you could. Without leaving the room and well me. But if you want to shower in another room that’s fine too. I was wondering if you wanted a TV in here too which is why I left the stand empty. Whatever you want Annie, we can get it. I want this to be your home too-our home. And if you don’t like it-if it’s too much we can make another. To your tastes.”
“But let me stop rambling...shower?”
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Post by Decoii on May 20, 2021 16:39:05 GMT -5
Annie could never grow bored of Armin's mindless rambling.
Which was slightly Ironic because she was the type of person to always grow bored easily and constantly had a look of boredom on her face. She didn't just listen carefully to him during his inspiring and grand speeches, she'd always listened to him when he showed excitement as well. When others would walk away because Armin was ranting off facts about trees or even bushes, she had always listened. He had so much knowledge to share, it was unfair that others only picked when they wanted to listen to him. she remembered a younger Armin, who's ears would go red and shoulders would slack when he realized no one cared for what he was saying. But Annie always had cared, even if she never showed it.
The house was huge and offered so much for comfort and entertainment and she was kind of hell of excited for the promising training hall. training had always been a part of her, even when it was forced, she felt empty on the days she couldn't kick and punch the frustration away. It was one of the things she had found so alluring about being with Reiner and Bertholdt. That they owned a gym and it wasn't too odd for her to be showing off her skills.
"you build it?" She sounded shocked, when she shouldn't be. Of course he build it, he probably learned it on his free time while bored or something. she'd always imagined herself living in a modest house, with modest furniture and little to no decorations. It wasn't that she didn't like this place, she actually loved the thoughtful outline and how everything just curved and mixed with each other and nothing felt awkward or out of place. Like Armin poured hours of thinking into even the smallest of curves and turns. "Wait- just the two of us for now? Who else is moving in here with us?" Instantly she thought of the two idiot females he had glued to him that day at the house party and her mood visibly dimmed.
She wanted to tell him that she didn't want to live in a house with them, but it didn't feel like it was her place to say such a thing so she kept quiet and nodded when he guided them up the stairs. Their room alone was bigger than any house she's ever lived in and Annie was left in awe. the tiles of the floor looked beautiful and her hands moved along the walls at the carefully painted clouds. How Armin had managed to take down Marley and make such a place was beyond her and she felt blessed once again that he was sharing so much with her. Especially since she brought next to nothing to the table.
she traveled into one of the bathrooms, taken away by the details and size of it. Then to a closet full of things that clearly belonged to him. Next, she moved out to the balcony, taking in the beautiful scenery before moving back inside to the other matching bathroom and then the closet. Pausing, she moved over to some of the clothes that hung from it, noticing they belonged to a female and all seemed brand new. She wondered if they belonged to her, it was more than what she even had at Reiner's place. Going back to the bathroom, she noticed the bottle of her green body wash and even what she had used on her hair back in Paradis.
"Armin," She called out, going back to him in the main room. "This is... A lot. Thank you." She said softly, glancing into what she knew was her closet. "Thank you for thinking of me and getting me so much, I don't know how I'm ever going to repay you." She wouldn't mind a television, but she wasn't going to ask for more than he had already gotten, the house had enough televisions in it for one room to go bare. She nodded at the thought of a shower and pointed to the bathroom near her closet. "I'ma go shower now, I suppose." She said, sliding into the bathroom and locking the door behind her.
she took a couple of minutes to dig through everything and Armin had honestly thought of all her necessities. she felt her heart ache a bit, having never been treated so nicely, and she felt slightly out of place. It still made her smile and she secretly found herself enjoying all of it even if she felt off. Undressing, she took a quick shower, not wanting to waste more water than she needed before wrapping a towel around herself and carrying her dirty laundry out of the bathroom and towards her closet, where she remembered seeing an empty basket. dumping the clothes in it, she turned to look at everything he had hung for her. Dresses, nice shirts, jeans. She went through the drawers there too, looking at sweatpants, basic shirts and sweaters, underwear and socks.
She had so many options she really didn't know what to pick. With a sigh, she dried her hair with the towel while thinking. She was definitely overwhelmed now and nervous for some reason that she couldn't explain. Placing her towel down to dry, she moved over to the dresser and found a simple pair of white tight shorts and a form fitting purple tank top. She went through the underwear with a blush, rolling her eyes at the more sexually suggestive pair and smiling at the simple cotton ones. She opted for something in between. A black pair that had a lacy design but didn't look too uncomfortable to wear casually.
she was blushing now, wondering if she should wear something nicer both for underwear and outerwear but that was too suggestive even though the heat of lust still lived inside of her from their earlier kisses and touches. She had been thinking too much and while still wrapped in her towel, she moved towards the bedroom, leaving her clothes behind. With a sigh, she moved to the window, watching the sunset until finally he opened the bathroom door to her right and she turned to look at him. "I-I should go get dressed." She said with a blush, rushing into her walk-in closet. the clothes she had picked seemed too suggestive now and she quickly tucked it away before poking her head out to call for him.
"I'm going to be honest and say that I'm feeling overwhelmed and I can't even figure out what to wear. This is more than I think I've ever even owned, help? i mean, when you aren't busy?"
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Post by Ventia on May 20, 2021 18:27:19 GMT -5
Armin chuckled at the surprise in Annie’s voice about Armin building it. Architecture wasn’t that hard once you understood all the factors that went with it, so Armin really didn’t see the fuss of it. He was also a decent enough drawer so it wasn’t long before Armin had it all mapped out. The most troublesome moment for Armin was finding a crew, and the first few weeks were rough as well, but Armin ended up getting it right. Still her surprise managed to make his ego take another step up.
“Our growing family?” Armin teased but once again he was serious. Armin wanted a family with Annie. Little ones. Pets. The whole thing. He knew it wouldn’t be any time soon but had created a home that had enough space so when that time came, they would be ready. Armin didn’t know if either of them were ready for children or that talk but Annie had told him to be himself and Armin always saw himself being a father one day. He didn’t know if he’d be perfect but would be better than his own father. That was something Armin had vowed to himself.
He smiled sweetly at Annie, rubbing the back of his neck mindlessly as he watched Annie take in the room. When she got to her closet, Armin strolled over to the bed to be able to watch her still. “I’m glad you like it Annie. Really. Shush you don’t have to repay me for anything. It’s enough that you’re going out with me, Annie dear.”
Armin winked at her as Annie left, staring at the closed bathroom door for a moment before shaking his head and strolling to the closet. It had been a while since Armin’s been here and now being back it did feel bigger than it had before. Maybe it was just Annie rubbing off of him, maybe Armin really did overdo it, Armin sighed, running his fingers through his hair and picking out a few simple house clothes. Going into the other bathroom, closing the door but not locking it, and staring at the large space before him. The mirror walls showing him his reflection. Armin could still see the redness against his cheeks and dropped the clean clothes on the sink’s counter, stripping out of his clothes and going into the shower.
He wanted to soak in the hot tub but didn’t want to be away from Annie for so long. Armin didn’t use the cold water nor too hot, warm would do, and Armin took his time to wash his body and hair, straining his ears out to listen to Annie’s soft sounds from across the room. He could barely hear it, frowning at himself for the soundproof materials he had decided to use with the house. For privacy matters of course. But Armin could still hear the water running and relaxed under the spray. Washing his hair with quick movements and wishing it was Annie’s fingers scrubbing into his hair than his own.
Armin groaned, the same damn memory of their only shower together filling his mind whenever Armin took his shower, making him want to touch himself and see if he could relieve himself now that Annie was back in his life. Armin didn’t, hearing the water stopping from the other end and growling at himself for such thoughts. Armin rinsed, turned the water off, and then dried himself still in the shower. Once he was mostly dried, he padded towards the sink and rubbed at his hair, trying to not notice the state he was still in.
Armin dressed in the boxers sweats and tank top before opening his door, freezing at his spot while the sight of Annie clad only in her towel with the last colors of the sunset at her back. Armin swallowed the hungry lump that formed and chuckled deeply at the sight of Annie running into the closet, raising his brows in surprise when she asked for help.
“Well,” Armin began, making a pit stop to throw the dirty clothes and wet towel into the laundry basket in his closet, turning towards her and walking slowly. “Are we still going out to eat? I’ll have to redress myself. I don’t have much food as you saw, just some non perishables. We can do some shopping tomorrow or something.” Armin’s eyes were drinking in the sight of her exposed skin, of the white towel wrapped seductively around her curves, reminding him of their time alone in his old hotel room. Reminding him of her walking around in Paradis like that too.
“You know...I’m quite liking the wet towel look.” He teased, his voice hungry for her.
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Post by Decoii on May 20, 2021 18:52:42 GMT -5
Annie didn't know why she was so nervous. She suspected it was because they where finally alone after all this time. Paradis had been somewhat of a shit show and this felt just as perfect -more perfect actually- and it was permanent now too. It wasn't like the month long stay, it was their forever home, one that Annie didn't know how to fit into. Everything felt too perfect for her and she was scared of touching things or breaking something accidently. Still, she swallowed and tried calming her racing heart.
"I don't know." She said softly, mentally rolling her eyes at her gentle tone. "I'm not hungry but if we do get hungry... Maybe we can order something from nearby? If there's even anything to order from nearby..." She had been thinking too much back in the car ride here and she hadn't been paying attention to what they drove past.
She sat down on a soft chair that was towards the side wall of the closet, looking up at him when he said he liked her with just the towel. She frowned at this, but a blush crept up her cheeks regardless.
She realized she wasn't nervous because of the house but rather because of him. They had a lust filled moment back at the hotel while they had breakfast and she'd acted on impulse in the elevator and now, she didn't know what to do and she hated that she was so insecure about this. She remembered the things he'd told her he would do to her that morning and the blush intensified, burning her cheeks.
Yes, it wasn't the first time they'd been together sexually. But the tension in the air was a lot for Annie when she had a clear mind. Armin was too much. The way he looked at her was too much and it made her look down and realized that sitting had only made her towel open up around her legs. With another frown, she quickly stood up and readjusted the damp material around her body.
The first time she'd been him she was drunk, the second time consumed by lust and the pull of the bond, when she sucked him off she didn't even know what she was thinking and right now, Annie was thinking too much. Being in their room felt extremely intimate and she wondered if she could find an excuse to sleep somewhere else but she really didn't want to do that either.
With a groan, she moved towards Armin and pushed him slightly. "I-I change my mind. Get out Arlert and for the love of God stop looking at me like that." She was sure her face was beet red by now and her nerves flipped nonstop inside of her stomach, making her throb slightly in places she didn't even want to think about. With a huff, she pointed to the entrance of the closet. "Pervert."
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Post by Ventia on May 20, 2021 19:42:54 GMT -5
Armin twisted his head to the side to stare at how the towel dipped over her legs, finding Annie so adorable and sexy at that moment. He cleared his throat with a laugh, “Yes there’s places close by. A whole town just ten or so minutes away.” Armin paused, was about to give her options until Annie sat down and the towel widen, exposing her upper thighs and teasingly the curve of her sweetest spot.
Armin growled slightly at the sight, staring with bright eyes at her innocently exposed skin and feeling his hunger for Annie spark into a raging fire once more. They didn’t have anything stopping themselves, no crowded hotels, no crowded amusement park, nothing. They were home now. Their first night back together. Armin swallowed his need for her, the reasonable part of himself knowing it might be too soon still. Even when everything else inside of Armin screamed for Annie, needing to feel her soft creamy skin, breathe in her luscious scent, make her adoring blush flush down against her body till she was pink with want for him.
Armin groaned when Annie stood up, that blush showing against her cheeks and her ear tips. Even sliding down her neck and making her shoulders glossy. Armin needed to reach out and grab her, stuff his face in her hair and breathe in her scent, make her his again.
It took him a minute to speak, digging his heels into the floor so Annie couldn’t push him all the way out. “What did I do?!” Armin grinned, glancing behind him to stare into that flushed face and groaning again at how he had a perfect view between her breasts. Armin chuckled darkly, wanting to take control of the situation but fearing it was still too soon.
He could be patient. Armin growled at himself. “Fine fine.” He said sadly, dropping his eyes from her front and walking out of the closet, grabbing the closet doors as he went and turning around, closing them but pausing so just the middle of him was exposed. His eyes lazily drinking her in while he could.
“What are you in the mood for? Pizza? Pasta? Sandwiches? Theres Greek so gyros? Chinese? I’ll order it and maybe we can watch a movie together downstairs?” Armin was forcing himself to do this, to behave, because really the only thing Armin wanted to eat was the flushing woman wrapped in only a damn towel. Armin could rip it off of her in a second if he wanted to-and lord did he want to-it was only his respect for Annie-for this time to be different-that stalled Armin’s desires. He wouldn’t mess it up, they could take it as slow or fast as Annie wanted to, Armin in the end was already happy and content that Annie was here with him this very second.
“Also the house feels complete now that you’re here Annie.” Armin winked again and once Annie told him her preference for food, he’d close the doors completely and leave her alone for a tad bit.
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Post by Decoii on May 20, 2021 20:11:25 GMT -5
You know what you did!" She snapped, pushing him again despite his protests. "You know what you're still doing." She huffed, letting him walk out with a shake of her head. She turned towards the clothing once again but frowned when she saw him still watching. "Chinese." She said nicely, walking towards the door before closing the door in his face.
Annie didn't know why she was pushing Armin away when even this was making her feel a bit too hot. She hadn't been close to him in so long and now that they were finally alone, she felt the sexual tension between them heavy in the air. With a groan, she walked over to the dresser and pulled out the tight pair of shorts and the purple tank top again. This time she wanted to pay more attention to the underwear and with a blush she went through everything, finding a lavender colored set that felt delicate, wasn't a thong, and had a nice feminine swirl of lacy patterns to it. It was so suggestive in her mind she almost put it back.
It wasn't close to the other things she's seen. Thongs, crotchless underwear, strappy things, delicate things, see through and lingerie. It was more modest than all of that but less modest than the rest of the more comfortable options and Annie cussed out loud wondering why she was putting so much attention into what she'd be wearing under her clothes but the night was still fresh and... With a shake of her head, she started getting dressed and turned to the mirror. Allowing herself to glance over what she saw. It was all so tight and form fitting she was sure it didn't leave much to the imagination. Which for some reason pleased her and disappointed her all at the same time.
She went back to the dresser to look for socks and was left surprised when she saw a couple of pairs of socks that had grips at the bottom. She couldn't remember telling Armin that she liked them, there was no need for that. So seeing them here, having him buy them for her, it made her blush all over again. Maybe it was because she hated being in the house with shoes on? She always took off her shoes by the door and he didn't want her to fall? She didn't know. But she grabbed a black pair and happily put them on, now in a much better mood then she'd been earlier with all his baby talk.
Annie went over and picked out a cardigan, thin and black to put over herself so she wouldn't be showing so much skin everywhere and with a content sigh, went down to go look for him. "Babe?"
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