Mm... It sounds like a good partnership where each supports the other to me. [Is there a very subtle hint of something wistful to that sentence? No, they're probably imagining it.]

There's no need to apologize, Akechi-san. I can promise you I've seen far worse. My closest friend has a penchant for threatening my life or my vocal cords on a regular basis. If anything, it's a bit nice to have a chance to see you less picture-perfect.

[His hand lifts to cover his mouth. It's hard to tell if it's covering a smile, a smirk, a frown, or what, but it doesn't muffle his next, thoughtfully spoken words.] I do tend to find myself drawn more to men with dark sides, anyway.