Erwin watches the grouchy stray patiently. He thinks he has a fairly good idea on what's going through his head -- but he's not done pushing him just yet. He will need to learn him, his limits and his weaknesses, and what better time to start than the present?

"Use your words, Levi, please," he says, calm but firm, sky-blue eyes staring relentlessly into stormy gray, no matter how much Levi may be trying to look away. If he falters even for a moment, he's going to be caught in actual eye contact. Erwin doesn't move, doesn't lean in, not yet. "So we can be sure there is no misunderstanding."

As if he really has another choice at the moment. Well, depending how proud a creature he is, perhaps he would rather die. Erwin does not intend to honor that wish, but for now, he can keep his cards close to his chest.