2026-07-16: Significant Rivals
- Log: 2026-07-16 Significant Rivals
- Cast: Ren Amamiya, Goro Akechi
- Where: Kichijoji - Jazz Jin
- OOC Date: July 16, 2026
- IC Date: Mon Dec 10 2012
- Summary: Ren meets with Akechi at Jazz Jin to ask about something Tsubasa mentioned to them recently. Akechi denies any ill intent, and Ren believes him, then offers both a little competition and their support as the two confirm their plans to go see the Geminids before finals.
(|=========================== Kichijoji - Jazz Jin ===========================|)
-========================================================= Tokyo/Kichijoji ====-
It's easy enough to miss that descent off the street below, just off one of the
main shopping streets and around the bend, but some are drawn in by the distant
notes of one of its improvisational jam sessions. Head down, and one will see
wall-to-wall vinyl, with eclectic decor that speaks to the theme of the eternal
concrete struggle between universal forces and the individuals caught in the
middle.
Listening stations at counters offer people the chance to pick their own tunes,
while an ever-shifting menu of cocktails, virgin and otherwise, specially
crafted by the club's owner, Muhen, offer people refreshment along with a night
where they can let the masks they put on for society slip for a time.
Come, and get lost in the euphonious chaos of the complex and organic natural
melodies put on by the live performers... and know that the euphoria that
follows may be the closest you will get to recapturing the nostalgia of a
certain moment.
BGM: No More What If's - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOTDmQ_gGwI
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Monday afternoon-into-evening, Ren calls Akechi for last-minute plans to meet at Jazz Jin. After what happened on Friday night, they've been having a rough time, when they haven't been so locked in on something they could push the memory of seeing a man get his head blown off out of active thought. Saturday, that was school and the meeting in Mementos with SEES; Sunday, that was practicing the saxophone in the morning, helping Yoshida-san with his campaigning in the afternoon, and touching base with Ohya about recent dirt in the evening; Monday, that's been school and a Mementos mission to change someone's heart.
They can't lock in out of nightmares, though, and evening is falling fast today after said Mementos mission. They already saw their friends during that, and that's helped in a general sense, but they're all tired after that battle. Hell, Ren had to call "Becky" by for a massage to even be up to heading out again. And... Ren just wants to see Akechi's face, too. Hear his voice. Talk to him face-to-face.
Of course, they also specifically want to talk to him about what Tsubasa told them recently about his "apology." They already decided to trust him, though. They just want to hear what he has to say about it first.
When they arrive in Kichijoji, they're in their usual winter casual clothes: a long-sleeved black jacket over a white V-neck shirt, blue jeans, and black boots. The fashion wristwatch and glasses are there too, of course. They check out the daily specials on the board outside Jazz Jin (the daily mocktail is a Mightini), then head down the stairs and inside. After paying the cover charge to Muhen, they settle in at one of the tables with, despite that energizing massage, a tired sigh. There isn't a live singer today, but that's okay. They felt a little bad about chatting with Akechi while the last one was performing.
They slip a hand under their spectacles to rub one of their eyes. Ann's skin care lessons have been doing wonders--their skin is smoother and more moisturized--but moisturizer and sunscreen can only do so much against eye bags. They could lay their head down for a nap before Akechi arrives, but they don't want to miss him...
Ah, hell. Even with nightmares, they always fall asleep fast, and what's five minutes?
So they fold their arms, put down their head, listen to the soft jazz in the dim lighting, and...
...zzzz...
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
Jazz Ambience - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JElyhCKzhWI
When Ren awakens next, it's to the sound of ice clinking together in a glass. That's probably not what actually awakened them, it's just the first sound their mind registers once they are awake.
And in front of them, is Goro Akechi, with his own Mightini in hand. Look at your own, Ren Amamiya.
The ice has completely melted.
And the time? ... 9:17 PM. There's no book in front of Goro Akechi, no case files. His briefcase is on a chair beside him, but not open.
He's just sitting there, listening to Jazz - and watching Ren Amamiya sleep. It's a slow night here, so it's understandable why chatter and other noises of the business wouldn't awaken them.
"Ah, you're awake." He remarks, as he takes a sip, then surreptitiously slides a napkin over their way- for cleaning up with. Though he doesn't speak otherwise on it.
"You looked as if you really needed it." He explains, without remarking on the time spent, and puts his Mightini back down on his bar napkin.
As a rule, he doesn't get much sleep, so he's fascinated by Ren sleeping so soundly. Obviously Ren Amamiya has a busy life. That goes without saying...
... but the contrast is that when he sleeps, he truly does so soundly. And besides, he has a policy of only listening to- watching beauty, if he can help it.
Disturbing that- felt as if he were touching a work of art within a museum. He just couldn't bring himself to do so.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
For most of the time that Goro watches Ren sleep, they really do look peaceful, sleeping so soundly. A few minutes before they wake, though, they start to stir, expression twisting in their sleep, making the slightest noises of distress--
And then their eyes snap open to that clinking noise. They raise their head, blinking blearily and in confusion. The sound of the jazz helps soothe them--the nightmare didn't get as far as it's done previous nights--
They see Akechi. They see his Mightini, and then their own, ice melted, puddling water. They touch their cheek. That side of their face is soaked.
Akechi slides them a napkin, and they feel their face heat. Without a word, they accept it and dry themself off, eyes dipping to the table--and to their smartphone, which they pull out of their pocket to surreptitiously check.
...he really just watched them sleep all this time, huh... Their heart skips a beat as their face heats even more.
"Thanks," they murmur. "Sorry." They reach over for another napkin and mops up the puddle around their glass. "I haven't been sleeping well the last few nights. Nightmares."
They don't say what about. Does Akechi really need them to, anyway?
Once they've cleaned up, they finally manage to look up and meet their friendrivalcrush's eyes. Some color still remains in their cheeks, but whatever tension remained in their shoulders from that last few minutes of disturbed sleep finally seeps out. Their normally intense eyes soften, too.
They really do feel better, seeing him again.
They duck their head again and purse their lips on the straw of their mocktail to take a long sip. When they put it down again, they fuss unnecessarily with their jacket for a moment, then finally lean back in their seat and look up at Akechi again. They don't say anything for a time. Bringing up Tsubasa and how his apology hurt them will ruin the mood, and they'd like this moment to last a little longer.
Finally, though, they clear their throat. "So... I just wanted to check in with you about a few things. Um... First..." They rub the side of their neck. They'd like the moment to last a little longer, but better to tear off the band-aid. "Do you remember when you apologized to Tsubasa about that big misunderstanding they had about us?" They pause for a second, then add, "Apparently you brought up the psychotic breakdown they had, and... in a way that hurt them."
They don't continue on this thought. They simply gaze at Akechi, hand settling back on their lap, and wait for his response.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"There's nothing you need to apologize for." Goro Akechi tells them, "There's no 'mens rea' when it comes to overlong naps." He says with that relaxed smile of his, at least in this place.
Of course, mens rea means more criminal intent- but he's saying more in a sense of malicious intent. In other words, 'it's an accident'.
He settles back, letting Ren clean themselves up- then, allows them to sit in silence for a time. Sometimes, one doesn't need to say anything, merely listen to the music.
And it is very very good music.
Then when Ren brings up the subject matter, Akechi sits up, watching them as they speak, "I do." Before he considers the problem Ren speaks of, "I thought I apologized for that at the time- but perhaps I'm missing something. Do go on. It was a difficult enough conversation already, given that I had to bring up Psychotic Breakdowns to discuss the misunderstanding, and apologize for it."
He folds his dark gloved fingertips together. He does seem at least genuinely confused, not merely making excuses.
"It's been months... which implies that there has to be some lingering resentment there, based on my behavior."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Akechi really can be very sweet when he wants to be. Considering how he was in the beginning of their relationship, it's like night and day. Ren smiles back, eyes crinkling.
However, the moment must end. Akechi doesn't seem to take it harshly; he just seems confused, and explains he brought up psychotic breakdowns as a part of the apology. They nod once, relaxing again. "I figured it was something like that," they say, then shake their head. "Not resentment, exactly. We just happened to be talking about you and it came up. They said you talking about psychotic breakdowns messed them up for a bit afterwards, that's all. At first I thought they meant you hadn't apologized to them yet, but then they said it was part of the apology, so..."
They shrug a bit. "They aren't mad. If anything, they were sad about it... half-prepared to blame themself for being 'too sensitive.' They figured--and I did too--that you probably didn't mean anything by it. I don't know exactly what you said, but... it's something they lived through, after all. It's caused them a lot of suffering."
They consider leaving it at that, but... they do want to make absolute sure, and he can handle a little brute clarity. "You can be a hateful guy sometimes," they thus add. "So I wanted to make sure it really wasn't intentional."
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
It's true, he can be... when he wants to be. Perhaps it's also that the Jazz Jin places him in a certain mood. Beauty soothing the savage beast, in a sense.
Always one to be contemplative, it reminds him of that old record player his mother kept, because it was what she had out in the country. And her collection of Jazz records, which he must have listened to hundreds of times in the past.
Ren begins talking about what occurred with Tsubasa, and he nods, thoughtfully, taking a sip of his Mightini as he listens.
"Hm. I see. Well, it does place me in a bit of a quandary..."
He doesn't say what that means at first, when- 'You can be a hateful guy sometimes,' 'So I wanted to make sure it wasn't really intentional.'
Something in his eyes subtly contracts, but then, he seems to relent, letting go of it in the next second.
"No there was nothing intentional about it. You see- part of the misunderstanding involved Psychotic Breakdowns themselves, and my earlier theory regarding them."
He explains to Ren, in a rather neutral tone, like he's trying not to get heated on the topic, "So, in order to explain the timeline of- how it occurred, as they had asked for an explanation, I had to bring them up. Ordinarily- of course, I'd prefer not to do so. In- well, in a similar sense to, to use another example." He pauses, perhaps to show that there is actual weight to this idea, "...I wouldn't casually bring up your parents in Inaba."
He doesn't smile, doesn't chuckle, no indeed he looks quite serious, "So while I understand the issue of bringing up something so traumatic and what it might do to them."
Another pause, as he looks down towards his half drained glass, "I'm not quite certain how else I could have handled it and fulfilled their request- explained myself in apology. Do you have a recommendation in that regard?"
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Ren is watching Akechi closely--has had a habit of this since long, long before they fell in love with him--and so they see the subtle movement of his eyes when they point out that doing it on purpose is something he would do. Hear the neutrality in his tone--that pointed final question--and that even more pointed mention of their parents. Their eyelashes sink to half-mast for a moment; then they fix a serious look of their own on him.
"...hmm. You're mad. But you're trying not to be," they remark--maybe observe. They take a sip of their Mightini. Even watered down by the melted ice, it's still pretty good. ...definitely would've been better fresh, though. "Like I said, I don't know what exactly you said to them. I didn't want to press them too hard on something they said messed them up. For what it's worth, though, I believe you when you said you did the best you could."
Why would Akechi deliberately hurt Tsubasa like that, after all?
Well... not knowing is why Ren had to ask.
"But sometimes we hurt people, even when we don't mean to--even when we're trying our best. That's part of why Minako-chan and I broke up," they continue quietly. "More to the point, Tsubasa really respects you, so... if it turned out you secretly hated them for some reason, it'd break their heart." They pause a beat. "And mine."
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"More frustrated, than anything." He admits, as Ren calls him out. "Not because I had to apologize- or because it wasn't 'good enough' mind you. I could accept that, if Seki-san thought such. It just feels like I'm being put in something of an impossible position." He explains.
Indeed, it's easy to understand how that might cause frustration in the first place. "I admit, I don't remember everything I said in that conversation, merely the substantive parts of it- so it's possible I mis-stepped, and indeed 'triggered' them in some way that I don't understand."
There's a shake of his head, "But- without knowing the specifics, it becomes- 'Don't speak upon Psychotic Breakdowns, while being asked by them to speak upon them.'"
The frustration falls off of his face though as they speak about their break up with Minako, and how it would break their heart. Placing a hand upon his chin, he looks up.
"No, I assure you I don't secretly hate Seki-san."
He lies. Because of course he does. He can find anything to hate about anyone and does. Even the people he likes- he hates. It's simply about how much he hates them.
"I respect them for being able to live life so openly. Even if it comes as a result of having their reasons to hide who they are stripped away."
And as much as he respects them, so too does he hate them for it, because how dare they- when he cannot without losing everything that he has.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"Yeah. Sorry. I know that's hard on you too, when you've dealt so much with people assuming the worst of you growing up," Ren replies, leaning their chin on one hand. It's why they made sure to make it clear they believe him--that they're choosing to believe it was an accident. Even though they know full well that he's capable of being deeply hurtful with a cheery smile on his face.
Just because someone is capable of something doesn't mean they're doing it all the time, though. Therein comes the 'choosing to believe' part. The Black Mask--Ruin--still reminds them of Akechi, but absent any concrete evidence, they're choosing to believe in him there, too.
So:
"Good. Glad to hear it." They smile as they bow their head a little. "Me too. They inspired me to come out about being X-gender, you know. Growing up, I was always used to... people not being interested in your truth if it's not the same pre-packaged truth everyone else has. That didn't stop me from being it, but it did stop me from saying it." They meet Akechi's eyes again. "...Maybe you get how that feels some."
Their gaze lingers on him for a moment longer. They eventually tear away to take another sip of their drink. "Speaking of... I also wanted to check if we're still on for a trip to see the Geminids. We'd have to dip on that Christmas Village thing, and no one cares if I don't show up, but maybe you don't want to miss out?"
They're pretty sure he won't care, that he'll still go with them. Certainly they're hoping he will.
They also know his image matters so much to him, though.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
Indeed, he is fully capable. So much so that he doubts his own memory sometimes in this regard. Did he mean to hurt them? Did he not? It's just- he doesn't think he meant to this time.
But it's also not impossible that he did.
Unfortunately he's self-aware enough to understand that it's easy to forget the motivation for why you did something you did in the past. And the reasons he might.
"Hm, I suspected as much." When Ren notes they inspired them to come out as X-Gender. "They are certainly one to live unrestrained by such concerns."
But he does think that in many ways, Tsubasa is shackled by their past, just as he is. It's just- those people around Ren... it's like they gradually lose those shackles.
While his only grow tighter, as he doubles down upon what he's lived for.
"I do. Painfully so. Though I admit being a Foster Child is... certainly more acceptable to society than being 'out' as X-Gender."
And yet, Ren understands too that being a Foster Child is hardly acceptable. In a sense, Akechi hasn't become an activist, he's too self-serving- but it's also that he understands the truth.
No matter what social reforms he platformed- he would only be seen as an exception, not a rule. It is simply, not worth even trying in the current state of society.
He leans back, looking up, as if reminiscing upon- that memory of the past. The man with a shock of white hair, starting fires. The now dead monster...
When Ren mentions the upcoming trip, and he blinks, before he snorts, "No. There's nothing at a Christmas Village I'd be interested in. Though as you know, I do love my Santa Claus jokes." He says with a smirk, given that he cited believing in Santa Claus was akin to the Phantom Thieves the day they shook hands the first time.
"I informed the SIU that I'll be taking off that time frame. They had no complaints, given that I've still not come of age- and believe that I ought to 'celebrate' holidays to 'enrich' myself."
Indeed, he'd done so with Mouri for an adjacent reason, and he'd told half truths to do so. Simply a trip out of the prefecture for a few days.
Even Masayoshi Shido can wait a single holiday week to have some rival bumped off.
"So in short- not only am I still up for it, but all preparations have been made." He smiles Ren's way, "I'm looking forward to it."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"Yeah." Ren grins briefly. "They're so cool."
It's true that a lot of the people around Ren become freer and happier the more involved with them they get. The same is true in reverse, though--at least in Ren's view. They're so much freer and happier now that they've met and made all these amazing friends. If not for them, they would've stayed mired in bitterness and despair for god knows how long. Maybe long enough to break them, permanently.
Ren truly believes this: no one can live life alone. Everything becomes easier when you have friends to share it with, good times and bad.
"Mm." There's a distant look in Akechi's eye, like he's seeing some past trauma again... "Well, it's not like it's a competition. This time," they add, with a slight quirk of a smile. "We can both have a rough time of it in this society." They bump his leg under the table with the side of their foot--not quite playing footsies, but not not playing footsies either. "That's why we're friends, right?"
Even without that, though, their question brings him back to he present. Ren gives Akechi a short, dry laugh at the bit about Santa jokes, but they soon nod. They shut their eyes again, leaning once more on their hand. "Hey, you're celebrating--the grandeur of nature. What's more enriching than that?"
At Akechi's summary, and even more his smile, Ren smiles back--a broad, white one that crinkles their eyes. "Me too. I already checked the weather, and it'll be clear that weekend."
Barring any freak snowstorms, but what are the odds of that? ...Well, it'll still only mean they'll have a white night to watch the shooting stars.
They pause, though, and sip their drink again to cover it up. This next part... is going to be even more delicate. "I should've figured, though. I bet you're glad to get out of that Christmas Village. You probably get more confessions this time of year--girls hoping to snag you in time for a date on Christmas Eve and Valentine's Day," they say mildly. "All of them vying to be your precious first kiss."
Their heart thumps. Will he take the bait...?
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"Haha... not the descriptor I would have used but... I suppose they really are." Akechi does manage a fond grin at the idea of them being cool. Perhaps because he just can't imagine calling anyone cool.
Even though many girls call him that all the time... it's not something that is his frame of reference for people.
Ren notes that it's not a competition, and he nods, "... Right." Before he pauses, at the contact of the foot, which is fleeting, huh, "...A-All the same." He stammers, clears his throat, then keeps going, "It's good to keep such in mind... the disparity in experiences."
Indeed, talk Akechi up on gender or class and the like and he has a lot to say upon the subject matter. He understands quite a lot on who is at the top of this unjust world. And who is at the bottom.
And the reason is- that there are people who decide what Justice is, simply by their Might alone.
There's a laugh at the idea of it being a celebration the grandeur of nature, "Oh? Well, if your weather forecast is wrong, it will certainly be that." He teases, "But in this case, perhaps more the vastness of the universe... with someone else."
He does look thoughtful, "Still just in case, we ought to bring certain supplies anyway. It would be rather a problem be to be hit by a sudden snowstorm atop the mountain- unprepared."
He doubts that if it happened, that they'd be able to get down in time without risking their safety. Ren makes for a certain ploy, and he chuckles, leaning an elbow on the table, his cheek in a hand, "Would you believe that last year- a girl tried with an entire bucket of 'Christmas Chicken' that she just so 'happened to have with her'?"
He won't name and shame though. "But... potential love confessions, first kisses and buckets of fried chicken not withstanding... I think my preference of celebrating it with you still stands."
You have nibbling at the hook, just like he were a fish at the pond in Ichigaya at least Ren Amamiya...
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"There's plenty of better things to compete at," Ren adds, noting Akechi's lukewarm reaction. They smirk. "Like a revenge match at ping-pong. I'll beat you this time for sure."
It's so hard to hold back a broader grin when he stammers. He's so cute when he gets flustered. Ren keeps it to a nod. "Yeah." Knowing and understanding that, wanting to know and learn more, is how you stay compassionate in an often brutal, uncaring world--how you make sure you don't just give up and stop caring at all. At least, that's how it is for them.
"The universe is nature too," they point out. "But you're not wrong. I wouldn't mind enjoying a snowstorm huddled up somewhere warm with" (you) "a hot cup of coffee, but I'd really rather have the Geminids."
He points out that they ought to bring supplies, just in case. They nod slowly. It was cold enough on the mountainside in autumn. It's going to be bitter this time of year. "True. Agreed. The weather can be unpredictable on mountains. I'll make sure to bring a few things on my end."
Akechi nibbles on that bait, just like they'd hoped he would. He even tells an anecdote they can genuinely chuckle at. "That's so transparent. Kudos to her sheer nerve." They take another sip, partly to cover their smile when he asserts he'd rather spend that time with them. It's not Christmas yet, but it will be soon enough. Maybe...
Keeping their tone casual, they set their drink down. "Have you had your first kiss yet? I know you said you hadn't last time we chatted about things like that, but that was a while ago. If you've got girls with enough nerve to use chicken as an excuse, you've got girls brazen enough to steal it from you." Their light demeanor sinks into seriousness. "...I'd hate that for you. I remember you said you wanted it to be with someone you love, who loves you back..."
They steel themself enough not to swallow hard at the reminder, then splay a hand at their face as they smirk. "At least I don't have to worry about your fans flaming me for taking up all your quality time. See? I've been working on my grades and my looks." Admire how much their complexion has improved! Their near-daily baths at the bathhouse don't hurt, either...
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"My, so confident." He says to Ren Amamiya with a grin, knowing that he had a distinct advantage over him.
-=-=-
"Best of five." Growled Captain Shimazu, at the table tennis set up in the break room, his white dress shirt soaked with sweat, sleeves rolled up and his tie fully off. "I won't let some whelp barely out of diapers sully the reputation of this department."
-=-=-
That it was a a favorite sport at the Konan Police Department to hold tournaments for. "I look forward to seeing if you can pull it off."
Ren points out that the universe is nature and Akechi gives a sly grin, "I won't dispute that. I just find it an easy distinction to make between here on Earth and the wider universe." Before...
"... Hmmm." He seems to ruminate on that point, before- "Well, why must we choose?" He suggests, "Perhaps there's a way that we might have the best of both worlds. While your coffee does taste best fresh- with current insulation available, a thermos might just keep long enough for us to get there and hike up the mountain."
Indeed, it would be some extra work on Ren's part but- "And even if it doesn't. A battery powered hot plate or the like could rewarm it with ease. I've been looking into such anyway for while I'm on the go without access to a microwave."
He grins fondly at the memory, "I certainly heard her out on the basis of her audacity alone." And he ended up with the bucket of chicken anyway afterwards. Honestly- it made for a nice dinner, eating Western Fried Chicken.
Indeed, he is nibbling- nibble nibble, but he's not hooked yet. Then- Ren asks whether he has, and he blinks, like he hadn't expected that question then answers.
"Well, as far as I'm aware, I haven't since last we spoke on the topic." He suggests in good humor, "Though I suppose it's possible I was kissed in my sleep to break a sleeping curse, that took effect when I became eighteen and a half years old."
He apparently, despite the unexpected question has 'locked in'. "If such a heroine existed, then I might have had my first kiss without my knowledge- but otherwise, I haven't." He says wryly. "I assure you, if a mysterious suitor had managed to win my heart since last we spoke on the topic, you'd be the first person to know."
Does he seem to understand where this is going? It's unclear at this time, he might still just be nibbling- nibble nibble...
Ren's final comment though, there is a smile, "Well, if I had to evaluate such right now- I'd say as things stand now..."
And Akechi actually seems to scrutinize Ren for a moment, almost like he's trying to assess something different about them, for example... the skin care, their complexion, "... I believe you'd pass with flying colors, even among my most jealous fans."
He says cheerfully, indeed- it's easy to find Ren Amamiya quite beautiful- and handsome, in turn, depending on which day it is, "In fact- I wouldn't be opposed to posting a picture of us together on one of our outings, some day. Though- not without your permission of course."
A beat pause.
"And perhaps not here... I'd hate for our spot to suddenly be overcrowded... if that were to come to pass..."
He starts solemnly, and Ren can feel the joke coming on, "...then you'd never be able to get any sleep." He teases, with that shit-eating grin of his, "Nor would I be able to let you sleep without interruption."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"One of these days I'll beat you at something," Ren replies dryly, before giving him a light kick--not enough to hurt, just to make a statement. "And then we'll see who's got the smug grin."
Distinguishing between Earth nature and non-Earth nature is... "Fair," they admit. "As far as the world's best astronomers know, Earth is unique." Even so, there's something special about the stars. Infinite worlds in infinite variety... Who's to say all planets aren't unique in their own ways? Saturn has its rings, Jupiter its massive red storm, Uranus spins on its side...
Venus has its meltingly hot, fatally toxic atmosphere. A good match for the youth in front of them.
They turn thoughtful when Akechi suggests they fill a thermos with coffee. "It's a long trip... You think they have a coffee machine there? It wouldn't be the same as Leblanc, but I could bring the beans, at least." Bringing a hot plate too would be a lot. Better to make it before they head up the mountain. Sharing a cup back and forth sounds very nice too... though it'd be more sensible for the two of them to bring one each.
Then again, even if the inn doesn't have a coffee machine, they'd definitely have a way to reheat coffee. They'll have to call ahead and make sure. Better to make the correct preparations, just like for a mission. They'll have to prepare a good lunch, too--and bring thick blankets. Maybe they can ask to borrow some from Sojiro.
Does Akechi understand where Ren is going with this? Considering Ren's asking to better fish out what he wants out of the experience, they suspect he can't understand the full extent of it. "Good for you, then. You still get to look forward to that magical experience. If you've got such high standards for who you kiss, I hope you have an idea of how and where, though." Still, for all that they continue to dangle that line, they chuckle at his nonsense, then rake a hand back through their curls when he approves of their looks. Sparkle~
"I wouldn't mind that--maybe on the mountain, while we're stargazing. Definitely not here," they agree. He grins, and they snort before nudging him again under the table. There's a horny joke they could make here about Akechi not letting them sleep, but they decide to refrain. "I can sleep anywhere. You just mean you'd lose your favorite spot to a bunch of groupies. And that'd be the real tragedy, wouldn't it?"
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"One of these days." Akechi says in a tone that carries the same feel as 'You're a hundred years too early...' He's such a smug prick, sometimes...
"Hm." Akechi considers Ren's words then, "Well, while I have no evidence to dispute it, I feel it's the height of arrogance to believe that our world is- uniquely special, in the vast universe. It harkens back to the idea of Geocentrism."
It's rather sad in a way, to Akechi- it's like the vast universe is only there to tell each person how insignificant they are. Motes of cosmic dust floating in a vast expanse.
Except himself. He alone is uniquely horrible, accursed. It is the trap that one's mental health makes one fall into...
... and perhaps...
No, he can't let himself explore that thought of how special Ren is, if he does then...
"Hm. I'd say that it's more likely that they serve tea. Or- that if they do have coffee that it is..." Akechi says a certain word that Sojiro Sakura would find to be the foulest curse of all, "...instant."
COMMONER COFFEE!
(For the record Akechi is fine with Commoner Coffee, he just prefers better quality of course.)
Ren might as well be putting up a blinking neon sign at this point that says HERE FISHY FISHY!
And yet, how and where. Akechi looks surprised, then, despite what Ren is laying down, "Well. Perhaps that's more up to the other party- unless I'm the one confessing. Though, a first kiss doesn't... necessarily need to come after a love confession."
He stumbles over that one, a touch, "It certainly could, but- I find it unlikely I'd be confessing, first?" And Ren is likely to understand why from a recent conversation.
He just loathes himself so much he can't imagine having the courage to inflict himself upon someone else like that.
Indeed... it's his own hope that it is someone else who can make him forget for a time that self-loathing.
Ren sets the terms that it could be up on the mountain that he takes a picture, and he chuckles, "Well then, I might just take you up on that. There'll be time enough to change your mind on the way down- it's not as if I'm likely to have enough of a connection to post it atop the mountainside."
Though it would be amusing to see how many likes and comments they got after stargazing. Indeed, there are quite a few horny jokes. But as Ren calls him out: "That has yet to be observed by myself in nature. You being able to sleep anywhere but here."
As he makes a light scientific method joke that COULD be a horny joke, "But... I do believe you've caught me there. Honestly I'd prefer if it remain a hidden gem, known only to a select few."
A beat.
"Such as yourself." He doesn't regret for a moment, inviting them here, despite whatever contradictory feelings he may have over Ren Amamiya.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
SUCH a smug prick. And yet, it just gets Ren more fired up. They kick him again, this time hard enough to feel it--but still not enough for it to actually hurt. "I could beat you right now when it comes to seduction," they retort. "I'll have you know my charms could soothe even the savage beast."
They don't explain what they mean by that--but once again, does Akechi really need them to?
Akechi points out that that it's egotistical to think no other planet in the universe could possibly be just like Earth. "Fair," they admit again. "The universe is a big, big place. There could be other Earth-like planets out there." They crook a half-smile. "Part of the excitement of space is the thought that there might be more life out there. That doesn't mean that life has to look like ours, though. Think of it like people." They gesture around the room. It might be mostly empty, but there's still one or two folks around. "In Tokyo alone, there's millions of people who have the same basic shape as us. They eat, they sleep, they dream, they do whatever it is they do through the day. But when it comes to our inner worlds, we're still all unique unto ourselves--even if for some, it's only minute differences." They lean forward and rest their chin on their hands. "There's only one Ren Amamiya." They smile. "...and only one Goro Akechi."
For good or ill. Just how special were you thinking, Goro--for you and for them?
Akechi points out that a ryokan is not likely to have more than instant available. Ren scrunches their nose. "Good point," they admit. "I'll brew it at Leblanc and we'll reheat it if we have to."
Better quality means the one drinking it is of better value. Only the best get to have the best. Those who grow up poor know that best of all.
Akechi haltingly points out that a first kiss doesn't need to come after a love confession. "Hmmmmmmm..." Their eyelashes dip again. "Even though you want it from someone you love, who you know loves you back?" They do understand why he'd be unlikely to confess first--painfully so, even. They've long since realized that if anything is going to happen between the two of them, they're going to have to make the first move. Naturally, that's why they've brought this line of questioning up in the first place. Maybe he'll accept and reciprocate their feelings, and maybe he'll decide he'd rather keep the empty adoration of the masses, but... "Are you saying you don't have any preferences? Anything that comes to mind when you imagine it?" they press.
They smile when he chuckles. "I wouldn't mind if you kept it all to yourself either," they say lightly, tilting their head coquettishly to one side as they shut their eyes. "Precious memories, for just the two of us... just like my cute sleeping face, next to yours, anywhere you want to observe it." A beat. They wink one eye open, and for all their flirty trappings, their gaze on him in that moment is particularly intense. "...just kidding."
Jazz Jin should remain a hidden gem. Ren doesn't mind bringing their other friends here, and indeed already has, but it'll only ever be a one-on-one experience. That's the kind of vibe this place deserves. When Akechi all but confirms that, they smile again, this time softly. "...I'm honored," they murmur. This time, it's no "joke."
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"Mmph." He vocalizes, as he gets kicked lightly, "Could you now?" He smirks, "And what kind of challenge would one use to test it?" He suggests, with a playful tone.
Ren of course, believes it's quite fair, and Akechi nods initially, as if agreeing, then Ren adds the excitement of there being only one Ren Amamiya, and one Goro Akechi, relating it to it.
And he looks surprised, then a little touched, "I see. Well, I suppose that's so." He looks, a little wistful, "Seven billion people they say now, each trying to leave some mark upon the world- as proof that they existed. Yet, the two of us are unique, in that sense."
Ren Amamiya, uniquely special... Goro Akechi... uniquely accursed.
There's more he could say on aliens and his own theory that if they were out there, that they simply don't think we're ready.
Or perhaps the great filter, in which civilizations have risen and fell long before humans evolved from apes.
But he doesn't say either of them tonight.
It seems Ren and Sojiro are alike in this regard, "Haha... well, in the cold atop the mountain, I doubt either of us would even mind if it were instant." He grins, "But- I certainly won't say no to your brew."
Ren asks him though about a love confession in the moment, a kiss- "Hm." He leans back now, elbow falling away from the table as he offers the question the thought it deserves.
"... Well yes. Everyone has different comfort levels. I wouldn't say I... expect, a first kiss shortly after... but if you're asking if it was my preference?"
He lingers on the idea in consideration, actually taking a sip of his Mightini, eyes drifting towards the ceiling.
"I think... ideally, yes- but I also recognize that in the moment, it would be a sort of, unexplored territory for me."
He admits, "Things that seem applicable to one when dreaming of an 'ideal' love confession - or first kiss, may not be so to the reality. I think it's best to recognize there should be room left for... impulse, to both parties."
He chuckles, then shakes his head, "I understand I'm being difficult, with this question- but no plan ever survives contact..."
'With the enemy' he doesn't say- but that's because he's subconsciously thinking of Ren, at least. Yet, he also means it in the sense of the 'one you love'.
"My- hahaha..." He chuckles, at the flirting, "... well it'd be best if we don't test that here. I'm rather certain Muhen would come check on us. But- elsewhere?" He takes on a teasing voice, "It would be something to remember, certainly."
'I'm honored,'
Ren says, and for a while Akechi's playful expression falls off his face, like looking at Ren seriously, right at them. As if weighing something. Then...
... he smiles again and says, "... You ought to be." He pokes fun at them in his own smug way again, but perhaps- what he was holding back is the simple idea.
'I am too.'
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Ren didn't expect Akechi to imply that the two of them should compete on seduction, even though in retrospect that's the most Akechi reaction possible to an assertion like that. It hadn't been what they'd intended to imply either, even though in retrospect of COURSE Akechi would take it that way. They purse their lips into a small frown. "...You said before that a kiss wouldn't necessarily have to come right after a love confession, right?" They set their drink to one side, stand up--
And deftly, swiftly lean across the table to take Akechi by the chin and tilt his head up to make him stare into their smoky eyes. "What if the kiss were the confession?" they whisper huskily. They hold that stare for an eternity of a moment...
And then sit back down, cross their legs, and take a sip of their drink. "Something like that," they say with a slight smirk. "Think you can outdo me?" That smirk evolves into a grin, and they make the 'come at me' gesture. "Just try it."
Yes, Ren is absolutely inviting Akechi to try to seduce them.
Ironically, whatever he tries next probably won't be as effective as his sincere expressions when he talks on the seven billion people on earth. He might have thoughts that he doesn't share, but Ren really could watch his face all day, even and especially as the two of them talk about something like if alien life exists and what the nature of it might be.
Sojiro's taught Ren well. They take pride in their coffee skills by now, and between him and Hibari, they're making strides as a cook too. They smile back, and don't remark on how desperate they'd have to be to go back to instant. That smile fades, though not in a bad way, when Akechi admits he does have some preferences--but that a kiss right after a love confession would be his ideal. Their heartbeat picks up again, though they keep it off their face as they nod.
"Makes sense. And no, you're fine, I get it. You don't want to expect something so hard that the reality ends up disappointing you," they muse. "And sometimes, the most exciting thing of all is when someone surprises you with something spur-of-the-moment."
They wonder if theirs will be a surprise to him even after this entire conversation--and after this, they're convinced that they will. What better time could there be when it's the two of them alone under a meteor shower on a crystal clear night?
Either way, they should take that to heart: don't get so attached to a plan that you can't improvise your way out of a setback.
They smirk again when Akechi goes along with their flirting. "I'll remember that," they promise.
He won't have to wait long to see what they mean, either.
Akechi stares at them though--no, more like scrutinizes them. Ren meets his gaze with unwavering eyes. They mean it sincerely, after all. Even so, when he makes that smug response, they roll their eyes good-naturedly. "Is this what self-hatred looks like?" they joke wryly. Though... they focus back in on him. "Speaking of, going back to earlier--you might get hateful sometimes, but you can also be really thoughtful and caring. I like that both of these aspects are part of you. Okay?" They give him a slight, but no less sincere, smile. "Just like how I like you better the more I learn about the real you."
Likewise speaking of hurting others despite one's best intentions...
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
And as of course, Ren immediately capitalizes on their question- by, asking another. "Well, ye-" When his chin is grabbed, and he's made to stare into their eyes. His own brown ones seeming momentarily startled, as if taken aback by the situation- and wondering if Ren will actually do it.
In that sense of 'chicken'.
And finds themselves without words to answer the question, mind stalled out.
Then, as Ren sits back, it takes a second, then, "Hahaha... Well, how could I possibly top that? Unless..." And putting down his drink, he leans over, and beyond Ren, a, a hand thumps against the bricks of one of the divider between tables.
As his other hand reaches for Ren's chin, in a similar way to how Ren did it, "... If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're eager for a taste." Except, his pointer finger plays at touching their lower lip, playing at it with a light touch as he leans just over them.
"Shall I give it to you?" Then, letting go, he picks up his drink with that hand, and offers it to Ren.
Taking it exactly one step further with the offer of an 'indirect kiss'.
As he leans back into place, "Still, we probably shouldn't escalate further than that- we wouldn't want Muhen to receive complaints." He chuckles.
Ren however offers his own take of the advice, and Akechi nods and smiles, "Quite so, you took the words right out of my mouth, really. I want to have- realistic expectations for the moment, since my standards are already so unreasonably high. Simply passing that threshold would be more than enough to let go of any preconceptions."
The joke on the comment he made causes him to give Ren a wry smile, "And what should self-hatred look like? If this is an attempt to broach whether I engage in certain practices- well, we're not that close yet." He teases.
Until Ren tries to...
'but you can also be really thoughtful and caring'
That can't be true
You say it yourself every night
It's all an act to get closer to them.
Akechi leans back, and listens to the jazz, considering those words, looking at that smile- feeling a stab of guilt that he ought not to.
After all, he's a heartless killer. He not only let his heart die to pursue his Justice- he killed it himself.
"You have me at something of a loss for words." He finally murmurs, before allowing himself to smile again, "Well- I will say at least that- I've shown you more of the real me at least than anyone else."
But you didn't say show them more of yourself
Because you know how they would hate you if you did
"... And I'm just as eager to see more of yourself. I feel like our upcoming trip will be... illuminating, in that regard."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
It is incredibly satisfying to see Akechi look so startled, so at a loss for words, that Ren mentally preens over it for a moment. When Akechi ultimately gives tit for tat, Ren grins at him, as if thoroughly enjoying it--because they are. Some color does rise in their face when he brushes a finger along their lips--oh, that's good. When he offers a taste, and then pushes his drink over, they laugh quietly.
"Pretty good," they admit, accepting it... and then pushing theirs over to him. "But I definitely won that one." They raise Akechi's straw to their lips as they wink, fully unbothered by the indirect kiss. (Of course, according to them, they've got a good amount of experience with kissing...) "And victory? It tastes sweet."
They drink. Sure enough, a Mightini with the ice still ice tastes much better--especially when Akechi's left with the still reasonably tasty but still watered down version. How much do you want an indirect kiss, Goro?
"But you're right. Even if it was fun." They chuckle again. "I'd hate it if he asked us to leave."
So he wants to not be so picky about the where and how because the who already needs to pass such a high threshold... Ren nods thoughtfully. That's good for both of them. It means they can focus less on trying to set up a specific scenario and simply wait for the moment to feel right. Of course, they plan on making that moment--but still.
"What 'certain practices' are you trying to imply?" they counter without expectation of a straight answer. (Neither of them are straight, after all.) There's a slight change in the mood when he leans back and takes his time to respond... but he acknowledges that and smiles anew. Ren doesn't read too much into it. They already know he finds it hard to deal with genuine caring. "'More'--meaning 'not everything,' hmm?" Ren smiles back. They didn't think they'd seen all of him anyway. "What an exciting idea, that there's still so much left of you to find."
("Exciting" is a word for it, yes.)
They chuckle. 'Illuminating'--a stargazing joke. It goes well with the horny joke, considering Ren's fairly sure Akechi didn't intend on either of them. "Here's hoping I don't disappoint." They raise their glass to him and take another drink.
When they set it down, though, a serious look has stolen back over their face. "...I mean it, though. I hope that doesn't make you too uncomfortable, but even if it does, I'm not sorry. You might've tried and failed to fix your self-hatred before, but I'm betting you didn't have any support at the time. Right?"
Their stormcloud-grey gaze is still unwavering and so, so sincere--so intense, like it could pierce clean through him. "But that's not true anymore. You have support.
"You have me."
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"Only because it was a tough act to follow," Akechi says, as if amused, but Ren can sense the mild frustration that's there too because of losing.
A small payback from Ren Amamiya- yet again.
"But I shouldn't make excuses for a fairly lost contest." As he takes the tiniest sip from the watered down version
He of course has heard of an 'indirect kiss'.
He's trying not to think about it right now, since it was only a part of the context.
"Indeed, then I'd have to find another 'hidden gem' for us to hang out at. And that would be difficult with my schedule." He does wink at Ren, as he takes another sip of the watered down Mightini.
Ren does pry into the 'certain practices' and Akechi replies with with a teasing look and another wink. "S&M. Though in this case more the 'M'. And- no I wouldn't say that I do."
Perhaps it's a straight answer- but it sure doesn't mean he's straight.
It's also something of a lie.
He definitely can't say he's not something of a masochist, or a sadist when he's posing as Ruin. He just doesn't think of it as sexual.
Exciting is definitely a word for it.
Picking up Ren's drink, he swirls it around in a hand, "What kind of a Detective would I be if I simply revealed the entire mystery of who I am to you right from the start."
Kind of odd phrasing, definitely not anything telling about that. Nope. Nothing at all.
"But don't worry, I intend to reveal all in time."
Nope, nothing ominous at all. At all.
"Oh I very much doubt you will..." He says, at Ren's reply- well no he didn't intend either to be a joke.
Ren gets serious again, trying to say it again, and he closes his eyes for a time, "Not- too uncomfortable." He agrees with that much at least, especially since it was already on subject. "Hm. Well. I won't say no one has ever tried to fix it." Fix me. He might have said, "I was required in foster care to see certain specialists from time to time..." Since his Mother died by suicide, "...but I wouldn't exactly call it true support." He says quietly.
Despite the somber subject though, when Ren says 'You have me.'
Akechi looks up, and despite whatever dark thoughts he may have had all throughout this evening, in this moment, he forgets them, as a touched smile reaches his expression and-
"I know."
Despite it never being said- despite him always doubting it. In this moment at least, that statement is the absolute truth. He knows that Ren Amamiya is there for him, in his life.
"... Thank you." He means that one too.