Chapter Four: I Think He Knows
So sorry for the delay! This chapter was very difficult to write, between life and the content of the chapter. It didn't quite turn out how I wanted, but hopefully you'll like it regardless.
"I had a really great time tonight, Eren," Mikasa smiles as she sorts through her keys, trying to find the one that opens her apartment.
"I did, too, Mikasa," Eren replies, watching her fumble with the keys.
When she finds the right one, she separates it from the others and sticks it in the door.
"Wait," Eren says as she begins to twist the key.
"Wha-" Mikasa begins to question as she turns to look at Eren, who grabs her by the waist. She pauses, staring up at him. This close, he's nearly a head taller than her. His eyes are a bright, nearly glowing green that makes her heart beat a little too fast and a little too loud in her chest. Eren's free hand reaches up to cup her face, slowly pulling her in.
The kiss is quick, but sweet and gentle. It sends sparks flying up and down Mikasa's spine as she loops her arms around Eren's neck.
Mikasa wakes with a start, breathing heavily. She touches her lips and sighs. She is really feeling like some stupid, lovestruck teenager, especially after a dream like that. At the same time, she feels disappointed that it had to end so quickly. Heaving a deep sigh, she falls back onto her pillow. She hadn't realized it until this moment, but she was feeling incredibly touch starved. No one had touched her like that in such a long time and she can't help but crave soft touches and gentle kisses. And more.
A slightly panicked breath passes her lips at the thought. She doesn't understand why she's so caught up on the small chance they might have sex on their first date (or whatever they were calling it, she didn't really know that, either). It's not like she didn't want to. If anything, she really did. After all, imagining him hovering above her, teasing her, pushing her beyond her limits…
Nope. Absolutely not. She rolls over onto her stomach and slams her face into her pillow, willing those thoughts away and forcing herself to fall back asleep.
The day passes slowly. Time feels like it's come to a standstill and Mikasa herself can't sit still. She spends most of the day fidgeting and passing and generally driving Sasha a little insane. Around five PM, she relieves Sasha of her misery to start getting ready. She takes the time to curl her hair, which isn't the easiest task, considering how long it is. While doing make, she debates wearing fake lashes, but that seems like too much work in the end. Besides, if something happens where she does stay the night, she knows she would either have to waltz around Eren's apartment looking ridiculous when she decides to take them off or they fall off. Either that or she'll end up wearing them overnight, resulting in some very irritated eyes in the morning. That wouldn't really be a pretty sight either.
6:30 rolls around and Mikasa slips into her dress. It's very short, very strapless, and very red. She slips on a pair of strappy black heels and puts together her purse before finally emerging from her room.
"Damn," Sasha says from the couch, watching her roommate walk to the front of the living room and give a twirl. "You're really going for it, huh?"
"What is that supposed to mean?" Mikasa asks, setting her purse on the coffee table. She pulls out her phone to keep an eye on the time. 6:50 PM.
Sasha shrugs but gives her a knowing smile, resulting in an eye roll from Mikasa.
"You really do look amazing though. Do you want me to wait up for you or…?"
Mikasa pauses for a second, thinking. "No, that's okay. I don't think anything will happen tonight, but I still won't be back until late… probably."
Sasha nods as Mikasa's phone dings. 6:55 PM.
From: Barista Boy
i'm here! i wanted to actually come to your door to get you but it looks like i can't get into your building without a card
To: Barista Boy
Oh i should have mentioned that sorry! i'll be down in a minute!
She can't believe he wanted to actually come get her. Don't most boys just text here and call it good? She stands up and retrieves her purse from the coffee table, stuffing her phone into it. "He's here. Wish me luck."
"I don't think you'll need it," Sasha says.
Walking up the main entrance of the building, she can see Eren leaning against a sleek black car. He's also as dressed up as Mikasa is, making her feel much better about her outfit choice. She walks out the door and carefully down the stairs and across the parking lot to him, ignoring the harsh chill of the snowy winter night.
"You look amazing," Eren gives her one of the smiles that could light up an entire room.
"Thank you. You look pretty amazing yourself."
He wraps an arm around her waist and escorts her to the passenger's side of the car, opening the door for her. She mumbles out a thanks as she slips in, mainly in shock that he was so polite. Weren't boys supposed to be kind of awful?
He walks back around to his side and gets in, quickly putting the car into reverse and pulling out of his parking spot. "My place is only like five minutes from here."
"Where do you live?" Mikasa asks. She supposes the question is kind of dumb since they're headed to his place.
"I live in the new downtown district," he says, "My parents kind of insisted on it. I think our apartment is way too nice for a couple of college kids, but," he shrugs, letting the sentence fall off.
Mikasa nods, "I get that. My parents also wanted me in the new district but when Sash and I were apartment hunting, there was something really charming about the old district."
Eren hums in agreement, "Definitely. Old downtown Trost is great. There's so many great shops and cafes. New downtown has some great restaurants too, but it's hard to justify spending that much money on a pasta dish when they only give you four noodles."
Mikasa laughs at that and their chatter continues naturally as Eren drives. Within a minute or two, Eren is pulling into a large parking garage in one of the most modern parts of the new downtown district.
"I know you said you live in a nice apartment, but I can already tell it's going to be fancy as hell. You have an assigned parking spot in a parking garage in downtown Trost. How?"
Killing the engine, Eren shrugs and send another smile her way. "Wait 'till you see the view from my place."
It was breathtaking. Eren had failed to mention that he and his roommate lived on the top floor of a skyscraper. She could see all of downtown Trost - new and old - and even out into the suburbs from his living room window. It was beautiful with all of the lights.
"Wow," Mikasa breathes, her fingertips resting on the windowsill.
"Crazy, isn't it?" Eren asks from behind her.
She turns, watching him move seamlessly throughout the kitchen as he pulls out pre-prepped food and the promised bottle of champagne with two flutes. She makes her way over to him, sliding onto one of the barstools and watching him work. "So, what's on the menu tonight?"
"Seafood linguine with a white wine sauce. I also made some chocolate lava cakes for dessert."
"That's… really impressive," Mikasa blinks.
"Don't give me that much credit yet. You haven't even tried it," Eren replies. Mikasa swears she can see the slightest blush appearing on his cheeks.
She leans forward and dips a finger in the sauce, making direct eye contact as she licks it off of her finger. Her eyes widen, any provocative thoughts thrown out the window, "Holy shit, that's the best thing I've ever tasted."
Eren laughs and it sounds musical. Mikasa's heart speeds up and she has a feeling Eren can hear it from across the countertop. "I'm glad you like it so much, but no dipping your fingers in the food!" he chastises, pointing a wooden spoon directly at her.
The food is absolutely delightful and Mikasa has to stop herself from shoving it down her throat like an animal. They both polish their plates off, including dessert. The only thing left over is the champagne, which is unfortunate, but Mikasa doesn't want to end up doing anything embarrassing (not that Eren hasn't seen her drunk before) and Eren has to drive her home. They sit and chat at Eren's small glass dining room table for another hour after dinner. Their discussion covers various topics, from more information about their families to how thick Professor Smith's eyebrows are.
After a while, Eren stands up and takes the dishes, placing them in the sink. "I'll wash them after I drop you off," he says.
"No, let me help," Mikasa insists.
Eren shakes his head, "Nope," he pops the 'p', "I can't let you get that dress dirty."
"Thanks for dinner," Mikasa flashes a smile in Eren's direction as she separates her apartment key from the others on her keyring.
"No problem. I'm glad I could actually walk you back up to your apartment."
Mikasa sticks the key into the lock, but pauses before twisting it. She turns to face Eren. "I had a really good time tonight. We should do this again."
This time Eren smiles a brilliant, toothy grin. "We should."
They stand like that for a moment before Mikasa starts to turn towards the door once again.
"Wait," Eren says, taking a step forward.
"What?" Mikasa asks, looking up at him.
"You didn't tell me if my food was better than your roommate's."
Mikasa is silent for a second before letting out a loud laugh, "It was, but don't tell her I said that."
Eren nods, "Alright." He leans down and presses a soft kiss on her forehead. "Good night, Mikasa."
It takes a moment for her brain to turn back on, but as Eren walks away, she replies, "Good night, Eren."