I trust you more than anyone else in this entire school.

[he replies, even and firm, trying to make sure there is no room for doubt in those words. it was never a matter of not trusting Ichigo. . . it was--]

But I was thinking like a leader. Like someone who wanted to protect you, no matter the cost. Not like a partner.

[going to Akechi had made so much more sense in his mind at the time, despite their history. Akechi had experience with this. Akechi could make his false alibi more believable. Akechi could keep a secret. Akechi wouldn't try to talk him out of it, or try to make himself Akira's victim]

[and while all of that is true? well. Akira tilts his head slightly, searching out Ichigo's gaze with his own]

. . . and I'm sorry. About that.