[He's silent in a way that is telling, because he knows better than to try and talk. His voice would waver, and Akira would worry, and he can't-- won't handle it. He's had enough near-misses, he's coasting on Akira having the knowledge he isn't okay but never quite expressing it fully. He hasn't relied on anyone since his mother, and he won't start now. He draws in a careful breath, holds it, exhales, and repeats the action a few times.]
[It's still obvious how close he came to crying outright because of how obnoxiously blotchy his skin gets, and he's not wearing foundation, but it's fine. It's fine because it's Akira, and his priority is staying, and calling him out on it or otherwise acknowledging his weakness would be the fastest way to be kicked out. He's a clever bastard, even if he isn't always smart.]
I can't promise staying is on the long-term agenda. [He speaks quietly, but evenly.]
no subject
[It's still obvious how close he came to crying outright because of how obnoxiously blotchy his skin gets, and he's not wearing foundation, but it's fine. It's fine because it's Akira, and his priority is staying, and calling him out on it or otherwise acknowledging his weakness would be the fastest way to be kicked out. He's a clever bastard, even if he isn't always smart.]
I can't promise staying is on the long-term agenda. [He speaks quietly, but evenly.]