[Akira matches that smile, soft around the edges and equally as fond. somehow, he manages to resist the urge to reach out, knowing that his fingers would only pass through cold air]

[but he isn't done just yet, because he thinks back to the conversation Rin had with Ichigo earlier, the one on which he eavesdropped]

I think everyone here has made a lot of mistakes. Bad decisions forced under pressure, and. . . [he shrugs] That sucks, you know? That sucks.

But nothing about what I chose to do is your fault. Absolutely nothing. And even if that isn't enough to convince you not to blame yourself, then remember-- we're not done yet.

[jerks a thumb towards the library, towards the locked door, towards the people behind them]

We still have a lot to do. We have to own our mistakes, hold our heads high and keep going, for the sake of everyone here.