[ for once in his life, erwin feels self-conscious. he shifts slightly when levi freezes, a brief discomfort filtering over him before it dissipates. he'd known this was coming when he made this decision earlier in the week and had inquired about an appointment to get looked at.

he swallows, then speaks. ]

It's a prosthetic arm. The medical care here is more than we could have ever hoped for back home.

[ he lifts his arm to showcase it, fingers curling and uncurling. ]

It's amazing. They connected it to what was left of mine and I can control it. It's almost like it was never gone, save for the scarring where it comes together.

[ at this point he pauses, looking away before looking back again. ]

I wanted to be able to hold you properly.

[ holy shit. ]