[ He takes another sip of his drink, slow and deliberate, and while one might be under the impression he's trying to build suspense on purpose, the truth is far from that. He has gone over the details in his head multiple times, rehearsed and played out different outcomes, but now that the moment of truth has come, he finds it that words are incredibly hard to come.

Akechi isn't good with apologies, and this is hardly a proper one. ]

I understand you don't wish to exact payback from me for what happened, but simply leaving matters as they are would not be just.

[ It's a little easier like this, to latch onto his usual rationale and his alleged penchant for justice, fake though it may be; it's familiar, something he's well versed in, and perhaps a bit of a crutch. But beneath that mask lies his real self, insecure, scared, and overpowered by the weight of worthlessness. Does he really even deserve this chance...? ]

I also understand you are... cautious around me. And while I only acted out of self defense, it isn't my place to invalidate your own experience. Your end of the bargain was certainly the harshest.

[ This much, he can admit openly, too. Being shot to death... he can only imagine what that feels like. He has only ever been on the other side of the deal. ]

From my perspective, what that means is that I need to make amends, while you need to find your trust in me again. And for that matter, there is only one conclusion I could come to.

[ Placing his cup on the counter and his hands on his lap again, he finally looks up, eyes seeking Akira's, open and resolute. ]

From now on, for every time this town throws danger our way, I will personally see to it that no harm will come upon you.