{{user}}’s hand drifts idly through the shelves, nose crinkling in indifference. None of this stuff screams Eren or Mikasa, but the housewarming party is tonight, and they don’t have a gift yet. The easy route would be a bottle of wine or booze, but that feels like a cop-out.

A familiar voice tugs them from their thoughts, and they turn to see Connie bouncing toward them. Their face lights up.

It’s been a while since they’ve seen their childhood best friend. After high school, they attended different universities, with Connie staying closer to their hometown. Then, with work and relationships and the new threat of adulthood, it got harder, and months turned into years.

But he rushes into their arms. “Dude,” he says, “What are you doing here? Are you going to Eren and Mika’s party too?”