[Prologue, Saturday: Eichi]

[doublecrows]

[sometime late evening, long after the day has come to a close, Akechi returns to his shared. . . green. . . room with Eichi. he looks a bit somber, but he does manage to say with artificial cheer]

That was rather exciting, don't you think?

Comments

[doublecrows]

[. . . huh]

[if Akechi were a better person, a person who could empathize, he might offer words of comfort. being an idol is far different than being a participant in a killing game. but he. . . isn't. he isn't good at empathizing with others. and he can't help but wonder, while he ponders on Eichi's feelings on the subject--]

I'm not.

[huh]

Is that strange?

[finethanks]

Though I admit I may not be the best person to ask a question like that, I don't believe I'd call it strange. Fear is a reaction in response to threat, isn't it? If you're confident, or if perhaps you're calm and prepared, then there's not nearly as much reason to be afraid.

[Maybe that's too scientific, though.] Does it feel strange?

[doublecrows]

[I don't know]

Not particularly. I am, after all, a homicide detective.

I suppose this sort of danger is the kind of danger I've become desensitized to.

[finethanks]

If you're less afraid, you may be less careful, as well. At the same time, you may be more in control.

So, in this, let's help one another out, shall we? I'll keep an eye on you, for your safety.

[doublecrows]

[a chuckle, and Akechi nods]

That is what a partnership is for. Then let's balance each other out as much as possible.