[ 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. ]
[ His expression tightens at the reminder of his position. He doesn't need him to remind him of that, but he wills his expression into something more neutral. ]
A job like that would require more trust than I'm willing to give to a stranger.
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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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[ He says, the perfect picture of calm. ]
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A job like that would require more trust than I'm willing to give to a stranger.