The bruises still aren't as dark as they might have been before - Levi doesn't spend all day in the harness, has no need to wear it outside of training or the times he decides to go zipping around on his own occasional survey patrols, keeping an eye out for whatever thing Vaeros might decide to make them deal with next. But they're definitely still visible, permanent shadows on his skin.

Erwin starts to bend, and Levi could dodge out of the way if he really wanted, feeling a familiar prickling at the edge of his senses that something is coming for him - but he's relaxed and it's Erwin, so the next thing he knows he's being lifted from the floor--

"Oi-!"

It's more from surprise than protest, his arms flailing a little for balance and automatically settling around Erwin's broad shoulders.

What he hasn't noticed yet and definitely didn't account for is the way his face heats suddenly, a soft flush rising in seconds. Levi shifts, wriggling a little in Erwin's arms, but not making any actual effort to get free.

Still, some obligatory protesting is in order.

"What the hell are you-- I'm not actually injured, you big oaf-"