Forever and Always

Chapter 34 - Back Home

The flight home had been a lonely one, fighting to get a grip of myself enough that I wasn't crying more than the babies on the flight. I needed him there and it hurt so bad. I was totally embarrassed by my tears, knowing I was drawing attention even as quiet as I was trying to keep them.

I felt a small relief spread through me when we landed at the John Wayne Airport, much smaller in comparison to LAX, and easier to navigate through. I stumbled through the airport and baggage claim, yearning for somebody that was likely heading in the opposite direction of me at the time being. I pulled out my phone, finally having the nerve to check it for texts.

I had several texts that I had to go through, that I had missed while I was in the air.

Have a good flight, Love. Text me when you touch down. I love you. I clamped a hand over my mouth, trying not to burst into tears another time.

Hey i landed i love you too❤❤❤❤

Levi responded almost instantly. Your grammar is appalling, Love. I'm about to get on the plane. Take care of yourself and call me before you go to bed tonight. I miss you already more than words could ever express.

Have a safe flight. Text me when you touch down. I was trying harder to be conscious of my grammar. I miss you too. And btw I don't think I'm ever gonna take this hoodie off 😂

You had better wash it, bitch. Kay I'm going on airplane mode. I love you. I'll be in touch as soon as I land.

I made my way out of the airport, responding to a text from my sister.

Safe flight. Im your ride cuz moms at work. Text me.

Hey Kas. I'm landed.

There was a long moment of silence while I waited for a response. Too long. It was uncomfortable now that I was alone in it. Sorry. Grabbing breakfast at the IHOP in Irvine. Give us like 20 minutes. Love ya.

You too.

I continue checking my texts. One from Jean, one from my mom, one from Petra, and one from Isabel.

Hey! Hope your flight went well. I'm about to head to work but just wanted to touch base. Lemme know if you need anything. Good meeting you, bro.

Yeah, you too. And I just landed like an hour ago. Been fighting my way through the airport since then lol

There wasn't a response in the time it took Mikasa and Sasha to get there. Mikasa pulled up in her little red Saturn parking abruptly in front of me while Sasha nearly killed herself jumping out of the passenger door. I caught her, steadying her weight so she wouldn't trip and fall forward.

"Hey Eren! Want a pancake?" Sasha asked, hugging me while Mikasa climbed out of her car and bolted to my side.

"He's my brother. I get a hug! Hi Eren. Holy wow! It's good to see you again! I just- I missed you so much!" Mikasa was a bundle of energy and muddled sentence clauses. "My perfect little brother, how was Colorado? Do you not have a checked bag? Oh my goodness!"

I shook my head, thoroughly overwhelmed by her antics. "No I don't have a checked bag. Colorado was good. Isabel is really cool, and so is Farlan, but he's usually quiet. And Poppy is so fuckin' cute. And it's good to see you again, too." I said, responding to her questions one at a time. It was odd to see her so hyperactive, considering how mellow and quiet she was. It reminded me of a less gloomy Levi.

"Wait. Pause. Hold up," Sasha interrupted. "Eren."

"What?" I exclaimed as a flimsy defense as I wondered what I was even defending myself about.