The wagon was packed tight, every seat taken and supplies crammed wherever they could fit. When Armin climbed in, his gaze darted around for a spot.

“Over here,” Eren called, patting his lap with a small grin.

Without hesitation, Armin stepped over and settled into Eren’s lap, light as a feather. Eren’s hands instinctively rested at Armin’s waist to keep him steady as the wagon jostled.

“Comfortable?” Eren asked, his tone casual but warm.

“Mmhm,” Armin hummed, adjusting slightly to rest his back against Eren’s chest. “You’re a good seat.”

Eren chuckled, leaning forward just enough that his chin brushed against Armin’s shoulder. “Yeah? You’re not too bad to carry, either.”

The wagon hit a small bump, and Eren’s grip tightened to keep Armin steady. Armin glanced back at him with a soft smile, his cheeks faintly pink. “Thanks, Eren.”

“For what?”

“For always being… you,” Armin murmured, turning back to look at the road ahead, his hands clutching his book but never opening it.

Eren blinked, caught off guard, then smiled wide. “Guess I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Armin didn’t reply, but the way he leaned just a bit more into Eren spoke volumes. Eren shifted slightly, his arms tightening ever so subtly around Armin, and the two of them stayed like that for the rest of the ride—close, quiet, and content.