#sprite edits by seth and azuries

[still-breathing-au-p3r]

[continued from here]

Definitely not the most graceful way to change topics, but Akihiko’s fairly sure that eloquence would just serve as yet another obstacle between him and the things he needs to say. 

Shinji hums and leans his chin in his hand, looking perturbed.

It’s not exactly a clear picture, but Akihiko can’t blame Shinji for not knowing precisely how to describe something like that. He doesn’t think he’d be able to, either. Despite generally being taciturn by nature, Shinji’s always been better with words between the two of them; so if he’s struggling to find the right ones then Akihiko wouldn’t stand a chance.

That might have been everyone talking to him. If that’s the case, then Shinji hadn’t heard anything they’d said, at least not clearly…

Well. Except for Akihiko, apparently, if the smart remark from yesterday was anything to go by. He isn’t sure whether to be flattered or mortified. 

Or guilty. If he’d tried talking to Shinji sooner, would it have made a difference? He has no idea, and now he’ll never know.

He’s not sure how Shinji will react, but he deserves to know how much he’s cared for. Whether Shinji accepts it or not, or if even believes it, is a different story. But he’ll do everything in his power to try and get it through Shinji’s thick skull. Shinji might be as stubborn as a wild ass, but so is Akihiko.

Clearly Shinji doesn’t believe him at all. Well, it’s not like he really thought it would be that easy to convince him.