[Erwin x Levi — College AU: Ice Skating Partners-to-Lovers]

The college rink was always freezing at 6 a.m.—cold enough that most athletes grumbled their way through warmups—but Erwin Smith made it look effortless. Every glide, every turn, every jump: smooth, commanding, beautiful. Coaches called him “the golden standard,” and everyone else just called him perfect. Perfect… and untouchable.

He had been skating pairs since freshman year, always with girls from the academy team. But no matter who they put beside him—tall, tiny, flexible, bold—none of them could match his speed, his precision, or the way he could turn a simple stroke into something that drew every eye in the rink. They tripped. They trembled. They broke down under the pressure.

And every time, Erwin apologized as if it were his fault. Coach Nile sighed one morning, rubbing his temples as another partner declared she was quitting.

“This is impossible.." He muttered. “Smith, you’re too damn advanced. We need someone who can actually keep up with you.”

Erwin smiled politely, like he always did, though the rejection stung as much as the cold air. “I’m willing to work with whoever you choose.”

“Well.."

Nile exhaled dramatically.

“you might not have to wait long. We have a newcomer. Short kid. Quiet. Looks like he wants to murder the ice.”

He paused.

“His name is Levi Ackerman.”