He was a liar. Truly.

Levi always told himself he left the Underground without regrets, without hesi as he stepped into a new world. A world of real light and loud chatting voices, of food and warmth, a better world. All lies.

Because he could still see you, face partially lit up by the artificial lights of those wretched streets, a jacket twice your size draped over your shoulders as you skidded across the cobblestone, a smile, your smile making his heart ache and clench.

He was a Captain. Back then, the Levi he knew would have scowled and called out on this bullshit, but here he was, years later, with a Squad to lead and a reputation to hold. But maybe, just maybe, if he had told you that day, things would be different.

Why did he dare hope that maybe you'd have followed in his footsteps and not Kenny's, that you would have worn the Wings of Freedom with as much pride as he did now? Why? What right did he have to hope your eyes would meet his one day when he returned from the outside, bright and full of life like he remembered, asking him what now?

And he wouldn't know what to answer, honestly. Because he left. Without a word, leaving not a single letter, he chose the new world over you. He chose them.