Levi was on his way to Sina Ground station. The raven walked along the crowded streets, pretending he didn't just see the dead body of his mother. The people around him didn't care if he was sad, anyways. All they knew was that he was on his way to somewhere important. Levi had to get to the station as soon as possible- he had no use for small talk with strangers.
He no longer had the need to look at where he was going- the raven had the path memorized. He'd walked on the same path to and from work for over 10 years. Nothing ever changed; Kenny always stood in the same spot at the station. Levi always rushed to get to his job. His mother always came with him on weekends...and he always walked quietly, glaring at anyone who got in his path, besides Izzy and Farlan, of course. They were Levi's best friends.
And his only friends.
Farlan had been a friend to Levi ever since he could remember. The blond boy was always catching him unaware while walking to the station, and got attached to him once they started walking together. It was a slight nuisance, but at least Levi had someone to talk to for a bit.
Isabel, on the other hand, popped up out of nowhere. She had greeted Levi the same way Farlan had every day, grabbing him by the shoulders and giggling. Of course, the raven had suspected Farlan to be there, but was instead greeted by a smiling, red-haired girl with pigtails.
And she seemed like the most optimistic person in the world.
She accompanied him each day on his walk to the train station, talking to Farlan every once in a while. Soon, they became inseparable. Every day on the walks to and from the station, Levi, Farlan, and Izzy would talk until they reached their destinations. Levi always had two amazing friends who could always keep him company.
Today, though, they had noticed that something was off.
"Levi!"
Izzy's high-pitched squeal didn't make him turn around this time. He didn't want to interact with people today. Levi glared at the redhead.
"Levi, don't be so mean to Isabel. You know she's still young and needs positive attention."
Farlan was also there… Levi knew it would be hard to get rid of them now.
"Isabel is 15, Farlan. I think she's old enough to take care of herself. Even though she has a breakdown every time someone teases her..."
Izzy was already tearing up after Levi's ignorant behavior. She was about to burst into tears, but the raven patted her on the shoulder and apologized before the redhead could make a scene.
"So, why are you walking down the street so sadly, without your mother around? Today is Saturday, right?" The golden-haired boy seemed like he was very interested in hearing his answer.
Levi bowed his head down. "There was an accident with Mother at home. She won't be coming to work with me over the weekend. She can't work this week, but I still need to make money."
"Wow, Levi. So that's why you look like you rolled in dirt. We're really sorry to hear that about your mother...right, Isabel?" Farlan elbowed Isabel, who was staring at a stray cat rummaging in a trash can. Levi also turned to look at the cat. It was jet black, with narrow, slate-gray eyes that demanded respect.
It reminded Levi of himself.
Isabel seemed distracted while responding to Farlan's teasing. '"Oh… yes. We're sorry to hear that. What was "that" again?"
"God, Isabel. Pay attention to something for once! Levi's mother had an accident and she can't go to work with him this weekend."
The raven was feeling a bit guilty about not telling his friends the truth, but he couldn't risk worrying them.
"Oh, Levi! You should take the day off and take care of your mother!"
Levi knew this was coming.
"I can't Izzy. I need to make money to afford food for today. You know none of us are very rich."
"But your mom…" Isabel pouted.
"She'll get the medical attention she needs once I can afford it. Now don't worry so much about me, Izzy."
She looked up at him, frustrated, but slowly shuffled over to Farlan's side. The blond started comforting Levi after Izzy's pleading.
"Levi, if this is going to affect you too much, just come over to our places. We can lend you something if you need it."
"Thanks, Farlan. But I'd like to be left alone for a while to get through this. I also have to get to the little brat's house before his father yells at me for looking like I just crawled out of the sewers."
"Ah, yes. Nobody wants Grisha Jaeger to scold them. I hear he's like the Devil."
Izzy suddenly got excited. "What about the little rich boy you keep talking about, Levi? Is he doing well? Are his emerald-green eyes still the sparkliest things you've ever seen?"
Levi had told Izzy and Farlan all about the young, wealthy brat whose father he worked for. Of course, he described the child in great detail- including his mesmerizing green eyes. Isabel was interested in him, especially since they were about the same age.
"Yes, Izzy. His eyes are beautiful, and he is very happy and healthy. Now let me go to work!" Levi ruffled the girl's hair. "I need to see him now… and you need to go to school, Isabel!"
"Ok, Levi! Stop telling me what to do and visit your beautiful brat!"
The words made Levi blush. The kid was beautiful, indeed, but he was very annoying, earning himself the nickname "shitty brat", but the raven hated to use the name in front of Isabel.
"And take care of yourself, okay, Levi?" Farlan was usually concerned about the raven, knowing his family's struggles. Farlan also had financial problems at home, but had a good job as a paperboy. Their routes collided in the mornings and afternoons, giving them some time to talk. After they met Isabel, Farlan's family adopted the orphaned girl as their own. He and Levi were like brothers to the redhead, and she looked up to them.
Farlan was waving to him along with Izzy, who was now jumping up and down.
"I'll make sure to stay safe and visit Eren. You two really don't have to worry so much about me, though. I'm fine." Levi almost believed the lies he told his friends. He felt himself breaking as he once again realized the truth.
He waved back to them without a smile. Levi couldn't forget reality, but they were great people, and knew how to bring some happiness into his life and add some spice to his carefully planned-out days.
Once again, the raven lowered his head and was on his way to Sina Ground Station.
"Hey, shortie! You're late!"
Kenny's familiar scratchy voice made him look up. Even if Farlan and Isabel had cheered him up, Levi still didn't want to hold a long conversation with someone.
"Kenny, is the train here?"
"No, not yet. Where's Kuchel?"
"She was in an… accident. I decided to go to work anyways. She'll be able to handle it for now."
"What kind of accident was she in?"
Here was the moment he was waiting for.
"She…"
Levi's thoughts didn't form sentences. They all melted and turned into sadness, which poured out of his eyes like a rainstorm. Why was he crying so much? He's been through worse, right?
"Oh god." Kenny walked up to him and put his hand on Levi's shoulder. He wasn't the best at comforting people, but wanted to help the poor soul.
"Was she bleeding a lot when she got hurt?"
Levi shook his head.
"Then is she dead?"
The raven looked Kenny right in the eyes and nodded slowly.
"Fuck. I'm gonna go check on her to see what I can do... I don't want your house smelling like a rotting corpse."
"Thank you," Levi croaked.
"No need to, short stack." Kenny left his side, and began to jog away from the station platform. "Get on the train and head to Lord Jaeger's place. I don't think you can afford a day off work. Don't get lost without me!" His large hat flopped as he ran away.
Levi let his tears dry on his face. He nodded, turning around and heading towards the train, which had now stopped and was ready for boarding. The raven stepped onto the raised floor, finding a seat amidst the crowded car. He plastered a disinterested look on his face, turned towards the window, and fell into his black hole of thoughts.
