Cosplay Husband

16. I Confess (I Messed Up)

ARMIN: "Come on, pick up, pick up," I pleaded. The phone seemed to be burning a hole into my head as it rested against my ear.

Finally Eren picked up. "Hello?" He croaked.

"Eren!" I sighed. "Thank God you're okay. I'm so sorry about what happened at dinner."

"It's okay, Armin; I'm fine." Eren said.

"Did he hurt you badly?"

"Just a split lip and a black eye," he said.

"Ohhh..." I groaned.

"I'm sorry you had to see that," he mumbled, "you shouldn't have had to witness that."

"Never mind that, I just want to make sure you're alright." I insisted.

"Well I am, so don't worry." He chuckled a little lightly, and my heart skipped.

"So...about what I said earlier...about liking you..." I began, my heart now thudding in my chest.

"Yeah...?"

"I...I just wanted to say that my grandpa is sure to like you when you come over tomorrow." I said quickly.

"I'm still invited? Even after all that?" Eren seemed surprised.

"Of course," I agreed, "especially after all that. You didn't get to eat dinner, so you should come over to my house."

"Hey Armin? Thanks," he said earnestly, "you're really great."

"Heh, no problem..." I shrugged.

"I should get to sleep," he decided, "goodnight Armin; see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Eren." I smiled, hanging up.

I ran the comb through my hair several more times and re-straightened my bow tie.

"Armin, your friend is here," Grandpa called out from the kitchen.

"Coming!" I called back.

I glanced at myself in the mirror once last time, and sighed. I'd probably never look perfect, but at least I was decent.

I ran into the kitchen to find Eren standing there with a bottle of sparkling grape juice.

"I-I'm not old enough to buy liquor, so I got this as a host gift instead," he said, handing the bottle to Grandpa.

Grandpa chuckled. "Why thank you; this will make a fine accompaniment to dinner."

"Grandpa, this is Eren Jäeger," I said, "my friend from college."

"So he's the one you went to FantaCon with, eh?" Grandpa asked.

"The very same," I agreed.

"Well you're just as dashing in real life as you are in Armin's photos, even with that shiner you've got there." Grandpa decided. "You'll make a fine partner for my grandson."

My ears turned red and my face felt hot. "G-Grandpa!" I shrieked. "Eren is straight!"

"Hey, so was your grandmother until Myrtle Frost transferred to the school" Grandpa teased. "Anyway, dinner won't be done until a half hour from now, so you two go enjoy yourselves while I finish up in here."

"Thanks, sir," Eren said.

I dragged him away to the basement.

"Your grandpa is awesome." He laughed.

"He's embarrassing me," I pouted. "Anyway, how's your eye?"

"It's fine; I've had worse." Eren admitted. "You really think I'd make a good boyfriend for you?"