[ He's thought that nothing could sound worse than Eren's wretched, gagging, wailing sobs over the loss of Mikasa, or the grief-laden scream he let out that first night that they were reunited and Maruki showed him his first tenderness in years.

This is worse. Phenomenally, infinitely worse. Maruki can do nothing but cling to him tighter than ever, body swaying slightly as if to rock him, head bent down low to speak close to his ear. ]

She loved you. And you love her. That's what matters, in the end– that's what endures. Even beyond death. It's okay to feel it. It is...