[He has not heard those words anywhere near enough from anyone in his eighteen years, and that's enough to set him leaning his head against Akira's as he latches back, trying not to make wounded-animal noises even though he's delirious levels of happy.]

I never thought I'd see you again. We tried... we tried, and it didn't work, and... you gave me someone to hang on to. Everyone, but...

[He laughs helplessly, not even trying to stop the tears running down his face.]

You saved my life. Probably Nagisa and Yurick's too. I can't thank you enough for that.