"It's only been a few months for me." At least, that's what Akutagawa has gathered from talking to a former acquaintance. It's hard to pinpoint exactly how long it's been. As far as time at home though, none had passed. The last thing he remembers is making his deal with Atsushi.

It's inconvenient timing considering Akutagawa feels desperate to rip apart every single one of their captors. He'd cracked on his last time in the city, murdering a SIN guard, but that would remain his dirty little secret. Without his former Dominant, no one would have to find out -- especially not Atsushi or Dazai.

"I'm..." He's not good at expressing any sort of emotion, but respect is one that he understands. It's the only thing that makes what he says next possible at all. "I'm grateful that you're here."