Intrigued [L. Ackerman x Reader x Eren]

Chapter 12: Mixed Signals

You put your bag of clean clothes in Levi's back seat, then climbed into the passengers seat. You grab your phone out of your pocket, killing time until Levi was ready to leave. As you scrolled through your social media feed a text popped up across the top of your screen. It was Eren.

Eren:

Are you working tonight?

Your stomach tightened as you bit down on your bottom lip. You wanted to respond, wanted to figure out why all of a sudden he decided to push you away. Being around Eren gave you butterflies, and the sex was great. You leave the message open, deciding on what you wanted to say. Anger filled you, remembering the interaction you both had at the liquor store. You decided to be short, so he was at least aware he had upset you.

You:

Yes

You hit send and then locked your phone, you were so distracted by Eren that you didn't realize Levi was already sitting in the car. "Everything good?" His face was cold, with a hint of concern in his steel blue eyes. You nodded. Levi started the car and began to back out to head to work. Your hands rested on top of eachother in your lap, your thumb rubbing circles on the top of your other hand. Levi's eyes flickered to your hands, then back to the road. Your phone buzzed again. You quickly pulled it out and checked.

Eren:

I wanted to see if we could talk tonight? My place after work?

The ends of your mouth curl down, frustrated and confused by Eren's mixed signals.

You:

We'll see

"I'm going to remain the one in charge this time." You thought to yourself confidently. "Is it Yeager?" Levi spoke up harshly, breaking you out of your inner monologue. Your eyes widened. "Did you see my message?" "No. You mentioned him last night before you fell asleep. I figured he must have texted you since you haven't stopped squirming since I've gotten in the car." Your face flushed. "Yeah it was Eren." "I didn't realize you two were close." Levi's tone seemed annoyed. You let out a quick burst of air through your nose, almost scoffing. "We aren't close. We were getting to know each other and then once I told him I took a job working for you at the bar and I would be his co-worker, he freaked out and has barely talked to me since." You admitted, your eyes drooping down. "Interesting." His eyes remained on the road, but narrowed. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. The rest of the ride was quiet, you stared out the window watching the trees and then buildings pass by.

Before you knew it, you were approaching the parking garage where your car was. You looked to Levi questioningly. "You still have your clothes. You can put them back up in your car. That way you don't have to come back to my car." "Oh." You softly spoke. A ping of hurt waved through you, almost feeling as though he was eager to get rid of you. You didn't blame him, a man who normally keeps to himself gave a lot of his time to you yesterday. You turn around to grab your bag from the back seat. Levi grabbed your elbow. "Stop." You looked toward him, his eyes piercing yours. "Huh?" You nervously asked. "You look sad. Stop. Don't over analyze what I'm saying." He let go and faced back forward, waiting for you to finish. You shake your head lightly, trying to get a grip on yourself and calm down. His proximity and touch made your heart skip. You quickly grabbed your bag and climbed out of the mustang. The smell of cigarettes and gasoline filled the air of the garage. You unlocked your car and placed the bag back in the backseat, locked your car, and then climbed back in the mustang's passenger door.