[Eren salutes back. It's been hard to use that salute lately, but not with Aubrey. It doesn't mean to her what it means to him and to the Scouts, and that's why he can stomach it. It's a comfort...
[He stands at ease and then starts toward the edge of the forest.]
You know Mikasa. [More...or less. Aubrey knows of Mikasa, at least.] What have I told you about Armin Arlert?
[Eren nods. He takes a deep breath. He marches just a few paces ahead of her as they approach the edge of the forest, fists balled up on his sides. He's still smiling. He really means it.]
Growing up, Mikasa and Armin and I had this tree in our hometown. We spent all our time there as kids. [It all feels like an understatement. The longer he's away from that tree, the more important it feels. He's glad that that's where his head is buried.]
If I tried to tell you what Armin Arlert meant to me...I'd never be able to.
[Another deep breath. The exhale is shaky. Tears squeezes themselves from his eyes and roll down. He keeps walking. It's alright...because...]
I know he'll be here soon. That's why...
[He turns to Aubrey, green eyes bright and glistening. It's a very real smile - it really, really is - even as tears fall around it.]
I hung that ocean painting you did in his room.
[Eyes back on the path ahead.]
And we're going to find him a tree. Not just for Armin...for you, and me, and your friend Sunny, too. For anyone who needs one to return to...
[Like a soldier, a good friend in lockstep, Aubrey lets Eren take the lead. He doesn’t need to find words about Armin; his shaky breath, and his trek for his tree, say so much before he turns back.
[When he does, she’s briefly stunned. The last picture she gave someone… disappeared, somewhere. She tries not to think about it. Figured Eren just didn’t care for his gift, was being politely silent.
[There’s a familiar sting in her eyes. Aubrey wipes at it, and then he goes and mentions Sunny.
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[He stands at ease and then starts toward the edge of the forest.]
You know Mikasa. [More...or less. Aubrey knows of Mikasa, at least.] What have I told you about Armin Arlert?
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[Of Mikasa, yes. They haven’t met. Aubrey still thinks she’s the neat freak in the spouses’ household.]
[As for the other…] I don’t recognize that name. [But she’s heard a few things.]
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He's the smartest person I know. No matter where we go, we'll find each other again. That's me and Armin's promise.
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[Oh, that’s…
[Aubrey smiles a bit, but it’s softer. Much softer.] It’s a good promise.
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Growing up, Mikasa and Armin and I had this tree in our hometown. We spent all our time there as kids. [It all feels like an understatement. The longer he's away from that tree, the more important it feels. He's glad that that's where his head is buried.]
If I tried to tell you what Armin Arlert meant to me...I'd never be able to.
[Another deep breath. The exhale is shaky. Tears squeezes themselves from his eyes and roll down. He keeps walking. It's alright...because...]
I know he'll be here soon. That's why...
[He turns to Aubrey, green eyes bright and glistening. It's a very real smile - it really, really is - even as tears fall around it.]
I hung that ocean painting you did in his room.
[Eyes back on the path ahead.]
And we're going to find him a tree. Not just for Armin...for you, and me, and your friend Sunny, too. For anyone who needs one to return to...
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[Like a soldier, a good friend in lockstep, Aubrey lets Eren take the lead. He doesn’t need to find words about Armin; his shaky breath, and his trek for his tree, say so much before he turns back.
[When he does, she’s briefly stunned. The last picture she gave someone… disappeared, somewhere. She tries not to think about it. Figured Eren just didn’t care for his gift, was being politely silent.
[There’s a familiar sting in her eyes. Aubrey wipes at it, and then he goes and mentions Sunny.
[She thinks about a different tree.]
That’s… r-really sweet....
[Quiet, voice tight. Would he appreciate that…?]
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So, put your heart into it. [He salutes as he marches.] Alright?
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[And so Eren keeps moving forward. Aubrey’s grateful for that.]
Ri– [Firmer,] Right. [She thumps her heart. It feels warm.]