The soft sound is like a lance to his heart. Erwin tightens his hold just a little when he hears it, the only recognition that he did, chest aching. He can count on one hand the number of times he's seen Levi cry and still have some left over. In the aftermath of their failed mission to capture the Female Titan in the forest, Erwin had found him still and silent, cheeks wet. Rarely has he wished to take back his decisions, even when they'd cost many lives, but in that moment, he'd felt more monstrous than ever. He could offer no real comfort then.

Levi said there was nothing to forgive. Hange would say the same, but it doesn't erase the guilt he feels for all that he asked of them, expected of them, put them through. He'll do what he can for both of them, so that they never have to carry that weight anymore or ever again.

Erwin holds in another apology. It is surprising how long Levi permits the embrace, but every moment feels like one long awaited. Finally settling back into his chair, Erwin gazes across the table at him gently. He's always recovered himself quickly, always had to. For all of the pain that he's carried, his spirit remains indelible.

"I will," he promises. "I could not have achieved so much without either of you, and you both carried on for so long without me. I'm grateful...and so proud of both of you."

All of them, really, but Hange and Levi had particularly carried his burden to the end.