2026-04-26: An Unexpected Expedited Delivery
- Log: 2026-04-26 An Unexpected Expedited Delivery
- Cast: Goro Akechi, Ren Amamiya
- Where: Back Alleys - Leblanc Cafe
- OOC Date: April 26, 2026
- IC Date: October 31, 2012
- Summary: Akechi calls Ren for their birthday before they celebrate with a movie night with friends. This, of course, comes with an express gift, which leads to deeper feelings.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
It's an odd feeling, calling someone on their birthday. The last time someone truly celebrated his birthday was when his mother was still alive.
Oh certainly he gets fan mail doing the same. One time he even had a TV program bring him on to celebrate it...
... but it's just not the same. It never is. There's not the feeling that anyone out there truly cares that he is alive. That he was born.
And so it's strange today, when he finally brings up Ren's contact from his phone.
Letting it ring, he waits- until he answers.
"Hello, Amamiya-kun. I made it a point to set aside time to call you on this most important of days, today."
A beat.
"It is Halloween after all." He needles, though, its certainly obvious he's teasing, "But- as I recall, it's also the day you were born. And so, to wit- Happy Birthday."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
It's true. Ren offered Akechi birthday well-wishes--and even a present, after a fashion--back in June, but that was later in the month after Akechi mentioned his birthday had been recently. Ren didn't tell him their birthday, but all considered, they're certain he already knows.
And, of course, they're right.
Their smartphone rings with Akechi's ring tone as they're hanging up the last of the Halloween decorations they set up for movie night tonight. They've already changed into their costume--a black cat, with face paint for the nose and whiskers--and share a glance with Morgana, who's been chilling out near the stairs watching them.
"I'll keep an eye out for guests," Morgana says, and hops down the stairs to do exactly that. It's a little while yet before everyone's supposed to show, but you never know when someone might arrive early.
Ren hits ACCEPT and holds their phone to their ear. "Hey," they greet him. They raise their eyebrows mildly at his greeting. "Uh huh?" The beat--and the punchline. "Uh huh," they repeat with wry humor as they can't help but smile. Good-natured teasing is a sign of closeness--that you can be a bit of a jerk to someone and they'll laugh, not get upset.
"Thanks," they reply, hitting the speakerphone button and beginning to carefully rearrange their furniture for guests. "I figured I'd hear from you sooner or later. You didn't disappoint." A beat of their own. "So what'd you get me? Or is my present the melodious sound of your voice?"
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
Oh good, Akechi was worried he'd say 'Think I haven't heard that before'? He'd hate to be thoroughly unoriginal about being a bit of a jerk when it comes to someone who had a birthday on a Holiday.
"You're quite welcome. Haha- I'm glad that I didn't."
But as he asks about his gift. "Oh it's most certainly the latter. I've even prepared a reading for you from one of my favorite Kogoro Akechi tales- The Dwarf. It's not very politically correct, but - it's still near and dear to me all the same. I do hope you have the next three hours set aside for it's telling- haha."
As he chuckles mischievously. "-No, I'm certain you have plans for the night, so I'm having it couriered over. It should be arriving-"
A jangle of bells at the Leblanc.
"Hellooo, expedited delivery!"
"-right now." Before he says in wonder, "They really didn't fail to meet expectations. Anyhow. You'll need to sign- so I'll just stay on the line while you do."
The package is rather small, actually, about the size of a book.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"Hard pass," Ren replies, deadpan, of that three-hour reading. In truth, they kind of wouldn't mind Akechi reading them a story sometime... He really does have a pleasant, melodious voice. Right now might not be a good time, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't ever want it.
But he is of course kidding. He's not kidding about the next part, though, as is plain when there is a jangle of bells downstairs.
"Are you serious? I was just kidding," Ren utters, surprised despite themself, standing up straight out of their furniture rearrangement. They thought Akechi might do or send something, but he has his timing eerily nailed.
Eerie, but also sweet. A little like Halloween itself. They smile despite themself.
They head downstairs and sign for the package, explaining briefly to Morgana once the courier's gone, then return upstairs with it. They turn it over in their hands as they do. It's the size and shape of a book; it is almost certainly a book. They settle on the bed where they left their phone.
"I'm opening it now," they announce, then do precisely that.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"Alas. I suppose I'll have to launch my career as an audiobook narrator another time." He offers, with an overly dramatic sigh, before chuckling, "Quite serious. Though even I'm surprised they're this good. I only handed it off for delivery just before calling you."
His original words would have been 'later today', just them announcing their presence caused them to change.
Inside, as Ren opens it- it's a navy blue-hardback title with embossed yellow print on the cover.
The Astronomical Almanac
For The Year
2013
Data for astronomy, space sciences, geodesy, surveying, navigation and other applications
There's also two tickets to the Ikebukuro Planetarium's upcoming show 'The Sky Across the Seasons: Winter' Featuring music from various popular artists.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"How is that even possible?" Ren wonders of the delivery speed. They assume Akechi's over in Sumaru; just what kind of teleportation magic did that courier use?! ...and just how much did it cost to use that kind of service?
The book inside is printed beautifully. Ren falls silent as they take in the cover, heartbeat picking up as they feel heat rise in their face. It's not just the almanac, either, though they take a moment to flip through; there's also two tickets to a planetarium show. Ren picks those up next, rubbing them slowly between their fingers.
"..."
I don't care all that much about the stars themselves. I just like listening to you talk about them... and seeing the earnest look on your face while you're stargazing.
Akechi's words on that night come back to them easily, almost as if he'd just now repeated them. The way Ren felt after they heard that swells in their chest again--that surprise, that warmth, that sense of being seen and accepted.
Akechi had encouraged them to ask Makoto out, hadn't they? He'd supported them, even if it meant he wouldn't get what he wanted. When the two of them went stargazing afterwards, it wasn't like he tried to make a move on them or split them up from Makoto. He's demonstrated he's content to simply be by their side and watch them be happy.
Ren's chest squeezes tight. After spending the last two nights with Makoto, it's clear to them now that they aren't just lonely or caught up in the ego boost. They... really do care for him, too--and not just as a friend.
...But they also care for Makoto. Maybe they asked her out on a rebound, but the two of them really do click. Makoto was so into them when they dressed in that kimono, and they had so much fun last night at the farmer's market and then fighting the Gourd Lord. Why would they break up with her?
For a moment, they stare up at their ceiling, not yet set with glow-in-the-dark space stickers. Akechi might wonder about that for a moment; it's clear the package has been opened, and Ren hasn't yet said anything about it.
But eventually, quietly: "Thank you." They rub the tickets together again, and wonder, just to make sure, "...Who's the second ticket supposed to be for?"
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"I admit that even as a Detective - it's a mystery to me as well." Akechi briefly wonders if they somehow knew how to use the Metaverse better than him. Of course, that's impossible and he quickly discards that thought.
It's true, he did support them in the moment. Logically, he shouldn't date Makoto- and Ren has no interest in him in that manner, even if he were inclined to risk his image for that purpose.
But it's not as if he can't be jealous or petty about it at times... certainly he was to Minako. He's just recalibrating in a sense when it's a woman that he respects in a contradictory way- and when her big sister is a coworker.
One must tread carefully, a romantic drama between the three of them could quite easily end a great many things early...
Still he waits, in silence, trying to consider what the silence is for a time as their reaction... he supposes its likely a good thing- that they're just touched- but still anxiety does creep in until he thanks him.
"You're most welcome." He replies, quietly, feeling relieved that it was so. Then he asks about the tickets, and there's a slow blink of his eyes. It would be gauche of him to give Ren a gift, then dictate how it be used.
If he hadn't asked the question, then it could easily have just been assumed it was him. Now though?
Something grows tight in his own chest, as he has to force the magnanimous words out.
"Well... whoever you'd like. I can't exactly tell you how you might use your birthday gift. Certainly you're seeing someone- and you have a number of friends you could introduce to your love of the stars that way."
He probably takes some HP damage from saying those words. But- snapping and saying 'Me of course' he realizes could be actively damaging to their relationship.
So he swallows that feeling, even as it burns him alive from the inside.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Someone know the Metaverse better than Goro Akechi?? Impossibible. Not even worth considering. ...Classic Akechi.
It is true too that Akechi told Ren, as part of his coming out as bisexual, that he could not and would not date a guy despite being attracted to them because of his fear of the damage it would do to his public image. Likewise, it's true that while Akechi was low-grade hostile to Minako, Makoto is the sister of someone he works closely with. These things aren't lost on Ren. But... he'd like to actually believe the best of him once in a while. Even if those kinds of ugly feelings lurk within him, he's still doing his best not to pressure them.
Case in point: Ren asks that question, and Akechi manages to force out an answer that respects their autonomy and ability to choose. Ren chuckles softly, gazing down at those two tickets. "You're sweet," they murmur. "But you were hoping it'd be you--right?"
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
Nope. Must have just invented a teleporter. That's more feasible!
Ren's answer to Akechi's answer causes him to pause for several long moments, as now he himself looks up.
He's been caught, of course. And it's not hard for him to understand why he's been caught.
"... Well." He finally answers quietly, "I certainly wouldn't say no, if I were invited."
It's not exactly him admitting what Ren suggested, that he was hoping it would be him.
But it's perhaps as close to an admission as he can make in the moment.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Akechi takes a long, long time to answer. Ren is a patient person, so that part isn't a problem. It does, however, give them time to reflect.
Once upon a time, Akechi had told them he doesn't trust them.
Once upon a time, Akechi had told them that he's used to people shouting him down for saying the wrong things, for displaying the wrong behavior.
Right now, Akechi might not be willing to come out and say how he really feels about them, but chances are good that he's decided that he's willing to endure a one-sided love if it means not losing their friendship. If it means he gets to continue to see that earnest look on their face from by their side.
As Ren considers these facts, their smile fades into something more somber. Eventually, Akechi replies, and for all its plausible deniability (more classic Akechi), the fact that he took so long to come up with that response tells Ren that they're right. Maybe not even hoping--expecting. After all, when someone gifts you a ticket to something, the usual assumption is that you'd attend it with them, isn't it?
Even so, he's trying his hardest to be a good sport about it. Not just because he respects their autonomy--not just because he doesn't want to drive them away--but because he doesn't trust them to react poorly if he said whatever ugly thing was nestled in his heart.
Ren rubs the tickets against each other the other way.
"All in all, that's a very courteous, diplomatic reaction you've had to my question about the second ticket. I have to applaud you, Akechi. Even caught off-guard, you still keep up every inch of the polished Detective Prince you play on TV."
A beat. They smile slightly anew.
"What's the violent, kneejerk reaction you bit back instead?"
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
Ren has definitely got him figured out here, the calculus that is weighing him selecting his response is actually just pre-algebra, to someone who knows anything about the real him.
'All in all, that's a very courteous, diplomatic reaction you've had to my question-'
His eyes narrow subtly in real time. Like he suspects this is leading him to being mocked for him trying to be good about this-
-and he does have his pride. If nothing else, he always has that. Like Father, like Son.
But before he responds, the next question takes him off guard. "Hn." He makes a soft grunt, before looking away from his phone, his expression sour. He's been caught, so it's best to at least be more honest, "'Like hell it was meant for anyone else.'"
It's not 100% the whole response. After all- there's some things he can't tell Ren, even when he's being more honest.
But- it's much closer to the reality.
He just omits 'It's our thing. And in no world would I want to compete with your girlfriend or your friends over that.'
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Not mocked, per se. Ren is certainly calling him out, but there's genuine affection in the act, not malice or contempt. They really do appreciate how hard he's trying to be good about this. It's just, well... Ren finds they also want to hear his true, angry self that he tries so desperately to mask.
So when Akechi gives approximately half of his genuine reaction, his tone perhaps reflecting the sourness of his expression, Ren chuckles softly. It still might be toned down, or have parts he's still left out, but they do trust that they're not actively lying now.
"Thanks for your honesty. I knew you weren't that nice," he says, still affectionate. "And thanks for trying to be gracious anyway. I know you work hard at that." They pause to let that sink in. "So, even though I was just an enormous asshole to you, do you still want to go to the planetarium show with me?"
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
Akechi isn't sure how to respond to being told 'Thank you for your honesty'. Most people don't want that level of honesty after all. Especially not from him...
Especially when it becomes 'I knew you weren't that nice'. Well, no, he's not. But how are you supposed to feel about someone calling him not nice?
Upset, he supposes, but- it's also true. And he feels more seen than he usually does. So ironically it twists him in a contradictory direction, especially as Ren notes he works hard at that.
"Huh. Well... thank you for noticing." He says into the phone, still feeling all mixed up that his normal preconceptions were turned on his head.
Surprised, even to this degree.
"Well I'll have to check my calendar-" He needles once again, at the offer of coming along, "-but I'm certain I can slot you in."
If Ren's going to be the asshole to him in the asking, then he's going to be a bit of one back. After all, Ren is less of an asshole than him by volume. He can't let them be the only asshole in the room.
"Let me know when you'd like to go- and I'll plan appropriately."
There is after all no pre-selected date and time on them. It's just 'throughout the running' of the show.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
I notice a lot about you. If I don't keep an eye on you, I might end up in jail or worse, Ren half-jokes inside their own head. Because it is a half-joke, it stays inside their own head.
Aloud, they simply say, "You're welcome."
They chuckle again when Akechi puts on airs of needing to check his schedule. "That's fair," they say mildly. "You're a busy guy." So are they, really. "It might not be for a bit, but it looks like we've got plenty of time for that. I'll look up how long the show lasts and get back to you."
We can take our time and enjoy the stars you have no interest in, they add silently, and set the tickets down on the almanac.
...Their heart really does feel like it's floating.
"I should get going. I've got friends coming over for a party and I still need to finish setting up," they say then, glancing over at the half-arranged furniture. There's one more important thing to discuss...
They lower their voice and add, "I do want to let you know first--I'm ready to spring that trap we talked about before. I'm working a shift tomorrow, but the day after that--if all goes well, and with any luck, I'll have some great news for you."
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
Worse. Even though Ren doesn't know what kind of worse he has in mind.
Certainly he notices a lot about Ren too, and while his excuse might be that he's a detective. It's certainly not the only reason...
"Months." He confirms, "I didn't want to give you a gift with too narrow a window for its use." After all, they're both 'busy guys'.
"Well then, I'll be waiting for you to get back to me." He says a touch more cheerfully, in order to - enjoy the stars he has no interest in whatsoever.
"Ah yes of course- I should let you go. It is both Halloween and your birthday, it'd be unusual if you had no plans whatsoever." He even mentioned that he thought it was likely earlier in their call.
It is another effort to be nicer but that's fine. It's fine fine super fine.
But before they hang up, Ren lowers his voice and... Akechi checks his surrounds first, before murmuring, "The day after tomorrow. I see... I'd offer my assistance again- but I know you can be quite stubborn once your mind is made up."
It's a quality both of them share, really.
"Keep that Goho-M very close, just in case it goes wrong. I don't trust that he doesn't have abilities beyond what you and I are familiar with- but that was part of the reason for my original suggestion, to see if he's forced to tip his hand- and thus better prepare for future confrontations."
It is the one thing Ren Amamiya lacks on the one in the Black Mask after all- information. And the hope of acquiring it is worth taking a few risks.
Or at least, so Akechi would like to hope Ren believes.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Maybe Akechi's trying to be nicer again, but Ren doesn't mind that. Considering he can be and is an asshole even when he's putting on his good-boy act, the fact that he's taking special effort to mind their feelings means a lot.
"If I wanted assistance, I have other people I could ask," Ren points out, tone mild again. "Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the offer, but I have to be by myself, remember? Otherwise he's not going to let his guard down."
So Ren wants Akechi to believe. As long as he doesn't realize that they actually do have back-up lurking in the shadows as a failsafe, then that's a trump card they can use in case of emergency.
"I will, though." Keep a Goho-M on hand, that is. If Akechi isn't the Black Mask, then all these seeds they're planting will languish in infertile soil, and they'll REALLY need a quick escape. Hopefully, this time around, they'll be able to prove it one way or another.
"And, Akechi... Thanks again. For everything."