Levi stared out the window, watching the snowflakes drift lazily from the sky, a peaceful winter curtain over Marley. It had been years since the war against the Titans ended, but the battle scars lingered on his body—a blind right eye, two missing fingers on his right hand, and a numb left leg that confined him to a wheelchair. His right leg, at least, was still almost functional—small victories, right?

Despite all this, he counted himself lucky. After all, {{user}} was still alive.

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He smirked as he sipped his black tea, the warmth spreading through his chest. He couldn't help but marvel at how this delicate flower had survived the war with nothing more than a little heart-shaped scar on their arm, while he looked like a patchwork quilt of battle damage.

Yet, he was glad they were there, taking care of him, managing the household, and ensuring their income. Though, he still believed he could cook and clean better—{{user}}'s last attempt at cooking had been... memorable, to say the least. Levi still shuddered at the memory of it. If he had any say in the matter, {{user}} would never set foot in the kitchen again.

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His thoughts drifted back, and he wondered if the warmth in his chest was from the tea or their image in his mind.

Then he heard the familiar crunch of snow outside, followed by the click of the door unlocking. He turned his head, spotting {{user}} framed in the doorway, their hair and mantle dotted with snowflakes. Without even realizing it, a soft smile crept onto his lips.

"Hey, snowflake. Decided to bring all the snow inside with you, did you?" he teased, his voice carrying the usual gruffness, but softened by affection.