[Akira turns to face his partner, moving on instinct, without regard for the meaning of his actions. he frames Ichigo's face with his hands]
Ichigo Kurosaki still exists. You're still him, deep down. I've seen it.
[he has, in small flickers here and there. in those tiny sparks that did exist in his partner's eyes, even if they took some coaxing to show themselves]
You've been alone and beaten down for so long it may feel like he's dead. But he isn't.
[and then, a little more softly]
He just needs the support he's been denied for however long you've been a Reaper.
no subject
[???]
[Akira turns to face his partner, moving on instinct, without regard for the meaning of his actions. he frames Ichigo's face with his hands]
Ichigo Kurosaki still exists. You're still him, deep down. I've seen it.
[he has, in small flickers here and there. in those tiny sparks that did exist in his partner's eyes, even if they took some coaxing to show themselves]
You've been alone and beaten down for so long it may feel like he's dead. But he isn't.
[and then, a little more softly]
He just needs the support he's been denied for however long you've been a Reaper.