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LABY - IC INBOX
[ TEXT - AUDIO - VIDEO - ACTION ]
[ TEXT - AUDIO - VIDEO - ACTION ]
I wouldn't call myself a professional really, but I've had a little time to learn how to take care of a really old gun. I haven't seen yours up close but it can't be that different.
They'd be more upset if you didn't eat, to be honest. I think I'm still in the negatives when it comes to keeping score of eating what they offer.
They'd be more upset if you didn't eat, to be honest. I think I'm still in the negatives when it comes to keeping score of eating what they offer.
Akechi,
I've dropped off a couple of gifts for you at the Machiya. They're in the kitchen.
Happy Birthday.
[ The gifts are some silver engraved cufflinks for that coat Akechi always seems so fond of, and a clearly commissioned maintenance kit for Akechi's guns. It's a little makeshift, considering this place doesn't really HAVE guns, but it's clear Vash gave clear direction and may have even crafted some of the bits himself if the little V at the bottom of the tools is any indication. ]
I've dropped off a couple of gifts for you at the Machiya. They're in the kitchen.
Happy Birthday.
[ The gifts are some silver engraved cufflinks for that coat Akechi always seems so fond of, and a clearly commissioned maintenance kit for Akechi's guns. It's a little makeshift, considering this place doesn't really HAVE guns, but it's clear Vash gave clear direction and may have even crafted some of the bits himself if the little V at the bottom of the tools is any indication. ]
Sleep where you wish.
[ At 'we can' Akechi looks-
To the point past the snowglobe. A dark mark on the wall. Maruki must also be fixating on the potential of that being a hole.
Knows he's not. Knows he can't. Knows he's incapable and far too sentimental to be looking at anything but that trinket. It's how they're different in every conceivable way. ]
I'm only out here to sort my thoughts. It won't be all night.
[ His thoughts about- ]
There's a hole in the wall, for the record. Perhaps the rats are moving in now that a beast has vanished.
[ At 'we can' Akechi looks-
To the point past the snowglobe. A dark mark on the wall. Maruki must also be fixating on the potential of that being a hole.
Knows he's not. Knows he can't. Knows he's incapable and far too sentimental to be looking at anything but that trinket. It's how they're different in every conceivable way. ]
I'm only out here to sort my thoughts. It won't be all night.
[ His thoughts about- ]
There's a hole in the wall, for the record. Perhaps the rats are moving in now that a beast has vanished.
[ All suspicion surrounding the self-claimed titles of an eager teenager die when he's stopped from activating a trap outside of his immediate vision. Akechi hadn't let down his guard - not for a moment, but he didn't see it. Didn't notice. Didn't think a home would be set up like a palace entrance.
He takes the explanation in stride. It's not crazy or irrational - it's logical in a world full of unknowns. Rats of any sort should be caught if they intrude.
The runes, letters, notes - all go beyond him. Akechi looks at each one anyway. Listens to the excited rambles of someone who must know he can't understand in-depth, but tries regardless. Finds this resource useful and asks questions with answers that are basic and routine to someone immersed.
It ends in the kitchen. Varian seems to be dancing around a topic, but he can't fathom what it could be. Focuses on what is being said instead. A desire to bring life to this world in the form of a machine.
Akechi sits content with the half eaten brownie slice in front of him, the hot chocolate a gesture he accepts easily enough. He doesn't particularly care what's set in front of him - he feigns gratitude all the same. ]
I wonder...
[ One gloved hand splays and presses into the paper of grandiose creations. ]
The easiest way would be to ask the crystal to do the thinking for you, but I have a feeling you're not interested in such an unsatisfying solution.
[ It's a robot, automaton. Whatever it's called, it likely needs- ]
I can think of a few scenarios - a computer chip, for one. There are those here who deal in magic and have powers that may be easier to learn in such a world. Ah...I suppose you've thought of that. Still, a creation like this may be welcome by Dreamers, but not by those native to this world. It's difficult to say.
He takes the explanation in stride. It's not crazy or irrational - it's logical in a world full of unknowns. Rats of any sort should be caught if they intrude.
The runes, letters, notes - all go beyond him. Akechi looks at each one anyway. Listens to the excited rambles of someone who must know he can't understand in-depth, but tries regardless. Finds this resource useful and asks questions with answers that are basic and routine to someone immersed.
It ends in the kitchen. Varian seems to be dancing around a topic, but he can't fathom what it could be. Focuses on what is being said instead. A desire to bring life to this world in the form of a machine.
Akechi sits content with the half eaten brownie slice in front of him, the hot chocolate a gesture he accepts easily enough. He doesn't particularly care what's set in front of him - he feigns gratitude all the same. ]
I wonder...
[ One gloved hand splays and presses into the paper of grandiose creations. ]
The easiest way would be to ask the crystal to do the thinking for you, but I have a feeling you're not interested in such an unsatisfying solution.
[ It's a robot, automaton. Whatever it's called, it likely needs- ]
I can think of a few scenarios - a computer chip, for one. There are those here who deal in magic and have powers that may be easier to learn in such a world. Ah...I suppose you've thought of that. Still, a creation like this may be welcome by Dreamers, but not by those native to this world. It's difficult to say.
[ Computer chip... He does mumble the word, repeating it, because while he's heard of them, they don't exist in his world. It's something to consider and look into; there must be someone or another here who could instruct him on it, and from there replication would be a simple feat.
He focuses on the lateral statement instead, it being more immediately relevant, ]
Well... It's not really a project that I want to do anything with here. It's something I started back home, so I just want to perfect it... I could probably just disassemble it after confirming that it works right.
[ Varian rubs the back of his head, a light frown appearing as he thinks on that. That's how he wants to spend his time here. He has a vested interest in the crystals in this world, both the ones that grand wishes and the crystal that encases so much of one of them. It's all for what he can learn, all in hopes of what knowledge he can take back with him.
He still has a job to do. ]
I don't - [ He stammers a bit, seeming to have taken that suggestion quite seriously, worry making its way through his features, ] - I don't want to cause trouble for the locals here...
He focuses on the lateral statement instead, it being more immediately relevant, ]
Well... It's not really a project that I want to do anything with here. It's something I started back home, so I just want to perfect it... I could probably just disassemble it after confirming that it works right.
[ Varian rubs the back of his head, a light frown appearing as he thinks on that. That's how he wants to spend his time here. He has a vested interest in the crystals in this world, both the ones that grand wishes and the crystal that encases so much of one of them. It's all for what he can learn, all in hopes of what knowledge he can take back with him.
He still has a job to do. ]
I don't - [ He stammers a bit, seeming to have taken that suggestion quite seriously, worry making its way through his features, ] - I don't want to cause trouble for the locals here...
[ A beast.
He expects that's as close as Akechi will ever come to addressing it outright – her presence in their lives, and now her marked absence. It's more than he thought he'd get, really.
The shape of loss is difficult to breathe around, a solid mass tucked between his ribs. It's not as if it was surprising – Izutsumi always intended to leave, had a goal to return and find her mother. There was such finality to their last night together, out in that field, sparklers dying in their hands.
Still. It aches anyway, dull and constant. Memories are all they'll ever have now.
Memories, and a snow globe, and– ]
A hole, huh.
[ It's only mild skepticism tinging his words. Maruki squints at the mark, then shrugs. ]
Perhaps. I'm sure there are holes everywhere for those who know how to look for them.
[ By and large, their comings and goings here are entirely out of their control. He's never considered anyone escaped willingly, found a way out by force–
But Izutsumi must have. He's sure of it. ]
He expects that's as close as Akechi will ever come to addressing it outright – her presence in their lives, and now her marked absence. It's more than he thought he'd get, really.
The shape of loss is difficult to breathe around, a solid mass tucked between his ribs. It's not as if it was surprising – Izutsumi always intended to leave, had a goal to return and find her mother. There was such finality to their last night together, out in that field, sparklers dying in their hands.
Still. It aches anyway, dull and constant. Memories are all they'll ever have now.
Memories, and a snow globe, and– ]
A hole, huh.
[ It's only mild skepticism tinging his words. Maruki squints at the mark, then shrugs. ]
Perhaps. I'm sure there are holes everywhere for those who know how to look for them.
[ By and large, their comings and goings here are entirely out of their control. He's never considered anyone escaped willingly, found a way out by force–
But Izutsumi must have. He's sure of it. ]
[ Izutsumi would have found the hole out of this world.
Aubrey found the hole out of this world.
They remain stuck in this world and he wonders, briefly, if punishment is par this world's goal.
He leans back against the couch and lets his head rest on the back of it. The ceiling is a better place to look for more rats, more holes. ]
All the powers between us and yet we can't seem to find one on our own. It's almost poetic. [ In the house, of course. ] If you're going to sleep out here, you may as well bring the bedding out. I won't have you making noise when I decide to rest.
Aubrey found the hole out of this world.
They remain stuck in this world and he wonders, briefly, if punishment is par this world's goal.
He leans back against the couch and lets his head rest on the back of it. The ceiling is a better place to look for more rats, more holes. ]
All the powers between us and yet we can't seem to find one on our own. It's almost poetic. [ In the house, of course. ] If you're going to sleep out here, you may as well bring the bedding out. I won't have you making noise when I decide to rest.
No one does, but we often find ourselves in the midst of their ire anyway. In Somnius, that is. I'm glad you're of that mindset so we don't ruin any goodwill in Stellari too.
[ Not that he cares. Not that it was the particular fault of Dreamers for what happened in their shithole town. ]
This is a good opportunity to do as you said though - perfect what you think will work. I doubt there will ever be a time so many resources will be this easily available to you again.
[ Not that he cares. Not that it was the particular fault of Dreamers for what happened in their shithole town. ]
This is a good opportunity to do as you said though - perfect what you think will work. I doubt there will ever be a time so many resources will be this easily available to you again.
[ One year later, and they're still here.
The castle is gone. The note might be gone too, given that he's never seen it while laundering Akechi's bedding in so long now. The men they were back then – an easily frightened, desperate to help heal counselor and a kindly, gracious prince – have long since fallen by the wayside. They've both changed – visibly, Akechi's features sharpening further into the definition of adulthood, thatches of gray cropping up around Maruki's temples. There's so much blood between them now, their own and each other's, and so much care, and so many lifetimes, and a whole world.
So little has remained the same, and yet–
The day comes without fanfare. Akechi wants to be alone, to spend it in peace, just as he did before. Maruki thinks that may have been the first entirely honest thing Akechi ever told him, before they knew the rot in each other well enough to cast their masks aside.
He's cooked for Akechi every day, without fail, for a full year. The traditional breakfast was a significant gesture then, but something like that is so commonplace now.
At two in the morning, Akechi receives a text: ]
Come to the tatami room when you get a moment.
[ Any response will be read, but not responded to.
And though Akechi likely expects to find him in there, when he slides open the door–
The dim lights of the room are on, but it's empty. On the low table sits a cup of instant ramen, two chopsticks placed over the top to hold the flimsy top down as it steeps. The snacks from their reality have long since run out, but this is one Maruki set aside with purpose and hid so it wouldn't ever be found before it could become the gift that it is now – the same brand Akechi favored as a child running around that castle, without any of Maruki's usual doctoring up of soft boiled eggs or spring onions. Plain, just as he demanded it back then, just as he must have enjoyed it with his mother.
Next to it lays a thin book with the bright image of a sailboat at sea splashed across the front. It's clearly one of many Maruki's lifted from the library, though far from his usual subject matter of philosophy or religion – it's a short, informative photo illustrated guide to different types of ships and boats, and the white edge of a small piece of paper sticks out of the top.
Opening to that page shows a full-page spread of a scow, and the paper slip sticking out of the top simply says Good for one bouldering outing, redeemable at any time.
And then, tucked further down into the crease of the book so its presence marking the page wasn't known until opened, a plain note card that reads:
Happy birthday, Akechi.
My reality will always be sharper and clearer for having known you.
Maruki ]
The castle is gone. The note might be gone too, given that he's never seen it while laundering Akechi's bedding in so long now. The men they were back then – an easily frightened, desperate to help heal counselor and a kindly, gracious prince – have long since fallen by the wayside. They've both changed – visibly, Akechi's features sharpening further into the definition of adulthood, thatches of gray cropping up around Maruki's temples. There's so much blood between them now, their own and each other's, and so much care, and so many lifetimes, and a whole world.
So little has remained the same, and yet–
The day comes without fanfare. Akechi wants to be alone, to spend it in peace, just as he did before. Maruki thinks that may have been the first entirely honest thing Akechi ever told him, before they knew the rot in each other well enough to cast their masks aside.
He's cooked for Akechi every day, without fail, for a full year. The traditional breakfast was a significant gesture then, but something like that is so commonplace now.
At two in the morning, Akechi receives a text: ]
Come to the tatami room when you get a moment.
[ Any response will be read, but not responded to.
And though Akechi likely expects to find him in there, when he slides open the door–
The dim lights of the room are on, but it's empty. On the low table sits a cup of instant ramen, two chopsticks placed over the top to hold the flimsy top down as it steeps. The snacks from their reality have long since run out, but this is one Maruki set aside with purpose and hid so it wouldn't ever be found before it could become the gift that it is now – the same brand Akechi favored as a child running around that castle, without any of Maruki's usual doctoring up of soft boiled eggs or spring onions. Plain, just as he demanded it back then, just as he must have enjoyed it with his mother.
Next to it lays a thin book with the bright image of a sailboat at sea splashed across the front. It's clearly one of many Maruki's lifted from the library, though far from his usual subject matter of philosophy or religion – it's a short, informative photo illustrated guide to different types of ships and boats, and the white edge of a small piece of paper sticks out of the top.
Opening to that page shows a full-page spread of a scow, and the paper slip sticking out of the top simply says Good for one bouldering outing, redeemable at any time.
And then, tucked further down into the crease of the book so its presence marking the page wasn't known until opened, a plain note card that reads:
Happy birthday, Akechi.
My reality will always be sharper and clearer for having known you.
Maruki ]
Edited 2025-06-02 08:15 (UTC)
[They don't go jogging today. When Akechi texts him at 2:00am, as he always does, Eren goes to get him. He may protest in that way that doesn't protest, but they make it back to the farm, and they make it downstairs. Photos and cameras and prints are scattered all around the only messy room in the house, and there's an old CRTV plugged in, sitting on an old table. Featherman was the first TV show Eren ever watched. He's got Akechi next to him on the couch, watching as familiar heroes save the day again and again.
[Eren plops something into Akechi's lap. It's wrapped in cloth, soft to the touch, hardly any weight.
[It's just a loaf of sweet quick bread. If there's anything more to say about it, Eren doesn't. Just this:]
Try it. I just made it.
[Eren plops something into Akechi's lap. It's wrapped in cloth, soft to the touch, hardly any weight.
[It's just a loaf of sweet quick bread. If there's anything more to say about it, Eren doesn't. Just this:]
Try it. I just made it.
[ In the shady corners of a long gone castle, in the haze of a steamy bath, over text - Akechi has spoken about his mother. Has said a corpse was the only memory he has, that he doesn't remember anything at all, that it's too foggy to recall outside of the most necessary moments. An excited child brimming with loss knew more, said more, felt more.
Akechi Goro still remembers. Above all, he recalls his mother working days that would mirror his own future schedule. Up all day, most of the night, entertaining guests and the powerful for a chance to sit at a table that was never meant for either. Instant meals were set in front of him with a promise for a better life. Said tomorrow she would cook, next week she would make bento, next month she would she would try her hand at kaiseki.
She cared - more than anyone. He didn't. All he wanted was to hold that piping hot styrofoam in his perpetually cold hands and sit in her lap, listen to her talk, to her promises of a better future and wonder why she was saying that - as if he was ever lacking in a home built for two. It's the first time he felt the weight of her unhappiness fill the space between them. Didn't understand what that meant.
But he remembers agreeing with her because the dream made her happy.
He thought it made her happy.
It's a brief, fleeting thought. A moment to crush under his own lies as he pretends he can't recall a single moment at all again. That he can't remember the final lifeline for a drowning woman.
She must have known it would've taken the impossible. A dream, a wish, a machiya in another world.
The book is interesting - he palms through it as he eats. Scow is an absurd memory he can't help to scoff at. When he gets back to reality, he can take the niche knowledge he's gotten from this book and impress some bigwigs with it. It's valuable - he isn't bored by the information inside.
It's the bouldering coupon that makes him pause. Childish and borderline ridiculous. The thought of Maruki climbing up one of Somnius' mountains is-
Funny, for the most part. The gift is more resourceful than sentimental. Maruki can be a spotter even after he crushes his spine and-
A note.
A message.
A gift in a script whose owner he would recognize without the name attached. Clear. Sharper.
He doesn't hate it. Tries to make that well worn wrath brew in his heart because he feels at a loss without it.
It feels like
It feels like
It feels like a heartbeat in his ear under a stone ceiling that lacks any splintered rafters.
He meets Eren after swallowing the last bit of lukewarm broth. Settles into a hot bath with Akira in the evening.
In the hours after, he finds Maruki wherever he's settled - on the couch, in his room, on the small patio space overlooking a garden that never seems to flourish and -
Says nothing at all. No gratitude, no thanks. He sits an arm's length away and flips through a small novel he's halfway through about a king in a palace. ]
Akechi Goro still remembers. Above all, he recalls his mother working days that would mirror his own future schedule. Up all day, most of the night, entertaining guests and the powerful for a chance to sit at a table that was never meant for either. Instant meals were set in front of him with a promise for a better life. Said tomorrow she would cook, next week she would make bento, next month she would she would try her hand at kaiseki.
She cared - more than anyone. He didn't. All he wanted was to hold that piping hot styrofoam in his perpetually cold hands and sit in her lap, listen to her talk, to her promises of a better future and wonder why she was saying that - as if he was ever lacking in a home built for two. It's the first time he felt the weight of her unhappiness fill the space between them. Didn't understand what that meant.
But he remembers agreeing with her because the dream made her happy.
He thought it made her happy.
It's a brief, fleeting thought. A moment to crush under his own lies as he pretends he can't recall a single moment at all again. That he can't remember the final lifeline for a drowning woman.
She must have known it would've taken the impossible. A dream, a wish, a machiya in another world.
The book is interesting - he palms through it as he eats. Scow is an absurd memory he can't help to scoff at. When he gets back to reality, he can take the niche knowledge he's gotten from this book and impress some bigwigs with it. It's valuable - he isn't bored by the information inside.
It's the bouldering coupon that makes him pause. Childish and borderline ridiculous. The thought of Maruki climbing up one of Somnius' mountains is-
Funny, for the most part. The gift is more resourceful than sentimental. Maruki can be a spotter even after he crushes his spine and-
A note.
A message.
A gift in a script whose owner he would recognize without the name attached. Clear. Sharper.
He doesn't hate it. Tries to make that well worn wrath brew in his heart because he feels at a loss without it.
It feels like
nothing.
It feels like
something.
It feels like a heartbeat in his ear under a stone ceiling that lacks any splintered rafters.
He meets Eren after swallowing the last bit of lukewarm broth. Settles into a hot bath with Akira in the evening.
In the hours after, he finds Maruki wherever he's settled - on the couch, in his room, on the small patio space overlooking a garden that never seems to flourish and -
Says nothing at all. No gratitude, no thanks. He sits an arm's length away and flips through a small novel he's halfway through about a king in a palace. ]
[ They don't go jogging and Akechi protests the deviation from their routine all the way to the farm. It's irritating. A birthday is a day and treating it like a special affair isn't an annoyance he can't express in words. It's not a special day - it doesn't make him special.
A familiar tune shuts him up. The audacity of showing him such a thing, like he's a child-
Maybe later he'll find a way to voice his irritation at it. For now, he stays pressed into the couch and indulges by watching a world come to life on a small screen. He can recite every word. His mind supplements what's drowned when Akechi perks up with random facts about the actors, commentary on Japanese culture that might be lost on a peasant and old school tech ever present in 90s show.
It's calm. It's quiet. There's a piece of something dropped on his lap that he unwraps and tastes as directed.
It's almost like- ]
Shokupan? [ Probably not. He takes another bite to assess it again - different, but close. ] It's not bad. I don't dislike it.
A familiar tune shuts him up. The audacity of showing him such a thing, like he's a child-
Maybe later he'll find a way to voice his irritation at it. For now, he stays pressed into the couch and indulges by watching a world come to life on a small screen. He can recite every word. His mind supplements what's drowned when Akechi perks up with random facts about the actors, commentary on Japanese culture that might be lost on a peasant and old school tech ever present in 90s show.
It's calm. It's quiet. There's a piece of something dropped on his lap that he unwraps and tastes as directed.
It's almost like- ]
Shokupan? [ Probably not. He takes another bite to assess it again - different, but close. ] It's not bad. I don't dislike it.
Yeah. It's a lot easier here than it is back home... They're, uh... They're a lot less strict here too.
[ He grins, rubbing the back of his head. He's never particularly struggled back home, which makes it all that much more impressive.
He takes the design plans back, scribbling down a couple notes before looking back up. ]
Oh, wait, that reminds me - you're a detective, right?
[ He grins, rubbing the back of his head. He's never particularly struggled back home, which makes it all that much more impressive.
He takes the design plans back, scribbling down a couple notes before looking back up. ]
Oh, wait, that reminds me - you're a detective, right?
[ It's more than Maruki's expecting. He doesn't mention Akechi's birthday at breakfast, nor at dinner. Doesn't expect to see him outside of that, and is glad to know that he had a select few others who he shared parts of his day with.
To be one of them–
It warms that space in the center of his chest that exists only for Akechi, the exact size and weight of a sleepy child's head.
Maruki's out on the patio. It's the first summer they've had in the machiya, and he cherishes the opportunity to spend time in their little outdoor areas. The wildflowers he tried to grow never stood a chance against the perpetual night and snow that came soon after, and nothing has taken its place since. He's lounging back in one of the chairs, thumbing through one of his notebooks when Akechi joins him.
Silence reigns for a while. Several minutes. It's pleasant, only the sound of pages being turned, wind in the trees overhead, a bird in the distance, the scratch of pencil against paper.
Eventually, though– ]
Was it a good day?
To be one of them–
It warms that space in the center of his chest that exists only for Akechi, the exact size and weight of a sleepy child's head.
Maruki's out on the patio. It's the first summer they've had in the machiya, and he cherishes the opportunity to spend time in their little outdoor areas. The wildflowers he tried to grow never stood a chance against the perpetual night and snow that came soon after, and nothing has taken its place since. He's lounging back in one of the chairs, thumbing through one of his notebooks when Akechi joins him.
Silence reigns for a while. Several minutes. It's pleasant, only the sound of pages being turned, wind in the trees overhead, a bird in the distance, the scratch of pencil against paper.
Eventually, though– ]
Was it a good day?
Perhaps that power makes our scope too large. [ For the house. Of course. ] If we were to look at things a different way...
[ Maruki trails off, a hand coming up to rub beneath his glasses, too tired to truly commit to theorizing on ways they could try to break free from this reality. It's not the time for that, even if it's what they're couching this grief in.
When he drops his hand away, dark spots still dance behind his vision as the room comes back into focus, and he inclines his head toward Akechi. ]
Give me a moment.
[ It's as close as Akechi will come to saying he'll sleep out here too, and Maruki won't pass the opportunity up. He rises to his feet, stretches, ambles back upstairs to haul a too-thick comforter off Akechi's bed and grab for both of his pillows, gently shaking them out as he does. He knows the gun and his note aren't kept in there anymore, but he half-expects to see something of Izutsumi's.
Just because there's nothing there doesn't mean he isn't holding onto something somewhere else. A mouse, maybe. Or her scarf.
Back downstairs, he plops back down next to Akechi on the couch, spreads the comforter over both their laps. One pillow gets tossed to each end of the couch, in case they fall over to their respective sides when they knock out, but– Maruki's slept sitting up with Akechi before. He knows it's not unlikely they'll drift off just like this.
And he knows it won't happen anytime soon.
Eyes back on the snow globe, hands folded gently atop the plush fabric, he hums in consideration. ]
Have you ever been up on our roof?
[ Maruki trails off, a hand coming up to rub beneath his glasses, too tired to truly commit to theorizing on ways they could try to break free from this reality. It's not the time for that, even if it's what they're couching this grief in.
When he drops his hand away, dark spots still dance behind his vision as the room comes back into focus, and he inclines his head toward Akechi. ]
Give me a moment.
[ It's as close as Akechi will come to saying he'll sleep out here too, and Maruki won't pass the opportunity up. He rises to his feet, stretches, ambles back upstairs to haul a too-thick comforter off Akechi's bed and grab for both of his pillows, gently shaking them out as he does. He knows the gun and his note aren't kept in there anymore, but he half-expects to see something of Izutsumi's.
Just because there's nothing there doesn't mean he isn't holding onto something somewhere else. A mouse, maybe. Or her scarf.
Back downstairs, he plops back down next to Akechi on the couch, spreads the comforter over both their laps. One pillow gets tossed to each end of the couch, in case they fall over to their respective sides when they knock out, but– Maruki's slept sitting up with Akechi before. He knows it's not unlikely they'll drift off just like this.
And he knows it won't happen anytime soon.
Eyes back on the snow globe, hands folded gently atop the plush fabric, he hums in consideration. ]
Have you ever been up on our roof?
[ Silence rarely lasts between them. Today is no exception.
He isn't irritated by it - maybe it's the fresh air, the breeze. The day ends with him feeling-
Lighter than he can remember. He tries to shake it. ]
It wasn't unpleasant.
[ Not at all. His thumb rests on the spine of the book to hold his spot as he turns his attention to the backyard. ]
We're going bouldering soon, so I hope you're prepared for it. The mountain is, in fact, as large as it seems and there's no safety equipment anywhere in this world.
I look forward to seeing your attempt.
He isn't irritated by it - maybe it's the fresh air, the breeze. The day ends with him feeling-
Lighter than he can remember. He tries to shake it. ]
It wasn't unpleasant.
[ Not at all. His thumb rests on the spine of the book to hold his spot as he turns his attention to the backyard. ]
We're going bouldering soon, so I hope you're prepared for it. The mountain is, in fact, as large as it seems and there's no safety equipment anywhere in this world.
I look forward to seeing your attempt.
[That's as much a compliment as Eren was expecting, or...really, quite a bit more than Eren was expecting. It's not bad. I don't dislike it. That's more than enough.]
I've never heard the word "shokupan" before. I don't really have a name for this sort of bread, though...
[He won't call it "birthday bread," won't call any more attention to this act of love than Akechi can stomach. Eren always handles him delicately.]
I've never heard the word "shokupan" before. I don't really have a name for this sort of bread, though...
[He won't call it "birthday bread," won't call any more attention to this act of love than Akechi can stomach. Eren always handles him delicately.]
Ah, that's a good idea! She does need to be calm when handling pets, after all.
[ With one hand still at her collar just in case, the other makes a quick, concise motion to go with, ] Hana, sit.
[ Oh boy, papa's talking to her! She likes it when papa talks to her.
.
..
...
Oh! Wait! That means something, she's pretty sure! It takes her a little bit, but she does end up trying to sit down the way papa seems to like when he does that. ]
[ With one hand still at her collar just in case, the other makes a quick, concise motion to go with, ] Hana, sit.
[ Oh boy, papa's talking to her! She likes it when papa talks to her.
.
..
...
Oh! Wait! That means something, she's pretty sure! It takes her a little bit, but she does end up trying to sit down the way papa seems to like when he does that. ]
[ It takes Maruki by surprise, so much so that a short, sharp laugh bursts out of him before he can tamp it down. He looks over at Akechi with wild, disbelieving eyes. ]
We're going to get safety equipment! That was implied as part of the IOU! Honestly...
[ If they have to wish for it from the crystal, then they'll wish for it from the crystal. He is not bouldering with no safety net, figuratively and literally. ]
We're going to get safety equipment! That was implied as part of the IOU! Honestly...
[ If they have to wish for it from the crystal, then they'll wish for it from the crystal. He is not bouldering with no safety net, figuratively and literally. ]
[ The scribbles are noted. Akechi leans forward and cants his head to read them to no avail. It's illegible from this far away and impossible to know if he would understand it.
But that question is answered as he sets the cup back on the table. The hot chocolate isn't bad - it warms his body well enough. ]
I am. You can imagine our skills don't overlap much with an inventor. You're kind to explain as much to me as you have.
But that question is answered as he sets the cup back on the table. The hot chocolate isn't bad - it warms his body well enough. ]
I am. You can imagine our skills don't overlap much with an inventor. You're kind to explain as much to me as you have.
[ There's a closet somewhere with a near bursting bag full of Izutsumi's old items shoved with an intent to ensure they would never see the light of day again.
Sentimentality, second thoughts - none of that is what kept him from tossing it into a large bin in their front yard. Something else did. He can't place it now - it felt like hours. Must have only been minutes. Gnats swarmed his face until he couldn't take it.
It's because he can't stomach throwing out resources they may need. The seemingly endless winter a reminder. Maruki's tendency to collect strays at the forefront. The only one outside of Akira they shared a mutual agreement about held tight in the palm of his hand. He doesn't care about them, but he won't share his shit when the time comes. When someone is inevitably unprepared, they'll have items to divvy out.
He half expects Maruki's to throw one of her many blankets on him after finding it forced to the back of some small, cramped corner.
But it's his own that falls on him. Familiar smell, texture, color, pattern - he stifles his annoyance at his bed being unmade. Barely swallows the irritation as he pulls the cover up to the middle of his chest and adjusts the pillow behind him.
It's temporary, after all. He'll take this back to his own room in a moment. ]
It hasn't been a priority, no. What purpose would that serve?
Sentimentality, second thoughts - none of that is what kept him from tossing it into a large bin in their front yard. Something else did. He can't place it now - it felt like hours. Must have only been minutes. Gnats swarmed his face until he couldn't take it.
It's because he can't stomach throwing out resources they may need. The seemingly endless winter a reminder. Maruki's tendency to collect strays at the forefront. The only one outside of Akira they shared a mutual agreement about held tight in the palm of his hand. He doesn't care about them, but he won't share his shit when the time comes. When someone is inevitably unprepared, they'll have items to divvy out.
He half expects Maruki's to throw one of her many blankets on him after finding it forced to the back of some small, cramped corner.
But it's his own that falls on him. Familiar smell, texture, color, pattern - he stifles his annoyance at his bed being unmade. Barely swallows the irritation as he pulls the cover up to the middle of his chest and adjusts the pillow behind him.
It's temporary, after all. He'll take this back to his own room in a moment. ]
It hasn't been a priority, no. What purpose would that serve?
Oh, it's nothing. Not many people take interest in it back home, but my goal is to show the entire world the awesome power of alchemy!
[ There's a bit of a dramatic flair to those words and a gesture to accompany it. In his mind it's the key to bettering the world, and what is that if not something to share?
With that said... ]
What's being a detective like? They're not really a thing where I'm from. Corona's way of handling crime is... [ He rubs the back of his head, glancing up and to the side with a slightly uncertain grin as he decides on a word to describe it, ] ... Simpler than other places
[ There's a bit of a dramatic flair to those words and a gesture to accompany it. In his mind it's the key to bettering the world, and what is that if not something to share?
With that said... ]
What's being a detective like? They're not really a thing where I'm from. Corona's way of handling crime is... [ He rubs the back of his head, glancing up and to the side with a slightly uncertain grin as he decides on a word to describe it, ] ... Simpler than other places
[ Akechi fixes his eyes on the screen at an intro's slight deviation - the final few episodes are starting and he can't help to watch Black Condor's entrance towards the end of a catchy song. It still holds up. ]
You could ask Maruki to make some - it's slightly different than this, but you would find it enjoyable.
[ He sinks back into the couch, plucks another piece of bread to pop into his mouth. He does nothing to stop their shoulders from touching. He's not in the mood to move. ]
It's also the favorite snack of the actor who plays Yellow Owl in Featherman Neo - one of the more recent seasons.
You could ask Maruki to make some - it's slightly different than this, but you would find it enjoyable.
[ He sinks back into the couch, plucks another piece of bread to pop into his mouth. He does nothing to stop their shoulders from touching. He's not in the mood to move. ]
It's also the favorite snack of the actor who plays Yellow Owl in Featherman Neo - one of the more recent seasons.
This is a valuable lesson then - put all your terms on paper or others may assume more than you're willing to give
[ That look is worth its weight in gold to him. He watches with faint amusement and doesn't clarify if he's willing to give into that request. ]
Afraid of a small fall? I didn't think you were the type.
[ That look is worth its weight in gold to him. He watches with faint amusement and doesn't clarify if he's willing to give into that request. ]
Afraid of a small fall? I didn't think you were the type.
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