[Akechi watches with the same singular fixed gaze Akira now has on him. Had. Has never lacked in this entire discussion.

Is that

what

he wants?

More than anything. More than ever.

An enemy only two walls away. One one train ride away. Only one Metaverse overlap away.

A person that allowed Akechi in his world, once. Gave opportunities for Akechi to kill him with a turned back, cups of coffee pushed into his hand, insight into his life beyond his criminal enterprise.

It's his turn to repay the favor.]

I want you to stay. We're allies, aren't we? Friends, perhaps? Though I would hate to put words in your mouth.

[In the coming days, Akechi will turn his back to a once 'friend.' Press cups of coffee into Akira's hand. Wait for the night Joker slinks in through an unlocked door to press a barrel against Akechi's skull as revenge. As retaliation. As a rival. He wants it more than ever. Missed it, more than anything.

He holds out a hand - gloved, pristine. He wants to feel Akira - alive, so alive, completely alive. Warm and alive. Breathing and alive Akira.]

It sounds like we've come to an agreement. Let's shake on it. It's customary to do so and I find the symbolism of it important.