[ Maruki has to consider how to answer that question. He looks to Eren, then out across the kitchen, eyes unfocused as he tries to sort through his thoughts. Both elbows up on the counter now, mug held in two hands and resting just below his chin.

Finally, it's only honesty that breaks through. Ever honesty for the person who deserves it most. ]

I don't really let others get the opportunity to take care of me. You know that.

[ It's up to those few who know how and when to force the issue. ]

However, that being said... I think I was able to talk to him more openly than I could anyone else who was hurting. I told him about our promise, and knowing one another in other realities. We spoke about the collective unconscious and the aetherial sea, which is always comforting to me. I asked him to describe your soul to me, and he did – that was a comfort, too.

[ He glances down into the mug, blows on it briefly before taking a sip. ]

So in a roundabout way, he did, though he probably doesn't realize it.