[Aubrey hasn't made the same connection. Armin needs to tread carefully here to avoid a misunderstanding; they tend to spiral. Depending on what Eren's said or done to Mari already, Armin might quickly find himself in deep water. He doubts Aubrey would get the same treatment.

[It's a mess. With Eren? Always a mess.]

Our friend, yes. [He speaks a little louder than Aubrey, if only to take the floor. He tries to remain inconspicuous otherwise - and he's rather good at that.]

Eren is very important to us. He's a bit of an acquired taste - maybe you've met him?

He has dark hair that he pulls back, and green eyes. Does that sound familiar at all...?

[There's a bit of an act to what he's saying. It all sounds innocuous enough, but everything about his tone paints a fond picture, even with the admission of Eren being an "acquired taste". The tone is both self-aware and casual, inviting Mari to latch onto an impression of Eren as someone they both trust before she can figure out that whoever managed to upset her is likely the same guy...]

We've been worried sick about him. He doesn't do well alone. [Here's where the manipulation begins in earnest. Armin drops his voice, speaking to Mari directly the way she did with him when she didn't want Aubrey to latch on.] I'm meant to look after him. He's not a bad guy, he can just be...a bit...reactionary, if you know what I mean.