[sometimes, he thinks itsuki could still pull away from him. even after all these declarations, these weeks of loyalty, buzen can't help but admit that it'd be possible. humans can grow and change their minds about anything - but in this heart that's just learning how to be selfish, he truly hopes itsuki won't.

even if it'd make sense. even if it'd be fair. even if it's be sensible to step away from a weapon that won't let sentiment get in the way of necessity.

itsuki never does. if anything he feels closer than ever, his heartbeat under buzen's fingertips. buzen breathes in and lets the sensation save him.]

... I'll try. I don't know how much I'll succeed - [it's hard, to open himself up to this possibility of failure] - but you make me want to try.

[ . . . ]

In some ways, you save me too, Suki.