Erwin can tell that Levi isn't really listening to him after a few minutes, but that's okay. Talking about things with Levi has long been a way for him to sort out his own thoughts and feelings, giving form to ideas that had been swirling and nebulous until he vocalises them. He's confident that if he says anything too outlandish or ridiculous, that'll be the exact moment that Levi happens to be listening carefully, and he'll call him out on it. Experience has proven that Levi has a very keen ear for when Erwin gets too bullshitty, and has no qualms about reining him in.

It's one of the many reasons they're so good together.

Erwin takes the mug of tea without breaking his patter, only pausing to insert a thank you in the middle of a sentence about zoning permits. He wraps his hands around the mug and lets it warm them for a few moments. The metallic hand doesn't feel heat the same way his real one does, but it can feel heat, and Erwin thinks it works a little better, a little faster, when the gears inside it are warm. That's mostly theory for now, as he hasn't had the heart to really test it yet. Testing the hand and arm would feel too much like trying to break it, and Erwin couldn't bear to lose it again.

He eventually pauses to take a sip of tea, and his eyes widen when he does. "Levi, this is really good." He lowers the mug and smiles. "I can really taste the... the walnuts? When you added the milk and sugar. There are nuts in this one, right?"