[he has to do something right while he's in this god forsaken place. he hasn't been able to protect anyone. not haru, not raven, not the people he voted for that lost their lives, not the people he didn't vote for who were innocent—

he feels like he's broken just about every creed he's lived by as a phantom thief.

he's already taken her heart—

can he at least protect that? can he at least do that much, when he can't promise that either of them will even live to see another trial? he has to try. the last couple of days, since raven's disappearance, that fire has been muted. moments of it sparking—mostly with magilou, but now? right now, akira feels that fire and that passion in his own heart. this is something he can do. this is something he needs to do.]

I won't let it break again. [his voice is quiet, but fiery, and his words are concise.

akira's hand slides up her back gently, not stopping until it rests cupping the back of her head. he's pulling her into his warmth, trying to give her the reassurance she deserves.]

It might fray or fracture, but it won't break.

[he'll follow his own heart, his own rebellion. fuck convention. fuck what's too much, or too fast, or too rash. he's always tried to live without regrets to protect the people in need.

right now, magilou is in need, to be sure.] If Laphicet wants to rebuild a world you have no place in—I'll build a spot for you in mine.

[because he can't let her go without a place to belong.

also just. jfc, akira.]