Archive of Our Own

As ordinary as it was, one of Eren’s favorite days was probably errands day. Heck, the mundanity might have been the reason why Eren loved it as much as he did. 

In the in betweens of their duties as Scouts, on top of the constantly looming pressure of being humanity’s hope, a simple day in the districts was something Eren couldn’t take for granted. Plus: it allowed him to spend more time with Levi outside of HQ.

For the most part, Eren simply followed Levi around from shop to shop as they stocked up on supplies for the coming weeks. But Eren had a great time nonetheless. He absolutely loved watching Levi in his element with the gear; though there was something undeniably endearing about spending time with Levi doing the most ordinary tasks. 

In another life, Eren would have wanted this for them: No titans, no obligations about being humanity’s hope and strongest, no constant threat to their lives. Just him and Levi. But their cards had already been dealt, so Eren took what he could and appreciated simple days such as this – even if they were still technically on the clock. The fact that their squad decided to split up definitely made things better, even if they got a few teasing remarks from Oluo and Gunther as they parted ways. 

“I can carry my own bags, you know?” Levi said with a huff as he led the way down a narrow street. They were more than halfway through their shopping list yet not a single thing was being carried by the captain. After every stop, Eren would insist on carrying all the bags for both of them. 

“Yeah. But this way, you have your hands free for the list and to grab things for us.” Eren countered, not at all bothered by the light glare that Levi sent his way. 

“You look like my personal assistant.” 

“People already think you’re my executioner. I personally think that’s quite the upgrade.” 

That got a huff from Levi. It was a simple thing, yet it was enough to make Eren’s face brighten. Levi didn’t laugh often so Eren always felt proud whenever he could get some sign of amusement from Levi. 

“At least give me one bag.” Levi said. And to appease his tiny captain, Eren took the lightest of all the bags: The one that had Levi’s tea leaves in it, and handed it over. Levi looked severely unimpressed, especially with the all-too pleased smile plastered on Eren’s face. Though he neither said nor did nothing more than roll his eyes before continuing forward.

As they neared the main marketplace, the time of day gradually became more and more apparent. Unlike their quiet early morning start, the arrival of noon brought out the livelihood of the midday bustle. Vendors shouted out their goods, children weaved between adults’ legs, and the scent of fresh bread mixed with the sharp tang of fish. Eren, used to the chaotic throngs of people, walked easily through the crowd as his eyes scanned the various stalls around them. 

It reminded him so much of his childhood running errands for his mother; running through the markets with Mikasa and Armin; even causing some headaches for the garrison. Eren was used to the chaos of marketplaces and easily walked through the crowd. He barely gave the tight spaces and loud noises a second thought, until he looked to his right and took notice of Levi's expression.

The captain’s expression was sharp, as always, but there was a faint crease in his brow: a tension that Eren noticed immediately. Levi’s pace had slowed to a cautious shuffle, eyes darting from side to side. Every now and then Levi’s hands would flick to where his blades usually sat. It was a reflex that told Eren everything that he needed to know. 

Instinctively, Eren stepped closer and positioned himself between Levi and the people pushing past them. “Hey,” Eren tried to balance keeping his voice loud enough to be heard over the noise, yet not so much that others would overhear him, “you doing okay?” 

Levi’s gaze flicked up to meet Eren’s briefly, before turning his attention back to the path in front of him. “I’m fine,” Levi muttered, voice clipped and more tense than usual. Yet it was Levi’s eyes that alerted Eren even more. There was something in them that Eren recognized immediately, something he rarely saw in Levi’s eyes: Unease. 

With the amount of time Eren and Levi had been spending together, it wasn’t that difficult to understand. The way Levi’s movements had become more deliberate, the subtle tension in his jaw. Levi hated being surrounded by people. And while Eren knew that Levi would never admit it, Eren could tell he was struggling.

“If you want to leave, I think we can head back? We’re almost done with our list and I’m sure Eld and the others–.” 

"I’m not leaving," Levi interrupted, his voice edged with frustration. 

And just then, a pair of rowdy kids pushed past them and knocked not-too-gently into Levi. Eren could see him visibly flinch before tensing up; and so without thinking about it too much, Eren reached out and grabbed Levi's arm to steady him. “Easy there,” Eren murmured, grip a tad more protective than he intended. 

“I’m fine.” Levi repeated with a glare, though Eren noticed how Levi didn’t pull away from his hold. 

Levi was tense, uncomfortable, and undeniably irritable at the moment. Eren knew he had to choose both his next words and actions carefully. He didn’t want to make a scene from any potential outburst, and he knew that neither did Levi. 

“I’ll guide you through, alright?” Eren said, his tone much gentler than usual. 

Levi scowled but didn’t argue. His pride was enough to make him reluctant to ask for help, but he wasn’t stupid. The tighter the crowd got, the more his discomfort became evident. Despite his obvious reluctance, Levi gave a stiff nod. And as Levi stepped ever so slightly closer to Eren, Eren could see the captain relax even just a little. 

As they walked through the market, Eren was careful in guiding Levi through the crowds. His broad shoulders and solid frame created a sort of barrier between Levi and the chaos of it all. Every time someone got too close, Eren would shift slightly to make sure Levi didn’t get boxed in and even more overwhelmed.

Vaguely, Eren was aware that they were bypassing several stalls and shops that sold the things they still needed to buy. But there was no way that they could linger in the area for much longer. Eren wasn’t even going to entertain the thought with how anxious he felt Levi was beside him. 

When they pushed past a particularly loud group of people, Eren glanced down at Levi with a gentle and reassuring expression. “We’re almost through – you’re doing great,” he murmured.

“I’m not a child, Eren.” Levi’s eyes narrowed in mild annoyance, but Eren sensed a flicker of appreciation in his captain’s steel-gray eyes. 

“I know you’re not,” Eren replied softly with a playful warmth in his tone. “But I’ll still make sure you don’t get knocked over by some brat who doesn’t know better.” He didn’t say it in a teasing way, but more like a quiet promise. As a comfort Levi probably wouldn’t ever ask for but would always, always get from him.

Slowly but surely, Eren led the way through the market as he kept a close eye on Levi next to him. When a person would bump into Levi even the slightest, Eren would always adjust their position to guide Levi away from the stranger. He made sure to step ahead whenever a cart would roll by to stop Levi from accidentally walking into it. And when a group of boisterous teenagers crowded their space, Eren put a gentle hand on the small of Levi’s back to guide him away and towards safety. 

The hand never left Levi’s back, not even when the crowds began to thin and the edge of the marketplace finally became visible. Only when they left the busy streets and reached the edge did Eren finally pull away, only to slow to a stop and face Levi.

“You’re good now,” Eren said softly, his eyes warm. “See? I told you I’d get us through.”

Levi didn’t say anything at first. He just stood there, his face still guarded, but something in his eyes softened as he looked up at Eren, then back down at his feet. 

“I didn’t need your help,” Levi muttered, though there was no bite to it. He wasn’t angry: just a little grateful, in his own way.

Eren smiled, his heart lighter than it had been all day. He took a step closer, his voice a soft whisper: “You didn’t ask for it, but I’m always here, Levi. Always.”

Levi glanced away, the faintest hint of pink tinting his cheeks though the softness in his gaze lingered. He didn’t respond to Eren’s words, but he didn’t pull away either. And for Eren, that was more than enough.

Almost instinctively, Eren’s eyes scanned Levi from head to toe just to make sure that the captain really was alright. If Levi noticed Eren doing so, he showed no signs of acknowledgement or protest. For the most part, Levi seemed fine if only a bit tense, still. Except…

“Where’s your tea?” Eren asked with a slight frown when he saw that both Levi’s hands were empty.

“Might have dropped it.” Levi muttered with a hint of mixed annoyance and embarrassment. On any normal day, Eren would have had the balls to tease Levi about being right about carrying all the bags himself. But today wasn’t one of those days. 

“We’ll get you another bag before heading back.” Eren promised without a second’s hesitation, and Levi looked up at him with a frown. “On me. Okay?” 

“What? No. Are you an idiot? That shit’s expensive here.” Levi argued with his brows furrowed together, but Eren wasn’t having it.

“I don’t really spend my money on much, and–.”

Eren was abruptly interrupted by an obnoxiously loud call of both his and Levi’s names. It was something both he and Levi have grown used to, but still something that got on Levi’s nerves at times. And sure enough, five seconds later Hange came bounding up to them from behind. 

“You two got through that crowd so quickly! I was trying to catch up to you both from the very beginning.” Hange said as she stopped just beside Levi who she studied with what Eren could only describe as morbid curiosity. “You good, shortstack?” 

“Get out of my space, shitty glasses.” Levi grumbled and took the liberty of stepping away himself. Even with the foul mood, Hange seemed appeased. 

“I was just worried about you there for a second. But it seems like Eren knew what he was doing!” Hange smiled all too knowingly at Levi before turning to Eren. “I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again: I highly approve of this! You two are just too cute together – and oh, I saw Eren guiding you back there, shorty. That was just too sweet!” 

Eren desperately wanted Hange to stop talking. Even from the corner of his eye, Eren could clearly see Levi growing more and more uncomfortable by the second. “Hange…”

“One more word out of you and I’m feeding you to your little freak experiments.” The glare Levi directed at Hange was genuine and the blush on his cheeks barely dampened the anger in his eyes. 

“Don’t be so grouchy, Levi. Eren was just being the gentleman that he is and I–.”

“Didn’t need his help.” Levi interrupted in a clipped tone. 

Part of Eren knew he may have been a bit too doting back there, but it was all just instinctual. He just wanted to help Levi. But now with how uncomfortable Levi seemed to be about being seen on the receiving end of comfort, Eren couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty. They were in public, after all. They never really discussed how to go about their relationship outside of HQ, and Eren acknowledged that he may have stepped over some unspoken boundary. 

While Eren had the privilege of seeing Levi’s softer and more vulnerable side, it was meant just for the two of them. Levi was an incredibly private person. And the more Eren thought about it, the more he began to worry that he did something wrong. 

The fact that Levi stepped away and basically stomped off ahead of them only made Eren feel worse. 

“Ah don’t worry about it, Eren. You did the right thing.” Hange tried to reassure him as they watched Levi walk off. 

Though Hange sounded so sure about it, Eren couldn’t share the same sentiment. 

The second time

It was late in the day as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training grounds. Most of the Scouts had finished their day’s work, but Levi and Eren were still lingering, talking quietly as they made their way back to the barracks. Eren walked slightly ahead, his shoulders relaxed, while Levi kept his usual composed, almost aloof posture.

It had been a long day. And while Levi didn’t show it, Eren could tell that his captain was beginning to feel the weight not only of the day, but of the past few weeks. The preparations for their next expedition had taken a toll on Levi, and the aches in his body were becoming more pronounced as the day wore on.

Eren, who had become more attuned to Levi’s subtle cues over the course of their relationship, noticed the way Levi shifted uncomfortably, the way he winced slightly when he moved his arm. Eren’s eyes softened with concern, though he kept his voice light.

"Hey, Levi," Eren started as he glanced back with a smile that barely hid the worry in his eyes. "You okay? You look like you’re hurting a bit."

Levi looked up at him and gave a shrug, though the small furrow between his brows betrayed his discomfort. "I’m fine. Just tired."

Eren wasn’t convinced. He could see it: Levi’s usual smooth movements slowed down, his posture more rigid than usual. "You sure? I can help you with your gear when we get back, if you want."

Before Levi could respond with what Eren could only assume was a sharp retort, a familiar voice rang out from behind them. Eren winced, already having anticipated that the upcoming interaction probably won’t end well given the state that Levi was in.

"Levi! Eren! Wait up!"

Both Eren and Levi turned to see Hange jogging toward them, looking like she hadn’t missed a single beat of their conversation. As Hange caught up, Eren braced himself especially when Hange opened her mouth almost immediately. 

"Levi, what the hell?" Hange exclaimed, hands flying to their hips in mock exasperation. "You look like you’re about to collapse. Were you really pushing yourself that hard today?"

"I’m fine, Hange," Levi muttered as he tried to wave off the concern. There wasn’t the expected annoyance or exasperation in his tone, so Eren’s assumptions of Levi being exhausted were only backed even more.

Hange wasn’t having it, though. She sidled up to Levi, eyes narrowing as she took in his posture. "No, you’re not. You’ve been pushing yourself all week. I can see it. Don’t lie to me, Levi."

Eren glanced between the two, unsure of how to react. He knew that Hange’s protectiveness over Levi was both out of love and a bit of a joke, but it still made him uneasy. He shot Levi a quick look, a silent question in his eyes. He wasn’t exactly sure how he could intervene and rescue Levi if he did want rescuing. But he’d try his best if Levi truly wanted him to.

Levi, however, already bristled at Hange’s attention and didn’t even catch Eren’s look. "I told you, Hange, I’m fine. Don’t make a big deal out of it."

Unfortunately, Hange did not get the message. Or more likely: She did, but she was on a mission, whatever it was. And whenever Hange was determined to do something, barely anything could get in the section commander’s way. 

Almost dramatically, she reached out and placed a hand on Levi's shoulder before she inspected him like an overly-concerned mother hen: 

"You’re really not fine," Hange said as her tone surprisingly turned serious. "You’re practically limping. I don’t know how you manage to act so tough when you’re obviously exhausted."

The concern was genuine, though it wasn’t well-received. Levi tensed at Hange’s touch and his scowl visibly deepened as he looked at Hange. If Eren were on the receiving end, he was certain he’d probably have been dead by then. Unsurprisingly, Hange didn’t seem the least bit scared. 

"I said stop," Levi snapped as he forcefully pulled away from Hange. "I don’t need you fussing over me."

Eren watched the interaction with a mix of amusement and discomfort. Though discomfort undeniably overpowered everything. He knew how much Levi hated being babied, but seeing Hange push so hard with that familiar, stubborn energy made him feel a tad protective too. As uncertain as he felt about his next steps, Eren still stepped in to try and hopefully calm things down. 

"Hange, maybe ease up a little?" Eren said as he placed a hand on Hange’s arm just in time to stop her from reaching out for Levi again. "Levi’s just tired, not… hurt."

Hange ignored Eren’s attempt to mediate and instead gave him a look that was full of mischief. Eren frowned and gulped. It didn’t seem like things were going according to plan. "You’re not fooling me, Eren. You’re both being so obvious."

Levi shot Hange a glare. "What the hell does that mean?" he growled.

With a playful grin, Hange leaned in closer to Levi, voice dropping into a teasing tone. "Oh, come on, Levi. I see how it is." They nudged him with an exaggerated sigh. "You don’t like it when I take care of you, but you’re perfectly fine with Eren being the one to baby you."

Levi’s expression froze for a moment, then his eyes narrowed and his voice dropped to a dangerously low tone. "What in the walls are you talking about?"

Hange winked at Eren, who now stood slightly off to the side. "You heard me," Hange continued, still making direct eye contact with Levi. "Eren’s the only one allowed to act all protective and ‘concerned’ over you, huh? Only he gets to be the one to notice when you’re hurt. You let him take care of you, but when I try, you’re all prickly and annoyed."

Levi’s face flushed with irritation at that allegation. "I’m not ‘prickly,’" he snapped, his voice suddenly defensive. "I just don’t need everyone acting like I can’t take care of myself." He shifted, clearly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was headed. But before he could say more, Hange beat him to it: 

"I see how it is, Levi. Only Eren gets to fuss over you, huh? How cute."

Levi's frustration reached its peak, and he quickly turned to walk away as he muttered under his breath. "I’m not some fragile little kid."

As Eren watched Levi walk away, his brows furrowed in concern and a frown tugged on the corners of his lips. He desperately wanted to jog and catch up to Levi, but with how the conversation went, he wasn’t exactly sure his presence would be well-received at that moment. 

The third time

The regiment was camped out with the quiet of the evening only disturbed by the crackle of the fire and the occasional murmur of soldiers preparing for the night. Eren sat next to Levi, feeling the warmth of the flames and the comforting presence of the man beside him. It wasn’t uncommon for the two of them to seek these peaceful moments even after the past days’ tension, especially after long days spent on expeditions.

Eren glanced at Levi and noticed the way the firelight flickered across his sharp features. He wanted to reach out, rest a hand on Levi’s, or perhaps lean against him, but he hesitated.

In the days following their confrontations with Hange, Eren made it a point to try his hardest to not be so affectionate with Levi in public. It was a difficult balance to achieve, especially considering how he hadn’t exactly noticed how affectionate he naturally was until he paid actual attention to his own actions. 

Essentially, it left Eren a bit distanced from Levi. It physically hurt him to be that way, but until he found the right balance, it seemed to work better for them than their old ways. So instead of reaching out like he wanted to, Eren sighed softly and pulled his gaze away from Levi. He instead focused on the conversation taking place across the fire between Hange, Armin, and Mikasa.

Hange, as usual, was at the center of the conversation, gesturing wildly as she spoke. The group had spent the day on patrol and now Hange was recapping everything with her usual energy. Eren tried to follow along, but his attention kept wandering back to Levi who remained silent, staring into the fire with an unreadable expression.

He was about to suggest that they turn in for the night, when Hange interrupted Eren’s thoughts: 

“Hey, Eren! Levi!” Eren looked up just in time to see Hange waving them over. “You two are awfully quiet tonight. What's up? Are you bored or something?”

Eren felt a familiar warmth rise in his cheeks at the attention and his heartrate picked up slightly. He quickly turned to Levi, searching his face for any sign of discomfort. Levi didn’t meet his eyes and instead just focused on the fire, his posture still as rigid as ever.

“We’re just resting,” Eren replied quickly, trying to keep things casual and hopefully to steer the conversation away from where he suspected it was headed yet again. “Been a long day.”

“Sure, sure.” Hange grinned and stood to walk over to their side where she plopped down next to Levi. “But seriously, you two have been attached at the hip all day. I mean, everyone knows that you’re not just partners in missions anymore, right?”

Eren stiffened slightly. He felt a twinge of panic. Hange’s teasing was lighthearted, but he could see Levi’s shoulders tense at the comment. While he knew that Levi didn’t mind that others knew they were together, it was obvious that Levi did mind when the relationship became the center of attention because ultimately, it meant that he was also at the center.

Levi shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flicking away from Hange’s direction as if he were trying to escape the conversation.

“Not this again,” Levi muttered, the coolness in his tone betraying the annoyance simmering beneath the surface. “It’s not a big deal, Hange.”

Hange raised an eyebrow, clearly amused and unconvinced. “Come on, Levi. You can’t keep pretending you’re not a little smitten.”

Eren winced and his hand twitched at his side as if he might reach for Levi. But he quickly held back. He could feel the tension radiating from the captain between them and it made him nervous. 

“Stop,” Levi repeated, his voice low and firm. “I don’t want to hear it.”

Hange, though, wasn’t finished. She had that gleam in her eye: the one that meant she was determined to push a little further. 

“Oh, come on, Levi. It's not like we’re going to start throwing confetti every time you two hold hands. It’s just, it’s nice to see you two getting along. You’ve been through so much, and–.”

Eren could sense that the conversation would not be ending well if he didn’t act. He didn’t need to look at Levi to know that his partner was one step away from combusting. On any normal day, Levi would probably have more tolerance for Hange’s antics. But today? Today had been a long day of riding to their outpost and Levi was running on barely any sleep. That, coupled with the fact that Hange seemed to be on a streak with her pestering about their relationship? 

So without thinking about it too much, probably not even enough, Eren stepped in:

“Can you stop?” Eren asked, a little more sternly than he intended. "Seriously, Hange, that’s not funny." Though much to Eren’s dismay, his intervention didn’t yield the desired effect.

Instead, Hange only grinned wider, clearly enjoying the chaos she’d just stirred up. “Oh, I’m just saying. A little cuddle never hurt anyone, especially not our dear captain. He’s a little tense, don’t you think? Come on, Eren: A little hand holding, maybe a quick peck on the cheek?”

Eren was about to stutter out a response when he saw Levi’s face twist in annoyance, his usual stoic expression now laced with frustration. His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, Eren thought the tension between them might snap. It didn’t help that Hange’s voice was as loud as ever, their conversation undeniably carrying over at least to the next couple of groups huddled close by. 

Without meaning to, Eren placed a hand on top of Levi’s in a vain attempt to calm him down.

“Levi, don’t – please.” Eren turned to Hange, his voice pleading. “Hange, can you just... let it go? Levi doesn’t like being put on the spot like that.”

“Oh, I’m not putting him on the spot,” Hange smiled in amusement, annoyingly not getting the hint. Not getting the message. “I’m just trying to encourage him to let his guard down once in a while. You know, show the world how soft he really is under all that tough-guy exterior.”

At that, Levi’s eyes narrowed and he looked at Eren like he was trying to decide whether to scold him or just walk away. “I’m not ‘soft,’” he growled as he turned his glare back towards Hange, his voice low and clipped. “And I don’t need anyone reminding me of it.”

It was the tone Levi used only whenever he was truly at the end of his rope; and so Eren went full-on panic mode. He pulled his hand away from Levi’s in the hopes that a little space would help, but his heart raced against his chest. 

“I wasn’t, I didn’t mean to–,” he started to say, but Levi was already standing up, clearly done with both of them.

Eren stood with the intent of following Levi, but just one look at the captain’s posture and Eren knew it probably wasn’t the smart thing to do. So instead, he just watched as Levi walked away, disappearing into the distance. He was left standing there, hands shoved deep into his pockets, feeling more confused than ever.

That’s when Hange appeared at his side, looking a little more somber than usual.

“Eren,” she began quietly, her usual exuberance gone, “I’m really sorry about all that. I didn’t mean to make him so upset.”

Eren glanced at her, his frustration evident. “Then why did you keep pushing? I didn’t want to make Levi feel uncomfortable, but you wouldn’t drop it.” His voice softened slightly. “You know how he is about this stuff.”

Hange nodded, her expression thoughtful. 

“I know. I guess I... I was just trying to get Levi to see that there’s nothing wrong with affection. He’s so closed off, and sometimes I think he doesn’t even realize how much he’s pushing away.” She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. “But I went about it all wrong, didn’t I?”

Eren stared at the ground, considering her words. “I get your intentions,” Eren murmured, “but with all due respect: I honestly think your efforts are having the opposite effect of what you want to achieve.” He lifted his gaze then and his frown deepened when he saw Levi walking even further away. 

“It’s not about pushing him and hoping he miraculously becomes open to any and all affection. It doesn’t work that way with him. He’s your best friend, so you should know that.” 

There may have been an accusatory tone in that last statement, but Eren was much too upset to worry about it then. Thankfully Hange didn’t seem to take offense. The moment of silence between them stretched, with only the sound of the fire crackling nearby filling the air. Even Armin and Mikasa, who sensed the tension in the atmosphere, shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

“Maybe I just need to learn to back off a little. I really didn’t mean to push him away, especially from you,” came Hange’s voice. “I’ll give him some space. But, Eren, don’t stop showing him you care. He might be a pain in the ass about it, but deep down, he appreciates it more than you think.”

With that, the two of them stood in silence for a moment, the evening air growing cooler. Eren felt a little better knowing that Hange didn’t mean any harm, even if her approach wasn’t the best. He would give Levi the space he needed, but that didn’t mean he’d stop trying to show him how much he meant.

No matter how complicated it got.

The fourth time

The training grounds were bathed in the golden light of the afternoon sun, casting long shadows over the dirt-covered earth. As Eren walked across the grounds, his thudding footsteps echoed around them and sent vibrations in the air. Green eyes focused intently on the target in front of him, Eren’s attack titan stood tall: his movements calculated and deliberate as Eren awaited further instructions. 

Hange, ever eager to get more data, stood with a clipboard in hand. Her excitement was palpable, her mind obviously already racing ahead to the next experiment. The rest of the squad, however, was far less enthusiastic. Most of them were seated on the ground or leaning against nearby structures, their exhaustion from the previous day's expedition still visible on their faces.

Levi, standing apart from them, leaned against the wall of the makeshift observation platform, his posture weary and stiff. His eyes were half-lidded, his face set in its usual scowl. Though today it looked more like a mask he used to hide his exhaustion. The expedition had been brutal and even Levi, always the most composed, was showing signs of wear. But despite his obvious fatigue, Levi refused to let his guard down, never admitting to the strain.

"Eren, just like we practiced! Focus your attack on the left!" Hange called, her voice full of energy as she waved her hands in the air. "We need more precise data on the energy expenditure during rapid shifts. Come on, show me those controlled movements!"

Eren, in his Titan form, raised a fist in the air and prepared to strike. But his gaze shifted and momentarily landed on Levi. Even with how tiny and inconspicuous his captain was trying to make himself be, Eren always found it easy to spot Levi when needed. Levi was slumped against the wall, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. His head tilted slightly down, and his eyes were barely open. It was a subtle sign, but to Eren, it was more than enough.

Levi had always been the last person to ask for rest, always the first to push himself to the limit, even when his body was screaming for a break. Eren saw through the act and today, he couldn’t stand by and watch Levi push himself any further.

When Hange called for him to begin, Eren hesitated for a fraction of a second. His Titan arms twitched, and he could feel the familiar, powerful urge to follow through. But a moment later, his movements slowed as if he were holding back. He had to make it convincing.

His Titan form lurched forward. And instead of striking as he usually did, he swayed, the punch slower than usual.

"Eren?" Hange’s voice faltered, her brows furrowing. "What’s going on? That wasn’t even close."

Eren forced himself to stagger, dropping one knee to the ground dramatically, his hands bracing against the dirt.

His titan's shoulders dropped. And in an indirect response to Hange’s question, a loud hiss emanated from its form as steam rose up into the sky, signalling Eren's emergence. His gaze shifted from Levi to Hange, and a slight frown formed on his face. The moment hung in the air for a few seconds before Eren spoke up, his voice carrying through the open space.

"Hange," he said, his tone unusually quiet, "I think we should stop for today."

Hange glanced up, her excitement faltering for the first time. "Eh? But we haven’t even finished the test yet!" She moved closer, clipboard still in hand, her brow furrowed with confusion. "Eren, we’ve barely started! We need more data on the–."

"I know," Eren interrupted her, his voice firmer this time, though still laced with an uncharacteristic weariness. "I just... I’m tired. I don’t think I can continue."

Hange paused, clearly confused. She stared at him as she tried to read his expression, but Eren had already turned his attention to Levi again: Partly out of concern for Levi, and partly to avoid Hange’s scrutiny. 

Eren wasn’t really one to ask for experiments to be cut short. If anything, he and Hange were usually on the same boat when it comes to maximizing all the time that they had. He probably had ten seconds before Hange could piece together why he truly wanted to stop. And even with their little talk from the other day, Eren did not want to risk another round of Hange pushing Levi about Eren’s affections for him. 

For once though, whatever higher being above seemed to be listening to Eren, though not entirely. While Hange may have not picked up on Eren’s true intentions, she wasn’t listening to him, either.

"Eren, we’ve come this far. You can’t be serious! You’re the one who wanted to run these tests today.”

"I’m serious," Eren said, cutting her off, his voice a little sharper now without really intending it to be. He took a deep breath to calm himself before continuing. "I’m just um, really tired. I can’t really focus – my head’s a bit foggy. I’m sorry, Hange. I don’t want to keep messing up, so… maybe it’s better if we just stop for today.”

Hange pursed her lips, clearly unconvinced. 

She opened her mouth to argue, but then her eyes flicked toward the rest of the squad. Most of them had begun to relax, some already stretching, their bodies clearly drained from their latest expedition. And then her gaze shifted toward Levi. 

He still stood against the wall, arms crossed as if he were doing fine, but his usual sharpness seemed to have dulled. Eren's breath caught in his throat as he anticipated yet another round of teasing from Hange. But it never came.

She sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Alright, fine,” she muttered, walking a few steps back. "I guess we’re done for today. But don’t think you’re getting out of this one, Eren. We’ll pick up again tomorrow, when you’re ‘well-rested,’” she added complete with air quotes. 

Thanks, Hange." He spoke the words quietly, but his eyes flicked quickly to Levi.

Levi, as if sensing Eren’s gaze, turned just slightly, his eyes meeting Eren’s for the briefest moment. There was no acknowledgment, no words, but for some reason Eren had a feeling that Levi did not entirely approve of his actions. 

As their group dispersed and Eren walked back to HQ with Levi, there was an almost tangible silence between them. It was the kind that wasn’t quite uncomfortable but felt heavy, as if words hung in the air just waiting to be said.

Eren, for his part, kept his gaze straight ahead. Although not entirely on purpose, Eren avoided looking at Levi directly. He could still feel the weight of his actions pressing down on him: It had been an unspoken thing, a small act of kindness disguised as a selfish excuse. And now, with the two of them walking side by side, Eren couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Levi’s steps were as precise and steady as always, but his posture was just a little bit more rigid than usual. The captain hadn’t said anything since the experiment had ended. And while that was normal for when he was around the other scouts, it wasn’t when it came to Eren. 

Finally, Eren broke the silence, his voice quieter than usual. "Hey, Levi... are you okay?"

Levi’s eyes flickered toward him for a moment, a glint of something unreadable momentarily flashed in his gaze. Then, with that characteristic deadpan expression of his, he gave a sharp scoff. 

"Oh, I should be asking you that, Eren. You’re the one who’s so ‘tired,’ after all," Levi said, his tone flat but with a bite beneath it.

Eren stiffened, suddenly aware of the direction the conversation was taking. He’d known Levi wouldn’t just let the whole thing slide, but hearing it said out loud felt like a jab. He visibly swallowed as he tried to mask the slight unease that crept up his throat.

"I–." Eren started, but Levi cut him off, his voice quieter now but no less sharp.

"You really think I didn’t notice?" Levi continued, his tone growing colder, though not angry. But honestly, Eren would have preferred that over the disappointment and exasperation that he heard. "I know what you did, Eren. You’re not as slick as you think."

Eren’s stomach sank, his earlier sense of relief suddenly evaporating. His feet felt heavier with each step, and he glanced at Levi, unsure what to say.

"Look," Levi said, exhaling through his nose, his hands still tucked into his jacket sleeves, "I appreciate your intentions. I do. But I don’t need you playing the martyr for me. I’m perfectly capable of looking out for myself."

The words hit harder than Eren expected. They were words that Eren expected to hear at the beginning of their relationship. But now? 

"I didn’t want you to push yourself too hard," Eren muttered, his voice quieter now. "You were clearly not okay. You’ve been pushing yourself too much."

Levi’s lips curled into a barely perceptible smirk, but there was no warmth in it: Only the sharp edge of his sarcasm. "I’m the one who decides when I’ve had enough, Eren. Not you.”

"And don’t think for a second that Hange didn’t see through it. She may have let it slide today, but she knows. She always knows." Levi’s voice dropped lower, his usual scorn replaced by a more serious tone. "You don’t mix personal life with work life, Eren. Not in this world. Not in our line of work. We’re soldiers first. Always."

Eren frowned, his chest tightening at the reprimand. As much as his heart wanted him to argue with Levi: To tell him that there was actually more to this life than their jobs, Eren reluctantly kept his mouth shut. 

He knew Levi better by now. He could tell when it was a good time to argue because Levi would be willing to listen. And he could tell when it would be futile to say anything at all. This, unfortunately, fell into the latter circumstance. 

Eren felt a mix of frustration and guilt knotting in his stomach. He had only wanted to help. He had only wanted to look out for the person who always looked out for him. But in doing so, he’d crossed a line he didn’t realize was still there.

"You don’t need to do that again," Levi added, his voice quieter and almost softer, though still carrying the weight of his usual authority. "Next time, let me handle my own shit."

Eventually, they reached the door to the barracks and Levi stopped. He turned to face Eren before heading inside:

"Don’t make this personal again, alright?" he said, his voice lower, almost like a warning, but with an edge that was just a little softer now. "You’ve got your own battles to fight."

Eren let out a quiet breath, a sense of resignation washing over him. "I’ll try, Levi."

The fifth time

The expedition had been going smoothly at first. The air was crisp, the sound of horses’ hooves against dirt a steady rhythm as the squad made their way across the barren landscape. But the moment it all came to a halt was sudden and brutal. A recruit: a young, eager soldier barely a few months into the training, had been caught off guard by a stray Titan just beyond the treeline.

Levi had been the first to notice. The second the Titan moved, he was already in motion, darting forward with lethal speed. There was a blur of motion, a flash of steel, and before anyone could blink, Levi had the recruit pulled out of the Titan’s range. But in doing so, he miscalculated his landing and twisted his ankle as he hit the ground.

It was a small sound, almost inaudible, but it made the entire squad freeze. Petra was the first to react, her eyes wide with alarm. "Captain!" she called, rushing to Levi’s side as he staggered to his feet.

Levi immediately waved her off, his usual expression of unbothered annoyance quickly sliding back into place. "I’m fine," he grunted, his voice sharp as he straightened himself. "Get back in position."

But Levi’s squad could see the way his foot was planted at an odd angle: the way he seemed to put his weight on the other leg just a bit too carefully. 

"Captain..." Petra hesitated, her voice small with concern, but Levi just glared at her, harder than usual, like he was daring her to argue.

"I said I’m fine," he repeated, inarguably firmer now.

The rest of the squad exchanged uneasy glances. They had learned to respect Levi’s stubbornness, but this was different. Levi wasn’t acting like his usual self. He wasn’t even bothering to pretend he wasn’t hurt.

Petra turned to Eld, her voice low and careful. "Should I go get Eren? He left just a few minutes ago… he shouldn’t be too far?” He had been separated from the rest of the squad just a little while ago. Mike’s team had been short-handed and he’d been instructed to help one of Mike’s squads for a brief task.

Petra’s voice wasn’t low enough, though. Levi heard and blinked at her as a flash of frustrated exasperation surged through him. 

Levi didn’t need Eren.

Levi didn’t need anyone.

He was fine. He always was. Always.

"No," Levi snapped before anyone could even react. His cold, steel-grey eyes practically boring into Petra’s. "I don’t need anyone." He turned and began walking, his pace steady as if he hadn’t just nearly twisted his ankle. "Get back in formation. We continue riding, and get back to the Walls. That’s all."

The air within the walls was still cool, but the distant hum of the regiment – the chatter, the sound of horses’ hooves on cobblestones coupled with the busy murmur of the district made everything feel almost too normal. 

Apart from a slight hiccup with one of section commander Mike’s squads, the expedition went relatively well. No casualties. Granted, it was one of their shorter expeditions, but it was still a feat worth celebrating especially given how their previous one went. 

The rest of squad Levi should have arrived long before Eren did, and so Eren tried to pick up his pace to catch up with them. Eventually Eren heard the familiar sound of Oluo recounting his exaggerated bravery paired with Petra easily putting him right back in his place. It was familiar: Welcoming, almost. A few paces ahead, Eren could see most of the squad was walking together. But there was something wrong.

Levi wasn’t walking with the same fluidity Eren was used to seeing. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it was there: The way Levi’s gait was off, just a little slower, a little more stiff. His first instinct was to move forward, catch up with them, but something held him back. 

Eren quickly caught up to Eld who was walking just behind Levi. He didn’t want to be obvious, but he couldn’t help the concern that crept into his voice.

"Eld," Eren started, keeping his tone casual. "What happened to the Captain?"

Eld didn’t immediately respond. The older soldier’s face was set in a neutral expression, but there was a flicker of something there, something Eren couldn’t quite place. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, his mouth pressing into a thin line before he answered in a low voice.

"He twisted his ankle," Eld said quietly, as if even the mention of it would set Levi off. "Saved one of the new recruits. He insisted he was fine, but it’s pretty clear he’s not."

Eren felt his stomach tighten. He could tell that Eld wasn’t saying everything: he was keeping it vague. But Eren’s mind wasn’t completely on the missing details. His mind was on Levi. It was clear to Eren that Levi was in pain, but that he was doing everything he could to hide it. It made Eren feel helpless. He should have been there.

The squad was talking, the low murmur of their voices almost too cheerful compared to the tension Eren felt inside him. His eyes kept flicking back to Levi who now walked a little ahead of the group. His back was as straight as always, but his posture was just a bit stiffer than usual. Each step he took seemed calculated, as if  he was trying to hide the limp from everyone around him.

It took everything in Eren to keep from running ahead. But he stayed back, walked slowly, and let Eld and Petra lead the way. He needed to respect Levi’s space.

But as they passed under the streetlamps, Eren couldn’t stand it anymore. He moved forward until he was walking just behind Levi. He could hear the others chatting quietly, but Levi said nothing, as usual.

"Captain," Eren finally said, his voice more hesitant than he wanted it to be. He didn’t know if he should push it. "Are you sure you’re okay?"

Levi didn’t look at him immediately. He kept walking, the side of his face still sharp and composed, his mouth a thin line, his eyes scanning the street ahead. But then, after what felt like an eternity, he gave a quick, dismissive shake of his head.

“I’m fine," Levi muttered. But Eren was sure that even to a random stranger out on the streets, the words didn’t sound convincing.

Eren’s chest tightened. Levi had that look: the look that said ‘don’t ask me again’. But that was the problem. Eren wanted to ask. He wanted to insist, to press him for the truth. Levi’s his partner. They’re partners. No one could blame him for showing concern for Levi.

But then Levi’s words from before struck him like lightning.

‘You don’t mix personal life with work life, Eren. Not in this world. Not in our line of work.’

Eren understood. He really did.

Or he really should have. 

As they continued walking down the street, every instinct in Eren’s body screamed at him to do something. Anything. His hands itched with the need to reach out: to offer his shoulder, to help Levi steady himself. But each time Eren’s feet moved to close the distance, that voice in his head, the same one that had been following him these past days, held him back.

Don’t mix personal and professional lives.

A few more steps passed and Levi’s limp became more pronounced, though it was obvious that he refused to let it show. Eren watched the way his captain clenched his jaw with each step. It didn’t matter how much he tried to hide it; it was there, impossible to ignore.

"Captain," Eren said again. This time it was said quieter, almost like a plea. But Levi had already started to walk faster, pulling away from him.

"Not now, Eren," Levi said without looking back. His voice was cold, but there was a note of something else there: something faintly like frustration or maybe just exhaustion.

Eren stopped walking and watched as Levi pulled further away. His limp was barely noticeable now as he forced himself to move faster, pushing through the pain with that unshakable pride. It was always like this. Levi would never show weakness, never admit when he needed help. Eren thought it would be different with them. But maybe it wasn’t. 

Eren’s chest tightened again, a dull ache building inside him. The not helping was killing him, but he kept his distance, like a good soldier, like Levi would want him to.

But it hurt. 

And the worst part was: Eren couldn’t tell if it was the pain in Levi’s ankle that hurt him the most, or the distance between them that had only grown since that day in the crowded market.

All Eren could do was follow quietly behind, each step feeling heavier than the last.

And that one time

The air in the barracks felt thick with the tension of a long journey, but the weight of the week’s events lingered far heavier. Erwin and Levi had just returned to HQ after a week-long summons in Mitras—a week of endless meetings with the military brass and the increasingly insufferable nobles, who, in Levi’s humble opinion, couldn’t even tell their left from their right. 

The trip had been exhausting. Every day had dragged on longer than the last, every conversation filled with empty promises, smug grins, and political jargon. It was an exercise in patience.

For Levi, the only thing more painful than sitting through those meetings had been the endless social gatherings, where the nobles’ smiles were as fake as their interest in actual progress. He had learned more about useless etiquette than military strategy. And by the end of the week, the only thing keeping him from storming out had been the gentle reminder from Erwin that this was all for their regiment. 

Levi’s shoulders were stiff with exhaustion, his body sagging under the weight of a week that felt like it had lasted a year. As soon as they stepped back into the familiar confines of HQ, the sense of relief that washed over him was immediate, though it did nothing to erase the sheer fatigue gnawing at his bones.

Erwin, who had been just as drained from the trip but who still carried himself with his usual composure, glanced at Levi out of the corner of his eye as they passed through the main entry hall. 

Mike, who’d greeted them upon their arrival, stepped closer to Erwin at a subtle nod. 

"Mike," Erwin said quietly, his voice calm and measured, "Could you go find Eren? Be discreet about it. I don’t want to alarm him."

Mike nodded immediately, his face a little more serious than usual, but he didn't ask questions. He knew better than to question Erwin’s methods, especially when those methods hinted at involving Levi. The commander of the Scouts had his ways of ensuring Levi’s well-being that involved subtlety, and Mike had long since learned to follow orders without so much as a raised eyebrow.

Eren paced the commander's office. Despite Mike's insistence that everything was fine, Eren couldn't help but think of every worst case scenario possible. The commander and Levi had been gone for an entire week. They weren’t exactly off on a dangerous mission. But where Levi was concerned, it may as well have been. 

Still, he told himself that if anything bad happened to Levi, Mike probably wouldn’t have looked as amused as he did when he relayed the commander’s message.

Regardless of that thought, Eren's gaze kept flicking to the door. And when it finally opened, his heart rate sped up only to stop when Levi finally walked in with Erwin just a few steps behind him.

At first, Eren thought it was just his imagination: but the second Levi stepped through the door, his body seemed to collapse a little more under the weight of his exhaustion. Eren could see it in the way Levi stood: stiff, but with a tired edge to his usual precise composure. He hadn’t seen Levi in days, and it hit him harder than he expected. Eren knew he missed his captain, but the weight of it all came crashing down all at once, now that Levi was right there in front of him. 

Levi’s gaze focused on Eren. The exhaustion was evident, but there was something else behind them. But before Eren could even think of trying to decipher it, Levi moved towards him. 

Eren barely had a moment to react. His body froze for a split second as Levi took a few more steps and suddenly crashed into him, pulling him into his arms with a force that nearly knocked the breath out of him.

"Eren," Levi muttered, his voice quiet but thick with exhaustion and Eren’s heart skipped a beat. 

The way Levi’s voice sounded, the way his weight felt in his arms, Eren hadn’t been prepared for it. It had been a long week without seeing him, and now that Levi was so close, it felt like everything he had been holding back for so long all rushed to the surface. He couldn’t help it; his arms wrapped around Levi instinctively and pulled him closer.

Don’t mix personal and professional lives. 

The thought was barely a whisper in Eren’s mind now. 

It was almost as if time had slowed. The familiar scent of Levi’s hair, the feel of his lean muscles against Eren’s chest, the way Levi’s body seemed to relax against him; it all made Eren’s heart race with a mixture of relief and something warmer, more fragile.

Levi’s breath was steady but slow, as if he were trying to push through the exhaustion. But Eren could feel it: Levi wasn’t fine. He was tired. It was the kind of tired that no amount of rest could fix in a single night. The kind of tired that came from weeks of being stretched thin and constantly under pressure. The kind of tired perhaps brought by the unwarranted distance between himself and his partner. 

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence between them felt strangely comforting, and yet Eren could feel the weight of everything unspoken. He didn’t know how long they stood there, but he didn’t want to move. He didn’t want this moment to end.

It wasn’t until the sound of a soft chuckle broke the quiet that Eren remembered they were still in the commander’s office, and that said commander was still definitely there. Erwin, always so composed, smiled faintly as he leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed, his eyes glinting with quiet amusement. 

“Levi. We can debrief and discuss our plans tomorrow. For now, take it easy. Go and spend some time with Eren.”

Eren pulled back slightly, still holding onto Levi, but the words hit him harder than expected. Spend some time with Eren. It sounded so simple, so... normal. But part of Eren still panicked ever so slightly at the words. He half expected Levi to tell Erwin off, to push Eren away and to once again insist that he was fine. 

But instead, Levi’s response was just a low, exhausted grunt. Though much to Eren’s dismay, Levi’s hold on him also loosened. Though Levi  looked up and his eyes tired but fond. There was a moment where he just stared at Eren, as if calculating whether or not he should say something more. But after a few seconds, Levi gave a faint sigh, as if resigned to it. 

“Fine," he muttered. "I’ll take it easy."

Levi’s eyes softened slightly as they met Eren’s again. And though he didn't say anything, Eren could feel a warmth between them, something that wasn’t often said out loud. He could feel Levi letting go of just a little bit of that unyielding front he’d been putting up more insistently over the past weeks. 

Levi moved back a little, but his hand lingered on Eren’s arm for a second longer than necessary. Eren’s breath caught, not from surprise, but from the quiet intimacy in the gesture.

"We’ll talk tomorrow," Levi said to Erwin without really looking at him, "But right now…"

Eren nodded, a quiet understanding passing between them. "Right now, it’s just us," Eren said softly, his voice low, but full of meaning.

Levi gave him a sharp look, but there was a flicker of something more vulnerable beneath his usual cold demeanor. It was rare, but it was there.

"Yeah," Levi muttered, a small, tired smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Right now,  just us."

And for the first time in a long while, that felt like enough.

The night had settled into a comfortable quiet, the only sounds in the room being the occasional creak of the wooden beams overhead and the soft hum of the wind outside. Eren lay on his side, his body curled around Levi who was all but nuzzling himself into Eren’s chest for warmth. The warmth of their bodies together was soothing, and Eren found himself unable to stop gently running his fingers through Levi’s hair, his movements slow and deliberate. He had missed this – missed him.

Levi was quiet. He'd been quiet ever since they retreated to their quarters after dinner. But now Eren could feel the tension in his body, a tightness that hadn't been there earlier when they'd climbed into bed nearly an hour ago. He had hoped that maybe Levi would finally let go of all the weight he was carrying, but Eren could tell that something was still hanging over him.

"Levi?" Eren whispered softly, his fingers pausing in Levi’s hair. "You okay?"

Levi was silent for a long moment, but Eren could feel his breath hitch slightly. Slowly, Levi lifted his head, just enough to meet Eren’s gaze with those tired eyes, still shadowed from the week away.

"I’m sorry," Levi muttered quietly, the words barely audible in the stillness.

Eren felt a sharp pang in his chest at the tone of Levi’s voice. Apologies from Levi were rare, and they usually meant something deeper, something more. Eren wanted to say something: something comforting, something that would make it okay. But before he could, Levi spoke again, his voice heavier now. 

"I know I’ve been... pushing you away lately. I didn’t mean to. It’s just, it’s hard sometimes."

"I don’t know how to do this," Levi continued, his voice so low it was almost a whisper. "How to... balance things with you. With this—" he gestured vaguely between them, but it wasn’t necessary. Eren understood. "I don’t know how to lean on someone without feeling like I’m dragging them down. When people make it a big deal… I, I just. I don’t know. You shouldn’t have to deal with me like this."

Eren swallowed, feeling the weight of Levi’s words. The vulnerability in his voice was raw, and it hit Eren harder than he had expected. But he also knew that Levi needed something from him: something more than just words.

So, without thinking too much about it, Eren leaned in and closed the small space between them. He pressed his lips to Levi’s with a soft, gentle kiss that was meant to silence everything, to give Levi a moment of peace.

Levi stiffened slightly at the kiss, but it didn’t last. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he relaxed into it. When they broke apart, Eren rested his forehead against Levi’s, holding him close.

"It’s okay," Eren whispered, his thumb brushing gently over Levi’s cheek. "I know you, Levi. I understand why you behave the way you do. And I get it. You’ve been through a lot on your own." He paused, pressing a little tighter against Levi’s form. 

"I’m sorry too. I pushed you. And I should’ve understood that better. I know I can be a bit overbearing at times – and I shouldn’t be. I understand you’d want to keep up an image in front of your subordinates. I shouldn’t have made you feel like you had to shut me out."

Levi’s eyes were soft, but the shadows of his fatigue were still there, lingering just behind the faint warmth in his gaze.

“I wasn’t… against it.” Levi admitted quietly, eyes looking down to avoid Eren’s soft gaze. “Hange was just being a menace, and it… I–.” Levi sighed and closed his eyes, visibly frustrated at his inability to form a coherent thought. 

“I’m not ashamed of you. Or your sappiness. It’s just, when people make a big deal out of it.”

The thought wasn’t complete, but Eren understood Levi more than enough. And as he did, Eren couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt gnawing away at him. Maybe if he’d pushed Levi to talk to him sooner, the tension from the previous weeks could have been avoided. And when he voiced as much, voice apologetic and tinged with regret, Levi opened his eyes to look at him. 

Levi stared at him for a long moment, and then, as if he couldn’t hold it back anymore, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his lips. It was faint, but it was there. "We’re both really shitty at this whole talking thing. But I don’t know what I’d do without you," he muttered, his voice quieter than before.

Eren felt a warmth spread through him at the admission. It was rare for Levi to be this open, but Eren had always known that behind the sharp exterior, there was so much more beneath the surface. And now, with Levi resting in his arms, he knew that he would do anything to help him carry that weight.

"I know," Eren said softly, teasingly. "I’m indispensable, after all."

Levi rolled his eyes, but the blush that crept up his neck gave him away. "Tch," he muttered, trying to push himself away, but Eren held him tighter, not letting him go.

"You’re so cute when you blush," Eren teased, grinning. He could feel the heat radiating from Levi’s skin now, and it made him laugh softly.

Levi grumbled, his face turning an even deeper shade of pink. "Shut up," he muttered as he tried to bury his face in Eren’s chest to hide the color creeping up his neck. But it was too late. Even in the darkness of their quarters, Eren saw it and fondness filled his eyes for the tiny captain, his tiny captain, in his arms. 

Eren chuckled softly and held him a little tighter. His fingers brushed through Levi’s hair again, this time with more affection than before. "I’m serious," Eren whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of Levi’s head. "I’m not going anywhere."

Levi made a noise that could have been a scoff, but there was no force behind it. He sighed as he finally allowed himself to relax in Eren’s embrace. The weight of the past week seemed to lift just a little. "You really are something else," he muttered, his voice muffled against Eren’s chest.

Eren smiled and tightened his hold slightly as he settled back against the pillows. "I’m glad you think so."

Levi didn’t respond, but Eren could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest, the tension finally easing as he settled in. The silence between them was comfortable now, filled with the unspoken understanding they had built over time.

Eren knew that things weren’t always going to be easy, that they would have their struggles. But for now, with Levi in his arms, it was enough. It was more than enough.

And when Levi’s breathing evened out, slow and steady, Eren let himself drift off too. The weight of his own exhaustion finally gave way to the peace of having Levi there, safe and close.

There would always be tomorrow to figure out the rest, but for tonight, this was all they needed.