Levi had felt giddy all day. Usually he didn't want to go to parties. But after all that had happened, he was happy to join Erwin to go to the peace talks tonight. Erwin had been trying to juggle everything, the peace talks, looking after Levi and Levi could see he was suffering, how tired he looked.

Even tonight he knew that Erwin didn't get to fully enjoy himself as he had already said that it was clear he would have to meet and woo many high ranking officers in Marley. Not that Erwin would ever complain about that as he always had a feeling of duty – the peace talks were important, it was the one chance that they finally had for peace.

It was strange to him, all he had known all his life was fighting. All he had ever done was fighting and it wasn't something he could even think off no longer doing.

But he knew it was something he wouldn't do again, at least no the way he had.

He didn't have to long to ponder about it though as the door opened and Erwin walked inside the room.

'Ready to break out of here for a few hours?' Erwin asked excited, 'I got you a suit,'

'More than ready,' Levi smiled as Erwin but the dark grey suit, a lot like the one he wore when he was off duty in Paradis. Given the Marleyans seemed to be even taller than the people suffering and starving behind the walls in Paradis had ever grown – and they had already outgrown him – he was worried.

'Not gonna be way too big?' Levi asked concerned. Even on Paradis he had to get all his clothes shortened and taken in and was mocked by Miche for having to get the smallest pair of boots when he joined the Survey Corps.

'I used Falco for the size,' Erwin said as he laid out the suit on the bed beside Levi.

'Erwin! I - I am taller than Falco!' Levi argued in disbelief.

'Yeah but not by much,' Erwin told him, surprised when he saw Levi was legitimately upset at his comment, 'they will fit, don't worry about it,'

It would really not be by much. Levi was barely any taller than Falco – Erwin was sure the boy would soon surpass Levi - and at the moment, Levi probably weight less than him.

'Come on, let's get you showered,' Erwin kissed him on his forehead, carefully lifting up Levi and carrying him to the small bathroom by his room. It wasn't the first time, yesterday the catheter had finally been removed as well, Levi finally cleared to use the bathroom.

Not that the staff would take the patience and time to help him there, so Erwin would make sure he was here every day.

He hoped that Levi would come home soon. He hoped it wouldn't be long now. He knew the staff wanted to get him out of here as soon as possible and take him home. Onyan had talked to him to getting an apartment for the two of them, but he knew that it was something he had to discuss with Levi was well.

The bandages were gone around his ankle too, he would soon be cleared to relearn how to walk and thus, he could finally take a shower.

Erwin helped him as he slipped his underwear off, only leaning on his ankle, not trusting his hip yet as Erwin made sure he wouldn't fall. Helping him sit down in the chair in the shower, he handed Levi some shampoo as the water was running.

It seemed to do Levi well that he was at least able to wash his own hair, getting some autonomy back after all these weeks.

'You like this shampoo?' Erwin asked, having picked something up that he hoped Levi would like. In Trost, he would walk to a market far away from the headquarters to get a shampoo bar that he liked, not liking the regular ones.

'Yeah, it's great, thanks Erwin,' Levi smiled at him. Finishing up the shower, Erwin wrapped the large towel around him, carefully lifting him up and carrying him to the edge of the bed, sitting him down and going to pick the suit he had gotten for Levi.

Looking at Levi sitting on the edge of the bed, drying off his hair, Erwin felt his heart flutter. As hard as it was to see him like this, he was so glad to take him out tonight.

Looking at the scars over his chest and the massive one over his stomach, he realized how close he had been to losing him.

'You gonna be ogling my body or you help me dress?' Levi teased him.

'Sorry- I just,'

'It's okay,' Levi told him, 'just pretty sure that my body has never looked this bad,'

'I don't think you look bad, would like to see you put on some weight though,' Erwin admitted as he held out the shirt for Levi. Even though it was new, he had ironed it carefully at Onyan's house.

It was one of the first times that Levi went somewhere with him willingly and especially after all that had happened he wanted nothing more than a perfect night for Levi. Or even for the both of them, he couldn't say he wasn't longing for a nice night together with the man he cared so much about, especially out in the open.

He felt his heart sink as he saw Levi frown, struggling to close the buttons on his shirt. Without his depth perception and with only half a hand for his dominant hand, he struggled.

Trying to slip the button through the hole, frowning even more as he concentrated, he groaned frustrated as he missed again.

'Levi, let me help you,' Erwin offered.

'No, let me do it!' Levi told Erwin, angry.

'Just try-'

'I did it for you for four years, I gotta be able to do it,' Levi said frustrated. His hands were shaking and Erwin worried his hand would cramp up again soon. Gently, he laid his hand over Levi's hand. Before the man could angry with him, he pressed his lips on Levi's.

'You can do it, just don't be too hard on yourself, okay?' Erwin told Levi, concerned at his frustration.

Levi was quiet now as he took a deep breath, trying again, a little slower now. Finally he managed to slip the button through the hole, the next one going through the hole a lot easier.

Slipping on the pants, they were big around his waist, but Erwin knew that eventually he would gain weight again, hopefully and they would fit perfectly. Erwin held him up so that Levi could tuck his shirt him, wanting to give him as much agency as possible.

Struggling to stand up, his hip hurting as he tried to lean on Erwin, trying to keep as much weight of his ankle and hip as possible.

Helping Levi sit down again, he slipped his socks on, taking the shoes he had taken as well.

'These may be a little big, I borrowed them from Connie,'

Levi scrunched his nose up for a second.

'Connie has really sweaty feet, you can smell them from down the hall,'

'Sorry – I - '

'Erwin, it's okay, I know you tried your best,' Levi immediately said as he felt bad since Erwin was clearly doing everything he could.

'Figured mine would be way too big, even if you are not walking,' Erwin tried to defuse the situation a little. As much as he was looking forward to the party tonight, it was clear that getting Levi ready was making them both realize how much had changed for him and how long of a road he still had to go.

'I had Onyakapon get this – one of his friends is tailor and made it specifically for you,' Erwin said as he showed the cravat to Levi.

'Stop it Erwin, you are too much,' Levi mumbled, a little overwhelmed by how much Erwin tried to make everything so perfect to him.

'You deserve nothing less Levi,' Erwin told him as he tied the cravat with some help from Levi, gently and carefully doing so. He wanted it to be perfect for Levi. He meant it, after all that Levi had done to even get to these peace talks, he deserved nothing but the best tonight.

Adjusting his collar and the cravat just a little, Erwin smiled.

'What are you smiling at,'

'You look amazing,' Erwin smiled, kissing him immediately, not being able to keep his hands of Levi. Even though it was clear he was still far from recovered, it was good to see him so put together. For a moment, it seemed like things were normal again.

Carefully draping the jacket around his shoulders, he planted another kiss on his lips then.

'Alright, Falco should be here any second – I am going to get changed to,'

Levi nodded just bit, knew there was no chance Erwin could push his wheelchair all the way to the party.

Erwin wanted to grab some more bread, but it would mean he had to pass in front of Levi. The rest had politely kept the chair to his right free for Levi, where he always sat, but today he wished the raven haired captain was on the other side of the table, or preferably, on the other side of the ocean back in Paradis. Just not anywhere near him.

After coming home from their fight on the boulevard, he hadn't talked to or looked to find Levi at all. Only when he had entered the room where they were all having breakfast, Erwin had done a short glimpse at him.

Levi looked more tired than usually. He didn't even look from his plate as he ate. He had even moved the chair further away from Erwin's, nearly sitting in Armin's lap at this point.

He had grabbed another slice of bread, grabbing the salted butter from in front of Armin. Scooping some of it up, he just focused on the breads, still worried to look to the side where Erwin was.

The knife dropped from his hand as his hand was shaking, tired and nervous.

'Are you okay, captain?' Armin asked concerned.

'Fine,' Levi just grumbled as he got up, taking the bread with him as he walked off to his bedroom.

'Is he okay?' Jean asked concerned, looking at Erwin.

'Why would I know,' Erwin mumbled annoyed.

'I don't know, Hange said you were off to a meeting with the Azumabitos last night, figured something may have happened there,' Jean explained.

'Nothing happened, I don't know what is wrong with him – besides the usual,' Erwin said annoyed that they were prodding him. Even though he knew what had happened last night, him being the one that had fought with Levi in the first place, he wouldn't tell the others.

'Seems he has got his panties in a twist,' Hange shrugged, slathering even more jam on their toast.

'He always has his panties in a twist,' Erwin mumbled, grabbing another slice of bread before walking off as well, the others looking surprised.

'Hey – you ready to go to the Azumabitos?' Onyankopon asked him as they would go to the meeting Erwin had lied about going last night.

Onyankopon didn't know completely about his relationship, but he knew that the commander and captain ahd wanted some alone time and was happy to cover for them.

'Sure – should we wait for Levi?'

'He can fuck off,' Erwin said angry, nodding for Onyankopon to come with him and not wait for Levi. The man looked at him surprised, but followed the commander then as they left the house.

They were waiting outside the venue. It was only a few blocks away, but Erwin was glad that Falco could push the wheelchair. It felt like cruel joke that he couldn't even help Levi around. He knew Levi would be happy to wheel himself around once his hand was less painful, but Erwin hoped that he would be able to walk again soon, as he knew it would give a boost to Levi he so desperately needed.

'Falco!' Levi hissed, waving him to move closer.

Erwin looked back, seeing how Levi straightened Falco's tie, the young boy blushing. Straightening his jacket, he look over his shoulder.

'There she is,' he warned Falco.

Gabi came running their way. Erwin tried to hide the small on his lips as he saw Falco start to blush a soon as he laid eyes on Gabi, clearly so nervous even though he had asked her out.

Puppy love, it was so adorable.

She hugged Falco, smiling at Erwin then and an even bigger smile as she saw Levi.

'Captain!'

'Brat!' Levi smiled at her as she stood beside him, still looking at him with a face of admiration. It really warmed Erwin's heart, even though Levi thought very little of himself, he was still was a hero to many other people.

Erwin smiled. Whereas Levi usually didn't care about pissing people off, he was clearly a lot more gentle around the kids.

As they went inside, Erwin was suddenly called away by Hange and he looked apologetic at Levi.

'Don't worry, I will manage,' Levi told him. He didn't like the crowd anyway and he was happy to just get to one of the tables at the back as the politicians were all gathering around, holding glasses of champagne.

'Where do you want to go?' Falco asked politely, ready to push his wheelchair towards the crowd.

'Just get me to the table in the back there and go and see Gabi, okay?' Levi said, Falco nodding. He saw how nervous the kid was. Falco pushed the wheelchair to the table, Levi turning it so he faced the room, happy to look around the party for the night.

'Are you sure I should go capt– Levi?'

'Yeah,' Levi nodded at him, but he looked up surprised as a cup of tea was slipped in front of him.

'Falco said you like tea,' Gaby said as she put the cup down in front of him.

A but curious, Levi looked at the cup, smelling it. He was sure he had at least tried every single type of tea that was sold on Paradis, but this color and smell were unfamiliar to him.

'What is it?' he finally asked.

'It's rooibos. I don't like it, but my mother does,' Gabi explained as he picked up the cup, very careful as it was hard to see without depth perception and he didn't want to embarrass himself in front of these brats.

'You don't have it on Paradis probably,' Falco wondered.

'No,' Levi answered him, carefully taking a small sip of the reddish tea, smiling as the small sip of earthy tea hit his tongue. It was nothing like he had ever had before.

'You like it?' Gabi asked excited.

'It's really nice, thanks you,' he finally smiled at the teenagers in front of him, looking at him nervously.

'Come on, let's get some cake – you want some tea captain?' Gabi asked.

'It's just Levi now,' Levi told Gabi, a sad smiling stinging his lips for just a second. 'but I am okay, thank you though,'

'Alright, we will check on you later!' Gabi promised, grabbing Falco's hand as she rushed towards the big buffet with elegant and large cakes.

'Thanks, brats,' He finally smiled at them. He hated the fact these kids were looking after him and he needed their help, but their kindness did melt his cold little heart.

He looked around, saw Hange had taken Erwin to meet with some high ranking officers of the Marley military. Erwin look back at him, pointing at him too. Armin stood with them as well, throwing a small wave and a smile at Levi.

He looked around a bit, just minding his own business. Being in the back of the venue had the bonus that he could observe.

It didn't stop people from seeing him and remarking on him though.

'So that was Eldia's strongest soldier, huh?' He heard one of the men say as they look at him.

'Wouldn't guess it,' another man remarked, looking at Levi.

He just looked into his cup of tea, he knew he should care about what others thought about him, but it did hurt.

He was well aware that he was no longer the strong Captain he had been for at least a decade.

He was scrawny, scarred and damaged goods.

As people walked by him, some remarking on him, not aware that he could hear them, he hoped that Erwin would join them again soon, the only person that made him feel safe in crowds like this.

He wasn't alone for long, Armin soon sitting down beside him, putting a glass of champagne in front of him.

'It is a party after all – Erwin had to go meet with the Azumobitos, but he promised he would be here soon,' Armin smiled

'Not my celebration – just glad I don't need to entertain people,' Levi snarked

'We are here thanks to you too – I think even mostly you and Erwin – so it is your party too,' Armin told him as they tapped their glasses together.

'Tsk, weren't even there for the final battle,' Levi shrugged.

'Doesn't change anything about all of the things you did for humanity,'

Levi didn't want to answer, he didn't think to highly of himself and what he had done.

'I heard Hange made you captain,' Levi said to Armin after taking a sip of the champagne, wincing a little at how sour it was before putting it down.

Armin nearly chocked on his champagne.

'Yeah – I am, I am sorry I didn't tell you yet, I figured you would be mad -' Armin stammered.

'Ofcourse not, you are the only person that can keep Hange sane,' Levi smiled, 'I am really happy for you,'

'Really?',

'Yeah, my fighting days are behind me,' Levi told him, a tinge of sadness in his voice, 'You will be a great captain to Hange – and Erwin too,'

Even though Erwin hadn't mentioned taking his old title back - it didn't even matter now that the world had changed so much – he was working closely with Hange.

Levi was happy for Armin, but he had to admit it stung. He knew he had not been stripped of his title, but he was well aware that he was not returning to his old form - the whole world had changed. He just had to work out what his place was in it.

Finishing the champagne, he felt his face go red. Before, he had been able to handle his booze, but after being in a coma for weeks and losing so much of body mess, he already felt a little tipsy after the one glass.

'Can I get you another glass?' Armin pointed at the empty glass in front of Levi.

'No – one is enough,' Levi shook his head, feeling his cheek has started to get flushed.

'Want some more tea?' Armin offered.

'Yes – Armin, thank you' Levi told the newly appointed captain, looking out for Erwin them. Seeing him stand up ahead, looking handsome as the light hit his face just right, Levi couldn't help but gawk at his perfect features. The bright blue eyes, the eyebrows that he adored so much, chiseled cheekbones.

And then the even cuter smile when he looked at Levi to check on him.

Levi smiled back at him, Erwin getting pulled back into the conversation.

Armin brought him some more tea, looking apologetic then.

'I am sorry, I gotta go talk to some people with the Azumobitos,'

'It's okay, ' Levi gave him a small smile, not wanting him to feel bad about it. He knew they felt like they had to make sure he was okay and not alone for too long, but as much as it was a party, he knew that they had to make a good impression for the rest of the peace talks. After all, that was what was most important now.

Seeing Armin was taken away to meet some more high ranking officers of the Marleyan army, Erwin excused him to join Levi again, not wanting him to sit alone, passing by the buffet on the way to the table, loading another plate with little desserts he knew Levi would like.

He was sure that him leaving to be with Levi wasn't appreciated as he was sure that there were tons more people he had to woo tonight to make a good impression with Hange and Armin, but seeing Levi sit alone, he didn't really care about that.

'Here, took you some more desserts too, you need to pack some more meat on your bones,' Erwin said as he put the plate down in front of him, kissing him on top of his head then.

Levi nodded, taking one of the tarts. He knew he had to gain some weight again, hoping that once he got out of the hospital, it would be easier. At least, slightly easier – after starving for most of his youth, it was hard gaining weight.

Erwin threw back the last bit of champagne he had in his glass.

'Hmm, you want some champagne too?' Erwin asked as he finished his glass.

'Sure,' Levi just said, looking as Erwin went to grab them both another glass of it.

He hurried back to Levi, not wanting to leave him alone again before he would be ambushed by anybody he had to woo and meet again, instead wanting to spend time with Levi. Show how grateful he was that Levi was still with him and they were together here now.

'You can mingle with the others if you want, I will manage,' Levi told him, not wanting Erwin to feel forced to sit with him and entertain him. He loved sitting with Erwin and wanted to spend as much time with him as he could, he didn't want Erwin to feel forced, knew he had a duty to fulfill here too.

'Kidding me, wanna be with you here too,' Erwin smiled at him, taking a small sip of the champagne. Putting the glass down, he laid his hand on Levi's that was on the table, smiling at him.

'Look – look,' Levi nudged Erwin against the shoulder, nodding his head towards the other side of the room.

In the corner of the room, trying to hide behind one of the plants, they saw Falco and Gabi moving closer, Falco kissing her on the cheek.

'Atta boy,' Erwin smiled, reaching over the table to grab some more food.

'Stop staring you perv,' Levi teased him

'You are the one that pointed it out!' Erwin laughed. Sitting so close to Levi now, he laid his head down on his shoulder. His forehead near his cheek, he could feel the warmth coming off his cheek.

'You are blushing,' Erwin smiled at him, his nose nearly against Levi's cheek as he laughed, feeling the heat radiating from his face.

'Armin did get me a glass of champagne too,' Levi admitted, 'think two may have overdone it,'

'Did my Levi become a lightweight?' Erwin chuckled as he pecked him on his cheek.

'Yeah, I think so,' Levi blushed just a bit.

'Want another?' Erwin smiled, just wanting Levi to have a good night after everything that had happened.

'No – actually, Gabi got me this tea, Roo – Rooibos or something? It was really nice,' Levi explained.

Erwin nodded with a smile.

'Then that is what I am getting you,' Erwin told him, kissing him on top of his head before he started to walk towards the drinks buffet. He saw some people look at them, but he didn't care. He was happy for the whole world to know he loved Levi with his whole heart.

Erwin laid in bed.

The doors to the balcony were slightly open, the warm evening air of Liberio slipping into his room.

The tenseness in his stomach still hadn't wavered. All he could think about what had happened between him and Levi yesterday night. The fact that Levi wouldn't even look at him all day, didn't make it any easier.

He knew the had been harsh on Levi yesterday and he regretted it. A the same time, Levi's silence and unwillingness to talk to him made him so angry at the same time.

God – the man he loved so much could infuriate him so much sometimes.

Hearing the door creak open behind him, there was no mistake who the two small feet belonged to that entered his room.

'Erwin?'

He could hear the quiver in Levi's voice, a soft cough then, clearly trying to get a hang of his emotions.

'Are you awake?'

Looking out of the window, he didn't answer, not sure what to say.

'Erwin, I am so sorry,' Levi finally mumbled.

Turning around finally, he looked at Levi standing next to his bed. His arms were crossed in front of his chest, the man clearly nervous and upset.

Rolling over in the bed, sitting on the edge, he didn't doubt for a second as he pulled Levi against him.

'I am so sorry too,' Erwin told him as he held Levi. The small man curled up against Erwin, shivering, shaking.

Erwin pulled him down on the bed beside him.

Not wanting to talk as emotions took over, Levi grabbed Erwins body. He climbed on top of him, kissing him passionately.

Making out, Erwin didn't want to talk about it any further either. There was no use, they knew each other's shortcomings, they knew the work they did had damaged both of them decades ago.

But they knew they loved each other.

Trying to be quiet as Erwin pounded into him, the others sleeping in the rooms surrounding them, Levi was so grateful Erwin had allowed him back. Today, the whole day without Erwin – not knowing if they would be okay, had been one of the hardest in his life.

It was the first big fight they had ever had.

But the makeup sex had almost made it worth is.

Feeling the small body in the bed beside him, he held him close. Their faces were close to each other, looking deep in each other's eyes.

'Just talk to me next time, okay?' Erwin asked Levi, Levi nodding.

'I love you,' Levi told him

'You and me, forever,' Erwin promised, looking deep into his eyes.

They had stayed at the party a little longer, Levi soon having to admit he was tired and sore from sitting up. He laid on the bed, the suit still on as Erwin had left him here for a bit to bring Falco back to Onyankopon's and Gabi to the gates where her parents would meet her.

It wasn't long before he was back with Levi though, Levi didn't mind having to wait for a little to make sure the brats got home safe.

Levi had taken of his jacket and the cravat already, Erwin helping him out of the rest of the suit as Levi was too tired to manage doing much more.

Having changed out of the suit again, Levi smiled as Erwin held him.

'Did you enjoy yourself?'

'Exhausted, but happy I went – thank you for taking me,' Levi told Erwin as he laid back against the pillows. His whole body was aching, but it had been worth it. He knew going had done Erwin well and to be honest, it had done him well too. He wasn't even sure how many days had past since he had woken up.

'I am so glad you came with me,' Erwin said. He was sure that it was not easy on Levi to sit there all night, not with his broken body and not knowing what he had lost and how everything changed. It only made him happier that he had come with him.

He laid on the edge of the bed, his head on Levi's chest for a second. Feeling his remaining ring finger and pinky finger, going through his hair, he felt his face turn a shade of red. He wasn't sure what to say even and he wasn't sure if it was the champagne that was making him blush.

'Ehm, I am not sure when you get to leave this place-' Erwin started talking slowly, sitting up finally.

'Leave with you tonight if I can,' Levi interrupted him.

'Wouldn't want the nurses to get worried about where you are would we,' Erwin humoured him.

'Not my type,' Levi winked.

'Just gotta make sure you are really healed enough,' Erwin said serious, concerned then as he laid his hand over Levi's hand.

'You are worried I am still going to take a turn for the worse?' Levi asked concerned.

'Yeah,' Erwin admitted.

'Tsk. May be damaged goods but I am not kicking the bucket,' Levi told Erwin, Erwin squeezing his hand. He wanted to tell Levi not to talk about himself like that, but he was well aware that it would have no use.

'We need to think about what we are going to do – go back to Paradis, I could support Hange from there as they work the whole peace deal out by talking to the nobles there – we could also stay here, it is your choice,' Erwin told him.

'It is just - I am not sure what to do, I can't decide this for the both of us,'

'I don't even know what I am going to do when I get out of here, nothing, probably,' Levi mumbled.

'You have plenty of time to work that out,'

'I just want to be with you,'

'Onyan said we could even get a house here, maybe,' Erwin told Levi as he wiped the hair from his face, caressing the side of his face. Even though Levi look tired, his eyes heavy lidded, he immediately got a smile on his face again.

'A house – for us – to make home?' he finally smiled in disbelief.

'Yeah, that would be nice right?'

'What is there to go back to Erwin? Let's just start over,' Levi smiled at him. Erwin finally hopeful and excited for the future again. Moving to Levi, wrapping him in his arm, Levi against him, they hugged each other tight. No matter what was in the future, he knew they would manage as long as they were together.