[Maruki's hands are warm, searing and soothing all at once.]

You're not. [He shakes his head, voice small and soft.] You're not, but you will be. It's going to be okay.

[In any other scenario, they would be words he wouldn't say unless he had full confidence he couldn't deliver that promise. Here, where he does not even have the power to control who comes and who goes, it's something he would take more care in saying so it doesn't become something shallow.

But he's seen Maruki's future. He knows he will hurt like this again, break apart and shatter amongst the stars, and at the end of it all he will be able to smile in the little slice of peace that he carves out for himself. Maruki will be okay, because he's seen the other side of this.

And if Akira shot a god to save a world before, he'll tear down the sky of another to make sure that "future" comes to pass. Whatever the cost.]

You don't need to apologize. [His back bows and shakes with the ache of that weight.] I'm the one who should be, when...

[I'm sorry if it's my fault that you're here.

I'm sorry I made you feel this, even if I know you need it.

I'm sorry that I'm too powerless to take away this pain for you right now.

Akira shakes his head, because he can't say any of that.]

I know it's hard. I know this hurts. [His hands wiggle under Maruki's, but not to break free. His thumbs squeeze between the spaces of his fingers, hook over Maruki's hand. Holding on, though he doesn't know whose sake it's for.] Take all the time you need. Say whatever you need to say. But...

[Akira waits enough to make sure he's caught his eye and he won't look away. His eyes are bright, somehow still dry, but it's only his own aversion to crying in front of someone that keeps it that way.]

I will not let this pain be in vain, Maruki. I promise you.

[I'll fight to see that tomorrow, so I can find out if we'll meet again.]