[ This is just an extension. Akihiko should believe that, should accept it for what it is but he... doesn't want to. His immediate, visceral reaction is to reject that thought and what it would mean. No, this is a second chance because if it weren't, he'd never be able to see Shinji again. Now he sees him, whole and healed and real and warm and safe and maybe this is a shitty situation on the whole but Shinjiro is alive.

Akihiko breathes in sharply, a little too overwhelmed by his thoughts now. His voice is quiet as he speaks, voice coming out before he can think too hard on his words. ]

Can't it be, though? Here you are, alive and here I am and can't — can't I be a little selfish and enjoy that? I'm not going to pretend that you're not... dead. That things haven't changed back home since that night, but right now, in this moment, can't I be happy that you're here with me? That we're together, even if it is in a cage?

[ He looks at Shinji then, eyes wide and a little desperate. Please. Please let him have this. It's all he wants. ]