[ Akihiko didn't mean to knock him on his ass though he has to admit, it felt kind of satisfying to do. Even if part of him doesn't think Shinji deserved the punch at all, a larger part of him was soothed by being able to do it. His frustration, his distress, his mourning, all going into one solid punch that bust Shinji's lip as a result. Maybe he had some lingering resentment, maybe.

Yet Shinji's words just get a wry grin from Akihiko. He feels like he's back on a steady equilibrium now, even if his eyes still feel kind of puffy and his nose hurts a little. That'll fade eventually though, he knows, and what matters is the two of them are on the same page again. He's holding out a hand to help Shinji up off the ground after that, he hopes he'll take it. ]

It better. I know it's only been a few months but if fighting shadows doesn't help with getting stronger, what else would?

[ Hell, they fought Nyx, if his punch was still weak after that, could he really be proud of it anymore? ]