[ He's never heard Akira's voice quaver like that, even if only briefly. Never. In an instant, Maruki readies himself to launch into comfort, consolation–
This isn't your fault.
Not his Akira, no, but still Akira.
It hurts worse, somehow. Whatever has broken open inside his chest gets caught between mending itself back together and cracking further, cycling rapidly between them again and again. It hurts, and it heals, and–
Maruki smiles. It's small, but it's entirely genuine. ]
You really are a remarkable young man.
[ He draws a deep breath. Keeps himself from reaching out, keeps his hands firmly in his jacket pockets. Steady, assured. They can try to understand, together. But Maruki has to do the heavy lifting.
And he can. He will. He remembers all too well how society failed Akira, how adults who should have known better turned a blind eye or made things worse. He refuses to be another disappointment in a young life rife with them. He will be strong, because Akira is strong; they can prop each other up here, even as they relearn each other. ]
Alright. It will help if I explain this place to you first. But, ah...
[ Maruki glances back, sees where he had left all his things carelessly on the ground. Another steadying breath, then back to Akira. ]
It's best if we leave the garden. Walk and talk. I understand if you don't feel comfortable following me just yet, though... [ Maruki chews his lip, briefly, then smiles again. ] It's up to you.
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This isn't your fault.
Not his Akira, no, but still Akira.
It hurts worse, somehow. Whatever has broken open inside his chest gets caught between mending itself back together and cracking further, cycling rapidly between them again and again. It hurts, and it heals, and–
Maruki smiles. It's small, but it's entirely genuine. ]
You really are a remarkable young man.
[ He draws a deep breath. Keeps himself from reaching out, keeps his hands firmly in his jacket pockets. Steady, assured. They can try to understand, together. But Maruki has to do the heavy lifting.
And he can. He will. He remembers all too well how society failed Akira, how adults who should have known better turned a blind eye or made things worse. He refuses to be another disappointment in a young life rife with them. He will be strong, because Akira is strong; they can prop each other up here, even as they relearn each other. ]
Alright. It will help if I explain this place to you first. But, ah...
[ Maruki glances back, sees where he had left all his things carelessly on the ground. Another steadying breath, then back to Akira. ]
It's best if we leave the garden. Walk and talk. I understand if you don't feel comfortable following me just yet, though... [ Maruki chews his lip, briefly, then smiles again. ] It's up to you.