Trust Me

Chapter Three

"You don't understand, Erwin."
"I think I do."
"I can't show weakness. It will discourage the new recruits."
"Levi, you're human like the rest of us. You are capable of being hurt."
"Not in their eyes."

Being overworked was typical for any mission. When he had to go out of his way to save those who couldn't, it just took more out of him. He was used to it, of course, needing to be everywhere at once, but these new recruits were even less prepared for the attack of Deviant titans. He could have seen it coming. Like a pattern to be anticipated.
It was just another thing to take care of as he heard a scream, pivoting in his gear and racing in the direction, shouting orders to his squad behind him. It seemed the commander heard the screams as well, catching the blur of blond out of the corner of Levi's eye. He glanced over at him, the man's face firm in determination.
Levi faced forward as well, drawing his blades. They came into view of the titan who was now attempting to climb the tree, mere inches away from one of the kids. He sighed quietly as the thing let out a gurgle, shaking the tree. He cut the gas, diving down for the neck but it turned and he sliced its forehead as it tried to grab at him. He kicked off the beast, reaching the tree and landing, Erwin not long behind.
"What do you make of it, Corporal?" He said calmly.
"I don't believe it can see. It only responds to sound." He murmured, wiping his hand of the bits of blood as he examined the thing below them. 
"Break apart. First one that gets the chance, kills it." Levi nodded, exchanging for fresh blades in his belt as he took off. He and Erwin had practiced this maneuver multiple times before. Both of them were highly knowledgeable of the dangers, and they had each other's trust. He dragged his blades together, steel on steel, drawing the titan's attention. Just as he had thought. It couldn't see, or chose not to.
He watched Erwin soar closer, blades in his hands as Levi approached the titan as well.
"Captain!" Came the shrill scream from the branch. Clearly this kid had no idea that this was all planned. But it was enough to distract the titan who returned to shaking the tree. Nearly uprooting it, the girl screamed loudly as she fell, a one way highway to the titan's mouth.
"Fuck." He muttered as he used his gas tanks, pressing forward to grab her. Erwin sliced through the nape of the neck as Levi grabbed her. The titan's mouth closed and Levi felt a sharp pain run through his arm as he continued with gravity, ducking his head as his back hit the closest tree and they fell, his small frame enough to protect the girl from getting too hurt. The damn things he did for this Corps. He felt the ground beneath him as he laid there, grimacing and letting go of her as he tried to stand. Erwin landed, his firm expression dropped to one of concern. It was still quite a secret about Levi and Erwin's relationship, but due to the only witnesses being a first year recruit and a steaming titan, he didn't seem to care, crouching down to help him up, examining the damage done to the Lance Corporal.
Blood ran from a deep wound in his arm, face, and a few superficial spots. He was a little battered, winded and unstable, but all around, he would be fine. He got to his feet before Erwin dared to let go, only to rush and catch him when Levi nearly collapsed. That hit had been harder than he had expected.
Erwin lifted him up, glancing at the first year. "Are you okay?"
She nodded and checked that her gear was still alright. It was. Levi's was fairly damaged, and even then, it didn't seem that Erwin would let go any time soon.
The three of them began to head back, the first year a little ahead so that they would speak in peace. They weren't too far from the rest of the group who had circled around.
"You can let me go you know.." Levi said.
"Levi, you're exhausted. Just shut up and let me." Erwin said, giving him a reassuring smile.
"But what about the others?"
"What about them? If they have any problems, they can talk to me directly."
"You don't understand, Erwin." Levi said, attempting to get out of his arms, only for Erwin to tighten his grip.
"I think I do."
"I can't show weakness. It will discourage the new recruits."
Erwin frowned a little, looking down at the smaller man in his arms. "Levi, you're human like the rest of us. You are capable of being hurt."
"Not in their eyes." He argued. "I'm supposed to be invincible to them."
"Well then that's their fault for believing that. Levi, just relax and trust me."
"You know that I always do." He said, finally giving in. He leaned into Erwin as they reached the rest of the group. There were a few murmurs, but if anyone had any protests to what they saw, they didn't mention it, and that was perfectly fine for Levi.
He got his arm and cheek patched up as Erwin gave the signal that they were going to head back towards the headquarters. He was set on his horse, knowing the beast knew where to go even without his instructions. They all rode back, reaching the walls of the castle by nightfall. He climbed off once everyone had dismounted, hearing Erwin behind him. He glanced over at the blond who gave him a reassuring smile as he gestured for them to meet in the mess hall and talk to the other Squad Leaders about performances and how to continue further. He made his way towards the hall, sitting down in his usual spot, the lights casting a soft glow about the room as they talked, had a few drinks and relaxed after the long day.
Levi leaned on his arm, sipping his tea as he kept his eyes open. It wasn't long before they all agreed that they were exhausted and it was time to turn in for the night. Erwin dismissed them, the leaders filing out. Levi stood, only to be picked up once more by the Commander.
"You don't have to-" He started, only to sigh reluctantly. There was no point in arguing. He closed his eyes, smiling ever so slightly.
They reached Erwin's quarters, both laying down to rest, Levi not minding the warmth of the other's arms around him as he drifted off.
The trust for his team and the return that he got only increased with his trust for Erwin and what he would do for the other. Levi could sleep happily knowing that he didn't have to shoulder everyone's hope alone.