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. ]
[Meanwhile, Akechi begins to curl in on himself. One leg is drawn toward him, and he leans in, wrapping a long arm around it as he tilts forward. The other remains outstretched, but the body language in and of itself is clear.
[ he knows those boundaries, and knows when to not push. Akechi had made that clear enough, but it doesn't mean that Ren doesn't enjoy the game, and doesn't enjoy the prospect of being close to him.
You really aren't terribly civilized. Next time you can ask. [Akechi does hand over the thermos quite carefully, dangling it in the air between the two of them.
He is relieved, if not visibly so, that Ren never pushes overly far. There's always a limit. The game is a game, but it's also a point of comfort for him. If anything, their earlier contact has proven that Akechi needs to continue being careful, lest he let his thoughts get away from him.]
[ Ren might be a horny teenager, but he's also a gentleman.
he reaches up to take it, but it's deliberately slow until the weight is in his palm. the cap comes off and he takes a long drink. there's no scooting away to the side, and no obvious discomfort from him. this is something that comes as a second nature to him, as he likes feeling close to other people. ]
Did I ask for reassurance? [There is more bite to his tone than he'd care to admit, but he didn't need Ren to make any promises about respecting him. That's deeply unnecessary.]
If I were truly angry, you'd know. [There is a game, and Akechi sometimes has to let Ren play his part in it. That means he has to draw back up the walls when he's allowed things to go too far.]
[ after this long, he knows how to deal with Akechi's array of emotions. he's been the recipient of both his rage and his clemency. Akechi doesn't scare him, nor does slighting him. they knew each other too well, and Ren won't shy away from their conflicts.
the respect is already there, so he makes a point to clarify. ]
...
When I challenge you, I don't want to trick you or trip you up. I want all of you.
Sometimes a game requires that. You know that as well as I do. [Chiding and firm. No, not when it comes to Akechi's comfort or boundaries, but he's used to those being on the line. He forgot what it was like to rethink his actions under another lens after so long. He's starting to approach them in a new way.
That new way isn't always a changed way.]
I hope you won't falter and apply that morality across the board. It would be utterly boring for the leader of the Phantom Thieves.
[ it's a sort of wonder to watch—it's like Akechi is unfolding a little bit at a time in front of him, showing a little bit more as they push and pull together. when bites, and Ren takes it in some stride. there's something about his grumpy face and accompanying demands that's engaging.
it stirs something in him. ]
I'll keep it to kissing.
[ his smile turns up at the edges, and his voice gets a little lower. he leans back on one hand. ]
Being boring is the worst thing I could get dumped for.
That's why you're doing so well to keep it up. It's only someone truly interesting that would put me in such a bind. [The bind itself being a relationship. Akechi took care not to get into any, and didn't even accept a fake girlfriend to appease the masses back home. He was single and unavailable for a reason.
Of course, a fake girlfriend would've exposed him to other problems.]
Should we set up a game while we're up here? I know that the real deal is more impressive, but the digital chess board has proved adequate. If you do well, I may even let you come closer.
[ Ren never really considered himself interest as much as he knew who he was and the expectations of his own world view. with Akechi he had wanted to see the real him—and did, eventually, without any regrets.
still without regrets. ]
Those odds just make it sound like you're playing it safe. [ he twists the little empty cup in his hand, trying to balance the rim on his finger. ] Are you going to really gamble?
I'm aware of what it means to have you come closer to me. [It's not as if Ren is that far away, after all. He knows that the wager may not be enough, but he won't gamble something away he's not ready to lose.
Isn't that what Ren said? Or is he simply pointing out that this is a safety measure?
No matter. He knows how ... much he responded earlier. This is enough.
For him, too.]
But it sounds like you're not up for the wager. We can simply tidy up and leave if you aren't interested.
[ Akechi had never been a person that was easy to get close to, Ren's tenacity played a part in that journey (along with other things). getting Akechi to lower his mask was enough, and now he knows he's asking a lot for him to lower his defenses—to get close in other ways.
We'll always have a fight over who gets to be black. [Because the truth is that the both of them prefer that color. It makes sense that they would.] But I'll take your challenge, and let you have it this time. [The color. Since white means that he'd go first.
The board appears between them, with Akechi taking white. He moves the first pawn.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
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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He raises his eyebrows at Ren, expectant.]
Did you truly think I'd be less on guard?
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[ he knows those boundaries, and knows when to not push. Akechi had made that clear enough, but it doesn't mean that Ren doesn't enjoy the game, and doesn't enjoy the prospect of being close to him.
for the moment, he does seem satisfied. ]
You're hogging the thermos.
[ and he can be cheeky about it. ]
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He is relieved, if not visibly so, that Ren never pushes overly far. There's always a limit. The game is a game, but it's also a point of comfort for him. If anything, their earlier contact has proven that Akechi needs to continue being careful, lest he let his thoughts get away from him.]
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he reaches up to take it, but it's deliberately slow until the weight is in his palm. the cap comes off and he takes a long drink. there's no scooting away to the side, and no obvious discomfort from him. this is something that comes as a second nature to him, as he likes feeling close to other people. ]
I'm not trying to catch you with your guard down.
[ he says after a moment. ]
I promise.
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If I were truly angry, you'd know. [There is a game, and Akechi sometimes has to let Ren play his part in it. That means he has to draw back up the walls when he's allowed things to go too far.]
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[ after this long, he knows how to deal with Akechi's array of emotions. he's been the recipient of both his rage and his clemency. Akechi doesn't scare him, nor does slighting him. they knew each other too well, and Ren won't shy away from their conflicts.
the respect is already there, so he makes a point to clarify. ]
...
When I challenge you, I don't want to trick you or trip you up. I want all of you.
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That new way isn't always a changed way.]
I hope you won't falter and apply that morality across the board. It would be utterly boring for the leader of the Phantom Thieves.
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it stirs something in him. ]
I'll keep it to kissing.
[ his smile turns up at the edges, and his voice gets a little lower. he leans back on one hand. ]
Being boring is the worst thing I could get dumped for.
no subject
Of course, a fake girlfriend would've exposed him to other problems.]
Should we set up a game while we're up here? I know that the real deal is more impressive, but the digital chess board has proved adequate. If you do well, I may even let you come closer.
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still without regrets. ]
Those odds just make it sound like you're playing it safe. [ he twists the little empty cup in his hand, trying to balance the rim on his finger. ] Are you going to really gamble?
no subject
Isn't that what Ren said? Or is he simply pointing out that this is a safety measure?
No matter. He knows how ... much he responded earlier. This is enough.
For him, too.]
But it sounds like you're not up for the wager. We can simply tidy up and leave if you aren't interested.
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something seems to click for him after a moment.
oh. ]
I never said I wasn't interested.
[ he's gotta play the field, Akechi. ]
You can even have the first move.
wrapping up tag!
The board appears between them, with Akechi taking white. He moves the first pawn.]