[ Akechi huffs a laugh at that initial comment, though it comes off a bit forced, still. Maybe Akira wouldn't be a fugitive, speaking strictly from the police's perspective, but he would be running from someone even more powerful. They both would.

It's hard to find any genuine joy in such a grim prospect.

But then Akira is moving closer, and apologizing for what was beyond his control, and that? That just breaks him, steals any hope he had for feeling better in earnest after this talk. ]

... I would have caused you a lot more than this, had I chosen to stick with my plan.

[ More honesty, and if he sounds less than delighted about it, it's because he is. In a way (he doesn't think) Akira can comprehend. ]

And I don't think I would have been nearly as worth it as you are.

[ The touch is almost enough, and though Akechi still huffs a sheepish laugh at the comment, he does feel reassured in Akira's presence and his displays of affection. There's a voice in the back of his mind that nags, that tells him it's not possible, but he's decided to force it away, and trust the feelings he knows they share, even despite his confession.

But then he hears those words-- the words-- and the voice is right back, yelling in his ears. All too loud to ignore. ]

... I know.

[ Liar. Had it been weeks before, sure, but now, after everything he'd told him, how could Akechi believe him? How could Akira possibly love him...?

No. Akechi can trust him, and Akira can love him, because he's Akira-- an astounding idiot, for better and worse. A heart that was always free... Akechi was painfully jealous of that.

(But that's a kind of honesty he can't offer just yet.) ]

That's why I felt the need to tell you. [ He picks up, realizing a little too late that this may not be the response Akira had been expecting. So he shifts theirs hand so his palm is laying on top of Akira's, his thumb rubbing fond circles on skin. ]

Because I wanted to be worthy of your trust and your feelings. And...

[ He takes his free hand to the side of Akira's face and pulls him closer again, forehead on forehead. ]

Because I love you.

[ (This much, though? He doesn't ever have to hide.) ]

[ He's right, it is hard to convince Akechi he's worthy of love; as much as he trusts Akira's honest feelings, as much as he's come to change much of his ways in the time they've spent together, the severa years of neglect have taken their toll on his self-esteem. It would probably take just as long for him to completely work past it.

But Akira's words are still a source of comfort, and at least for the moment, he can forget about a lifetime's loneliness and indulge in the feeling of being truly wanted. ]

So am I.

[ And he punctuates it with a kiss, brief, but brimming with feelings he could barely put into words. This would have to suffice for now.

When he pulls away, the sheepish smile is back, and he tries to cover it up with a chuckle. ]

Hah, this has turned out to be pretty different from our usual dates, hasn't it?

[ It was so much more than a heart to heart, in more ways than one. It was something Akechi didn't even realize he needed-- both being able to open up to Akira about part of his past, and also hearing those words from him. t gives him that bit of extra confidence that what they're building is solid. ]

Oh, I wasn't implying our date was over. Far from it.

[ With a smile, he answers Akira's unspoken question and settle back on his knees, tapping his lap in invitation. It was Akira's turn before they got sidetracked, after all. ]

I was just thinking of how far we have come, from the days we would meet up for dates at Cafe Morgana-- or even further back, as little more than friendly acquaintances at Leblanc. To be honest, even now it catches me by surprise.

[ The best kind. ]

[ Almost like a cat? Yeah, right. Even Prince isn't so readily available for petting as Akira seems to be-- not that Akechi has any complaints on the matter, of course. Rather, he's pretty content, himself, promptly carding his fingers through his boyfriend's hair. It really is comfy like this...

So much that he even feels encouraged to share something else. ]

Oh, I've told you before, remember? I'm always happy, when I'm with you.

[ Even when they disagree, or even when they share some of the darkness they had been hiding underneath, none of that takes away from the fact this is the happiest Akechi has ever been. ]

[ By his turn, Akechi takes that hand in his and brings it up to his lips for a kiss, his thumb running fond circles on skin. For someone who had always been so touch starved, it's amazing how happy he is to be on the giving end of the deal, to be able to shower someone else in loving attention. ]

Then we'll be all right, no matter what happens in this town.

[ As long as it doesn't break them apart, they'll make it through whatever ordeal comes upon them. They'll find happiness-- have found it in each other. ]

Although I have to say, this isn't half bad, this time around. [ A giggle, and he plucks a sakura petal off Akira's hair. ] It gave us a chance to try something different for a date.

[ At that initial comment, Akechi lets out a laugh, a little louder than what's appropriate, and genuinely amused. ]

I don't think it would be a good idea to keep these powers for too long. People might grow allergic to me!

[ And though this is one of his lame jokes, the context is different-- there isn't a crowd to entertain. There's only Akira, who likes whatever he naturally has to offer, good or bad. Akira, who he doesn't have to try hard at all to please.

That's what makes Akechi want to please him the most. ]

But, trying out even more things would be interesting. [ He combs Akira's hair with his fingers, idle and fond. ] If you could pick any type of setting for a date, what would it be?

[ ... huh. A hill where you can see the stars? That's quite the surprise.

Akechi can't help but smile at it. ]

You know, sometimes you're an oddly simple man.

[ It's refreshing, considering how complex Akira is most other times. It makes for a nice balance, and Akechi loves him all the more for it. ]

Would you take me there some day?

Visit...

[ He trails off, spaces out for a moment. It feels so foreign to be making plans for their old life now, so... risky, when he's not even sure what the situation will be like when they return. Would they remember their time together? Would they have to part ways once Akira went back to his hometown? Would Akechi even be safe after turning on Shido?

It hurts to think about. But he has to. ]

Are you planning on returning home, once your probation is over?

[ So let him start with an easier topic, and see where it goes from there. ]

[ Especially him, huh...? ]

I suppose it's natural for you to feel this way. I imagine a lot must have changed for you...

[ And he knows this because a lot has changed for Akechi, too. A little over a year ago, he never would have imagined his life like this, with a boyfriend he loves and people he considers family and even a pet-- so different from the chaotic ordeal he had gotten himself into, back home. Different and... infinitely better.

He's silent for a moment longer, idly playing with Akira's hair in his lap as he mulls over their options. When he finally speaks, his words come from someone who has not given them much thought: ]

What if I came with you...?

[ Maybe it's unusual for him to be so impulsive, but he can't help it. The more he thinks about it, the more he realizes he doesn't want to give that up. ]

[ He doesn't miss the way Akira talks about them, together, even includes him in the decision making process, and he can't help smile fondly at that. When it's the two of them, making plans for their return... it almost feels like their future is right within their reach, and perhaps not as grim as he had thought, after all. ]

How could I ever be bored with you by my side?

[ It's another easy truth that escapes his lips before he realizes, though he wouldn't really have any reason to keep it to himself, either way. All it takes is one look at the good times they've shared in this place, and anyone could tell all Akechi really needs is Akira's company. ]

Besides, I've lived in the city my entire life. I believe I could greatly benefit from a change of scenery and fresher air...

[ Tokyo is far too toxic for him-- in too many ways. ]

[ Cute. Too cute. But Akechi knows better than to make any comments and make him even more self-conscious over the fact, so his only reaction is a giggle, followed by gentle brushing of Akira's bangs. ]

That's true, to an extent. In your hometown, we would have electricity and plumbing, and we probably wouldn't have to hunt for food-- though we could still go fishing for sport, if it's available...!

[ Having such a simple life, with no demons but his own to fight... Was that kind of future really within his grasp? Was he really allowed to... start over? ]