After I hung up I instantly changed my clothes. I felt disgusting after sleeping in them the whole night, and I definitely needed a quick shower.

I needed a little more than the promised 30 minutes, but at least I was clean and had a good amount of make-up in my face to hide the dark circles. No need to give Mikasa reason to worry.

But when I arrived at the coffee-shop that'd become our favorite, - Trost District Beans – Coffee, Tea, and more-, I was greeted by so many familiar faces, that I just stood in the entrance like a slapped arse.

Mikasa, Eren, Sasha and Connie, Jean and Armin, even Ymir and Christa. They were all there, waving and smiling at me as Jean took the initiative to stand up and push me towards the table where a hot, steaming and BIG cup of my favorite tea was already waiting for me. A wink from Mikasa told me that this was her doing.

When I asked Mikasa out for a day off from training, I hadn't expected to become like...THIS!

"Damn, Mikasa! Seriously! How did you manage it to gather all our friends together in such a short time?!" I was shocked. I wasn't expecting the whole bunch of youngsters to gather here when I just asked for Mikasa. Not that I complain! I'm very happy that they're all here. It seems I'm still not used to it to have so many friends to stay in contact with. Still much to learn for me.

"Isn't that obvious, dearie? The reason why you called me let my alarm bells ring and I thought you could need more backup. I mean, since when do you skip training with Erwin? That new. Even for you. I assumed something might be wrong and here we are. Was a piece of cake." Mikasa explained, motioning with her arms around the table to assure me that they all are into this as well, ready for comfort or something else. Damn...Mikasa has no idea how right she is.

After the big and thorough greeting ritual, I sat down between Armin and Mikasa. They'd picked our favorite table. A big and round table in the corner by the windows with a matching circular-shaped bench, the lively and crowded shopping street right before our eyes to watch all the different types of humans, and sometimes animals, wandering around. The coffee-shop was kept in warm and comfortable colors, red, velvety fabric on the seats, light brown colored walls with white, unequal vertical flowing stripes for the contrast, and a very big counter table with a glassy front to look at the amazing selection of cakes and cookies. All handmade and so delicious looking, that I always end up salivating, even if I just ate a slice of it.

"So. How did you come up with the idea to skip training to hang out instead? Tell me. I'm curious." Mikasa finally broke the silence when she leaned over to me on her elbow, giving me one of her rare soft smiles. Useless to say that Jean was fawning over that simple expression instantly, but since everyone knows how Jean reacts to a beautiful woman around him, we ignored his fanboying sighs.

"Uhm. To be honest, I needed some well-deserved distraction. A lot of shit happened to me recently and I just have today and tomorrow before my vacation ends. I just wanted some time for myself, without anything on my schedule or so."

I tried to explain it rationally, without giving a hint that Erwin played a big part in this. Its none of anyone's business and since none of us knows where we stand, it's better to keep our lips sealed.

"No wonder! Look at these eye bags. You suffered enough lately, then it's only logical that you need some lazy time with your besties." That damn loose mouth of Sasha...always blurting out what better should be avoided mentioned.

"Sasha! That's not very polite! You don't mention a woman's bad look in public!" Christa scolded the brunette, who just scratched the back of her head with slightly pink cheeks.

"Whoopsie. Sorry, Nina. You look wonderful by the way." Well, at least an elegant rescue, even with a little push.

"That's better."

"I bet she misses Levi that damn hard that she kept herself up all night with the vibrator!" Connie suddenly shot from the side without shame.

"Am I right, or am I right, Nina?" His broad and sassy grin went so wide like from the Cheshire Cat, giving Jean a High-Five over the table.

"Oi, Connie! That's mean! Apologize!" Eren shouted at him before Mikasa pulled him down into his seat again, but the stern gaze in her eyes was undeniable.

"Why? Look at her. All red in her pretty face. Looks like I hit the nail on the head, eh?"

Goddammit...I wish that stupid boy would shut up for five minutes. I hid my face in both hands, looking down on the surface of the table while slowly counting ten. I haven't masturbated once since Levi left. Why? I don't know. I wasn't really in the mood, and Erwin made sure to keep me distracted pretty well. It all came together now and I felt so ashamed right now, that I began to doubt if this here was a good idea.

When I counted twenty in my head, I felt two hands on either of my shoulders. Armin on my right, and Mikasa on my left.

"Don't listen to him. You know how he is, Nina. Ignore it and change the topic." Armin tried to encourage me with a reassuring smile and I forced myself to a little awkward grin in return. If they would just know whats going on in my life right now, they wouldn't be so comforting, but I tried to follow Armin's advice anyways and changed the topic. Luckily, I had everyone at my back.

For the following two hours, we all just sat there, exchanging funny stories and of course talking about the newest gossip. The main part was the new and blooming relationship between Christa and Ymir. It was no secret that these two were from the other side of the shore. Only I was informed about it a little late, but I didn't care. I was happy for them, and as soon as the love is true and honest, there's nothing to say against it. To each his own, live and let live, that's my motto. Nothing bad in a relationship between two men or women. The heart wants what it wants.

They were bombed with tons of questions, how they made out and so. The boys, of course, wanted to know how they get along in bed, but Ymir made them shut their mouths very fast, saying that its "None of their fucking business!" Quote, end.

The next thing on the list was how I'm handling Levi's long absence and of course how the thing with Petra turned out. Connie couldn't hold back and fired more of his smutty comments into the round, saying that I probably couldnt keep my hands away from myself and If I scream Levi's name after I'm done. Goddamn, I wish there was a pit opening up beneath me to devour me in whole, so I don't have to listen to that boy's sassy mouth any longer. I felt my cheeks burning up from embarrassment more and more, and just when I thought he was just getting started, Mikasa sprung up from her seat, pushing herself up with both arms to tower above us all. Without saying a single word, everyone became silent instantly, while Connie became smaller and smaller in his seat. When I looked around Mikasa, I saw why. Holy damn shit...Now I saw the relation to Levi more than ever before! It seems The Glare was in their genes. Must be some kind of Ackerman-heritage. Whatever it was, it's working, and I never was more relieved to know Mikasa on my side.

When Connie finally kept his mouth shut, I could finally tell the Petra-story. Everyone knew about it, but to hear what happened from the person who lived through it first hand was something completely different.

Mikasa and Armin were worried that it would tear up old wounds, but I assured them it was okay. I always could handle such situations pretty good once they were over. So I told them all that'd happened on that day and how I came up with all the shit that came down that gloomy and fateful night. I made sure to extend the story as long as possible and to make it extra thrilling, so everyone would forget that there still was the question with Levi in the room.

Once I was done with telling, I immediately changed to the next topic.

"By the way, Jeannie! What about your phone? Did you got it back?" I asked curiously. The hearing was long over and Petra in jail. It was long overdue that Jean got his phone back after the police took it as a piece of evidence.

Grinning proudly, he pulled out a brand new iPhone 11 from his pocket.

"Even more than that! The officers had to disassemble it to get all the information they wanted. I contacted my insurance and é voila! They gave me a new one. Jackpot!" Everyone gaped at the shiny white device, Eren even asked if he can hold it for a second, but Jean dodged every plead away, hastily putting his phone back into his pocket. I laughed to myself at the thought that Jean sure as hell won't give away his mobile not that easy anymore.

As I was still grinning under my nose, taking a generous sip of my tea, Jean leaned over the table and poked my arm.

"I might be mistaken, my fair maiden, but I remember there was a promise made that I would get a kiss from mentioned maiden when I join into her crazy plan to bring that red-haired bitch to jail." Jean's grin and the sassy tone in his voice, mixed with the expectation and anticipation in his eyes caught the attention of everyone around the table.

True...now I remember as well. I promised him a kiss once this all should be over. Guess its time to stick to my word. A true woman honors debts, especially gambling debts. But on my terms at least.

"Alright, Jeannie. You'll get your kiss." I already saw the grin spreading on his face.

"BUT! Not now. I decide when I give it to you today. Then you can enjoy the anticipation to the fullest, never knowing when it will happen." And there the grin turned into a little frown, but now it was me who was grinning like shit. I won't tease him for too long, just enough to see the sparkle in his eyes whenever I look at him. This will be a fun game in the end, and the day isn't over.

Sasha was the first who insisted to leave for the next location, and after that, we all agreed and followed. After the poor waitress took each of our bills separately but got rewarded with a generous tip from everyone of us, we left the coffee-shop for an unknown destination, roaming the streets of the lively downtown as the strange bunch of friends we all are.

I clung to the girls mostly, who found more than one interesting looking store to shop clothes, accessories or make-up. These things never were mine, but I enjoyed to spend time with them. The poor boys were forced to either wait outside, or the more daring ones like Eren and Jean joined the horde of females on their trip. Eren because of wanting to be close to his girlfriend and tell her how beautiful she is and Jean because of a very well known reason. Whenever our eyes met, I grinned at him with a wink, waving with my finger before my face that said "Na-ah. Not yet."

Luckily, all the others who were forced to wait for us had no problem with it. They kept themselves entertained pretty well by chasing doves like little children, or Connie used his sharp tongue to wolf-whistle after some cute girls. That boy...he will never change, but that's part of his charm. No wonder Sasha fell for him. She's very patient with him and can laugh even at the lamest joke. Yet, Connie's very entertaining. Somehow, they fit together like cheese and crackers.

After a few hours of just the girls shopping their clothes, and because I had enough of this, I finally took Armin, Jean and the other guys under my wing when we finally made it to one of the bigger shopping malls, from which I knew there was a BIG store for all sorts of computer games, movies and other nerd-stuff inside.

That was our big moment to go crazy. Jean even forgot for a moment that there was still the promised kiss, which gave me a moment to breathe and have a calm trip through the shelves.

A few of the girls, like Christa and Sasha, joined us in their curiosity. I was so excited to finally have a normal day and to share it with my friends. For a few hours, I finally felt like a normal woman again. No rules, no responsibilities.

In the middle of the shop was an area set up to test the new "Need for Speed" with four players. Sasha, Christa, Jean and I took our seats and used this one time chance to race against each other. It was so much fun! I never played such a game with more than two players, and it was worth a try.

Against all odds, Christa won the race two times and Sasha dropped her controller more than once since she couldnt decide what was more important to her: the game controller to play, or her donut with sprinkles.

Spoiler-alert: The donut won...

That's just how it is when two worlds collide, but at least they didn't blame us for our passion and hobbies. Besides: the rest of the big shop benefited from it as well. We attracted so many customers and curious kids into the shop, that it's easy to tell the shop keeper earned some good money with us, but after this funny little break, the girls left us alone again to join the others.

Armin and I stayed close to each other most of the time. He values my opinion in video games, which I truly appreciate. It's uncommon, but not unwelcome for me when someone seeks my insight in cases of video games, movies or other stuff like this. I could give him a few good tips about what to try or to buy, and in the end, he left the store with five new games in his arm. Damn those rich ass parents...I wish I had more money like this as well, but I shouldn't complain. It could be worse, though.

As I continued to roam the shelves filled with hundreds of games, I suddenly stopped at a very colorful and familiar-looking cover and I gasped loudly once I recognized what I just found!

"Oh my gosh! That's SO coming home with me!" I blurted in total happiness. I had forgotten that last month was the release of the game "Spyro the Dragon: Reignited Trilogy", a remake of my very first game I ever played when I was a kid. I loved dragons since I was six years old, and that hadn't changed until today. It's only logical that I take my first ever loved dragon home with me. I mean: How could you not love the little purple dragon with his little dragonfly-fella Sparx? Yeah, its a game for children, but you have to protect the little spark inside your soul that keeps you curious and joyful like a kid, right? What fun would there be in life if everything good from your past dies out like that? Being a little kid from time to time never hurt anyone after all.

I will drown myself in pure nostalgia tonight, that's for sure. Plus: Its a very welcome distraction to light up my mood. Speaking of mood...

With the game tightly kept under my arm, I looked around for Jean in the spacious shop. A few meters away, where all the music CD's are stored, I spotted the light brown tuft of his hair. I was suddenly in such a happy mood, that I find it only fitting to give him what he's waiting for the whole day.

I looked further around and found the rest of our friends out of range. No audience means no gossip.

So I sneaked up to Jean as silent as possible, staying out of his sight by any means. My grin grew wider and wider, the anticipation of what my little jump-scare might cause growing as well. When I was right behind him, I finally broke my silence.

"Jeannie?"

"Huh? What is it?" This was my moment! When he turned half round to look at me, I jumped at him, wrapped both arms around his neck and pressed a big and exaggerated smooch on his slightly stubbly cheek.

"Whoa! Wha-!" Jean was bare of any words when my attack hit him completely by surprise and he dropped everything this moment, even the DVD he was holding, since the loud clatter from the ground told me that it was a piece of plastic that hit it.

With a loud smacking sound, I popped my mouth from his cheek, leaving behind a slight reddened mark, and a visibly flustered and shocked Jean.

"There you go, Jeannie. I always pay my debts." I poked the tip of his nose and ruffled through his hair playfully before I made up part again. That sly fox tried to pull me back when I saw his hands aiming for my waist, but I jumped back before he could do so.

"What? No tight hug for your partner in crime? No real kiss? I couldnt savor the sweet sensation of your soft lips on my skin, Hot Stuff." his face lit up with a wicked grin. In the same manner, I grinned back, waving with my finger in front of my face.

"Jeannie. I know that banana of yours is happy to see and feel me, but I'm eye-candy only. So you can't have a taste. I know one, or more, two very strong men who would disagree, remember?" I referred to the night when Levi finally dropped the bomb and announced us as an official couple, and what almost happened to Jean if I didn't step in to prevent him from getting a nose surgery thanks to Levi.

"Besides, with this, my promise is fulfilled, the deal is accomplished, the vow was concluded. If you yearn for another contract with the devil, you better read the fine print before you sign." I grinned evilly and pulled off my best villain-laughter I had in store, showing off my teeth and rubbing my hands together like the evil queen from Disney's Snow White and the seven dwarves as she was holding her precious poisoned apple.

That was too freaky, even for Jean and he raised both hands in defense and took a few steps back.

"No need to. But thanks for staying true to your word. You're a good friend."

Wow. These are very new tones from him. Months before, he couldnt keep his pick-up lines to himself, flirted with me like there's no tomorrow, pulled off sexual phrases and even got that far to invade my private space more than I liked it. To hear him talking so cautious, even respectful, was very surprising. Was it because of the Petra-incident?

Erwin had told me that I earned Mike's respect with this act, and by the way, Erwin told me about it, this must mean something. He then explained that Mike wasn't a man that gives his respect to people that nonchalantly. You have to work for it, and once he found a person worthy of his respect and esteem, you have found a friend for life in him.

I wasn't sure what this means for me, but I was glad that Mike thought this way. I still have to bond with him a little more as well, though. Maybe in the near future, when some clarity and order comes back into my life.

Anyway, it seems that Jean also jumped up on that "respect-train". Not that I mind. Friends should respect each other, no matter what, but who knows how the masculine part of the world sees this. I have no idea. I appreciate Jean's change, even if he can't hold back a little flirt from time to time.

After he picked up the movie he dropped, we finally took our leave and paid for the things we'd chosen. I gave him a few more smiles and I couldnt oversee one thing:

Up close, Jean's indeed really handsome. The little goatee, the light brown and middle length hair, for a man at least, plus the long and toned posture, and the slight tan on his skin. He sure as hell will make a lot of women weak on their knees in the future, there's no doubt. What a shame that I'm older than him, not to mention: taken.

I sighed and my mood dropped a little. Every little mention and thought of Levi or Erwin brings back all the thoughts I'm trying to forget. I just want some peace for a few hours, without worrying about what might come, but it seems that's impossible. I have to deal with it somehow. I can't turn into a sad pile of flesh every time I think about one of these two. I'm going back to my job in two days, and I have to function in top condition. At least my work will distract me more successful than any video game could.

Hours later, I and Mikasa did it to skip our training successfully. It became dark already, what's no surprise, though. It's almost November, freakin' cold and Christmas isn't so far away either. I just hope and pray that I won't have to spend my Holidays alone...

Some of my friends noticed that I wasn't with them at some points, mentioning my frown and sad face. I couldnt tell them what's going on. All I could repeat over and over again was that I miss Levi. Which wasn't a lie in the end. Goddamn, miss him like hell. I wish he would come back and take me in his arms, kiss my face all over and cuddle up to me on the couch while watching a movie on Netflix. That's all I want and need now. Just him being close to me, holding me, hear his heart beating with my head nestled on his chest, his strong arms around my frame to keep me safe and warm as his deep voice lulls me into sleep, like numerous amount of times before.

Oh god...please Levi, come back...