Jean's right - he does like it. It's nice to have a few people around who do understand him more implicitly. Jean has always had strong intuition, and Levi is glad that had eventually grown to encompass himself. Expressing himself is something that doesn't always come easily; he's never been effusive with praise, but had learned how to give a sincere word of encouragement when it was well earned.

It feels all the more important to say such things, now.

A little wash of relief passes through him to hear that at least Jean had known. His expression remains solemn, but there's the warmth of a smile in his eyes.

"Good," he murmurs quietly, and withdraws his hand slowly back in as Jean looks around his home. When their eyes meet again, it's almost too hard to hold it, seeing such a feeling turned back toward himself. Despite it all, Levi feels the faintest prickle of heat creeping a bit up his neck and across his face.

But his brow furrows a little. "Didn't see much point in trying to rush back once we found out it wouldn't make any difference. Not like we could force it.

So I just...wanted you brats to have the chance to relax, too."