awashlogs | September Catch-all!

[ The last few weeks had been relentless on Akechi's already unstable psyche-- and perhaps even more so on his fragile heart. Whether inspired by a quest on the forum or by the thought of losing the people he'd grown fond of, Akechi had been moved to talk about his feelings with open honesty, and that alone had been a hurdle in and of itself; even facing his real emotions was something he hardly ever did, but going as far as exposing them? Quite the novelty, that was.

As was the fact he had good feelings to share, like the depths of his soul weren't so dark anymore. Among thieves and criminals, he's found a place to belong, and a flickering light inside his heart.

And it's thanks to those bonds and one unlikely revelation that Akechi is standing right outside Lupin's room. When it comes to sharing his burdens, he's still very much a rookie, but more and more, Lupin has proven to be someone he can rely on, aside from generally being someone with experience in this particular topic of conversation, so coming to him just seems like the logical course of action. ]

Lupin-san? [ He announces his presence with a couple of knocks on the door, before turning it open and peeking inside. ] Do you have a moment?

[ ... then again, considering Lupin's connection to a certain other thief, this conversation might take a turn for the awkward, so it will probably take more than just one moment. ]

[ As part of his quest to understand his own heart, Akechi has decided to conduct a very personal investigation on what he deems to be unlikely couples in Chroma. Ochako and Okuyasu were certainly one of the first pairs to come to mind, and a conversation he'd had with Lupin before worked as the perfect excuse to get more information on the guy without raising any suspicions.

(And maybe, just maybe, he had also been mildly concerned for Ochako's choice of boyfriend, though he knows he's not really in any place to pry or give advice on the matter. But... it doesn't hurt to make sure that weirdo is actually good enough for her, right?)

So he sets up their usual tea time at the usual (estimated) hour, and once he hears knocking on the door, he promptly answers with his customary smile. ]

Good afternoon, Ochako-chan. Please come in-- our tea will be ready in another minute or two.

[ Under the guise of a friendly visit and with the excuse to borrow his manual charger, Akechi has made his way to Izuku's place-- a largely conspicuous green house, sticking out like a sore thumb in an otherwise yellow district, which may as well signal the real reason behind this trip. Because it likely means a blue now lives there.

A blue who, as far as Akechi has gathered, is Izuku's boyfriend. And while he has no personal investment in that relationship itself, he may be interested in the principle behind it. Understanding what makes a previous friendship turn into something more, and the gradual shift from platonic to romantic... The thought still eludes him, somehow.

So, after a brief exchange of inbox messages so he won't drop by unannounced, Akechi comes over, knocks on the door a couple of times, and waits until someone answers. ]

Edited 2018-09-08 23:31 (UTC)

[ And Lupin is perceptive; he's good at reading tells, he knows Akechi's been anxious these past few weeks. Originally, he thought it would disappear once they'd rescued everyone from the island - he was a good kid, to get that worried about his friends. But time passed, and it became clear as day that there was something else on the young detective's mind.

He won't lie and say he doesn't like to pry; he does, when he thinks it's appropriate, such as helping his roommate sort out whatever's on his mind. He simply hasn't gotten a good chance to bring it up with him yet. As it turns out, he won't have to; Akechi's come to him instead. ]

For you? Certainly, monsieur.

[ Akechi will find him standing by his bed, looking down at his gentleman thief ensemble laid out on the bed - or the cloak, at least. He's been trying for a while to get a stubborn bloodstain out of it from the time he was bitten by a werewolf. Naturally, he looks up from it when Akechi enters, giving him a grin. ]

What's up?

So soon? I'm really glad I wasn't running late today!

[Not that she ever runs late. She offers him an amused grin as she steps inside, but then... off to their usual table she goes! Gone are the days when she awkwardly waited for him to lead the way; they've had tea too many times now for her to feel out of place.]

I know I always say this, but thank you so much for sharing your tea, Akechi-kun! You're the best.

[ Once he's given permission, Akechi makes his way in, only to immediately frown at the stained cloak on Lupin's bed. That must surely be a memento from the time the werewolves attacked, and the memories associated with that particular event are still too fresh in his mind, haunting him despite his making amends with the people he hurt back then. People he cares about.

It's not that he hasn't ever realized that before, but it works as another reminder of how lucky he is to have someone like Lupin as a roommate and friend. Someone he's learned to rely on, slowly but surely. ]

I hope you're not too busy. [ With one last look at the stain, Akechi shifts his focus to Lupin, ponders over how to even start this. ] There's something I would like to discuss with you.

[ A pause. That's not quite right... ]

Or, rather, I suppose it's closer to seeking advice, actually. [ A smile, just a little bashful. ] I imagine you must have valuable expertise in this particular topic.

There's no need for that. The reason why I even have tea at all was thanks to your world, so sharing is the very least I can do.

[ With a goodhearted chuckle at Ochako's unnecessary thanks, he closes the door behind them and lets her get comfortable while he goes fetch their tea-- the old kettle is already steaming, so it should be about ready. So he pours the liquid into Ochako's cup with his habitual "careful, it's hot" warning, before moving on to his own. ]

Although I must admit, our tea time today is also a bit of an excuse-- for having your lovely company, of course, but there's also a particular topic I would like to discuss with you.

[ he hopes Akechi isn't too grossed out by the cloak - or, more seriously, too bothered by seeing it. The whole werewolf debacle had been rough on the two of them, and although Lupin has largely gotten over it, he has a feeling Akechi is a little bit more fragile than he is. With a shake of his head, he folds the cloak up, moving it off to the side so that he has room to sit on the bed; once he's seated, he pats the spot next to him, inviting Akechi to sit down, too.

He honestly has no clue what he's going to be asked about here. Lupin's got a lot of knowledge on a huge variety of topics, so it could really be anything... and, of course, it's going to be the last thing he expects from Akechi. ]

Advice, huh? I'm pretty confident in my worldly wisdom. What topic would that be?

[Tea!! Heck yes. Ochako leans forward to catch a whiff of its pleasant aroma, instinctively curling a hand around her cup. A "particular topic," though? That's enough for her to put her tea appreciation on hold, and she glances right up at him.]

With me? [What'd she do? But after that split-second of surprise, her expression softens.] I mean, sure! You can talk to me about anything, Akechi-kun! And now I'm super curious, so...

[Spill it!]

[ He huffs a small giggle behind his own mug, amused and just slightly concerned-- he hopes he hasn't intimidated her, even for that split second. ]

As you know, I'm a detective back home, and as I have been running an investigation on this town, Lupin-san has recently suggested I find a partner. He even had a name in mind.

[ A sip of his tea, and a small pause to build suspense. ]

Okuyasu Nijimura-san.... I believe the two of you have a close relationship, correct?

Ah, well...

[ He takes a seat and a chance to think over his words, pondering how to start this, buying himself that little bit more time. He has rehearsed this in his head, tried to prepare as best as he could, but the truth is he never thought he'd be having this kind of conversation with anyone, and so he could never feel truly ready.

But he's made it this far, right? The only way is forward. ]

That would be... interpersonal relationships.

[ A frown. That sounds a little too vague, doesn't it? So with a sigh and some hesitation, he adds: ]

... possibly not platonic in nature.

[ If it looks like the word "romance" could hurt him, it's because it probably can. ]

[Ochako hears the word "partner" and immediately assumes that Akechi is going to ask about, like, Deku. He's smart! He's observant! He's the best, most obvious choice, really, which is why she relaxes, raises her own cup to her lips, and... splutters the very second she hears her boyfriend's name. It's not that she thinks Okuyasu is a bad pick! It's just that she, you know, never expected Akechi to ever mention him. This is—WHEW.]

Okuyasu?

[Hmm, yes, that cup is going right back on the table as she hurriedly clears her throat.]

I guess... a "close relationship" is right? He's great! Like, really great. [She looks down at her tea, cheeks turning a nice shade of red, because she's sixteen and silly.] Th-That's why he's my boyfriend!

[ Oh.

Oh. This is going to be that kind of conversation. Lupin raises an eyebrow, but it's with a knowing smile rather than disbelief. Akechi could do with some love, in his expert opinion, although he was unaware that he had any prospects. ]

Oho... You could say I know a thing or two. I'll help you out if I can.

[ but he can guess what kind of problems Akechi might be having - in which case, he can definitely help. ]

Did someone come to you? Or did you have a realization of your own?

[ While Lupin may not have intended for his smile to come off as teasing, it's still enough to have Akechi momentarily averting his gaze, and it's only by miracle that he manages not to blush.

(Or maybe it's because he's more annoyed than embarrassed-- not at Lupin, but at the whole situation. How troublesome...) ]

The former. [ Well, at least he figures that last interaction between them counted as Akira coming to him in a more definite way, though there has... definitely been a good amount of mutual flirting before that. ]

And for further context, it's not as if I have never been on the receiving end of a confession before. Back at those times, however, I always knew what to do.

[ Either accept it as a desperate attempt at finding acceptance in return, or politely turn them down once realizing no one could ever love the real him, the paths had always been clear to him-- there's very little risk when one has nothing to lose. But now... ]

Now it's... different.

[ Now, he's begun to hold on to hope, fragile though it may be, that perhaps even he can still find a place to belong. Now, he's had the chance to be a little more like himself, for better and worse, and an unlikely friendship sustained even through lies and hurt, hanging on a delicate balance. Now, he has something to gain, but also a lot to lose. ]

[ Akechi has to expend some great effort into not laughing-- naturally, he's too Pleasant and Polite for that-- but if a subtle snicker escapes him, he'll try to cover it up with a cough and another sip of his tea for properly clearing his throat. ]

Yes, I thought so. [ Actually he was fully aware of that, but Ochako doesn't need to know Akechi is generally on the look out for any kind of information, right? ] Which is also why I thought there was no one more appropriate to get good references from.

[ Not just for a potential partner, but also to enlighten his own understanding of romantic relationships. Feelings are hard, man. ]

So, tell me, Ochako-chan. What is it that makes Okuyasu-san so great to you?

[ it was definitely a little teasing, but in a fond way...

he's not surprised Akechi's gotten confessions before, although by the sounds of things, he turned everybody down. He's got a handsome face and a charming personality. And probably a lot of commitment and abandonment issues, too, if Lupin had to guess based on his "knowing what to do." There was most certainly a time in his life when he had to get over those things, himself.

Lupin leans over, resting his cheek on his knuckles. ]

Do you have an interest in that person, too?

I... suppose you could say that.

[ An interest... Yes, he's definitely always been interested in Akira, even from the time they first met-- a high school nobody, standing up against the beloved and famed Ace Detective on television. He was not intimidated, someone Akechi could have intellectual conversations with, then a rival, then a threat. And then they came to this place, and everything had been reversed, with the more than occasional bump along the way.

It makes him wonder, if perhaps their relationship hadn't been reversed all along. The opposite of what it should have been. ]

But, I cannot say with certainty what kind of interest that would be. [ He clasps his hands together, lets them rest on his lap as a sigh wells forth. ] To be honest, our relationship has been anything but straightforward.

[ ~~Or, you know, straight at all.~~ ]

[No worries, Akechi! Ochako is too caught up in her Teenage Feelings to notice anything but the loudest of laughs. It's been, like, three whole months of dating? You'd think she'd be over it by now? But every time she's reminded that she has a boyfriend who loves her...

Well! She sits up a bit straighter in her chair, blush deepening, because it's amazing, honestly. Okuyasu himself is amazing, which is why she's determined to answer Akechi's question as best she can.]

So many things! Okuyasu is—he's kind, and he's thoughtful, and no matter how bad I feel, he always makes me laugh. [Even if he isn't trying to!] Being around him just makes me... happy.

[That's, uh, cheesy as hell? Not something that someone would write in a reference letter, honestly, and since she's still under the impression that this is something like a pre-employment screening—]

He's a hard worker, too? A-And he never, ever gives up! That's why he keeps finding out new things about the well!

[Everything is said so earnestly, so affectionately, but why... did she bring up the well...]

[ It's not as if they have had a lot of luck for the past... several quests they have done together, it's true, but Akechi continues to try, anyway; it's a way to learn more about Ryo, the one person who somehow manages to talk even less about himself than Akechi does, and perhaps the reason why he's so drawn to him. It's a mystery to be solved.

(But maybe it's also a matter of honor by now, just a bit. How can such brilliant boys keep failing miserably at such stupid tasks?)

So with renewed hope and a good dose of stubbornness on the side, they exchange a few words over private messages, and schedule a time and place, where Akechi is currently waiting for his quest partner. These never tend to be quite as straightforward as they seem, but surely, surely they can fetch some honey... right? ]

In other words... you feel something for them, but you're not sure what it is. Am I right?

[ this is a problem he's familiar with, although perhaps not personally - at least not in a long time. He has no idea that Akechi is talking about Akira, and he also has no idea just how tangled the relationship in question is... but Lupin doesn't think that has to matter. Love doesn't follow rules or come along on the straightest path; it weaves its own way into you, appearing when you least expect it. ]

That's not uncommon. Emotions are pretty complicated. [ after appearing to think for a few seconds, he nods his head, golden eyes flicking to Akechi's again. ] Well, try thinking about them. What do feel when you see them? Even if it's just picturing them in your head.

[ Learning more about other Persona users was always something that took priority on his list, and now that they weren't actively fighting for their lives, quests were about the only good excuse he had to carry on with his private investigation.

Besides, this team in particular did seem to work out fairly well, or at least it did when the time came to fight the sirens. And considering he was under the impression Nanjo had something in mind for them to try, that is all the more reason to go slaughter some fairies together.

So he waits at the scheduled time and place, and once the two others arrive at the scene, he greets them with his usual smile, and a polite bow of his head. ]

Thank you for agreeing to this once again, Arisato-kun, Nanjo-san. I hope we will continue to get along.

[Exactly at the scheduled time, the silhouette of Kei is visible as he makes his way over, sword behind him, briefly pushing his glasses upwards.]

Mr Akechi. Mr Arisato. It is good to see the both of you again. Thank you for indulging me in this idea of mine.

[It's certainly a lot more of a polite circle than he was used to, what with Mark, Brown, Reiji and their leader.]

I'm glad I could help.

[Minato just nods in response, one hand tucked into his pocket as usual, the other holding a sword.]

Besides, it's been awhile... have we ever taken on a quest where we had to fight something together?

Edited 2018-09-09 23:07 (UTC)

[ Ryo is aware that they've had more failures than successes (and really, Dextera deserves more credit than Akechi does for making the memory sharing quest a success), but he hasn't given up yet. Akechi is by no means an incompetent person, so he's willing to keep trying. Maybe he'll learn a few things about him; he's clever and interesting enough to be worth keeping around.

He grabs an empty glass jar to put the honey in before heading over to their meeting place, dipping his head slightly in greeting when he sees the detective. ]

Hello, Akechi-san. What do you know about gathering honey? [ It's okay if he knows nothing, because Ryo is a walking Wikipedia with plenty of unnecessary knowledge about bees and honey. ]

[ Ah... His well adventures don't exactly... say much in his favor, do they? ]

Oh, he's... certainly very strong-willed, haha...!

[ And that's definitely an euphemism, but he gotta stay nice and pleasant!!

Regardless, while it's safe to say Ochako is very fond of the guy and sees plenty of good traits in him, that doesn't quite answer what he really wants to figure out, so. Time to do a little more prying and prodding. ]

However, things like kindness and a fun personality are also traits that can easily apply to a friend, and a reason why you would enjoy spending time with them. So, what I'm wondering is, what is it about Okuyasu-san that makes him so special to you, above everyone else you know?

September Catch-all!

Lupin

Ochako

Izuku

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Ryo

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Minato & Kei

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