[ Aki should’ve known that he wouldn’t be able to enjoy even something as simple as a bath with Denji around, but it had been at least ten minutes and it had felt almost peaceful. Breathing out, he sinks a little further into the hot water, enjoying it, until -
All good things come to an end
Scowling, he’s about to shout at Denji when the question comes tumbling out, and then he’s staring with an open mouth, as if he wants to get out and knock some sense into him. ]
[ he holds his phone up to the other's face, not that it shows anything specific, but it's a clear hint denji is referring to the brief exchange with a certain white-haired man. it's unlike aki to lie about something like this, or speak of it lightly, so if it's true— then he should be honest about it.
he takes in a breath, shoving the phone back into his pocket as if he proved a point. with both hands on his hips, denji raised an eyebrow and rolled his eyes to the side. ]
Fucking hell. You're going through it, huh? Being sad made you switch sides so fast. This is getting really serious ...
[ how is he supposed to help aki now? this is turning into mission impossible. ]
[ Aki looks over the conversation again and sighs, shaking his head. He should’ve known that this would come and bite him in the ass, but he didn’t think it would be this soon. There goes his peaceful, enjoyable bath, and he shifts a little as he makes himself a little more comfortable.
Sitting up a little, he scowls at Denji. ]
I didn’t switch sides, you idiot. I didn’t ever have a side.
[ Rubbing his face, he pushes Denji back a little. He can’t really get out of the bath with him being shouted at, but he’ll have to deal with this. It’s not like he can go anywhere else or do anything else, because he knows Denji would just follow him around. ]
[ and denji didn't budge, not even an inch— he kept staring the other down, almost in a condescending manner from this perspective and it got even worse when his features twisted into genuine annoyance. this is a tasteless joke, even for someone as crude as denji. this is turning into a bizarre day.
alright, but this is aki. the guy can be many things but he's not a flat-out liar or someone who would openly ridicule his friend's intelligence to this extent. yet, he's dropping a really big confession all of a sudden— one that makes no fucking sense to denji at all. so, yes, he's annoyed. ]
... really?
[ oh, they're actually doing this right now. the echo between the bathroom walls is making this conversation even more unserious. ]
How can someone love dick and peaches at the same time?!
[ This really isn’t the place for this kind of conversation, and Aki is getting more and more annoyed. He’s totally vulnerable here, naked and stared down. He doesn’t really think that Denji would do anything to really push him over the edge, and he scowls a little harder.
This isn’t where he’d have this kind of conversation - he wouldn’t have one at all if he could choose - and he motions to the towel hanging nearby. At least then he can get out and away from the rapidly cooling water.
[ denji's expression fell flat, going silent— and he settles with that instead of arguing back and forth. he doesn't believe this at all and aki isn't really having the best time elaborating on it either; so this might end with no resolution on either side. he doesn't understand why his friend is not respecting him enough to be honest.
he reached for the towel, tossing it towards the other's face— it's up to aki to catch it or not. ]
You're such a weird liar...
[ aki might need to take a few lessons from megumi when it comes to educating someone like this guy; use a calm tone and simple words. comparing sexuality preferences to food is not the best method. ]
You were so thirsty for Makima for no reason. [ a blink- ] ... Were you trying to fight the 'gay urges'?
[ There's no point raising his voice, it seems - Aki reaches out, grabbing the towel, and gives Denji a quick motion to tell him to turn around before he steps out and wraps the towel around his waist. A shift of his foot has the plug being pulled out, and then he's huffing a little noise, stepping out.
A good, peaceful bath, completely ruined by Denji having the social skills of an ant. He's usually got the determination to be a little more gentle with it these days, but right now he's irritated, and the mention of Makima just makes him feel sick. ]
I liked Makima because she was a beautiful woman. I don't like her any more.
[ How can he, when the thought of her makes his heart riot in his chest, makes his stomach twist, makes him remember -
He swallows, rubbing his face. ]
It's called being bisexual, Denji. People can be attracted to men and women, and that's what I am.
[ This is too much, and he tries to step around Denji, to head out and get dressed. ]
I'm not fighting gay urges or anything else. I just like both.
[ denji sighed— maybe he shouldn't have brought makima's name into their new home, but it slipped out of him before he could bite it back. of course it is an uncomfortable conversation, so he didn't touch on it further; happy to dismiss it. even when a part of him wondered if aki should know about the control devil now ... and her new relationship with denji.
he's still skeptical about this whole 'bisexual' affair, but if he learned anything from megumi's explanation— it's not something one can control. so if aki is into both genders, he should accept him the way he is. he watched as the other man walked out of the bathroom, and it was now safe for denji to whisper under his breath 'what the fuck?'.
hey, he's not being disrespectful if he's doing it in private. this is still too much for his heterosexual brain. he then called out for the other in a bratty tone. ]
You fucking suck at this.
[ -explaning shit, that is. denji stays where he is, sulking for a bit before an idea came to mind. that's when he hurried over to his bedroom, digging around for his 'smart glasses'. ]
[ He's aggravated, if only because he is actually trying and it isn't coming across very well. It doesn't help that the reminder of Makima makes something tight and painful choke him, his eyes prickling a little. He hasn't thought about her since the future devil arrived and took his eye again, and maybe it hasn't been that long, but... It's still painful.
Aki doesn't quite storm away, but he does pull the towel around his hips and go to the safety of his room to try and tug some clothes on. Even if Denji is chasing after him with his bitchiness, at least he can handle it with some kind of armour on his shoulders, even in a metaphorical sense.
He sighs. ]
The glasses don't make you -
[ Shaking his head, he steps out and motions to the kitchen. ]
[ all aki will hear is the rapid footsteps of a certain blond running towards the kitchen, which is something he is probably used to since he started living with denji and power: the late zoomies of them running around. every night is a long battle to get them to bed, and that routine is slowly creeping its way back into their lives in this village.
he finds those stolen glasses, half-smirking to himself as he puts them on, hands on his hips in a superhero pose. it's true; it didn't make him smarter, but if this silly thing made denji happy, aki should humor him. it's one of those small things that uplift the lingering gloom in his heart. ]
It's time to do some research. [ a pause. ] To the library!!
[ is the library even open at this late hour? who knows? there is one way to find out. ]
He's not really mad at Denji - he really is rarely ever seriously mad - but there is a little bit of frustration about it. He has tried to make the best explanation that he could, and the idea of it not working or sitting well on Denji's shoulders makes him just a little annoyed. He'll get over it sooner rather than later: he would so much rather have this than an empty house.
The idea of being here without Denji is an impossibility. It hurts to even think of the two of them not being together now, especially with all that had happened to them.
Following after Denji, hair hanging down, he leans against the doorframe. ]
[ otherwise, denji would've walked out without making a big scene with his dumb glasses. glancing at the other, aki looks like he was already ready for a cozy night in — perhaps dragging him out is not the best idea now. that's when denji removed his glasses, he then proceeds with that mildly disappointed expression of his, lowering his shoulders; almost pouting.
now, he could complain and further ruin aki's night, or give the guy a breather because he's been through so much already. it was a tricky situation because denji knew that treating his friend as if he were fragile might put a strain on their relationship, but harassing him isn't helpful either.
when in doubt, just be honest. ]
I guess it's too late for a quick run, but will you come with me tomorrow morning? I want us to do this together.
[ he is still oblivious to the other's frustrations about explaining his sexuality, and while denji is not purposely dismissing him— he truly doesn't get it either. ]
[ It's not as if Aki cares particularly. If it means he can point Denji in the right direction and get this dealt with faster he'll allow it. Lifting a hand, he pushes his hair from his face and offers a soft little sigh, moving forward to lean in and look at him with the glasses.
Does he really think that makes him smarter?
Stepping over, he lifts his hand and ruffles Denji's hair gently, expression settling into something almost fond instead. There's no drama to it, it's just a fond touch, patting with a few little tugs on the blond strands before he leans back.
Simple affection. Isn't that nice enough? He's trying not to think too hard about Denji possibly having his own gay crisis or whatever is going on here. ]
You're getting better at reading, aren't you? I'll help you with any words you don't know.
[ even though a part of him was expecting aki to snatch those glasses and get rid of them, yet denji made no effort to retaliate. it's inevitable; like the many things he and power brought home, only to wake up with them 'missing' and no explanation given. his precious glasses might face the same fate. ]
Please don't throw them away ...
[ he whines just in time to feel the weight of aki's hand on his head, followed by a gentle brush of his fingers through his hair. he exhales a huff, lips curling up a bit in an easy smile. they are both comfortable in this subtle display of affection, and there's beauty in that. one denji didn't understand yet, but he will one day. eventually, it will make sense—
-why aki's touch is always welcomed. ]
Megumi-sensei really helped. And I worked hard, too. [ praise him. ] Also ... even though I don't really understand it yet, your sexuality, I do believe you.
[ Aki lets his hand linger for a moment, gently brushing the hair through his fingers before they drop away. He can't really say out loud how happy he is to be back here with Denji, the contentment he feels at the knowledge that his younger charge is okay, alive, taking care of himself, surviving... Given what happened to him.
The beach. Makima's hand. The Angel Devil, drawing a weapon. And Aki, staring at her with the knowledge there was nothing he could do but give in -
He shakes his head, letting his hand drop, down and away. ]
I'm not going to throw them away. Just tidy them up safely, okay?
[ Shifting closer, he nudges Denji gently. ]
Thank you, Denji. And... I'm glad your studies are going well. I'm proud of you.
[ in a perfect world, denji should be happy that they are reunited and somehow coexisting like before— in a perfect world, this should be their good end. however, that's not how traumas work. the anxiety will find its way through their daily lives, reminding them of the inevitable. the pressing reality is that one day he will have to say goodbye to aki all over again.
those thoughts only come to haunt him when he's alone with no distractions around, so for now? he's fine. he's 'happy' and all smiles, unaware of what will wait for him later tonight; an old friend coming in to visit again.
aki didn't know about the nightmares yet ...
"'I'm proud of you"—
ah, he can't remember if anyone has said that to him. ever. it made denji feel a certain way that he could not articulate. verbally, at least. that's when he leans over and gives the other man a warm embrace, resting his chin on aki's shoulder and closing his eyes. silence follows and they stay where they are for a bit; denji gently breathes in and out. ]
[ It's weird, because once upon a time he's sure Denji would've shoved him away and made some kind of comment, but things are different now. This isn't who they were when they first met, kicking each other and fighting for the attention of someone who doesn't deserve it. Aki has one person that he has to focus on here, one person that he wants to focus on, and that's Denji. His attention can't be diverted easily.
Shifting his weight, he hesitates for a moment, not sure if he should dare, but... ]
Yeah. It's okay.
[ His arms sink around Denji, holding him carefully, lifting one hand to settle in the weight of the hair at the back of Denji's neck. It's comfortable there, and he can offer a little added tenderness, a little more security, a gentle, soft messing of hair.
He tilts his head, nudging them together.
It's nice.
It feels like home, for the first time. He's found his way home.
[ fucking hell; he didn't want to cry, but he can feel it coming. it's just— he's tired. he's so fucking tired. after aki's death, denji had to deal with losing power, killing makima, and then being forced to take care of the reincarnation of the same devil that took everything away from him. he was forced to show her kindness, love, and reassurance despite not processing his own grief. denji wanted to make sure she got the life he was deprived of, determined to do whatever so he could save enough money to send her to college and offer nayuta the education he never had growing up— maybe even love her truly with all his heart.
it's not easy, and yet he still yearned to have something for himself; to be happy. it's been hard. every day is hard, so to hear someone finally say to him "I'm proud of you" is painfully bittersweet.
he sighed, his breath a bit shaky but his tone came out gruff and almost stoic. ]
... You always make me feel mushy. Seriously, I don't think it's normal.
[ it's an attempt to lighten the mood while being dead serious as well. denji didn't understand why it was always aki that got to him. he sniffled, wiping his nose clean with the hem of his sleeve. ]
[ Aki doesn't look down at him - he's sure that if he did he'd see Denji being emotional, and if he knows his friend like he thinks he does then that's the last thing that he wants. It's better for them both if they're able to be a little more careful around that kind of thing, at least until they're settled, until some of the weight can be eased and tucked away.
His fingers still stroke through Denji's hair gently, though, soothing. It's a habit he can't break.
Huffing a little, he fights back his laugh. ]
That's not a bad thing, moron. It means we care about each other.
[ they can care for each other without the salty tears, denji thinks inwardly. regardless— he keeps it to himself, allowing a few more fleeting moments of being soothed by the other before he pulled away; slowly letting go of their shared warmth.
aki is mistaken about something, though— denji is not timid with his emotions, whatever they may be. there was no inkling of shame as he stood there, wiping the few tears with the back of his fingers; wearing his heart on his sleeves. he's just tired. whatever he's feeling is heavy and draining— and he sighs, hunching forward.
[ It's a little more difficult to step away from Denji than it has been in the past. Aki doesn't want him to go too far away, frightened of what will happen to them if they're too far apart, if someone tries to separate them... But maybe it'll be okay. Denji is stronger now: he probably doesn't even need him, really.
That's a thought he doesn't want to cling to for too long, and he steps back, brushing his hair out of his face. Maybe he should go and find something to tie it back with before they go out...
Or not. It's not as if anyone is going to care, even if they do recognise them. ]
[ before aki starts lecturing him about being underage like it actually matters— denji motions for him to calm down and then adds in a tired tone- ]
Don't worry, I'll get myself some apple juice. You can grab a beer and we can walk around the lake. Clear our fucking heads. Sounds good?
[ it's a little too late for anything else, and the only source of entertainment is either eating out or creating your own adventure. perhaps they should keep it simple tonight; aki can have a drink/a smoke, and denji will just be happy to leave the house for a bit. they're not really dressed for a proper outing, but who gives a fuck really? they can do whatever they want.
he reached over to tug on aki's sleeve, pulling him along towards the door— ] Come on.
[ For someone who grew up so beyond a normal society, Denji is... Surprisingly conscious about law. ]
That's a good idea.
[ He's not going to do anything like Himeno might do in this situation and get ridiculously drunk, but one beer sounds like it might be enough to let go of that last little bit of tension. He goes and gets a pair of socks so he can toe into his shoes, feeling a little weird to be so dressed down.
It's not like it matters. It's just him and Denji.
Denji is back at his side, tugging at his sleeve, and Aki rolls his eyes before he turns his hand to grab hold of Denji's, slotting their fingers together quickly and walking forward. ]
Come on, then, before it gets too dark.
[ It's easy to lead them out that way, holding hands as if it's not a big deal at all. ]
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All good things come to an end
Scowling, he’s about to shout at Denji when the question comes tumbling out, and then he’s staring with an open mouth, as if he wants to get out and knock some sense into him. ]
What the fuck are you talking about? Get out!
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[ he holds his phone up to the other's face, not that it shows anything specific, but it's a clear hint denji is referring to the brief exchange with a certain white-haired man. it's unlike aki to lie about something like this, or speak of it lightly, so if it's true— then he should be honest about it.
he takes in a breath, shoving the phone back into his pocket as if he proved a point. with both hands on his hips, denji raised an eyebrow and rolled his eyes to the side. ]
Fucking hell. You're going through it, huh? Being sad made you switch sides so fast. This is getting really serious ...
[ how is he supposed to help aki now? this is turning into mission impossible. ]
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[ Aki looks over the conversation again and sighs, shaking his head. He should’ve known that this would come and bite him in the ass, but he didn’t think it would be this soon. There goes his peaceful, enjoyable bath, and he shifts a little as he makes himself a little more comfortable.
Sitting up a little, he scowls at Denji. ]
I didn’t switch sides, you idiot. I didn’t ever have a side.
[ Rubbing his face, he pushes Denji back a little. He can’t really get out of the bath with him being shouted at, but he’ll have to deal with this. It’s not like he can go anywhere else or do anything else, because he knows Denji would just follow him around. ]
I’ve always liked men and women.
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alright, but this is aki. the guy can be many things but he's not a flat-out liar or someone who would openly ridicule his friend's intelligence to this extent. yet, he's dropping a really big confession all of a sudden— one that makes no fucking sense to denji at all. so, yes, he's annoyed. ]
... really?
[ oh, they're actually doing this right now. the echo between the bathroom walls is making this conversation even more unserious. ]
How can someone love dick and peaches at the same time?!
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This isn’t where he’d have this kind of conversation - he wouldn’t have one at all if he could choose - and he motions to the towel hanging nearby. At least then he can get out and away from the rapidly cooling water.
Give him a towel. ]
Yes, really!
[ Moron, idiot- he’s clearly unhappy. ]
The same way you can like pudding and chocolate!
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he reached for the towel, tossing it towards the other's face— it's up to aki to catch it or not. ]
You're such a weird liar...
[ aki might need to take a few lessons from megumi when it comes to educating someone like this guy; use a calm tone and simple words. comparing sexuality preferences to food is not the best method. ]
You were so thirsty for Makima for no reason. [ a blink- ] ... Were you trying to fight the 'gay urges'?
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[ There's no point raising his voice, it seems - Aki reaches out, grabbing the towel, and gives Denji a quick motion to tell him to turn around before he steps out and wraps the towel around his waist. A shift of his foot has the plug being pulled out, and then he's huffing a little noise, stepping out.
A good, peaceful bath, completely ruined by Denji having the social skills of an ant. He's usually got the determination to be a little more gentle with it these days, but right now he's irritated, and the mention of Makima just makes him feel sick. ]
I liked Makima because she was a beautiful woman. I don't like her any more.
[ How can he, when the thought of her makes his heart riot in his chest, makes his stomach twist, makes him remember -
He swallows, rubbing his face. ]
It's called being bisexual, Denji. People can be attracted to men and women, and that's what I am.
[ This is too much, and he tries to step around Denji, to head out and get dressed. ]
I'm not fighting gay urges or anything else. I just like both.
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he's still skeptical about this whole 'bisexual' affair, but if he learned anything from megumi's explanation— it's not something one can control. so if aki is into both genders, he should accept him the way he is. he watched as the other man walked out of the bathroom, and it was now safe for denji to whisper under his breath 'what the fuck?'.
hey, he's not being disrespectful if he's doing it in private. this is still too much for his heterosexual brain. he then called out for the other in a bratty tone. ]
You fucking suck at this.
[ -explaning shit, that is. denji stays where he is, sulking for a bit before an idea came to mind. that's when he hurried over to his bedroom, digging around for his 'smart glasses'. ]
Yo, where are my glasses?
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[ He's aggravated, if only because he is actually trying and it isn't coming across very well. It doesn't help that the reminder of Makima makes something tight and painful choke him, his eyes prickling a little. He hasn't thought about her since the future devil arrived and took his eye again, and maybe it hasn't been that long, but... It's still painful.
Aki doesn't quite storm away, but he does pull the towel around his hips and go to the safety of his room to try and tug some clothes on. Even if Denji is chasing after him with his bitchiness, at least he can handle it with some kind of armour on his shoulders, even in a metaphorical sense.
He sighs. ]
The glasses don't make you -
[ Shaking his head, he steps out and motions to the kitchen. ]
You left them near the sink, if I remember right.
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[ all aki will hear is the rapid footsteps of a certain blond running towards the kitchen, which is something he is probably used to since he started living with denji and power: the late zoomies of them running around. every night is a long battle to get them to bed, and that routine is slowly creeping its way back into their lives in this village.
he finds those stolen glasses, half-smirking to himself as he puts them on, hands on his hips in a superhero pose. it's true; it didn't make him smarter, but if this silly thing made denji happy, aki should humor him. it's one of those small things that uplift the lingering gloom in his heart. ]
It's time to do some research. [ a pause. ] To the library!!
[ is the library even open at this late hour? who knows? there is one way to find out. ]
I'll find an answer that will satisfy my noggin.
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He's not really mad at Denji - he really is rarely ever seriously mad - but there is a little bit of frustration about it. He has tried to make the best explanation that he could, and the idea of it not working or sitting well on Denji's shoulders makes him just a little annoyed. He'll get over it sooner rather than later: he would so much rather have this than an empty house.
The idea of being here without Denji is an impossibility. It hurts to even think of the two of them not being together now, especially with all that had happened to them.
Following after Denji, hair hanging down, he leans against the doorframe. ]
Will you come back and tell me what you find out?
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[ otherwise, denji would've walked out without making a big scene with his dumb glasses. glancing at the other, aki looks like he was already ready for a cozy night in — perhaps dragging him out is not the best idea now. that's when denji removed his glasses, he then proceeds with that mildly disappointed expression of his, lowering his shoulders; almost pouting.
now, he could complain and further ruin aki's night, or give the guy a breather because he's been through so much already. it was a tricky situation because denji knew that treating his friend as if he were fragile might put a strain on their relationship, but harassing him isn't helpful either.
when in doubt, just be honest. ]
I guess it's too late for a quick run, but will you come with me tomorrow morning? I want us to do this together.
[ he is still oblivious to the other's frustrations about explaining his sexuality, and while denji is not purposely dismissing him— he truly doesn't get it either. ]
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[ It's not as if Aki cares particularly. If it means he can point Denji in the right direction and get this dealt with faster he'll allow it. Lifting a hand, he pushes his hair from his face and offers a soft little sigh, moving forward to lean in and look at him with the glasses.
Does he really think that makes him smarter?
Stepping over, he lifts his hand and ruffles Denji's hair gently, expression settling into something almost fond instead. There's no drama to it, it's just a fond touch, patting with a few little tugs on the blond strands before he leans back.
Simple affection. Isn't that nice enough? He's trying not to think too hard about Denji possibly having his own gay crisis or whatever is going on here. ]
You're getting better at reading, aren't you? I'll help you with any words you don't know.
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Please don't throw them away ...
[ he whines just in time to feel the weight of aki's hand on his head, followed by a gentle brush of his fingers through his hair. he exhales a huff, lips curling up a bit in an easy smile. they are both comfortable in this subtle display of affection, and there's beauty in that. one denji didn't understand yet, but he will one day. eventually, it will make sense—
-why aki's touch is always welcomed. ]
Megumi-sensei really helped. And I worked hard, too. [ praise him. ] Also ... even though I don't really understand it yet, your sexuality, I do believe you.
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The beach. Makima's hand. The Angel Devil, drawing a weapon. And Aki, staring at her with the knowledge there was nothing he could do but give in -
He shakes his head, letting his hand drop, down and away. ]
I'm not going to throw them away. Just tidy them up safely, okay?
[ Shifting closer, he nudges Denji gently. ]
Thank you, Denji. And... I'm glad your studies are going well. I'm proud of you.
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those thoughts only come to haunt him when he's alone with no distractions around, so for now? he's fine. he's 'happy' and all smiles, unaware of what will wait for him later tonight; an old friend coming in to visit again.
aki didn't know about the nightmares yet ...
"'I'm proud of you"—
ah, he can't remember if anyone has said that to him. ever. it made denji feel a certain way that he could not articulate. verbally, at least. that's when he leans over and gives the other man a warm embrace, resting his chin on aki's shoulder and closing his eyes. silence follows and they stay where they are for a bit; denji gently breathes in and out. ]
Thanks ...
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Shifting his weight, he hesitates for a moment, not sure if he should dare, but... ]
Yeah. It's okay.
[ His arms sink around Denji, holding him carefully, lifting one hand to settle in the weight of the hair at the back of Denji's neck. It's comfortable there, and he can offer a little added tenderness, a little more security, a gentle, soft messing of hair.
He tilts his head, nudging them together.
It's nice.
It feels like home, for the first time. He's found his way home.
A little choked up, he hums softly. ]
Thanks, Denji.
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it's not easy, and yet he still yearned to have something for himself; to be happy. it's been hard. every day is hard, so to hear someone finally say to him "I'm proud of you" is painfully bittersweet.
he sighed, his breath a bit shaky but his tone came out gruff and almost stoic. ]
... You always make me feel mushy. Seriously, I don't think it's normal.
[ it's an attempt to lighten the mood while being dead serious as well. denji didn't understand why it was always aki that got to him. he sniffled, wiping his nose clean with the hem of his sleeve. ]
We should do something fun ...
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His fingers still stroke through Denji's hair gently, though, soothing. It's a habit he can't break.
Huffing a little, he fights back his laugh. ]
That's not a bad thing, moron. It means we care about each other.
[ He glances down, wrinkling his nose. ]
Get a tissue, then we can figure something out.
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aki is mistaken about something, though— denji is not timid with his emotions, whatever they may be. there was no inkling of shame as he stood there, wiping the few tears with the back of his fingers; wearing his heart on his sleeves. he's just tired. whatever he's feeling is heavy and draining— and he sighs, hunching forward.
right. fun things to do. ]
... Let's just go for a walk.
[ leaving the house might do them good ... ]
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That's a thought he doesn't want to cling to for too long, and he steps back, brushing his hair out of his face. Maybe he should go and find something to tie it back with before they go out...
Or not. It's not as if anyone is going to care, even if they do recognise them. ]
We could walk around the lake if you want.
[ A bit of fresh, cool air. It'd be nice. ]
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[ before aki starts lecturing him about being underage like it actually matters— denji motions for him to calm down and then adds in a tired tone- ]
Don't worry, I'll get myself some apple juice. You can grab a beer and we can walk around the lake. Clear our fucking heads. Sounds good?
[ it's a little too late for anything else, and the only source of entertainment is either eating out or creating your own adventure. perhaps they should keep it simple tonight; aki can have a drink/a smoke, and denji will just be happy to leave the house for a bit. they're not really dressed for a proper outing, but who gives a fuck really? they can do whatever they want.
he reached over to tug on aki's sleeve, pulling him along towards the door— ] Come on.
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That's a good idea.
[ He's not going to do anything like Himeno might do in this situation and get ridiculously drunk, but one beer sounds like it might be enough to let go of that last little bit of tension. He goes and gets a pair of socks so he can toe into his shoes, feeling a little weird to be so dressed down.
It's not like it matters. It's just him and Denji.
Denji is back at his side, tugging at his sleeve, and Aki rolls his eyes before he turns his hand to grab hold of Denji's, slotting their fingers together quickly and walking forward. ]
Come on, then, before it gets too dark.
[ It's easy to lead them out that way, holding hands as if it's not a big deal at all. ]