If I keep it up at this rate, I'll soon reach my fiftieth published story. Cool. And so weird, because up until just a few months ago, I was barely past twenty. The urge really came up and smacked me in the face.

Summary: Erwin was important to everyone, everthing. (And him) But Arlert deserved to live. Levi's feelings as he looked between Erwin and Armin, and was forced to make a choice.

A Choice Made Alone

Just a minute ago, everything had been okay. Well, actually, that wasn't how Levi would have described the situation. Erwin was dead, and so were dozens and dozens of recruits whose names he didn't even know. And that stupid fucking beast titan had gotten away, and Levi had almost died himself. He'd found Yeager and Akerman, both alright, but their friend, Arlert, was close to death. Maybe seconds away.

Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't stand a chance.

But Levi had the serum.

Yeager told him to use the serum on Arlert. And because the kid was a brilliant tactician, and a valuable asset, and because Erwin was definitely without a doubt dead, Levi had agreed. Even though every cell in his body was screaming to turn and run, to find Erwin, to use it on him. He couldn't be illogical. Erwin was dead. Arlert stood a chance. He could be saved.

So that's what the captain would do.

But that was a minute ago. A whole nother lifetime.

And now, Erwin was laying there on the roof with them, bleeding, and with a giant hole in his body, but somehow, miraculously, alive.

And that changed everything.

He had to save Erwin.

Arlert was valuable, but Erwin was someone they couldn't lose. He had experience, and the most brilliant mind that Levi had ever come across, besides maybe Hanji. And he was a leader, who would lead them all to victory, the best choice for humanity's survival. He was important to everyone, to everything.

(And he was important to Levi)

That's what he would tell everyone, when they asked him to logically justify his actions.

But in his heart, he knew the truth.

He didn't want to be alone.

If he lost Erwin…

He'd have nobody.

He'd long ago lost Isabel and Farlan. (He had died with them. But he'd gone on, because he needed to live for them, and because Erwin gave his life a new purpose)

And then he'd lost Petra, and Eld, Oluo, and Gunter. (It had killed him again, but he knew now that he had to keep fighting)

And Kenny. (Who really, he had lost a long time ago. But found again just in time to say goodbye)

He'd lost them all.

The only one he could always count on to stay alive with him, to stay by his side, was Erwin. There was no way Erwin would ever die. He'd known it, but doubted it, but now it was true again. Erwin was alive, and Levi didn't have much time, his life was in his hands, very literally.

And he just couldn't lose him.

Without Erwin…

But Erwin had always been prepared for this. He had road into that suicide mission knowing he wouldn't come out of it. (Or thinking)

And Arlert was so young, and had so much potential, and was a good person. He deserved to live, and see the outside world, he really did.

Yeager was saying his name, and Levi could hear the worry and fear in his voice. He had to make his choice.

Erwin would want him to save Arlert.

Levi knew this.

But still…

(Don't leave me alone)

He couldn't make a choice that he would regret.

But that wasn't possible.

It was up to him. He had to make this decision all alone.

He clutched the serum tightly in shaking hands, bringing it up to his chest, breathing erratically, feeling his heartbeat in his chest.

And he made his choice.

"We're giving the serum to Erwin."