Return to sender

Night out

A quiet bar had been chosen and three of you sat huddled together on one side of the table, cushioned bench comfortable and the outdoors seating area was bathed in the red glow from heaters above, cold evening air a forgotten thing under the warmth. The currently dormant tablet was propped up before you all, screen awaiting a call and Eren laughed.

"This is fucking weird."

"You get used to it."

"Do you guys talk like this all the time, (F/N)?"

"Pretty much."

Nerves on edge, you chugged down some beer and jiggled your leg in anticipation, unsure what to expect from this multi-way conversation. Sure, it was normal for Levi and you now, however the additional participants were about to step into your world, join in with what you found to be a way of becoming closer and they were in danger of witnessing first hand how stupidly gushy you could get when in a certain man's virtual presence. Tomorrow's cooking event caused sparks of excitement still, ingredients at home just waiting to be put to good use. In private. Whilst this may have seemed a fantastic idea earlier, now you had some reservations.

Any chance to question the event was blown away as an alert flashed up, tablet owner bolting forwards to answer the call.

"How drunk are you? I need to adjust my tolerance levels accordingly." Levi had aimed that directly at the men, silver eyes flashing as he leant in, obscuring his friend.

"We're fine, thank you." Jean drained his bottle, belch hidden behind a hand and he smiled. "For now."

"Hmm. Ok. We have some catching up to do." The pale man sat back, revealing who you presumed to be Mike and your gaze flicked sideways, trained on the left side of the rectangular display as you grinned, small smirk given back which conveyed greetings and thoughts without words. The feelings of realisation from your recent conversation were running strong, stares locked in silent appreciation and Levi raised his glass of scotch, ice cubes tinkling and whilst he spoke to the group, he only had eyes for you. "Congratulations." More drinks were held up whilst the well-wishes were shared around, Jean beaming with pride as a wet kiss was placed on his cheek from the brunette.

"So, who's this?"

"Eren, Mike. Mike, this is Eren, Jean and (F/N)."

The one introduced loomed close, confusion on his visible features and you frowned, noting the pained expression as he shrank away again, arms crossed in a kind of huff. They appeared to be inside, faint murmurs of chatter in the background and decor traditional, the sort of pub which was found in more rural locations. The others waved kindly, slightly put off by the odd 'hello' and you sat up, beckoning Levi. He did as asked, two faces meeting at the screen and you whispered.

"Why does he look constipated?"

"Ah. Well, Mike is at a slight disadvantage here."

"How do you mean?"

"He works from his sense of smell usually and..." A hand was waved at the tablet. "This doesn't lend itself to that kind of thing." He could see you were still at a loss and turned to his friend, palm out and asking for permission. It was granted with a nod and Mike looked off into the distance, childish strop still in force. You could see why they got along. "He's deaf. Not completely, always manages to hear my fucking gripes but with the noise here and speaking over a connection which may or may not cut out any second, it puts him in a position."

"Oh fuck, sorry Mike." Your voice was made clearer this time to account for the disability and a shrug came in response, male now facing you again.

"Not your fault (F/N). Blame shitty machinery."

"What happened?"

He was staring at your mouth, at least you thought so anyway - it was hard to tell from behind all the shaggy hair.