Redemption Song | Levi & Eren

Chapter 26: You're My Best Friend

      Levi mastered the art of appearing uninterested as a child. He lived in rundown areas surrounded by criminals and prostitution. He used his lack of facial expressions to fake composure and confidence.

It allowed him to trick others into believing he was a mentally strong child, that despite the cruel world around him, he was strong enough to handle it.

He was, but after experiencing what it was like to traverse through life with someone else, he never wished to go solo again.

The church ceiling made him feel tinier than usual. The religious building's large design had Levi feeling like an insect. The many guests reminded him of an ant colony, all in an ant hill.

The men wore similar blue suits much like he was. The women were clad in a wider variety of colours and dresses but shared comparisons with the men's clothes.

Erwin and Levi picked out their suits during Eren's rehab. Erwin, having already chosen and paid for his suit, merely had to collect it whilst Levi had yet to choose. He'd been preoccupied and as such was unable to prioritise his friends' wedding.

Erwin selected a three-piece blue suit consisting of a white undershirt and a dark grey suit vest. A black tie completed the outfit. Levi declined the grey fedora.

Levi understood Erwin's thought process when his suit was kindly assigned to him. The dark blue resembled certain police colours alongside being colour appropriate for a wedding.

Levi knew Erwin saw the police as his family so he wasn't surprised he wanted that element of his life to be there. Levi's family circle was more restricted but he respected Erwin's choice.

The wooden pew beneath him was less comfortable than his replacement sofa. He'd taken a liking to his new home environment. Erwin and Hanji had mostly organised the new layout, taking into account Levi's budget.

In the end, they'd used some of their own money to cover certain expenses. Levi refused the kindness but they blanked him. The veteran was surprised they had any money left given the size of the current event.

Levi had bought the suit. Erwin staggered in shock when Levi revealed his plan to him. He explained the suit wasn't a terrible outfit and if a similar event were to arise in his future, he'd have a fancy suit in his arsenal.

At least he could wash this one without repercussions. Secretly, he liked it. He suspected Erwin figured he had taken a liking to it but the two men stayed silent.

"Is it normal for me to be nervous?" Levi's plus one questioned, scraping at the tight space between the collar and his neck.

Levi swatted Eren's hand away from the material. Eren wore the same clothes he did but a larger size. Once Eren returned from rehab, Levi asked if he'd be willing to accompany him.

Levi explained in short detail about Erwin's upcoming wedding with his partner Hanji and how they'd both been pestering him for months about a plus one. Eren agreed, smiling. Levi rented him a larger-sized suit.

"Stop acting like a div." Levi reprimanded. He fixed Eren's tie since the young man had altered it during his scratching.

"Alright, shit. Sorry, mum." Eren joked. Levi halted his movements to channel his energy into a glare. "Sorry..." Eren apologised, receiving a sigh. Levi continued to fix Eren's tie until it was redone.

"Don't swear in a church," Levi said, glancing around. No one paid them any mind.

Eren raised a brow. "Why are you acting so weird?"

Levi scoffed. "If I mess up today I'll never hear the end of it."

Levi glanced around. He sat at the end of the pew on the second row. The front was reserved for family. Erwin's father, an old man, had almost fallen asleep. Hanji's family ignored him.