Levi lunged, his swords out and poised, ready for the attack. He fell through the sky, the wind tugging at his hair and pushing at his jacket. But at the last minute, he pulled back, twisting his body to move in a different direction. He closed his eyes as the scenery changed around him, losing his sense of direction for just a moment.

He liked this. Spiraling out of control; it summed up his life in a sense. His life, which had become nothing more than unpredictable.

Huh. When had he become so sentimental? He really needed to kill something.

He opened his eyes, the ground coming back into view. He reacted swiftly, the cables on his gear connecting with a tree. His descent was instantly halted before he was pulled back upwards.

He flipped back, hanging upside down for a brief moment before landing. He took two steps forward before slowing down, taking in a deep breath. His eyes flickered over the area, noting the fading sun and how the shadows of the trees seemed to stretch on.

Hm, he was starting to like these big trees. They were perfect for the use of ODM gear.

His palm itched slightly, but he barely reacted at the uncomfortable twitch. Instead, he turned slightly before striding forward. He paused briefly, wondering if he really wanted to make his presence known. He closed his eyes, letting out a sigh. It wouldn't matter. His presence was already detected, and hiding would only seem pathetic. With that thought in mind, Levi left the cover of the woods, his eyes narrowing slightly as he faced the newcomer.

Erwin regarded him thoughtfully. Neither man said anything as they stared at each other.

"Bit late for a stroll, don't you think?" Levi asked.

Erwin's mouth twitched. But from amusement or displeasure, Levi could not tell. "You're one to talk," he said. "However, it was interesting to witness your skills on ODM gear."

Levi raised an eyebrow. He didn't know how he felt about being watched. Let alone observed. "I have yet to see your skills at all. In fact, I am beginning to wonder if you are really any good on ODM gear." He fought the smirk that was threatening to burst forth. He wondered how Erwin would take his taunts.

But Erwin just stared. "There are other ways to test out my strength."

Levi snorted, striding past the taller man. "I've heard that before. It never ends well for the guy on the receiving end." He glanced over his shoulder. "What'd you come out here for?"

Erwin fell into step beside him, silent for a moment. "I came looking for you." At Levi's curious glance, he continued. "I wanted to inquire about your recent influence."

Levi frowned, confused. "Influence? My influence to the Scouts?" It had been almost three months since his first expedition outside the Walls. During that time, Levi had devoted everything he had to killing the Titans and scouting outside the Walls. He had little time to think about anything else, aside from killing and surviving.

"I am talking about this," Erwin said, holding out his hand, palm out.

Levi blinked as he stared at the hand. It took him a moment to realize that it was the same hand that bore the scar that Levi had given him.

His own hand twitched in response, and he looked away, focusing his gaze up ahead. "It's a scar," he answered cripticly.

He could feel Erwin's disapproval. "That is not what I meant."

"I know." He let out a breath. Now what to do? He had known for a while that Erwin could detect the bond. To be honest, it had only been a matter of time until he began seeking answers.

But that still begged the question: Now what? What should he do? He could always feign ignorance. Or, he could easily dodge the question. Killing Erwin to avoid the subject would be pointless, and Levi had given up on the idea of killing him a long time ago. It just wasn't worth his time.

Plus, his palm itches like crazy whenever he entertained such a thought.

Maybe he should tell the truth. After all, Erwin might not even believe the truth to begin with. Now that Levi had taken a step back and analyzed the situation, he had to admit that the Ackerman Bond Kenny had gone on about sounded outrageous. If he wasn't already experiencing the bond in the first place, he most likely wouldn't have believed it.

Besides, he was curious how Erwin would react.

"It's the start of the bond," he began. "The Ackerman Bond. When blood touches blood, from both the giver and the receiver, a connection is formed. The receiver is the Ackerman, which is me, while the giver is another participant that we are...connected to." He stumbled over the last part. He was not willing, he would never, use the word 'serve.' He was a servant to no one.

"The receiver is you," Levi finished as an afterthought, covering up his slight blunder. "Anyway, when we first fought, the connection was formed and you carry that sign of our connection on your palm from where I cut you. And I carry the sign of our connection where you cut me." He shrugged. "That's all."

"That's all?"

Levi stopped walking, now becoming aware that Erwin had stopped following him. He glanced back with a frown, watching the taller man.

"That's all?" Erwin repeated, looking up. "Than I suppose you have nothing else to explain?"

Levi paused. "Well, there are some unwanted side effects."

He felt rather than saw the relief flicker through Erwin. Levi was momentarily confused. Why would Erwin feel relief?

Then it occurred to him. While Levi had already pinned his blame on the bond, Erwin did not know what was happening to him. Levi was aware of the bond, and thus knew what to expect, or at least, to some extent. But Erwin would not understand why he was suddenly feeling another's thoughts, their emotions. He would not understand why he shared a connection with another. Even Levi didn't fully understand the extents of the bond, and he was aware of it!

"Side effects?" Erwin prompted.

"The side effects include a connection with each other," Levi explained rapidly. He really didn't want to be doing this. He had thought that he could ignore the bond, and therefore, ignore Erwin. But it had been pointless, as the bushy browed blondie seemed determined in gaining answers.

Answers Levi was unsure he could provide.

"Look," Levi said sharply, his tone now harsh. "I am not exactly sure what to expect from this. All of this is new to me, and I was only told this once when I was a kid. And to be honest, it wasn't from a very trustworthy source. So if you have a problem with this, don't come to me for answers. Because you aren't going to like them." With that, he turned his back on Erwin and strode up the path.

"Is there no way to end the bond?" Erwin's voice may have been soft, but Levi still heard the question.

He paused momentarily, the breeze blowing through. The sun was almost gone; the shadows of the night were long.

"Only in death," he answered finally.

The breeze rustled through. "There is no other way?"

Levi resisted the urge to look back. But he did wonder, what expression was Erwin wearing?

"No," he said. "There is no other way." With that, he resumed his pace.


He never felt like Erwin was his master. He never felt pressured. In fact, he followed Erwin's orders faithfully, but not without voicing his own opinion. Was this new trust, this loyalty, a side effect of the bond? Would Levi still act this way if he had never opened up a connection with Erwin?

At times, he wished he had not created the link.

No one had ever told him that he would be able to sense Erwin's emotions. No one had ever told him that he was connected to him on a more personal level. At times, Levi would catch Erwin glancing at him with concern, his worry evident through this unnatural bond.

Even now, those sidelong glances were getting on Levi's nerves. He gritted his teeth, fingers clenching the pencil in his hand, snapping it in two. He barely paid attention to the briefing, his paper ruined with the many scritch marks he had placed there. He shot Erwin a warning look, but the blonde man merely frowned, and Levi could sense his worry.

He was up and out of his seat when they were dismissed. He pushed through the crowd, ignoring their indignant grumbles at being pushed away. He didn't care about them. At this moment, his sights were focused on Erwin.

"Stop doing that," Levi hissed.

Erwin blinked, obviously startled at the order coming from the short soldier. "Stop what?"

The confusion was evident not only on his facial expression, but also through the bond.

He was confused, tired, worried, stressed-

"Stop it! Stop that! Stop getting into my head!" Levi exclaimed. "I don't need your emotions!"

"You are in my head too!" Erwin retorted.

"Well, I don't need to know every single detail about you," Levi growled. "Not about the small burn on your hand from where you spilled your tea. Not about the papercut you received from handling paperwork. And I certainly do not want to know about that bruise in your midsection you got from sparring!"

Erwin's eyes widened as he stared at Levi, before they narrowed. "And what of the prick on your finger? Or the cut you received when you were cutting a…" here, he looked up, contemplating. "An orange?"

"Apple," Levi corrected, before he realized what had been said. "Stop doing that!"

"I can't help it," Erwin said. His glare, if possible, intensified. "It's one of your 'side effects'."

Levi growled. Oh, he knew he was being taunted! "You act as if I wanted this! I didn't initiate the bond on purpose! If anything, it's a curse to me!"

His palm flared with pain, a fire traveling up from his arm to his palm. He ignored the pain, though his eyes flickered over to see Erwin clenching his hand.

Apparently, it was a shared pain between them.

Erwin closed his eyes, breathing in deeply. In that moment, Levi could feel a sense of calm wash over him; a calm that was not his own. It was his first instinct to pull back and withdraw, but instead, Levi remained where he was, sharing in that feeling. His own temper diffused somewhat.

"I do not know how to deal with this," Levi said. "It's a first thing for me." He glanced away. "Right now, I think our minds are connected, but there is a personal barrier we can put up to avoid interfering with each others thoughts." Because the last thing he wanted was Erwin Smith inside his head, uncovering everything.

He was still unsure if he could put up a barrier, and if it would remain in place. But he could fight the bond, and he could block it as best as he could. He could also exploit the bond and use it to...avoid Erwin if he wanted to. By merely sensing Erwin's presence, Levi knew where he wanted to be and where he didn't want to go.

But try as he might, little thoughts and memories that were not his own would filter through. No matter how many barriers he tried to put up, something always broke through. He was almost certain that Erwin was experiencing the same thing.

He was taking to avoiding Erwin as much as possible. He didn't need to be reminded of his mistake, of the mistake that seemed to haunt him.

But at the same time, he was curious. Just how far could this bond go? What could he do with it?

What could they do with it?

It was these very thoughts that kept him up at night. But, it was the memories that were not his own that were keeping him up. Shadows of faces he did not recognize flooded his dreams. People he did not know, feelings attached to those people…

...and the grief. There was so much grief.

But it was not his own.

Levi opened his eyes with a slight gasp, sitting up in his chair. His room faced him, unchanged and undisturbed. He rubbed his eyes, getting up and slipping his coat on. His mind was way too active for him to go back to a restless slumber. As he slipped his long, black coat on, he debated on where to go.

Oh well. No need to decide where to go at this hour. "No plan is a good plan," he muttered to himself as he left his room.

His steps led him into the dark dining hall. The only source of light was from the small candles left on the scattered tables, and the large torches on the walls.

He stopped in the middle of the doorway, eyes drawn to the one lone figure in the room.

Levi let out a breath. Well, he wasn't going to hide in the shadows. That would just be pathetic.

So, instead of walking away, he strode forward and sat down right across from Erwin Smith.

Erwin looked up tiredly, the papers he was reading clutched loosely in his hands. Levi was surprised that he was even up at this hour. But even without the bond, Levi could tell that he was worn out. He made barely a sound as he acknowledged Levi's presence.

Levi let out a breath, resting his feet on another chair. His eyes flickered over to Erwin, watching as the other man went back to reading his paperwork.

Levi's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed Erwin. In an instant, he knew what the source of his tormented night was.

Sensing his contemplation, Erwin looked up. "I apologize for that."

Levi snorted. "That's what happens when you dwell on something for too long. It leads to heavy thinking and sleepless nights." He cast Erwin as careless glance. "Though your heavy thinking and depressing junk is now harmming me."

Erwin only grunted, eyes skimming over his paper.

"I didn't know we could see each other's thoughts," Levi started. "I didn't know that memories and pain would be shared between us."

"Because if you had, you wouldn't have gone through with it," Erwin said, disinterested.

Levi shook his head. "I didn't even mean to go through with it at all."

Finally, Erwin did look up. "You're awfully talkative today."

"Shut up and let me finish," Levi growled. Dang it, this was harder than he thought. "The bond cannot be completed without our consent. Blood needs to be remixed willingly on both sides. If it is, than the bond is strengthened."

Erwin blinked. "You and I would have to...mix our own blood together to strengthen the bond?"

"I would have to initiate it, and you would have to agree, but yes," Levi said. "We already have a connection, a bond, but it needs to be completed."

"And that is something you don't want," Erwin stated with a raised eyebrow.

Levi nodded. "Precisely. A stronger bond will only become more distracting."

Erwin nodded. "I see." He looked up. "This is something we have to live with." It was not a question, but a statement.

Levi gave him a look. "Correct." He watched him carefully, wondering what was going on inside that man's head. He could, if he wanted to, see what Erwin was thinking, but that would ruin the whole point of the barrier he was trying to put up.

Erwin sighed. "I guess it can not be helped." He extended his hand out to Levi's, hand open.

Levi stared at the offered hand before looking at Erwin with a raised eyebrow.

"We cannot do anything about this...bond," Erwin said. "But we have to accept it. That alone is half the step to dealing with it."

But he didn't want to just deal with it. He wanted to do something about it! But what? What could he do?

He could accept it, like Erwin said. As he stared at Erwin's hand, he saw the first sign of agreement, of a truce.

Erwin was extending a helping hand.

Levi reached out, clasping Erwin's hand, shaking it in silent agreement. He grinned wryly. "Alright Erwin Smith, I guess there is nothing you can do about me."

Erwin sighed. "Could I do anything about you to begin with?"

Levi shrugged. "Just remember, you wanted me here in the Scouts."

An unforeseen event. That's all it was. Just an unforeseen event. But was it something he would regret?


Regrets. So many regrets.

He regretted this moment, this very moment that brought him to Four-Eyes and her crazy schemes. Why did he listen to her in the first place? He was not bored by any means, and therefore, he should not have agreed to come down to the crowded Mess Hall.

But now, he was trapped, watching many arm wrestling matches take place. He leaned back in his seat, disinterested as Scouts went up against each other. Rowdy cheers filled the room as drinks were passed around and jokes were made. In all honesty, the mess was driving him insane and he resisted the urge to wipe everything down with his trusty rag.

Just as he was about to get up and leave, he stopped when he noticed the new contender. Erwin Smith sat down as the table, extending his arm in a challenge. The cheers grew as everyone scrambled to challenge him.

Levi raised an eyebrow, suddenly interested as he lowered back into his seat. Maybe he should stay after all.

So far, Erwin had yet to be beaten. Three challenges in, and Erwin hadn't lost yet. Levi couldn't help but survey the action with boredom as nothing had yet to change.

"Aw c'mon Levi!" Hanji encouraged suddenly. "Let's see your strength!"

Levi cast a disinterested look at the table. Erwin just grinned, his elbow on the table with his hand out.

"Bah, never mind," Hanji grouched, stomping forward towards the table. "If Levi won't do it, than I will accept your challenge."

"Move it Four-Eyes," Levi warned as he bumped her aside, stealing her seat across from Erwin. He rolled up his sleeves before resting his elbow on the table, clenching Erwin's hand. Their matching scars touching in an instant served to remind them both of the bond.

Both men narrowed their eyes, tensing up as they awaited the signal. Moblit's hand rested on their clenched fists as he counted down.

"Go!" Moblit announced, withdrawing quickly.

Everyone watched with anticipation, only for a wave of confusion to wash over them. Neither Erwin nor Levi seemed to be moving.

"Um, I said go," Moblit started with growing uncertainty.

"Look, I think they are," one Scout said, her voice soft. "Levi's fist is trembling!"

Hanji leaned forward, her eyes wide behind her glasses. "Erwin's fist moved a bit!"

"They're not yielding to each other!" another Scout exclaimed.

Levi tightened his hold on Erwin's hand, adding more pressure and trying to tip this game into his favor. But dang, was this guy strong. He wasn't about to make this his first loss in arm wrestling.

"They're not even budging!" Hanji exclaimed.

"My money's on Levi!"

"No way! Have you seen Erwin in arm wrestling? He's got this!"

At this point, Hanji was eagerly gathering the bets as the the crowd of onlookers grew. By this point, Levi was ready to test out a new skill of his and see if he could startle Erwin into throwing the match.

"You're good," Levi said, touching Erwin's mind.

Erwin gave a slight start at the intrusion in his mind, and his hand started to move towards the table. He recovered his wits, but not his ground. "Not bad yourself," Erwin replied.

"Just don't strain yourself," Levi said with a smirk.

"Please," Erwin scoffed. "Is that genuine concern there?"

"I'm more concerned if you did or didn't wash your hands," Levi retorted.

Erwin smirked. "Can't remember."

"Um, why is Erwin smirking?" Moblit asked warily. "And did Levi's glare become a bit more...darker?"

"What's going on in here?" a loud voice demanded suddenly. Everyone jumped back at their commander's loud entrance. Keith Shadis emerged with a scowl, surveying everyone. "Placing bets on a game, eh?"

Hanji smiled. "Ah, commander," she said cheerfully while attempting to hide the bets behind her back. "Just a little harmless fun."

Keith raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Oh really?" He glanced over at Levi and Erwin who were still locked in their arm wrestling. He shrugged. "Okay, deal me in."

Both Levi and Erwin narrowed their eyes, a similar glint in their eyes as they continued on with the challenge.

It was going to be a long one.


Levi glared into the firelight, pouring every ounce of his annoyance into the flames. The fire sizzled and popped, the heat warming his face. He closed his eyes, breathing in deeply.

"My hand is still sore," Erwin commented, flexing his fingers as he rubbed his wrist.

Levi grinned as he rubbed his own wrist. Yes, that arm wrestling match had been long, but very interesting. "You're fragile," he stated. "It's no wonder I need this bond to alert me to your injuries."

Erwin said nothing, though Levi detected amusement through the bond. He frowned, glancing at Erwin who seemed to be grinning. "What?" he demanded. "What's so funny?"

Erwin met his stare. "Well, it seems like you are the most fragile one between the two of us, as you stubbed your toe this morning, jammed your thumb while cleaning your ODM gear, and-"

"Shut up," Levi grumbled, folding his arms with a huff. He continued staring into the firelight, the silence a comfort to him as his thoughts drifted away.

His thoughts often took him to his memories, memories he tried to avoid. But the ghosts of the past refused to be forgotten. They haunted him with their whispers and painful reminders of what he had lost.

His sleepless nights had yet to improve. He kept seeing flashes of a family that was not his own. He tried to steer clear of those memories whenever they occurred. He did not want to intrude, to be involved, anymore than he already was.

He squeezed his eyes shut, banishing the memories that tried to drag him away.

"Who was she?" Erwin asked quietly.

Levi glanced over, the firelight illuminating Erwin's face. He gazed into the fire, not even bothering to look at Levi. But his tone was sincere, yet not at all demanding. He didn't feel any anger at Erwin's unintentional intrusion. In fact, it was to be expected. No matter how many barriers they tried to put up, they still could not block everything.

Levi glanced away, staring back at the dancing flames. He knew who Erwin was talking about. She was the only woman in Levi's life that remained a mystery to him. "I think...she was my mother," he started.

Now Erwin looked up. "Your mother?"

Levi nodded slightly. "I mean...I think she is my mother." He rubbed the back of his neck. "My memories of her change. I was really young, and don't remember much. I can only rely on my feelings and these vague images of her." He scoffed. "Oddly enough, it's her death that I remember clearly."

Erwin said nothing as he watched Levi. He turned his gaze back to the fire, both men falling into silence once more.

More memories flooded through. This time, they were not Levi's.

"So, who's the guy?" Levi asked.

Erwin looked up with a frown. "Guy?"

"Blonde, has bushy eyebrows like you," Levi said. "Ring a bell?"

Erwin leaned back, a small smile on his face, but Levi detected a hint of regret stabbing through the bond.

"My father," Erwin said finally, his voice soft.

Levi hummed. "Wonder why I've never met him yet."

"You wouldn't," Erwin answered. "He's dead." He closed his eyes. "He's dead because of me."

Levi blinked. Of all the responses he could have received, it was not this one.

Erwin rose up abruptly, straightening his jacket. "We have to head out early tomorrow for the expedition." He nodded curtly to Levi. "You should get some sleep." With that, he strode out of the room, leaving Levi alone to his thoughts with the flickering firelight.

"Guess not all of us can escape our ghosts," Levi muttered. Judging by Erwin's inner thoughts, his ghosts were not merciful.


Levi gripped the reigns of his horse tighter as he urged the mare on faster. The horse nickered before speeding up, avoiding the lumbering Titan up ahead.

Three Titans were descending down on him. Their meaty hands outstretched, ready to capture and consume.

He shook his head from the thought. Those were Erwin's thoughts and visions, not his own. He did not have time to worry about Erwin's situation. What he was seeing in his mind's eye was hot happening to him directly.

But despite that thought, his palm continued to burn.

Swords slashed through flesh, blood splattering his cheeks and burning his skin-

Levi growled, launching from his horse and activating his ODM gear. He flew through the air, his swords out and slicing through the Titans skin.

In a burst of steam and blood, the Titan fell. The very ground shuddered at the impact as many others followed in its wake. Scouts flew by, engaging the Titans. Levi flew on ahead, landing once more on his horse and racing to join the group.

He felt Erwin's presence lightly touch his mind. He could feel his fatigue as they raced out of danger. Or maybe it was Levi's own fatigue. At this point, he couldn't discern what was his own emotion anymore.

"Three more Titans incoming!"

The warning registered to Levi just as the beasts lumbered forward. He looked up at the Titans and narrowed his eyes.

Furlan and Isabel. He hadn't thought about them in months. Was it close to a year since their deaths? How had time escaped him?

"Levi, stay focused."

"Don't tell me what to do," Levi snapped, annoyed as Erwin connected with his mind.

"Well, it does take one of us dying to severe the bond," Erwin replied cryptically. "If dying is your intention, than I am disappointed in you."

Levi smirked. "Yeah, and we can't have that happening, now can we?"

He wondered if Erwin was grinning as well. "No, we can't."

"Where are you anyway?" Levi demanded. "I can't be taking all the credit by myself. We need more troops out here."

"Right behind you."

Levi chanced a look back. Sure enough, a squadron of Scouts was charging towards them. He grinned knowingly as Erwin rode up beside him.

"Thought I would have to come and save you," Levi commented.

"Thought you could use the backup," Erwin replied. They were riding side by side, charging towards the Titans. Any minute now, Levi would have to activate his ODM gear.

"I followed you through the bond," Erwin said. "Guess this thing really does come in handy."

"Aye," Levi answered, activating his gear. "Yes it does."

He barely noticed the amount of Titans in their midst. His senses honed in, and he briefly wondered if this was some bit of his Ackerman Power. He had yet to identify his Ackerman Power, but he couldn't help but connect it to his outburst towards the Titans when Furlan and Isabel…

He shook his head once more, the burn of the Titans blood on his cheeks bringing him back to reality. He needed to focus. He could not get lost in the past.

Even as he became lost in a wave of Scouts and Titans, he was distinctly aware of Erwin. He didn't know where he was, but he knew he was there. It wasn't a sense of knowing, but rather feeling. He felt Erwin's presence. He knew that he was there. Even with the limits they had set up, with the barriers they had created, Levi could still sense him through the bond. The Ackerman Bond remained, regardless of his efforts.

Was it such a bad thing? It was rather exhausting to put forth his efforts to fight this bond.

The bond that he once thought was cursed.

The last Titan fell, and Levi flew back to his horse, controlling the animal and forcing the mare to rejoin the group. He let out a breath, eyes set straight ahead as he followed after their commander. He ignored the fact that their troops were of a smaller number than what they had started out with.

But he was alive, as was Erwin. Strangely enough, that was all that mattered to him.

Without even looking, he could tell that Erwin was right beside him. But he did glance over to see Erwin ride on determinedly ahead.

They had sworn to offer up their hearts for humanity. Sooner or later, this cause would take their life as well. Were the very hearts that were sacrificed today even worth it? Was the cause even worth it?

As if sensing his thoughts, Erwin glanced at him. Even amidst the chaos, Erwin was sure of where he stood, of what he was fighting for.

That would be enough for Levi.

He blinked when he noticed Erwin grinning at him, and he scowled. "What?" he demanded.

Erwin's grin only grew. "So your wings are the real deal after all, Levi."

Levi blinked. "What does that even mean?" But Erwin only urged his horse on faster, passing by Levi. "Yo blondie! I'm talking to you!"


His steps were brisk and purposeful as he strode through the halls. Everyone was buzzing about the news, about the recent events that had transpired today. But, in all honesty, Levi was not surprised by what had happened.

He knocked on the door, letting himself in quickly without being invited. His eyes landed on Erwin, whose back was to him as he gazed out the window.

Levi shut the door, leaving the two of the alone and shut out from everyone else.

"Are you here to congratulate me?" Erwin asked without turning around.

Levi shrugged. "You already got plenty of those. Why do you need one from me?"

Erwin sighed, finally turning to face Levi. He said nothing for a moment, and a lengthy silence passed between them.

Levi strode forward with ease, his expression one of boredom. "But I thought I would come for myself and check out the new commander. It's all anyones been able to talk about."

Erwin raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "I suppose I should congratulate the new captain of the Survey Corps as well."

Levi scoffed. So much had changed. Everything had changed, yet the bond had remained the same. If anything, despite his efforts, it had gotten stronger. When had he decided to stop fighting it? To let it go? When had he decided that it was not worth fighting? The Ackerman Bond, in a sense, was not as terrible as he thought it was. It was, by no means, a gift to him. But it wasn't a curse either.

But ignoring the bond, forsaking it, was just too tiring. It was like he was fighting with himself. And Erwin wasn't necessarily the worst person to be bonded to. No, he wasn't even a bad person. Questionable, yes. But so was Levi.

Erwin sensed Levi's deep thoughts, and he silently nudged him through the bond. It was an open invitation to share, to lessen the burden. That was something that had not changed. Mutual respect had grown between them. How that had happened, Levi was not sure.

"You didn't come up here just to see me," Erwin stated.

"Actually, I did," Levi answered, looking him straight in the eye. His hand slowly moved to the small knife at his side, connected to his belt. He came by for more than that, in fact.

Erwin blinked at Levi's answer. "That...is unusual."

Levi sighed, holding the knife out. "Let's just make it official," he said, slicing the knife over his palm. The red wound reopened, blood trailing down his hand. He wordlessly looked up at Erwin, holding the knife out to him.

Erwin stared at him, shock evident in his eyes. "Levi," he started. "What are you doing?"

Levi stepped forward. "I am completing the bond," he said. "Willingly." He held out his bleeding hand. "As an Ackerman, I am willing to finish what we started long ago."

Erwin was rooted to the spot. "You don't have to do this-"

"Shut up," Levi said with a huff. "This is my will and ritual. I'm fighting against these instincts and this bond; it's all too tiring. Let's just seal the bond and be done with it."

Erwin frowned. "Is this your way of coping?" Something in his eyes flickered. Was that...hurt?

Levi matched his frown. "It's my way of expressing my will." He clenched his bleeding fist to his heart, performing the salute. "Of dedicating my heart, mind, body, and spirit."

He did not move, and neither did Erwin. Levi's blood trailed down before dripping onto the ground. It stained his white shirt, it filled his senses. It was all he was aware of.

Drip, drip…

Erwin received the knife, studying it for a moment. He looked up at Levi before silently slicing his palm open.

Drip, drip…

He held his bleeding hand out, a hand that Levi grasped. Their hands touched, blood mixing with blood.

Drip, drip….

Everything was suddenly sharper. He could see everything so clearly, like the blinds had been removed from his eyes. The barrier he had put up between them came down in a torrent of waves. Their minds were instantly connected, the bond activating once more, stronger than ever before.

"Levi Ackerman," Erwin said, his voice an echo. "Are you aware of what you have done?"

Levi's hand slipped out of Erwin's as his knees hit the ground. He lowered his head, closing his eyes. "I am."