[ Yusuke steps in, quietly removing his shoes and leaving them by the door. ]
Tea, if you have it. [ He spends a moment looking around, before helping himself to a seat on the couch. ] We did not get much time to talk, before. I was hoping you would have the time for that now.
[ He knows that he's being eyed suspiciously, but if not for the suddenness of it, Yusuke would be a polite houseguest. He doesn't occupy much space, or touch anything. He isn't like Ryuji, going straight to aggression, his approach is more measured, with the benefit of getting Akira's thoughts on the matter first. ]
I am wondering how you are doing. Your death, apparently, was news to you. I want to know where your head is at.
[ He supposes that's fair. Akechi falls quiet. He's always been the type to lapse into silence when thinking, but here, it's even more apparent. Especially now, with Yusuke in the same apartment.
He knows where his head is at, but. To put it into words is a little more difficult. Strange. ]
I... Well. [ He pauses again, brows furrowing. ] Yes, it was news to me, very much so. And it seems that you are all significantly further into the future than I.
As for where my head is at... To be honest, I suppose I feel a bit lost. As you can see, I've had to rely on someone to vouch for me. While I trust her, being a submissive leaves much to be desired.
And there is no reason for me to pursue my.... prior activities. I bear no ill will toward any of the people here, if you can believe me. I have no one on whom to take revenge. I suppose that's allowed me to clear my head.
[ he doesn't envy Akechi's position as a submissive, that's for sure. There are plenty of good reasons to look down on him other than that arbitrary designation.
But that's the kind of thinking he needs to move past, right? He's echoing what Akira said earlier, that his motive is gone. It's possible to heal here. It would be cruel of Yusuke to get in the way of that by antagonizing him. But still... ]
I know that you have no reason to kill today. That could change. The things that happen here are out of our control, at least for now. What is keeping you from starting again if you get angry, or someone here wrongs you?
[ Ah. That's the part he hates the most, isn't it? All his life, Akechi has been grasping for some sense of control, ever since he was young and alone. So many things have happened to him that he couldn't hope to control, and so when he'd finally managed to wrap his hands around that...
It had been ripped from his hands, so abruptly it had left him raw around the edges. Akechi is quiet as he pours the tea, and brings over the two cups. He sits across from Yusuke after setting his cup onto the table. ]
I think you've an idea of the answer, don't you? [ He pauses, looking at Yusuke over his cup. He takes a sip. ] Must I really say it?
[ Even more... would he even want that? That burden? ]
[ Yusuke holds the mug with two hands, fingers splayed against the sides of it to enjoy its warmth. He likes that, but he doesn't smile, he looks back at Akechi with the same blank expression that he perfected over many years with Madarame. Emotionless, nearly impossible to read while his feelings swirl neatly out of sight. ]
[ He thought so. Akechi doesn't expect any less. And Akira is their leader. Akira is important to the Thieves. It's no wonder that they'd want to make 100% sure of anything regarding him. ]
Obviously, I've been given a second chance of sorts. A second chance at life, and with A-- Kurusu-kun. I don't intend to squander that.
And killing anyone here... that would surely count as squandering my chances. Would it not?
[ A second chance...even this life must be better than none. Still, it nudges him on edge, a flash of worry across his face before he conceals it behind the mug. A slow sip, and then: ]
[ Akechi pauses. Don't think he missed that expression, Yusuke. Still. ]
... I told him as much, and he seemed to know it, but: I truly did enjoy my time with you all. I know that likely means little in the face of what I had planned during our time together.
[ He's not about to tell Yusuke Kitagawa of all people exactly how he feels about Akira. Not at all. ]
I don't want to ruin whatever tentative friendship may be between us.
[ Is he lying? Absolutely, or at least omitting information. Akechi's not an idiot. He knows that the bond between Akira and him is not just friendship. He just doesn't want to tell Yusuke anything that's not his business. ]
[ If you asked Yusuke, he would say it is his business. Akira was his first friend, his first for many things, and this world has put him in a vulnerable position. It's Yusuke's turn to watch out for him, whether he's asked to or not. Akira needs to be happy and safe, and it's hard to portray canoodling with someone who tried to kill him, regardless of the reason, as anything but counterproductive. ]
Yes, but you said with Akira. You did not say me, or Ann.
[ Because he probably won't like the answer. That doesn't mean that answer can't change, but this supposed committment to a second chance has only been witnessed by Akira, as far as he knows. As much as Yusuke trusts him, some things have to be seen to be believed. ]
[ Honestly, he would rather not have to monitor him. He lost his entire portfolio, you know, it's not gonna rebuild itself. Yusuke's fingers tap gently against the side of the mug when he puts it down again. ]
I didn't come here to antagonize you. He has decided to put his trust in you. I have not, but I could be convinced if that trust is not betrayed.
[ They're sort of similar, he realizes, in how they often try not to let their true feelings show. Briefly, Yusuke wonders if he's this annoying when he does it.
Surely not. ]
Tentative. As long as you make the effort to do the same with all of us. Haru, especially.
[ He wouldn't accept the apology if he were her, but he would find the groveling a little satisfying. Haru has a light sadistic streak, he's sure she'll feel the same. ]
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[ His eyes slide over Yusuke's neck, the lack of a mark there. His smile doesn't slip. Akechi steps aside, holding the door open. ]
Is there anything I can get you to drink?
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Tea, if you have it. [ He spends a moment looking around, before helping himself to a seat on the couch. ] We did not get much time to talk, before. I was hoping you would have the time for that now.
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He pauses, watching Yusuke entirely too carefully. ]
I assume you have a topic in mind.
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[ He knows that he's being eyed suspiciously, but if not for the suddenness of it, Yusuke would be a polite houseguest. He doesn't occupy much space, or touch anything. He isn't like Ryuji, going straight to aggression, his approach is more measured, with the benefit of getting Akira's thoughts on the matter first. ]
I am wondering how you are doing. Your death, apparently, was news to you. I want to know where your head is at.
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He knows where his head is at, but. To put it into words is a little more difficult. Strange. ]
I... Well. [ He pauses again, brows furrowing. ] Yes, it was news to me, very much so. And it seems that you are all significantly further into the future than I.
As for where my head is at... To be honest, I suppose I feel a bit lost. As you can see, I've had to rely on someone to vouch for me. While I trust her, being a submissive leaves much to be desired.
And there is no reason for me to pursue my.... prior activities. I bear no ill will toward any of the people here, if you can believe me. I have no one on whom to take revenge. I suppose that's allowed me to clear my head.
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But that's the kind of thinking he needs to move past, right? He's echoing what Akira said earlier, that his motive is gone. It's possible to heal here. It would be cruel of Yusuke to get in the way of that by antagonizing him. But still... ]
I know that you have no reason to kill today. That could change. The things that happen here are out of our control, at least for now. What is keeping you from starting again if you get angry, or someone here wrongs you?
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It had been ripped from his hands, so abruptly it had left him raw around the edges. Akechi is quiet as he pours the tea, and brings over the two cups. He sits across from Yusuke after setting his cup onto the table. ]
I think you've an idea of the answer, don't you? [ He pauses, looking at Yusuke over his cup. He takes a sip. ] Must I really say it?
[ Even more... would he even want that? That burden? ]
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You must. I did not come for conjecture.
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Obviously, I've been given a second chance of sorts. A second chance at life, and with A-- Kurusu-kun. I don't intend to squander that.
And killing anyone here... that would surely count as squandering my chances. Would it not?
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With Akira. What does that mean?
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... I told him as much, and he seemed to know it, but: I truly did enjoy my time with you all. I know that likely means little in the face of what I had planned during our time together.
[ He's not about to tell Yusuke Kitagawa of all people exactly how he feels about Akira. Not at all. ]
I don't want to ruin whatever tentative friendship may be between us.
[ Is he lying? Absolutely, or at least omitting information. Akechi's not an idiot. He knows that the bond between Akira and him is not just friendship. He just doesn't want to tell Yusuke anything that's not his business. ]
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Yes, but you said with Akira. You did not say me, or Ann.
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He watches Yusuke carefully, expression more guarded than anything. ]
... Considering I don't know exactly what you two think of or want from me, yes, I mentioned only him.
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[ Because he probably won't like the answer. That doesn't mean that answer can't change, but this supposed committment to a second chance has only been witnessed by Akira, as far as he knows. As much as Yusuke trusts him, some things have to be seen to be believed. ]
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[ He pauses. ]
If you mean to keep an eye on me, by all means. It's not like I can stop you, considering our positions here.
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I didn't come here to antagonize you. He has decided to put his trust in you. I have not, but I could be convinced if that trust is not betrayed.
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... I see.
[ If he shows any surprise (which, he does) it's quickly replaced by a neutral expression. ]
Then, shall we call a tentative truce?
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Surely not. ]
Tentative. As long as you make the effort to do the same with all of us. Haru, especially.
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If she is interested in one. Don't worry--I don't plan on hurting any of you, but I won't force my company on someone if they clearly don't want it.
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... You have my word that I will. Whatever worth you put into that, at least.
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There's nowhere to go but up.
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[ He sets his cup down and folds his hands in his lap. ]
... Now, is there anything else you need from me?
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[ It takes him a moment to think if he has any other business, but! Of course he does. ]
How do you feel about nude modeling?
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... I can't say I've ever thought about it.
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