[Whether or not it's a promise Eren should believe, he isn't sure. He doesn't know this woman. Their only connection is resting in the morgue right now. The thought makes Eren feel nauseated, and all at once, he's breathing quick, nearly gasping. He covers his face with both hands, releasing hers. And he starts to sob, breaking only to cough until it sounds like his lungs are going to come loose. It seems that "little something to calm you down" is starting to wear off.]
It's my fault. [The words are broken, strangled, cracking.] I got sick. They brought me here. They're dead and it's all my fault.
[ In lieu of holding his hand, she gives his forearm a squeeze. ]
It isn't your fault. It isn't anyone's. People can be sick without even realizing it, without having symptoms. You can only control viruses so well outside of a lab...
[ You sound like a doctor right now. The kid needs comfort, not facts-
[ Erin's just as quick to remind herself that she finds facts rather comforting, but that's neither here nor there. ]
...Do you want to talk about it..? About them? Or just be quiet for a while..? I won't go anywhere either way.
[His response is as unhelpful as it is heartbreaking, simple, instinctual. He doesn't even mean to say it. It bursts out of him, entirely beyond his control - a craving, aching need that Erin can't satisfy.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Eren doesn't realize that his eyes are pleading.]
Really?
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[ She smiles, and it's one of the few times it doesn't feel
maskedpretend. ]I can't promise I'll be all that exciting to have around, but I'll be here, okay?
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It's my fault. [The words are broken, strangled, cracking.] I got sick. They brought me here. They're dead and it's all my fault.
no subject
[ In lieu of holding his hand, she gives his forearm a squeeze. ]
It isn't your fault. It isn't anyone's. People can be sick without even realizing it, without having symptoms. You can only control viruses so well outside of a lab...
[ You sound like a doctor right now. The kid needs comfort, not facts-
[ Erin's just as quick to remind herself that she finds facts rather comforting, but that's neither here nor there. ]
...Do you want to talk about it..? About them? Or just be quiet for a while..? I won't go anywhere either way.
just attacking you with this one
I w-want my m-mom.
[He sounds so young.]