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Levi has known since Erwin lost his arm that his next mission would be his last. He’s not in the business of telling the future, he’ll leave that to Erwin, but it’s easy to see nonetheless.
Last night, sitting next to Erwin’s sleeping form, it would've been easier than anything to snap both of his legs. As Levi secured Erwin’s right sleeve for the last time he resigned himself to not going through on his promise to cripple him.
As he kneels in front of Erwin the temptation returns. This is the last moment he will have to prevent what he’s known was coming all along.
Erwin foolishly believes himself to be a selfish man, using the lives of the Survey Corp to reach his own goal, but would Levi not be more selfish for wanting Erwin to live?
Actions speak louder than words.
Erwin is asking Levi what he should do and Levi knows there’s only one answer he could give without regret.
He tells Erwin to give up on his dream.
Erwin smiles at him softly, softer than Levi feels he deserves as the man who just signed Erwin’s death warrant.
But there is work to be done and there will be time for Levi to ruminate later.