"I want to run away with you and leave all this behind..." He mumbled softly, his quivering breaths carresing your shoulder.

A simple yet elusive wish, wondering what it would be like if he was just an ordinary young man, hell! — he wondered what life would be like if the existence of titans were but an illusion.

Would he have the freedom to choose? He'd choose you if he could but his plan was immutable, to sacrifice himself to save the people — for you to live in harmony.