awashlogs | who's a special boy

Who: Lupin, Akechi, Caramia, Akira, Guren, Minato, maybe others?!
Where: Ruga, Lupin & Akechi's house
When: Backdated to 5/25
What: Akechi said nobody ever celebrated his birthday. It's not actually his birthday, but Lupin is going to celebrate it.
Warnings: embarrassing a teenage boy

[ the idea itself came from the quest posted to the forum not too long ago, although Lupin remains unconvinced that two "reds" can fulfill it; after talking with Akechi, however, it turned from checking off a box to a personal mission. Who could listen to a friend talk about how they'd never had a birthday party before and not immediately want to throw one for him? Not someone as extravagant as Lupin, certainly.

It's a bit of a tight operation. After all, none of them exactly have a fixed schedule, and there's no way of knowing when it will start raining blood or when the bricks will start talking to them or who knows what else. Still, he's something of a pro at making these things work. A few days after he's sent out invitations, he waits for the perfect moment - when he knows Akechi will be out and not come back for some time - and then gathers the troops. All four of them.

So it may not be a big party. But he has a feeling that Akechi would probably prefer it that way. When he returns to his home, he'll find it strangely quiet - at least until he turns into the kitchen, at which point Lupin (and maybe some of the others) jump out quite excitedly. ]

Happy birthday!

[ there aren't any decorations or anything like that - just a few friends with a few presents and a bit of time to share with him. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ The fact that it's a wind up watch doesn't really bother him-- really, if there's one thing Akechi is good at, that's being disciplined, and following his routine and schedules down to perfection, so this shouldn't be an issue at all.

It's what Minato says next that really surprises him: ]

You changed the gears? All by yourself? That's... rather impressive.

[ Sewing, playing the piano-- those were just a few skills he remembers Minato mentioning before. Is there anything he can't do? ]

You truly are a man of many talents, Arisato-kun.

[ Akechi is totally not jealous, nope. ]

Definitely not all by myself.

[Minato looks a bit amused at that, holding up his hands and shaking his head quickly.]

I got some help, and also I messed up a few times. But... so long as you like it, it was worth it. I'm really glad.

Hmm, I really do. [ A smile, followed by a nod. ] It will be fairly helpful in keeping better track of time-- so I can plan my daily routine more accurately, too.

[ And he really does mean it, for once-- really, the problem with being as thoroughly disciplined as Akechi is that, once you're given too much free time and no means to keep track of it, it's easy to grow out of the habit. It had been driving him up the wall. ]

Besides, even if you did get help, you've still managed to do an impressive job. I don't think I could have done better, myself.

Aaah... that's a relief.

[Honestly! He's sighing in relief, shoulders slumping a little.]

I wasn't really sure what sorts of things you would like--you don't really talk about yourself a lot, Akechi-san.

[ Akechi chuckles at Minato's reaction-- really, did he come off as that hard to please? Even without his disguise as a perfectly polite boy, he would have appreciated any gifts at all just for the gesture itself.

But that second comment... ah. ]

Do I not? [ And he looks genuinely puzzled at that-- he's pretty sure has shared too much, at least on one previous occasion. ] I suppose no one has ever really asked.

[ That's... the truth, too. Even back home, everyone was always interested in his opinion on cases, how much progress he had made, his thoughts on the Phantom Thieves... but him as a person? Not so much. ]

Hm... I guess I haven't, you're right.

[His mistake, then, but it's easily amended; he tucks his hands into his pockets comfortably, and peacefully asks:]

What's your favorite color, Akechi-san?

[ Akechi stares at Minato, stares at that question, and blinks. Just once, before bringing a hand to cover his mouth-- and the stubborn fits of laughter that insisted on escaping. ]

That's... quite the question to be asking in this town, of all places, wouldn't you agree?

[ Because, you know. NO COLORS and all that fun stuff. But, once he stops giggling: ]

I am actually rather fond of a pristine white, but to be honest, after being here for so long, I... must admit I have renewed appreciation for all other colors.

[Yeah, maybe it was a silly question--he can admit that with a bit of a rueful smile and a nod of his head.]

Maybe it's silly, but...

[He shrugs.]

I feel like I've learned a bit more about you now. And next time, I'll have an even better present for you.

[So there's that!]

Hmm... what else-- oh.

[Oh!!]

Hobbies? What sorts of things do you like to do outside of work?

[ Next time? Was that just a manner of speech, or was Minato really planning to gift him again in the future? What a strange guy, indeed...

Either way, Akechi has an easier answer at the ready for that following question: ]

I do bouldering on my spare time. [ He really does! Because apparently it's trendy! ] It's good for exercising, and since it's mostly physical effort, it helps clear my mind when my thoughts simply won't let up. I like to throw darts on occasion, too.

[ ... he swears that's popular, somehow. ]

[Minato has never done any of those hobbies in his life...]

Oh... [HUH...] Somehow, those hobbies seem to fit a detective, don't they...? I guess that makes sense.

Do they? [ He chuckles. ] I'm only a rookie, so I'm not sure what kind of hobbies a fully established detective would enjoy.

[ Oh, but, since this is an easy enough topic to switch around: ] What about you, Arisato-kun? You've mentioned being part of a sewing club before, and playing the piano, but is there anything else?

[They just seem classy, but he can't think of that word at the moment in relation to what he's trying to say, so oh well... it will have to remain unsaid.

... As for that, well:]

Mm, well... I was part of the track team too, I guess, though I don't know if that really counts as a hobby.

[How many clubs, Minato--]

Student Council, too. [How many clubs, Minato.] So I guess the school clubs kind of were my hobbies.

[ Akechi blinks in mild surprise at that-- how can someone be so involved with so many clubs? Minato must... really like going to school... ]

It sounds like you must have been quite popular in school, considering how much time you must spend over there, haha. Wasn't it hard to juggle so many clubs, though? They usually meet two to three times a week, and usually even more often for practice, like in the track team, correct?

[He...does, yes...]

That's true, yes... I got a lot of practice with time management...?

[That doesn't explain anything, Minato.]

It was fun, though. You can meet a lot of different types of people by joining different clubs and activities.

[ Time management... Is he good at being in two places at the same, too? Hermione?? ]

I suppose that's true. Although I imagine the most different type of person to be found would be you. Your interests are quite varied, aren't they?

[ You know, being a Persona user aside, someone who is in a sewing club and plays the piano but is also interested in sports? Unusual, to say the least. ]

[Yes... his true secret is a time turner.]

Are they...?

[He blinks, a little bemused at that.]

I didn't think of it like that. I guess they might be, a little.

[He just doesn't ever really think about himself... no real self-reflection here.]

Honestly, I just like trying new things. [It feels a lot more like... living, experiencing new things, embracing life to the fully. He'd taken some real time to learn just how important that was, and now it's not something that he ever wants to forget.

... Not that he'll say that, here. It's a little too heavy for a conversation like this.]

who's a special boy

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject