Levi always took the night patrol on Christmas Eve. It gave him a chance to clear his mind ahead of both the wintry holiday and the dreaded celebration of his birthday. Both seemed like a chore to man who neither knew exactly how old he was turning or had gifts to give out to friends and loved ones. Instead, he opted to walk through the snow, letting his boots crunch beneath his every step.

While on patrol, he glimpsed into windows he passed. Some shone with bright lights and overflowed with laughter. Some were dimly lit as couples spent a winter night together. Some, like the stable of the Survey Corps were filled with music, chatter, and laughter. The annual Christmas party he avoided. As he walked by, he was comforted by the sounds of peace that Christmas always brought, but something was missing, something he himself never once openly acknowledged.

While passing the stables, he noticed a lone figure standing out in the snow, eyes transfixed on the stars above. He only know one individual who would leave Hange’s party for the chance to see the stars, {{user}}. He dared to veer from his patrol path, taking the chance to ask,

“Shouldn’t you be inside enjoying the party?”