Akira Kurusu (
theshowsover) wrote in
awashlogs2018-08-05 02:07 pm
Entry tags:
[Closed] Whistle while you work
WHO: Akira and Akechi
WHERE: An unused building in Ruga
WHEN: beginning of August
WHAT: Akira cleans his new cafe, with help from Akechi
WARNINGS: dumb boys
[The building used to be a general store, he thinks, but that's alright. It's a little less run down than the one or two actual cafe/restaurant buildings he found, and it has nice big windows in the front. There's a counter that can be re-purposed as a bar, and shelving behind that he can use to store coffee and other items. There's an area behind the counter he thinks he can one day use to set up a stove for curry, but for now the coffee is his primary goal.
So he's gathered up what cleaning supplies he has (a broom, some rags, a bucket full of water) and come this way. He thinks they can clear out some of the busted and moldy shelves, clean it up, and then get some tables and chairs from other buildings. Maybe get some paint, and make the place a little cheerier; bring in new oil lamps to light it.
It's a big project, but he thinks it will be worth it. He even seems a little excited, as he turns back to Akechi.]
Thanks for offering to help, by the way.
WHERE: An unused building in Ruga
WHEN: beginning of August
WHAT: Akira cleans his new cafe, with help from Akechi
WARNINGS: dumb boys
[The building used to be a general store, he thinks, but that's alright. It's a little less run down than the one or two actual cafe/restaurant buildings he found, and it has nice big windows in the front. There's a counter that can be re-purposed as a bar, and shelving behind that he can use to store coffee and other items. There's an area behind the counter he thinks he can one day use to set up a stove for curry, but for now the coffee is his primary goal.
So he's gathered up what cleaning supplies he has (a broom, some rags, a bucket full of water) and come this way. He thinks they can clear out some of the busted and moldy shelves, clean it up, and then get some tables and chairs from other buildings. Maybe get some paint, and make the place a little cheerier; bring in new oil lamps to light it.
It's a big project, but he thinks it will be worth it. He even seems a little excited, as he turns back to Akechi.]
Thanks for offering to help, by the way.

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[Akira rubs his chin as well, looking thoughtful. He certainly does intend to treat Akechi well at the cafe, especially after all this work he's put into... everything.
But he's interested to hear what Akechi means when he says that. Akechi doesn't normally espouse selfish desires as part of his pleasant boy persona, after all.]
What kind of special privileges?
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[ There's a hum, and he taps one finger against his chin as though considering his options-- even though, really, that's an idea he's been mulling over for a little while now. Long before this cafe had even been in the works at all.
Before the werewolves and the pain and the distance that had once been ever present between them. He's had the idea, sure, but he still can't tell if the moment makes it a good one.
Then again, he's already come this far, right? ]
How about occasional access to the cafe after business hours? I feel like trying out your famed curry and a warm cup of coffee would make for a perfectly relaxing evening.
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Akira's lips widen in a warm smile, though inside he's a bit amused. So that's all Akechi wants? It's such a simple request, and yet... endearing, really.]
Of course.
[He answers easily, and his voice is warm, too. Inviting. He wants everyone to feel welcome... but Akechi, especially, he wants to feel welcome here. Like he can be himself here, for the first time in so long.]
You're welcome to be here any time I am.
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And while Akira might not know his true self (as far as he's aware, anyway), the fact that he even accepts him at all after everything they've been through... that is heartwarming. Perhaps for more reasons than one. ]
Well, I wasn't planning on being here alone.
[ Or rather, not without Akira. He's fine with being alone, as long as it's the two of them. ]
I mean, I wouldn't even know how to get started on that sort of meal-- and after all the work we're putting into this, I doubt you'd want to see your kitchen catch on fire, haha...!
[ And while a nervous laugh might be part of his charismatic persona, this time it might be a little too real. ]
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Right. Leave the cooking to me.
[He can handle it well enough, after all. They'll just need a way to do so using a fire stove; there's no electricity in the town, after all.
Though speaking of... He'll also need to haul fresh water here every morning so he can actually brew the coffee. Well, it'll be worth it, he reminds himself.
Worth it to bring some warmth to others.
Worth it to see Akechi's smile.]
Then it's settled. You're officially a VIP.
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A VIP? [ His eyebrows arch in mild surprise, and he hides a giggle behind a fist. ] I don't usually mind waiting in big lines if the food is worth it, but I suppose this will make for a nice change.
[ Not that he's interested in the actual food, of course. He never was-- especially not in this cafe in particular. ]
Speaking of, I believe this is about as much wood as the cart can handle at once. How about I wheel this outside while you get started with the cleaning?
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[He winks roguishly (or in a way he likes to imagine is roguish, anyway), before turning back toward his cleaning supplies. He grabs a rag and some water, and heads for the shelves they're keeping.]
Sounds good. Let me know if you need any help.
[And with that, they will clean for awhile, only making occasional small talk or talking about what needs to be done next. With both of them working together in this pleasant atmosphere, the cafe will be looking more put together in no time.]
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Ah, I'm quite exhausted!
[ With a sigh, he slides down a wall, plops down on the floor without much pomp or circumstance. Tired as he is, he's not exactly complaining, and for once, it's not just for the sake of his pleasant boy persona. He seems genuinely... content. ]
I must say, I don't remember the last time I have had so much cleaning to do, not even when we first arrived. I hope I'm not getting rusty, haha!
[ There's a droplet of sweat running down his forehead, and he wipes it off with the back of his hand, though in the process he seems to leave a stain on his cheek-- moisture and dust don't make for a very nice combination. He might not be getting rusty, but he's definitely a little dirty. ]
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Whether Akechi tries to stop him or not, it seems his best efforts don't do much to help. Ah well.]
Too bad we can't go take a warm bath...
[Ah, electricity, he misses you... Akira shakes his head, then holds up his hand to Akechi, palm flat, ready for a high five.
They did a good job.]
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(Alas, flusters take time to come off.)
But then Akira is holding up his hand, and he has to downright stare at it, dumbfounded. He's seen the motion before, something the Phantom Thieves easily exchange among themselves when passing the baton to someone better equipped to deal with an enemy, but this is... new. More casual, and friendly.
He kind of likes it. ]
Good job today.
[ And he goes for the high-five! ]
I do think we've made considerable progress. If we can keep up with this pace, it should take us no longer than two weeks to have this place up and running.
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But then Akechi is high-fiveing him, and it's nice. It feels good, to interact so casually like this. To sit in friendship after a hard day's work.
This was a good idea. He smiles and nods.]
The sooner the better. I can't wait for everyone to see it.
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Patience, Kurusu-kun. It wouldn't do to rush it and deliver a less than stellar result, now would it?
[ But it's just some friendly teasing done in good jest-- he can tell this is important to Akira, after all. ]
In the meantime, how about you start thinking of how to decorate the finished cafe?
[ Then again, Akira's idea of decor seems to be "gathering random shit from friends" so... ]
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[He looks around the shop, contemplating. He doesn't really have an eye for design; maybe Sojiro could help, if he were here, since he certainly made Leblanc cozy, but they're without their fearless Boss here. Yusuke is more of an artist than an interior designer. So maybe it really is up to him.
But the kind of decor he likes...]
Maybe I'll just display things people give to me.
[Akechi was exactly right...]
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That's... not much of a motif, though, is it?
[ He offers with a placating laugh, though on the inside, he's really making some good effort not to snap. Really, he's not putting so much time and effort and even his own wish coin into this cafe just to Akira can decorate it like his trashy attic!!
And maybe there's one other issue with it, too. ]
Have you even been getting souvenirs from many people, to begin with...?
[ Asked in all nonchalance, and only in the interest of decorating the cafe, of course. Not... personal interest of any kind, surely not. ]
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There's the armband from the sports day... and a few people gave me flower crowns this time around...
[He also has a lot of novelty socks, but he's been wearing those.]
Other people might want to contribute things, though...
[Unless Akechi has some personal interest in why they shouldn't...]
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Not that he cares, of course!! He just doesn't get how people would see anything special about that piece of trash!!
(He does, and that's what makes him so angry.) ]
An armband and flower crowns are more like personal accessories than items of decoration, aren't they? The flowers themselves could work in potted arrangements, perhaps, though if they have been made into crowns, then I don't think they would last very long...
[ In other words, Akira should get other flowers. Flowers that weren't given to him by other people. For practical purposes only!! ]
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[He looks around the soon-to-be-cafe thoughtfully. His contemplation ends in a sigh.]
Guess I'm not very good at decorating.
[He looks back at Akechi, tilting his head.]
What do you think?
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Me...?
[ He really wasn't expecting Akira to take his thoughts into consideration-- he didn't even have that many thoughts, to be begin with! But, seeing as Akira is so keen on having his friends pitch in with decoration... ]
How about you ask Kitagawa-kun to make a plaque for the cafe in nice calligraphy? And perhaps Okumura-san could help with some potted flower arrangements, or other plants of some sort? They keep the ambiance fresh and add some life to it.
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Yeah. Both of those would be nice.
[And it fits with his theme of everyone contributing! But of course, that means he expects everyone to contribute.]
But what about you?
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[ Oh, so he expects Akechi to personally contribute to the decoration, too? That's... a bit of a surprise. ]
Is this an attempt at getting a gift from me? Repayment for the puppet, perhaps?
[ But he's chuckling as he says that, clearly just making one of his trademark jokes-- but this time, not just because he's trying to play the role of a charismatic boy. This time, he's just in a good mood-- at least for that brief moment. ]
I don't think my skill sets don't lend themselves very well to decoration items, though. I'm afraid I don't have much to offer.
[ Maybe not just as a gift giver, either. ]
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You've been putting as much work into this as me. It's only fair you get to give it a personal touch.
[But what is it that Akechi could do... hmm...
After a moment of thought, he points to the back wall.]
We could paint your A right there.
[Referring, of course, to the initial he puts on everything.]
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What a silly idea, Kurusu-kun...! [ It's not meant to make fun of him, though! He's just... amused at the thought, really. ] My signature painted on a big wall like that would look anything but inconspicuous.
[ Really, how is he supposed to stealthily gather information when his presence is all but visibly displayed for all to see? So he lets the last of his fits of giggles die behind the back of his hand, but once they subside, he takes another look around the would-be cafe. Akira's cafe. ]
Besides, that signature is something I only use on my personal belongings, and this is your cafe. I can think of something else to help decorate, however. Something practical, but aesthetically pleasing.
[ You know, much like Akechi, himself. So with a tap on his chin and a smile, he adds: ]
In fact, I might already have something in mind.
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What's that?
[He's interested to hear. Will it be at all personal, or purely practical? Although, something purely practical would also suit Akechi...]
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A guestbook!
[ ... okay, so maybe it wasn't anything extraordinary, but he does think it's a good idea! He's pretty proud of it, especially for coming up with it on the spot!! ]
Since this cafe won't be charging for drinks or even be run like a business at all, I do believe it would be nice for customers to have a place where they can leave a few words of encouragement for your efforts. All the best functions usually have one, so it would give this place a slightly more refined flair.
[ Polished and trendy and, more importantly, filled with praise. It practically screams "Akechi", really. ]
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That's a pretty good idea.
[So he will praise Akechi for his thoughtfulness, giving a nod.]
I like it.
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