[Eren could end his life. There's a stark difference in their strength - it's the undeniable reality of their situation. Eren holds more power, but that doesn't mean Akechi is weak. Doesn't mean he would lay down. Akechi could take Eren with him - drag him into the rot to drown.
And in the end-
Eren is dead. Akechi isn't. He's not immortal. Doesn't yearn to live. Longs for bruises to wrap around his neck like a noose, for every breath to be stolen from his lungs. He's seen it time and time again. Akechi could win.
He presses a hand against his hip, lets the other arm rest against his side and stares, unwavering.]
Should such a time ever pass, of course, we'll see who comes out on top.
[A beat and a step forward - the closeness causing Akechi's arm to press against Eren's side.]
You don't know every secret, after all. I may have a way to break your mind and soul with a single touch - what's left of it, that is.
If you can summon two, we can see who can destroy it the quickest. As a friendly competition, of course. We won't prolong the suffering of such beasts while doing it.
Akechi leans back from his scrunched up position at the kotatsu, eyes the bird from his position. He doesn't get up yet. Decides to stare it down, hoping it recognizes there's no meal to be found here, but-
It doesn't.
There's no one else around to shoo it off.
Only Akechi. Only a bird.
He peels himself away from his comfortable little hovel to stride to the window and-
OH, KOROKKE HATES HIM ENOUGH AS A HUMAN, SHE'LL GO RIGHT AFTER HIM AS A BIRD!!!
Nope. Maruki flies up and away, around the house–
To the window above the bathtub that he knows is still open, despite the cold weather. He can just barely squeeze in through the scant space, and he waits in the bathroom doorway, watching out into the home with his beady little bird eyes to see when Akechi goes back to the kotatsu. ]
Cat? Down. Praise? Petting? To hell with that. It's a fucking cat - this is her one singular job. It's surprising Badb Catha didn't do shit, but whatever. Must be some weird bird solidarity.
Korokke jumps up to the counter, takes the opportunity to look out the window. It's a cat. It's whatever. He doesn't give a shit at this point. Only latches it back up and takes his humble place back at pride kotatsu rock, blankets shoved back under the table to cover his legs.
And just-
Stares at nothing. Vibing. Thinking. Thriving. In his lane.]
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