awashlogs | I'm a shapeshifter, chained down to my core

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I'm a shapeshifter, chained down to my core

WHO: Akechi and Akira
WHERE: their Secret Place
WHEN: After new arrivals
WHAT: Loyalty quest, feat. gross mush.
WARNINGS: None

[ As much as he had made an effort to forget about it, Akechi couldn't quite let go of the events that had transpired the previous month-- of the memory Akira had shared with him, and lost forever in the process. Knowing about his childhood, getting to experience it first hand... that didn't bother him as much as the thought that it made them uneven, even if Akechi had shared something of his own at the time. It just wasn't enough. He felt... indebted, somehow.

The new month came with new possibilities, though-- new abilities, and perhaps a new chance to settle his score. Maybe it's time to use the Town's whimsies to his favor.

With his newly found (and possibly temporary) powers, Akechi has set off to decorate their secret place with flurries of cherry blossoms, vivid and fragrant and just as beautiful as they would be in a Japanese spring, and though the only trees in sight are the woods outside, the petals seem to sprout and shower from every nook and corner, almost like those brick walls were breathing them into life. Inside, he has also stored away some fruit and snacks for an indoors picnic-- this is as close as they're getting to a proper hanami, after all, so he wants to do it right.

(Maybe he wants to do more than flower viewing, too. Maybe, if the opportunity arises, he can truly show Akira how much he appreciates him and everything he's done.)

An invitation is slipped under Cafe Morgana's door, old fashioned and personal, and in that same evening, Akechi sets off again to their place to wait for Akira's arrival. ]

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[ It may be a scant answer at first, but this is the way they work; Akira is stingy with words but generous with feelings, whereas Akechi was never short on overly pompous speeches that often meant very little.

Or at least, that's how it used to be. Lately, he can't help but notice Akira has been rubbing off on him in a positive way-- and Akechi hopes he, too, has been somewhat of a good influence on him.

And speaking of rubbing off on him-- ]

Bonds, huh?

[ He huffs a laugh, not at all surprised that Akira would bring this up. How many times have they had this type of conversation, anyway-- how many times has Akira tried to teach Akechi about the power of bonds, as the secret to his (their?) wildcard powers and as a life skill, away from any Personas at all... For the longest time, Akechi couldn't comprehend it, couldn't really accept that he was sorely lacking in the source of Akira's strength.

(In all honesty, he couldn't make any sense out of it, so he plain just couldn't believe it. However...) ]

Well. I'm not sure about bonds as a general notion.

[ He leans in closer and presses his forehead to Akira's, their hands still linked. ]

But, I do believe in this one.

[ (However, that, too, has begun to change.) ]

[He smiles, not moving at all from where Akechi is pressed against him, his hand giving Akechi's a light squeeze.]

Because we have the deepest kind of bond. One that can never be broken.

[A blood oath. The words from that mysterious, yet familiar voice float through his head. Yes, he'd had a blood oath with Akechi, even in that cursed future he fears so much. No matter what, it is always their destiny to have an unshakable connection.

But he much prefers this way of getting to it.]

One that lasts forever.

[And then he leans in the rest of the way, and kisses Akechi, soft, but passionate. Pouring all his emotions, all his gratitude and hope and maybe, hidden in it all, just a little fear as he falls further than ever.]

[ A blood oath.

He can hear it, too, the familiar voice whispering words he had never heard before, and the distant sound of chains. It's not menacing like the sound of incoming Death in Mementos, but rather, it's a warm balm washing over him, reaching deep into a part of his heart he never knew he had.

So this must be the strength of an unbreakable bond, huh?

Akechi meets the kiss with equal passion, one hand leaving the comfort of Akira's hold so it could touch his face instead, to feel more of him, to have him closer. He kisses him with abandon, with an urge to freeze this moment in time, knowing he doesn't want to ever let him go.

But, eventually, he does. ]

... Forever.

[ He repeats, a little short on breath, not from the kiss but from the heavy meaning layering their exchange. Once upon a time, he would think forever might be a very long time-- too long, enough to have him change his mind about a relationship that had been started on the premise of seizing the moment, nothing more. Not a fling, but unlikely to last, nonetheless.

Akechi leans back for a second, eyes on Akira's as his thumb continues to rub fond circles on his cheek. Smiling, always. ]

As long as I'm with you, even forever will feel too short.

[ Now, he feels like it will last beyond the boundaries of life itself. ]

[Akira smiles back, also breathless from this kiss, though he lifts his free arm so he can pull Akechi close to his chest. So they can feel each other's heartbeats, close to the skin.]

We just have to make it a wonderful forever.

[For whatever time they have, long or short, hard or easy. If they focus on that goal, of being happy, then... everything will be alright.]

Then for no matter what time we have... we can be happy.

[It will be true. They'll make it be true.]

[ Akechi complies easily enough, allowing himself to be pulled into Akira's hold, and for his hold and his touch to give him unprecedented comfort. The idea of finding happiness, and having someone truly stay by his side forever... it almost feels like another lie in his life, too perfect and pleasant to be genuine. ]

Don't be silly.

[ It sounds like he's gently chiding Akira, but it doubles as a reprimand at his own treacherous thoughts. All it takes is remembering the times they've spent together, the many hardships they have overcome, even the moments when they almost fell apart, and it all becomes clear to him. ]

The thematically appropriate answer would be, "we'll live happily ever after."

[ It's not a lie; he already is happy. ]

[A small laugh, barely a breath against Akechi's shoulder.]

A fairytale ending? Sounds perfect.

[Of course, so many fairytales end in tragedy, too. But right here, in this moment, he can believe theirs will be one of the happy ones.]

Then let's start our happily ever after right now. Right here.

[Possibly with more hair petting, and maybe a little something more. To demonstrate, he brushes a stray sakura petal out of Akechi's hair; they're still floating around, after all. His own hair is probably full of them by now...]

Edited 2019-05-23 02:36 (UTC)

[ There may be a fair share of tragic fairytales, it's true, but Akechi did just referenced a happily ever after; as far as he's concerned, that's the only ending he'll seek. ]

And here I thought we had already started.

[ He chuckles, too, airy and fond, reinforcing the thought with words and actions. He's happy, right here and now, and for as long as he is by Akira's side. ]

But, since you brought it up...

[ He drapes both arms over Akira's shoulders, one hand mirroring the his gesture and brushing cherry blossoms off his frizzy hair. It's a bit of a shame, though; he looks cute like that. ]

What do you propose?

Hmmm...

[His eyes flutter closed a bit at the feeling of Akechi's fingers in his hair, a smile playing on his lips.]

Well... I think I was promised some time in your lap getting my hair petted too.

[He pulls back a little, lifting an eyebrow expectantly, the smile still there. That's what he meant, right?]

[ If Akira was going for annoyance or even exasperation as an answer, all he gets is an amused giggle instead. In all honesty, he hadn't really meant anything in particular; he was open to suggestions, to anything Akira wanted to do. Most of all, he just wants to make him happy.

... still, that doesn't mean he can't tease.

So he leans in again for another kiss, firm and a little demanding, with wet swipes of his tongue. Not overtly sexual, but maybe just enough to get Akira a little riled up. ]

If that is what you wish.

[ And because he's a piece of shit, he won't actually give Akira much of a choice, instead settling back on his knees and leaving his lap open and ready for a head of frizzy hair. ]

[It works as intended, Akira leaning into the kiss and parting his lips for more, a clear answer to Akechi's demand. But then suddenly he's leaning back, and Akira realizes the implications of his answer.

Damn.

Though, it doesn't sound terrible. Far from it, it seems like it would be nice. There must be a reason why it's a cliche, after all.

So, without a word, he flops down into Akechi's lap, frizzy hair ready for attention.]

[ With another chuckle, Akechi settles back more comfortably, carding his fingers through Akira's hair. Being on this end of the deal is new, but he finds that his assumptions from earlier really are true-- he enjoys giving attention just as much as he likes receiving it. Even if that means taking on the feminine role.

Oh, well. While he's at it, might as well show off a little.

With a motion of his free hand and the help of his newly acquired powers, he summons another flurry of cherry blossoms, fresher and even more fragrant than before, painting the room pink. ]

How are you liking it, boyfriend?

[ Since, right now, he's the girlfriend and all. ]

Hmmm... [His sigh is appreciative, and he raises a lazy hand to catch one of the petals as they drift down. It's soft and real to the touch.] It's great.

[More of the petals fall, and he watches them through half-lidded eyes, comfortable as Akechi strokes his hair. After a moment, he decides to ask about the petals.]

So this is the magic the curse gave you... Lot more interesting than mine. [He glances down at the dress and chuckles.] What story is this?

Oh, you think so? I rather like your dress.

[ And so to drive his point home, he lets his free hand wander over to Akira's torso, fingers idly playing with the fabric of his dress before switching over to gentle strokes. As much as he loves to tease, right now the gesture is affectionate, not meant to arouse him. There will be time for that later. ]

As for the story-- [ He takes a small pause, as he can't be completely sure about it. ] --I believe this might be Sakuya-hime, who is technically a goddess but still fitting with the theme.

[ If Akechi was going to be a princess, it figures he would go the extra mile, even if not by choice. ]

According to the legend, she met Ninigi on the seashore, where they fell in love. However, when he asked her father to marry her, he was offered her older sister instead, but declined. Since he refused the rock-princess, human lives are said to be short and fleeting, like the sakura blossoms, instead of enduring and long lasting, like stones.

Hmm... I've heard it before.

[It's been awhile, but it still feels familiar. His eyes drift closed to the rhythm of Akechi's hand stroking along his torso, thinking maybe this whole dress thing isn't all that bad.]

Even if we could have lived longer... if Ninigi and Sakuya-hime were in love, then it was only right that they ended up together.

[Maybe it's just the silly romantic in him, but he believes love should triumph all the time, even if the outcome might have consequences.]

At least they weren't parted like Orihime and Hikoboshi.

[ Akira's initial comment earns a slight arch of an eyebrow, though his smile is amused. ]

Only right, huh? That's quite the romantic notion.

[ And it's not like Akechi is entirely surprised-- Akira, especially as Joker, has shown himself to be fond of grand displays of affection-- but it does somewhat impress him, that Akira would stick up for this kind of selfish relationship. It vaguely makes Akechi wonder, how much he would compromise on his morals for the sake of love... ]

Ah, but I wouldn't be so quick to jump to conclusions. Do you know how the rest of that story goes?

Hmm...

[He thinks back, trying to remember how this story goes. This story doesn't have much of a happy ending, does it...?]

He accuses her of cheating on him. ...Doesn't she burn down a house?

[That's a little extreme.]

[ Akechi gets the implication in Akira's tone and huffs a small laugh at it. Under normal circumstances, yes, burning down a house because of an accusation like that would be considered an extreme measure, but-- ]

She does, but it's only to prove a point: if the child wasn't Ninigi's, then it would surely perish in the fire. However, some time later, Sakuya-hime emerged from the flames with three children, none of which had been harmed whatsoever. It is said Japan's Imperial family descends from them.

[ Okay, so maybe it was still an extreme way to make a point, but... somehow, Akechi can't blame her for feeling angry. ]

Still, having her virtue under suspicion like that, with her own husband accusing her... That's love without trust. What's the point of that?

Hmm... I guess that's true.

[Although, he can't protest too much when he's keeping his own secrets so guarded - and knows Akechi is, too. Is that what theirs is? A love without trust?

But he trusts Akechi in so many other ways, too... And he's beginning to trust him not to go down the path of his current future. To find another way, so they can be together.]

So, do you think their love wasn't true after all? Did Sakuya-hime make the wrong choice?

[ At the question, Akechi falls silent, his thoughts wandering off. Somewhere in his subconscious, he was undoubtedly drawing comparisons with their own relationship-- and unlike Sakuya-hime, he was hardly innocent. Akira, too, probably had secrets of his own, things he had been hiding ever since that time with the door, or perhaps even longer.

But, as for his answer... ]

... I don't think it was untrue, at least.

[ It's a good start, at least. Ninigi and Sakuya-hime, and the two of them... regardless of secrets and accusations, that love is real. There's no mistaking it. ]

Still, it's undeniable he broke her trust. Do you think you could forgive something so severe?

[ Maybe this isn't just a rhetorical question. ]

[Akira gives it a little thought, glancing away from Akechi for a moment. He doesn't want his face to give away anything treacherous, after all.

Though as he thinks about it, then answer comes to him fairly easily. Could he forgive a breach of trust like that? He thinks he could... under certain conditions.

He smiles wryly.]

Well... I've already been accused of cheating once.

[Maybe that's a little unfair, since Akechi was under the influence of the town then.]

I guess it would depend on the reasoning behind it. Maybe I did something to cause that trust to be shaky... in that case, it would be on me, right?

[ ... ah. That wasn't actually the break of trust Akechi had in mind, but this doesn't make him feel any better about it.

He casts his eyes downwards, and his hand leaves Akira's hair unattended for a minute. Even now after they've just exchanged such meaningful vows, it's hard for him to take a step that will leave him vulnerable, and terribly close to the truth he's been hiding all this time, but-- ]

What if you hadn't done anything to prompt it, though? What if you were completely innocent?

[ A lot more than Akechi will ever be. ]

...It would still depend on the reasons.

[There could be misunderstandings, extenuating circumstances, brainwashing... and the simple fact that they didn't really know each other, back then.]

I think I could work past it, if they were truly sorry, and had their reasons.

[Maybe this is a prompting? Maybe Akechi will finally tell him...]

If they had their reasons...

[ He trails off into silence again, dancing around the mental steps to a definite decision. He wants to be more honest-- at least with Akira, at least about this much-- but as much as he can rationalize and conclude Akira is far too kind for his own sake and might very well forgive him, he can't help but feel... scared.

He looks down again, searches for any traces of understanding in Akira's eyes, and courage, within himself. ]

Even if you did not agree with those reasons?

...Even then.

[After all, in this situation it's unlikely he would agree with them. But that doesn't necessarily mean he couldn't move past it.

Still, he's starting to feel where this conversation is going, and he can't help but tense a little against Akechi's lap. He's mentally prepared for this, or at least tried to, but there's only so much one can anticipate, in a situation as strange as theirs.]

I'd try to see it from their perspective.

[ Akechi does feel him tense up against his lap, even if only minimally, and while his first impulse is to sink his fingers in that frizzy hair and offer him some comfort, he finds his own limbs frozen on the spot. As though afraid Akira would reject him.

Afraid he doesn't even deserve Akira, to begin with. ]

What if their perspective was one that could have ruined your life?

[ Or maybe, one that could have ended it. ]

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