Return to sender

Face to face

The atmosphere at work had been serene, no squabbles or biting words, no sharp tongues and as Friday morning's slump hit, the lack of mail and shitty weather created the need to become childish, all of today's jobs complete by 11am. Boxes had been set up in perfect position, a kind of obstacle course erected and Eren took his turn, long card tube used as a kind of hockey stick as he guided the ball of elastic bands through the track.

"I'm gonna score this time...just you watch..." The man bit his lip in concentration, green eyes narrowed and body hunched, all the while cheered on as he approached the small goal, bin turned on it's side and the brunette went for the kill, strong arms wound back and he smashed the rubbery item, hollow thud from the makeshift tool the only sound as you and Jean held your breaths, watching in slow motion as the back door opened, delivery driver allowed entry by a security guard at the exact wrong moment. Eren's shot was well off target, inches too high and the ball hit the newcomer square in the stomach, powerful blast causing a huff of discomfort.

"Oh fuck...I'm so sorry!" The culprit rushed over, patting the guy in apology and making sure he hadn't come to any harm, scared gaze from the courier begging you to help as Jean giggled.

"Eren! Leave the poor man alone!" He jumped back, hands up in shock at his own actions.

"Sorry (F/N)..." Sloping off, he joined the other male and grumbled some inaudible words, likely having the piss taken out of him by his friend. You shook your head, trying to placate the mail man who simply thrust a padded parcel into your hand and walked off, comments around inappropriate use of work equipment spilling from his mouth. The package rattled when shook and you knew who it was from, constant texts shared since that first day and Levi had promised you a delivery, one which had indeed been sent by normal means. Shaking the pouch, you wondered what was inside and pulled your phone out, an ever-present thing in your hand at the moment.

'Got it. I won't open it yet though. God knows what you've put in here.'

'It won't bite, (F/N). Just keep it well fed and you'll be ok.'

'What the fuck is it?'

'Wait and see. Did that storm get to you yet?'

'Yup. It certainly did Levi. Pissing down.'

'Well at least it's not here anymore. Actually quite clement.'

'Good for you, ass. Stop being so smug.'

'Who was smug yesterday with their ability to get any kind of food at any fucking time of night? You know full well we don't have that sort of thing round these parts, (F/N).'

'These parts?! Are you a proper farmer or something?' Actually, you'd love to hear his accent, find out what kind of tone came from those inviting lips and you quickly typed before losing your nerve. 'Can I call you tonight?'

"(F/N)? Are you ever off that thing?"

"Sorry Jean, just chatting."

"He must be worth it, you haven't put your phone down in days." Grinning, you just shrugged and looked down, waiting for a reply that hadn't materialised yet. Shit. Maybe that was too much.

An hour went by and nothing happened, frequent checks made but no little symbol to announce any messages so you gave in, faced the elements and ran out to get some lunch. Despite the torrential rain, something made you stop and stand in the middle of the downpour, people rushing past your still form and splashing through puddles, shrieks given by fleeing pedestrians but you didn't move, steady figure getting increasingly soaked and you looked up, eyes closed as the storm which had fallen on Levi recently beat down on your face, another thing shared second hand. You started to laugh, both at yourself and the strange sensation of calm, allowing the wind to pull at your clothes, coat doing nothing to protect against the raging tempest. This is what he had felt, the same cold and biting water that made you more alive than ever before.