Work Text:
Levi put his chin in his palm as he watched the scenes outside through the carriage window.
He was idly listening to Erwin and the other man in the carriage, but the conversation wasn’t particularly interesting, as they had moved past business and onto pleasantries as they approached their destination.
.
He came as Erwin’s backup. Not that Erwin had asked him to do that. (Not that he needed to.)
Trips like these could be unpredictable, not because of the Titans, but because of the human dangers within the walls. It was better to keep one’s guard up, just in case.
But Erwin, wanting utilize his full charm and charisma, sometimes needed to back down to present a vulnerable image. It was more palatable to those unaccustomed to war.
Levi was here to make sure nothing could happen in the meantime.
.
The chill of the outside, wind and frost, hit Levi as he stepped onto the frozen earth. Not that he let it affect him.
.
Despite the necessity of Levi as a de-facto bodyguard, the truth of the matter was it was hardly necessary.
First of all, despite what his upbringing would have him believe, people here did not generally resort to violence, and their motives were clear. Most businesses would much rather try to make some quick cash by peddling low quality goods, or overselling the capabilities of their wares, than by some sort of convoluted kidnapping or assassination plot.
Levi had been on dozens of these trips with Erwin, and he had only needed to do more than look at someone a handful of times. He’d only needed to draw a weapon twice, and never use it.
.
Levi looked over the hills of snow, and took in a deep breath of chill air.
Erwin looked over at him, his business expression melting away into a genuine smile, dimple on his right cheek as his forehead creased, just slightly.
Levi nodded at him and continued walking.
.
“It is important that you come. Just having you there is enough to ward away any ideas they might be having.”
.
They walked between rows of carts and carriages of various sizes, each with their own special merits and features. Easily replaceable wheels, carts made for different terrain.
The merchant lightly hit the front of one carriage, explaining the improved load capacity and what that could mean for increased efficiency in their supply runs. Erwin nodded along, likely thinking not only of that, but of the number of soldiers, and bodies, that they could bring home, too.
Levi’s mind wandered, and his eyes drifted to the side. There was a sort of carriage and sleigh hybrid, with both wheels and runners, likely designed to be used for long-term travel involving many seasons.
The merchant noticed this passing interest, and gestured with an open palm behind Erwin.
“The Captain has found an excellent model. My nephew helped design it, and I’m rather proud of what he came up with. Would you be interested in giving it a try?”
.
They had to, he told himself. It wasn’t for fun, he told himself. But he smiled under his scarf, regardless.
It was nothing compared to the freedom of 3DMG, the wind in his hair as he whizzed through the forest, but something about sitting next to Erwin, leg against leg in the open air, the sun long set below the winter horizon, thrilled him.
Erwin, for his part, smiled, and placed a gloved hand on Levi’s thigh.
“Wouldn’t it be nice to get out like this and enjoy a slow ride every now and again, just for the fun of it?”
Levi didn’t reply, but instead leaned his body ever closer, pressing his side more firmly against Erwin’s.
“Me too,” Erwin said.
.
Payment negotiated and contract signed, the two got back in the carriage they took that morning, prepared to make the journey back out to the barracks.
.
Some hours later, when the days had changed but the sun had not yet risen, Erwin whispered into the cold carriage air, “Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday, Levi.”
Levi, heart quickening and eyes closed, pretended not to hear.