[Week 3, Monday: Natsuo]

[doublecrows]

[like a moron, Akechi had avoided Natsuo post-execution, and had probably tried not to look at him too much during the Historian meeting. but now. . . now, Akechi is all alone as he walks down the hallway to the kitchen]

[it's the perfect time to pounce]

[you know what to do, Natsuo]

Comments

[doublecrows]

[THERE IT IS]

[there's a pause. a moment where Akechi just stares at him, looking a little unsure. . . but by now, he knows better]

Has anyone ever told you. . .

[with a huff, he steps forward, arms extended, hands coming to rest on Natsuo's shoulders]

That you're demanding like an energetic puppy?

[randori]

No, but I've been called a dog before.

[ Been told to bark, too. And he did it. ]

That's not a hug. Do it properly, and say "I love you and missed you.".

[doublecrows]

[ugh shut up Natsuo!!]

[but Akechi leans in, turns the awkward shoulder pat into an actual huge, drawing Natsuo close (uncomfortably close), ignoring the way his muscles stiffen like he wants to bolt]

I'm glad you're still alive.

[and he means that]

[it isn't quite "I love you and missed you" but it's close]

[randori]

[ It's good enough for Natsuo, who brings his arms up and hugs back— a proper, full-bodied hug with hunched shoulders and his face pressed against the side of Akechi's neck, a very tight squeeze from his arms that lasts longer than it really should. ]

I'm glad I'm still alive too! I'd just gotten to be friends with everybody— I didn't want to give all that up so soon.

[doublecrows]

[UUUUUGH. . . his cheeks are turning a bit red at the contact, why is his life like this]

[. . .]

[he doesn't say anything, but his grip on Natsuo tightens ever-so-slightly. he didn't really. . . work through his grief over him dying. and even though Natsuo is alive now and that fact should wash that grief away, Akechi may. . . need a moment]

[randori]

[ He'll have plenty of moments, because Natsuo doesn't let go, even after a whole minute passes. Of everybody that had gone to talk to him after he emerged from the ground, he'd received a lot of thing- lectures were first and prominent, slaps in the face both figuratively and literally, sadness and relief and lots and lots and lots of anger. He had never gotten a hug, and even now, it's because he had to ask for it, and he doesn't want to give that up yet.

If Akechi won't cry, then he will, tears hot and wet on the side of his neck. ]

[doublecrows]

[uuuUUGHHH. feeeeeeelings]

You're my-- friend, Natsuo.

[what the fuck is that admission, after nearly four weeks]

I'm grateful that you're still here. And I'd prefer for you to stay here, regardless of what happens.

[randori]

[ wailing ]

You didn't come to see me!! I thought you hated me!!! Even the Lord came to yell at me and you didn't!!!!

[doublecrows]

[oh noooo. sighs and pats Natsuo's back!!]

I didn't wish to overcrowd you.

[he seemed busy, and also, Akechi was having feelings?? feelings are still hard]

[randori]

If you loved me, you would elbow your way through the crowd to get to me! That's what I would do for you!!

[ remember that one trial? where Natsuo did exactly that so he can tackle Akechi to the ground ]

[doublecrows]

[GCK]

[huffs a little]

Is. . . is that how it works? I've never really had a friend before.

[SO HE DOESN'T KNOW. . .]

[randori]

That's how it works!

[ He steps back and grins this self-assured grin ]

I've had friends for two whole years, so I know all about friends! I'll teach you about how to be a friend, so all you have to do is listen to me!

[doublecrows]

[. . . sighs. but there's something fond about it, instead of his usual exasperation]

Senpai, then?

[randori]

[ THE DISCONNECT BETWEEN FRIENDS AND SENPAI THOUGH... but he'll take it, any reason to be falsely looked up to ]

Yeah! Call me senpai! Natsuo-senpai! Say it!

[doublecrows]

[IMMEDIATE REGRET]

Just. . . just Natsuo, for now.

[you're on first name basis with him now, Natsuo. congratulations!!]

[randori]

[ claps his hands together!! ]

Then I'll call you Goro! Goro-chan!

[doublecrows]

[SCREAMS]

A. . . all right. Goro it is.

[if Eichi gets Goro, then Natsuo can have it, too]

[randori]

Alright! What do you want to eat, Goro-chan?! I'll make you something!

[ He's still holding a butter knife, I think. Let him make Akechi something at knifepoint. ]

[doublecrows]

[this is how friendship works, clearly]

[Akechi blinks]

I don't know. I'm not craving anything in particular. Something without spice, though.

[randori]

Mm... All I can make is soup, so you're eating soup.

[ There's no point in asking anyways... He'll make this pot especially bland for Akechi's sake, because they're friends. ]

...You came down to the kitchen for something though, right? Usually, I feel like eating snacks when I'm happy. Is that why you came down here?

[doublecrows]

[WHY DID YOU ASK, NATSUO]

S. . . soup it is.

[he didn't say bland, he said without spice!! because he can't handle spicy things. . .]

I was going to make myself a pot of coffee. Would you care for a cup?

[randori]

[ JUST IN CASE THE ANSWER WAS SOUP ]

Not really... I like sweet drinks. Coffee is when you're tired or don't want to sleep— if you're tired, you should sleep when you can. There's nothing like school to get up for, so sleep.

[doublecrows]

[is the answer ever soup]

Tea, then? I believe there's some fruit tea around here somewhere.

[randori]

[ Natsuo's favorite food is beef stew... his answer would be soup ]

Yeah! We'll have tea with soup! Orange pekoe!!

[ he knows nothing about tea; ignore him ]