[ 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? ]

[ There's another easy laugh, and he dares to picture the scene in his head-- dares to stop dreaming, and start hoping for a real future. It's utterly mundane, maybe even a little boring by regular standards, yet somehow he finds it... thrilling. ]

Well, I'm sure fishing for food while in this place gave you plenty of incentive to hone your skills...!

[ Living an ordinary life with someone who truly cares about him, away from the public eye and the evils of the city... That would surely be a breath of fresh air, so unlike the fake glamour and empty vengeance he had clung to for so long.

Maybe that's why he finds it so exciting. ]

We could get you a bike so we would ride together. Navigating a small town must be a lot easier than the busy streets of Tokyo, and probably a lot more fun to do in good company. Perhaps we could even race?