[ They'll have to do this again sometime in the future, when Maruki is cognizant enough to take in the excitement of the world rushing around them as Elke gallops along. He has just enough awareness to realize that he should be thinking about how cool this is, but not enough to actually do so.

They come to a stop, and Eren's all but hoisting him down onto the ground himself. Maruki doesn't have it in him to protest, to flail around trying to dismount himself. He simply wraps his arms around Eren's shoulders, lets it happen.

When his feet hit the ground, he finally speaks. ]

I told them I'd be back for dinner. If you could just– keep track of time for me.

[ A beat. ]

I'm sorry. I don't know what I'm doing.