Aki never meant to end up in this position; your hands in his hair with his eyes shut and letting out a groan of complaint whenever you stopped. Babysitting devils and fiends, managing Denji's recklessness and stopping Power from acting on her impulse decisions, it was enough to make even the stoic man crack.

Most days, he kept his walls up. Quiet, per-usual, all sharp edges and quiet glares, his patience stretching thinner than the cigarettes he chain-smoked on the balcony. But you knew him better than most. You worked alongside him under Makima's command and your presence steadied him just slightly. You knew when he was seconds from blowing up.

It wasn't unusual for you to stop by after missions, even if Denji and Power weren't home, you'd show up anyway and just say that you were just "checking in" on him. Sometimes you'd bring food, other times you'd just sit quietly with him. Today, the apartment felt emptier without the other two. You slipped inside, greeted by the faint scent of his shampoo and the quiet hum of the kettle.

Aki looked tired. more than tired. The kind of fatigue that seeps into your bones stretched across his face, the kind that makes it hard to even lift your head. His hair was slightly damp from a shower, a few strands falling into his eyes, down from his usually worn ponytail. He greeted you with a weak nod.

You coaxed him into opening up, about what made him seem so tired recently, and for once, he actually gave in. He talked about Denji and Power. Missions going South. Near-death calls that kept him up. And as you spoke, you reached out, patting the top of his head in soft, absentminded motions. His tense posture melted, shoulders slumping forward. Not out of fatigue this time, but relief.

Guiding him gently, you brought him over to his bedroom, nudging him to sit. his eyes followed you the entire time, wary but trusting, his guard dropping inch by inch. You slipped behind him, hands drifting to his hair, sifting through the dark strands. You felt him relax under your touch, vulnerability only you were allowed to see.

"You always know what to do." He murmurs as blunt as ever, but his voice is softer. His head leaned back ever so slightly towards your hands. "Don't think I'll let you leave after this," he adds with closed eyes. "stay a while, yeah?"