As if I would resort to being some lowly cleaner or hitman to a piece of shit. Don't make me laugh.
[Except for that one time. Anyway.]
Besides, getting into that line of work isn't as easy as it sounds and the payoff is minimal. There isn't much money in it. The target in question needs to be exceptionally dangerous and powerful to earn the type of living people see in movies. You only get those if you're among those same rich, powerful people.
Needless to say, I don't have that connection in Italy.
Maruki would get on a plane in a heartbeat, do anything around whatever loose formed idea Akechi concocted and go with him. It doesn't matter what country, what place, or what time.
And it doesn't even matter. He can't recall ever visiting a garden with her. Only remembers the barest smile on her face after months of lacking it when he dug up their neighbor's flowerbed and handed off a dirty bouquet.
It's all he managed to remember. It's the only thing he could retain in the wake of her stiff, dead hand. ]
To think, a life remembered with a dead man and a garden. I wonder if it will ever feel like enough.
[She deserved more.]
Human beings are fascinating in the way they're compelled to do pointless displays in honor of those that will never know. A corpse doesn't care about shit like this.
It's just as much about who's left behind as who's gone. Rituals and traditions surrounding mourning are inherent to all cultures across all times for a reason. Even some animals honor their dead. We all want to find meaning in the inevitability of life, and we all want connection. It's just a part of existence, I think.
If ruining that man's life didn't manage it, I doubt anything will. She never would have approved of such an act anyway. It was done for her against her wishes. Perhaps this is a punishment.
Wouldn't that be funny?
But I suppose it's as you say - the inevitability of life and death. Until my own time comes, this degree of atonement is minimal compared to the agony she went through after my birth.
[ Still thinking about things in terms of punishment and atonement. That's fine. Maruki knows that one may not ever be rooted out completely. ]
I was going to say that in my experience, nothing is ever enough, albeit for different reasons. I believe that is something we simply have to live with.
But it doesn't mean we stop doing what we can to pay respect and to remember.
Exploring a beautiful garden in Italy with her in your heart may not be enough, but it's nothing either.
It's why Akechi speaks to him. A man profoundly wrapped up in his own eternal grief understands more than everyone ever will - nothing is enough. Seeing a garden every day won't be enough. More blood on his hands won't be enough. Life is cruel to some for no reason at all - an unjust society only exacerbates it.
Sometimes he still wants to go into Mementos - find a new path, rip everything to shreds and delight in those who won't live to see their undeserved futures.
It wouldn't change anything. Maruki's words do, and they lodge right into the center of his heart.
The next text comes ten minutes later, on the dot.]
I do odd jobs around the city, mostly meant to facilitate my grasp on the language. However, I'll be working as an assistant to some asshole professor soon - over the summer, at least.
The school has suggested there will be a permanent position to be filled in the near future. I involves teaching, research and travel. This will be a trial period, of sorts, and hinges on whether I finish my program in time.
I told that it was stupid to imply I would fail in the ninth hour over a large paper and some tests. How pathetic do they think I am?
Despite that, I look forward to showing you the campus, as well some storefronts owned by Gianna. She's a rather sentimental old fool - I'm sure you'll hit it off with her.
[ Maruki wouldn't have been surprised if that was the abrupt end of their conversation. It's late, and Akechi should be making a token effort at sleep, but–
Ten minutes later, his phone buzzes again and again. He's out on the cramped little balcony now, tending to his own miniature garden before he settles down with his coffee and the paper.
Pride blooms in his chest, fierce and warm. Akechi talks about these things as if they aren't massive accomplishments. As if anyone who rolled in off the street could remake their life from the ground up as purposefully as he has.
Maruki reads it, rereads it. Again and again. Funny that they were just discussing grief and now he can't wipe the stupid smile off his face. ]
That's an incredible opportunity, Akechi. They're considering the right person for the job. I hope you're proud of yourself - and regardless, I'm very proud of you.
Professor Akechi... It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
[ Oh, he's going to be a nervous undergrad's worst nightmare. Maruki's so endeared by the image. ]
I can't wait to see everything! Only tell her good things about me, please. And don't say anything strange when you have to translate for me...
Actually, I don't trust you not to do that. I'm going to start studying.
[It's never enough - no matter how many times he sees I'm proud of you plastered on the screen from one of the only people that matter in his small world turned large. It's real. Nothing said out of gaining favor, not under blaring television lights, not in a smoke filled office. Maruki says it because he believes it. Akechi grasps it with a knuckle white grip that will never relinquish.
The screenshot's saved to an unnamed folder. He reads it over again and-]
Save your compliments until you meet the fool I have to work for. He's an idiot. If you see his work online, ignore it. They hire from the bottom of the barrel. This is hardly an accomplishment, but it does suit my goals.
I've rarely mentioned you to Gianna, so you'll have time to make your own impressions. Learn all you can so you don't make a fool of yourself.
[Gianna, whose volatile attitude appeals and annoys Akechi at every turn. She's heard a great deal about Maruki Takuto over shared lunches, store closing duties, in between moments where Akechi has to provide occasional translation from Japanese to Italian from tourists. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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When will you let that go?
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Don't joke about that, you really pulled my leg for a minute... I don't know how you make your money, maybe you're a hitman!
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[Except for that one time. Anyway.]
Besides, getting into that line of work isn't as easy as it sounds and the payoff is minimal. There isn't much money in it. The target in question needs to be exceptionally dangerous and powerful to earn the type of living people see in movies. You only get those if you're among those same rich, powerful people.
Needless to say, I don't have that connection in Italy.
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Well... I suppose if the tickets aren't purchased with blood money...
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The weather this time of year is best suited for tourism. This week, it's supposed to be warmer than usual and clear of storms.
The ocean, the city - all of it would be open to you.
For the future, of course.
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Do you want me to come out sooner?
If you do, I will. I can move my work around.
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And then he isn't.
And then there's a pause. Nothing.
And then he's typing again.]
I'm only giving advice as someone who lives here. It's irrelevant to me when you visit.
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I imagine it will be difficult for you.
You don't like to be alone that time of year, after all.
This is the easiest method to placate you.
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I'll be happy to spend that time with you. Any time, of course.
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The 'Garden of Eden' - I think you would enjoy it, if you're available for a longer call than normal. It may be almost an hour. Perhaps two.
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Eden, huh? It must be spectacular.
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It's small, but the arrangements are well done and there are some flowers in full bloom.
My preference would have been to show you both in person. Since that's impossible, this will have to suffice for now.
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Next year, we can plan ahead to go together, if you'd like. Or to a different garden, if you're elsewhere by then.
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Maruki would get on a plane in a heartbeat, do anything around whatever loose formed idea Akechi concocted and go with him. It doesn't matter what country, what place, or what time.
And it doesn't even matter. He can't recall ever visiting a garden with her. Only remembers the barest smile on her face after months of lacking it when he dug up their neighbor's flowerbed and handed off a dirty bouquet.
It's all he managed to remember. It's the only thing he could retain in the wake of her stiff, dead hand. ]
To think, a life remembered with a dead man and a garden. I wonder if it will ever feel like enough.
[She deserved more.]
Human beings are fascinating in the way they're compelled to do pointless displays in honor of those that will never know. A corpse doesn't care about shit like this.
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What would feel like enough? Would anything?
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Wouldn't that be funny?
But I suppose it's as you say - the inevitability of life and death. Until my own time comes, this degree of atonement is minimal compared to the agony she went through after my birth.
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I was going to say that in my experience, nothing is ever enough, albeit for different reasons. I believe that is something we simply have to live with.
But it doesn't mean we stop doing what we can to pay respect and to remember.
Exploring a beautiful garden in Italy with her in your heart may not be enough, but it's nothing either.
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It's why Akechi speaks to him. A man profoundly wrapped up in his own eternal grief understands more than everyone ever will - nothing is enough. Seeing a garden every day won't be enough. More blood on his hands won't be enough. Life is cruel to some for no reason at all - an unjust society only exacerbates it.
Sometimes he still wants to go into Mementos - find a new path, rip everything to shreds and delight in those who won't live to see their undeserved futures.
It wouldn't change anything. Maruki's words do, and they lodge right into the center of his heart.
The next text comes ten minutes later, on the dot.]
I do odd jobs around the city, mostly meant to facilitate my grasp on the language. However, I'll be working as an assistant to some asshole professor soon - over the summer, at least.
The school has suggested there will be a permanent position to be filled in the near future. I involves teaching, research and travel. This will be a trial period, of sorts, and hinges on whether I finish my program in time.
I told that it was stupid to imply I would fail in the ninth hour over a large paper and some tests. How pathetic do they think I am?
Despite that, I look forward to showing you the campus, as well some storefronts owned by Gianna. She's a rather sentimental old fool - I'm sure you'll hit it off with her.
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Ten minutes later, his phone buzzes again and again. He's out on the cramped little balcony now, tending to his own miniature garden before he settles down with his coffee and the paper.
Pride blooms in his chest, fierce and warm. Akechi talks about these things as if they aren't massive accomplishments. As if anyone who rolled in off the street could remake their life from the ground up as purposefully as he has.
Maruki reads it, rereads it. Again and again. Funny that they were just discussing grief and now he can't wipe the stupid smile off his face. ]
That's an incredible opportunity, Akechi. They're considering the right person for the job. I hope you're proud of yourself - and regardless, I'm very proud of you.
Professor Akechi... It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
[ Oh, he's going to be a nervous undergrad's worst nightmare. Maruki's so endeared by the image. ]
I can't wait to see everything! Only tell her good things about me, please. And don't say anything strange when you have to translate for me...
Actually, I don't trust you not to do that. I'm going to start studying.
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The screenshot's saved to an unnamed folder. He reads it over again and-]
Save your compliments until you meet the fool I have to work for. He's an idiot. If you see his work online, ignore it. They hire from the bottom of the barrel. This is hardly an accomplishment, but it does suit my goals.
[The fool? Sent immediately. Attachment two]
I've rarely mentioned you to Gianna, so you'll have time to make your own impressions. Learn all you can so you don't make a fool of yourself.
[Gianna, whose volatile attitude appeals and annoys Akechi at every turn. She's heard a great deal about Maruki Takuto over shared lunches, store closing duties, in between moments where Akechi has to provide occasional translation from Japanese to Italian from tourists. ]
STOP EKEJRHFJSKSKS LEAVE CAESAR ALONE
Try not to scare him away. Or do, and take his job!
Does Gianna feed you too, or is your kitchen better stocked than the last time you showed me?
[ HE WILL MOTHER HEN ON A VIDEO CALL ALL HE WANTS. ]
NO IM ALLOWED
My kitchen is always well stocked and I don't need someone to coddle me with meals. Do I look like a child?
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