[Does Maruki sound a little worked up? Eren shrugs, almost defensive. He focuses on Elke, ducking around to her other side to mess with her mane. Things feel weird...]
I can't say I blame you. Just wondering. [He wants to ask if that's why Maruki hasn't gotten himself healed yet, but maybe it's none of his business. He really doesn't know where they stand at this point.]
[ Things don't feel weird to Maruki! Or, almost more likely, he feels weird in general, so nothing about this pings specifically. He keeps thinking to Akechi and Robin Hood, and the emptiness he feels in his own mind. He always felt it, but now that it has a name and a purpose, the loss is uniquely disquieting.
That said, there's nothing out of the ordinary to the way he smiles gratefully at Eren. He really does believe things are fine. ]
I am, and more than that, the curiosity is killing me.
[ A final pet to Elke's forehead before he backs away carefully and leads Eren inside again.
Eyn Sof is relaxing to him already. The comfort of having a dedicated space to do his work cannot be overstated. He gestures to the squashy sofa, the rickety low table in front of it. They'll have to sit on the floor to use it, but it's better than nothing. ]
[Yeah, well, sixteen-year-olds are more insecure than their thirty-something-year-old-therapist-slash-friends - get used to it.
[The floor it is, then. Eren immediately starts spreading stuff out on the table. His mood is still subdued - so easy to slip into, these days - but he seems...marginally enthusiastic?
[The feast is displayed - rock hard, shitty bread, watery but warm stew with crumbly potatoes, unripe vegetables, and a few chunks of the toughest meat anyone has every tasted - and that was a luxury, back then. As well as that, there's a package of Scouts' rations shut up, Caitlin, you were right, more tough meat (dried), and a bottle of ale that tastes not unlike piss.
[And then something else, wrapped lovingly in a brown paper package. Eren puts his hand on it, sliding it close to him.]
This one last.
Oh. [He points to the ale.] That's alcohol. You should at least try a sip, though.
[ Skill issue, Akiren never felt insecure with him!
Maruki's face freezes in an expression of frazzled surprise as Eren unpacks all of the food. He shouldn't be tactless. And Eren did say this would make him grateful for the food in Somnius – not that he's ever been anything less, he just misses Japan, that's all.
It starts to sink in, slowly. ]
Ah.
[ ... ]
Did you and Jean-kun approximate what the food was like back in your reality?
[ y. yaaaaaaay
He eyes the alcohol warily. Not a drinker, and not sure what to make of the mysterious package. Hm.
He will, very delicately, take the bottle of ale and sniff it.
[One corner of Eren's mouth barely lifts in a smile.]
Yeah. It's gross. I gotta tell you, though - when they broke this stuff out, people all but lost their minds. [He doesn't take a swig, though. He's got work after this. He takes the bottle and sets it on the ground - out of sight, out of mind.]
Just take a bite of each. And no, Jean and I didn't make this.
It's real food from home.
[He pats the brown package again.] This will make it all worth it. Promise.
[ Wait, that makes it a novel thing. And meaningful, to boot. Maruki looks up from inspecting the stew to catch Eren's eye, plainly delighted suddenly. ]
Is it really? How did you come about that? It must be a comfort to see again...
[ Because even if it doesn't taste good compared to what they have here, it's still home.
Maruki isn't prissy, really. He knows he probably comes across that way to fellow dreamers used to realities farther in the past than his own, but it isn't that. He doesn't daydream about double point day at Triple 7 or functional public transportation or splurging on tempura udon because he's stuck up. He just misses home, deep into his bones.
So he picks up a fork, unsteady in his left hand, and jabs at the tough meat and dry potatoes. No hesitation, and not much of a face pulled when he tries it. If he puts himself in the shoes of a story from Eren's reality, it stands to reason that a feast like this would be completely enjoyable. ]
[It's funny. Eren fully expected Maruki to hate the food - almost thought it would be kind of funny - but he's pleased when Maruki doesn't react with disgust. A feast like this would have only been in the context of a celebration, and those were few and far between.
[His hand rests on that brown package as he watches Maruki eats. He might just be pretending to be okay with this food, but what's wrapped up...]
It's weird. I never thought I missed gross food from home, but it tasted good when I ate it again.
It was a gift from the labyrinth, I guess. [Ah...] You were right about me going. I didn't tell anyone.
[ Maruki isn't a good actor. There are things he can lie convincingly about – many things – but simple acts like feigning enjoyment of a meal aren't his strong suit. It isn't the best thing he's ever eaten, not by a mile, but it's edible. And it's important to Eren. That makes it tolerable, and so his polite contentment is genuine.
Plus, he's fascinated by it. A cognitive manipulation you can eat. What are the odds.
He pokes at the rations and looks at Eren with a wry smile. ]
So you did go. Don't worry, I'll keep your secret.
[ An attempt to chew a bit of the dried meat. It takes, roughly, forever and a day. ]
What is it with that place and food? The cheese room, the cereal room, and now a room of food from your reality... Ah, but that one is obviously the best. I'm really glad you got to experience that, Eren-kun.
[ He is PUTTING IN A COMPLAINT. ]
Meanwhile, I fought monsters taller than skyscrapers. Win some, lose some.
[ Oh, shit. His automatic reaction to reach for Eren's shoulder to give him a quick, calming touch results in an aborted movement from his useless right arm, and so he twists to do it with his left instead. ]
Sorry! Sorry, nothing like that. They were, ah... You haven't seen Goshzilla, have you...
[ Then his hand flies up to try to approximate the rough shape of a kaiju. It looks like nothing, probably. ]
Like very large lizards. It's kind of a movie trope where I'm from. Less fun to experience than to watch.
[ A beat, and he drops his hand and peers at Eren, speaks gently. ]
[Eren grips his chest and lets out an incredulous laugh.]
Maria, Rose, and Sina, I thought everyone here was about to die. [He's not personally afraid of titans, but he knows very well that this world is not even close to prepared for them.]
[ Oh, it's so good to see Eren laugh again, even if it's because of his blunder. Maruki laughs too and tries to tear off a piece of the bread, his last unconquered bit of the meal. Honestly, he would go back for a little more of the stew – maybe he'll dip the accursed bread in it. ]
You can definitely kick me. I daresay I've earned it.
Alright. Now, try this. [There...is some hesitance before Eren passes the package over, like he doesn't necessarily want to relinquish it; he pushes it across the table.
[It's a sweet quick bread, sweetened with sugar that his family could only afford once a year. The sweet flavor is subtle, but in a good way, Eren thinks. The bread is soft and moist, entirely unlike the hard, lumpy bread. It's a melt-in-your-mouth sort of texture, with hints of earthy flavors that he hasn't tasted in any of the Stone Dragon's baked goods.
[Eren doesn't mean to hawk him, but can't help but watch with a nervous gaze. If Maruki doesn't like it, he'll...
[Well. He'll be more than disappointed - angry, even, maybe. Maruki can't possibly know the weight of this gesture, but Eren does. It's the best apology he could possibly give.]
[ Maruki can sense the significance of this just from the way Eren watches him. Something about it settles, heavy and comforting, over his beleaguered heart. A tangible memory from home shared freely is no small thing.
He breaks off a corner of the little loaf of bread and pops it in his mouth, a genuine smile spreading over his face instantly. It's good, truly good, a flavor unlike everything else he's tried. Simple and subtle and so clearly made with care.
Maruki meets Eren's intense, nervous gaze with raised eyebrows and sincere joy. ]
It's really good! I've never had anything like it before. Sort of like a tea bread, but not quite...
[ He doesn't want to eat it all, especially since it's clearly important to Eren, but he breaks off one more small piece and then splits it further in half, one for Eren and one for him. ]
[Maruki likes it. Eren smiles. It's small, but it's real. Even as he hugs himself, he looks...content - maybe even happy. His voice is quiet, but it isn't a bad thing - almost reverent.]
My mom made that.
I mean. She didn't, but...it's hers. It's exactly hers.
Maruki's heart squeezes in his chest. It's a manipulation from whatever powers that be here, a blatant one, and yet he can't bring himself to mentally poke holes in it just yet. Save it for later. ]
Thanks for sharing it with me, Eren-kun. That's really special.
[ A bit of loving care from a long gone home is no small thing. Especially for someone like Eren.
Maruki leans back against the couch behind them with the tiniest hiss of pain. ]
[It's more special than Maruki knows; the last of few loaves. Eren's grateful that he only ate a couple of bites. It's not like he can keep it forever, though. Even magical food goes bad.
[The question is...difficult, but Eren, for once, is thinking of his mother in a way that...hurts uniquely, but not so unbearably. He's not sure how long he'll be able to maintain that, but this is her bread, and it's perfect; something in his heart wants to believe she managed to send it herself, although he knows that's impossible.]
She was a kind person. I never listened to her the way I should have, but she wasn't afraid to let me know. She'd yank my ear and tell me to get it together. [All fond. His hand rests over his heart.]
She wasn't a perfect singer, but I liked her voice. Her and my dad used to dance some weekends at these parties in the market, and she loved it.
She had...long hair and gold eyes. Everyone tells me I look exactly like her. She used to work as a waitress, but once I was born, she was only ever a mom. To me and to Mikasa, when she needed one. Armin too.
[Drip, drip. He hadn't noticed he was crying. Just a little. He wipes his eyes and there's no more issue. He's still smiling just a little.]
I thought tasting this would make me upset, but it didn't. Not really.
He does his best to do that, and only that – just listen. No analysis, no drive to counsel. A friend listening to another friend share a deeply personal story from home. ]
She sounds like a wonderful mother. I'm glad you could get this reminder of her love for you.
[ He tips his head back to look up at the ceiling, searching his thoughts for a moment before he says quietly: ]
If you believe she made this for you, then she did.
[ He won't bore Eren with the actual theory backing that up. He won't ramble about the principles of cognitive psience that make him certain of that. He'll just state it plainly. ]
Something cannot be created out of nothing, even in a dream. In your home, the bread came from your mother. So it's the same here. She's with you.
[ Hopefully it isn't overstepping to say. He does believe it. ]
[Eren's grateful not to be counseled about this, but Maruki's words still hit right in the gut. It leaves Eren blinking, looking slightly stunned. The smile has faded; he bites his lip.
[She's dead because of him, but--]
I...think, normally, I wouldn't believe you - or, not you, but just...anything like that.
Here, though...[It tastes exactly right. No one could replicate something like that. Jean baked loaves to Carla's exact recipe, and it still wasn't the same.]
I guess...if it was made out of a memory, or a dream of a memory, then it would have to be hers, you're right. It's just like I remember it...
[A quiet addition - odd, the way he sounds almost like he's trying to convince someone.] I loved my mother.
[ Eren's on the right track. Memories, cognitions. The subconscious, the collective unconscious. A mother's love is ubiquitous.
The specifics don't matter right now. The feelings do. So he nods, and smiles gently, and hopes to god that this harmless reminder of home doesn't come to light as any sort of manipulation later. ]
I can tell that you did, Eren-kun. It's obvious just from the way you talk about her.
[ It's a heavy topic. He doesn't want this to turn too emotional, run the risk of turning into a counseling session neither of them are prepared for. ]
Hang onto that feeling as long as you can. And the bread, too! It really is good.
[ But he won't help himself to more. ]
If I ever receive anything from home, I'll be sure to share it with you in kind.
Yeah. Thanks. There's not much left, but that's alright. It'll end up going bad if it's not eaten. [But, again, he's grateful Maruki has left him some, so he wraps it up.]
What's your family like?
everyone in persona has dead parents fuck it we ball
I'm afraid there isn't much to tell. Not because I don't want to talk, to be clear. It was just...
[ Maruki shrugs his good shoulder. There's a certain amount of shame in how easy his life was, up to a point, compared to so many in Somnius. ]
I was an only child. We didn't have much money. It's why I pushed myself as hard as I did in school, so I could eventually give my parents a comfortable life. Of course, that was before I discovered the harsh truth that getting a doctorate degree doesn't necessarily mean you'll be rich!
[ A little laugh, a beat. He scratches at his stubble, shrugs again, more a nervous twitch than anything else. ]
Ah, but they both passed away before I finished school. Just illness. They were already on the older side when they had me, so.
[ It had been bearable because he had Rumi, and his work to throw himself into. Those losses were what turned his mind, not the loss of his parents.
He takes a deep breath, exhales quickly and smiles at Eren. ]
I was lucky. They were very supportive of me. I can only hope that the work I've done since and will continue to do makes them proud.
I bet it does. [A quick answer, and genuine. Talk of dead parents won't scare Eren away. He's sad for Maruki, but he knew very few people back home who still had parents to speak of at all. He, Mikasa, and Armin, were all made orphans - officially and completely - when Carla and Grisha died.]
I mean, you're a doctor, right? Not the sort I'm used to, but still. [And, yeah, Eren has serious doubts after talking to Levi, but that has nothing to do with this conversation.] My father was a doctor. Everyone in town respected him, and in other districts too. You've gotta be real smart for that sort of thing.
I'm not sure what exactly a doctorate degree is, but...it probably isn't easy to get.
[ Oh Eren, if you ever unlock his actual tragic backstory, trust and believe it will be a very different conversation. ]
Thank you for saying so. And you're not wrong! It took...
[ He looks askance, ticks off a few fingers as he mouths through some years silently. ]
Twelve years, altogether? A long, difficult road, but one that I enjoyed.
[ Maruki pulls a knee up in front of him, rests his good arm on it and cradles his head in his hand to look at Eren. ]
That's one of the first things you told me, you know. That your father was a doctor.
[ That dream they shared, why they both latched onto one another quickly. Maruki leaves the door open for Eren to walk through if he wants to have that conversation. If not, it can be ignored. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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I didn't. It was destroyed. I'm not interested in anything this place can give me that I couldn't give myself.
[ Maybe a bit of a firmer answer than Eren would have gotten if he asked before the labyrinth. Two days changed a lot. ]
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I can't say I blame you. Just wondering. [He wants to ask if that's why Maruki hasn't gotten himself healed yet, but maybe it's none of his business. He really doesn't know where they stand at this point.]
Anyway...
Are you hungry, or what?
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That said, there's nothing out of the ordinary to the way he smiles gratefully at Eren. He really does believe things are fine. ]
I am, and more than that, the curiosity is killing me.
[ A final pet to Elke's forehead before he backs away carefully and leads Eren inside again.
Eyn Sof is relaxing to him already. The comfort of having a dedicated space to do his work cannot be overstated. He gestures to the squashy sofa, the rickety low table in front of it. They'll have to sit on the floor to use it, but it's better than nothing. ]
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Yeah, well, sixteen-year-olds are more insecure than their thirty-something-year-old-therapist-slash-friends - get used to it.[The floor it is, then. Eren immediately starts spreading stuff out on the table. His mood is still subdued - so easy to slip into, these days - but he seems...marginally enthusiastic?
[The feast is displayed - rock hard, shitty bread, watery but warm stew with crumbly potatoes, unripe vegetables, and a few chunks of the toughest meat anyone has every tasted - and that was a luxury, back then. As well as that, there's a package of Scouts' rations
shut up, Caitlin, you were right, more tough meat (dried), and a bottle of ale that tastes not unlike piss.[And then something else, wrapped lovingly in a brown paper package. Eren puts his hand on it, sliding it close to him.]
This one last.
Oh. [He points to the ale.] That's alcohol. You should at least try a sip, though.
WELL AT LEAST IT ISN'T CANS SOLDERED WITH LEAD
Skill issue, Akiren never felt insecure with him!Maruki's face freezes in an expression of frazzled surprise as Eren unpacks all of the food. He shouldn't be tactless. And Eren did say this would make him grateful for the food in Somnius – not that he's ever been anything less, he just misses Japan, that's all.
It starts to sink in, slowly. ]
Ah.
[ ... ]
Did you and Jean-kun approximate what the food was like back in your reality?
[ y. yaaaaaaay
He eyes the alcohol warily. Not a drinker, and not sure what to make of the mysterious package. Hm.
He will, very delicately, take the bottle of ale and sniff it.
Immediate sour lemon face. ]
Oh, no. No thank you on that one.
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Akiren is goddamn insane.[One corner of Eren's mouth barely lifts in a smile.]
Yeah. It's gross. I gotta tell you, though - when they broke this stuff out, people all but lost their minds. [He doesn't take a swig, though. He's got work after this. He takes the bottle and sets it on the ground - out of sight, out of mind.]
Just take a bite of each. And no, Jean and I didn't make this.
It's real food from home.
[He pats the brown package again.] This will make it all worth it. Promise.
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[ Wait, that makes it a novel thing. And meaningful, to boot. Maruki looks up from inspecting the stew to catch Eren's eye, plainly delighted suddenly. ]
Is it really? How did you come about that? It must be a comfort to see again...
[ Because even if it doesn't taste good compared to what they have here, it's still home.
Maruki isn't prissy, really. He knows he probably comes across that way to fellow dreamers used to realities farther in the past than his own, but it isn't that. He doesn't daydream about double point day at Triple 7 or functional public transportation or splurging on tempura udon because he's stuck up. He just misses home, deep into his bones.
So he picks up a fork, unsteady in his left hand, and jabs at the tough meat and dry potatoes. No hesitation, and not much of a face pulled when he tries it. If he puts himself in the shoes of a story from Eren's reality, it stands to reason that a feast like this would be completely enjoyable. ]
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[His hand rests on that brown package as he watches Maruki eats. He might just be pretending to be okay with this food, but what's wrapped up...]
It's weird. I never thought I missed gross food from home, but it tasted good when I ate it again.
It was a gift from the labyrinth, I guess. [Ah...] You were right about me going. I didn't tell anyone.
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Plus, he's fascinated by it. A cognitive manipulation you can eat. What are the odds.
He pokes at the rations and looks at Eren with a wry smile. ]
So you did go. Don't worry, I'll keep your secret.
[ An attempt to chew a bit of the dried meat. It takes, roughly, forever and a day. ]
What is it with that place and food? The cheese room, the cereal room, and now a room of food from your reality... Ah, but that one is obviously the best. I'm really glad you got to experience that, Eren-kun.
[ He is PUTTING IN A COMPLAINT. ]
Meanwhile, I fought monsters taller than skyscrapers. Win some, lose some.
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[A dead stop. Maruki, remember who you're talking to. The color drains from Eren's face.]
What? [Voice hushed.]
What kind of monsters?
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[ Oh, shit. His automatic reaction to reach for Eren's shoulder to give him a quick, calming touch results in an aborted movement from his useless right arm, and so he twists to do it with his left instead. ]
Sorry! Sorry, nothing like that. They were, ah... You haven't seen Goshzilla, have you...
[ Then his hand flies up to try to approximate the rough shape of a kaiju. It looks like nothing, probably. ]
Like very large lizards. It's kind of a movie trope where I'm from. Less fun to experience than to watch.
[ A beat, and he drops his hand and peers at Eren, speaks gently. ]
Sorry. I didn't mean to alarm you.
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Maria, Rose, and Sina, I thought everyone here was about to die. [He's not personally afraid of titans, but he knows very well that this world is not even close to prepared for them.]
I should kick you for that.
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You can definitely kick me. I daresay I've earned it.
[ A light, gentle press. ]
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Alright. Now, try this. [There...is some hesitance before Eren passes the package over, like he doesn't necessarily want to relinquish it; he pushes it across the table.
[It's a sweet quick bread, sweetened with sugar that his family could only afford once a year. The sweet flavor is subtle, but in a good way, Eren thinks. The bread is soft and moist, entirely unlike the hard, lumpy bread. It's a melt-in-your-mouth sort of texture, with hints of earthy flavors that he hasn't tasted in any of the Stone Dragon's baked goods.
[Eren doesn't mean to hawk him, but can't help but watch with a nervous gaze. If Maruki doesn't like it, he'll...
[Well. He'll be more than disappointed - angry, even, maybe. Maruki can't possibly know the weight of this gesture, but Eren does. It's the best apology he could possibly give.]
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He breaks off a corner of the little loaf of bread and pops it in his mouth, a genuine smile spreading over his face instantly. It's good, truly good, a flavor unlike everything else he's tried. Simple and subtle and so clearly made with care.
Maruki meets Eren's intense, nervous gaze with raised eyebrows and sincere joy. ]
It's really good! I've never had anything like it before. Sort of like a tea bread, but not quite...
[ He doesn't want to eat it all, especially since it's clearly important to Eren, but he breaks off one more small piece and then splits it further in half, one for Eren and one for him. ]
What is it?
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My mom made that.
I mean. She didn't, but...it's hers. It's exactly hers.
She called it birthday bread...
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And it immediately makes sense.
Maruki's heart squeezes in his chest. It's a manipulation from whatever powers that be here, a blatant one, and yet he can't bring himself to mentally poke holes in it just yet. Save it for later. ]
Thanks for sharing it with me, Eren-kun. That's really special.
[ A bit of loving care from a long gone home is no small thing. Especially for someone like Eren.
Maruki leans back against the couch behind them with the tiniest hiss of pain. ]
What was she like?
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[The question is...difficult, but Eren, for once, is thinking of his mother in a way that...hurts uniquely, but not so unbearably. He's not sure how long he'll be able to maintain that, but this is her bread, and it's perfect; something in his heart wants to believe she managed to send it herself, although he knows that's impossible.]
She was a kind person. I never listened to her the way I should have, but she wasn't afraid to let me know. She'd yank my ear and tell me to get it together. [All fond. His hand rests over his heart.]
She wasn't a perfect singer, but I liked her voice. Her and my dad used to dance some weekends at these parties in the market, and she loved it.
She had...long hair and gold eyes. Everyone tells me I look exactly like her. She used to work as a waitress, but once I was born, she was only ever a mom. To me and to Mikasa, when she needed one. Armin too.
[Drip, drip. He hadn't noticed he was crying. Just a little. He wipes his eyes and there's no more issue. He's still smiling just a little.]
I thought tasting this would make me upset, but it didn't. Not really.
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He does his best to do that, and only that – just listen. No analysis, no drive to counsel. A friend listening to another friend share a deeply personal story from home. ]
She sounds like a wonderful mother. I'm glad you could get this reminder of her love for you.
[ He tips his head back to look up at the ceiling, searching his thoughts for a moment before he says quietly: ]
If you believe she made this for you, then she did.
[ He won't bore Eren with the actual theory backing that up. He won't ramble about the principles of cognitive psience that make him certain of that. He'll just state it plainly. ]
Something cannot be created out of nothing, even in a dream. In your home, the bread came from your mother. So it's the same here. She's with you.
[ Hopefully it isn't overstepping to say. He does believe it. ]
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[She's dead because of him, but--]
I...think, normally, I wouldn't believe you - or, not you, but just...anything like that.
Here, though...[It tastes exactly right. No one could replicate something like that. Jean baked loaves to Carla's exact recipe, and it still wasn't the same.]
I guess...if it was made out of a memory, or a dream of a memory, then it would have to be hers, you're right. It's just like I remember it...
[A quiet addition - odd, the way he sounds almost like he's trying to convince someone.] I loved my mother.
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The specifics don't matter right now. The feelings do. So he nods, and smiles gently, and hopes to god that this harmless reminder of home doesn't come to light as any sort of manipulation later. ]
I can tell that you did, Eren-kun. It's obvious just from the way you talk about her.
[ It's a heavy topic. He doesn't want this to turn too emotional, run the risk of turning into a counseling session neither of them are prepared for. ]
Hang onto that feeling as long as you can. And the bread, too! It really is good.
[ But he won't help himself to more. ]
If I ever receive anything from home, I'll be sure to share it with you in kind.
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What's your family like?
everyone in persona has dead parents fuck it we ball
I'm the one who does all the talking, right?
Don't deflect. Be honest. ]
I'm afraid there isn't much to tell. Not because I don't want to talk, to be clear. It was just...
[ Maruki shrugs his good shoulder. There's a certain amount of shame in how easy his life was, up to a point, compared to so many in Somnius. ]
I was an only child. We didn't have much money. It's why I pushed myself as hard as I did in school, so I could eventually give my parents a comfortable life. Of course, that was before I discovered the harsh truth that getting a doctorate degree doesn't necessarily mean you'll be rich!
[ A little laugh, a beat. He scratches at his stubble, shrugs again, more a nervous twitch than anything else. ]
Ah, but they both passed away before I finished school. Just illness. They were already on the older side when they had me, so.
[ It had been bearable because he had Rumi, and his work to throw himself into. Those losses were what turned his mind, not the loss of his parents.
He takes a deep breath, exhales quickly and smiles at Eren. ]
I was lucky. They were very supportive of me. I can only hope that the work I've done since and will continue to do makes them proud.
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I mean, you're a doctor, right? Not the sort I'm used to, but still. [And, yeah, Eren has serious doubts after talking to Levi, but that has nothing to do with this conversation.] My father was a doctor. Everyone in town respected him, and in other districts too. You've gotta be real smart for that sort of thing.
I'm not sure what exactly a doctorate degree is, but...it probably isn't easy to get.
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Thank you for saying so. And you're not wrong! It took...
[ He looks askance, ticks off a few fingers as he mouths through some years silently. ]
Twelve years, altogether? A long, difficult road, but one that I enjoyed.
[ Maruki pulls a knee up in front of him, rests his good arm on it and cradles his head in his hand to look at Eren. ]
That's one of the first things you told me, you know. That your father was a doctor.
[ That dream they shared, why they both latched onto one another quickly. Maruki leaves the door open for Eren to walk through if he wants to have that conversation. If not, it can be ignored. ]
his hands started fidgeting he looked askance he's penniless he's flying by the seat of his pants
HANDSOME AND BOY DOES HE KNOW IT wait no not here
literally this icon minus the tears
OH EREN. OHHHHHH EREN OH EREN OH EREN
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sigh. cw murder cw brainwashing the takuto maruki special
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god the dramatic irony of this entire fucking tag lmao I'm suffering
NIGHTY NIGHT PEANUT TIME FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED JESUS CHRIST
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