Annie was never one to make a New Year's resolution. Like a lot of things in life, she thought the idea of it was pointless. Most people never kept theirs, and she was the same. What's the point in setting yourself up for failure at the beginning of a new year? She had thought. However, upon being asked by Armin if she had one — who was sitting so closely beside her in the living room on New Year's Day, Annie couldn't help but give him a proper response.

"I was thinking of taking up Judo again. Only after my ankle has fully recovered though." Annie spoke, thinking back at the sport she enjoyed so much. It was only fair that she responded with something more than, "I think they're stupid", because Armin deserved more than that. She couldn't disappoint him, especially looking into his wide-eyes and at the smile that was plastered across his innocent face. It never failed to surprise Annie at how interested Armin was by her, because she had never thought of herself as an interesting person. In fact, the blonde had considered herself to be incredibly boring, but it appeared that Armin had a completely different view, and it made her feel special for once in her life.

"Oh, that's really cool, Annie. I'm happy that you want to pursue it." Armin smiled and moved to brush a strand of hair behind Annie's ear; he then scooted even closer to her. Annie knew she'd have to get used to how tactile Armin was.

"What about you?" she asked, wondering what type of resolution he had in mind.

"I want to make sure I get to the beach this summer. With you, actually." Armin grabbed Annie's hand and squeezed.

"You love the ocean, right?"

"Yeah, but that's not the only reason I want to visit the coast. I'm sixteen now, ever since I was a kid I wanted to see the world, you know. I've spent all my summers here; I've spent my whole life here in fact. I was even born in this very house. I just want to live life like my parents did, even if it's just getting to the beach, it would still be seeing some of the world."

The blonde girl nodded, thinking about Armin's words and then asked, "Do you miss them?" She instantly regretted it. Stupid question.

"Yes, I do…" Armin paused for a while, "It took me a long time to realise they weren't coming back."

"What do you mean?"

"They were supposed to go on a trip; I think it was to visit some kind of exhibition. The car accident happened on the way to the airport. I just remember them saying their goodbyes as if they would be returning, but they never did. I didn't grasp the concept of death for some time, and so I just believed they left me. My grandpa only said that they wouldn't be coming back, and then there was the funeral…" Armin swallowed after his throat started to become dry, "I used to go into my mom's wardrobe and just sit in there and smell her clothes, and then I'd start crying and eventually fall asleep in there. It really worried my grandpa the first time I did that, because it took him two hours to find me."

"...I'm sorry I dismissed you that time, we both know the pain of losing someone close to us and it was wrong of me." Annie frowned, still feeling terrible over the incident that had occurred more than a month ago now. She wished she could just take back those words that must have cut through him like a knife, "Don't start feeling sorry for me, okay? I only told you so that you would shut the fuck up. And don't start thinking we are the same, either. Your parents died in a car crash. My mother had cancer."

"It's fine. Really, you don't need to apologise again about that. I already forgave you."

"I wasn't thinking straight back then, but even that's not an excuse." She muttered, looking downwards.

"I know, I know. Please don't hate yourself for it."

Armin placed a kiss on top of Annie's head and rested his on top of hers. The two seemed to run out of words for the time being, and instead of talking, they just gazed at the television screen. Not that either of them were really paying it much attention. It was then that Annie's thoughts started running wild again, she started reflecting back on all that had occurred in the last few weeks, and how drastically her life had changed. Her mind then went over Christmas, and she couldn't help but feel a strange warmth inside.

The blonde could safely say that she had had one of the best Christmases in her life. Even despite spending it with people she didn't know all too well, they had made her feel welcome and accepted. It was a completely new experience for her, to have a boyfriend, to have people who she could maybe call friends, people who treated her with more care than her own flesh and blood. To think that she could have been spending the holiday season with her father who had done nothing but destroy her, or the fact that she could be dead right now made her feel beyond thankful for Armin.

She didn't even know if she would ever be able to fully show grateful she really was. Would she even get the chance? Annie knew that she would have to sort things out soon, after all, in a few days time school would start again. She hadn't worried much last night; it had been a very pleasant and relaxed New Year's Eve. Armin thought it would be nice to spend it with Annie and his grandfather alone and instead of going out, they all stayed indoors and watched the fireworks going off outside from the window.

All the while Armin hadn't really shown a care in the world, whether or not that was how he truly felt, Annie did not know. Knowing Armin, he probably was thinking of the future, but she didn't dare bring up social services or anything concerning her. Annie had tried to ignore the thoughts nagging at the back of her mind. She knew what she wanted. If she could have it her way, all she really wanted was to be able to stay here with Armin, even though it seemed unlikely to work out that way.

Shaking those thoughts from her mind once more, Annie decided to distract herself. There was something else that had been pressing on her mind, something she wanted to find out.

"Armin, can I ask you something?"

The blond boy was thankful that Annie had decided to speak up, the movie on the television was rather dull and he would much rather talk again. He leaned forward slightly, trying his best to not disturb the position they were in and turned the television off.

"Sure, what is it?"

"I was wondering…what made you so interested in me in the first place?" there was never really an explanation to why, and Annie had been curious. Nobody else had ever paid that much attention to her before, and those who had tried to get to know her in the past had been put off by her anti-social attitude and had said she was intimidating.

"Oh…" Armin's face tinged pink, "You might think I'm weird if I tell you." He let out a soft but awkward laugh that Annie thought was cute.

"No I won't." she said quickly, looking up to meet his eyes, desperate for him to talk. She knew that he was shy, and she really hoped he would tell her. Why her of all people, would attract someone as sweet as him?

Armin rolled up the sleeves of his shirt and ran a hand through his hair, "W-when I first saw you I thought that you were really pretty. But it was way more than just your appearance that made me attracted to you. I was kind of intimidated by you too, if I'm going to be completely honest. But, I had a feeling right from the very beginning that there was just so much more to you, and I was right. I couldn't help but fall harder for you every time you opened up a little. You were like a mystery at first, and I tried to analyse every detail about you…uh I'm sorry…" the boy became flustered, admitting all of this to Annie made him sound like some kind of creep in his opinion, and he didn't want to scare or offend her.

"Please continue." Annie prompted, not fazed by what Armin had said.

"Okay…well, I had never really felt that way about anyone in my life. I just wanted to know everything about you, I wanted to see what was behind that wall you put up, and more than anything I wanted to be your friend. Every time you pushed me away, I felt the need to get closer. Also, I want you to know that I never once pitied you; I just wanted to help you. I wanted to see your beautiful smile more. You hid all of your troubles away so well, you're such a lion hearted girl…I kind of love that trait of yours. It's admirable."

Annie felt a warm blush flood her cheeks, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by what all Armin had just said. She never imagined someone would be so attracted to her, or would care about her so much. She was nothing special in her opinion, but to Armin, it was as if she was the most fascinating person in the world.

"I'm glad. I'm happy you didn't give up on me, even though I'm a difficult person…" the blonde finally said after a couple moments of quietness.

"I wouldn't ever give up on you. I love you." Armin placed a kiss on the top of her head.

"I love you too." she almost whispered, even though she had accepted the fact that she did love Armin, it still felt strange to say it out loud. Annie was never one to show much affection, it was something that did not come naturally to her. However, with Armin, who was affectionate, she couldn't help but try and open up for him. Maybe this was just another side to her. The boy really did bring out the best in her. Thanks to Armin, she was able to feel again, she didn't think she would ever really recover from her past. It was certain that she wouldn't have been able to do it without him.

The couple didn't say anything, and instead quietly enjoyed being in each other's embrace. Annie's fingers started to trace over Armin's bear arms and she observed his skin tone was slightly darker than her own, even though he was still relatively pale. She saw how goose bumps formed across his arms as her light and delicate touch continued to glide over the skin. Annie wasn't even exactly sure what she was doing, but she enjoyed doing it. That was until she saw the underside of his arm where the skin was naturally paler than on top.

She suddenly grabbed hold of Armin's wrist so that he was unable to cover anything up, "What the hell is this?" her voice was angry. Annie hadn't meant to sound so angry. She should have been compassionate, he was always so gentle with her, and he deserved only the same treatment back. However, she had been unable to control the outburst. Not that the anger was exactly directed at him, but more to the reason why there was a good number of fading scars on his wrists. Annie was no fool and she knew that he had inflicted these upon himself.

Of course Armin's instant reaction was to try and retract his arm away from her, to break free from her hold and hide away. It was humiliating; he didn't want her to see how weak he really was. It wasn't an option though, because she had him in her firm grasp. He had no choice but to explain, and after thinking about it for a few moments, he deemed it only fair that he tell her. After all, she had spilled her whole heart and soul to him.

For some reason though, Armin just couldn't look her in the eye. Maybe it was because he felt pathetic, pathetic that he had done something so stupid only because of what some imbeciles in the school had told him and done to him. Yes, they had shoved him into lockers and bruised him, and yes they had called him all the names under the sun and made him feel completely and utterly worthless, but, he had bought into it. He believed what they said about him and that's why he had done this to himself.

"Armin…" Annie's voice snapped him away from the flashbacks. She didn't sound angry anymore, her voice was soft, and he dared himself to look her in the eye. When his large eyes met hers, he saw something he had only seen once before; her usually disinterested eyes were burning with a mixture of emotions, anger, sadness and confusion. The grasp on his arm loosened but she didn't let go. Annie continued to stare right into his eyes, as if demanding an explanation.

"I'm sorry." Armin whispered.

"Why are you saying sorry?" she glowered.

"I…I don't even know" his eyes fell to his lap.

"Why would you do this to yourself…?" was that sadness in her voice?

"It was just…" Armin paused, taking in a breath. How do I explain all of this without sounding like a complete loser?

Annie wasn't sure how to react now. Her heart was heavy in her chest at the sight of Armin like this. Her pale fingers brushed the spot on his wrist in a soothing manner, mimicking the times Armin had done something similar in an attempt to comfort her.

Feeling her touch on his scarred skin, Armin felt a little better and exhaled the breath he had taken in, "When I started high school, I got bullied. That wasn't anything new…I've been picked on all of my life, Eren and Mikasa always had to come and save me. I'm sure you can understand why, I mean, I look like an easy target right? Pathetic and useless…" Armin let out a false, bitter laugh and Annie shook her head.

"Cut that attitude out right now." She snapped, her tone turning angry again.

Armin's eyes widened, "O-okay. S-sorry…"

The blonde simply shook her head again, "I'll kick their ass. Who did it?"

"H-huh? Oh…they've all left, thank god."

"Are you lying? I'm serious. I'll beat the shit out of them, Armin."

"N-no, I'm not lying. They were older than me. The ones who didn't drop out of their own accord were kicked out after trying to set a classroom on fire. Well at least, that's the rumour I heard, and I didn't see them around anymore…"

"Well, lucky for them." Annie muttered. She was glaring at a cushion, obviously taking out her frustration on it, like he'd seen her do before to inanimate objects. Armin didn't speak for a moment and fidgeted in his seat.

"Eren and Mikasa were really great friends to me though, well they still are. They've always been. They helped me realise that I am worth something."

Annie stared at Armin, feeling anger and sadness swirling inside of her. He didn't deserve to endure any of that. She figured that this explained why Eren and Mikasa had seemed to be so protective of Armin; they had treated her like the bad guy, but really it was all for Armin's sake rather than to make her feel like shit.

"I'm…glad you realised it. Otherwise I'd have to pulverise you into believing it."

Armin's head shot up to look at Annie's face, "W-what?"

"That was my idea of a crappy joke." Shit, I'm really insensitive. "But, it's true. I never want to hear you say anything along those lines again. You saved me Armin, there's no way you are worthless or useless."

Armin nodded, and placed a kiss on Annie's cheek. "Thanks." he said quietly.

Their eyes met for a long moment, and then Annie spoke again. "I want to stay here with you." the words sort of tumbled from her mouth unexpectedly. She supposed that she really needed to start being open from the start rather than bottling her thoughts and feelings up, because it always seemed to get to a point where they would overflow. Annie knew she would end up going into foster care and god only knew when she would actually get fostered by someone. As much as she had tried to not think of it over Christmas, she just couldn't help it. She wanted to stay here, with Armin, in his home. She knew it was unfair though, it was a burden on Armin's grandfather.

"I…I want that too, more than anything." Armin took hold of Annie's hand tightly.

"But it's impossible, isn't it?" Annie said bitterly.

"Why is it?"

"Oh come on, Armin. You're the smart one. Do you really think your grandfather can support me as well? It's unfair on him. He'd have to foster me and claim all responsibility…"

"I can talk to him. We can work something out." Armin stated firmly, the determination in his eyes was somehow comforting, but she didn't want to get her hopes up.

When school started again a few days later, Annie once again pushed everything to the back of her mind. It seemed like people had forgotten about the scene she had caused a few weeks back, but that was expected. It was old news right?

She had told herself that she wouldn't give anyone the time of day if they questioned her about it, but luckily for her, most people ignored her as usual. That was with the exception of Eren, Mikasa, Bertholdt and Reiner, who still seemed to insist on bugging her whenever he saw her, Bertholdt never usually spoke directly to her but always seemed to accompany the former. Christa also approached her for the first time, asking her if she was okay which she found slightly odd but answered her nonetheless. Annie didn't really mind all that much, because being in the company of others was much easier than it was before. Before, she was always hiding something, and anything she found remotely irritating was heightened because of what she was dealing with at home. Of course, there was always one person that still managed to annoy her though...

"No holding hands in the hallways!" Eren shouted from behind, obviously fooling around.

Armin let out a laugh and Annie just rolled her eyes, it had been Armin's idea in the first place, he was always so open with his affection, she would have much rather kept the whole thing private to prevent idle gossip.

"You can't say that. Annie's knows Judo…she can kick your ass." Armin retorted in response to his friend's banter. Annie watched as Eren's facial expression changed into one of genuine interest.

"Really?" the small blonde just nodded in response, "That's pretty cool. Can you teach me sometime?"

"Sure…I guess." Annie wondered why she had just agreed to something like this, but, in honesty, she really didn't mind. Eren's turquoise eyes lit up, and it was then that Annie noticed Mikasa standing firmly at Eren's side, "I can show you, too, if you want." She decided to add, and hell if she knew why. She figured it was the type of thing friends do for each other. Are they really people I can call friends? Annie thought to herself and quickly came to the conclusion that yes, she supposed she could call them that.

Mikasa's eyes widened for a brief moment, obviously surprised by Annie's gesture, "Sounds interesting." she said, which was saying something for the usually disinterested girl.

Annie shrugged and then Armin tugged at her hand, "We're all going to be late for class. I'll see you at lunch."

"You're always so anxious about being late." Annie mumbled.

"Tell me about it." Eren added.

"W-well yeah, I don't want to get into trouble…"

"Of course. We really should get going; we can see each other at lunch." Mikasa spoke.

"Alright, I guess I'll see you all at lunch then" Eren finally said and waved at Armin and Annie as him and Mikasa both made their way to class in a different direction.

The day seemed to pass by relatively quickly as far as Annie was concerned; she seemed to be caught up with Armin, Eren and Mikasa for much of the time when she was not in class, so she didn't get the chance to think much, which she was thankful for.

When the bell rang signalling the end of the day, she made her way abruptly out of class and hurried to the school gate where Armin said he would be waiting for her so they could walk back together. It was a shame that this semester they didn't share all the same classes, like in the previous.

"There you are!" Armin exclaimed hurriedly when she finally got to the gate. There seemed to be an urgent look in his blue eyes, Annie hadn't realised she had kept him waiting that long.

"Hey?"

"I just got a call from my grandpa, he said that the social worker turned up and wants to speak with us."

"Oh." Annie felt a sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach, "I don't really want to talk with them."

"I know, but you don't have a choice. It will be okay, I talked to my grandfather, remember?" Armin gave the blonde girl a warm smile; his smile always managed to cheer her up somewhat and she gave him a nod.

Although Armin was nervous about the social worker coming by, he felt much more at ease after the discussion he had had with his grandfather about letting Annie stay.

"She has nowhere else to go, and, I would really like it if she could stay here with us. She wants too as well. Annie needs some stability in her life after all that's happened, and I really, really don't want her to have to go into foster care…"

"I understand, Armin. Well, financially, it wouldn't really be a problem. After all, she can work in the bookshop."

"So you would let her stay?"

"Of course, the poor girl has been through enough…and I see the way you look at her."

At his grandfather's words, Armin's face flushed red, "What do you mean?" he asked with shock in his tone.

"You look at her the same way your father used to look at your mother."

"I…do?" was all the blond boy could say in response.

"Yes, I've noticed how much you're in love with her. I think it's wonderful, young kids like you being so in love, makes an old man like me feel warm and fuzzy inside. But, let me make myself clear, Armin. I don't want any great-grandchildren just yet."

"O-okay...I get the message." Armin burned red at the sheer awkwardness of what his grandfather was implying.

"Haha, I'm only joking, I know you are good kids."

Trying to permanently forget the last line and focusing on the rest of the conversation, Armin was sure things would go well. Everything would turn out okay. They only had to talk to the social worker now.

"You look so cute with that hat on." Armin said, trying to distract Annie and keeping things positive. Not that he was making it up, the hat really did look cute on her.

"Thanks, I'm grateful for it. Now I don't have to freeze to death every time I step outside." Armin let out a laugh, but he knew that she was only half joking about that, since she hated the cold weather so much.

When they reached the door of the house, it opened before Armin could put the key into the lock. His grandfather must have seen them coming by from the window. "There you kids are, I just gave the social worker a cup of coffee. She'll want to speak to you now, Annie." He said, while beckoning them inside quickly.

Annie felt sick to her stomach and she wasn't even exactly sure why, things looked pretty good for her. Yet, she was still anxious. She couldn't stand the thought of being all alone again.

"Hey, Annie it will be okay. The social worker is probably really nice, they usually are." Armin looked at her, reading her and could tell she was worried. He smiled at her softly. The blonde just nodded in agreement, and after removing their outer garments and shoes, they made their way into the living room.

"Hello, Annie, Armin." A woman introduced and extended her hand out for them both to shake. Armin responded to the social worker first, and Annie followed suit.

"Hello." Armin replied, and Annie mimicked him, but in a considerably more quiet and hostile tone.

The pair sat down, and the social worker spoke up again — deciding to get straight to the point, "Now I understand Mr Arlert wants to foster you. I want to know what you think, Annie. Is this what you want?"

The blonde nodded, "Yes." there was nothing much else to say, Annie would rather be blunt and make herself clear straight away.

"Are you happy, Annie?"

"I am. More than I have been in a long while." Annie shifted slightly in her seat.

"I'm very glad to hear that. Now I've discussed things with Mr Arlert, and he is a very nice man and indeed a suitable guardian for you. We just had to make sure that this is what you want, you're what matters."

"I want to stay here, that's all I want really…" she said quietly and looked to Armin who smiled at her. Surely it was obvious to this woman that Annie had nowhere else to go and clearly wanted to stay here?

"Alright." the woman looked through some papers that were sitting in her lap and then back up at Annie, "It seems like everything is fine. We'll just have to go through some of the official documentation and such. It shouldn't take too long."

"That's great!" Armin spoke up.

The social worker simply smiled, "Before I leave, is there any other way I can be of help to you, Annie? If you feel like you need it, would a few sessions with a counsellor help at all?"

"No I'm fine." Annie said sharply, she didn't need a counsellor, she had Armin, and he was more than enough.

"Okay then." The social worker smiled once more and gathered her paperwork, then stood from the seat. "I'm happy to hear you're doing so well. You're a very strong young woman." The blonde girl simply nodded in response, and let out a breath as the social worker walked out.

"That was surprisingly simple…" she mumbled to Armin who suddenly wrapped his arms around her frame.

"I'm so happy" his voice was close to her ear, and Annie felt herself tingle all over. It hit her then that it was officially all over, she could stay with Armin. She wouldn't have to worry about being alone again.

"Me too." she managed to whisper back, while returning Armin's embrace but much stronger and tighter than his gentle hold.

"You two kids alright?" Armin's grandfather entered the room and sat down.

The two released each other almost immediately, "Never better." Armin said with a huge grin.

"Thank you so much." Annie said quietly but firmly.

"Not to worry dear, everything will be okay now."

Annie swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat from all the emotion she felt and smiled, nodding her head, realising that everything really was going to be okay. Of course, forgetting what her father had done would be impossible, and the fact that she had lost her mother would always stay with her, but that did not mean she couldn't be happy. The loss had left a huge hole in her life, but Armin had mended that hole; at least, enough to enable her to enjoy her life again.

Armin really has, in literally every way that it's possible, fixed me.

A/N: I'm really sorry I took forever to update the last chapter, but I was away for 2 weeks. Not only that, I found it quite difficult to write this chapter because I desperately didn't want it to seem rushed and I was thinking of all the ways I could end it nicely. I really hope I did good and met your expectations. I enjoyed writing this fic a lot but I guess all things must come to an end and I thought now was the right time. If you really enjoyed this fic, then don't worry, I have more multi-chaptered Aruani fics planned for the near future. Anyway, I'd like to thank everyone that read from start to finish and to those who left reviews - it means so much! Thank you.