Erwin grumbled as Miche and Hange dragged him down the street towards the noisy pub. "Do we have to do this every week?" he sighed. They both laughed, not loosening their grip on his arms.

"Come now Commander, it’s good for morale for the troops to see their leaders let loose once in a while!" Hange replied cheerfully. Erwin knew better than to argue with the eccentric Squad Leader when they got this idea in their head.

A few hours and many mugs of ale later, Erwin was feeling quite loose indeed. The world spun as he tried to stand, wobbling unsteadily. "Alrigh’ l think thas 'nuff fer me," he slurred. Miche and Hange were in similar states, leaning on each other for support as they laughed uproariously at something only they found funny.

Just then, a familiar figure appeared at Erwin’s side. "Need a hand getting these idiots back, Commander?" she asked wryly. Erwin blinked blearily at her through the haze. "Yer always...helpin' me," Erwin said, staring down at her with unguarded affection. "Thas why yer my favor're. So loyal...so pretty…."

She raised an eyebrow at his uncharacteristic display. This powerful, authoritative man was reduced to an incoherent mess. Somehow, it only made her respect him more. She couldn’t hide her grin as she hoisted his arm over her shoulders.

"Come on sir, let's get you to bed before you say anything else you'll regret." As they made their way slowly through the dark streets, Erwin babbled on, losing his usual restraint in his inebriated state. For once, she let herself indulge in what those words might mean, if only for a little while.