If pressed, Reiner wouldn't be able to say where his softness comes from. Maybe it stems from the same ache in his heart that longs for affection, approval, and love. Maybe it's a remnant of that little boy who worked so hard to become a Warrior just to see his mother smile. Maybe it's a hint of who he might've become if he'd been born in different circumstances. Or maybe it's the opposite, the harsh edges of his life making him crave tenderness.

Whatever the case, it feels good to touch Eren softly. It feels right holding Eren's hand, kissing his too-warm skin and those stubbornly unsmiling lips. It feels frightening, too, as if Reiner is just waiting for the other shoe to drop. They're stealing time; they're allowing themselves to be something else. But how long can that possibly last? How long can this fragile thing between them continue to exist?

Long enough, Reiner hopes. Long enough.

Eren sets off in what seems to be an entirely random direction. Reiner lets himself be tugged along, quickly catching up to walk side-by-side again. Based on Eren's description, Reiner tries to conjure an image of a cheeseburger in his head. A grilled-meat sandwich with cheese? But not quite a sandwich. His mental image is probably off. Still, it sounds great.

"I hope so. They sound delicious. Grilled meat and cheese…" He trails off, fantasizing about the flavor. "What kind of meat is it?"

Naturally, he, too, is focused mainly on the meat.