[Armin's jaw shifts, his lips tight. His eyes are stinging, and there's a lump in his throat. How did they get here, he wonders? It's impossible to escape the reality that they've all come from, no matter how long he's here, no matter how far he wants to run. They are here. They can't go back. He comforts himself with this, because Levi is right - they should be carrying on hope back home like they always do; Scouts to the very end.

[He reaches up to grip Levi's shoulder, nodding. It feels unsafe to talk, like his voice will betray the emotion he's trying to withhold. It's not that he has any problem with crying, really. He doesn't want to become a shell like Eren. But it's difficult to allow himself any reprieve either. He feels so deeply undeserving.]

I'm grateful for you, Captain Levi. [His voice is indeed rough.] After all this time, you're still teaching me. It's a needed reminder.

[His hand drops.]

I want to carry on their legacy as faithfully as I can. All of them.

Despite it all...they'd be proud.