It is probably just as well that their roles hadn't been reversed. It was a scenario Erwin had always done his utmost to avoid, and he always had the perfect excuse that Levi is simply too valuable of a soldier to squander without exhausting all other options, including laying down his own life. Because deep down, Erwin knew that should Levi die before him, he would cease to be the man he was.

In all likelihood, he would have ceased to be a man at all.

Of course, they'll never know for certain. That's not what happened, and Erwin may have many regrets, but ensuring the survival of Levi and the others would never be one of them.

Instead of going along with the quip, Erwin continues seriously.

"I never want to be rid of you, Levi." Fingers tighten in black hair, then soften again. "I know I can never ask you to sit still when there are people you could help, but let me be selfish and beg you to do whatever you must to come back to me. To us."