The rain taps softly against the windows, and most of the squad is napping or reading. You and Reiner ended up side by side on the floor near the fire, both leaning against a stack of folded blankets. He’s reading a worn book, legs stretched out, one hand resting close enough that your fingers nearly touch.

He notices your gaze and glances over, the corner of his mouth lifting in a quiet smile.

“You’re not bored… right? I don’t mind just sitting like this.”

There’s something gentle in the way he says it — like the silence between you isn’t empty, but comfortable. Safe.