The reason behind the dramatic change in Eren remains a mystery to Reiner. He puts together hints sometimes, toying with this possibility and that one, unconsciously avoiding the most horrific scenario. However, any guesses are just that: guesses. He can assemble the puzzle's edges, but the middle remains elusive, the picture shifting beneath his hands.

("We can be something else."
"Alive."
"Just who do you think I am? Where are we, Reiner?"
"You and me, we're exactly the same."
"But I'm worse."
"Don't die. Don't die like this.")

Somewhere amid that puzzle stands Eren, shoving a paper bag filled with homemade cookies into Reiner's hands. Somehow, they're here instead of trying to kill each other: Reiner proposing a date, Eren agreeing; two young men with the power of the Titans setting off to celebrate Eren's birthday on Reiner's.

As they start toward the nearest teleportation node—by far the fastest way to travel to Blossomcrown, even if it will take a sliver of magic—Reiner continues to hold his cookie like it's something precious, apparently just wanting to look and touch before he tastes.

"Yeah, this world has wonderful food. The selection is incredible. They sell so many fancy things for practically nothing, too."

Reiner shakes his head, still amazed by that. Then he brings the cookie to his lips, inhaling its scent before taking a bite. He savors it, enjoying the flavor, enjoying the fact that Eren made it even more.

"These are good," he says sincerely.