[Akechi swallows hard as Ren speaks, mouth dry as he waits for the other's answer. This is quite literally the most important question of his life, after all, even letting Ren get the implication that he might be dead. His eyes stay on him, studying his face, his eyes, his body language, searching for any hint of deceit or that he might be wavering.

Maybe it's egotistical, to think that after Ren's friends were willing to give up their false realities and happy families to return to the real world, that Ren of all people would hesitate to do the same. And yet, inexplicably, it's probably because of Ren that Akechi's even here. He can't ever forget that.

So when he agrees, all of Akechi's breath leaves him in a weary sigh. Does Ren truly understand?]

Look me in the eye, [he says quietly, as seriously as he's ever said anything in his life.] And give me your word that no matter what happens, you'll change Maruki's heart. I'm done being manipulated.