The Garrison was usually always busy, but around Christmas time it seemed the place was packed to the rafters. The pub always saw a variety of people, and with Christmas in the air, they all had something in common. Everybody felt like celebrating, and who could blame them? The spirit of Christmas was in the air, good will to men and all that. Everyone seemd to be in a joyful mood, except for one patron who seemed to sit by the frosty pane windows each day. All the other customers seemed to give him a wide berth, the only one who approached was his waitress.
"Back again I see," she teased him.
"Not in the mood, Hanji," the man growled.
"Yeah, yeah I know. What can I get you?" She asked.
"My usual."
"Very good," Hanji said with a sad smile. "Do you mind if I sit?"
"Hanji," protested the guest.
"Let me speak, as one of your best friends Levi, I know you've just gone through a horrid divorce. But you can't be spending all your time in a bar," Hanji said.
"You do."
"I work here. There's a difference," Hanji smiled.
Levi rolled his eyes. "Well now that I don't have any respondsibilities I can spend more time here, can't I? Now do you mind leaving me to my peace?"
Hanji sighed, turned the chair around and left.
"What's his problem?" asked one of the other waitresses.
"His divorce was just finalized, poor guy." Hanji said in a hushed tone. "His wife broke his heart when she said she wanted one, and I guess since the paperwork was sent in he's been spending his time here."
The waitress frowned. "That's horrible. It's almost Christmas. No one should be sad at Christmas."
Hanji smiled. "You're a genius Isabel! I just have to find him a date."
"That's not what I said, Hanji," frowned the younger woman.
"Thanks, you're a doll!" Hanji said hugging the other girl.
The woman shook her head, once Hanji wrapped her head around an idea there was no stopping her. Hanji went to put in the order, then continued to circle around the crowded floor.
"What can I get you?" she said, going over to a customer.
"I'll have your ham and cheese on rye, with a Guiness," the young man answered. Hanji looked the guy up and down.
"What's your name, bright eyes?" she asked. The boy blushed, how cute! He might be just the thing Levi needed this holiday.
"It's Eren," he replied.
Hanji nodded. "It'll be right out."
Suddenly people parted, and the bar seemed to become more boisterous. "Reiner!" cried a few patrons patting the tall man on the back.
"Hi guys," he grinned making his way to the bar. He sat down beside Eren. "How're you Eren?"
Eren shrugged. "I've been better. This is my first Christmas alone, but Mikasa is flying home. Armin too."
"It'll be nice to see them again," Reiner smiled.
Eren nodded. He hadn't seen his sister or best friend in months. "What about you? Any special plans this holiday?"
Reiner smiled down at his hands. "Remember that childhood friend I told you about?"
"Yeah, works for a publishing company down in New York right?"
Reiner nodded. "Well he's finally coming back to Boston this year. I invited him to stay on my couch."
Eren elbowed his friend. "Are you sure you don't mean in your bed?!"
Reiner rolled his eyes. "Shut up Eren. I, unlike you, are not constantly thinking about sex."
"I don't constantly think about sex," protested Eren.
Reiner looked at him. "Yeah you do. How many times have I had to pick up your drunk ass from some bar, and you manage to tell me about the great sex you had with a complete stranger?"
Eren blushed. "You make it sound like I'm some cock slut."
Reiner grinned at his friend. "Because you are."
Eren sighed. "Fine. You got me. So what, I like sex, that's not a crime."
Reiner laughed, "no it's not."
"Hi guys, sorry I'm late," a new member said approaching the bar.
"Connie. Good to see you man!" Eren said patting his friend's shoulder. "How was the mall."
Connie rolled his eyes. "Horrible. It's so crowded there. It's unbelievable!"
"Then why do you stay there?" Reiner asked, sipping his beer that just arrived.
Connie gave a wry smile. "Need the cash. Plus there's this really cute girl working across from me."
Eren smiled. "Oh really? Why don't you ask her out sometime?"
"Do you know how creepy that would sound?"
Eren shrugged. "Fair point. But dude, if you like this girl then at least attmept to get to know her. Where does she work?"
"At the gift wrapping station," Connie said. "She's dressed like an elf."
Reiner smirked. "I see why you like her, that does sound cute."
Connie rolled his eyes. "It;s not that! She seems to be really funny. I just wish I had the courage to go talk to her."
His friends nodded, they all knew what that was like. Eren's food arrived and he ravenously dug into it. Reiner moved around the bar laughing and talking with all his friends, Connie remained. Eren's phone gave a little chirp and he looked down at it curiously.
"You want an excuse to go talk to that girl?" Eren asked.
Connie nodded.
"Great. We can go to the mall tomorrow. My mom needs me to pick up some last minute gifts for Mikasa." Eren said.
Connie smiled, the prospects of going to talk to the cute elf girl was just too good to be true. "You're the best wing man a guy could ask for, Eren."
Eren smiled. "I know."
Here's my Christmas story for you! I hope to update it soon, now that I am finished with the play I will have more time in the evenings. I know there's not much yet, but don't worry many ships will follow. Please leave a review, or favorite and follow. ~T.W.o.W.
