"Erwin what the fuck." was the first thing he said when his Commander had returned.
"It's nothing Levi, don't fret." he waved off, tired eyes closing as he wanted nothing more but to sink into sleep. Clearly, that seemed unreachable with an angry captain hovering over him at the moment.
"I can physically see your lifespan decreasing with one fucking arm. What the hell happened out there?" Levi's gaze hardened as he glared at the blond above his bed while he rested.
"As small as you are, Levi, you can be quite intimidating when you're angry." Erwin chuckled, eyes still closed, but able to picture the lines creasing between his eyebrows anyway.
"I am going to throttle you."
"You wouldn't do that to a cripple, would you now, Levi?"
"Don't play the victim card, I have a bad ankle, too," Levi scoffed, "but that doesn't mean I can't kick your ass."
"I don't doubt that." Erwin opened his eyes finally, and piercing cerulean eyes met his gray ones. The shorter man was obviously distraught at the sight of his commander now handicapped. Levi sighed and seated himself on the edge of the bed next to his only arm left.
"Out on the battlefield," Erwin began, "Eren was bound and being held hostage by Berthold, who was being protected by the Armored Titan's hand. Titans began surrounding Reiner, so he needed to let go for a moment to fend them off. That was our chance, and we weren't going to get another one, so I ordered my soldiers to advance. A titan bit my arm off while I was giving the order."
Not a word came out of Levi and Erwin resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He understood why Levi was upset, but it was just an arm. He still came back alive.
"Why the fuck is it," the raven spoke finally, "that the one time I wasn't there, you lose a fucking arm?"
"Careful, you're starting to sound like Mikasa. You two really are related huh." he tried to joke, but he was the only one who laughed.
"Erwin."
"Levi," Erwin leaned forward to place his only hand on top of his, "I'm still here. It's just an arm, I can function without it. My heart is still beating and that's all that matters."
Levi looked down at their hands. They were calloused, years of fighting and swinging blades caused the skin to harden to protect itself. Still, Levi found them to be soft and comforting. He curled his smaller hand around his.
"You have huge fucking hands." he laced their fingers together and squeezed tightly to make sure it was real, that he was real.
"Yeah." Erwin replied, tugging his captain closer until they were both under the covers, sitting next to one another like tired, worn out soldiers. Their hands became fond of the companionship. "I mean, it would make sense that they are. I am a large man, anyway."
Levi looked up at him knowingly, not having to say anything but raise one eyebrow, a stupid smirk playing on his lips. Erwin narrowed his eyes.
"Demoted."