⌲ After the incident with the bomb girl Angel wondered just exactly what kind of person Aki was. Whatever the answer seemed to be he had sacrificed a portion of his life to save them – an immortal being who could once again revive, cursed with immortality. The loop of rebirth over and over being something that they carried, along with the struggle of their brain; thoughts of bitterness towards a power that they had never quite asked for.
Angel couldn’t help but look at their hand from time to time. Touch, a thing they had desensitized themselves to and a thing that seemed so unreachable had been there, the feeling of his arms keeping them from certain death that they were so ready to accept.
It was certain that what he had heard from others within public service was untrue – or at least had shifted. If Hayakawa Aki truly hated devils he wouldn’t have put his life at risk by saving one.
They were thankful, quietly opening up to him with every meal and every bit of company. In their own calm and silent way.
Angel gently nodded their head at the plate in front of them as a sign of appreciation. Reaching out for a pair of chopsticks, they glanced over towards the man, raising an eyebrow. “ I didn’t ask for your kindness either. “
Glancing back to the plate, they began to quietly eat, keeping their gaze on the food for a moment. “ You’re a good human. Maybe that is what you don’t exactly expect. “
Reaching out, Angel tapped his head with the clean edge of the chopstick, pulling back before gloved fingers reached for a napkin, tapping their lips. “ Selfless. That’s the word. “
he doesn’t really believe it. there were plenty of times that he had done things in the past that he’d be less than proud of today. so many devils that he held scorn for, that he hunted down like vicious prey. never mind anyone who questioned his younger self, they’d be disgusted with the type of man he turned out to be. look at him, saving fiends left and right. he even hosted them at home. they were his family. his heart had changed. he knew it the second that he saved angel. the moment that he was struck by pain in his chest at the thought of losing the devil who now meant something more than he ever expected.
there’s a soft smile that pops on his lips as he feels the light tap on his head. maybe it was okay to be ... trusting. he had found what he once lost in these fiends and he would protect it. slim fingers dig into his pockets to obtain his other lover, a menthol pack of cigarettes. one of the sticks grace his lips while his hands work on lighting it. ah, blissful mint glass invading his lungs. he could never forget the taste. bittersweet memories roll instantly into his mind. they’re quickly interrupted by his green eyes landing on angel.
❝ Maybe, you’re right. I wasn’t very pleased with working with any of you and now that’s the complete opposite of what I’d ever want. I’m going soft. ❞
he expresses that thought and slips. he has a moment of weakness. a free hand rises stretches out, brushing a strand of angel’s hair out of his face. within seconds, aki freezes and pulls back.
❝ Sorry. I... I guess I’m really settling into my role. ❞ as family? it almost hurt to say. but why? he wondered.