To say that Erwin was worried about Levi would be an accurate statement, but one often repeated in the last week. However, by the time Saturday morning came- exactly one week after Erwin had woken up curled up on the couch with him- Erwin was even more concerned. Earlier in the week, communication between them had been sparse, which was understandable. But Erwin hadn't heard from Levi at all in the last few days, except for the phone call he made on Thursday. There had been none of the 'good morning' or 'how was your day' or 'have a good lunch' texts.

Erwin understood. Levi was busy and didn't have time to have a friendly chat.
The whole timing of their newfound relationship, or whatever it was, couldn't have been worse. Or Erwin felt a better way of putting it was Levi's deadline couldn't have been inconvenient.

So Erwin took it upon himself to call Levi to see how he and his kids were doing. He hoped the daycare had continued to work for Levi, so he'd had time to write and look after himself.

It wasn't a good sign when Levi answered with a quick, "What?"

"Hello Levi," Erwin greeted. "How are you doing?"

There was a long sigh. "Not great," he replied. "The kids didn't do well at the daycare, I've made terrible progress on my writing, and my house is a mess."

With every word, Erwin could hear the fatigue and frustration in his voice. It was not at all going the way he'd hoped.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Erwin replied sincerely. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

There was another sigh from the other side of the line. "Not unless you can figure what the hell is wrong with my kids. Or write a novel for me," Levi replied.

"I'm afraid I can't do those things for you," Erwin answered. There had to be something he could do. "Are you taking care of yourself at least?"

There was the muffled sound of Levi scolding someone for knocking something over before Erwin got a vague reply. "Yah, sure."

Erwin knew what that meant. It meant that Levi was hardly taking care of himself, but he didn't want to worry him. Or he didn't care at all, as it simply couldn't be a priority for him. All of the stress was surely getting to him. Erwin didn't think he could take another two weeks like this one. Immediately, Erwin had an idea.

"It sounds like you could use a break," Erwin stated.

With a huff Levi responded, "I don't have time for a break."

"Just a few hours, tonight," Erwin continued. "Have dinner with me. Hanji can watch the kids for a little bit. They've all had some time away from each other, so the kids could probably handle it. I know Armin has been asking about Eren and Mikasa."

"I don't think-"

"I insist," Erwin stopped him before he could refuse. He was not going to take no for an answer. "If you get too burned out, you'll be less efficient in writing. A break will help you get things done faster."

There was no arguing with that logic and Erwin knew it.

After a pause, Levi replied dryly, "There's no stopping you when you want something, is there?"

Erwin laughed. "No. I can be quite determined."

"I'll go on your date then," Levi agreed grudgingly. "But you better not take up my whole night," he warned.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Erwin replied fondly.

Levi expected Erwin to take care of all the plans and didn't spare another thought about their break date. There were much more urgent matters that required his attention. Like not blowing up at his children for example. With being stressed and frustrated it was hard to keep calm when his children behaved normally and made loud messes. But it wouldn't be fair of him to lose his patience at two 4 year olds. They hardly knew better.

Saturday was his usual shopping day of course and after snapping a little when trying to herd them out the door, Eren and Mikasa were quiet and obedient at the store. That didn't last once they got back home, but Levi was grateful it lasted while it did- even if he also felt guilty they'd been scared into submission by his shortness with them. That's not how he wanted to parent, not on a regular basis.

Once back home, Levi saw the state of the apartment and began cleaning. He'd already done his cleaning for the week, but the heightened level of stress he was feeling made every speck of dirt and every smudge stand out more.

"Papa, are you mad?" Mikasa asked quietly, interrupting his quick cleanup.

Levi paused in his counter wiping and realized that he might have been scrubbing too aggressively. Really, he was just trying to do it quickly so he could get back to working.

"Sorry Mikasa," he apologized, dropping his rag and getting down on eye level with her. "Papa's just a little… a little grumpy."

Mikasa was always more attuned to how he was feeling than Eren was, which meant she was more sensitive to when it started to affect the way he parented. Instantly, he felt guilty again. He could see that look in her eyes, that she felt partially responsible for his mood.

"I'm not upset or grumpy at anything you've done. Okay?" Levi said, gently but firmly.

"Okay," she replied.

"Now go play," Levi instructed and patted her on the head.

With another look around the apartment, he decided it really was clean enough. He needed to stop wasting time and get writing. Particularly if Erwin was going to insist he take an hour or two off that evening. So far nights had been the best time for him to work, as there were no kids he had to entertain.

Which reminded him, he hadn't told the kids about being able to play with Armin later. Perhaps that could keep them happy for the rest of the afternoon. They had both asked for Armin every day since they'd last seen him. That was how quickly kids were able to get over some things.

The children's room was right across from his office, so he peeked his head in. Eren and Mikasa weren't playing with each other- clearly kids didn't have short enough memories to forget whatever was going on between them- but at least the two weren't fighting. Mikasa sat on the bed, playing with her doll while Eren was spread eagle on the floor in what Levi knew was his bored pose. Neither noticed him in the doorway until he cleared his throat.

"Hey, goober nuggets," he stated, grabbing their attention.

"Papa!" Eren responded sitting up.

"Armin is coming over to play after dinner," Levi stated. Both children gasped with excitement. Before either of them could ask any questions, he continued.

"Can you both be good and get along until then?"

"Yes!" they both cried.

"Good," Levi replied with a smile. "I'll be in my office. Please be quiet while I'm working okay?"

"Yes Papa, I can do that!" Eren declared and Mikasa nodded vigorously.

Then Levi settled himself down for some serious writing.

All in all, it was a pretty good session. Still, Levi was feeling grim about being able to reach his deadline. The end was in sight, but he kept finding the story was getting longer than he was expecting. Of course, this always seemed to happen when Levi wrote, but he usually didn't have such a rushed deadline.

'It doesn't have to be perfect,' Levi kept telling himself. But even if it was a first draft, it still had to be finished, at the very least. And he hated doing sloppy work.

But it was time to step away from that now and to have this forced break with Erwin.

Though really, Levi didn't mind that much. He was grateful that Erwin was so concerned for his well being. He also knew that with all the stress he was feeling, he was likely to have a total meltdown. He missed Erwin's company too. There was a sort of steadying comfort that Levi felt around the other man. Perhaps it was his confidence, the way Erwin carried himself. Erwin could get people to bend to his will with a little persuasion. What about that made Levi feel safe and steady, he wasn't exactly sure.

There was more to it, of course. As much as Erwin supported him, Levi also felt that he wasn't judged or looked down upon. They were on equal standing. Both having some baggage, but able to support the other regardless.

And Levi had missed all that.

By the time Levi set the table for dinner, Eren and Mikasa were practically vibrating with excitement. Neither of them even complained about the carrots and peas.

Luckily for them, Armin and Hanji and Erwin arrived not long after. Levi had to keep Mikasa and Eren from swarming the poor kid at the door. But Armin greeted them both cheerfully and accepted the tight hug from Eren.

"You brought Tricia," Mikasa observed, pointing the doll hanging from his hands.

"Yah," Armin replied shyly, glancing at Eren as he hugged the doll to himself.

"She hasn't played with you guys in a while…"

"Cool," Eren replied.

The three adults observed their interactions as they moved to the kid's room to play properly.

"It seems they're getting along just like always," Hanji declared cheerily. "I'm glad. Armin was asking about Mikasa and Eren."

Erwin nodded in agreement. "He missed the two of them." Levi vaguely hummed in agreement. "And if the three of them are getting along fine, then we can get on with our date without worries." Erwin added with a sly glance at Levi. He rolled his eyes in return.

"Have fun you two," Hanji said, waving them out the door. "I'm sure the kids will hardly notice you're gone."

"They better not," Levi huffed. "Because we won't be more than a couple hours. Right?"

"Right," Erwin reaffirmed, humoring his short date.

Levi had to roll his eyes at the broad grin on Hanji's face. If not for them he'd of blushed from embarrassment. Even if it was just in front of Hanji and they definitely knew what was going on between them (Levi had no doubts that Erwin gladly spilled all the details of his feelings to them) Levi wasn't very comfortable being 'coupley' in public. He wasn't accustomed to his feelings and intentions being open enough for everyone to see. Because everyone couldn't be trusted, especially with things like his thoughts and feelings.

When Hanji finally closed the door and left them alone, Levi turned to Erwin expectantly.

"So. What are we doing?" he asked. He hoped they weren't going to go anyplace fancy. His outfit had been the last thing on his mind earlier. Let alone the fact he didn't have the energy or mental capacity to deal with being out in public.

Erwin smiled genially at him before turning back to his apartment door, opening it wide and gesturing Levi to enter.

"Please, take a seat on the couch and make yourself comfortable. I just need to make a few more adjustment and dinner will be ready," Erwin explained and closed the door.

Looking around the apartment, Levi could see it was well cleaned. There had also been some care taken to making the place seem more romantic- candles and table cloths and a pleasant scent of lavender. It was cheesy, but also cute. Levi smiled quietly to himself as he settled on the couch. The whole thing was so Erwin, in a way he couldn't really describe.

It was funny how this sort of romantic gesture was always annoying to Levi in the past. But this, this was different. Because it was Erwin and he was trying very hard… it was just worked.

Levi let himself sink comfortably into the couch, giving his back a break and his aching body a rest. When he was in the midst of writing or cleaning, he never noticed how tired or sore his body was. It always caught up to him when he was relaxed.

One thing was for sure, Erwin was definitely correct in insisting Levi take breather.

"You certainly look comfortable," Erwin observed.

Realizing he'd let his eyes close, Levi slowly opened them to gaze up at his handsome date.

"Mmm. I have a pretty nice view too," he replied slyly. "Helps with the relaxing."

Erwin laughed and Levi let himself smile. Sure, he was awkward at romance, but he could do blunt, forward, and crass advances. Hell, it was certainly wasn't subtle charm that made Erwin fall for him.

"Well, I'll have to be sure look pretty for you tonight," Erwin returned smoothly.

God, how could be so charming so easily? Levi could almost hate him for it, if he didn't enjoy it so much.

"Good," Levi replied.

"We can eat on the couch if you like," Erwin offered. "If you don't want to get up and sit at the table."

"No, we're eating at the table," Levi replied. Eating anywhere else was too messy and stressful.

"This evening is supposed to be relaxing," Erwin reminded him as Levi heaved himself up from his comfortable spot on the couch.

"Yah, exactly," Levi replied and then Erwin seemed to understand what he was saying.

"Of course," he answered, easily adapting.

Dinner was simple. Just pasta and fresh bread. But it was perfect and comforting. Just simple enough and delicious enough and warm enough to make Levi feel right at home. The conversation between them was easy and light. Any silences between them weren't awkward. They avoided all topics that might be stressful, such as work and children's problems.

Levi could almost say he'd forgotten about all the things that had been weighing on him the last week. And he definitely remembered all the reasons why he was so fond of Erwin.

After they finished eating, Erwin let Levi help him clean up all the dishes without any protest or complaint. Already he adapted to what Levi needed. Levi was going to have a hard time leaving and returning to his apartment, thick with stress and anxiety.

With all the things cleaned up, Levi moved towards the couch, assuming the two of them would sit and talk until Levi couldn't put off going home any longer.

"Where are you going?" Erwin asked slyly.

Levi paused and gestured towards the couch with his thumb and an eyebrow raised.

"But we're not done yet," Erwin replied, the most charming smirk on his face.
With great interest, Levi raised his brows even further and followed Erwin, who led him to his bedroom. At this Levi gave him another look.

"And what are you trying to suggest?" he asked sarcastically.

"Well hold on now," Erwin replied with a laugh. "I was going to offer to massage your back. You seem tense."

Levi was a little taken back. While he was open to a more… adult activity, this was just as intimate. And such a kind offer. But after everything Erwin had done, was this really such a surprise?

"Alright," Levi replied.

"Great," Erwin smiled. He guided Levi through the door to his room. It was also clean with candles, lit and sparkling.

"You're such the romantic, aren't you?" Levi observed dryly. He didn't mean it as an insult; it suited Erwin. Even if such tactics weren't needed to win Levi over, they were appreciated.

"Have I wooed you yet?" Erwin replied with an exaggerated eyebrow wiggle.

Levi snorted. "Oh yah. I'm practically swooning," he said flatly.

"You know, you're a lot funnier than you give yourself credit for," Erwin remarked sincerely. "Now if you'd please take of your shirt and lay down on your stomach."

The instruction was given so quickly, that Levi couldn't respond to the comment about him being funny- which he certainly didn't think was true. Instead he did as Erwin asked and unabashedly pulled off his shirt, neatly folded it, and set it on the bedside table. Then Levi sat himself on Erwin's bed and tried not to let his mind run away with the situation. At Erwin's gesture, he scooted back and turned onto his stomach. He felt tense, not just because he was stressed and spent a lot of time hunched at his desk, but he also anticipated Erwin's touch.

"Is it alright if I straddle you?" Erwin asked and Levi could feel the bed dip.

"You're really asking me, as I'm lying shirtless on your bed?" Levi replied, turning his head to the side to speak.

"Keep your head forward; you don't want to kink your neck," Erwin instructed. "And I don't want to do anything that might make you uncomfortable."

Levi smiled to himself and turned his head back and forced himself to relax. Then he felt Erwin move closer and throw a leg over him. He never felt the weight of Erwin against his back, but he could feel the warmth of his legs on either side of him. And then he felt Erwin's hands on his back. They were warm and large. As soon as they pressed into his muscles and moved in soothing circles, Levi had to resist the urge to groan loudly. Instead hummed contentedly.

"Let me know if I'm doing it too hard," Erwin murmured with amusement.

Levi felt so relaxed that all he could do to reply was hum again. He didn't realize how tense he really was, until Erwin was loosening him up. The stress and tension was slowly melting away with every knead.

"You're too good at this," Levi muttered as Erwin moved from his shoulders to his back.

"I used to do this for Maria when…" Erwin began and then stopped short. "Sorry."

"It's okay," Levi replied quietly. He didn't feel threatened or jealous by thoughts of Erwin's previous wife. Levi hardly knew anything about Maria and knew that Erwin didn't feel comfortable talking about her. He only felt sorry that Erwin was obviously still feeling hurt by her passing.

Erwin's hands lifted from his back.

"I know it's not polite to talk about exes on a date," he replied, voice calm but clearly guarded.

"Well, I don't know about that stuff," Levi replied. "But Maria isn't just an ex."

There was more he wanted to get across, to let Erwin know that it was okay. That he understood that Maria was more important to Erwin than that. But Levi was always terrible with words and didn't know how to say those things. Maria was a difficult subject and he didn't want to ruin things with his bluntness.
But the issue was something they needed to discuss.

"Just… get back to relaxing," Erwin replied. His hands returned to making soothing circles weary muscles.

But perhaps today wasn't the day for that discussion.

Levi's eyes slowly closed as he let himself drift into the calm and warm.

Levi woke up slowly, having not even realized he'd fallen asleep. A glance at the clock let him know it'd been a little cat nap. Judging by the warmth clinging to his back, Levi guessed that Erwin had indulged in one as well. With a sigh- he couldn't lie in Erwin's bed forever- he stretched luxuriously.

He definitely needed this break with Erwin. His body felt loose and reinvigorated. Now he felt like he could return to his apartment, handle his children and writing.

Next to him, Erwin was stirring out of his sleep as well, letting out a contented hum. Levi turned his body around to face him. He enjoyed seeing Erwin's face up close. He reached out a hand and traced the man's eyebrows.

"What are you doing?" Erwin asked softly, opening his eyes and squinting at Levi's fingers.

"Trying to determine if these brows are real," Levi replied flatly.

Erwin rolled his eyes and lightly smacked his hand away. Levi smiled smugly to himself. But the smile faded when Levi took another good look at the man before him. His eyes were puffy and strained. There were dark circles under his eyes and small worrying lines around them.

That concerned him. Erwin hadn't been feeling under pressure, had he? Was it Levi's fault? Had his stress bled into Erwin's life too much?

"I needed this break too," Erwin spoke. "Thanks for doing this with me."

Levi nodded. "Is everything alright?" he asked hesitantly.

"Just work stuff," Erwin replied with a shrug.

The way he phrased that bothered Levi. Like it was unimportant or not worth sharing with him. But Levi shared his work problems with Erwin. Work was a pretty big part of both of their lives. Suddenly Levi realized that he didn't even know what Erwin did, beyond that his job was in the government.

"Well, what is it?" Levi pressed. If there was something bothering Erwin, he wanted to support him in it.

"Really it's nothing," Erwin tried to play it off, but at Levi's persistent stare he sighed reluctantly. "The department wants to move me from my administrative desk position back to the field."

Levi's brow furrowed further. "What do you mean 'field'?" he asked firmly. "What do you even do, Erwin?"

"I work for the Department of Homeland Security," Erwin admitted, eyes closing with resignation.

"The Department of Homeland Security," Levi replied flatly.

"Yes," he replied.

"What the hell Erwin?" Levi exclaimed. "Is it dangerous?"

Erwin was doing a very good job at not looking in Levi's direction. "The field work is. I work under Border Protection and preventing terrorism. When Maria passed I requested to be put at a desk job. So I could be around for Armin."

Levi soaked in the words. "How long have you been worrying about this?" he asked quietly.

"A few weeks."

And then Levi snapped.

Abruptly he sat up. "Were you ever planning on telling me about all that crap?" he asked sharply.

"I… of course. Eventually," Erwin replied hastily. "But then you had that deadline change and I didn't-"

"Didn't what? Want me to support you? To know the important things about you?" Levi cut in. "You didn't want me to know your life isn't as perfect as it seems?"

"No!" Erwin replied defensively. He opened his mouth to say more, but Levi cut him off again.

"So what? You can help me out with my crap, but I can't even know about yours?" Levi asked sharply. "Do you even see this as an equal relationship or am I just some project?"

He knew, he knew, that Erwin had more of his life put together. In comparison, Levi's was a mess. But he hadn't thought that had made things uneven between them. He'd assumed.

Erwin hadn't said anything to defend himself. Either the silence was the confirmation for Levi to know he was right, or Erwin couldn't come up with an explanation. It didn't matter though, because Levi was already pissed and hurt. So he roughly got out of bed and searched for his clothes.

"Levi, what are you doing?" Erwin asked from the bed. His voice was cool. He was hiding what he was feeling once again. How many times had he done this?"

"What does it look like? I'm leaving," Levi snapped. He heard Erwin get up from the bed and rounded on him.

"So what, you're leaving rather than talking it out like an adult?" Erwin replied, moving from the defense to offense.

"Well it seems to me you wouldn't tell me much anyway," Levi retorted, moving around him. Jacket and shoes were by the front door.

"As though it's easy to open up to someone like you," Erwin said quietly to Levi's retreating back.

Levi stopped, but didn't turn around, just glanced icily over his shoulder.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked lowly. But he already had an idea of what Erwin was going to say- it's what they all said.

"It's hard to open up to someone cold and closed off," Erwin replied, sounding so infuriatingly calm and logical.

Levi didn't need to hear anymore. Without offering a retort, with his lips in a tight line and jaw clenched he stormed out of the room. A few moments later, the front door slammed.

AN: Here it is! Sorry if it's not edited very well, I was trying to get it out before tomorrow. Also, I know the way certain government organizations and jobs aren't really like the way I've described them here. Just pretend.