"You and I both know that apologies won't erase my mistakes." Still, there's a tinge of regret, however subtle. For a moment, he averts his eyes. Akechi isn't stupid. He knows keeping Ren in the dark undoubtedly hurt him.

What was he supposed to do? Just spontaneously go, "Oh, by the way, I'm alive!" and expect an open embrace? His relationship with the Phantom Thieves was always tenuous at best. Without a shared objective, would associating with him not only bring complications with Ren's real friends?

A part of him wants to say more. It's been months. Months stuck in this godforsaken place, and... he's made connections, astonishingly. He's... adapted. One might even say he's found new convictions and grown as a person.

That desire to be needed entangles with his hatred of vulnerability. If Ren pays close enough attention, he may notice subtle shifts in Akechi's demeanor. Tension and release, searching eyes, a slight pinch in his brow accentuated by the feathers.

They're slightly ruffled. Pay them no mind.

The engine is a bigger priority. "...We could attempt to operate on the engine, but it may be better for us to salvage another engine from one of the other vehicles."

He may have picked up some skills, but a motorcycle is an entirely different beast.