Not Again! With Akira

[shortforever]

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[shortforever]

[Dazai is a garbage man so those opinions are both expected and valid.

Seeing that anger in Akira does make Chuuya think he might have spoken wrong, but he reminds himself that this is Akira he's talking too. Even at Chuuya's worst, after murdering someone, Akira didn't hate him. That is enough to get him to press on.]

But you know, nobody's ever said they'd protect me before. Even with Dazai, it's always been "let's watch each other's backs". You know, a 'benefit each other' kind of thing. And I don't got a mom or a dad, or any family really, so... you're the first. You're the first one to say I'm worth protecting, even if I'm not strong.

[He's the first to place worth on Chuuya regardless of strength or weakness. ]

[survivaltricks]

[it's definitely not Chuuya he's angry at, and some of that cold anger fades when Chuuya speaks again]

Yeah. . .?

[it's sad, in a way. . . that even with Dazai and Ayabe that no one has ever told Chuuya they cared about him like this before]

You don't have to be strong to be worth protecting. [. . .] You're my friend.

[regardless of the things Chuuya has done in the past]

And real friends don't need a reason to protect each other. No mutual benefit or prize or reward.

I just want you to be safe and happy.

[shortforever]

...Yeah. I think I'm starting to realize that now.

[It's a quiet admission, like letting out a breath he's been holding in.

He leans in, pressing his face against Akira's shoulder while he slips his arms around him in a hug. He's not really the type for intimate gestures like that, but the physical contact is reassuring after leaving his emotions bare like that.]

Thanks. For everything.

[survivaltricks]

[and Akira responds in kind, wrapping his arms around Chuuya's back to draw him close, to envelop him warmly]

I don't know. . . I feel like I should be thanking you.

[for just. . . you know. being there]

[shortforever]

For what? You're the one who's been supporting me here.

[Not that he wouldn't throw down for Akira, but it's not what they've been talking about. ]