It's funny, really, how readily Erwin's wish has been granted. He remembers falling asleep on the night before Shiganshina--really not sleep, more like an anxiety-wraught half doze that deepened into uneasy rest for the last few hours before dawn--and thinking to himself, if only I had more time.... And time, here, has been granted to him. Over a year now, and while he hasn't made a fuss or mention of it, he's very aware of his thirty-eighth birthday approaching.

Thirty-eight. Two years older than he should be, and a year older than his father was when he died. At this rate, he might even make it to forty, and truly be an old man.

Erwin is used to Levi vacating the bed ahead of him, and has taken the opportunity to sprawl out across their shared bed. When he feels the mattress shift, he rolls over, half-asleep, and reaches out for Levi, aiming to pull him in against his chest.

The kiss across the bridge of his nose makes Erwin smile, although his eyes still aren't open yet. "Good morning, Levi. What time is it?"