[ the gentle prods serve as an expression in their own way, but also a reminder that Akechi is wanted, and to let him enjoy it without much pressure. the light jab seems to leave him a little wickedly satisfied, even if he doesn't respond.
they're halfway up the elevator before he responds. ]
We could always test it.
[ it's a tall, tall building, but the elevator is empty as those living in the building are either hunkering down for the night or at supper. it's still a little chilly at night, and as they get closer to the top, it's apparent how unruly the greenery has gotten. there's a door between the elevator and the roof, and Ren ushers him through. ]
... I just trimmed it all. [ a quiet, passing comment, because everything's definitely overgrown again. there's a little pathway through it, though it's a little cramped due to the overgrowth. ]
Well, it's a good thing that neither of us have any allergies. We'd be in a terrible predicament. [The overgrowth is unusual. Akechi wonders about it quite often, but it's at the corner of his eye in terms of investigations. It started after Zerzura, that much is clear. But the meaning is puzzling. Will it continue like this?]
I assume that regardless of your employment, we're not likely to be found up here. Or you've made friends with the building manager.
[After saying it, Akechi decides that this is the most likely.
Oh, did Ren also joke about testing the insulation? Yes, he's not acknowledging that. How odd!]
[ make friends with the building manager—good job on nailing part of the mystery there, Akechi. ]
Everything's been hectic lately. [ and loud, he also means loud. ] Being somewhere quiet with you sounded nice.
[ Ren can overwhelm himself with things to do, helping people and diving into working himself into fourteen-hour naps, but he enjoys the pockets of quiet that they get. the park would've been nice, but crowded this time of night, and Ren would rather go out of his way to get time alone than be disturbed.
he swats at a leaf, and it hits him in the face. he swats at it again and raises it enough to duck under it. there are a few leaves stuck in his hair, and he runs his fingers back through it to try to untangle them.
they reach a clearing in the plants and Ren straightens his shoulders just a little bit. it's the view. while most buildings in the city offer view of other buildings, this one is clear. it's conveniently played: both in a high enough spot, and between other buildings to offer a rather stunning view of New Amsterdam almost to the wall. dusk settles and the lights get brighter, and Ren approaches the ledge of the building with the intent of climbing up onto it. ]
[Despite the fact that he's tailing after Ren, Akechi takes care to duck under some of the plant life smoothly. If there's any chance of Ren looking back, he wants to look as if he's handling this with ease. Their time together isn't so different from how it was back in Shibuya. There's only a different approach, a different definition, toward what's happening between them.]
Do you think that he can get us on the wait list here, then? Complete with a decrease in rent, of course. That could be evened out thanks to your on-site services. [It's not said in all seriousness, not in the least. He heads up after Ren on the ledge, following his lead but meeting him every step of the way.
That part hasn't changed from before. At least now they're both aware of their equal footing, rather than pretending otherwise.
(And here, most of the time, it does feel like it's equal. Unlike before when Ren was surrounded by all his friends.)]
[ they've been a lot of things—and they're still a lot of things. the affection and seems to be second nature to him, a confirmation of the stirs inside of him when they would clash together.
they get to the top of the ledge and Ren lets the bag drop before sits, legs dangling over the ledge. he rolls his head over his shoulder to look at him with a curled little smile. ]
It would be a constant source of zucchini.
[ he misses his friends. inside, there's a conflict of both wishing they were here and being thankful that they're not. even if he was quiet and good at keeping to himself, he was never good at being lonely.
making friends came easy, but there was always a gap of people who he felt understood him. the Phantom Thieves weren't there, Morgana wasn't there, but he had Akechi. ]
I feel like there must be a better fruit or vegetable to harvest here. How about strawberries or even oranges? They don't match this city's climate, but things are unusual here. I suspect that it wouldn't begin to matter. [While the bread turned out to be much sweeter than Akechi expected, he's unlikely to say any differently. It's a matter of pride at this point. Orange is a much better taste, a much better thing to experience first hand. Or as a flavoring.]
Unless they've decided that you can grow little else.
[He stands alongside Ren and looks out over the city. The view itself is much appreciated.
In truth, Akechi is glad that if he had to be dragged to another world, it would be one like this. Yes, it has its flaws, but he would feel suffocated by a utopia. At least he can apply his same logic and understanding to this one.]
[ a small smile tugs at his lips. it's soft and warm. ]
Orange bread next time.
[ Akechi talks, and Ren, surprisingly, listens. he teases about zucchini bread, but if trying something new makes him a little satisfied, then he'll go through the effort to do it. there were some things he was willing to compromise, especially to make other people that he cared for happy. he never lost that about himself.
there's a little usher of his hand for Akechi to come closer, and Ren takes a step or two to bridge the gap. he's careful when he moves, a red-gloved hand carefully moving to slip around his waist. the intentions are clear, and he doesn't make a move beyond them. ]
[The closeness is almost unbearable. It's one thing for it to be Ren's hand in his own, or even a knee knocking against his while they watch a movie together. It's another to have Ren pressed against him, arm around his waist. He can smell him, feel him, know that he's there.
Akechi is, in a sense, starved for the closeness.
He can feel goosebumps running up his arms.
Back in Tokyo, he was a creature of control. He staged his associations with others. He mapped out his daily routine, all to seem a certain way: sophisticated, interesting to speak to, and a deliverer of pleasant interaction. Underneath all that was a burning, uncontrollable rage—a feral way of carrying himself. He was bound, both by his deal with his father, as well as his need to appear a certain way. Too concerned.
In all that, his control had a goal. An aim. He let himself cut loose as he cut away people's sanity, ripping them away from that.
His head leans back, canting to the side.] Why don't we see how the orange bread goes first? [A way of trying to maintain control, though his body language doesn't quite match with the words.]
[ there's still tension, and he can feel it. he takes the cue and doesn't push any further, but he doesn't move away, either. the hand at his waist is loose with gloved fingers curled at the knuckle. his hand rests half on his waist, half over his hip. it's a lot to ask, but Akechi doesn't move away, either. it's as close as he's been to Akechi, aside from the time when he dug a bullet from his shoulder.
their relationship had peeled back the layers of the facade that Akechi displayed to the world, one after another, until Ren had a gun pointed at his head. in all honesty, he wouldn't have done anything differently. it meant that he accepted the feral, angry Akechi as readily as he accepted the rest of him.
the scent is probably familiar, sweat and that spicy soap that he uses. the pace of his breath is steady. ]
Consider it a request.
[ his fingers withdraw, over his hip and then into one of his pockets. the bag on his shoulder slips to the ground. ]
[Which part? The hand on his hip, the closeness, or the bread? His cheeks are flushed when Ren pulls back, and he hates it a bit. His body is responding in a way that he wants to control, wants to conceal, keep chained up and locked away. At his side, his fingers curl tightly into a fist, stabilizing himself.
He swallows once, forcing that past his throat.]
I hope you brought us a beverage of some kind. We'll be in trouble without one. [A literal request for an opportunity to cool off.
Fuck, he hates how damn obvious it is. How this game suddenly feels dangerous. All because of a lingering touch. (Barely lingering, he'll recognize later.)]
[ oh, he sees that, Akechi. it's only a moment that he focuses on it, because rosy cheeks aren't exactly what he expects from the Metaverse's most notorious former assassin. he doesn't comment on it, but instead puts the attention fully on the bag so Akechi can regain himself. (he got a little bit of his fill, regardless.)
out comes a thermos and he passes it over to Akechi. it's something akin to a Thai iced tea, but made with herbs. (he thought about bringing coffee, but it wouldn't keep and he couldn't waste it.) ]
Here. [ after that he finds the blanket so they can sit. it's still a tad chilly out most nights, and no one wants a cold butt. ] This is your first meal after work right? I won't make you wait.
[ the little bag of buns gets set down before Ren settles. ]
I usually snack on the way home, [he confirms, but there's an understanding that he decided against that today. The fact that Ren had plans meant that he knew that Ren would ensure he wouldn't go hungry. Perhaps that's to blame for the little ... frustration before. He hasn't eaten; therefore, he's more sensitive.
Akechi takes the thermos and fills himself up a cup of it, drinking it down in one swift gulp. It helps.]
[ there are two people that he learned hospitality from: Sojiro and Lala, and it's enough for Ren to know how to both ensure his guests are well fed and listened to. while he's quiet, he knows how to hold a conversation.
there's a little nod. ]
I overheard someone mention it at the cafe.
[ as in, he was eavesdropping.
there's a little motion of his hand for Akechi to sit so he can pass over the bag. ]
[All of it is idle chatter. The two of them on a rooftop. Akechi begins to eat his meal after he's handed his bao, and a little bit dribbles down his chin. By now, Ren knows that Akechi is far from the well-seasoned, well-controlled eater that he'd like to be. All of his sophistication is managed in careful, monitored movements. Back when he was playing out the role as a detective idol, any bit of crumbs on his chin had come with a reason.
When he finishes eating, he draws his leg up, resting his elbow on it as he leans forward.]
This is far from the typical romantic gathering, but it's about what I'd expect of you. Using what accesses you have. It's admirable. [Which is a statement that sounded like it was on its way to being a criticism.
in contrast, Ren is a neat eater as long as he isn't dropping something. it's nice to see more of the real Akechi, aside from the front that he put on for the public. there's really no need for that anymore, huh? ]
Ah—really?
[ his voice gets just a little higher at the compliment, before lowering again. ]
It was nice when I came up here, and I wanted to bring you. [ there's a thoughtful tip of his head. it's not like they could just go to Leblanc to be alone. even when they went on dates, it seemed like there was people everywhere. ] Then I just ... thought of ways to make that happen.
[ he made up his mind without thinking of how much work it might be to do it. it's how he does a lot of these things. ]
No. [Blunt, to the point. He doesn't relax in what he's saying here just because it's Ren. Nothing about this would be impressive if it was literally anyone else. But he knows how Ren pulls these things off.] Something like this is a bit too simplistic for my tastes. The atmosphere is only suitable because it's coming from you. Anyone else would be hoping for a cheap date. [He takes another sip from the thermos cup.]
The difference is that I can easily piece together how we got here, and that's because I've seen you in action.
[ there was something refreshing about Akechi's honesty. he didn't want him to censor himself, it felt better that way. the words don't seem to deter him at all, they're still here and if he really was displeased, Ren was sure he'd know. there's a subtlety there he seems to miss, though. ]
I didn't say that was necessary. [Though the idea of Ren dressed up is a—pleasant one, to say the least. Seeing him in his thief garb was never a problem. (Of course, how much he allowed himself to think of that is another matter altogether. It's one that can easily be up for debate.)]
I prefer a more interesting atmosphere. While the one we had in New Beijing was top of the line, I'd prefer ... fascinating and unique. Don't forget that Leblanc was my go-to for a reason. [It wasn't just to be eerily close to Ren on a regular basis.]
[ well, that's not a no, is it? dressed up it is. he'll have to do a little digging and find something unique enough for Akechi's taste. Ren didn't mind playing a little trial and error, because even if it wasn't to Akechi's taste, they'd have fun in one way or another. he got to learn a little more about him.
if it's bad, then they could always just take a trip to the arcade. ]
I figured it wasn't just the hot barista.
[ it's a little bit of a joke, he knew Akechi's intent wasn't purely because he was attractive, but also because ... well, you know, Akechi had to keep track of him. what came first, really?
his arms stretch in front of him, fingers linked, and he looks awfully serious for a moment. ]
Got it. [ of course he does. ] Next time, I'll find somewhere unique.
Haha, I'm sorry to say that Boss isn't really my type ... [It's not as if Sojiro always allowed Ren to work with the coffee, especially since he was particular about the flavor profiles. So, his joke is only slightly incorrect. (Ren certainly made him coffee at Leblanc.)]
As it is, I'm looking forward to it. I'll keep introducing places for the two of us to enjoy. I do want to find one that's deserving of having me as a regular.
[Akechi could be considered a regular at Ren's work, but that's only by necessity.
The atmosphere is stodgy and caters to a certain class of people. It's not for Akechi.]
[ the smile spreads a little wider, a little heh escaping his lips. ]
Maybe we can go somewhere as regulars.
[ rather than Ren standing behind the bar. he doesn't mind making coffee and cooking—he does that for Akechi in the kitchen now, rather than Leblanc. still, it might be nice to go somewhere together, rather than Akechi constantly coming to him. ]
I hear New Honolulu has great coffee.
[ there weren't many coffee places in New Amsterdam, and they were all kinda clustered where people could afford them. there weren't any gems around.
not like the alleyway that he had called home for the year he was in Tokyo. ]
[Akechi makes a thoughtful sound, and his gaze glosses over. It's the look of someone who is looking up something on the network, seeking out information that's currently relevant to him. New Honolulu looks promising, but it also seems like the type of place where they can go and be caught for being there. Would it even be worth the trouble?]
It's promising, [he offers.] But I'd prefer a smaller city. One with less of a population, and one that has a more individual flavor. We can look for it together.
[Worldhopping has its upsides, but it'll be more enjoyable with Ren at his side.]
[Akechi is the type to notice that shift, that movement. His gaze falls not to Ren, but the space between them. And then it flicks back up to the boy's face, expectant. Curious. But he doesn't invite him to move any further.]
Yes, it does seem that the coffee's a lot cheaper there. We'll be able to stock up without hoping for a discount from your work. [Notably: because Ren doesn't seem to be getting one ever.]
Admittedly, I'm a bit curious about the smaller megacities in their formation, and that they have gates in the first place. Even the burgeoning ones can be reached. Or, well, as far as I can see.
if he were to be perfectly honest, his goal had been to find a spot where Akechi had been talking and not entirely paying attention for him to move closer. there were gaps in places that he could exploit.
when Akechi looks at the smaller gap between them he doesn't mention it, and instead continues on about coffee and gates. Ren halfheartedly listens, and while it's obvious, takes a big shift closer while he's looking. it's not as if he hasn't been caught, and now he challenges Akechi to say something about it.
the gap between them is there, but not as large as it once was. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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they're halfway up the elevator before he responds. ]
We could always test it.
[ it's a tall, tall building, but the elevator is empty as those living in the building are either hunkering down for the night or at supper. it's still a little chilly at night, and as they get closer to the top, it's apparent how unruly the greenery has gotten. there's a door between the elevator and the roof, and Ren ushers him through. ]
... I just trimmed it all. [ a quiet, passing comment, because everything's definitely overgrown again. there's a little pathway through it, though it's a little cramped due to the overgrowth. ]
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I assume that regardless of your employment, we're not likely to be found up here. Or you've made friends with the building manager.
[After saying it, Akechi decides that this is the most likely.
Oh, did Ren also joke about testing the insulation? Yes, he's not acknowledging that. How odd!]
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[ make friends with the building manager—good job on nailing part of the mystery there, Akechi. ]
Everything's been hectic lately. [ and loud, he also means loud. ] Being somewhere quiet with you sounded nice.
[ Ren can overwhelm himself with things to do, helping people and diving into working himself into fourteen-hour naps, but he enjoys the pockets of quiet that they get. the park would've been nice, but crowded this time of night, and Ren would rather go out of his way to get time alone than be disturbed.
he swats at a leaf, and it hits him in the face. he swats at it again and raises it enough to duck under it. there are a few leaves stuck in his hair, and he runs his fingers back through it to try to untangle them.
they reach a clearing in the plants and Ren straightens his shoulders just a little bit. it's the view. while most buildings in the city offer view of other buildings, this one is clear. it's conveniently played: both in a high enough spot, and between other buildings to offer a rather stunning view of New Amsterdam almost to the wall. dusk settles and the lights get brighter, and Ren approaches the ledge of the building with the intent of climbing up onto it. ]
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Do you think that he can get us on the wait list here, then? Complete with a decrease in rent, of course. That could be evened out thanks to your on-site services. [It's not said in all seriousness, not in the least. He heads up after Ren on the ledge, following his lead but meeting him every step of the way.
That part hasn't changed from before. At least now they're both aware of their equal footing, rather than pretending otherwise.
(And here, most of the time, it does feel like it's equal. Unlike before when Ren was surrounded by all his friends.)]
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they get to the top of the ledge and Ren lets the bag drop before sits, legs dangling over the ledge. he rolls his head over his shoulder to look at him with a curled little smile. ]
It would be a constant source of zucchini.
[ he misses his friends. inside, there's a conflict of both wishing they were here and being thankful that they're not. even if he was quiet and good at keeping to himself, he was never good at being lonely.
making friends came easy, but there was always a gap of people who he felt understood him. the Phantom Thieves weren't there, Morgana wasn't there, but he had Akechi. ]
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Unless they've decided that you can grow little else.
[He stands alongside Ren and looks out over the city. The view itself is much appreciated.
In truth, Akechi is glad that if he had to be dragged to another world, it would be one like this. Yes, it has its flaws, but he would feel suffocated by a utopia. At least he can apply his same logic and understanding to this one.]
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Orange bread next time.
[ Akechi talks, and Ren, surprisingly, listens. he teases about zucchini bread, but if trying something new makes him a little satisfied, then he'll go through the effort to do it. there were some things he was willing to compromise, especially to make other people that he cared for happy. he never lost that about himself.
there's a little usher of his hand for Akechi to come closer, and Ren takes a step or two to bridge the gap. he's careful when he moves, a red-gloved hand carefully moving to slip around his waist. the intentions are clear, and he doesn't make a move beyond them. ]
I'll frost it, too.
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Akechi is, in a sense, starved for the closeness.
He can feel goosebumps running up his arms.
Back in Tokyo, he was a creature of control. He staged his associations with others. He mapped out his daily routine, all to seem a certain way: sophisticated, interesting to speak to, and a deliverer of pleasant interaction. Underneath all that was a burning, uncontrollable rage—a feral way of carrying himself. He was bound, both by his deal with his father, as well as his need to appear a certain way. Too concerned.
In all that, his control had a goal. An aim. He let himself cut loose as he cut away people's sanity, ripping them away from that.
His head leans back, canting to the side.] Why don't we see how the orange bread goes first? [A way of trying to maintain control, though his body language doesn't quite match with the words.]
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their relationship had peeled back the layers of the facade that Akechi displayed to the world, one after another, until Ren had a gun pointed at his head. in all honesty, he wouldn't have done anything differently. it meant that he accepted the feral, angry Akechi as readily as he accepted the rest of him.
the scent is probably familiar, sweat and that spicy soap that he uses. the pace of his breath is steady. ]
Consider it a request.
[ his fingers withdraw, over his hip and then into one of his pockets. the bag on his shoulder slips to the ground. ]
Did you want to eat? The bao will get colder.
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He swallows once, forcing that past his throat.]
I hope you brought us a beverage of some kind. We'll be in trouble without one. [A literal request for an opportunity to cool off.
Fuck, he hates how damn obvious it is. How this game suddenly feels dangerous. All because of a lingering touch. (Barely lingering, he'll recognize later.)]
But regardless—you're right. I am rather hungry.
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out comes a thermos and he passes it over to Akechi. it's something akin to a Thai iced tea, but made with herbs. (he thought about bringing coffee, but it wouldn't keep and he couldn't waste it.) ]
Here. [ after that he finds the blanket so they can sit. it's still a tad chilly out most nights, and no one wants a cold butt. ] This is your first meal after work right? I won't make you wait.
[ the little bag of buns gets set down before Ren settles. ]
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Akechi takes the thermos and fills himself up a cup of it, drinking it down in one swift gulp. It helps.]
Is this a new place? [He means the bao.]
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there's a little nod. ]
I overheard someone mention it at the cafe.
[ as in, he was eavesdropping.
there's a little motion of his hand for Akechi to sit so he can pass over the bag. ]
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[All of it is idle chatter. The two of them on a rooftop. Akechi begins to eat his meal after he's handed his bao, and a little bit dribbles down his chin. By now, Ren knows that Akechi is far from the well-seasoned, well-controlled eater that he'd like to be. All of his sophistication is managed in careful, monitored movements. Back when he was playing out the role as a detective idol, any bit of crumbs on his chin had come with a reason.
When he finishes eating, he draws his leg up, resting his elbow on it as he leans forward.]
This is far from the typical romantic gathering, but it's about what I'd expect of you. Using what accesses you have. It's admirable. [Which is a statement that sounded like it was on its way to being a criticism.
And yet.]
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in contrast, Ren is a neat eater as long as he isn't dropping something. it's nice to see more of the real Akechi, aside from the front that he put on for the public. there's really no need for that anymore, huh? ]
Ah—really?
[ his voice gets just a little higher at the compliment, before lowering again. ]
It was nice when I came up here, and I wanted to bring you. [ there's a thoughtful tip of his head. it's not like they could just go to Leblanc to be alone. even when they went on dates, it seemed like there was people everywhere. ] Then I just ... thought of ways to make that happen.
[ he made up his mind without thinking of how much work it might be to do it. it's how he does a lot of these things. ]
Is this the kind of date you like?
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The difference is that I can easily piece together how we got here, and that's because I've seen you in action.
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You like the fancy date spots, don't you?
[ he looks thoughtful about this. ]
Maybe next time I'll put on a suit.
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I prefer a more interesting atmosphere. While the one we had in New Beijing was top of the line, I'd prefer ... fascinating and unique. Don't forget that Leblanc was my go-to for a reason. [It wasn't just to be eerily close to Ren on a regular basis.]
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if it's bad, then they could always just take a trip to the arcade. ]
I figured it wasn't just the hot barista.
[ it's a little bit of a joke, he knew Akechi's intent wasn't purely because he was attractive, but also because ... well, you know, Akechi had to keep track of him. what came first, really?
his arms stretch in front of him, fingers linked, and he looks awfully serious for a moment. ]
Got it. [ of course he does. ] Next time, I'll find somewhere unique.
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As it is, I'm looking forward to it. I'll keep introducing places for the two of us to enjoy. I do want to find one that's deserving of having me as a regular.
[Akechi could be considered a regular at Ren's work, but that's only by necessity.
The atmosphere is stodgy and caters to a certain class of people. It's not for Akechi.]
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Maybe we can go somewhere as regulars.
[ rather than Ren standing behind the bar. he doesn't mind making coffee and cooking—he does that for Akechi in the kitchen now, rather than Leblanc. still, it might be nice to go somewhere together, rather than Akechi constantly coming to him. ]
I hear New Honolulu has great coffee.
[ there weren't many coffee places in New Amsterdam, and they were all kinda clustered where people could afford them. there weren't any gems around.
not like the alleyway that he had called home for the year he was in Tokyo. ]
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It's promising, [he offers.] But I'd prefer a smaller city. One with less of a population, and one that has a more individual flavor. We can look for it together.
[Worldhopping has its upsides, but it'll be more enjoyable with Ren at his side.]
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At least we can smuggle some coffee back.
[ but there's a pause as he puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. ]
We'll find somewhere. The longer we don't, the more places we get to visit.
[ did he get closer? he might have scooted a tad closer during their exchange. ]
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Yes, it does seem that the coffee's a lot cheaper there. We'll be able to stock up without hoping for a discount from your work. [Notably: because Ren doesn't seem to be getting one ever.]
Admittedly, I'm a bit curious about the smaller megacities in their formation, and that they have gates in the first place. Even the burgeoning ones can be reached. Or, well, as far as I can see.
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if he were to be perfectly honest, his goal had been to find a spot where Akechi had been talking and not entirely paying attention for him to move closer. there were gaps in places that he could exploit.
when Akechi looks at the smaller gap between them he doesn't mention it, and instead continues on about coffee and gates. Ren halfheartedly listens, and while it's obvious, takes a big shift closer while he's looking. it's not as if he hasn't been caught, and now he challenges Akechi to say something about it.
the gap between them is there, but not as large as it once was. ]
Yeah, it's another mystery all together.
[ he was listening
just a little bit. ]
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wrapping up tag!