The dim light of early morning filtered through the cracks in the curtains, casting soft beams across the barracks. Armin stood in the doorway of Eren’s bunk, watching the mess of blankets that concealed his friend from view. The room was silent, save for the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards beneath Armin’s feet.

He sighed, glancing at the time.

“Eren?” Armin called gently, stepping closer. “It’s time to get up. We have training.”

There was a long pause, the blanket rustling slightly before Eren’s voice emerged from under it, thick with sleep.

“Five more minutes…”

Armin rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the usual mix of frustration and affection. He had known this moment was coming, but he wasn’t sure how to handle it this time.

“Eren,” he tried again, softer, “you can’t stay in bed forever. We need to go.”

A grunt was all he got in response. Armin bit his lip, standing at the edge of the bed, watching the lump of blankets that was his friend.

“I’m really not going to win this one, am I?” he muttered to himself, half-laughing at the thought.

Eren’s voice came again, muffled but defiant. “I’m protecting humanity by staying in bed. If I rest long enough, I’ll be even stronger for the next fight.”

Armin blinked, exasperated but trying not to smile. “That’s not how it works, you know.”

A lazy hand appeared from under the blanket, swiping the air in a half-hearted gesture. “I’m pretty sure it is.”

Armin stared at him, at the carefree way Eren was so casually avoiding responsibility. He couldn’t help the soft, exasperated smile that tugged at his lips. Armin stood there a moment longer, unsure if he should try again or just let Eren sleep. He could feel the weight of Levi’s expectations already pressing on his shoulders, but…

“Armin…” Eren’s voice, barely above a whisper, drifted out from beneath the blankets. “Just a little longer?”

Armin’s heart twisted. He really couldn’t stand to see Eren so tired, so worn out, but they both knew the routine. They’d been here before.