quietplacelogs | we never had a choice; this world has too much noise

Entry tags:

we never had a choice; this world has too much noise

featuring: anyone who tags the first prompt; ~~the A Team~~ akira kurusu & alexandre tialys (

priwen )

eventually goro akechi (

lowkeycrazy )
what's happening? alex pulls an early rank 9 on akira ( aka dies to protect him ), and akira deals with it great. ~~it's fine, he's fine, it's all fine . . .~~
day: 8
content warnings: death, survivor's guilt, and spoilers for persona 5
notes: open to brackets or prose! toplevels will be typed as things progress. plurk is

skiesonfire and i gladly welcome plotting!

1 / open to all

Akira's restless.

It's been over a week, and he's managed to come up with zero answers. Nothing. Zilch. Sure it's only been a week, but... he'd been hoping to come up with something. Considering what he'd managed to do back home, there should be... something. Somewhere to begin.

... And, of course... this is the thought process that leads to him venturing towards the edge of town. He can be found staring in the direction of... away from the "safety" of the more crowded place.

( Akira, what the hell are you up to? )

There are the times he can be seen wandering around, ensuring things are still soundproof. He's definitely not hanging around any one place for long, but it's still very easy to see him out and about!

2 // closed to alex

... Which is eventually how he can be found by Alex!

Only he's already started out of town, and is more on the outskirts. He's kneeling down next to a decent-sized bag of ( currently not visible ) items, clearly sorting through them.

In reality, he's sorting the very small inventory he currently has -- the size of the bag is more meant for whatever supplies he manages to find out there...

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Alex had finished his tasks for the immediate time, thus he was given to think that now was plenty of free time. He had texted someone he knew about going out exploring, then tucked his device in a makeshift cloth bag to take with him. It was natural that he would seek a path outwards - both for salvage, and out of a desire to see some trees.

Fortunate that he could find someone to accompany him out for salvage, both in carrying things and in the slight chance of danger. He is a man quiet by nature, so with care, it should be possible. That, and he had been conditioned to a somewhat shocking recklessness - the Mothercrystal protects him, and her blessing saves him from an easy death. They should be fine.

Silently he picks his way to where Akira is looking through his bag, crouching down as well to be at eye level. Are they ready to head out? ]

[ After ensuring the inventory is sufficient for exploring (with plenty of room in his bag for new items), he finally glances up. Just in time to see the other person crouching down. He gives a small, assured smile and nod.

The bag is cushioned so that the items inside won't tumble around; it's sturdy and made out of a fabric that won't rustle when it brushes against his clothes. Combining this with his remaining ability to move carefully (the agility and strength retained from his time in the Metaverse certainly help, after all), he's sure he'll be fine on his end... Maybe.

Hopefully.

In any case, he's carefully sliding the bag onto his shoulder. After that, he's giving a nod to show he's ready to go, and then carefully starting in the direction they're heading. ]

[ Two protags setting off into the abandoned ruins. Surely, nothing will go wrong.

Alex gives Akira a smile before following after him - his height becomes apparent once he straightens up, something that he's only capable of doing outdoors. They're walking slower than usual (or much slower in Alex's case), trying their best to not make noise.

The skies are clear, shedding plenty of light on the landscape beyond the sand paths. The Elezen shades his good eye with a hand, looking out - there's an unused house close by. It looks to still be in good condition; perhaps they could start there? ]

[ Here, he'd thought walking next to Yusuke's a big deal...

Ah well.

It's after he notices the direction Alexandre's looking in, he does carefully pause his steps. Hmmm... Maybe that house is abandoned? There could be things inside it!

So, after giving his companion a nod of affirmation, he starts that way. Honestly, it'll be nice to be somewhere with solid floors... It's usually easier to walk quietly on a hard surface, after all.

Fortunately, it's not too far of a walk! And once they're inside, he might actually seem to relax a bit.

So... where shall The A Team look first? ]

Edited 2018-01-26 09:02 (UTC)

[ It takes them a bit of time to pick through the abandoned rubble and grass - but luckily for the both of them; Akira has his sneaking skills and Alex has his adventurer training, so they make it in without issue.

The house itself is run-down, and its door has been left hanging open (which solves the problem of oiling the hinges). The lights are broken, though. He takes some slow steps into the house, careful to stand on only the solid-looking floorboards.

Unfortunately, Alex has to crouch once they're inside. He points to the broken light, hoping Akira would understand. Does he have any light sources? ]

[ As a matter of fact, he does... He managed to find a native who was willing to trade a few, small things for that alcohol he'd gotten from the Man in the Hat.

He pulls out one of two flashlights, handing it to Alexandre with a small smile.

It's after that, he's pointing to the taller man, pointing to one end of the house... Then, he's pointing to himself before pointing to the opposite end.

"You take one side and I take the other?" ]

[ Akira, ever so resourceful.

He takes the proffered flashlight with a nod, both in thanks and as acknowledgement. He has to eye the flashlight for a few moments before he figures out how to turn it on; thankfully the process is easy enough.

With it, he's able to avoid hitting his head on the ceiling and other things hanging from it. The furniture is mostly intact, though he can't test their structural integrity without hitting them and it's not something he can afford right now. However, there seems to be a few tools lying around in a study room - they can take those, at least. ]

[ He'd been planning on trying to explore for a while -- long enough to consider a decent list of supplies. The flashlights were a belated consideration, and he only got two since it's common knowledge, based on fiction, that flashlights are incredibly unreliable during the moments they're most needed.

... It's fascinating to see someone confused over a flashlight; another, interesting reminder that everyone is from different worlds.

On his side of the house, he's currently checking out the kitchen. There are a few tools, though some seem pretty useless in their current state. Ah, there's a decent chef's knife? He wonders if anyone would trade for this... Or maybe he could use it?

One room has a first aid kit, but it's nearly empty. The rest of the rooms on this side prove to be useless in terms of looting.

Since they're too far apart, he's sending Alexandre a message after some time passes. Incoming text from purrusu: ]

Anything useful on your end?

I found a knife and a first aid kit that are in decent condition, but the rest seems either worn out or cleared out.

[ It hasn't occurred to him that Akira's username is a pun, so he merely blinks at the mention of cats and opens it. ]

I found a study. They have rulers, some measuring equipment, and a paper knife. The paper is not usable, though. There are also these things.

[ Insert picture of three fountain pens as well as what seems to be a mechanical pencil. ]

I'm not sure what they are, but they might be useful?

[ There's something cute about how clueless Alexandre is on modern things.......

Akira's giving a faint smile as he texts back. ]

Writing utensils.

[ After he takes a moment to glance around the room one more time, and then heads back to the entrance of the house, he sends another text. ]

I'm ready to go whenever you are.

No rush.

Do you need me to store the stuff in my bag? There's still plenty of room in it, since I didn't find that many items.

[ Alex comes from the era of quill and ink, having brewed the latter as needed for money or for his personal use. Graphite leads are centuries advanced of his time, unfortunately. ]

I will take them, then.

I have some cloth to wrap them in, after which they should be safe to put in the bag.

There's one more room, I'll be done quickly.

[ The study opens out to some sort of balcony or cornered yard. Nothing much of note is there except for plants and a small chest next to the pots. The cherry tomatoes and herbs (?) themselves are impossible to carry back, but perhaps there might be some seeds....?

Using the paper knife (and his forestry skills), he nips off a small stalk of the red fruit without noticeable sound. Time to walk back holding the vegetable.

Why are tomatoes vegetables again? ]

[ He gives a nod at Alexandre, holding his bag open so that the things can be put inside (including the things that Akira would argue are a fruit).

There's a small smile to express the relief that they managed to get through one location, so far. He's hoping that they'll find more useful things while they're out, but he'll be grateful that they found anything at all out here...

And, with that, he will turn and head out the door...

Once he's standing just outside the house, he glances around. There's what appears to be a fairly even, cushioned path straight ahead, but he doesn't see much of anything noteworthy...

To the right, there appears to be another house in the distance, but the path might be a bit littered with various sticks... Though, they're spaced just far enough that they might be able to carefully maneuver around them.....

Akira is already turned towards the more dangerous-looking path, but he won't be jumping into saying that should go, just-- ]

How daring are you feeling?

[ Let it be known that one of the traits of an adventurer is that they will be compelled to do foolish things.

Of course, Alex has mellowed out over the years. They could obtain resources, but at the same time there runs the risk of death. ]

I could project a shield. I can't guarantee it will be soundproof, but it might help.

[ He holds out a hand, focusing for a moment - a ring of light appears above him, which proceeds to vanish and take form again as a bubble around Akira. A similar, but fainter one outlines his tall form. ]

[ Oh... Akira blinks as he finds himself surrounded by light, and then... a bubble?

He blinks a couple more times. And don't think he didn't notice that the one around his companion is dimmer. He's actually... pretty damn concerned, but they'll both be careful. Alexandre is already proving to be a very reliable ally.

He feels like he's starting to understand him a bit, in fact. ]

Remind me to explain the movie "Boy in the Bubble" to you, so I can make a pun about this later.

[ Actually... ]

That is, if you guys have puns where you're from.

[ There's a curious glance at Alexandre as he asks that; he isn't judging, clearly. Just wondering.

In any case! ]

I'll fill you in on those, too, if not.

[ And... with that, he'll be slowly starting towards that house. ]

Edited 2018-01-28 08:50 (UTC)

[ 'tis the oath of a Paladin that they protect others before themselves - and their magic reflects this fact. He did have shields for himself, but the stronger ones are always fro others. It's a simple truth that he has since accepted after taking up the sword.

Plus, there's some part of him that believes he will not truly die. Not when the Mothercrystal still gives him her blessing. ]

I have heard of puns. Though I would think puns vary between worlds, context and all. [ So yes, please tell him about it.

He's content to follow behind Akira's path, casting his attention around while they walk. Better safe than sorry.]

[ He seems to brighten just a tad bit at the confirmation that this guy's world has puns... It's a little fascinating to consider all the possible differences (and, likewise, similarities) between various worlds. ]

I look forward to comparing notes, then.

[ Fortunately, they do manage to make their way to this house. But it's... a bit more rundown than the last one. He's not expecting to find much here, but... maybe? He glances back to Alexandre once he's on the more solid surface of the porch. ]

[ They've made it to the ruined house without much incident, a testament to both of their sneaking skills. It looks more dilapidated as compared to the previous one, with a room already blocked over by debris - but there's something inside that glitters, reflecting the light of the torch he's pointing inside.

Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained, Alex will give Akira a nod.

Metal is useful, at least. ]

[ If there's anything Akira's learned from his adventures alongside his team, it's that something shiny often means something useful.

He's actually going to be activating his Third Eye for a moment, just to get more of an idea of what all is lurking inside -- there are actually a few things inside that tug at his curious nature...

Akira returns the nod.

With that ability activated, he'll begin very carefully moving some of that debris. Maybe if enough is moved, he'll be able to squeeze inside... ]

[ By virtue of his height, Alex is able to gain further traction on the stone and wood blocking their way. Years of training has given him more strength than the lankier youth, which he uses to set a loose chunk of tile gently to one side. The motion involves squatting down very slowly, the tension of which he releases after in a long, silent stretch.

About ten minutes of work should clear a path in. It seems there are more things here than expected - no doubt the fallen debris had discouraged many scavengers. More tools, something wrapped in an oilskin, a handful of coins.

There's a lot to pick through. For now, he'll stand by and wait until Akira deciphers what the modern objects are. They are a mystery to him. ]

[ Akira gives Alexandre a nod once there's enough room for the path; there's a brief flash of an impressed grin before he slowly makes his way into the room.

Hmmm... it's actually pretty impressive, the amount of things that he's able to see. Third Eye doesn't allow him to see actual information on anything, when it isn't a matter of spotting a confidant in a crowd, but it allows him to save considerable time...

Instead of actually having to pick through every little thing, he's able to move right to things of importance...

Coins, huh? It's definitely not a currency Akira has experience with, and it has him pausing for just a moment to carefully turn one over in his hand. He's only ever saw a currency that wasn't yen, after going to Hawai'i and seeing the unique mixture of bills and coins of fellow visitors and natives alike.

There's a blink as he snaps out of thought, and he tosses a sheepish glance over to Alexandre. Sorry for wasting time...

With that, he does place some of the coins in various place -- he's keeping them separated so that they don't make sound by hitting one another... or anything else made of metal, for that matter. The tools are carefully placed in the bag, along with that mystery item (he'll give it a closer look once they're out of here)...

If they let it get too close to evening, they'll lose light -- less light means less visibility, even with the flashlights. And that means less chance of moving around quietly. So he's carefully moving to his feet, giving a nod to his companion.

Of course, he is giving one more careful glance around the room with his Third Eye before slowly releasing a deep, quiet breath. Okay... They're good to head out of this room.

And he's very carefully doing just that, and then using that same ability to give... a brief glance around. He doesn't see anything in the main room, but there are a couple more rooms that he can see to check out... At least they don't seem to be blocked off...?

He will be doing the same "you get that side, I get this one?" gesture as he had done in the first house. ]

[ He's content to simply sit back and watch Akira sort through what they had found; giving the youth a slight smile and a nod indicating his willingness to wait. Whatever they found, it should either be usable or have some sort of bartering value.

Once Akira is done with his inspection, the gesture he gives is easy to understand. It's easy to work knowing that Akira can understand him without speech, so he'll take one of the empty rooms as instructed.

It is about to get dark. Perhaps this should be their last foray; moving quietly costs them time and limits their movement. He holds his flashlight in one hand, carefully eyeing the walls and pillars for signs of damage. If only he could sound them out, then he would be able to determine their integrity - but such things are not what they can afford.

The room at the end of this corridor seemed to have been some sort of kitchen. Shattered porcelain line half of the room, while the other consisted of wood and fragmented stone. Shining his torch around reveals only a single, glinting object - a small knife, hopefully not yet worn beyond use.

He'll take a bit of time squatting down and trying to ease the tool out of its spot. ]

[ Unfortunately for Akira, it seems the rooms on his side have been looted. Ah well... beggars can't be choosers?

He does give a last scan of each area he passes. And he even has time to make his way to where Alexandre is to use his Third Eye on that area -- the knife he's getting does in fact show up in the scan, meaning it is, in fact, still deemed a useful tool!

There's a small smile and nod of approval as he patiently waits to let him know he's ready to head back to the entrance, whenever Alexandre is finished getting the knife. ]

[ The knife is extracted without much difficulty, Alexandre removing a handkerchief to wrap the blade in so that it wouldn't hurt anyone. It seems like they had less luck with this one - but it's something, right?

Once they've got the knife securely tucked away in Akira's backpack, it's time to head out. Hopefully they'll have better luck next time - a sentiment that he tries to convey by (very gently) patting the youth on the back.

However, it seems that their luck didn't quite hold out - there's a slight crack from behind just as they near the door. Alex turns on reflex, his honed battle instincts kicking into gear as he raises a hand and conjures a bright bubble of light around them both. A beam is poised to come loose from the ceiling, giving him three seconds to react.

This isn't the first time he's dealt with this, however.

Despite any of Akira's protestations, an invisible force will push him backwards and out of the house. The golden shield-bubble splits into two, one around Akira and the other around Alex still in the building. The wooden beam groans and splits into discordant fragments, raining down on the elf below.

Something happens - neither Alex nor Akira can quite discern, but a flash of light blinds them both. The beam crashes to the ground, and a second later the light barrier around Akira shatters like silent crystal.

Alex is gone. ]

[ Alexandre isn't the only one to try reacting in time... Unfortunately Akira isn't able to grab the older man in time. His fingers just barely ghost against the opposite form's jumpsuit as that bubble appears around him.

His eyes widen as he's pushed out of the house, and he's left just watching as the flash appears...

It's in that moment, something strange happens -- his mind becomes a haze of mixed thoughts, and he's left just staring at the spot where the beams fell. When... did... What... happened...??

For several long minutes, he just stares.

But, after it finally sinks in, he moves as quickly and as quietly as possible to look for any signs of life. It's when his Third Eye doesn't pick up his newest confidant, he has to suppress the scream of frustration, of anger...

He feels... sick...

He--...!

He should have moved faster! ]

[ It's past dark by the time he makes it back to town. It's possibly clear just from first glance that something isn't right. There's a mixture of emotions written all over his face -- a tense blend of guilt, frustration, anger, and... heh. Well...

He would be lying if he tried to claim there isn't a tiny hint of tears there.

But he's quickly fighting those back, glaring in place of looking like he wants to fucking cry. He isn't going to cry. He's not going to make a sound. He isn't going to waste Alexandre's-

... Sacrifice...

Once again...

Someone sacrificed their life for... for what?? He's not--

... --not going to... finish that thought. ]

[So this is his life now, apparently. His... second life. Living in a town where no one can make so much as a peep except for one day out of the week, with danger constantly lurking, the threat of death making everyone exercise extra caution not to make unnecessary noise.

The bone-deep exhaustion has yet to leave him, and at this point, he suspects it may never well. He's fallen into frustratingly mundane routine. But ideas to do anything more slip through his grasp like water, a wave of fatigue passing over him each time.

There are highlights to living here, and the environment, though dangerous, is still decidedly less stressful than the situation he was in before. But a singular month cannot undo a lifetime of strain.

He's headed back for his house to sleep, probably— he's been doing an awful lot of that lately— when he notices Kurusu.

He doesn't intend on regarding him with any more familiarity than that with a stranger. A soundless greeting as he passes by. But as he draws near, he notices something peculiar.

A sheen in Kurusu's eyes.

And that certainly gives him pause. He comes to a stop, arching an eyebrow at him in question. He's been learning the sign language here in his off time, but he thinks his having stopped and throwing a questioning glance at the other gets the point across clear enough.]

[ This is the last person he wants to see him like this.

And it's almost a knee-jerk reaction -- he tenses, expression straining with every bit of effort to ease into something more neutral? Calm? Heh. Go figure his face wouldn't cooperate now, of all times.

He relents, letting it mold into something of a glare lacking in venom. One of frustration. And, after a moment, he simply types up a message, sending it to Akechi's phone, his jawline tense with a suppressed scream. ]

I encountered a Sound Eater.

[ After it's sent, he drops the bag to his side, and it's just... inches from the ground. There's a belated look of alarm that flashes across his face.

Heh. He needs to... calm himself. There's a pause, and then he glances in the direction of the house he's staying in. After looking back to Akechi, he gives a nod of sorts, and then looks to the house.

At least if he slips up and makes a small sound, it should be... remotely safer, right? ]

Edited 2018-02-04 03:07 (UTC)

[And still, he feels the need to hide with him.

He knows that look— that look when you're trying to pull your mask up and it just keeps slipping off, and immediately, he's irritated. But why should he expect anything different? Why should he ever expect honesty from Akira Kurusu? They aren't friends or comrades, and they're only confidants in the loosest sense of the word.

Just like that he's already found a reason why he doesn't want to linger, doesn't want to spend more than a few moments with Kurusu at best, and his gaze sharpens and he nearly moves to leave—

when he sends him a message, and still frowning, he takes his own device out and reads it.

A Sound Eater...

... but he's clearly alive. Unless he was just returning from the reset room? He's clearly on edge, either way, and for all his efforts to seem calm, there are obvious cracks in his facade.

His gaze follows Kurusu's, lips pressing into a thin line for a moment.

... he isn't entirely sure why he agrees. But soundlessly, he moves towards the house, instinctively checking the hinges before he makes his way inside. He'll follow Kurusu's lead from there.]

[ Funny how it works, when a person's attempt at working with someone else gets rejected... not once, but twice.

Not that he'll be giving up on trying to work with him, but to let Akechi see him in such a vulnerable state is the last thing he could ever want. Still, he should know, right? How dying at the hands of Sound Eaters works? It... could wait, though. His memory of that moment won't be fading any time soon... But, guess this is why some might consider him crazy.

Some part of him wants to be around this guy, because there's some insane part of him that feels like he'll be able to find those magical words to help him.

As if anything he could do could help him.

It's once they're inside, he makes his way into his section of the family room. There's a set of mattresses that are set up like a relatively normal bed... and a chair, which he gestures towards for the older teen. He sits down on the bed so that he's positioned nearest said chair -- without how it's positioned, there's still several feet between himself and it.

As Akechi decides what he wants to do (stand or sit), he's staring at the floor.

Then, after they're both settled, he risks a heavy sigh. He's going to get right to the details and treat this as though it's some report. He's just... tired. He wants to get this out of the way as soon as possible.

Akechi likes information, right?? Well, good, he's getting plenty of it. ]

Alexandre's dead.

We were exploring some abandoned houses. Right as we finished with the last one, and were headed back, a part of the house crumbled. It was going to crush me, but he used one of his abilities to push me out of the way.

Even with his shield up, he was killed by a Sound Eater...

I can't actually say the natives weren't telling the truth about not being able to see the Sound Eaters. I was right there, looking right at Alexandre, and yet a wave of confusion and disorientation hit me right in the moment he died.

And...

Well, I can't actually say for sure how he died. His body vanished after everything.

[ His hands tremble for just a couple of seconds, but he quickly shifts them so they're resting firmly against his legs to hide the unsteadiness. ]

[When he's led into the room, Akechi hesitates a moment before taking a seat in the chair. Rather than fully relax into it, though, he assumes a proper position; he doesn't intend on staying here any longer than necessary, after all...

So he waits, device set in his lap and cradled in his hands as he takes in Kurusu's state. Hears that heavy sigh come out of him. It's... interesting. He's never seen him quite this distressed before. Not even when—

... who the hell is Alexandre?

One of the people who had been abducted to this world, presumably. Is Kurusu really bent so out of shape over a stranger—

Right, the Sound Eaters. So the threat is real, fatal and undetectable. Lovely. Though, really... perhaps he should be more upset than he is, with the constant threat of danger lurking should he so much as make a misstep and create some undue noise.

... not that what he would consider to be what he's currently doing "living" anyway...

A soft sigh through his nose as he considers this information when he catches a movement in his peripheral vision, and glances up.

He trembled.

So this is what takes the resilient and level-headed Kurusu over the edge? The sacrifice of a person he'd barely known?

Oh, the desire to break out into maniacal laughter is nearly impossible to give into. And yet somehow he manages not to. Probably because it isn't actually funny at all.]

Oh, I wouldn't worry. He'll be revived shortly, won't he? Well, maybe. And then you can have a heart-warming reunion.

I'm tearing up just at the thought of it.

[He's not.]

What a different place our world would be if all the people you killed could be brought back to life, just like that?

A shame that it isn't.

[ He can't decide which part felt worse at this point: having expected a response like that, or having hoped... maybe just once, to be pleasantly surprised by this guy.

Even now, after all these years, there's still the part of him that wants to believe there's a shred of decency in everyone. He does still see some light in Akechi, and yet the person in question seems hellbent on fighting to keep it snuffed out. Akira still believes in him, after all this time, yet he'd be lying if he said there isn't the bitter side of himself in play. The part of him that wants to just let this whole thing go, because maybe then things could hurt for the both of them just a little less. Clearly being around each other produces something toxic.

... But he'd never forgive himself, and he knows it would hurt more in the end to give up on Akechi.

Those messages have his hands tightening on the phone to the point where he's dimly surprised the screen doesn't crack. His knuckles turn white, the trembling now something of... anger. The glare he shoots Akechi is sharp, his eyes lighting up with something he might remember seeing on the ship.

Only this time, his eyes are shining. He only has time for a quietly hissed-out, verbal slip-up of: ]

Is that what you think this is about?

[ ... before he's ducking his head, one hand managing to wipe at his eyes and his face in time to catch it. Like hell he's letting Akechi, of all people, see him cry. He... really needs to get more sleep. Pull it together, Kurusu.

Oh, but he could be so fucking spiteful right now, couldn't he? He actually bites his own tongue to stop himself. The anger shifts -- guilt and pain flare up along with it, and it's there as he looks back up at Akechi. He takes a deep breath, and then he's looking back down to send a message. ]

I know you couldn't care less about some stranger, but you clearly don't know me at all.

Enough games.

What is it that you really want to say?

Edited 2018-02-08 04:48 (UTC)

[He's angry because he knows Akechi is right. That the responsibility of his late life falls on Kurusu's shoulders. The expression is almost hauntingly reminiscent of the one on the ship, and for a moment—

Something in his stomach twists unpleasantly. Why do things always have to turn out like this...?

It's smoothed away by cold resentment. Kurusu stabbed him in the back just as much as Akechi did. He knew he was wrapped up in something utterly fucked up, but instead of doing anything about it, he played stupid and let Akechi be lulled into a false sense of security. Perhaps the circumstances here are different now, but the past cannot be undone, and regardless of his being alive in Reims... back there, on that ship, he died.

... and good riddance to bad rubbish.

His eyebrows quirk up at the hiss, and he actually...

brings up a hand to press a finger to his lips. Shhh.

And for a moment? Something dark and twisted inside of him delights at the way his eyes glisten. At the way Kurusu moves too quickly to rub at his eyes. At how he can get underneath the steady facade of the unflappable Akira Kurusu and make him crack from the inside.

Kurusu did have a way of bringing the best and the worst out of him.

He sees that guilt and pain and he thrives on it. Yes... feel that pain. Feel that pain, because it can't remotely compare to what he's felt for most of his life. Feel that pain and know that you could have done something to stop all this, but didn't. Feel that pain and know that you fucked up.]

Isn't it obvious?

[He grins a little.]

You killed me, Akira.

[ That's exactly what he was expecting.

Not just based on the previous message Akechi sent him, but based on what he now knows of the older teen. The guy who wouldn't know a good thing if it punched him in the face, and... speaking of?

Damn if that isn't exactly what he wants to do, right this second. But, he takes a deep breath. Things are... really bad between them, aren't they? He... said he's here. He told Akechi that, himself. He can't afford to lose it. Just like with all the other Confidants he's made, he has to focus on him. Just him. The guy who doesn't even seem to understand himself, since he's sending that message just after making it clear he cares enough to keep him alive.

So... what? He wants to do the pushing before Akira does it, himself?

With that in mind -- and in spite of the flicker of pain mixed with anger, as well as the way he averts his gaze -- he manages a slow exhale. Calm down... ]

If you were looking for a sore spot, Goro, don't worry. You hit it.

[ #sass, but also is this seriously how first name basis was formed because jesus christ???

... No, he doesn't seriously think this is how first name basis is being formed. And his expression is softening into something filled with genuine regret. ]

I'm sorry, by the way...

I never thanked you for what you did in that Palace.

But, do you really believe I wouldn't have jumped in to protect you, if I'd had even a second longer?

[ There's a flicker of something on his face, though: realization. Because it doesn't feel right. Is this really about what happened on the ship...? Akechi hit that switch on account of believing that they would jump to fight alongside him...

So, then... ??? ]

Why do you believe I'm the one who killed you?

[His given name being used sends a ripple of irritation through him, but he quietly concedes that turnabout is fair play, even if he doesn't necessarily like it. ...still, this isn't quite what he was expecting. He was perhaps... gearing up for a fight? For that word to set Kurusu off, to put him on the defensive and start his counterattack?

So why the hell is he admitting his weakness? Why the hell is he apologizing? Why the fuck is he thanking him?

The grin disappears to an expression of... surprise. And then a fire starts to light in his eyes.

It doesn't matter what you "would" have done, he suddenly wants to scream at him. It doesn't matter, because what happened can never be undone! You betrayed me, Kurusu!

His nostrils flare for a moment, body tensing and his hands suddenly clutching his device rather tightly, like he's gearing up to attack. Unstable as he is, at the moment... the threat of a Sound Eater is the only thing keeping him back.

Just barely.

An exhale of disbelief, almost a wry laugh of a breath, before he types.]

I believed that I was trapped in my life. That any insubordination would mean my death. It was complete my goal, or die trying.

You knew I was to kill you. And what was your decision? To utterly fool me, humiliate me, and cut me out of your life.

Tell me, Kurusu. Those times that I hypothesized about the culprit and mentioned that perhaps they were being controlled; what did you think my intent was?

[ Why is he admitting his weakness? Akira doesn’t even know the answer to this, and yet something prevents him from fully seeking that answer out. At least with the question of why he’s thanking Akechi, it’s… easier to admit.

He does notice that anger, he does see the way it looks like Akechi’s on the brinks of snapping – it’s enough to have Akira visibly on edge, eyes narrowing with concern. Heh… even now, he’s more worried about the older teen, than he is for himself. What the fuck is wrong with them…

But, it’s just a sound that’s not far from one that Akira himself wants to make. ]

…

[ So that’s why he believes he killed him!? Akira’s hands curl tightly into fists, and he can’t even fight back the shred of guilt that surfaces.

In the end, their focus has been on Shido. On tricking him. On surviving. Isn’t that… the same fucking thing that Akechi had been doing, so who the hell is he to really judge–…

… They’re way more alike – all of them – than any of them had really seemed to acknowledge, besides Ann. She was always the first to point out that he could be right, or to even ask if he was really that much different than them. ]

By that point, everything was already set into motion.

When we made our plan, it wasn’t to trick you. It was to trick Shido.

I didn't know you well enough by that point. How was I supposed to know, without a doubt, that it wasn't part of the act?

Besides, Akechi…

[ His jawline is tense as he sends the next part: ]

It's sounding like you believe it was our responsibility to free you.

But, freedom isn't handed to anyone, by anyone. It's fought for.

[Oh. Of course.

For just a moment, he's startled. Just a moment of pain flashes over his face, before it's smoothed away by cold indifference.

It was all about Shido, wasn't it? He was just an inconsequential piece in this puzzle. He may as well be a nameless pawn. Why on earth would they change their plans just to help him? No, no, that would imply he was worth saving, that his life was of any consequence— how interesting that the thieves had realized that in the little time he'd gotten to know them.

Of course it was his own responsibility to attain his freedom. He should have fought harder, been stronger, because the only one he can ever rely on is himself. How foolish of him, to think for a split second that there might have been someone he could trust. How foolish of him, to think for a split second that there might have been someone willing to pull him out of his deep despair and misery.

Of course. He was weak and trivial. How could he have forgotten something so obvious?]

Of course.

[He stands up then, and does something he hasn't in a long while. He flashes Kurusu a smile. He and Kurusu both know it's entirely faked, and that's the point.

Akechi has put his walls back up.]

Well, Kurusu-san, I do thank you for what information you've given me. However, it's getting rather late, and I'm feeling ready to retire. You ought to get some sleep, as well.

[He bows at the chest.]

Good day.

[And he promptly turns to leave the premises.]

Edited 2018-02-13 04:41 (UTC)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

we never had a choice; this world has too much noise

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what the hell i thought i replied to this two days ago oiusdfh

NO WORRIES

weeps

closed to goro akechi

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