@screamingeagle continued x
" Well, I wanna worry about you, considerin' you're in an entirely different place. Besides... not thuh first time I got shot. "
He let himself lie back down, sucking in a sharp breath from the pang of agony from his wound and yet, he just acted like it wasn't there at all. He kept lying there on that shitty mattress, but as he saw how Erwin looked around, Max couldn't help but look up to him. " Lots'uh posters like that used t'a be around. " He told him then, pointing out what he could, " That one's sayin' to buy war bonds-- help fund the war, pretty much-- you can see my memorable mug in thuh back as one of 'em. 'Loose lips sink ships', n' another sayin' to help the military n' give us any extra food. We had industry, but... even that wasn't enough. "
In a moment of silence, Max's head would turn to look around more himself-- but he finally brought himself to just look at the dusty ceiling.
" ... This used t'a be my home city. Chicago. Big ol' meltin' pot of a city wit' people from all sorts'uh places that wanted to start anew. Used t'uh take my kids t'a Millennium Park when I'd get military leave fer bein' injured... got bombed last year-- big bomb, made outta stuff that'd make sure the land would be scarred for... so long. Radiation. The atomic bomb. We're on the outskirts 'fore we get t'uh the countryside, so we won't be affected. But if yuh get t'a the heart'uh downtown... "
He lifted an arm to cover his eyes a little, maybe to hide himself getting emotional. " ... Couldn't help but enjoy my time at yer place, y'kno'. No... Nazis, no war... there were thuh Titans, sure... but still felt like there was'uh chance. So much of a chance. Think it was 'cause'uh you the most, tho'. "
" Reminded me so much'uh my Cap'n-- knowin' what to do. Always standin' tall, knowin' how to get things done, never flinchin'. Strongest voice wit'uh damn good rumblin' baritone like you's could take down God himself unscathed. Always strong-lookin', but... even like wit' my Cap'n, I jus' fretted like a worried housewife fer yuh. 'Cause nobody can handle that all the time, you kno'? I-- I can't. 'S'why I wanted t'uh get yuh to stop doin' work so much... " The thought made him snicker a little.
" ... flour fights n' shit... jazz hands... my dumbass usin' my books. Grinnin' like a dumbass while yuh scolded me. Gave me a reason t'uh have a bit'a faith in Humanity from how fuckin' compassionate you were. "
While Erwin appreciated his concern for his own well being he still believed that Max needed to focus on his own well being. His eyes glanced back towards the posters Max pointed out explaining what each one said. So it did have to do with their military, the images on the posters gave it away “ I see...” he muttered to show he had been listening before looking back to Max slowly moving to sit beside where he laid silently listening to him speak about his home city. Chicago was it?
“ Seems like you really cared for your Captain, you’re a good man Mr.Bennett, looking out for others and trying to lighten their work load.” he spoke calmly while reaching into one of his pouches to pull out a medicinal chew and held pressed it to Maxs lips “ Here, I understand you’re in pain. It may not be as advanced as your medicine now but it does help relieve pain after ingesting but you have to be sure to chew it thoroughly....it is bitter.” he warned and he wasn’t going to take no for an answer.
“ In the meantime why don’t you tell me more of your Captain and your men.” he asks, he was curious but he also figured if he kept Max talking it would help him distract himself from the pain while the medicine kicked in.
