[ Maruki has spent half a year in Somnius. Before that, he spent half a year watching Kurusu Akira's every move. On paper, it's not a lot of time – but in practice, so much can happen in just six months.

He may not know this Akira, but he knows Akira. He knows the practiced, calm confidence that he exudes. The way he holds himself together, even while discussing difficult topics. The conviction that runs through him, keeps him upright against all the injustices thrown at him.

So the waver in his voice could be slight. It could be subtle. It could be next to nothing. Maruki would still hear it.

He gestures for Eren to come back around and sit next to him at the bar, chooses his words carefully, even as they come out casual as anything else. ]

Coffee would be great, thank you. And don't worry about making anything up to me. [ He waves a vague hand around as if to encompass the whole of the machiya as he speaks. ] I have more of what this place considers money and more space than I know what to do with... which, well– you can imagine how different that is from a counselor's life in Tokyo. Being able to freely share what I have is an opportunity I don't take lightly.