[ There's no hesitation in Aki, of course there isn't - why would there be when it comes to Denji? This is one of the most important people in the world to him, and if this man asked him to do something... He might not even question it. He might not even second guess it. The weight of the world seems to be pressing on Denji's shoulders, though, and he feels an edge of uncertainty as he stops, holding onto a new shirt and turning his gaze back to the younger man.
Oh.
Well, it all makes a lot more sense now.
His arms drop to his side, going a little limp, and he sighs, one free hand - the metallic one - coming to rub at the frown between his eyes. If it happens to end up rubbing at the one where the Future Devil chose to rest, he can't be blamed for that. Stepping over, he puts the shirt down beside Denji and sits next to him on the bed, just... Listening. Taking it all in... And then his hand lifts up, stroking through Denji's hair as he tugs him close, drawing him against his body for another awkward embrace, one-armed this time.
So much guilt and pain between them... ]
So that's why you wanted me to stay away from Makima-san. I was starting to suspect something like that.
[ Turning, he rests his forehead against Denji's head as he breathes out, then in, and tries to find some words. ]
I already knew you were going to kill me, Denji. The Future Devil showed me it, because that's how that stupid curse worked. It wanted me to suffer, because that was the kind of future it liked best. I'm sorry that I never told you, but I really thought that there was something I could do about it before it happened.
[ His fingers stroke gently, and... Is he crying? It feels like he might be, the prickle of them on his face before he can hold them back. Huh. ]
I don't need you to protect me. I might like it, but I don't need it. I want you to protect yourself first. If we come up against something that's too much for me, I'll take a step back.
[ His hand reaches out and, if Denji will let him, he'll link their fingers. ]
I'm sorry for everything that happened to you, Denji. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you. I hope you can forgive me for leaving you alone.
[ If he had never gone to Makima... Would things have been different? It's hard not to blame himself. ]
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Oh.
Well, it all makes a lot more sense now.
His arms drop to his side, going a little limp, and he sighs, one free hand - the metallic one - coming to rub at the frown between his eyes. If it happens to end up rubbing at the one where the Future Devil chose to rest, he can't be blamed for that. Stepping over, he puts the shirt down beside Denji and sits next to him on the bed, just... Listening. Taking it all in... And then his hand lifts up, stroking through Denji's hair as he tugs him close, drawing him against his body for another awkward embrace, one-armed this time.
So much guilt and pain between them... ]
So that's why you wanted me to stay away from Makima-san. I was starting to suspect something like that.
[ Turning, he rests his forehead against Denji's head as he breathes out, then in, and tries to find some words. ]
I already knew you were going to kill me, Denji. The Future Devil showed me it, because that's how that stupid curse worked. It wanted me to suffer, because that was the kind of future it liked best. I'm sorry that I never told you, but I really thought that there was something I could do about it before it happened.
[ His fingers stroke gently, and... Is he crying? It feels like he might be, the prickle of them on his face before he can hold them back. Huh. ]
I don't need you to protect me. I might like it, but I don't need it. I want you to protect yourself first. If we come up against something that's too much for me, I'll take a step back.
[ His hand reaches out and, if Denji will let him, he'll link their fingers. ]
I'm sorry for everything that happened to you, Denji. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you. I hope you can forgive me for leaving you alone.
[ If he had never gone to Makima... Would things have been different? It's hard not to blame himself. ]