There’s nothing scandalous on my phone, but I don’t have enough photos with you.
[ It’s a fact. If anything, he has no photos with Goro prior to his awakening. While the people are... Weird, Akira doesn’t quite make a fuss without further investigation. It almost feels like his reputation never quite spread or they’ve long forgotten. It wouldn’t surprise him if they did. Sometimes news wash away only to be replaced by something bigger, juicier, and there is talk about the Phantom Thieves despite being far from the city.
He comes to a halt when Goro points out the bridge, letting the stray catch up and rub against his ankles while he follows line of sight. It’s so tempting to pet, but with Goro in tow, he would need to drag the detective down to kneel with him. He decides against it since he’s playing tour guide and host until they learn more about their situation, then he can finally address... them. What they are doing. What Goro did. Why Goro did that.
... Deep breaths. Keep those frustrating thoughts and feelings at bay. It’s a gamble to look over to the detective when he’s trying to settle, so he focuses on the structure. ]
Do you want to cross it?
[ He doesn’t answer his question. Instead, he asks of Goro’s desires and tugs him along. They can check out the little bridge just for him. ]
Having them in your possession would be unnecessary anyway. I'm here with you, in person.
[ Except memory is an unreliable thing, hazardous in its inconsistent recapture of a moment condensed and torn asunder with every shift in emotion and passing year. Faces will wane into a luminescent haze with experiences, once sharply dense, falling into disrepair, relying on reminders and triggers to bolster their innate significance. Goro can see the appeal, recollections made tangible, easier to reminisce into some sort of clarity, but he didn't seem to care for it, either. The good rarely ends with a softened note of respite. ]
With every rendition braved and endured, having even one may as well be a burden. But I wonder if there are any walls to climb, be it to the top or over it. If I was meant to investigate something in particular under the guise of a quick holiday getaway, it may be nice to incorporate a brief workout in my morning routine as a refreshing start of the day.
[ Whereas the city life just demanded a timely attendance... that didn't relate to academia -- just television recordings, meeting up with the corrupt all in their sullen arrogance. At least everyone was seemingly understanding at the academy regarding his wonky schedule. Sometimes. But if Akira's feline friend is crossing the bridge along with them -- well. Goro's hand will make that attempt to slip away. Not that people are incapable of cradling a cat with just one arm, but. Where is the joy in that. ]
[ ... Akira just looks at him with his usual neutral stare, unwavering and feline-like as time passes. It continues one as if this is a competition, but gears are cranking in his mind as a myriad of thoughts. He voices none of them and finally blinks, now taking a step forward—closer to Goro, so he can use his free hand not to pet the cat... But to check his temperature. He presses the back of his hand to Goro's forehead, then flips it to his palm to compare.
Eventually, he retracts. Seems normal, even if everything is awfully bizarre including Goro's compliance. ]
We can always go jogging in the morning if you're looking for a workout.
[ Which isn't out of the ordinary for Akira when one of your best friends is Ryuji Sakamoto. The cat follows them to the bridge, but he doesn't pay it more mind aside from a playful nudge with his foot. Kitty meows! Kitty stays! Kitty brushes against Goro instead as they walk up to the little bridge, then finally across.
To another portion of the little town. There's a convenience store here, small restaurant over there, and some shops. Definitely away from Akira's house by the looks of it. ]
... It's like I never left. [ Super weird. ] I find it hard to imagine that you're not here on some kind of shady business, though.
[ Goro nearly recoils at the shadow of contact eclipsing the sunlight. But the gesture is entertained with practiced tolerance; he stares at those eyes, guarded and unflappable as they've always been, before his gaze falls to the ground, waiting for that contented withdrawal. Perhaps he can afford to be a little more adventurous now, less courteous towards secrets made to be buried deep, left unaddressed. For now: ]
Despite what I've said, unless everybody else is scattered around town along with us, then I really have no reason to be here.
[ One of the shops is where Goro decides to go, scurrying off on his own without much of a warning. If Akira decides to follow after, he'll discover the supposed detective eying the selection of brightly colored boxes, gift-wrapped and ready to go -- of local treats, homegrown fruits. A purchase is made, swift and hopefully shrewd in a decision contrived of his own accord rather than inquiring about the household preference of produce or moments of edible self-indulgence.
The bag handle sits snug in his right hand -- and if the cat still happens to be around, it'll just have to relocate to the crook of his arm, pressing close to his chest; scratches shall not be a thing when it comes to customary presents, please. At least they're both aware that Goro didn't "arrive" into this world dirt poor. ]
How common is it to hear someone brag about their pristine eyesight? [ In reference to an earlier thought, Goro starts off easy under the guise of better understanding the accommodations of these timeline renditions regardless of the abrupt train of thought diverting elsewhere. ]
I never did require visual aid, so it often slipped my mind to wear them during that one time. I've found that your friend is a jack of all trades. From an audible reminder for bedtime to a spectacles carrier... Well, I imagine your situation is different from mine though.
[ Akira merely accepts that answer, though leaving room to keep scanning Goro whether it be his face or his back. Of course, he trails along as a host—also out of curiosity. What has caught the detective's attention this time? Fruit. He hovers, peeking over Goro's shoulder while the cat squirms in his arms and lets out a distraught meow.
It distresses Akira all the same, so he carefully corrects him in how to hold the stray (though in the back of his mind, he should be taking it away). The bag of fruits? He will take and become the ferry of the day. Kitty will be content here, though it does look up to him with big, inquisitive eyes as it holds onto his arm like a body pillow.
You smell different. You're new. ]
I think it's more common to hear someone complain about their horrible eyesight. [ But now that Goro learned of his deep, dark secret, he should confess. Rubbing his neck, he looks up to the ceiling. ] To be honest, I thought those glasses would give me a new identity.
[ The mention of Morgana makes him smile though. ]
He's a good babysitter. I'm not sure where I would be without him. [ Tilting his head, he watches his guest some more. ] Did you want to check out the other shops?
[ Goro stares at the cat's inquisitive eyes; he tilts his head at an angle, avoiding outstretched paws threatening unwitting scratches. A pause hovers in feigned deliberation as he tip-toes further from the topic of identities, however new or old. Life without Morgana('s guidance) means too much, far beyond sleep deprived nights resolved by a nagging guardian in the form of a stray; Goro doesn't touch upon that, either. Instead: ]
... How long has it been since you were permitted to return home like this?
[ Here, of all places, just to be knocked unconscious long enough to arrive at their usual starting point, again — to relive a whole year's worth of envious malice and regret. So: rational suspicion of an uncustomary change of scenery — Shibuya readily replaced by something more rural and snug — implores scrutiny, not leisurely strolls just to window-shop. But Goro's question posed seems to open up that prospect for a mini-adventure of being shown around some. ]
An intruder like me stepping foot into your world, however unintended... Doesn't it leave a bad taste in your mouth, even just a little?
[ Frivolously said, but Goro's eyes are hawkish, like he's looking for something across Akira's typically stoic features. ]
[ Whenever he gets to that point, sometimes he barely spends a day when he's dropped off in the countryside. Sometimes, he would be lucky to spend a week... But that's if he survives that long. It reminds him of how long it really has been since he's seen his family. As much as he loves Futaba and Sojiro all the same, each new beginning means rebuilding their trust and earning their love. Over and over... Constantly, he had to fight for the place he knew he belonged.
For a second, time shows as weariness in his grey eyes that cast their gaze idly elsewhere, looking at nothing in particular. A small meow snaps his focus back. He raises his head and looks back over, tilting his head at Goro's odd question with his usual expression. ]
Did it leave a bad taste in yours when I landed in Tokyo? [ No, he already knows the answer. Those years were filled with envy and contempt, unfounded or not, were all too glaring as he repeated them. He saw it in Goro's posture, heard it in his words... And sometimes he would find other things that tell him the opposite. ] I'm grateful for your company.
[ Whether it's good or bad company, he doesn't go into detail. In the end, through these endless cycles, Goro is the only one that is even remotely aware of the cycles... He's the only one that shares at least several recollections. To end their visit at this shop, he pokes the cat's nose and it meows at him before trying to nip his finger. Kitty no like. ]
There's a small shop that makes some really good dango.
[ Something sweet as a treat. It only takes a couple of steps to exit, then he points over to the place. It's a cozy, quaint storefront with snacks displayed behind the window. ]
[ Goro tames that need to impugn what was innocuously conveyed. Instead: a softened sigh, gaze set sidelong — seemingly dismissive as the cat is placed on the ground, finally relinquished from Goro's cautious grasp. He swats at the front of his shirt riddled with incessant cat hair that demands to stay, all the while humoring the thought of how gratitude is an earned thing, and he hadn't done anything at all to deserve those words to begin with. ]
... In the end, it would have been nice to be able to talk with you some more.
[ Goro follows that mini beeline towards the display of snacks behind clear glass without awaiting another cue. His words sounds less like a smile regardless of how it resumes to shelter the unspoken, still; the lack of animosity and blatant rejection on Akira's part promotes a certain wariness that he couldn't shake off even after all those clockwork cycles of his self-imposed failures. Perhaps he ought to fight against it less regardless of how disconcerting the potential comfort it may bring. Old habits may remain so, ~lifelong rivalries~ and all, but. ]
I imagine the presentation is of a more traditional approach and less decorative like the ones found in the city. [ The aforementioned dango. ] Or perhaps your hometown has a unique approach to making them stand out on their own?
[ This cat may scamper off, but there's more in the countryside. Fret not, more will approach them on their little walk around the town. Akira's eyebrows arch into his bangs as his attention is drawn away from the warm little treats made live in front of them behind the glass. ]
I'm still here?
[ What's with that forlorn and distant talk? He knows they aren't on the... Best of terms, it doesn't mean they can't still talk. They won't know how long they have or if one of them will perish due to uncertain circumstances, but Akira is here in the present and he has every intention to talk about a number of things once he corners Goro in his room. That's for later.
For now, he tilts his head as those little theories come up, expression blank and slightly confused as he offers the detective no answer. Instead, he hobbles into the little shop and comes back with two sticks of dango in his hands while the bag of fruit hangs off the crook of his elbow. ]
It's nothing special, just tasty.
[ He holds one out for Goro to take or take a bite. Whichever one, but if he tries to take it... Well, Akira will strategically move it back the same amount of distance closed. ]
[ Miraculously; against Akira's will, perhaps. But Goro doesn't parry the statement with resistance. He opts to stare vacantly at the windowed display, countenance absent of its performative delight — though his eyes still glints with subtle intrigue upon Akira's return, attention fixed upon the dango. ]
... Thanks.
[ Belatedly said — gratitude withheld up until he notes Akira's swift, retracting hand, like a reminder to retain some manners regardless of their oddly placed familiarity... but the dango remains unobtainable, still. Goro knits his brows, wrinkles his nose, mildly miffed and confused; maybe this particular comrade-against-fate would prefer having that first bite instead, however playful and roundabout the approach. So: Goro gestures for Akira to go on ahead. ]
After you, then. [ The treat wasn't worth additional probing; 'nothing special', indeed. Hardly leaves any room for disappointment. But now he's curious to know: ]
We all judge a book by its cover, don't we? ... What is something that you've adamantly refused before deciding to give it a chance later on?
[ Ah, yes, the infamous knit of the Akechi brows. Akira considers this a win for him and slots the dango into Goro's hand right after he gestures for him to have the first taste. Just from the skewer, one can feel the warmth emanating from the dessert though fortunate that the glaze stays in place. In the end, the detective gets his prize.
Akira goes ahead and takes a bite out of his skewer, chewing on the single dango ball for quite some time as he considers Goro's question. Is this a precursor to their short truce? Mini alliance...? Or is it Goro Akechi's trademark of being ominous? He has a pretty simple and trivial answer and a longer-winded one. ]
Eat food at the beach. [ Thinking. Thinking... ] That's it. I'll try almost anything once.
[ Within common sense and his moral standing, of course. With a wave of his hand, he gestures Goro to follow him. Back to the bridge! ]
A book is more than its cover, but I guess Yusuke would disagree at first. [ A funny. ] What about you? Is there something you refused to do, but ended up giving a try?
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no subject
[ It’s a fact. If anything, he has no photos with Goro prior to his awakening. While the people are... Weird, Akira doesn’t quite make a fuss without further investigation. It almost feels like his reputation never quite spread or they’ve long forgotten. It wouldn’t surprise him if they did. Sometimes news wash away only to be replaced by something bigger, juicier, and there is talk about the Phantom Thieves despite being far from the city.
He comes to a halt when Goro points out the bridge, letting the stray catch up and rub against his ankles while he follows line of sight. It’s so tempting to pet, but with Goro in tow, he would need to drag the detective down to kneel with him. He decides against it since he’s playing tour guide and host until they learn more about their situation, then he can finally address... them. What they are doing. What Goro did. Why Goro did that.
... Deep breaths. Keep those frustrating thoughts and feelings at bay. It’s a gamble to look over to the detective when he’s trying to settle, so he focuses on the structure. ]
Do you want to cross it?
[ He doesn’t answer his question. Instead, he asks of Goro’s desires and tugs him along. They can check out the little bridge just for him. ]
no subject
[ Except memory is an unreliable thing, hazardous in its inconsistent recapture of a moment condensed and torn asunder with every shift in emotion and passing year. Faces will wane into a luminescent haze with experiences, once sharply dense, falling into disrepair, relying on reminders and triggers to bolster their innate significance. Goro can see the appeal, recollections made tangible, easier to reminisce into some sort of clarity, but he didn't seem to care for it, either. The good rarely ends with a softened note of respite. ]
With every rendition braved and endured, having even one may as well be a burden. But I wonder if there are any walls to climb, be it to the top or over it. If I was meant to investigate something in particular under the guise of a quick holiday getaway, it may be nice to incorporate a brief workout in my morning routine as a refreshing start of the day.
[ Whereas the city life just demanded a timely attendance... that didn't relate to academia -- just television recordings, meeting up with the corrupt all in their sullen arrogance. At least everyone was seemingly understanding at the academy regarding his wonky schedule. Sometimes. But if Akira's feline friend is crossing the bridge along with them -- well. Goro's hand will make that attempt to slip away. Not that people are incapable of cradling a cat with just one arm, but. Where is the joy in that. ]
no subject
Eventually, he retracts. Seems normal, even if everything is awfully bizarre including Goro's compliance. ]
We can always go jogging in the morning if you're looking for a workout.
[ Which isn't out of the ordinary for Akira when one of your best friends is Ryuji Sakamoto. The cat follows them to the bridge, but he doesn't pay it more mind aside from a playful nudge with his foot. Kitty meows! Kitty stays! Kitty brushes against Goro instead as they walk up to the little bridge, then finally across.
To another portion of the little town. There's a convenience store here, small restaurant over there, and some shops. Definitely away from Akira's house by the looks of it. ]
... It's like I never left. [ Super weird. ] I find it hard to imagine that you're not here on some kind of shady business, though.
no subject
Despite what I've said, unless everybody else is scattered around town along with us, then I really have no reason to be here.
[ One of the shops is where Goro decides to go, scurrying off on his own without much of a warning. If Akira decides to follow after, he'll discover the supposed detective eying the selection of brightly colored boxes, gift-wrapped and ready to go -- of local treats, homegrown fruits. A purchase is made, swift and hopefully shrewd in a decision contrived of his own accord rather than inquiring about the household preference of produce or moments of edible self-indulgence.
The bag handle sits snug in his right hand -- and if the cat still happens to be around, it'll just have to relocate to the crook of his arm, pressing close to his chest; scratches shall not be a thing when it comes to customary presents, please. At least they're both aware that Goro didn't "arrive" into this world dirt poor. ]
How common is it to hear someone brag about their pristine eyesight? [ In reference to an earlier thought, Goro starts off easy under the guise of better understanding the accommodations of these timeline renditions regardless of the abrupt train of thought diverting elsewhere. ]
I never did require visual aid, so it often slipped my mind to wear them during that one time. I've found that your friend is a jack of all trades. From an audible reminder for bedtime to a spectacles carrier... Well, I imagine your situation is different from mine though.
[ #BAIT. ]
no subject
It distresses Akira all the same, so he carefully corrects him in how to hold the stray (though in the back of his mind, he should be taking it away). The bag of fruits? He will take and become the ferry of the day. Kitty will be content here, though it does look up to him with big, inquisitive eyes as it holds onto his arm like a body pillow.
You smell different. You're new. ]
I think it's more common to hear someone complain about their horrible eyesight. [ But now that Goro learned of his deep, dark secret, he should confess. Rubbing his neck, he looks up to the ceiling. ] To be honest, I thought those glasses would give me a new identity.
[ The mention of Morgana makes him smile though. ]
He's a good babysitter. I'm not sure where I would be without him. [ Tilting his head, he watches his guest some more. ] Did you want to check out the other shops?
[ City boy. ]
no subject
... How long has it been since you were permitted to return home like this?
[ Here, of all places, just to be knocked unconscious long enough to arrive at their usual starting point, again — to relive a whole year's worth of envious malice and regret. So: rational suspicion of an uncustomary change of scenery — Shibuya readily replaced by something more rural and snug — implores scrutiny, not leisurely strolls just to window-shop. But Goro's question posed seems to open up that prospect for a mini-adventure of being shown around some. ]
An intruder like me stepping foot into your world, however unintended... Doesn't it leave a bad taste in your mouth, even just a little?
[ Frivolously said, but Goro's eyes are hawkish, like he's looking for something across Akira's typically stoic features. ]
no subject
[ Whenever he gets to that point, sometimes he barely spends a day when he's dropped off in the countryside. Sometimes, he would be lucky to spend a week... But that's if he survives that long. It reminds him of how long it really has been since he's seen his family. As much as he loves Futaba and Sojiro all the same, each new beginning means rebuilding their trust and earning their love. Over and over... Constantly, he had to fight for the place he knew he belonged.
For a second, time shows as weariness in his grey eyes that cast their gaze idly elsewhere, looking at nothing in particular. A small meow snaps his focus back. He raises his head and looks back over, tilting his head at Goro's odd question with his usual expression. ]
Did it leave a bad taste in yours when I landed in Tokyo? [ No, he already knows the answer. Those years were filled with envy and contempt, unfounded or not, were all too glaring as he repeated them. He saw it in Goro's posture, heard it in his words... And sometimes he would find other things that tell him the opposite. ] I'm grateful for your company.
[ Whether it's good or bad company, he doesn't go into detail. In the end, through these endless cycles, Goro is the only one that is even remotely aware of the cycles... He's the only one that shares at least several recollections. To end their visit at this shop, he pokes the cat's nose and it meows at him before trying to nip his finger. Kitty no like. ]
There's a small shop that makes some really good dango.
[ Something sweet as a treat. It only takes a couple of steps to exit, then he points over to the place. It's a cozy, quaint storefront with snacks displayed behind the window. ]
no subject
... In the end, it would have been nice to be able to talk with you some more.
[ Goro follows that mini beeline towards the display of snacks behind clear glass without awaiting another cue. His words sounds less like a smile regardless of how it resumes to shelter the unspoken, still; the lack of animosity and blatant rejection on Akira's part promotes a certain wariness that he couldn't shake off even after all those clockwork cycles of his self-imposed failures. Perhaps he ought to fight against it less regardless of how disconcerting the potential comfort it may bring. Old habits may remain so, ~lifelong rivalries~ and all, but. ]
I imagine the presentation is of a more traditional approach and less decorative like the ones found in the city. [ The aforementioned dango. ] Or perhaps your hometown has a unique approach to making them stand out on their own?
no subject
I'm still here?
[ What's with that forlorn and distant talk? He knows they aren't on the... Best of terms, it doesn't mean they can't still talk. They won't know how long they have or if one of them will perish due to uncertain circumstances, but Akira is here in the present and he has every intention to talk about a number of things once he corners Goro in his room. That's for later.
For now, he tilts his head as those little theories come up, expression blank and slightly confused as he offers the detective no answer. Instead, he hobbles into the little shop and comes back with two sticks of dango in his hands while the bag of fruit hangs off the crook of his elbow. ]
It's nothing special, just tasty.
[ He holds one out for Goro to take or take a bite. Whichever one, but if he tries to take it... Well, Akira will strategically move it back the same amount of distance closed. ]
no subject
... Thanks.
[ Belatedly said — gratitude withheld up until he notes Akira's swift, retracting hand, like a reminder to retain some manners regardless of their oddly placed familiarity... but the dango remains unobtainable, still. Goro knits his brows, wrinkles his nose, mildly miffed and confused; maybe this particular comrade-against-fate would prefer having that first bite instead, however playful and roundabout the approach. So: Goro gestures for Akira to go on ahead. ]
After you, then. [ The treat wasn't worth additional probing; 'nothing special', indeed. Hardly leaves any room for disappointment. But now he's curious to know: ]
We all judge a book by its cover, don't we? ... What is something that you've adamantly refused before deciding to give it a chance later on?
no subject
Akira goes ahead and takes a bite out of his skewer, chewing on the single dango ball for quite some time as he considers Goro's question. Is this a precursor to their short truce? Mini alliance...? Or is it Goro Akechi's trademark of being ominous? He has a pretty simple and trivial answer and a longer-winded one. ]
Eat food at the beach. [ Thinking. Thinking... ] That's it. I'll try almost anything once.
[ Within common sense and his moral standing, of course. With a wave of his hand, he gestures Goro to follow him. Back to the bridge! ]
A book is more than its cover, but I guess Yusuke would disagree at first. [ A funny. ] What about you? Is there something you refused to do, but ended up giving a try?
[ He's genuinely curious. ]