Aw thank you!
“Takizawa.”
He’s known she’d find him eventually. But he’s been too scared to face a conscious Akira.
“Seidou?”
“Akira.” He feels like he doesn’t deserve to say her name. “Why?”
“Look at me.”
Begrudgingly – because he can’t refuse her, no matter how much he fears – Seidou turns around.
She looks beautiful and strong again. Her hair flows down her shoulders.
And he, he’s decrepit and disfigured. His hair is white. His skin is mottled. His soul, should he have one, is worse.
Her eyes flash. “Seidou, what did they do to you?”
He jerks. “It doesn’t matter.”
“It matters to me.” Akira approaches him. “Seidou, you’re not a monster. You never have been. You were a pain in my ass at the academy, but i liked that. We pushed each other to do our best.”
“I wish we could go back,” admits Seidou, still unable to meet her eyes.
“We can resume where we left,” Akira says, stepping closer.
Her face is inches from his. He’s scared she will, scared she won’t – and then he’s the one kissing her.
She kisses back, even biting him ever so slightly.
“Akira,” he whispers.
“Seidou, don’t run away any more. We’re strong enough to face the world together. You’re not alone.” Akira tightens her hold on him.
“Can I?” Tears stream down his face as she removes his shirt, along with her own. “You’re so beautiful.”
“I still find you beautiful yourself.” Akira wipes his tears away. He pulls her onto him, because for once – fuck it. Fuck it. He’s going to make love to the woman he loves, even if he dies soon, even if he can’t be redeemed. Because in this moment, he’s whole.
Akira knows their relationship won’t cure Seidou. He’ll have to bear his scars until the end – but she’s determined the end is many years away. For now, she wants to give her all to the friend she lost and found again.