Don't Chase Me [Cheater!Levi Ackerman|Mod!Au] - Chapter 22: Chapter 22

"Cause when I mess up, you never give up your love .."
The day had finally come.
It'd been a long journey, full of tribulations, but it'd finally come.
The day of your wedding.
And you'd never been so nervous.
Packing up and leaving Levi had been one thing. That was something you had to do – for both your sakes. But here you were; pacing with a pounding heart in the back room of a church, in a pretty white dress about to marry the love of your life. The love that had continually proven for two and a half years that he was all yours once more.
The wandering eyes had stopped, and he never went near a bar. He allowed you on his phone whenever you wished. His shell cracked farther open, and you'd finally gotten to see him cry. Levi was an open book now, flashing you more of his rare smiles than you'd ever see before. Though you could always see the regret swimming in the back of his irises.
It was always there.
And some times were worse than others. You knew Levi tried not to dwell on it - he was a different person then - but there were times it attacked his conscience with a vengeance. Nights and days like those, he'd hold you so close it hurt and do nothing but mutter apologies and musings about how much he loved you.
It pained you, but part of you knew it served him right.
Those who knew of the goings on between you two, disapproved of the wedding. Though you knew they'd come anyway; Mikasa was your maid-of-honor after all. Hanji had tried to wriggle her way into the spot, but you wanted Mikasa and the insane brunette couldn't argue with the bride.
"[Name], calm down," Hanji said, placing a hand on your shoulder.
You shook her off, while Mikasa said, "Maybe she's having second thoughts."
You glared at her, "Look, we've told you that everything is sorted. Levi wouldn't do it again."
"Those women are coming to your wedding, are you honestly okay with that?" countered the raven haired girl evenly.
You sighed, plopping down on a stuffed ottoman. "No – but we want to prove something. Especially to Chuck. Besides, strange as it seems, there were girls who refused to sleep with him because they felt guilty. And Levi said that he can have the police escorts take them away if, either, he or I get uncomfortable and he refuses to talk or be alone with any of them. Trust me, Mikasa, Levi and I have this whole thing sorted out."
Mikasa tched, rolling her eyes some. She didn't believe you and, though you worried greatly about a relapse from Levi, you had all of your trust him.
Levi was just as nervous as you on the other side of the church, though he didn't show it. Instead, he sat rigidly staring at a wall. His groomsmen chatted and joked, but Levi had hardly said a word all morning. His heart was pounding like crazy, sweat licking his palms.
This was happening.
You were really going to do it – you were really going to marry him, even after all he'd done.
Guilt had worn a sore hole in his chest long ago, and he regretted inviting the accessory to his adultery. All it did was salt his wound. But he had to do it, he had to face them. They were ghosts – demons – that taunted his nightmares. The succubi that, in his dreams, took you away and chained you up to torture you in front of him. Or, rather, used him to torture you.
Levi had worked insanely hard to regain your trust, and he wasn't going to let it go again. He could regret listening to Chuck's 'advice' all he wanted, but it didn't changed what he did. It didn't change your loss in trust. It had pained him that you'd always seem so surprised when he slept in, and came home from work on time. He had to admit that it felt nice, always waking up beside you and having you and only you. That had been all he wanted all along and, when he finally allowed it to happen, it was the greatest feeling.
Plus he got more sleep! – Some nights. But when he didn't sleep much, it was because you had kept him up. And that was the best kind of insomnia.
If Levi did have to stay late at work, he always made sure you knew he was really still at the office. He always kept you on video chat for a bit or explained what needed to be done. Sometimes he'd send you a picture of his meeting schedule, that way you knew. Erwin also called you sometimes when Levi was late, and then sent a picture of the short man face first into paperwork. That always made you laugh.
When he'd proposed, you'd understood all of the overtime and why he fell asleep in his papers. The ring was one you'd seen and fell in love with at an expensive jewelry store once, when you and Levi went to the big city. Levi could have afforded it without overtime, he was kind of a big-whig in the company, but he wanted to make sure there was enough to cover the wedding – if there was one.
Then there was the fact that his entire building was moving to the city and, if he wanted to keep his job, you would have to move. Levi didn't see the point in being one of those idiots who traveled four or five hours to and from work – he didn't exactly get paid for road time. So you and he were looking at plots on the outskirts to build a house on. He also found it was a perfect way to ditch the shitty memories in your other house, and have a fresh start in home you two designed yourselves!
A hand on his shoulder shook Levi from his thoughts, and he looked over to see Erwin. Though Farlan was Levi's best man, since they'd been friends forever and he was basically Levi's brother, Erwin pulled in at a close second. With a nod, the blond said, "It's time."
With a fluttering stomach, Levi nodded and stood. A large knot had tied in his throat, and he was terrified he'd scream if he tried to talk. Everything had boiled down to this. Every tear, every scream, every apology and guilt filled night – it came to this.
The day that you'd truly belong to each other.
Sure, to some marriage was just a show or a joke. But Levi meant it as a showing of his loyalty, and of his want to be with you – he'd given up being a hypocrite long ago. Levi wanted to rub it in the faces of those assholes who said that there were better things, and that he couldn't do it. But they'd never felt the spark he did against your skin. They didn't know how you could single handedly wipe his mind of everything with just a glance.
They didn't know how, in the most intimate moments, there was a fire between you two that couldn't be extinguished. They'd never felt its heat, or been afraid they might combust due to the touch of another person. Even in a single chaste kissed, Levi always felt the blaze, the passion. He knew that people said the fire faded after a while – he'd been with you five years and it never thought of fading.
And, as much as it sickened him, no matter who he was with before – Levi always thought of you. Most of the time that was the only way he was satisfied. But even his mind couldn't recreate the actual intensity you brought. It scorned him that he hadn't seen then, that he should have stopped going to the brothel. But what could you do when your mind kicked into a flight response when you were scared?
Numbly, Levi made his way to the garden alter to wait for you. He hoped you hadn't run away. He hoped with everything that you'd show up. It was probably silly to think you'd get cold feet, but it was always on his mind.
You and your bridesmaids lined up behind the church door leading outside. Your ceremony was being held in the large flowering garden. You and Levi were going to be married under a white arch dripping with flora. You wondered if Levi would wear white coat tails or black. You knew he'd looked at both colours, and insisted he wear a formal tux. Although you knew that the cravat, jacket and cummerbund would promptly be removed that the reception (which was being held in the back yard of your newly finished house).
The music started and the door opened.
You could just see Levi in a crisp white tux with a bright red rose for his boutonniere. The white suited him; it was pristine and spotless, just like the way he liked everything else. It also made his pale skin seem just a little tanner, since it wasn't competing with a darker colour. He looked incredibly handsome, even if you couldn't see much around your bridesmaids.
Your heart raced in your ribcage, your corset suddenly seeming far too tight. You swallowed the lump in your throat, wiped your hands on your dress, and waited for your turn to go out.
Levi watched as your bridesmaids came down the aisle, one by one. They were all clothed in your favourite colour, and holding a tiny bouquet of your favourite flowers. Levi's heart was vibrating in his chest as he impatiently waited for you. His palms were sweating like mad, and all he could do was press his lips in a tight line.
Levi had already spotted where Chuck, Lexi and some of the other girls were sat in the back row; he saw them when he first came out. He figured it was better to spot them early, so then all he had to do was worry about you. The sight of the girls made him sick. And Levi noticed, for the first time, that none of them were as beautiful as he'd previously been lead to believe. Then again, the girls had years of drugs and alcohol to age them, while you very rarely drank and – so far as he knew – hadn't dared touch any sort of drug.
Even if they hadn't, Levi thought you'd still be far more gorgeous than any of them. You were the most beautiful woman in the universe to him, after all. And he felt incredibly lucky to have you in his life. You were lovely, inside and outside and, though he'd at first run, you brought out the best in him.
His mind quickly flitted through everything that'd gone on the last five years, right up to the current moment, and Levi felt impossibly stupid. But very relieved he'd finally been woken up.
A knot curled in his stomach as he spotted you; you were – words couldn't even describe how beautiful he thought you were. Everything about you was perfect, even more so than usual. He felt insanely light headed and dizzy.
"Levi, breathe," were Farlan's words from beside him, along with an elbow nudge.
The male hadn't even realized he'd stopped. Levi sucked in a sharp breath, some of his airy-ness dissipating. He was half tempted to run to you, steal you away from your escort, and then run away. But, at the same time, he was rooted to his spot. Something about your smile, which became the heart stopping crooked smile upon eye contact, froze him.
Electricity licked at your skin as your hand was passed to Levi. You two stood facing each other, both of your hands interlocked. Everything in Levi's eyes was sharp and passionate, even through your thin veil you could see that.
"You look..." Levi started in a low murmur as the ceremony began.
You chuckled, heat in your face. "Thank you; not often you're at a loss for words. You don't look half bad yourself."
Levi squeezed your hands, and you squeezed back. Levi could feel a smile tugging at his mask, but he knew he'd never hear the end of it if he did crack one. So he gave you a little one, one that wasn't too noticeable but you could tell it was a smile. That only made your own wider.
You two were silent until it came to the 'I do's – which you both gladly did. And when it came to the kiss, Levi pulled you tightly to him and then dipped you. When he pulled you back up, he quickly shot the back row a smug grin. And then his attention was immediately back on you.
"Shall we – Mrs Ackerman," Levi teased, looping his arm through yours.
You laughed and nodded, following him back down the aisle. You two had opted out the receiving line, so you went straight to Levi's car and headed to your home. There were caterers and decorators doing last minute touches, some gardeners finishing up their preening. But everybody cleared out when they spotted you.
Within a few minutes, most of your guests found their way to your new home as well. There was a long drive up to the house; you'd built on about four acres. The house was a large two story with a natural grey stone front, and a fountain in the front. There were gardens filled with colourful flowers, in both the front and back; Levi hired gardeners to take care of them. The floor plan of the house was very open, and there was lots of white and greys and windows.
You were happy that the day was beautiful and clear. The sky was the prettiest blue. Tables were set up, along with a buffet; you had large gazebo and it was decorated with flowers as well. Your large back deck was also covered in flowers – that was where the buffet was.
When everyone got to the house, the photographer (which was a friend of yours) pulled together the entire wedding party. There were laughs and poses, teases and kisses. After that, you all returned to the back yard. Your earlier thoughts were correct as well. Levi ditched his cravat, jacket and cummerbund, placing everything at his seat at the main table.
You rolled your eyes, kissed Levi on the cheek, and told him you'd be back. It was Hanji's idea, actually, that you get a white summer dress to wear at the reception. As well as on your plane ride, which would be later that evening. Levi stared at you when you came back out, his jaw a bit slack.
"You'll catch flies with that open mouth, Mr Ackerman," you laughed, when you reached where he was leaning against a table. You gently shut his mouth, and then pressed a kiss to his lips. Levi immediately pulled you back for another one.
"You've been continually stunning today, Mrs Ackerman," he muttered softly, brushing away a stray strand of hair.
"I'm glad that – " you started, but flinched when a hand as on your shoulder. You and Levi looked over to see Mikasa, and she nodded to the entrance of the gazebo. Both of you looked to find them – the people from the bar. Your eyes shifted back to Levi, who looked uncomfortable already. Mikasa said nothing, but left you two on your own. "Should we tell them to lea –"
"Not yet," said Levi thickly. You nodded, understanding that Levi needed this. It was part of his – recovery – process.
"Then we should go and get this over with." You took Levi's hand and headed towards where Chuck, Lexi and the others were. Levi pulled you close, taking the lead. When you stood before them, some of the girls looked over you with a sneer. While Chuck and Levi glared each other down.
Your grip on Levi's hand loosened, and you took a slight step back. Levi noticed, looking over at you while squeezing your hand tightly. Levi pulled you close, looping a reassuring arm around your waist. You gave him a wary smile, to which he nodded and then returned his attention reluctantly to his guests.
"Ya look good, Ackerman," Chuck said, finally breaking the silence, though you could tell it was hesitant. His eyes turned to you, and he gave you a cheeky smirk. "You too, Mrs A."
"Thanks," you said softly, giving a small awkward nod.
Levi grunted, "More than can be said for you."
Chuck scoffed, "No thanks to you, I'm sure."
"Ya know, this is the last place I thought you two would be," Lexi said smugly. You went a little rigid, pressing your lips together.
Levi's glare shifted to Lexi as he pulled you closer. "It wasn't without its problems, but we made it work."
"You're not a sniveling little brat anymore," chuckled Chuck lowly, distaste in his voice.
"Damn right I'm not," Levi countered, "Now, if you don't mind, you're making my wife uncomfortable."
With that, Levi pulled you away.
"Are you okay, Levi?" you asked once you were across the yard. He was rather stiff, and had his hand firmly clamped on your waist.
"Yeah, fine," was all he grumbled.
"What's the matter? We can ask them to leave, ya know," you noted.
Levi was silent, just glaring at the tree line. "I feel like an idiot."
"Levi –"
"Seeing them again - I don't know what in hell I was thinking back then!" he growled. "I almost lost you because of those obnoxious, ugly bitches – !"
You pulled from him to plant your hands firmly on his shoulders. He refused to meet your eyes. "Levi, please – breathe!"
He did as he was told and drew in a breath as his eyes connected with yours. You two were silent again, and when it seemed Levi wasn't going to say anything, you asked, "What are you thinking?"
"I want them gone. Now," the short man snapped. You stood silently, face to face with your husband. Your lips were pressed in a hard line, and your fingers were wrapped firmly around his shoulders. Why the sudden aggression? What was he feeling? Before you could ask, Levi said, "I don't feel an urge to be with them, if that's what you're concerned about. I don't want to be with anyone, but you. I feel like an asshole, especially with them here, for taking so damn long to man up and realize and appreciate it. And it's – I just – We put all of that behind us long ago, and them being here doesn't make me feel any better about what I've done."
You opened your mouth to say something reassuring, but Levi placed a firm yet gentle finger against your lips. "Don't, [Name], nothing you say can make me feel better. I ran from you, and I'm never going to forgive myself."
With that, Levi pulled you to him and wrapped you in a tight hug. You squeezed him back. "I love you, Levi, very much."
"I love you too, [Name]," he muttered softly back from where he had his face in your hair. When he pulled away, he took one of your crunchy spirals of hair between his fingers. "Damn, think you have enough hairspray in your hair? This shit is going to take forever to come out."
You smirked at him, "Well, they had to get the curls to stay somehow. Besides – it just means I'll have to take an extra long shower tonight, and I might need help getting all of it out."
It took a second, but then the innuendo behind your words sunk into Levi's mind. He smirked back then, pulling you flush to his body. He opened his mouth to say something cheeky back when Hanji called for you two. Levi groaned, and then looked over his shoulder.
"Shall we, Mr Ackerman?" you asked, nodding to where Hanji was franctically waving from the gazebo.
"Let's, Mrs Ackerman," he said, turning his head to flash you an actual smile. You giggled and then kissed him before pulling him back towards your guests.
Levi had Erwin and Farlan tell the escorts to take away your unwelcomed guests, that way you and he could deal with Hanji's freak out. Once that was over with, you and he talked to all of your guests. For your first dance, the two of you danced to an old 80s rock song. But this dance was different than the first dance the two of you ever had.
Levi actually knew a few formal dances, and had taught you. Then you two had figured out how to dance one of them to your song. Levi even added a few unexpected dips, where he kissed you sweetly. When it was over, the crowd whooped and cheered.
You'd only ever met Levi's mother two or three times, since the two weren't on the best terms. But they were trying, and you could see her crying as they had their mother-son dance. Your father was weepy as well as you and he danced – even though he tried not to show it.
Flower petals were tossed as you and Levi made for his car so you two could catch your plane. Your wedding party said they'd help the cleaners and maids pick up the mess. A couple of your friends were going to watch the house. Once you were in the car and well down the street, you saw Levi's face break into a large smile.
He couldn't hide it any more.
You kissed his cheek, muttering your affections. At a stop sign, Levi kissed you back. You two did that the whole way to the airport, and you cuddled the best you could once you were seated on your flight. Even if Levi was hesitant. He really couldn't keep his hands off of you.
He'd worked his ass off to get where you were today, and he wasn't going to let you go. Ever. It was a long, difficult journey to get there – but Levi had the one thing he'd craved for so long. And he wasn't going to run away anymore; he hadn't run in two and a half years, he wasn't going to start again now. Or ever.
Levi wasn't scared of his feelings, anymore. Finally, he was going to let his guard down.
But only for you.
"Yeah I'm a fuck up, but you swear I'm enough."