[As Hange listens they work on cutting up the baked treat, retrieving two plates and filling both with a sizeable portion of the chocolate bread before bringing them over to the table and setting them down with a pair of forks.]

[Hange isn't sure what kind of answer they were really expecting anyway. It's not like Levi would ever tell them that it doesn't count, the fact that he came over to bake the chocolate bread is proof enough that he thinks it is as real as any other year. Perhaps it was just another case of Hange musing out loud once again.]

It does. You're right, of course. It just feels strange. Birthdays always felt more like saying "congratulations on surviving another year" but that doesn't count this time, does it.

[Birthdays are to celebrate being another year older after all... something that technically has not happened.]

[Determined not to ruin the good gesture though, Hange turns their attention to the tea and food waiting on the table. Picking up the fork and breaking off a corner, Hange takes a big old mouthful of the chocolate bread. It's hot... but it's good!]

Mmm! It's really good! Since I get to to eat this, I will happily accept that it counts as the real deal! You've convinced me~

[Letting out a short chuckle of amusement, they help themselves to another forkful of chocolate bread. It's just so warm, and sweet, it's amazing!]