It didn't start that way, and one day Maruki will have to reckon with that, apologize for behavior that Eren never seemed to become aware of, even when it was pointed out to him.
He quickly learned, counseling in Somnius, that he couldn't fix anyone. Not when every reality is more horrific than the last, and not when their struggles are so far outside his comprehension. All he could do was listen, and accept, and let them be. And Eren was the first to get that treatment. The one to get it most often.
He learned how to unconditionally accept Eren long before he learned to love him. One begat the other, transmuting easily. It's never been difficult to love the closest friend he's made in any reality. Never.
Not even now, as Eren lies stiff and reticent on his side, his mind worlds away. ]
Sort of like a bedroll, but better. Whatever you're picturing, imagine it approximately a hundred times more comfortable. I'll show you one later.
[ Maruki lays his head down, watches Eren for a moment. The first time they ended up passing out together at the farm, Eren told him about sleeping close to his friends. How normal it was for him, how much he needed it.
A lot has changed, but Eren is still Eren. Still the boy who cried into his chest about Marco before he fell asleep.
He's lost so much. He hasn't lost himself, even if he believes he has. Maruki won't allow it.
Without hesitation, he reaches across to lay an arm over Eren's shoulders, palm coming to rest against his nape. A gentle touch, a gentle pressure. An unspoken invitation that will only continue to be extended, whether or not Eren takes it. ]
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It didn't start that way, and one day Maruki will have to reckon with that, apologize for behavior that Eren never seemed to become aware of, even when it was pointed out to him.
He quickly learned, counseling in Somnius, that he couldn't fix anyone. Not when every reality is more horrific than the last, and not when their struggles are so far outside his comprehension. All he could do was listen, and accept, and let them be. And Eren was the first to get that treatment. The one to get it most often.
He learned how to unconditionally accept Eren long before he learned to love him. One begat the other, transmuting easily. It's never been difficult to love the closest friend he's made in any reality. Never.
Not even now, as Eren lies stiff and reticent on his side, his mind worlds away. ]
Sort of like a bedroll, but better. Whatever you're picturing, imagine it approximately a hundred times more comfortable. I'll show you one later.
[ Maruki lays his head down, watches Eren for a moment. The first time they ended up passing out together at the farm, Eren told him about sleeping close to his friends. How normal it was for him, how much he needed it.
A lot has changed, but Eren is still Eren. Still the boy who cried into his chest about Marco before he fell asleep.
He's lost so much. He hasn't lost himself, even if he believes he has. Maruki won't allow it.
Without hesitation, he reaches across to lay an arm over Eren's shoulders, palm coming to rest against his nape. A gentle touch, a gentle pressure. An unspoken invitation that will only continue to be extended, whether or not Eren takes it. ]