[He keeps his eyes closed, even as his death-grip on Ren's back slowly relaxes into something more like a proper hug. Ren's not pulling away. Ren doesn't want him to leave. Akechi's still not completely certain if he wants to stay, but Ren had asked him to. Ren deserves that much, at least.

Ah, but there is something he needs to make indisputably clear. His voice is low and soft, just enough to reach Ren's ears without going much further.]

I would do it again, [he says, exhaling against Ren's shoulder as he finally puts something into words that he's been thinking for a long, long time.] You understand this, correct? I will always come back to you if it's within my power to do so, but I will not shy away from the possibility of death if it means you would survive.