Stars - Levi Ackerman Modern AU (COMPLETE) [#Wattys2018]

Wedding Bells

When I told Levi "as soon as possible," I didn't expect him to drive me home in my car and tell me to meet him at twelve. It was eight o'clock in the morning and I was exhausted, yet too excited to sleep. The events from last night were still present, but not as prominent due to me freaking out about the fact that I was getting married in four hours.

I hopped in my car's driver seat and started the engine. I don't own any dresses, so I'd have to buy one. Levi and I agreed that we didn't want a big wedding and that it shouldn't be expensive. I was glad that we came to that consensus because I don't have wedding money and I definitely didn't want Levi to spend that kind of money either. Plus, the idea of getting married in front of people gives me really bad anxiety. I'd probably trip over my dress and take everyone out or something. It would not be any fun.

I stumbled out of the car and ran into Kohl's. I started looking for a good dress. This proved to be a difficult task. They seemed to have every size except mine. I was just about to give up when a white sleeveless dress caught my attention. I grabbed it and went to the changing room. I tried it on and looked in the mirror, smiling. Usually I'm not much of a sleeveless dress person, but this one seemed perfect. I changed back into my sweatshirt and jeans and then exited the changing room. I skipped to the shoes section and grabbed a pair of white Converse that fit me before heading to the checkout.

"That's a lot of white," the cashier smiled as she scanned my dress and shoes, "Have a wedding?"

She was obviously joking, but I blushed anyway. Her eyes widened. She jumped up and down, her red pigtails flopping with her. She sure was excited for some stranger possibly getting married. Overly happy people usually get on my nerves, but she was too innocent to hate.

"Oh my gosh! Congratulations! I hope to get married to my boyfriend in the future. You must be really excited!" she squealed.

I nodded, swiping my card and then signing the keypad. Her eyes widened as she watched me. It was kind of creepy. I felt like I was being studied under a microscope. I tried my best to ignore her, but her eyes were burning through my flesh.

"McKenzie Jaeger? Are you the McKenzie Jaeger?" she asked me.

I stared at her. She was crazy, "Haha. That's my name. Don't wear it out."

"Do you know Levi Ackerman?" she asked.

I nodded. What the hell does it matter to her?

She grabbed me, she was now over the counter, "Who the hell are you marrying?"

"L-Levi!" I squeaked, "I need to hurry."

Her grip on me loosened, "Thank god. I thought you were marrying someone else because Levi was too chicken to ask and you slipped through his fingers."

I adjusted my sweatshirt, "Why would that happen? I'm only eighteen. It's not like I was in a rush to get married. I'm only marrying right now because it's Levi. Why does it matter to you?"

I looked closely at her name tag, my eyes widening when I read the name "Isabel."

"Are you Levi's adopted sister, Isabel?" I asked.

She nodded frantically, "I can't believe big brother told you about me. He talks about you all the time. Nothing personal, of course. I asked anyway, of course. He didn't say anything though."

I blushed, "U-Umm. Levi talks about me?"

"Of course! He loves you!" Isabel smiled.

"Really?" I asked, "Did he really say that?"

She looked at me funny, "Not exactly, but he's definitely in love with you. Farland and I have thought so since he met you his senior year of high school. He always seemed less grouchy when he talked about you or when you texted him. I've never seen him talk about anything or anyone so passionately. It's adorable. Why do you ask?"

I looked down at my bag, "Well, uh... Levi's never told me that he loves me. I've told him multiple times."

Isabel started laughing, "Calm down. Don't let that bother you. Levi's weird and isn't good with words. Just hurry up and get to that wedding! There's gonna be more customers soon!"

I nodded and sprinted with my bag. I got home as quick as I could, remaining within the speed limit. I quickly unlocked my house and went upstairs to change and apply makeup. When I was finished, I stared at the clock. It was eleven fifteen. Kohl's was thirty minutes away from my house. I sighed as I looked at my own reflection. I was ready for this, well, ready as I'd ever be.

I arrived at the courthouse, anxious as ever. I looked over to see that I was parked right next to Levi's car. I laughed to myself. I quickly changed out of my boots and into my Converse. I didn't want Levi to be staring at my shoes the whole time that we were getting married. I carefully walked my way inside, avoiding various patches of dirt. Who knew that the ground was so dirty? I laughed again. Levi does.

I opened the door and my breath caught. Levi looked stunning. He was wearing a cravat, which I usually tease him for, but this time it looked nice. Levi smiled when he noticed me. It threw me off guard. No matter how many times I see it, I will never be used to Levi Ackerman's smile. This is a sad fact.

----

"Why the hell are you crying, Kenzie?" Levi asked as I cried into his couch pillow, "Is there something wrong?"

"I-I'm fine," I sniffled, "I'm just so happy."

Levi looked at me, confused, "Then why are you crying? All we did was spend way too much on a piece of paper. It's nothing to bawl about. Kenzie, what's the actual matter?"

I smiled at Levi, "I love you."

He just rolled his eyes, "So I'm the one who made you cry? Good to know. I have always aimed to be a man who makes his wife cry hysterically."

"I'm happy, Levi, elated even," I wiped away my tears, "I just don't know how to handle it right now. My body is confused, because all it's been exposed to lately is loss and tragedy."

Levi wavered a bit before grabbing me and pulling me into his arms, "McKenzie, the world is just one big tragedy. Despite that, we humans struggle and struggle to find happiness despite that and win. We're stubborn creatures who won't go down without a fight. Life is hard, but that's what makes it so damn beautiful (quoted from Roy Mustang)."

I dug my face deeper into his chest, taking in his scent, "What would I do without you?"

Levi remained quiet, but played with my hair. I wasn't exactly looking for an answer, so I didn't press him for one. Instead, I just took in the silence. Times like these reminded me why I loved Levi so much. He always knew just what to say when it matters most while also valuing the importance of silence. Being with him has taught me that sometimes silence can say more than any novel. I fell asleep in Levi's arms, feeling that I wasn't alone for once in a long time.

A/N: I think the last chapter is going to be the last. Sorry that there isn't any smut. I hope that doesn't ruin it. I just really felt that it was unnecessary. This has been an amazing journey, but I am off to more things. I have a couple of other stories that I hope you check out. Well, I'll be taking my leave now.

-Ari-gami aka Author-chan