I know, Eren. I haven't just been a comrade or a queen to you.

( She knows that they're important to one another. They share a bond so strong at this point, it's hard to really put it into words. Maybe that's part of what makes it so special.

She finally steps back then and reaches for one of Eren's hands, and she feels the way her heart leaps at his words. )

You're important to me, too. ( Her voice softens, and her eyes lift to meet with green-colored ones. ) I can be who I am, because you were one of the people who encouraged me towards that path. ( There was one other person who helped her to be someone who could be honest with herself. ) ... Thank you.

( He speaks again, and she doesn't respond at first. Why does it feel like it was difficult for him to say that? She wonders again if something happened, if it isn't just his memories here that's haunting him. )

That makes two of us, doesn't it? ( As ridiculous as it was, looking back at it... ) I meant what I said back then. It doesn't matter what I have to do. I'll do anything to protect you.