In the past, his harsh words would have hurt him like the bite of a dog. Akira would have flinched back and tensed up, trying to bear the burden of Akechi’s feeling, of his hatred, of his anger, of the loneliness that lay hidden under his words and the envy he held towards Joker.
But Akira had grown numb to the words, to their bite. He had grown numb to the pain of losing Akechi over and over, only to have fate bring him back to him again so that it could cruelly take him away again.
I do not believe in fate - not anymore. I don’t care about fate, I don’t care about someone else deciding my life for me. I will take matters in my own hands and create my own story.
He had become bitter, that much Akira had to admit. He was, of course, still the same boy he had been a few months ago. He loved his friends and cared for them deeply, and he despised adults who abused their standings. He wanted to bring change to the world, to make the world a better place.
But he was done with leaning back and waiting for things to happen on its own. He had done that, and what had it brought him? He had lost Akechi twice. Had lost him before he had been able to help him. He had been sure that, after the second time, things were over. For good.
But once again, the Detective Prince had returned.
The BITTERNESS & ANGER toward the word fate could be heard and felt in the raven's tone of voice, and it was written all over Kurusu's face.
And Akechi couldn't help the SMIRK that split across his face. If it did spread anymore than it had, the expresison would've been on the verge of appearing INSANE, only just avoiding doing so. The brunette leaned back in the seat, crossing one leg over the other, and his hands clapsed together, resting upon his lap, Akechi's signature briefcase sitting on the floor next to him.
❝ The look of ANGER always did suit you better, even if it IS unbecoming of your nature. You speak as if I had a CHOICE in the matter, although I DID make the voluntary decision to go ahead with DESTROYING Maruki's little altered reality he'd conjured.❞
He could still recall the look of PAIN that Kurusu had given him when they were making the final decision, as well, after the doctor had so KINDLY given them one last chance to back down.
❝ Still, I don't regret my choice, seems I didn't meet my END after all. Another ploy of Maruki's to encourage us both to try and accept his reality. I've no doubt in my mind that's what his game was. Given that I'm sitting here before you now, with reality returned to what it SHOULD be.❞
'Will you stay this time?'; the question made the brunette SCOFF.
❝ I'm sitting here, aren't I? I could always HIT you to prove it if you think you're dreaming.❞