[poor Yusuke. . . it's understandable, considering his passion is art and beauty. this place truly is far too gaudy and distorted for a soul like him. for anyone, really]

[. . . Akira's amusement fades, concern flickering back to life in the backs of his irises as he gives his thief a sideways glance. he waits until the elevator doors close around him, not because he is afraid of being overheard, but because. . . heck, he doesn't know. maybe the illusion of privacy helps. . .?]

[he rocks to the side, bumping his shoulder against Yusuke's gently. a show of camaraderie. but also, it's keeping his own anger at bay, too. moment of laughter aside, he hasn't forgotten how haggard and run-down Yusuke appears to be after a lengthy stay here. and he won't forget, either]

. . . then this place doesn't really understand the human heart.

[which isn't surprising. in his experience, non-humans are really bad at understanding humanity. lookin' at you, Yaldabaoth!!]

I suppose I can't speak for anyone but myself. [and everyone is different in their wants and desires. that, Akira knows] But. . . all it should take is a spark. A connection. A bit of trust.

[. . .]

[quietly]

Do you have someone like that here, Yusuke. . .?