[ There's a short, soft wheeze as Eren's full weight settles suddenly on top of him, and then they've adjusted more comfortably, and Maruki wraps him up tight in his arms once again.
He tips his head, staring down at Eren curled into his chest. Runs gentle fingers through his hair, again and again, soothing in its repetition. ]
[The question cracks Eren open like a hammer to the skull. He lets out a sob, bitten off with Maruki's sleeve, just so he has something to hold onto. He continues crying, and it's all the answer he can give. He feels so young, too human. He wishes for his mother, or to be fifteen again, before he was such a disappointment.]
[ There's nothing Maruki can tell him that will make any of this hurt less. He knows this, and he hates it deeply, but– there's sincerely nothing, nothing to be done.
He holds Eren even more securely, safe in both arms and this little sanctuary they've made for themselves. Quietly, a now-familiar song begins to fill the warm air around them, as soft as a mourning dove's coo. ]
soft, miserable little peep: the eren jaeger story
He tips his head, staring down at Eren curled into his chest. Runs gentle fingers through his hair, again and again, soothing in its repetition. ]
Do you want me to sing to you?
IT'S SO.
OHHHH WE CAN WRAP I HATE THIS
He holds Eren even more securely, safe in both arms and this little sanctuary they've made for themselves. Quietly, a now-familiar song begins to fill the warm air around them, as soft as a mourning dove's coo. ]