[ It's so plainly, genuinely, entirely kind that Maruki has no idea what to do with it. He dispenses care readily, selflessly; when the same is aimed at him, he freezes. He's gotten better at it with some in Somnius, but Hythlodaeus is still a new enough friend that he triggers that same old response. Maruki feels it happening, hates himself for it. He wants to be cared for, and it's a rotten, desperate, aching thing that lives deep and shameful in his soul. Why, then, can't he accept it when it's freely given?
The breath the draws is purposefully measured to steady himself. Inhale, hold, exhale, hold. ]
That's why I'm here. Eren is good at looking after me, or making me look after myself. Beyond that, it's not as if I expect others to think about the impact this has on who they perceive to be the aggressor in the situation... But there are a few people who have. You included. I couldn't be more grateful.
[ His fingers stroke absently over Gestalt's fluffy little body in his lap. ]
I– thank you. Really. I don't think I can put into words what that means to hear.
[ It's all quiet, earnest. The tone of a man unused to being on the receiving end of such blatant empathy.
Hythlodaeus' soul, he thinks, must be brighter than any other. ]
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The breath the draws is purposefully measured to steady himself. Inhale, hold, exhale, hold. ]
That's why I'm here. Eren is good at looking after me, or making me look after myself. Beyond that, it's not as if I expect others to think about the impact this has on who they perceive to be the aggressor in the situation... But there are a few people who have. You included. I couldn't be more grateful.
[ His fingers stroke absently over Gestalt's fluffy little body in his lap. ]
I– thank you. Really. I don't think I can put into words what that means to hear.
[ It's all quiet, earnest. The tone of a man unused to being on the receiving end of such blatant empathy.
Hythlodaeus' soul, he thinks, must be brighter than any other. ]