[ crying on people, or at people, was nothing new for keigo. he was exceedingly emotional, had little problem with showing how something minor upset or angered him. but when it came to the serious things, like this, he found himself far more willing to temper his reactions. he wasn't anyone important, never held a great deal of impact on anything, so the idea of being open with the deeper issues was a thought that rarely crossed his mind. who would listen? who would care? he'd rather pour his energy into helping his friends, batting in their corner, lifting them up despite not being able to lift himself up.

so perhaps in a way, renji did make keigo cry. but it wasn't all despair. it was relief, a feeling of safety that he rarely experienced. he didn't want to let it go.

renji's apprehension was perhaps not misplaced. the rarity of keigo's self-reflection meant that even keigo wasn't sure how to continue the conversation. he was already fumbling, even without having said a word yet. it wasn't until he felt renji's arms close around him did he see the pathway open up, aligning his thoughts and merging them into words.

keigo lifted his head, looking up at renji, eyes still watery and tears still sliding down his cheeks. ]

You don't need to do anything, is the thing. You being here is enough. [ keigo bowed his head a bit, perhaps the result of burgeoning shame. his fingers clenched at renji's back, a small signal that he was hesitant to let go. ] Every day that you talk to me and... every day that you remember my name is enough. But I'm still afraid...

[ keigo's lips tightened back, revealing a painful grimace. his voice wavered and he shut his eyes, shaking his head slowly. ]

I'm afraid you'll forget. Or I'll forget. I don't... I don't want to forget anything between us. I don't want to lose you.