Of the numerous things that Levi respected about Erwin Smith, the way he maintained his tidy and functional workplace was among the smallest and most personal. In a way, he felt more comfortable here than he did in his own quarters. If the higher-ups from the other branches deigned to visit more often than never, they'd likely be surprised; for as much time as the Survey Corps spent outside the walls, Levi regarded this office as the true head of the serpent.

For now, the serpent dozed. But its two fangs were ever as long and sleek.

Levi strode across the room and sat, disregarding his own posture as he laced his fingers and stretched his arms behind his head. The gesture was more ginger than usual. Mikasa's wire had left a bruise on his chest that looked more painful than it felt, but minor pain was pain nonetheless, and he now had nothing left to distract himself from it -- nothing but the details of his report.

"Well enough. She's a shitty subordinate, but not impossible to work with. The potential is there. All I need now is time."

An expensive request, really, but this was his damn idea.