Reflection

Levi remained still, leaning against the balcony railing with a drink in hand. He watched people pass by below, taking a deep breath as he brought the rim of the bottle to his lips.

He heard footsteps approaching behind him, but didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The comfort and familiarity that Erwin brought had become second nature to him.

"Erwin," Levi called out, taking another sip.

"Levi," Erwin replied, standing next to him and also leaning against the railing with his own drink.

Levi glanced over at him, noticing how Erwin's back was positioned against the balcony and his blue eyes were fixed on him. Even now, Erwin carried himself with strength and confidence; something familiar and homely to Levi.

They remained quiet for some time, rarely needing words in moments like these. Their body language and expressions said enough; there was no need for more.

But something was bothering Levi, creating an awkward tension between them. He avoided looking at Erwin and kept the bottle close to his lips as if about to take another sip. He was lost in thought.

The silence spoke volumes and Erwin had no idea what could be weighing on Levi's mind so heavily.

Erwin sighed. "Something on your mind, Levi?" His voice was stern and commanding, a stark contrast to his gentleness when dealing with Levi's little state.

A gentle breeze blew through, mingling with the laughter and chatter of people below and their slow breathing disturbing the quietness between them.

Levi lowered the bottle and sighed, still refusing to look at Erwin. "Thank you..." he mumbled, awkwardly caressing the bottle. With Erwin, there was always so much to be grateful for.

"What exactly are you thanking me for?" Erwin asked curiously. There were countless things that Levi could thank him for from their past experiences.

But it seemed like this was something deeper.

Levi let out an annoyed sound as Erwin prodded and pushed for more. He scowled at the street below, illuminated by moonlight and street lamps. "The thing…" He grumbled and cleared his throat.

"You know… The special thing between us… You taking care of me and just being there in general…" His cheeks flushed slightly and he cleared his throat. "I can't imagine what it would be like without you there... Lonely, I guess." His voice grew quiet and vulnerable, a side of Levi that only Erwin got to see.

Erwin was taken aback by Levi's words. His expression softened and he simply nodded in response. "Don't mention it," he said, knowing how embarrassed Levi could get about his emotions. Would Levi have ever opened up like this with anyone else besides Erwin? Or would he have shut himself in that lonely house instead?

"Mmm..." Levi nodded, finding it difficult to talk about these things, but feeling comfortable doing so with Erwin. Nothing ever felt off limits between them.

He took another sip from his drink, smiling a bit as he looked down at it. "I appreciate everything you've done for me."

Indeed, it would be a very lonely existence without Erwin. Levi couldn't imagine a world without Erwin by his side. Every day, the fear of death grew stronger and closer, a constant reminder of their mortality. But for now, they had each other, and that's all that mattered.

"Well, I appreciate that you appreciate it." Erwin quipped with a soft snicker, taking a drink from his bottle as the awkward tension between them dissipated. Levi's words touched his heart, knowing the harsh reality they lived in.

One day, one of them would be taken away from the other, but they both hoped for more time together like this.

Levi fell silent as he gazed at the man next to him. What would he do without Erwin? He was everything - strong, adaptable, and capable. Moments like these made Levi push thoughts of the future aside and enjoy what they had while they could. He smirked at Erwin's immature response.

Erwin loved that little smirk of his, almost invisible but so telling. There was something about Levi that drew him in - his strength, power, and vulnerability were always present in their relationship. Levi was a man worth his weight in salt.

"You're grinning at me?" Erwin chuckled before taking another sip from his bottle.

Levi raised an eyebrow at Erwin's comment and shrugged. "Of course," he replied, blushing slightly as he circled the rim of his half-empty bottle with his thumb. His fondness for Erwin ran deeper than the friendship they have established through the years.

"Is it wrong to admire such a skilled man like yourself?" he teased playfully.

"You sly devil you, such flattery!" Erwin grinned. Their chemistry and shared moments captivated him as their dynamic shifted to complement each other perfectly.

"You really know how to charm a guy," he joked, nudging Levi lightly on the shoulder. "I should keep my eye on you~"

Levi looked away, hiding his true feelings behind playful banter and teasing remarks. He couldn't allow himself to get too close to Erwin, or so he told himself, not realizing that he had already fallen for the man who could fulfill his every need.

"Maybe you should keep an eye on me, you might like what you see," Levi whispered, finishing off the rest of his beer. He hoped Erwin wouldn't notice his slip-up, but the words were too obvious and Erwin was too perceptive to let it go.

Erwin quirked an eyebrow, normally letting a comment like that pass with a laugh or teasing response. But the way Levi said it caught his attention - too direct and almost longing. "Is that so?" Erwin asked in a lower voice, keeping his expression neutral as he met Levi's gaze, masking his own feelings.

Levi didn't acknowledge Erwin's question at first, hoping it would just disappear. But that wasn't the case. These moments always left both of them feeling uneasy, as they struggled to find the right words to convey their emotions. Neither of them knew how to express their feelings, or maybe they just didn't want to

"It's getting late," Erwin finally said, glancing down at his pocket watch, now. "Why don't I walk you home?"

Levi was content with where they stood with one another - too much was at stake to complicate things by labeling their relationship - but when Erwin spoke up again, Levi felt his heart thump a little faster in his chest. He hesitated for a moment, his eyes widened, then softened and he nodded.

"I would like that."

I'm leaving this open because there is a possibility I may add additional chapters. I may not either, just depends how I feel and if I'm motivated to do so.