(Perfectly still, waiting patiently to receive him, he leans into the touch so easily. Pale gold eyes look up at him, regarding him with only warmth and fondness. There's some distance there still. True to his word, there are some things about himself he can never change, but despite it all, he brings himself closer and lets himself stay within reach.

His lips turn up into a smile and he lets out a light laugh. Reaching out and around, arms hanging loosely around Aki's shoulders, he preens in his embrace.)

I want to. (He wants to change. He wants to be better. He can never truly let go of the past but at the very least, he wants to live more in the present, too.) Even if it's just a little, I want to change because,

(He presses his forehead against Aki's and levels his eyes with him, )

I like you, Aki.

(The words come out so easily. As if he's always said them. In some ways, he has said them. In all of his small praises and all of his teasing and every time he says his name,)

I told you cranes can only have one love. You know, I have more than that. (There's Sadayasu who will always be a core part of who he is. There's also Denji, who he knows he shares Aki with and has come to care so, so much for.) I'll take all of your days and give you all of mine in turn. Another thousand years and more.