Chapter Text
“I’ll see you downstairs.” The door closes with a soft click.
Hypothetically, Armin knows how long it’d take to reheat a small pot of chicken and vegetable stew until all the chunky ingredients are hot to the core. He knows he still has plenty of time to properly shower and not hastily pass the bar of soap over his body and rinse it as soon as it settles over his skin.
Finally able to open his eyes and peer around the foggy bathroom—warm and humid—his attention fixes on the neat stack of clothing on the stool by the door. He recognizes the sweater and thick winter pants, but shoved between the two layers is… his underwear?
“Annie,” he calls after her, hoping she’s not too far to hear him without having to yell. He doesn’t want to shout without a reason and there’s nothing to raise his voice about. In fact, there’s no reason he should be calling her back, asking this stupid question when the answer is as clear as day.
“Yeah?” The door cracks open and Annie’s head pops in ten seconds later.
“Did… you go through my underwear drawer?” Armin asks, biting the inside of his cheek. Yes, she did. Stupid question.
Annie blinks at him. Once, twice before she looks at the change of clothes she'd just delivered. “Yeah? Was I not supposed to fetch you underwear?”
“No! No, that’s not what I meant. I just…” There are only so many logical explanations and excuses Armin can come up with while naked in the shower, hair dripping wet, and rapidly cooling, because he’s still butt naked. “Thanks,” he squeaks.
“... You’re welcome.” Annie deadpans. She looks at him for a few, agonizingly long seconds with one eyebrow arched higher. “Don’t take long, you need some sleep.”
Annie closes the door and walks away from the bathroom before he’s able to put together any sort of response. But really, it’s for the best. Armin’s sure he would’ve said something even more stupid like you’ll be staying with me tonight, right?