[ Akira isn't able to reply for a long moment. He just -- sags against Akechi, a little, holding him tight enough that it seems almost like he's afraid to let go. He's already in this all too deep.

If Maruki asked him right now, Akira is afraid he'd say "yes". ]

...can you promise me something? [ He knows it doesn't mean anything. Knows that any promises Akechi makes to him in this reality can't possibly be held up, but -- even so -- ]

That no matter what happens, you'll -- still need me? You'll let me take care of you?