[Yusuke's sprawled across his bed with his back to the door, eyes closed even though he's not sleeping. The knock makes him think it might be Sora or Nico, so when he sits up he's briefly startled by Akira. Surprise quickly changes to averted eyes and a somewhat huddled, protective posture, the artist's voice soft and hollow.]
[Yusuke doesn't move for several seconds, not looking up at Akira. They're both in a raw state, words will probably only make things worse. His Akira or not, Yusuke hates that he can't do anything to help the other boy.
[For the way Akira's life went. For not being able to face him after finding out they came from different worlds. For failing to protect him from the sight of Goro's body.]
There's a lot that I've been wanting to say to you, and I know that there hasn't really been a "right time" nor a "right place" for anything we need to discuss. But, I know that I might not have much time left...
If someone has to die, though, I'd rather it be me. I know I can trust you and Akira to fight on, without me. You're both strong - stronger than even you two possibly realize, right now. You're both hurting, and you've both been through so much.
You don't deserve this game... Not even a little bit of what's happening within it. I'm so sorry that I can't do more to help you, but I know you'll find your strength.
I've seen Yusuke Kitagawa rise above many things. While you are not the one I came to know as my best friend, as well as someone I [ the pen was clearly held here for a while, as the ink is very dark ] love, you are still a wonderfully flawed individual whose determination and strength knows no bounds.
You're hurting now, yes, but pain is not a measurement of weakness.
It isn't about the mistakes, Yusuke. It's about how we rise again after making them. It's about protecting what's left - even if all that's left is what we believe in.
If this is the last I'm able to say to you, then I ask that you please keep fighting, no matter what happens.
[Yusuke reads it twice because it doesn't feel entirely real the first time. By the end of the second attempt, he's tearing up again. He's no fool, he notices where the ink darkened on that one word and what came after it, and even his normal obliviousness doesn't hold in the face of a blatant admission.
How much had Goro been hurting to be around him? Far more than he'd even shown, surely. Guilt squeezes tighter around Yusuke's heart, and he quickly sets the letter aside before his tears can smudge the ink.]
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timeasmymeasure
FRIDAY
Date: 2019-08-31 12:27 am (UTC)...
There's... a knock on the door before he comes in.]
no subject
Date: 2019-08-31 12:33 am (UTC)... if you wish for me to leave, I will.
no subject
Date: 2019-08-31 12:49 am (UTC)Before he slowly makes his way over to the other teenager.
His voice has a similar hollowness to it.]
I have something for you. From Akechi.
no subject
Date: 2019-08-31 12:57 am (UTC)Finally he reaches out a hand.]
no subject
Date: 2019-08-31 01:08 am (UTC)Gently, he slides the letter into his hand.]
...
[He turns around. His voice is quiet.]
Sorry... about earlier.
[Annnd he's going to start.. moving for the front door?]
no subject
Date: 2019-08-31 01:14 am (UTC)[For the way Akira's life went. For not being able to face him after finding out they came from different worlds. For failing to protect him from the sight of Goro's body.]
I don't wish to be your enemy, Akira.
no subject
Date: 2019-08-31 01:21 am (UTC)You're not.
[...]
I'll talk to you later.
[And then he'll leave, gently closing the door behind him.]
no subject
Date: 2019-08-31 01:26 am (UTC)Eventually he sighs and unfolds the letter to read it.]
no subject
Date: 2019-08-31 02:10 am (UTC)There's a lot that I've been wanting to say to you, and I know that there hasn't really been a "right time" nor a "right place" for anything we need to discuss. But, I know that I might not have much time left...
If someone has to die, though, I'd rather it be me. I know I can trust you and Akira to fight on, without me. You're both strong - stronger than even you two possibly realize, right now. You're both hurting, and you've both been through so much.
You don't deserve this game... Not even a little bit of what's happening within it. I'm so sorry that I can't do more to help you, but I know you'll find your strength.
I've seen Yusuke Kitagawa rise above many things. While you are not the one I came to know as my best friend, as well as someone I [ the pen was clearly held here for a while, as the ink is very dark ] love, you are still a wonderfully flawed individual whose determination and strength knows no bounds.
You're hurting now, yes, but pain is not a measurement of weakness.
It isn't about the mistakes, Yusuke. It's about how we rise again after making them. It's about protecting what's left - even if all that's left is what we believe in.
If this is the last I'm able to say to you, then I ask that you please keep fighting, no matter what happens.
-Goro Akechi, Joker, Cardinal
no subject
Date: 2019-08-31 09:52 am (UTC)How much had Goro been hurting to be around him? Far more than he'd even shown, surely. Guilt squeezes tighter around Yusuke's heart, and he quickly sets the letter aside before his tears can smudge the ink.]
... I'm so sorry, Goro....