[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

[finethanks]

You and I both know that won't do a thing. Locks aren't even necessary, with the way the handles burn our hands.

[He doesn't even want to try that, now that he tested it like day one trying to get in here.]

At the very least, let's have a conversation each morning.

[doublecrows]

[Eichi's right and Akechi hates it, why are the Crafters like this, why do they break into people's rooms??]

Well, it's hard to have qualms against something so simple as a morning conversations. I believe we can both do that much.

[finethanks]

If an illusion can maintain conversation, at least we'll learn that much.

[Haha... what a grim thought.]

[doublecrows]

[. . . HAHAHA. . . he sobers significantly, thinking back on what they learned at the trial]

The illusions of which Sousei-san spoke are potentially my least favorite part of this.

[he says that without really thinking, because. like. shouldn't a normal person's least favorite part be murder]

[finethanks]

[Eichi would call him out but honestly he's too used to death because everyone in his family dies? His childhood best friend is just the guy that's going to plan his funeral his parents set him up with.

But he has another direction to call out, here.]

Wouldn't that mean that you also have a favorite part?

[doublecrows]

[well, that's an interesting question. Akechi doesn't ponder it for very long before he answers with false cheer and charm]

Well, you could say that the free coffee in the kitchen is my favorite part. I usually have to pay for the quality I find here.

[finethanks]

Ah, so you're a coffee person, Akechi-kun? I prefer the tea, myself. Anything I desire is there, you're right! But, with the money I have, that's not usually an issue for me.

[Rich bitch.]

[doublecrows]

[. . . RICH BITCH]

I enjoy tea quite a bit myself, but recently I found this quaint cafe that serves the best coffee I've ever had. I suppose I've become just a little biased.

[finethanks]

[Haha, at least hearing that Akechi is genuinely enjoying coffee, of all things, makes him smile.]

If you're able to have something that you like even in this place, then that's a good thing indeed. I'm happy for you. As simple and small as it is, I believe it matters.

[doublecrows]

[thanks Joker]

It does tend to be the smaller pleasures in life that make it worth living. Particularly in grave circumstances such as these.

[finethanks]

I can't disagree with that.

[Shifting, he stands up from their shared bed.] It's all very tiring in this place. I think I'd like to sleep already.

[doublecrows]

[blinks]

Oh? Are you feeling all right?

[finethanks]

I'm fine, thank you.

[He smiles, again, just moving to find his pajamas. Warm pajamas!! He needs them.] There's just... a lot to think about coming up, isn't there? An end to this, and a start of the new week. It's enough to make me feel ill.

[doublecrows]

[watching him, quietly, with consideration. and then--]

Are you afraid?

[finethanks]

[He freezes a little in his motions, and then keeps going, curling his fingers extra into cloth.]

I'm not meant to be. An idol is someone strong who's always happy, spreading that cheer with a smile. If possible, I'd like to be like a lion, you know?

[He laughs weakly.] But the truth is, I am afraid.

[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.