Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Reiner Braun

Reiner is the practical one of the group — the guy who’ll help you move, fix your sink, or walk you home after you’ve had too much to drink. (If he isn't drunk himself, which is rare)
After getting out of a serious relationship he has been trying to figure out who he is all over. He is also the kind of guy who doesn't do anything until he is sure of the result.
He’s emotionally stunted but dependable, a true loyal friend. He enjoys the occassional "bro talk" yet can't talk about feelings. He usually bottles them up and expresses them in weird and unhealthy ways and often feels embarassment about his soft side.

Annie Leonhart

Annie is a dry and guarded person. When she talks it’s usually blunt honesty with little to no filter. She is a perfectionist (both external and internal) and likes having control over her space, her schedule, other people and her emotions, although she does have pretty a bad temper. Annie pretends she doesn’t care about anyone, but underneath the surface she actually does care. Just has no other way of showing it. She’s sarcastic, a little intimidating, and allergic to vulnerability.

Armin Arlert

Armin is the anxious overthinker of the group. He’s smart and observant, but he overanalyzes everything and constantly worries about how others see him. He uses sarcasm as defense and hates confrontation. He is deeply insecure about being a "nerd" and often strives to be "cool" but fails almost every time. Despite his insecurities, he’s thoughtful and dependable when it counts and his smarts always come in handy in the end.

Sasha Blouse

Sasha is impulsive, she speaks before thinking, has limited social awareness but feels absolutely confident in her skin. She has absurd opinions and sees things from a very unique perspective which makes "plans" being a total hit or miss. Sasha means well and can sometimes be surprisingly perceptive and wise in emotional moments, though she rarely stays serious for long. She has a big heart and an even bigger apetite. 

Krista Lenz

Krista is sweet, adorable, but spoiled. Being raised rich she doesn't really have an actual insight on life, which she recently decided to take on her own hands and be "independent". Even though she often needs other people to help clean up her mess.
Her only weapon is her almost delusional confidence, big smile and optimism, which often lead her to terrible situations. Despite her being afraid she likes taking initiative and is very in touch with her emotions. Also she loves pop culture and fashion. 

Chapter Text

It's just another regular day in September. Around 6 PM.

Inside a cozy all day small bar with a very 90s vibe, with dark brown wooden counters and lots of decorative lights hanging from the ceiling, the place buzzed with chatter. In a corner booth, four friends sat together, two girls and a guy in their early to mid-20s.

"So walk us through what happened!" Sasha said to Annie who was sitting across the table from her.

"I don't know what to tell you, we went out for coffee, we talked, I even laughed a bit, it was good date." Annie said though she seemed uninterested.

"So, are you gonna go out again?" Armin asked her.

"Oh, no definetly not." Annie protested.

"What? Why not?" Sasha asked.

"He uses too much hair gel." Annie exclaimed.

They both started to protest and to criticize Annie for her superficial reasoning.

"I am telling you, he bent over to tie his shoe and I swear I could see my reflection." Annie said.

"Okay so did you at least tell him that there isn't gonna be a second date?" Sasha asked.

"I did after you pissed me off about not doing it last time." Annie gave Sasha her phone so she can read the text.

"Hey, I am sorry but I don't think there's gonna be a second date, dating you made me realize how much I enjoy being single." Sasha read.

"I think you killed this man's will to go on another date. In general, I mean." Armin said.

A few moments later, the door swung open and another figure stepped into the cafe. He was really tall, nearly as tall as a basketball player, with broad shoulders and an imposing physique. His short blonde hair, hazel eyes, and nonchalant expression gave him an air of calm confidence. That was Reiner.

"Hello, bros." he greeted as he made his way to the gang's table. Sasha scooched over to make room for him to sit.

"How are you feeling, man?" Armin asked, concern in his voice.

"How am I feeling? Why do you sound so concerned? I feel great!" Reiner exclaimed, leaning back and putting his arms behind his head.

"You look awfully happy for a guy who broke up with his girlfriend of four years two weeks ago." Armin remarked.

"Look, I am not gonna sit and sulk about her. We broke up, I am fine and I hope she enjoys showering by herself now." Reiner brushed the situation off.

"I've heard that when women get out of a relationship, they usually move on to someone taller. So maybe you're will be the last man she's ever gonna be with!" Sasha added cheerfully. "Oh, unless she moves to the Netherlands..."

"There is nothing to worry about, I am totally ready to move on, in fact ladies and gentlemen, set your eyes on the front door, because my next woman will be... her!" Reiner declared, brimming with confidence.

A girl around fifteen years old walked into the cafe. Everyone looked kinda shocked.

Can you blame them?

Reiner was instantly regreting what he said earlier.

"So according to my calculations, when she's gonna turn eighteen... well, you'd still be in prison." Armin muttered.

"Okay, George Carlin, laugh all you want, because the ACTUAL next woman I'm gonna sleep with is about to walk through the door... right... now!" Reiner repeated, pointing his finger to the door.

This time, a woman in her early twenties walked into the cafe, dragging a large suitcase on her left hand and a handback on her right hand. Her light brown hair, streaked with blonde highlights, was tied up in a messy bun, and she had a pair of sunglasses perched on her head. Her blue eyes scanned the room, looking slightly lost, as if searching for someone.

"Oh. My god." Annie whispered, shocked.

"Oh my god...pretty, right?" Reiner muttered, still trying to recover his composure.

"Oh my god, I know her! Krista?!" Annie exclaimed a little louder than she intended, and Krista's head turned instantly toward the sound. Her face instantly lit up.

"Annie!" Krista called out as she hurried over, dragging her suitcases behind her. She leaned in for a tight hug, while Annie froze up, offering only an awkward smile and a couple of stiff pats on her back.

"Oh thank god I found you here, I was looking for clues on where you might live for hours and hours... and I did it, I found you!" Krista whined, letting her suitcase drop with a heavy thud beside the table. Without hesitation, she left her handbag onto Armin's lap as if it were the most natural thing to do.

Krista turned her back to pull over a chair. When her back was turned Reiner tilted his head downwards and Sasha slapped his head from behind to bring him back to reality.

Krista finally sat down and sighed.

"So, you wanna tell us what brings you here, or...?" Annie started, eyeing the suitcases.

"Or you could, you know, introduce us first." Reiner interrupted.

"Okay so everyone this is Krista. My ehm, half-sister." Annie gestured vaguely toward her.

"Half-sister? Ohh, Annie lore! Days like this almost never happen!" Armin chuckled, as he was talking Annie slowly turned her head and gave him a glare.

"And that day is probably not, today..." then he anxiously added. Annie was still giving him the look.
"Today might actually be the day I, die...instead."

"This is Armin." Annie said pointing her finger at him. "And these are Sasha and Reiner. You might remember him, he lived in the apartment beneath mine when we were kids." she added.

"Oh sure, you were this akward chubby kid that had dinner with us on Christmas sometimes, Hi!" Krista said and he greeted her back as he kept an embarassed face.

As she tried to give Reiner a handshake , before his hand reached hers it bumped into a glass of water. It almost feel onto the table but Reiner managed to catch it while apologizing.

"Glad that's out of the way. Fun!" she said with irony on her voice then added
"Can we please do my thing now?" Annie said with a dry voice, gesturing toward Krista with an open palm, as if presenting her to speak.
"Go ahead."

Ugh... last night, I was having dinner with my boyfriend Sebastian... and he was telling me about how he wants to buy me a boat so we can sail every weekend. And then I realized - I was more excited about the boat itself, rather than us sailing together.
And then out of the blue, he just proposes to me!
And I kept thinking how marrying someone like him would make my parents really happy but, would it make me happy?
I just didn't know where to go and Annie, you were the only person who I thought could help me so I came here..."

Krista finished her monologue. She did look very lost and her eyes were staring at the coffee table, lost and desperate, scratching it with her index finger.
Everyone was dead silent and looked at her with sympathy, as if each one of them did sympathize with her speech for their own reasons.

"I get it..." Annie said offering a half smile, then added "Maybe we can go back to my place for a while?" Annie proposed and they all began gathering their things. Reiner offered to carry her suitcase. As they were walking towards the front door Sasha approached Krista.

"I know we just met but if by any chance that Sebastian guy still wants to give away that boat I would love to be considered." Sasha said.

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Back in Annie's apartment. They walk in one by one. It's a small two‑person space that once belonged to her grandmother before she passed away. Minimalistic and carefully lived‑in.

To the left of the entrance sits a small green couch. A low coffee table rests before it, and on it stands a large glass jar where Annie habitually drops her keys. Beyond the couch, the fridge hums softly, tucked against the wall. The kitchen unfolds in a gentle curve - a compact, gamma‑shaped counter that keeps the space efficient yet warm.

"Oh, wow, nice apartment. Cozy. " Krista claimed as she looked around at the moss green and beige walls. "Is that all of it?" she then added while looking around. She sounded surprised.

"Um, yes." Annie said. She was confused by Krista's question

"Oh, honey that's okay!" Krista said sympathetically while patting Annie's shoulder.

"I know." Annie said with a deadpan tone.

The three guys were lounging on the couch while Sasha helped herself to cookies from Annie's jar.

Krista turned toward Annie and asked, "Any chance I can use your a shower? Ugh this horrible thing happened in my trip today, I just really need a shower..."

"Why, what happened?" Annie asked.

"I had to take the train." Krista said like it was totaly beneath her.

Annie nodded, slightly confused and led her toward the bathroom, explaining, "I'll show you how it works, it's a little broken."while handing her a towel along the way.

"So, you wanna grab a drink later?" Reiner asked.

"Yeah sure, I am down!" Sasha happily responded and took a bite of her cookie.

"Uhhh sorry Sasha, but I think tonight it's gonna bros only. Broseph Outing." Reiner said using a weird manly voice.

"The bros is not a thing Reiner.. seriously you need to stop talking like this!" Armin disapproved at Reiner's words.

"Who is Broseph Outing?" Sasha asked curiously. Armin turned to Annie ingnoring Sasha's question.

"Wanna come with?" Armin suggested, trying to pretend he hadn't just overheard the weird conversation.

"Oh I would love to, but I don't want my uterus to disrupt your dick parade." she joked then added

"But I will come and Sasha will too. It's an absolute necessity. " She insisted. Everyone was confused for a second.

"Reiner will definetly want to try and hit on the women who chose this unfortunate day to go out for drinks. Somebody needs to protect them! And it will definetly not be you." Annie finished, with mock seriousness. Everyone paused akwardly.

"Come on, you drink two beers and start yapping about how you had issues in bed with your college girlfriend. Which by the way Armin, wouldn't happen to you so often if you weren't such an anxiety machine... " she said as if she was giving a pep talk. Armin gasped.

Annie left and went to her kitchen to drink some water. Armin anxiously shuffled behind her.

"Just so you know it doesn't happen to me anymore. I've gotten a lot of better since then and I've even gotten some compliments." Armin whispered in an angry tone almost like a little kid who had just gotten insulted in the playground.

Annie looked at him , deadpan.

"So, what's your point?" she then said.

"Nothing, just had to clear the air.." Armin said even more embarassed.

"Don't worry about it Armin, I'll definetly remember that when the time came for to clear your name you stood tall, proud and hard as a rock!" Annie smirked and gave him a pat in the shoulder.

Armin smiled at first, but then froze with a confused and slightly horrified expression on his face, realizing what Annie had just told him.

Annie left her empty glass of water on the edge of the kitchen counter.

Then suddenly her phone rang. Unknown number.

"Hello.." Annie said upon picking it up. She paused for a second.

"Mom?" she then added confused.

Just as Krista has walked out of the bathroom.

"Oh you wanna see if Krista's here... right." Krista started shaking her hands signaling Annie to not give her the phone and as she was doing that she hit the glass of water Annie had left earlier on the counter resulting in breaking it.

"Oopsie..." Krista said terrified, while looking at Annie.

"Yes she is, she is here." Annie said, she sounded mad

"I am fine by the way thanks for asking!" Annie said irritated before giving Krista the phone. Then she proceeded in picking up the broken pieces of glass.

"Hey mom..." Krista said anxiously. "No mom, I am not coming back."

*Krista's mom talks over the phone*

"No, it was definetly not about the boat!"

*Krista's mom talks over the phone*

"Okay mom listen to me! All my life people have been stuffing chaviar to my face and I'm just saying-what if I don't want to eat caviar? What if I want to eat, cake... or pasta!"

"Oh it would be so cool if we had some of these now." Sasha said.

*Krista's mom talks over the phone*

"I know I have a glutten intollerance mom , that's not the point!"

*Krista's mom talks over the phone*

"Like I said, I am not coming home. I think I'll just stay here with Annie!"

Annie was shocked , so shocked she accidentally cut her palm with a piece of glass while picking up its broken pieces. She groaned in pain. The rest of the gang approached her to check on her.

*Krista's mom talks over the phone*

"Yes that is my final decision. And no mom I don't need your money. Wait no- I didn't mean it that way, no- ! Hello?" Krista panicked and realized her mom had ended the conversation.

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"Okay just breathe, take deep breaths, think of nice things like steamed rice or bologni meatball subs... " Sasha said.

"Is that what you want her to think about or what you want to think about?" Armin cut Sasha off. Then added
"Don't you think you are overreacting a bit?" Armin said

"I just invited her over to stay for a night or two, I didn't want to get a roommate! I was just trying to be nice!" Annie said in panic.

She was the one in panic...

"See but you forgot the part where you are... not proficient in that!" Armin said sarcasticaly. Sasha snorted. Annie shoots Armin a death glare.

On the other side of the apartment Krista was sitting with Reiner by the kitchen.

"It's good that she cut me of, isn't it?! I mean this is what I wanted, right? Independance! Living on my own, my own life! Like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, where she went to Harvard Law! Yes, I am gonna prove them wrong! Oh god... oh, am I even ready for this? Should I just call her back and tell her I am coming home? What do you think, Reiner?" Crista said in panic.

Reiner was just looking at her, flustered.

"No yeah, independance, it's great." was all he managed to say. Sasha was coming over to check the situation.

"Hey, Krista." Annie said from the other side of the room.

"Why did you tell mom that you are staying with me?" she added.

"Oh, I just thought that you could help me with that whole independance thing by letting me move in for a while. This place has two bedrooms right?" Krista asked.

"Yes it does, it does but... something you should know about the second bedroom." Annie nervously said.

"...Is that Annie has been, dying to use it!" Reiner interrupted Annie's nervous words.

"Of course, if you don't mind Sasha's tap - dancing, she lives right upstairs and she practices in most inappropriate hours!" Annie kept going with her nervous lie.

"Oh do you tap dance? That's so cool! I used to do some ballet when I was a kid!" Krista smiled at Sasha smiled back and tried to tell her something but she got interrupted.

"Unless, you don't mind Armin and Reiner, living right across the hall, because Armin..." Annie kept lying to her face.

"Oh I know, I overheard earlier... I wasn't even planning to sleep with him, but even if I did, it'd be a real uphill battle - if you know what I mean." Krista mocked.
Armin looked very flustered but also quite pissed.

"For the love of god, people, would you please just- !" Armin shook his arms in an angry but dorky way.

"We are going to the bar. We are going to the bar and I am gonna drink. I am gonna drink so much and then I am gonna drink a little more because the self loathing is never enough!"

"Cool! Then maybe you can give us reason to make fun of you." Sasha said.

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The crew walked in their usual hangout spot , that now had a bar atmoshpere, with Sasha and Krista on the lead and Reiner, Armin and Annie following right behind them.

"Hey, Hugh Grant." Annie told Reiner and gave him a slight punch on the shoulder.
"What the hell was that back there?" Annie told Reiner and gave him a slight punch on the shoulder. Armin was right behind them just observing the situation.

"Ouch! What? I just wanted her to stay, I think it would be good for you. "

"No you don't you just want to woo her!"

"Okay that too, but hear me out..." he paused for a second, struggling. "...Armin back me up here!" Reiner gave him a slap on the chest and Armin seemed very confused.

But it was too late since they did make it to the counter.

"Hey you guys. What can I get ya? The usual? Cause I see some new faces. " the bartender asked them and looked at Krista.

"Hey , Marcel - just the usual for us and oh, what would you like to drink?" Reiner said and turned over to Krista.

"Maybe just a glass of rose wine, thank you so much!" Krista said.

"So four beers and um the wine will be coming right up." Marcel said and turned around. Then he gave Reiner the beers. He took them and joined the others who were just heading over to their booth.

"Yeah we will just be sitting over there." Reiner said pointing at their usual hangout spot and Marcel nodded.

Reiner walked towards the table to join the others. They were chattering.

"No Sasha, I don't have to eat nuts to 'help my condition', there isn't a condition!" Armin said frustrated. Reiner looked at Armin and Sasha, quite confused.

"I don't wanna know." he then said.

Suddenly, Reiner's focus went right behind Sasha's shoulder and spotted a very familiar face having drinks with a girl. He was absurdly shocked and began panicking.

"Get down!" Reiner whispered loudly.

"What?" Annie said.

"Get down! Under the table!" Reiner panicked a bit more and started grabbing the people next to him so he can basically shove them underneath the table.

So they all did went under the table.

"Do you always do this when you hang out?" Krista asked.

"Not every night." Armin said sarcastically. "What the hell man, what's going on? " Armin turned to Reiner.

"Amy's here." He replied.

"Okay...? and why are we underneath the table? Did you pee on her carpet and feel embarassed about it?" Armin asked.

"It's just your ex - girlfriend, what is the big deal? You said it was a mutual breakup, why are you in such panic?" Sasha genuenly asked.

"Is there something you are not telling us?" Armin then added.

Reiner froze.

"Woah, dug right into the gold didn't I?" Armin kept pressuring him.

"Come on!"

"Tell us!"

"What is it Reiner? Tell us already!"

The whole group began pressuring him.

"Hey, what are you guys doing underneath the table?" Marcel suddenly appeared underneath the table as well.

"Not now Marcel." Annie grunted.

"I am just bringing the rose she ordered, plus everyone can hear you, you are pretty loud."

"You are being a screw-up right now, get out, get out Marcel!" Annie grunted louder this time and Marcel panicked and left the table.

"So? Are you gonna tell us already?" Armin asked once more.

"Alright, alright... well, we didn't technically break up. She um, she dumped me." Reiner struggled.

Everyone was shocked.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Sasha asked.

"I don't know... I was embarassed! It would totaly cramp my style..."

"You cramp your own style 80% of the time Reiner." Annie said

"She just dumped me out of the blue, I wasn't even expecting it. She didn't even explain why... 4 years... " he sounded even more shattered.

"Oh, Reiner, that sounds rough..." Krista touched his shoulder sympathetically. Reiner looked at her and they looked in each other's eyes for a brief moment.

"I was so sad I had to listen to Celine Dion... I learnt all the lyrics in My Heart Will Go On. It's embarassing,now I even have an opinion on whether Leonadro DiCaprio fit at that piece of wood in the end of the movie..."

"So what are we gonna do now smartass? Are we gonna stay under a table until she leaves? What if she leaves in 3 hours?" Annie said.

"If we do, can we order some nachos?" Sasha asked.

"Then won't that waitor guy show up again to check on us?" Krista asked worried.

"Yeah , he is gonna totally blow our cover again. What a dumbass!" Annie commented.

"What's it gonna be Reiner? Are you gonna sit here underneath the table, scared, in denial, or are you gonna get out there and face reality?" Armin asked.

Reiner pondered for like 10 seconds.

"MAKE A DECISION!" Annie yelled.

Reiner freaked out by Annie's sudden yelling. He looked at his friends. Seemed a bit determined.

"Alright, It's on." Reiner said.

Reiner slowly crawled out from under the table. The group scrambled after him, their laughter muffled under the dim hum of the bar.

As they stood, the glow from the overhead lamps caught Reiner's eyes — and there she was. Amy. Across the room, nursing a drink with her friend. Her gaze briefly flickered toward him. For a heartbeat, time slowed. Reiner froze, his chest tightening. He nodded as a way of aknowledging her pressence. She gave him a small smirk and Reiner got back to his friends.

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Several hours later, the gang were walking up the stairs and made it to their floor.

"Okay, I am gonna go upstairs, goodnight everyone!" Sasha said with a smile.

"Goodnight!"

"Night, Sasha!"

"Don't tap dance please it's 2AM!" Krista said. Everyone ignored it and Sasha probably didn't hear her.

"Okay, we are gonna go too. See you guys. Nice meeting you Krista." Armin said and opened his apartment door.

"Oh that reminds me, Krista, I need to talk to you." Annie said.

"Can it wait for a second? I want to talk to Reiner for a bit." Krista said. Annie nodded and headed back to the apartment.

She and Reiner were now standing alone in the hall.

"Hey. Being dumped is hard. I don't 'know-know', being the dumper and all in my situation..." Krista pondered.

"Plus your guy still has that boat... " Reiner added then slightly nodded his head with a pursed-lip.

"All I am trying to say is...you did well today." She smiled. He smiled back. He wasn't his usual self, he felt a bit softened.

"Thank you."

"Hey I am surprised you remembered me, last time we had dinner together on Christmas I was probably 14..." Reiner added.

"Yeah, sure I did. I also remember being told you had this huge crush on me."

"Nah don't believe everything you hear on the news..."

They both laughed a bit.

"I always figured you just thought I was Annie's chubby weird neighbor / friend."

"Well, I did actually!" Krista smiled lightly.

"Um so, thanks again, I hope you had fun tonight and welcome." Reiner said trying to change the subject.

"And hey, you think maybe, I could buy you another glass of wine..? Sometime..?"

"Yeah... sometime maybe." Krista smiled.

"Cool. Cool, cool, maybe sometime, I will. Cool." Reiner seemed nervous. "Okay, I gotta... head. Good talk. Goodnight." he said and opened the apartment door. Krista giggled and said her goodnights back.

She got inside her apartment. Annie was pouring herself a glass of water.

"Oh there you are. Listen, what I wanted to tell you is that- "

"No, Annie, I actually want to tell you something first. I know we never really talked or... but mom always talked proudly about you. Always told me how great you are doing and how independant you are. So that's why I came here. I figured you could help me' till I get on my own feet. Since you are so great and all. " Krista said.

Annie froze, like her words touched something inside of her.

"Did mom really said that?"

Krista nodded. "Sure she did."

"Did she tell you about that time I owed money I to that guy with the lazy eye and the hoodie..."

"No..wait, what?"

"Nothing, nothing never mind!"

"So what did you wanna tell me?"

Annie paused for a moment.

"Oh just-"

"That it's really brave, what you are doing. And all. You know. " Annie struggled to give her a smile.

"Thanks. Heh... 'it's on' . "

"No. Please no. "

"No? I am just trying to blend in!"

"No, please. Don't." Annie persisted.

Krista giggled once again. She was also thinking of how Reiner just told her the exact same thing. That she is brave.

"Goodnight, Annie." she said and walked inside her new room closing the door behind her. 

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In another day, right around 9AM, someone rang on Annie's doorbell a couple of times. A very sleepy Annie walked towards the door with terrible bed hair, followed by an equally sleepy Krista.

She opened the door. A random girl she has never seen before in her life was standing in front of her.

"May I help you?" Annie seemed confused and Krista was peeking behind her.

Annie noticed that the guys' apartment door was half open.

"Hi... sorry to interupt... Armin said I could take a shower here before I could go, he said that his shower is not working properly. " the random girl said.

Armin then popped from his door without making any noise and did a quiet silly "victory" dance, often pointing at the random girl. Annie rolled her eyes, maintaining a poker face.

"Sure, come in..." she then said and let the random girl walk in her apartment.

"You are an idiot." Annie mouthed to Armin and closed her front door.

Chapter Text

In Annie's apartment, at night, Annie and the rest of the gang are sitting on her couch watching something on television. Annie, Sasha, Armin, Reiner.

Their eyes are glued on the TV. They're completely invested, leaning forward, clutching cushions.

Krista came from the kitchen and sat on top of the arm of the couch next to Reiner.

"Are you guys watching Rubi?" she asked. Reiner nodded.

"Ugh, I hate her, she just walks around stomping on everyone's hearts for her own selfish reasons!" Krista added.

"Yeah, she is the best character." Annie said monotonely without even blinking.

(On television) RUBI: ¡No te engañes, Maribel! Alejandro nunca te amó. ¡Desde el primer día solo pensó en mí!

MARIBEL: ¡Eso no es cierto! ¡Él me prometió su vida! ¡No permitiré que vengas a destruir lo que hemos construido!

Maribel was on top of a glass bridge along with Rubi, arguing.

"Do you guys speak Spanish?" Krista asked.

"Nope." "No." "Not a word." they all said together without taking their eyes off the screen.

They were watching it without subtitles.

"Actually, that's Mexican Spanish, not the Spanish they speak in Spain. See in Mexican Spanish-" Armin said but got interrupted by everyone sushing him.

(On television) RUBI: ¡Construido sobre mentiras! Alejandro me ama, y tú... tú solo eres un obstáculo insignificante.

MARIBEL: ¡Aléjate de nuestras vidas Rubi, o lo lamentarás!

"Leave the woman alone you minx!" Sasha yelled.

"I say slap her!" Reiner gestured furiously.

"Yeah!" Krista agreed with him.

"SLAP-HER, SLAP-HER, SLAP-HER!" they all yelled rhythmically and passionately.

On the television Maribel slaps Rubi.

"OOOH!" They all threw their heads back and made over-the-top gestures.

Rubi slaps Maribel back and the glass floor Maribel was on shattered resulting in her falling off the bridge. Everyone was shocked.

"Did she die?" Krista whimpered.

The camera zooms to Maribel showing she is actually dead.

"Oh come on, enough with the physics for the insane, that is completely inaccurate. Glass doesn't shatter just because and she didn't fall from that high of an altitude to result her in instantly dying-" Armin said.

"Yup, we are outta here." "You're ruining the show." "Yeah." they all said and instantly jumped up and left the couch.

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The next day. In Annie's place having takeout she is having lunch by herself. Suddenly the doorbell rings.

"I swear to God, if you damn kids ring on my doorbell ONE MORE TIME!" She opens the door only to find Sasha, Reiner and Armin staring at her , scared and confused.

"Oh it's just you guys." She said with a bored tone. "Come on in." She added and headed for the kitchen table to resume eating her lunch.

"Are you okay?" Sasha asked her.

"Yeah it's just, a fun game I play with the neighbors' kids." She said deadpan and sat back on the kitchen table to continue eating.

"Oh hey you guys!" Krista's bedroom door opened and she popped out carrying a bunch of clothes with her.

"What's with all the clothes?" Armin asked.

"Okay so, I finished my training today and tommorow is my first day at my new job and I really wanna wow my manager, so I need to pick out the best outfit that says 'I am here for you and I am reliable' ." She said finishing with a serious and determined tone.

They all paused and stared at her confused.

"In my job, reliable in my job." She clarified and they all sighed in relief.

"Oh, okay." "Yeah that makes sense." They all said in relief.

"Okay so come on, help me pick a shirt." Krista picked up a shirt. "This one?" She then picked up another one. "Or this one?" She asked. "I also have this one but I don't like it that much."

"I agree, it's kinda ugly." Sasha said and Krista nodded.

"I also don't think I recognize it..." Krista frowned and looked at the shirt.

"Hey that's mine!" Annie said and pointed at the shirt.

Annie briefly stood up and sharply grabbed the shirt.

"You are officially on my bad side, both of you." Annie said firmly and pointed at Krista and Sasha in turn.

Krista frowned and got back to matching clothes.

"Also you are just a waitress and you will be wearing an apron so it's gonna cover your oh so carefuly picked outfit. Now take all those clothes back to your room you are making a mess. And fold them before you put them in the closet it's not a crime." Annie ordered.

"I know, it's a huuge downgrade, but it's my first job and I wanna nail it!" Krista groaned, then added. "Also do you by any chance know what colour that apron is, does it have any prints...?"

"Look, it's your first day — first days are always weird. On my first day in marketing, I was psyched. Mostly because I got to wear a suit, and I do look fly in suits... But then, they handed me this massive stack of paperwork, which I wasn't prepared for-" Reiner began a small pep-talk.

----

Reiner is in his office wearing a suit with a stack of papers in front of him.

(sobbing and yelling) "THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE, SOMEBODY KILL ME ALREADY!"

----

"-but I managed to handle it just fine." he said non-chalantly.

"I remember my first day, with my first client." Annie chuckled. "I got to try something I'd always wanted-"

---

Annie is at the gym standing on the side of a treadmill with her arms crossed in front of the chest. There is a guy running on the treadmill.

ANNIE: "LOUDER I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"

CLIENT (out of breath): "I'M A BARBIE GIRL, IN A BARBIE WORLD, LIFE IN PLASTIC, IT'S FANTASTIC!"

---

Annie kept laughing.

"How are you not fired yet?" Armin said.

"No, I have to confirm it's a good treadmill song... " Reiner said.

"What about your first day, Sasha?" Krista asked.

"So, I had just gotten my first part on a play and we were doing the table read-" she began talking.

---

"Why are you eating a fucking sandwich?!" the director was pissed.

"Are you asking me why people eat sandwiches in general Mr. Shadis?"

---

"-I thought I'd give him half my sandwich but he got even more pissed so they had me replaced. Said it wasn't even half. Maybe I have to be more careful when cutting something in half so the pieces are even next time." Sasha finished her story and everyone was shocked.

"Or maybe you can google something called social awareness." Armin joked. "So, on my first day-" he began talking again but was interrupted by Sasha.

"Oh , oh before you tell us, I have to ask you! Did you always know your job was boring or did you find out after it was too late to quit?" she added.

"What does that supposed to mean?" Armin paused. "Do you think my job is boring?!" he added.

"Well yeah, but Annie thinks it more than everyone." Sasha said.

"You think my job is boring?" Armin turned to Annie.

"Don't you?" Annie said in a deadpan tone.

"No!" Armin said, louder this time.

"Well, you should." Annie replied.

"That is absurd, I am fairly confident that I have an interesting job." Armin said looking a little irritated, then paused.

"Just out of pure curiosity though, why do you think that." he added.

"Okay, what did you do last week?" Annie asked.

Armin pondered for a second.

"I was...observing algae reactions under different light conditions." Armin said hesitantly. Then he snapped.

"...Okay that does not prove my job is boring. Tell you what, tommorow is your day off, why don't you come with me to the lab."

"What makes you think that I would waste my day off like tha—"

"—I'll give you 20 bucks if you come."

"So what time do you leave?" 

"It was great hearing your stories you guys, but I think I am gonna do great." Krista picked up all her clothes and headed for her room.

"Sun's up! It's a little after twelve, make breakfast for myself hmmmm, leave the world for someone else! On this perfect day, nothing's standing in my way!" she happily started to sing and closed the door behind her.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day.

Armin led Annie through the entrance of the research building, the scent of antiseptic and metal filling the air. He glanced around nervously.

"Listen you are technically not allowed to be here so if we bump into anyone just follow my lead." he said.

"So you're bringing me here in secret and you're paying me too? You realize what you are right?" she said raising an eyebrow "You're my bitch." she added and he sushed her.

"Someone's coming. Shhhhh!"

A woman with brown hair in a ponytail and lab glasses approached them.

"Hey Arlert, good morning! Guess what, we got the grant! Enough to start my PhD experiments!" she said.

"Hi Hange, wow, good for you! That's so great congratulations!" Armin smiled at his colleage.

"Who might this be?" Hange asked and looked at Annie. 

"This is my temp assistant Helga, she doesn't speak any english. She is from Germany." Armin said. Annie's eyes goggled. 

"Oh, I am so facinated by other countries! Hello!" Hange said, extending her hand enthusiastically.

"Gutten morgen. Ich bin ein schnitzel" Annie said, shaking Hanji's hand with perfect deadpan delivery.

"Don't mind her- she is just still a bit upset about the Olympic doping scandal of 2007 in East Germany." Armin said. "Alright , we gotta get going." he added and waved goodbye.

"Ball's in my court now Helga." Armin whispered in a nerdy conspirational tone as they walked away.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Armin and Annie are now inside Armin's personal working space.

"I can't believe you made me wear all these." Annie grunted while adjusting her latex gloves. She had the full outfit on. A lab coat and glasses.

"Well you are obligated to. So this is my personal space." Armin said gesturing with his hand to show her the lab.

His desk was a long metal table cluttered with pipettes, test tubes, and neatly labeled microcentrifuge tubes stacked in racks. A small whiteboard leaned against the wall with hastily scribbled diagrams of DNA sequences and experimental timelines. A laptop sat open next to all that. Annie's eyes were set on his coffee mug.

"Wake up smarter, sleep with a scientist." she read and looked at him, shocked with inward embarassment.

"Jean bought it for me as a joke." Armin defended.

"Could have bought you a watch, but no- he got you the women repeler." Annie said. "Doubt that any woman saw this mug and thought to herself 'I gots to get me some of that, feels like I am missing out.'

"Okay , okay , I get it." Armin interrupted her before she could spiral more. Annie then she looked around a bit more.

"Why do you have a copy machine?" Annie said.

"That's not a copy machine. This is a PCR machine," he said, pointing to the tall metal box with blinking lights. "It amplifies DNA. Basically, you can take a tiny sample and replicate a gene in just a couple of hours." Armin said with excitement.

"So it's a... copy machine." she said with deadpan irony.

Armin pointed proudly toward a small screen attached to a microscope. "Now this—this is cool. It's a live cell imaging setup. You can actually see cells dividing in real time." he got behind Annie who was squinting, looking at the screen.

He leaned closer, over her shoulder "It's like watching life happen on a molecular level—see? That right there, that's mitosis beginning."

"Huh."

He grinned. "Right? Pretty amazing, huh?"

"Yeah." She said flatly. "...So you have any games on that laptop?"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back in the cafe/ bar , Reiner and Sasha were sitting at their usual booth.

"Look at her go." Reiner said looking at Krista struggling to balance a tray on her hands. "It's quite convenient that she got a job in the coffee / bar." he exclaimed.

"Yeah, totally!" Sasha said. "But this always puzzled me, what's the name of the coffee/bar?"

"The Coffee/Bar."

"Yeah, the coffee/bar! What's its name."

"It's name is the coffee/bar." Reiner said slowly.

"Well shit." she said.

Krista approached their table.

"Okay, we've got a cappuchino." Krista said and carefully left the cappuchino on the table in front of Sasha "and an... irish coffee." said and gave Reiner his coffee. 

"You guys really didn't have to come, I am doing just fine!" she added.

"That's okay we had to catch up on something anyways." Reiner said. Krista smiled. "Thank you though." then looked at the remaining drinks on her tray and got lost in her thoughts.

"Over there to the guy with the weird hat." Reiner broke the silence. "Right, right!" she remembered and left the table. While walking towards her next customer she wasn't really looking straight and bumped into another waitor's back almost spilling the drinks on him.

"Watch where you're going new kid!" he said with a rude tone.

"Sorry." Krista said quietly and proceeded to serve the 'guy with the weird hat'

"Excuse me, I ordered this without milk." the 'guy with the weird hat' said.

"Oh, I am sorry. I'll bring you another one then!" Krista giggled nervously, took his drink left his table.

"How hard is it to get a couple of drinks right..." the customer mumbled thinking he couldn't be heard but Krista heard him and frowned.

Reiner and Sasha were observing the scene.

Suddenly Sasha turned to Reiner.

"So you were saying she texted you." she gave him a serious look.

"Yes! Where was I? Oh, she texted me yes, can you believe that?"

"Okay show me , I need to evaluate." Sasha said and Reiner gave her his phone.

"Hey I saw you at the bar the other night. How are you doing?" Sasha read.

"You didn't reply to this, did you?" Reiner looked away and Sasha scrolled further down then read "Yo, I am doing very well, you?" she kept reading Reiner's reply.

"Well I am doing well." Reiner said and took a sip of his irish coffee. Sasha half-stood up from her seat and slapped him on the shoulder.

"You, weak...weak, gigantic... man-baby-child." Sasha exaggerated.

"Why did you ask her how she's doing?! Don't you see? She saw that you were doing fine after she dumped you so she texted you to gauge the situation!" 

"Look it's not a big deal, I didn't talk to her that much. He paused.

"Okay fine, I did talk to her more after that." he caved, then paused again "And we might have made plans to go for a drink tonight." he nervously added and Sasha slapped his arm again.

"Stop slapping me woman!" 

"Look, I love you but... I hate her! We all do! The whole time you were dating her, she like changed you so much! She even made you switch to low-fat products for God's sake!" Sasha paused.

"Don't get distracted by nostalgia, I am telling you, this is the best thing that's ever happened to you! You're single! Go.. fetch somewhere else! Meet new girls, have new experiences, even take them to this town you're always taking them."

"You mean poundtown?"

"Yeah, that.." 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back in Armin's lab Armin was working while Annie was struggling to keep herself together and help out with small chores.

"We are almost done here, come on you have to admit that this was kind of fun!" Armin said and gave her an open bottle of ethanol.

"Eh." Annie sighed and took the bottle from his hand and left it near the curtains below a heating lamp, but just a little too close to the bottom edge of the lamp’s metal stand.

"I can't believe you still have the same opinion!" 

"Look Arlert, you love your job and that's cool, but can't you just accept that it can be a little boring sometimes? Half the time you are just staring at stuff, might as well be a pervert by night." Annie said. 

"Okay fine, my job can be a little boring! But...how about your job. I mean your job is-" Armin paused for a second. "...fire." 

"Yes I know my job is 'fire', better comebacks next time." She crossed her hands in front of her chest.

"No, there is a fire!" Armin shouted and Annie quickly turned around to see the curtain slightly on fire.

"Oh my god, oh my god! How did this happen?!" Armin started to panic. "Did you leave the ethanol right next to the curtain?" he added strictly. 

"There is a possibility that I might have done that..." 

"WHY WOULD YOU LEAVE A FLAMMABLE MATTERIAL RIGHT NEXT TO A HEAT SOURCE?-" 

"I DIDN'T NOTICE!"

"OH MY GOD ANNIE, MIGHT AS WELL LIT A MATCH AND THROW IT STRAIGHT TO THE CURTAIN."

"I TOLD YOU I DIDN'T NOTICE! YOU INSISTED BRINGING ME HERE!"

At this point they were yelling at each other at the same time, each covering the other person's words.

"You notice when my hair gets longer and neg me about it-" (Armin)

"You just crave attention-" (Annie)

"Like 'your hair is doing that thing that I hate again-" (Armin impersonating Annie)

"Look at me , notice me, I have low self esteem-" (Annie)

" 'You look as if that boy from Home Alone had a mop on his head-' " (Armin impersonating Annie)

The fire was getting stronger.

"What are we doing?!" Annie yelled.

"Go get the fire extinguisher!" Annie commended and Armin went silent.

"I don't have one in here." He managed to say

"You don't have a fire extinguisher in your personal lab?" Annie rose her voice. 

"Stop judging me-" Armin managed to say.

"You wear full on lab equipment and you have no fire extinguisher? What is wrong with you-" Annie spoke on top of his voice. 

"You just think you know better than anyone, don't you-" Armin was now yelling too on top of Annie's voice.

"Oh please you know I am right you just DON'T LIKE TO HEAR IT!" Annie grunted. 

"STOP YELLING AT ME, YOU STARTED THE FIRE YOU NINNY." 

"OK SHUT UP AND TAKE OFF YOUR SHIRT." Annie yelled. 

"...What?"

"WE NEED SOMETHING TO SMOTHER THE FIRE!" 

Armin listened and actually took off his shirt and threw it on the fire, managing to actually smother it. They were both trying to calm down from all the yelling and panicking.

"Now THAT, was fun." Annie said.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back in the cafe/bar Krista's shift was about to end. She seemed like she was struggling, big time. She was waiting a table close to Reiner and Sasha's.

"So let's see if I got this right. You want a large americano and a banana muffin. I am gonna have to check if we still have these and I'll be back with you." Krista smiled to the customer and left the table.

"Hey." Sasha called her whispering. "Over here." Krista looked left and right then approached her friends.

"If you only have one banana muffin left, could you like tell him that you have none because I kinda wanted to eat one too." Sasha whined. 

"Sorry , I don't know if I can do that Sasha." She picked up their empty mugs. "This really is harder than I thought it would be. Plus this guy we have a shift with, hates me.. Anyway I shouldn't be here talking to you guys. Thank you for coming anyways." she said with a sad tone and left their table. 

Reiner's phone chimed as Annie and Armin walked through the front door. Armin was just wearing pants and a white tank top. They both looked exhausted.

"What happened to you?" Reiner asked.

"And why are you wearing a wife-beater?" Sasha asked Armin. 

"Long story." "We don't wanna talk about it." they both said. 

"How's she doing?" Armin asked and looked at Krista. 

"She has had her ups and downs. She was kind of a bitch about the banana muffins though. " Sasha said.

They were observing Krista as she was on her way to deliver a drink to a customer.

"Excuse me!" a man behind her called and Krista briefly looked behind her but misjudged her step and stumbled resulting in dropping her tray on the floor along with all the drinks on top of it. 

Everyone ghasped. The other waitor walked towards her as she was trying to process what happened. 

"Wow, you dropped the tray, I didn't expect this at all. I was actually betting in my head whether you were gonna do that. I wish someone else was there so I could bet actual money on it. I could possiibly double my daily tips." he said with irony. Krista's eyes were watering. "Oh don't tell me you are gonna cry!" Krista sniffled and started to run away towards the bathroom. 

"What the hell is wrong with that guy?" Armin asked in shock. 

"I think we should probably go and check in with her.." Sasha said sympathetically and everyone agreed so they stood up and headed towards the bathroom. Armin and Sasha already had walked in and as Annie was about to walk in the bathroom too but stopped for a minute and looked at Reiner who had also paused. 

"You coming or not?" Annie asked.

"Yeah, you go ahead I'll be there in a sec." he said and witnessed Annie disappear into the bathroom. Reiner picked up his phone and dialed a number.

"Hey!" Amy said over the phone.

"Hi, listen, I have to cancel. I..." he struggled "I have to help out a friend. So..goodnight." he said and hang up the phone, took a deep breath and walked in the bathroom. 

All his friends were in there standing outside a stall's door. Krista was in there crying. 

"Oh good you're here. She won't come out." Sasha said. 

"Hey stop it! Stop crying!" Annie tried dicipline but didn't work. "Look I need her to stop crying at least until we get home. I can't have her snotting all over my pillows." Annie added. 

"Krista, come out, please." Armin pleaded.

Reiner came closer to the door. "Krista, look it's all part of the game I get it, it sucks... but it gets better. And then it gets worse again and back and forth." Reiner paused. "Plus Porco was out of line yelling at you , he is an idiot don't- don't listen to him. He has a slick back undercut and lives with his mother." Reiner kept talking but Krista kept crying. 

"Oh come on now, don't cry. Ehm." Reiner swallowed. "Er...S-sun's up?" he said rythmically and had a voicecrack. "It's a little after ten-" he struggled. 

"Twelve." Sasha interrupted.

"Twelve." Reiner corrected. 

"Ma-ke breakfast for... myself. Leave the world for-someone else..." he kept struggling to sing with anxiety clearly showing on his face. 

"People say." he kept going and signaled the others to join in. "Th-they say that it's just a phase." everyone said out of tune.

"They tell me to act my age! Well I am!" they synchronized. 

"On this perfect day, nothing's standing in my way. On this perfect day, where nothing can go wrong (oooooh) it's the perfect day, tommorow's gonna come too soon-" Krista opened her door slowly.

"I could stay, forever as I am." she started laughing. Her face was red and her eyes were all puffy from crying. They all cheered and hugged her and also each other.

*Perfect Day by Hoku playing in the backround*

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They are now all back in Annie's apartment actually watching Legaly Blonde. They were at the end of the movie where Elle , the protagonist, is graduating from Harvard Law. 

"I hate to admit but you are right Krista, this movie is kinda good." Annie said and Krista grinned. 

"Thanks for everything today." she added then turned to Reiner. "By the way, how did you know the song?" 

"Well you were singing it, this morning, with the clothes and the-." he struggled.

"You've seen the movie before ,haven't you?" Armin asked him and Reiner broke "It was one time. I watched it with my sisters. Okay I watched it all by myself a second time. That final scene in the court was kinda cool.." he admited.

"Although technically, if it was an actual case-" Armin began lecturing again.

"Oh my god." "You're impossible!" they all began to protest and some left the couch area. Annie even hit him with a pillow. That's alright though. Annie should just keep being Annie, right?