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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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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I'm comfortable right now and don't feel like ruining it to cater to your bizarre whims.
[No. ♥]
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I'll call you later.
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Looking forward to it, Professor.