The Ultimate Trickster

Facing It

Upon his return everyone welcomes Akira and holds a party. The only person missing is Akechi.

His face sunk.

"Oh yea, so we heard about Akechi and we wanted to tell you were sorry that happened. Words cant really mean much but we're here for you," Ryuji blabbers out expecting some type of satisfying positive response from Akira.

Akira gave them a reaction they werent expecting. His facade slips and a painful sorrow rests in his eyes. He forces himself to give them a smile to aliviate their worries. It was for them after all. "I understand."

Ryuji immediately regrets what he said and Makoto glares glowers at him. Makoto sits back as she fully realizes how much Akechi ment to him making everything that transpired worst and how strong willed Akira is. Haru looks guilty if anything, and Yusuke appears confused. Sumire eyes dulls out as she undertood the type of pain Akira is going through.

The party quickly switches conversations to a lighter topic and continues until late. Everyone leaves except Sumire.

"I dont want to disturb you guys it seems she has something important to talk to you about." Morgana says and leaves shortly after.

Akira is sitting acroos from Sumire in one of the booths.

"What is it," Akira asks.

"Akechi. I don't know fully of what he did but I can tell you were rivals and friends at the same time. It reminds me of Kasumi and me. I hated Kasumi and yet I wanted to be her. If you loved Akechi just like Kasumi loved me then Akechi must've hated you more and strived to understand how you were different than he was."

Akiras face twisted as he sits in silence.

"I can only imagine the pain your going through after realizing his death and making that choice because of everyone wishes. You sacrificied your own wish for everyone Akira," Sumire then burst out in tears.

"Why are you crying?" Akira asked in short suprise.

"Because your eyes scream at the world yet stay hidden. They say they want to cry so I'm doing it for you because its okay to cry. I get the feeling you refuse to accept such a situation."

"Sumire," Akira's eyes contort even more as he slams his hands on the able in frustration ,"how could you possibly understand your situation-"

"I was comparing them but only for reference. No one can truly understand what another person feels all I wanted to say was I'm hear for you and...its okay to cry Akira." Sumire voices as she stood her; eyes still raining down a mass of tears as she went over and holds Akira.

"You lost a friend precious to you. How can you stand there and be so pained and do anything. You take on others problems but never your own. I'm here for you do please let it out."

Akira couldnt hold it back anymore. He clung to Sumires arms that wraps around him and clenches his teeth. His tears soaking her shirt as he says,"I couldnt be selfish. It wouldnt have been right. He was so admindent about his way of living. I couldnt live through a lie either and after everyones resolve. Akeci made a promise to me but thend he' actually died. Even then I still would've wished for us to have been friends and work things out. I never wanted to be his rival but I felt his burning passion to be just that. I also couldnt lose against him. I still fought earnestly. However my choice ultimately doomed him."

"Its okay," Sumire whispers,"youve guided me all this time. Let me return the favor senpai.

Akira screamed out his frustration and eventually the two moved towards Akira's room to vent. The two fell asleep, eyes red from the crying, in each others arms.