[As ever, Eren has no right to Maruki's comfort - anyone's. His loved ones were not grateful for what he did, save for one, and he can't blame them for that. He didn't do it for praise. He knew that they wouldn't understand; none but Armin, when Eren finally got a chance to explain. Eren acts beyond others' understanding - he acts because he's decided he knows the answer, and no one can tell him otherwise, once he's made a decision like that.
[It matters because they're alive. It matters because their curse is broken. They're heroes to the world. Eren made sure it mattered, but that isn't what Maruki is talking about.
[Facing them felt impossible; leaving without seeing them again would have truly been. It wasn't a matter of bravery, really, nor kindness - Eren wanted to see them again too.
[His hand grips Maruki's shoulder. There are never words to speak to this. Life is unbelievably cruel. Sometimes, that weight alone is enough to make Eren want to fall to his knees.
[That grip tightens. They can ground each other. For the majority of their many, varied relationships, that's what they've done.]
I couldn't leave without. [Honesty unbefitting of this Eren, this voice - but not with this man, this friend. Maruki knows it all. There's no reason to hide. How beautiful a bond like that is.]
It was selfish. [Not self-deprecating really. It's light, somehow.] But...
no subject
[It matters because they're alive. It matters because their curse is broken. They're heroes to the world. Eren made sure it mattered, but that isn't what Maruki is talking about.
[Facing them felt impossible; leaving without seeing them again would have truly been. It wasn't a matter of bravery, really, nor kindness - Eren wanted to see them again too.
[His hand grips Maruki's shoulder. There are never words to speak to this. Life is unbelievably cruel. Sometimes, that weight alone is enough to make Eren want to fall to his knees.
[That grip tightens. They can ground each other. For the majority of their many, varied relationships, that's what they've done.]
I couldn't leave without. [Honesty unbefitting of this Eren, this voice - but not with this man, this friend. Maruki knows it all. There's no reason to hide. How beautiful a bond like that is.]
It was selfish. [Not self-deprecating really. It's light, somehow.] But...
Despite everything...
They wanted to see me again too.