It's the sort of thoughtfulness he's come to see in Jean, the beginnings of it visible from the time when he'd first pulled him into his new squad. As much as the future that awaits him seems so fucking dim, knowing that he'll see Jean grow into this person already here with him, and whatever might be beyond, is one of the few, precious things he knows he can hold onto.

A sour look briefly passes over his face at the mention of that asshole's name. Levi takes a longer sip of his tea until thoughts of murdering the man subside.

When he sets the cup down again, that quiet approval returns.

"Good," he says, a fondness tinging his voice.

After a beat, and a little more softly: "...you both deserve it."