Imagine Book 2

Sweet Afternoon- Annie Leonhart (Attack on Titan)

As requested by MK11_EGY! Male Y/N

𝔽𝕠𝕟𝕥 𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣

The afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft golden glow across Annie's sleeping form. She was curled up on the couch, her blonde hair slightly dishevelled from her nap, with a few strands falling across her face. Her usual stern expression was replaced by a peaceful one, making her look younger and more vulnerable than she typically allowed herself to appear.

Y/N stood in the doorway, a pink pastry box from her favourite bakery held carefully in his hands. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of her. It was rare to see Annie so completely at ease, and these quiet moments were precious to him. He knew better than most how the weight of her past and her responsibilities affected her, which made these glimpses of her unguarded self all the more special.

Setting the box down on the coffee table, he knelt beside the couch. "Annie," he whispered, gently brushing the stray hair from her face. "Wake up, sleepyhead. I brought you something."

Annie stirred slightly, her nose twitching at the subtle scent of fresh pastries. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing those striking blue irises that never failed to captivate him. For a moment, she looked confused, still caught in the haze between sleep and wakefulness.

"Y/N?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. She pushed herself up slightly, blinking slowly. "What time is it?"

"Just past three," he replied, unable to suppress his grin at her adorably dishevelled state. "I stopped by that bakery you love on my way home. The one near the market district."

That seemed to catch her attention. Annie's eyes focused on the pink box, and the smallest hint of a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. It was the kind of subtle expression that most people would miss, but Y/N had learned to read every minute change in her features.

"You didn't have to do that," she said, but she was already sitting up straighter, her interest evident despite her attempts to remain nonchalant.

Y/N chuckled, settling beside her on the couch. "I wanted to. Besides, you've been training extra hard lately. You deserve a treat."

Annie's eyes softened at his words, and she leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. It was a simple gesture, but coming from Annie, it spoke volumes. She wasn't someone who easily showed physical affection, making these moments all the more meaningful.

"Are you going to open it, or should we just stare at the box?" she asked, her dry humour showing through despite her lingering sleepiness.

"So impatient," Y/N teased, reaching for the box. He opened it with a flourish, revealing an assortment of carefully selected pastries – fruit-filled danishes, chocolate-drizzled croissants, and in the centre, her absolute favourite: a perfectly crafted cream-filled pastry dusted with powdered sugar.

Annie's eyes widened slightly at the sight, and Y/N felt a surge of satisfaction. He'd learned early in their relationship that while Annie rarely showed excitement openly, her eyes always gave her away. They brightened noticeably when she was truly pleased, like now.

"You remembered my favourite," she said softly, reaching for the cream-filled pastry.

"Of course I did. I remember everything about you, Annie," Y/N replied, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer. "Even the things you think no one notices."

She paused, the pastry halfway to her mouth, and looked at him with an expression that made his heart skip a beat. It was tender and vulnerable, a side of herself she showed to no one else. "You're different," she said quietly. "You've always been different."