[ Odasaku takes his hand before Dazai can pull it back. It's unexpected, but welcomed, and his features soften as their fingers intertwine. It's more than he'd dare dream of. His thumb rubs the back of the others hand before he squeezes.

There's so much. Dazai can understand that. He knows, too, that there's no doubt countless questions that the other hasn't asked; that he can't ask ask. if he dislikes it, it's still familiar. It's the Odasaku he remembers. It's the person he's thought of for so many years, who died in his arms, who he wanted to speak to again.

The smile that Dazai offers in return is soft. It's subdued still, but there's a genuine happiness to it.

When is the last time he looked forward to something...? It was somewhere when they met, but now... ]

You can stay as long as you wish... And I will stay by your side so long as you will have me.

[ His fingers twitch slightly, then squeeze again. Dazai is a person who struggles to express his true feelings at the best of times, and it's more difficult still for trying to sort his memories, but... ]

I'm happy that you are here... I'm happy that I can be here with you.