( CLOSED ) send help

[maskreant]

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? ]

Comments

[justfists]

... No.

[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.

[maskreant]

[ Mmm. Sometimes he would hear about Makoto's family in passing in her letters, but nothing this detailed. They tend to write about other stuff like their day, what's happening in school, or random things. The latter may be his fault. ]

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?

[justfists]

Hm...

[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?

[maskreant]

[ Smooth, Makoto, very smooth. He gives her a look as he takes another bite, a little suspicious. ]

I gave you text updates every day. [ And like 800 pictures. ] What else do you want from me?

[justfists]

We don't have to talk about you, if that's what you're worried about. Though I do have a lot of... well, questions and some concerns about your tastes in shows.

[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]

[maskreant]

I’m not that interesting.

[ 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.

[justfists]

I--

[she pauses, and then she sighs covering half her face with her hand]

I couldn't stop watching.

[maskreant]

[ A feline smile forms on his lips as he sips his water, looking pleased as can be. ]

Welcome to the Westside.

[ He hopes you appreciate his reference even when you’re dreading. ]

[justfists]

[she stares at him through her fingers, and just gives him the most plaintive look she can manage. How could he do this to her?]

... You did this on purpose. You knew what my reaction would be.

[maskreant]

Me?

[ 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.

[justfists]

[she pouts, and then sighs, a little dramatically for her. Perhaps... she wishes she could be of more help. Or they could chat, though it seems weird with the little field trips?!]

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?

[maskreant]

[ Aw, that’s cute. He keeps smiling like a child having the last laugh, finding the tofu’s heat not as scorching as before. He’s starting to eat it without thinking now. ]

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. ]