Metamorphosis

Chapter 19

Since tomorrow was my big performance, I decided to stay in tonight and relax. So I was lounging on my couch in an oversized T-shirt with a box of macarons in my lap. In front of me, on the coffee table, was a green tea smoothie with Boba. I had everything I needed for a comfortable night in, yet I couldn't concentrate on the movie I'd put on over fifteen minutes ago. I missed Eren, but he was hanging out with the guys at the warehouse tonight. Since we had been spending so much time together lately, he hadn't been there in quite a while. I didn't want him to lose contact with his fighting buds, so I thought a boys' night was a good idea. Still, I couldn't help but wish he were here with me.

With a sigh, I picked up a raspberry macaron and took a bite out of it. I couldn't follow the movie with how much I'd already missed and the thought of starting it over didn't appeal to me in the least. I ended up shutting off the TV in favor of picking up my cell phone and sending Eren a quick text message to see how his night was going so far. I hoped that he was having a better time than I was.

Levi: Having fun?

He replied a few minutes later.

Eren: Not really. I can't fight, so watching the match is making me restless. How about you?

I stared down at the half eaten macaron I'd placed on my thigh. Pink crumbs were scattered on the couch beside my leg. Yeah, my night definitely could've been going better.

Levi: I'm at home watching a movie, so it's been an okay night. At least I'm not stressing about my performance.

Eren: You're going to do great, and I'm going to be right there in front of the stage to cheer you on throughout your performance.

I grinned like a moron as I read over the text, because I remembered the outfit Armin had picked out for me. I couldn't wait to see Eren's reaction when he saw me in it tomorrow night. Especially after he enjoyed seeing me roleplay as a nurse.

Levi: You're the only person in the crowd I'll be looking at, but I should let you get back to your friends. I don't want to ruin your night with my pestering. Have fun!

After I sent the text, I picked up the abandoned macaron and popped the rest of it into my mouth with a grin on my face. I'd come a long way since I stumbled into that run down diner all those months ago and met Eren for the first time. If I hadn't accepted the job to watch over one of his fights, where would I be now? There was no way for me to know that, but I was happy that I didn't back down from the offer back then. Although I'd changed a lot since that night, I was grateful for the personal growth. I had more confidence in myself than I ever did before. I was proud of who I was becoming, and all the people I cared about supported me. That was enough for me.

Settling back against the couch cushions with my box of snacks in hand, I turned the TV back on and restarted the movie. As the beginning credits were playing, my cell phone vibrated next to me. I picked it up and read the text.

Eren: You're not pestering me. I miss you like fucking crazy. Can I come see you later on tonight?

My cheeks were going to burst if I kept smiling this wide.

Levi: Yeah, just come by my place when you're through at the warehouse.

Eren: Ok. I love you.

Levi: I love you too.

I put my phone down on the coffee table and returned my attention to the TV screen. Within the first few minutes of watching, I got absorbed in the movie, even when it was just another cliché love story that was far too predictable to be entertaining. By the time it was over, all four of my macarons long gone, it was only nine o'clock. I could either watch another movie to pass the time, or read a book I'd checked out at the library earlier. There was no question about it. Books always won. I would never change in that department.