The days after that were a bustle of political tension. A new commander had to be chosen.
After a few days wearing civilian cloths against military protocol because someone sewn the rank insignia to his uniform, that party give up the method, adopting a more aggressive one. A personal threat and a deathly stare on Levi's part silenced them well enough.
Of course, no one knows humanity's number one is scared of being a commander. He knew how many deaths were on Erwin's conscience. After just losing his entire squad today, which consist of only a few people, he would surely break under all that guilt.
As it is, he got Hange promoted instead, and leave himself free to roam the too-empty barracks for a while. With the expedition just over and the ghosts of the perished everywhere, those who did survived returned home to their loved ones.
Sometimes, it remind Levi that he has none anymore.
For the umpteenth time, Levi brings himself to a stop in front of the infirmary. Letting himself in and nodding to a few medics, he folds himself into a chair in the corner, near Petra.
/How many days has it been?/
His limping had gotten better a few days ago. Shouldn't Petra at least wake up?
...
Silence.
The wide hall began to feel suffocating, as it always had.
So Levi got up to leave.
Before could walk two steps, however, a quiet voice sounded.
Petra's voice.
"You're never going to hold my hand, are you? And here I hoped..."
The tone was a weak imitation of teasing, but the effect was immediate.
Levi wheeled back so fast anyone without the battle sense would see a blur.
Petra was now sitting on the small bed, blankets covering up to half her hospital-clad figure, orange brown hair hanging loose, not looking like nearly being crushed at all.
"Petra, when did you..."
"The entire time, heichou. A few days now."
"And you pretended being unconscious just to tease me?"
"...Well, the opportunity is tempting."
Levi quirked his eyebrow.
"I'm sorry, Levi-heichou... Heichou? What're you...?"
Firm hand wrapped around her shoulder. It was warm. Surprisingly very warm.
"You're neglecting discipline, Petra. Your Captain have to know everything."
The words were so soft, not at all like a chiding she expected.
Reluctantly, she let herself melt into the embrace.
This is only the second time Levi-heichou has touched her other than training, but it felt like coming home.
Like finally finding a place, the only place you can completely lay down your fear.
Petra has never seen her captain so relaxed. Not completely like this, not a muscle tense, not trying to position himself to see the entire room and beyond.
She knew, then, that the one to have come home isn't only her.
And knew that the sentence muttered is invaluable for both of them.
"...Thank you for staying alive."