[RedRose4]

Josh sensed he’d be rambling once more, but he couldn’t help himself. Akira was so self conscious about himself that he just wanted to yell at him and tell him it was all untrue, but of course he’d never do such a thing. Instead he calmed himself down and put his hand up, moving Akira’s chin up so he’d have to look at him, not allowing him to look away any longer.
“No Akira. You’re not. Listen to what I’m saying to you. I’ve never been so attracted to another man before I met you. You’re probably one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, and all of those bad things you keep saying to yourself in your head, I think the opposite.”

Josh clenched his jaw, looking pained but not physically, just emotionally. “Stop it. Stop saying that about yourself.” Josh said so softly that the words were almost inaudible, sounding almost helpless.
With a deep sigh, he closed his eyes momentarily and whispered. “It’s not your fault….but hopefully over the time you live here I can show you just how intelligent and attractive you really are.”