[ah.

Even with the adrenaline racing through his body and the heaviness of new grief twisting up his insides, Yusuke's palm connects with Akechi's shoulder and it's as if the haze over his eyes dissipates in an instant. There's just no doubt within him after that touch - that familiar weight, the warmth that penetrates his clothing to settle against the skin of his shoulder, the way it makes his stomach swoop with feeling - this is the Yusuke Kitagawa that Akechi's known for months now.

So then what is the thing bleeding out at his feet?]

Don't be so dramatic. [But the ferocity within Akechi has shifted - not disappeared, because it never truly leaves him - and so the older boy's expression softens just minutely, some of the sharpness in his features turning blunt. But he doesn't shake that hand off. Not yet. The reminder of just who this is might still be necessary.] I only stopped you from falling into a bush. The rest you did yourself. I was only there as a witness.

[He doesn't turn to face the fake Yusuke just yet.]

My apologies for thinking the fae could possibly replicate you successfully. It's a mistake that I won't make a second time.