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Entry tags:
( CLOSED ) send help
WHO: Akira Kurusu and Makoto Niijima
WHERE: RAMEN because Akira wants to stay warm and hasn't learned his lesson from December.
WHEN: February 15th, his day off from dying in Magatus.
WHAT: A talk that they've been meaning to have, but thought would be better to have in person.
WARNINGS: At most possible Persona 5 spoilers??
[ Retrospec's timing is impeccable as ever. With a mission on top of his pen pal's grand arrival, he can feel the weight slowly dragging him down. His stiff shoulders sink as he lets out a sigh, occasionally admiring RAMEN's storefront and menu. Not even the enticing and fiery aroma that swathes his sinuses clear can empty his mind. Futaba's palace, the Magatus wolves' offer, and whatever that waits for him when he talks to Makoto... It’s exasperating to put on record, but the small wave of solace from the heart stone comforts him. It only takes a roll between his fingers to put him at ease.
There's a time and place for everything, all of that. He can do this. His friends can also do this.
A bit antsy (anyway), he sluggishly unlocks and locks his phone in a rhythm. Seconds tick away with each flash of the digital clock; waning dark circles sometimes rest in the glass screen. He had hoped that they could talk about this when the mission is done, but Makoto's activism in seeking answers is the guillotine he, and his friends, didn't anticipate.
Soon he will engage with the keeper of a good handful of his dark secrets. He hums thoughtfully before checking himself with the front view camera on his phone. Is his hair graying out yet? ]
WHERE: RAMEN because Akira wants to stay warm and hasn't learned his lesson from December.
WHEN: February 15th, his day off from dying in Magatus.
WHAT: A talk that they've been meaning to have, but thought would be better to have in person.
WARNINGS: At most possible Persona 5 spoilers??
[ Retrospec's timing is impeccable as ever. With a mission on top of his pen pal's grand arrival, he can feel the weight slowly dragging him down. His stiff shoulders sink as he lets out a sigh, occasionally admiring RAMEN's storefront and menu. Not even the enticing and fiery aroma that swathes his sinuses clear can empty his mind. Futaba's palace, the Magatus wolves' offer, and whatever that waits for him when he talks to Makoto... It’s exasperating to put on record, but the small wave of solace from the heart stone comforts him. It only takes a roll between his fingers to put him at ease.
There's a time and place for everything, all of that. He can do this. His friends can also do this.
A bit antsy (anyway), he sluggishly unlocks and locks his phone in a rhythm. Seconds tick away with each flash of the digital clock; waning dark circles sometimes rest in the glass screen. He had hoped that they could talk about this when the mission is done, but Makoto's activism in seeking answers is the guillotine he, and his friends, didn't anticipate.
Soon he will engage with the keeper of a good handful of his dark secrets. He hums thoughtfully before checking himself with the front view camera on his phone. Is his hair graying out yet? ]
no subject
No, but I remembered the other memory...
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She's red as a tomato. Concerned, though curious, he doesn't tease her about her reaction. ]
What was it? If you don't mind me asking...
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[but now is no time to be easily embarrassed, so she exhales, regathering her wits and. Not thinking about how she was clinging to his leg because of lightning in a dark room.
And Futaba scaring her.]
I only have a few memories. That would make the fifth one I've gotten since I received the app, as a matter of fact.
no subject
[ He was worried and curious for no reason?! He kind of deflates and leans back into his seat now that it's settled. Actually, he feels a little disappointed? Hm, this at least continues to validate the idea that mentioning the memory has a good chance of triggering it in the other person.
The waiter returns with Akira's share platter—the aroma is warm, enticing, but also shows obvious signs of being SPICY. ]
Wow, that's a handful. I think when I got Retrospec, I received about nine? [ The gives her a small plate, just so they don't look weird for only having one person eating. ] I hope your memories aren't too hectic on your first month.
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[she notes with a slight glance upwards]
I feel like, as long as they're memories like the last one, I would have no problem handling them. But the memory about the girl jumping...
[she trails off, clearly affected by it, but as quickly she brushes past that]
Well, that's only been one memory. It can't be all like that... right?
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[ He's serving himself to some mapo tofu as Makoto tries to reason all of this out. His movements slow at the mention of Shiho. It feels like so long ago since he received it, but he can pull that memory out like it happened yesterday. There's a hint of resentment still left in his heart towards Kamoshida, even if he doesn't exist in Recolle. ]
Not all of them are like that, you're right. Sometimes you get memories of eating with your friends. Going on dates, hanging out at amusement parks, throwing small celebration parties... Stuff like that.
[ Taking a bite, he mulls over how to say it. ]
But as a vigilante group, we come across a lot of dark themes. I'm not going to sugarcoat it.
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Then, at least I'll know to expect it.
[she takes her chopsticks to have her own bite of the tofu. And she realizes]
... I guess it's too early to say something that serious. But I mean it.
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[ In a way, he wishes there was someone that he could have leaned on back in July. He had Ann, Futaba, and Goro, but the nature of his memories were twisted. Then again, he knows he wouldn't have leaned on this ideal person, anyway.
He takes a bite, savoring the flavor before drinking some water. It's hot, but it's a nice kick. ]
If you ever need someone to hear you out, I'm here. [ This time, for sure. ] It's the least I can do.
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About that...
[maybe... she will wait a bit for the next bite.]
Have... you run into a situation where people related here were not in their past lives? Part of why I wanted to come here was to see my older brother. But someone's already told me they don't remember him having a sister.
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Let me see. [ He's thinking now. ] I know siblings that don't exist in each other's memories, but they're a special case. The only thing that comes to mind is that Futaba had a different last name in my memories. It's more of an implication than anything.
[ ... ]
He's still your brother, Makoto. No matter what happens.
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[her sister still existed (she thinks), but not her brother. But that... was something she'd have to work out later.]
O-of course, I was never doubting that. You were going to be my friend, even if we'd been enemies in a past life.
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You haven’t done anything wrong here. Plus, you’ve always been supportive and... I trust you.
[ Long sip of his cup cause awkward. ]
Did you talk about it with your brother?
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[she exhales, and her movements stop as she considers it.]
I didn't want to. I haven't seen him since I was a little girl, when mom and dad separated. I'd rather not talk about how we might not have been siblings in a past life.
[she exhales a breath she didn't even know she was holding, and her chopsticks move forward]
He's the reason I started writing letters.
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Good call. I should thank him later.
[ If it wasn't for him, he wouldn't have precious letters from Makoto. ]
Got anything planned with him?
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[she smiles lightly at that, and playfully states,]
I'm trying to play it by ear.
But, we've talked enough about me, haven't we?
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I gave you text updates every day. [ And like 800 pictures. ] What else do you want from me?
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[said oh-so-smoothly. And yet.
She's forcing him to watch it with her when he gets back, because she doesn't deserve to endure this alone]
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[ Genuinely, he doesn’t think he is. He plays with his food in anticipation, wondering what’s she’ll throw at him. It’s so much easier talking to her through letters, but he remembers this sense of anxiety all the same.
Oh. ]
So you’ve officially caught up... Color me surprised.
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[she pauses, and then she sighs covering half her face with her hand]
I couldn't stop watching.
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Welcome to the Westside.
[ He hopes you appreciate his reference even when you’re dreading. ]
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... You did this on purpose. You knew what my reaction would be.
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[ Akira nonchalantly eats like nothing is wrong despite the telling smile on his face. Yes, he knew. Yes, he could have told her more, but there’s no way a person can describe the show eloquently.
He does this because he likes her. ]
I thought it would be fun if we could talk about a show together.
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Well, you'll have plenty to catch up on when you're back. Or is that part of what you used today for, outside of making chocolates?
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When I come back. [ His expression softens, wondering if he will come back—if everyone will, but... ] I was helping my housemate with his own lunch orders on top of my chocolate, so my day has been busy. What time I have left is better spent with others than a show that can wait.
[ So he’s here!! ]
No spoilers, please.
[ go ahead and rip him to shreds, tbh. ]