[Reverie Inbox]

[survivaltricks]

[ leave a message!! text | voice | images | the bell ]

Comments

[messianic]

No... you don't have to apologize.

[ He still does not think it's fine, and he's not so sure about this coping mechanism, but--

What he can at least acknowledge is: ]

It will be. It will be fine--because it's you, and Echidna. and your bonds are undoubtedly so strong.

[survivaltricks]

[quiet for a long moment after that, eyes slipping shut as he sucks in a deep breath]

[. . .]

[he holds a hand out to Minato]

[messianic]

[ and quietly, immediately, Minato reaches out to take Akira's hand in his own, squeezing it gently. ]

[survivaltricks]

[. . . somehow, that grip is anchoring. . . it keeps Akira grounded to reality, and helps him believe that what he said is true. it's fine. . . it's going to be fine. he has to trust the rest of Echidna, despite not even knowing who they are-- it's something his past self asked of him, right?]

[. . .]

Thank you.

[quietly, but earnestly]

[messianic]

[ And Minato immediately shakes his head at that, squeezing Akira's hand back in return. ]

... You don't have anything to thank me for. Being here with you in moments like this... I want this just as much as when things are going well.

[ that's what it means to be what they are to each other, right? ]

I'd never be anywhere but here.

[survivaltricks]

[lets out a breathless laugh, raking a hand through his hair]

. . . can't believe I came here to make sure you were okay and wound up being comforted instead.

[messianic]

[ Just... quirks an eyebrow at that. ]

Being around you like this has comforted me too, so... don't think any of this was just one way, okay?

[survivaltricks]

. . . mmkay.

[no arguments from him on that one. he'll accept it for what it is]

[messianic]

[ Honestly? That's good enough for Minato.

He just takes a deep breath, and then lets it out. It's going to be okay. Everything... will be okay.

And then he reaches out to cup Akira's cheek with his free hand and leans in for a quiet and gentle kiss. ]

[survivaltricks]

[leans into that immediately, eyes fluttering, his own hands coming to rest at Minato's hips]

[messianic]

[ ... ]

Are you going to be okay, staying at Echidna? You can stay over at Cerberus if you want.

[survivaltricks]

[there's a moment's pause before he nods]

I'll be okay.

If there are going to be people there- [however weird that sounds!!] -- I should go see them.

[messianic]

... Okay.

[ He squeezes Akira's hand gently. ]

If you need anything... you know where to find me. Don't hesitate, okay?

[survivaltricks]

[his mouth twitches into a lopsided smile]

I won't.

[and that's something Minato can count on, all things considered]