[ akutagawa is skeptical about the sincerity or kindness behind dazai's offer. he knows better by now, and that aside-- dazai already knows what he wants. ]

And I don't need your help either! Stop pretending you suddenly care about what I want!

[ his answer comes out in the same enraged snarl a kicked dog would give. his ears even fold back, a canine's gesture of aggression, its willingness to fight. it's another reason akutagawa hates dogs so damned much, the stupid creatures are so expressive. they frightened him as a child in the slums, and now he hates them even more.

a creature desperate to please, whose only purpose is to serve-- only to be beaten and denied the one thing its biology craves. akutagawa is definitely a dog, and there's never any telling what lessons stay with a beaten animal. ]

You have never cared. You wouldn't dare start now.

[ a huff, and he looks away, gaze hard and piercing. ]

Why am I wasting my time here? I was a fool for coming, and an even bigger fool for not leaving by now.