His gaze shot up as Erwin felt Levi take his hand. It had been far too long since someone had touched him in any capacity, let alone holding his hand like that. He took a breath, not quite willing to say anything just now. His fingers clenched around Levi's, holding him close for a moment, just breathing in sync.
"I just...needed...well, no. I just wanted to make sure we both knew the parameters of what was happening." He spoke softly, as if he dared to believe that it was seven possible to truly be himself around someone. Erwin often put up a steely front, demonstrating a front for the world to see. Even when Titan shifters has ravaged behind the walls and Nile had threatened him, Erwin just had stared forward, watching the battle unfold. Even his final battle, he'd been forced to stay up on the wall, watching his game plan take shape, making that final sacrificial decision when every other trump card failed. But now? When it was just the two of them?
"I think I know the answer, but I do need to ask. Have you ever...kissed anyone? Been close to anyone before, Levi?" He didn't think so, but Erwin wondered if maybe Petra had been someone for Levi. Maybe once.