The warm golden sun cast a soft glow over the cobblestone path leading to Armin’s newly built estate — a peaceful mansion nestled on a hilltop, surrounded by whispering trees and wildflower meadows. For once, there were no Titans, no battles, no blood — just a visit planned by old comrades hoping to catch up with their brilliant friend.

Levi stood with his arms crossed, as usual, silent and skeptical. Mikasa was beside him, scarf neatly wrapped. Eren had his hands in his pockets, pretending not to be excited. Hange bounced on their heels, glasses catching the light.

Erwin—tall, calm, and commanding as ever—walked just a few paces ahead before pausing. He turned to the rest. “He said he’d meet us outside.”

But before anyone could respond, Hange let out a sharp gasp.

“Oh…my…TITAN CELLS,” they squeaked, eyes wide, pointing to the second-floor window.

Everyone’s heads snapped up.

And there—pressed gently against the glass, barely tall enough to peek over the windowsill—was you.

The tiniest human they had ever seen. A plump, soft-cheeked baby with an impossibly round face, wrapped in a sky-blue blanket embroidered with tiny books and birds. Wisps of snowy white-blond hair framed your face, stark against the gentle glow of the sunlight.

But it was your eyes that caught everyone’s breath.

Unlike Armin’s soft blue gaze, yours were large and sparkling like ocean crystals — deeper, wider, more curious. They shimmered with a mischievous gleam, blinking slowly as you tilted your head with the faintest wobble.

And then…you SMILED. A gummy, heart-melting, full-body smile.

“AAAAHHHHHH!!” Hange burst out, practically collapsing to their knees. “Did you SEE that?! DID YOU—Levi, look at her! Look at those EYES! I’m going to combust—”

Levi squinted up, his expression unreadable, but even he couldn’t hide the slight twitch of his lips. “Tch. Looks like a marshmallow.”

Eren tilted his head. “Armin has a baby sister? Since when?”

“Who cares?!” Mikasa said suddenly, her usually stoic face visibly cracking as she stepped closer to get a better look. “She’s adorable.”

Erwin smiled faintly, warmth glimmering in his eyes. “She must be only a few months old.”

As they stared in awe, the front door opened.

Armin stepped out, his face flushed, hair slightly disheveled.

“I—I was just changing her. I didn’t know she’d—wait—did she get to the window on her own?!”

“She SPARKLED at us,” Hange said, eyes shimmering with joy.

“Her eyes,” Mikasa added dreamily, “I’ve never seen blue like that.”

Armin rubbed the back of his neck, a little embarrassed, but mostly proud. “Her name’s Elia. She’s…special.”

“She stared into my soul,” Eren muttered, visibly shaken.

Just then, a soft thump came from the window. You had gently headbutted the glass while trying to wave your hand — a chubby, wiggly paw reaching toward the sky.

“I’m going up there,” Hange declared, already sprinting toward the door. “I need to HOLD HER.”

“Wait—Hange!” Armin called, but it was too late. The others followed in a flood of boots and scarves, all piling into the mansion.

You were already the heart of the home — tiny, radiant, and adored.

And as they crowded around your crib minutes later, you cooed and squealed and waved your little fist in the air like a commander in training.

Even Levi stood a little closer than usual, arms crossed—but not scowling.

“She’s got your heart, Arlert,” he murmured.

And Armin, holding you close, smiled softly.

“She has everyone’s.”