Comparatively. Nothing about this is good, but it's better, in my opinion.

[ Would Aki have volunteered? He's not sure, really. He still doesn't know what happened to Makima, or with her, why Denji is so touchy about it, the grief and the hurt... If that's enough to change his mind and make him feel a little out of sorts. He's feeling lost.

The sword on his back creaks a little, and Aki sighs. He doesn't reach up to touch it, doesn't dare reach to stroke against the hilt; he ignores it. He has to. ]

I think he's been drinking. He might be passed out at this point.