Those sounds arrow into him, bringing back the memory of finding Levi here for the first time, that terrible pain of separation and reunion, all of the hurt that he'd carried for so long. It's staggering, to think of the immensity of it that would bring him to this state and then. All of the years of loss throughout his life, and Erwin could do nothing but add to it. They both had always known it was a possibility, but that didn't mean it would wound any less deeply.

He feels Levi lean into him, strengthening his hold automatically to take his weight and hold him steady, as his Captain has done so many times before for him. His unwavering companionship, his steadfast loyalty - Erwin had been convinced that at some point, he would find the end of it. Yet he never did.

And never will, it seems.

How could he do anything but promise?

"I will," he whispers softly, edges of his voice fragile like a chipped bowl that's been dropped almost too many times. One hand winds to carefully cup Levi at the back of the head, holding him so, so close.

"The same goes for you. Don't go taking any unnecessary chances...I can't..."