The smile that lights up Armin's face when he spots Ford is warm and genuinely excited. He's had plenty of company the last few months, but Ford is really in his own little class. Hanging out with Shiro or Jean or whoever else just doesn't fill that 'science grandpa full of science and bad ideas' niche that his heart so craves.

"Mr Pines!" He quickens his step a bit to bridge the distance. "I remembered this year!" Obviously, as they are here and ready to get this Hannukah train a-chooing. "Though one day you'll have to explain to me how the dates work."

Is it the moon and the stars? Something in the seasons? Do they just throw a dart at a calendar and deem it well enough? So many questions.