( Seeing their emotions so plainly, seeing the looks they share, finally lets that dam break.

At least a little. In their way.

Their tears spill when Levi comes close, pressing their foreheads together. Apologizing. They place a hand at his cheek, and they ache deeply, fiercely. For what, they're uncertain ... other than the need to be close, it's difficult to place.

But they already have that; Levi is here, and Erwin is coming to join them, and they're together. Really, it shouldn't hurt as bad as it does, being faced with this second chance.

It's too much.

They take off their glasses after pulling back a little, wipe at their eyes. One hand finds Erwin's, and the other finds Levi's. )

I shouldn't ... cry like this.

( They sniff, and for a moment they teeter on the precipice of safety/reticence and vulnerability/spilling.

But they're squeezing at the hands clasped onto their own, and they let the dam break further. )

I missed you, Erwin. Not as a Commander or a soldier. Just the presence of you. And I know there's no use in regrets, I know that, but I ... Just wish Levi hadn't been faced with such a decision.