2026-08-07: Lock In (Lock On)
- Log: 2026-08-07 Lock In (Lock On)
- Cast: Goro Akechi, Ren Amamiya
- Where: Narumi Ward, Sumaru City
- OOC Date: August 7, 2026
- IC Date: Fri Dec 21 2012
- Summary: After Ren has confessed (their love, not their crimes) to Akechi, the two have a serious talk about how to make Them work.
(|============================== Narumi - Main ===============================|)
-================================================= Sumaru City/Narumi Ward ====-
The newest ward of Sumaru City is also the fanciest and most elegant--and,
consequently, the most expensive. The crime rate here is low and the stores are
top-class, so many rich and famous people make their homes here. The view is
second to none, thanks to how it juts directly into the sea to the south; a
yacht harbor ensures one can watch classy ships sailing by all day long.
Because it's so new, there are sections of it that are still under construction,
most notably the local subway lines, and some of the seedier parts of society
have taken advantage of that to creep in and take root. That has nothing to do
with the local science lab, conducting experiments for the good of society with
top-notch security, and maybe everything to do with the sewer system next door.
But one can't possibly want to go into the sewer--not when the five-star
accommodations of Hotel Pleiades are available on the south beach. Hotel
Pleiades is without question the jewel of Narumi. Because it also overlooks the
yacht harbor, many rich, seafaring travelers get rooms here, boosting the local
economy even further. The Astro Universe Theme Park here is home to the Astro
Clock, the second largest ferris wheel in Japan.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
Lay it down. Start it up. Move the needle to the groove. Wait, a sound of growing anticipation, as it spins at thirty three and one third RPM.
Blue Moon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4bZu56EylA
And suddenly, there's the sounds of jazz from an old record player, a model from the the sixties that he'd had built into a table with a hatch, a drawer alongside containing a whole jazz collection, restored entirely from memory.
The player is a model from the 60's, the same kind his Mother had growing up in her rural hometown that she brought with her into the Big City.
Loosening his tie, he gets to work, pulling out a duster. There's not so much to clean, really. Most parts of his apartment are 'nostalgic ornamentation'. The First Edition Detective Novels, alongside paperback versions and assorted reference books never leave the shelves. If a record comes out, it's put back away after.
So mostly, it consisted of dusting. The corners, behind the blinds, the light fixtures. The unused kitchen. His bed was already made.
The place was immaculate, few house cleaners could do better. However, a better word for it might be 'sterile' because even though he hadn't cleaned in months, the dusting was the majority of the work.
Listen to the vinyl as you work.
How does one deal with this?
"Goro..." he murmured. He'd been so shocked at the time by what came next, he hadn't even managed to linger on the switch to his given name. Now he had time to try it on for size in his head?
What is he even going to say? There's cue cards in the trash from his attempt to write it down, but he was unsatisfied with every attempt. It's a good thing he's a detective, not a writer.
How does one even handle the mess he's created, by falling for the person he knows he has to kill? Goddamnit, he still remembers the look in Ren's eyes, the feeling of that first kiss.
Clean as one might, you can't get rid of the guilt.
He brings the refreshments out of the fridge, a nice French Charcuterie board arranged on a round wooden tray, cheeses and fruits, radishes and cured meats.
He toyed with wine, but he's not even certain if Ren drinks, or if the leader of the Phantom Thieves would turn it down. Besides... he would prefer to keep a clear head.
How does one deal with the guilt?
Well, you make the place spotless again. White walls, several landscape pictures. He considered framing up old Jazz Musician posters, film posters in the past- but the thought of laying himself bare for anyone to see?
He couldn't.
Now, in the living room of his spacious apartment, he puts the board down on the table, heads back to his room- and adjusts his tie back without looking in the mirror, and puts on his best sweater vest.
A touch up, around the dark circles of his eyes, required him to look into the mirror for the first time, as did a very light spritz of 'Tactica' Cologne, on his inner elbows. It's a light scent, unobtrusive- but there.
He'd never really afforded himself an opportunity to wear it. It's not exactly common in Japan for men to wear it at all, but- he's hardly the common man. A spray to freshen his breath, a touch of his hair to confirm it was still, just as silky smooth and clean as he'd left it...
He didn't have to 'hide' any evidence, because he never kept anything incriminating here. It was a spotless living space.
Just like him.
Hiding the ugliness beneath.
And so, he waits- ready two hours before Ren is even set to arrive, sitting on a sofa and chair arrangement around a central coffee table. Waits and thinks of 'Goro' and that kiss under the stars again, while he listens to soft jazz.
Could there be anything more beautiful than that? He's not certain what could top it.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
The instant school lets out on the last day of finals, Ren is gone. They're confident they did reasonably well, but that's not really what concerns them now that the tests are done. They agreed to meet up with Akechi--with Goro--at his place over in Sumaru for a private discussion of where the two of them are going from here, and they've been looking forward to it all week.
For some, that would've been a distraction. For Ren, it was just reason to lock in that much harder on finals. They've gotta impress their potential future boyfriend, and they're sure they've made the top third of the grade--maybe top ten, though there were definitely some questions they weren't sure on, and Shujin has a lot of scholastically gifted students, so maybe not.
Either way, it's a little hard to deal with the train trip all the way to Narumi Ward. (At least they're able to drop Morgana off at Yongen-jaya's station; it's just a matter of holding the door for him after everyone else leaves and/or gets on so Morgana can slip out. As for Leblanc--which is cozy, but not a good place for privacy until after business hours--he can paw at the door to get Sojiro to let him in, or else go to Futaba's window and hang with her.) However, Goro's always gone out of his way to come to them before, and... Ren wants to see what his place looks like inside. They didn't get a chance to see it the last time they came all the way out there. The travel time is worth it--for both of them, perhaps, if Goro's willing to be ready two hours before Ren even shows.
Their heart is fluttering by the time they knock on the apartment/agency door; when Goro answers, Ren can't stop a reflexive smile upon seeing his face.
"Hey," they greet him, quietly but warmly. They're still in their school uniform--Yongen-jaya was on the way, sure, but they simply did not want to extend their trip more than necessary--and winter coat, and once invited, they walk in, slipping off their shoes at the apartment foyer and hanging up their coat and setting down their school bag wherever Goro directs them to.
Once that's done, they take a long look around. It's clean, and they take in the bookshelves, the soft jazz music, the charcuterie board and--is that sparkling cider?--but the walls are a bit barren. Hell, even the shelves. There's no lived-in mess, just everything neat and tidy. What decoration the walls do have is generic landscape pictures. Ren finds it hard to imagine that's what Goro prefers, but easy to imagine he does that for the sake of what clients he has come by.
And, all considered, they wouldn't be surprised if he took the time to clean up the place to spotless just for them. They'd have done the same if they were the one who had to wait for him to arrive. (God knows the attic gets dusty so easily.)
Once they've taken in the place, they take a seat on the couch and look up and over at Goro, expression anticipatory. If he chooses the single seat, they'll be disappointed; if he sits next to them on the couch, they'll smile again and lean in almost--but not quite--close enough to touch.
"Appetizing set-up you've got," they murmur. "Looking forward to trying it later." They pause a beat. "So... not that I need to worry, but how'd finals go?"
Are they beating around the bush with small talk? A bit. Even they suffer from nerves sometimes--but it's also that they don't want to rush through the conversation.
Just being here with him, talking about everything and nothing, is enough to make them happy.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
When the knock comes, he's startled, despite completely expecting it. Perhaps he had been drifting off some. How embarrassing. He checks his collar for drool just in case, sees none and then stands up... moving to the door, where he places a hand against the frame.
To Ren's greeting of 'Hey' he gets a little nervous in his response of, "Hey." How eloquent! Heart thundering at his inability to speak better in this moment as he's caught in the moment, "...Would you like to come in?"
The Jazz music has turned over by now, and after Ren steps inside, he locks the door back with the deadbolt.
It is hard to imagine that this is what he enjoys in a lived in space, but perhaps - he's never felt real safety and security in one.
Perhaps he's never not felt the tension wherever he lives. After all, there's a reason he leaves measures to see if anyone's been in his apartment every day, when he leaves.
Old tricks, and newer ones besides.
No. It could be any day that Shido has the wrong kind of mood swing, and he comes home to find an assassin in his apartment waiting for him.
Of course, he sits beside him on the couch. Not too close but also not so far as to give the impression he wouldn't mind being closer than that.
There's so much anxiety on just - the small things, the social cues. The back and forth on what to do, what to say. And what might happen if he does or says the wrong thing.
"I thought you might like it. With all the curry you eat- sometimes a change of pace is nice." With something 'Western' and just upscale enough. "Mm. I admit, I am as well." He smiles, "Can I get you anything to drink?"
Then- Ren brings up finals, and he sits up straighter. "Well, not to brag- but, unless I'm mistaken- I believe I've received a perfect score. I can't think of any question I took issue with."
'Not to brag' he says.
"What about yourself?" He says with a smile, "I did take you away for most of the whole weekend prior to the start of finals- so I hope it wasn't to your detriment."
Pause.
"Though I- can't say I'd regret it, even if it was."
'It was well worth it,' he seems to say.
It's difficult, leading up to giving Ren an answer he knows they desire. How does one put such things into words in this state? But- for now, small talk can be enough.
Especially small talk in one of the ways the two compete.
Though... even Ren being so close to him on the couch is making it more difficult to concentrate on what he might say later.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
At least when Goro can only respond with another 'Hey,' Ren finds his nerves charming, if their blooming grin is any indication.
Naturally, they don't pick up on his lack of comfort in his own would-be home. Or rather, any nervousness he displays, they chalk up to... well, seeing his crush again after their first kiss only a week ago. Both for good and ill.
They chuckle at the curry comment. "I could never get tired of curry--but a change of pace once in a while is nice," they admit. The offer for a drink tempts them to flirt with a line like, 'I've already got a tall drink of water in front of me,' but they bite it back. It's kind of corny, and while they aren't outright anxious like he is, they want to charm him too.
"What you've got right here is fine," they reply, reaching for one of the glasses of sparkling cider. They sniff first, then take a sip. It's very nice--like an elevated soda. They set it back down and look back at Goro.
When he not-brags, they roll their eyes good-naturedly. "I figured as much," they say fondly.
It was well worth it. "Me neither," they murmur, gazing into his eyes.
They let that moment linger. At last, they reply, "I'm sure I did well--better than last time. Maybe even top ten, but there's a lot of good students at Shujin and there were a few questions I wasn't sure about." At least they had Morgana there to help them think things through, but even then... "If not this time, then next time. Definitely."
And now that they've said that, they have to get top ten on their third semester finals. But that's later. This is now.
"I did wonder if you'd have felt distracted this past week," they add. "It figures that it sharpened you instead." They smile, shifting their hand to brush its back against Goro's. "At least, it did for me."
Hopefully that'll be the segue they both need.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"Never? Really?" And with a small, for once self-deprecating smile, "Well then, it's for the best that I gave up on trying some time ago." With a gesture of two hands being raised, palms up in a shrug, "I'm rather certain one of my ill-fated attempts could change that."
He doesn't seem to mind conceding in the realm of cooking at least, but well- Ren has some inkling as to why now, don't they?
Ren for one, might hold back from such a remark, when Ren responds that what drinks he has set out are fine, Akechi himself is trying to consider a smooth line himself, before ultimately deciding. "... I'm glad."
He picks up a cup, pouring himself some cider himself, before chuckling at Ren's eyeroll. "It's good to know you have so much faith in my abilities." As he holds up his cup, "So much so it seems to rolled over into being something else." He smirks at that, showing he can in fact, from time to time, take a hint.
On occasion.
But Ren stares into those brown eyes of his, and he puts the cup back down, without ever taking a sip, for a time, caught speechless, before-
"Well done." He says with a genuine smile- and actually genuine praise, "You've been improving as long as I've known you. I'm very impressed by the progress you've made."
It's not top of Ren's class, but the thing is, top ten is impressive enough on its own in a competitive school like Shujin.
Indeed, if one lines up standards, if Ren were going to another school - they might be top of their class.
"Haha..." He chuckles, turning a little red at the idea that he might be distracted, "... well, not so much during the exams but..."
-=-=-
"AKECHI-KUN!" Two fingers snap in front of Akechi's face, causing him to look sidelong at Sae, in alarm at the shout and snap in front of his face, "Sae-san- I'm, quite certain I've done nothing to deserve-"
"Nothing to deserve it?! That's the fifth time I've called your name while you just stand around this crime scene with that dopey look on your face!"
"Ah- I, my apologies. I've just. Had a rather good week."
"Well get your head in the game! I swear- the way you're acting, it's like you're some lovestruck teenage girl."
-=-=-
"... it has affected my work- some." He says, looking somewhat chagrined, like he's remembering something embarrassing, as he licks his lips, "Sae-san has been a little irritated with me over it."
There's a pause and-
As nervous as he is, he does think Ren deserves an answer, "So... I suppose it's the case that... I still haven't given you an answer. Would, you like that now? Or shall we- lead up to that?"
There, leave the ball in their court, "There's no need to rush- but still."
Still, Ren does deserve an answer, as soon as he can give it. And as soon as they'd like.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Yeah... Ren does have an inkling. That's why they give Goro a long, measured look at that comment. However, at the end, they bump his shoulder just slightly. "That's okay. I don't mind cooking for the both of us--as long as you clean the dishes afterwards," they remark mildly, somewhere between joking and serious.
Equal division of labor is important for a healthy relationship. Nothing builds resentment like being the only one to put in the work.
They huff a faint laugh, grinning, when Akechi remarks on their faith in his abilities. It's not quite right, but it's not quite wrong either. Would they have gotten so fixated on him in the first place if not for that? So often they don't care about what people they don't know or like think of them, but despite having found him infuriating for so long, it wasn't all that long before they came to realize they care about what he thinks of them.
So when he praises their academic achievement, they duck their head, cheeks turning rosy with pleasure.
Of course, turnabout is fair play when he blushes in turn, however lightly. It's still enough to make heartbubbles waft in Ren's mind.
god he's so fucking cute when he gets embarrassed they could just let out the tiniest scream
"Wish I could've seen it," they tease, crooking their arm on the back of the couch to better look at him. "You surrounded by chalk outlines while off in la-la land. I bet it was hilarious."
...well, insofar as any murder investigation could be hilarious. Not that that's necessarily what Goro was working on.
But then he offers an answer. They sit up straight, sliding their arm off the couch and onto their lap. "...I'm ready for your answer anytime you want to give it," they say softly, watching him.
They could spend all day just talking about everything and nothing, but that doesn't mean they haven't been eager for this.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
The shoulder bump earns a smile out of him, "Well, I can live with that arrangement. I think I can handle dishes."
He did have to wash dishes in foster care, but it was just, something they were required to do, a rote task to teach them 'responsibility' and 'care for their spaces'.
So he's rather certain he can push it back up.
Ren does look cute when they're blushing- after all, they can do stoic with the best of them. So it's super cute when he manages to get a reaction out of them like that.
But turnabout is indeed, fair play.
He chuckles at Ren's comment though, in short order, "I would hardly call go that far as to call it 'la-la land'. I did solve the case- though, I'll admit it took longer than usual."
Look. It's hard to put clues together when you're thinking about what happened a few days prior!!!
Ren says they're ready for his answer, and for a time, he thinks he played himself- like he can't string two words together, two thoughts together.
He picks up the cider cup, and takes a sip, staring off into the distance for one-two-three-four-five seconds...
Then shifts his legs subtly and turns to face Ren, looking them straight into their dark grey eyes, past the glasses.
"You know I don't like myself." He starts, surprising even himself, he's starting there, "So when we discussed past confessions, the question I asked, 'What do you like about me?' was rather pointed, in a sense. Perhaps- it doesn't make a great deal of sense, why I wouldn't, while being the 'Second Coming of the Detective Prince' and going on TV rather often."
It's a struggle, to even put these words together, to admit these kind of things to anyone- mortifying to say it to someone you love.
But if he's going to say it to anyone, it's someone who knows him better than anyone else. Someone who loves him back- even if, in Akechi's eyes, it'll be a transient thing.
"As you already know, it's something of a mask. A way to pursue my 'Justice' through greater exposure... but it's also, because I don't think the person I am beneath the mask is worthy of acclaim- fame- any of that. Certainly nobody other than my Mother thought that I was worthy of even anyone's time- before I became a Detective."
Now he breaks eye contact, looking down past his glass, "And a Mother's love is unconditional." A slight tilt of that glass, as if seeing it in a different light, "Or at least- hers was." He amends, knowing who he's sitting in front of.
"So, part of the mask is because I want- praise from the public, I suppose, to help me..." He slumps a little further, "... get through my day. To help me forget that for a time."
It's ridiculously embarrassing to be this vulnerable, to put himself in Ren Amamiya's view, to string all these things Ren knows about him, to connect them like yarn on a murder board, to explain who Goro Akechi is.
While omitting the greatest conclusion of all about who he is.
"Haha..." An awkward chuckle, as he shakes his head, "... It's rather pathetic, actually. To be this contradictory in my feelings- my desires."
But he lays himself as bare as he can, inhaling through his nostrils, before continuing, "So when I approached you for the first time, it was- yes, as the leader of the Phantom Thieves- and yes- because I was hoping for a certain rivalry. Because ultimately- ultimately I felt such a person would think I was at least worthy of their time- in competition."
It's humiliating, doing this to himself. But, he can't let himself stop. If Ren loves him- then they need to know more about what they're getting themselves into.
Loving the person that will one day kill them.
"Or at least that's how it was at first. I enjoyed our games- even when you lost, you never disappointed. Because- you were driven. Driven to improve. It's one of the things I admire about you most of all- to be frank."
Now he does sit back up straight again, once again forcing himself to make eye contact. "But- I enjoyed our conversations most of all. No matter how spirited they became- I was sure time and time again I was going to drive you off. That you wouldn't want to spend any further time with me."
A beat.
"But that wasn't the case. Instead they became much more personal. More raw. I recognized that for all you presented yourself as being stoic- you're far from that." Before he then repeats again, "Far from it. I could see something of myself in it, in fact."
Not in being Stoic, at least- in not feeling seen- or worthy of being seen. "So I looked forward to our conversations more and more- until before I knew it. ...I'd fallen in love with the person I was having them with."
He cracks a self-deprecating grin, "In retrospect, you must think I'm rather obtuse, given all the hints you were dropping- but I suspect you understand now why I didn't pick up on them."
Because he didn't think it was possible that someone could fall in love with him. "Despite what I saw in you, we still couldn't be more different in some ways. But- it turned out to be irrelevant. Since I still found myself enjoying the differences. The passion for which you love the stars- for example. I couldn't see any value in them previously- but because you yourself do..."
A beat.
"... I've found it now. The value of the stars," he admits, in so much as that. "Being with you has been the most enjoyment I've had in my entire life, when we're together- often I'm able to forget how much I dislike myself. Even if it's only for a time, before I remember once again."
A lengthy pause, as he looks into Ren's grey eyes, "So if you'll have me... I'd... like to give this a try, together. I just want you to understand to the best of my ability- what you're getting into, if that makes sense?"
There's no reason for him to act upon this. None whatsoever. It's foolishness itself. He still plans one day to kill them- just to prove his Justice. To prove its primacy.
Thanks to Ren Amamiya, he has been saddled with all kinds of unnecessary feelings.
Still...
...still...
He wants this, despite how terrible an idea it is on every level. How awful a betrayal it will be one day. The elation he will feel- it will be sublime.
But if Ren wants to love that person that will one day do that to them... then... he can enjoy these unnecessary feelings as long as they last.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
So the two of them both enjoy seeing the other blush...
Two sides: same coin.
"Good," Ren replies of Goro solving the case. For all their teasing, they wouldn't like it if they were actually interfering in Goro achieving his Justice.
...or at least, what they currently believe his Justice is.
It takes Goro some time to actually start to speak. That's fine. Ren is a patient youth. They can wait however long it takes for him to get his thoughts in order. Thus, when he turns to face them, they meet his eyes steadily.
They do know he doesn't like himself. They nod once. The mention of that question he always asks gets a slight, lopsided smile--remembering that question was why Ren went to such lengths to explain precisely that before they got to the point. It soon fades as he goes on, though. It did seem like a contradiction, but...
They had a hunch it was something like that--that seeking the acclaim and admiration of his fans is a nepenthe for his self-hatred. Their eyes flicker with concern when he slumps, but they refrain from interrupting him, even with a touch. Feeling like only his mother has ever loved him must have made losing her that much harder--and if he always thought of a mother's love as unconditional, well...
They do appreciate his amendment, though.
It might be embarrassing to Goro, but it's touching to Ren that he trusts them enough to share these parts of himself with them. It's so hard to reveal the parts of yourself that you hate, that make you feel bad, that make you seem weak and vulnerable. It must be harder still for someone like Goro, who's used to being rejected if he's not presenting perfection. It really is an honor.
He calls himself pathetic. Ren shakes their head. "Feelings are irrational sometimes," they comment quietly. "But go on. Please."
It's no surprise that Goro had in fact initially approached them for what he thought they could be and do for him. He's just not the kind of person to care that deeply about someone he doesn't yet know. There's no question that he craved a connection with them, though--a genuine relationship, not just the empty fawning he gets from his fans. No wonder he kept approaching them, regardless of how cold they could be early on. For all that he didn't trust them, he did place his faith in them--or, maybe more accurately, bet on them. Bet that they'd end up caring about (beating) him.
In that sense, they've both hit the jackpot. When he talks about their games and what he admires about them, they duck their head briefly, once again flattered. However, when he straightens, they look back up to meet his eyes.
...They've always enjoyed their conversations too. They remember, too, how certain Goro had seemed that he really wasn't wanted (or maybe "tolerated") anymore, that one day in Leblanc. It seems I'm unwelcome no matter where I go... If not for that brief vulnerability, would Ren have taken a chance on him back?
He moves on to the passion that simmers beneath their oft stoic exterior, and they give him another slight smile. That's something he's remarked on before, and it makes them feel even more seen now than it did then. That too is part of why they fell for him back... That way he looked at the real them.
They laugh a little at his self-deprecation. "Yeah. It must be hard to believe someone else loves you when you can't love yourself."
When he admits that he's come to appreciate the stars entirely because of how much they love them, though... once again, faint red rises in their cheeks. Hearing that really does make them happy. And even if he does hate himself, and so might end up being difficult to be with romantically...
They reach out and take both his hands in theirs.
"It makes sense," they say quietly. "Truthfully, I thought for a long while you cared too much about how the public sees you to ever... want to be together. When you told me before about how you hate yourself, though, it made me realize--there was no way you were either going to notice how I felt on your own, or tell me how you feel first. I still wasn't sure how you'd react, but... I resolved myself to telling you." Their lips split into an affectionate smile. "I'm so glad I did. And I absolutely want to give this a try."
They squeeze his hands gently. "So... let's talk about how we can give ourselves the best chance about making this work. First: I know you aren't out, and I don't expect you to come out while you're still the 'Detective Prince,' but is it okay if I tell any of my friends? I can keep it a secret if you prefer, but I think--both of us, really, would benefit from being able to talk to someone else about... us."
They really don't know who Goro would confide in about this, though. Minako might have figured him out, but the two of them don't really get along, and even if they did, it sure would be awkward to vent about his romance with her ex...
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
It's still difficult to imagine anyone being this understanding of- even this much of who he is. To this day, he still thinks his Mother would be repulsed by who he has become.
Even if she'd love him anyway, despite it.
Thus, Ren listening to this, hearing him out is more than he could have ever dreamed of anyone- tolerating who he is, to this extent. "That's precisely it." He says to the idea that it's hard to believe someone else loves you, when you can't love yourself. "Certainly I saw the signs but- I discounted them as anything more than our... usual banter."
He might as well have said 'flirtatious dynamic' because that too is true.
When Ren takes his hands, some part of him is still surprised that somewhere along the way, they didn't go, 'Sorry, too much, I'm out.' Of course- that's an irrational part of himself.
His fingers lace over Ren's. Hands entirely bare because, of course, he isn't going to wear black gloves in his casual clothing on a date.
That'd be just plain weird!
Also they don't match in color scheme at all...
"Ah. Because of that..." He trails off, as if in understanding, "... remark. I can see why you'd think that." Indeed he's not certain that he would have thought otherwise until the exact moment that Ren confessed.
"That was a wise decision," he says, with a wry chuckle, at Ren taking initiative. "If- I had seen it coming, I would have- well, it's best not to discuss might-have-beens."
Self-sabotaged, he means. He would have perhaps thought that Ren was making a huge mistake and planned to do whatever he could to stop it in advance.
But- it didn't go that way.
"You may. I- think it would be intensely isolating if I told you that you couldn't even speak to your friends. And-"
How they are doing this with their friends, their bonds, is what makes Ren so much different from him. It's what is special about them.
It's everything he's not. And it's a source of so much ugly jealousy. But... even if it's something about Ren he hates just as much as he loves them.
He can do his best to not be that kind of controlling.
"-you're correct that, I might wish to talk to others about us, myself, from time to time. Though I'll be discreet given that you are also not out to everyone."
Though, in a sense if he's sharing that part of himself with someone else, he already trusts them to be discreet about Ren in general.
Still, it's best to say it all the same.
"I suppose that brings a corollary, however..."
He says with an odd look, like something just occurred to him, "... that we might have to figure out how to deal with our dynamic when we're- our alter egos."
He swept for bugs while dusting, honest, "After all. Many people know who I am under the mask- but not you. Thus, it would seem like infidelity to those who are 'in the know'. There are simple ways to handle it, albeit- rather embarrassing ones, but I'd like to hear what you think first."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"...We did do a lot of that before I fell for you," Ren admits of their flirtatious banter. "And even more after Makoto and I broke up..." They crook a lopsided smile. "...though that was after I fell for you." Their dark eyes go a little distant, a little contemplative. "Figures that would've happened right after I started dating someone else... but it gave me time to really think over how I felt. Be sure that it wasn't just me... getting worked up over you saying something sweet."
Maybe if Goro invested in some brown gloves, they could go well with his usual sweater vest ensemble... but it's just as well he hasn't. Ren's hands are warm in his, and they slowly, gently caress his with their thumbs.
They nod once when Goro gives him permission to talk to their friends. "I'll make sure they understand not to spread it around," they promise. That's the least they can do. ...Which also means being choosy about which of their friends to discuss it with. They trust them all, but there are definitely some (not naming names) who struggle with keeping secrets. They'll think about that more later.
They smile a little when he promises to be discreet right back, and they nod once. It's honestly less of a deal to them; who really cares if people know they're pan? Still, it's sweet of him to try to be conscientious about it.
If- I had seen it coming, I would have- "Thought I was crazy and tried to stop me for my own good?" Ren guesses wryly, as if reading Goro's mind. They didn't, of course. At this point, though, they know him quite well. Even with him trying to dismiss his own half-statement, they can tell where he was going.
Then Goro brings up their alter egos, and Ren's expression goes blank as their fingers still.
"I... didn't think of that," they admit. "I guess the simplest way is to keep it professional until we're alone." They give him a thoughtful look. "We won't really be able to do many PDAs anyway." Even holding hands might be out of the question where others might see. "If you've got other ideas, hit me with 'em."
Their eyelashes sink. "But now that you bring that up, there's something related I need to tell you. ...You remember how we talked before about how the Black Mask seems low-key obsessed with me?" (Uh oh.) "Recently, him and I had to cooperate to get through a supernatural space. I'll tell you all the details on that later," which will include the codename they gave him, "but basically, he was acting like a maniac like usual, so I touched him in an attempt to get him to calm down." They grimace. "Sensually.
"And...
"It worked."
They're clearly not proud of this, judging by their long frown. "For all that he's said he doesn't need anybody else, and how he loves violence, when I showed him some physical affection, he just... let me do it." They pause. "It's the only thing I've tried on him that's worked. That includes physical affection as a feint before attacking him. He did get distracted, but his Persona defended him before I could land the hit."
They shut their eyes. "...I don't like the idea of doing this as a long con variation on that. Not only would it not work, I just find the concept gross. It's one thing if it's for a couple of seconds as a distraction, but getting him to trust me enough to let down his guard, then using that to hurt him... I don't want to do that. To him, or anyone." They huff a slight sigh and bow their head, expression gloomy. "I also feel gross about... seducing him, I guess, while in a committed relationship. Yet at the same time--like I said, it's the only thing I've tried that gets him to settle down and talk like a person. I--" They grimace again, turning their head away. "Can't beat him in a fair fight. All of us together couldn't."
It's painful to admit. It benefits no one to turn their eyes away from the truth, though, so in the same way, they raise their gaze and lock it in on Goro's anew. "So I want you to know this happened, and I want to hear what you think I should do. If you hate it, I won't approach him like that anymore."
They're sure he will hate it, too. At the same time, they think he's pragmatic enough to realize the potential benefits. They genuinely don't know how he'll respond.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"Ah." He considers that comment. "While you were dating Niijima-san. I hadn't considered that was... a possibility," he admits. "Though, by your explanation, it sounds as if it hadn't been a contributing factor."
He struggles with the idea that Ren would pick him over Makoto. But, that the relationship ended for other reasons already explained? That's entirely believable.
Perhaps one day... he shall.
Though it would be rather awkward for Ren to keep both a brown glove and a black one in their pockets.
"Thank you. I do appreciate that."
Before Ren then calls him out on that and- even in the grip of their two hands together, Ren can feel the slight tremor throughout his body of the coming awkward chuckle.
"Am I truly so obvious?" He chuckles, then nods in acquiescence. "I admit some part of me does still think that- but I can acknowledge those feelings are not a- rational impulse."
Ren does consider the subject he brought up, of their alter egos. And he nods, waiting, and listening. "Hm. Well- I suppose the simplest stance is- that we keep it to flirtatious banter. It's a time-honored tradition between Phantom Thieves and the Detective pursuing them."
He thinks on it further. "That way, if someone asks, I can simply state that it is a part of 'work' in a sense. And that I am not in fact cheating, even emotionally. If it goes beyond that... we can deal with it then. But as I'm unlikely to tell many others, and most of your friends would already know, I think we will be ultimately fine."
Then... Ren brings up Ruin. Akechi has the good grace to stiffen up some, and it not even be an act. Since, (Uh oh.) "... I see." He stays quiet, looking thoughtful and troubled in equal measure, letting Ren say what they want to say.
He doesn't interrupt Ren further, like he's having to think deeply upon this, while also wanting to take in every word of it.
When they finish, he looks away for a few long seconds, sighs and then.
"As I mentioned before... I am something of a jealous person. I make no secret of that. But I fully understand doing what one has to, to survive. When I taught you that particular 'chess move,' it wasn't merely to flirt with you at the time, or as a joke- it is in fact a practical thought to have, when one is cornered with no other way out."
He grimaces, looking uneasy. "I will say that I don't like it. Hate it even. The man is a vicious murderer- and likely responsible for far more incidents than either of us even know. Regardless..."
He makes eye contact with Ren once again. "I will always be on the side of you doing whatever you must, to survive doing what we do. After all- if you were to get killed by him..."
There's a pregnant pause... so long of one... that one might think he's so overcome by emotion, then.
"... it would mean I would never see the day where you might 'theoretically' best me in a game of pool." He takes on a teasing tone, before dropping it to something more serious. "Sorry. I couldn't help myself... Don't get yourself killed out there because you're worried about what I might think."
No no. Definitely don't. If Ren is going to die, it has to be on his terms and his alone- and if some loser killed Joker because they were afraid that Akechi might be offended he would be SO PISSED OFF that he might kill that person's entire family line.
For no reason other than that. None at all.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Ah, the horror of being known...
Still, Ren's expression softens when he feels Goro tremble, and leans their forehead on his. "Think of it as a logical deduction," they murmur, "about illogical behavior." They smile. "Not that illogical, really. People always have their own internal logic. The more you know about they think and feel, the better you can predict how they'll behave." A beat. "You're a hard read, though. I consider being able to predict you even a little a hard-won badge of honor."
They lean back to give him space to consider his ideas. Flirtatious banter... "Depends on the detective and the phantom thief," they point out. They quirk a half-smile. "But that sounds good to me."
Less good: the matter of Ruin. Goro indeed hates it, for more reasons than Ren can guess at. (Well. If they still suspected, they could guess. But if they still suspected, the two of them probably wouldn't be in this situation right now.) They take a deep breath when he seems to fall silent--which they release as an "ugh" at his teasing. They aren't really annoyed, though, and when he makes his conclusion, their gaze softens.
They did predict how he'd react. They just didn't commit to their conclusion.
They reach one hand up to stroke up his cheek, and lean in for a kiss. There's no flick of tongue this time--just a soft, not-so-brief expression of their affection.
"Hopefully I won't have to use that stratagem on anyone else," they murmur once they lean back. They sure aren't in a hurry to try, for all Goro admits he does in fact think it a valid survival strategy. (Freeze and fawn...) "But it does make me feel more at ease to hear that. Thank you." They slip their hands onto his chest, still smiling. "I don't want to die anytime soon, and I sure don't want you to die. So make sure you don't get killed out there either."
...Not that Akechi's likely to admit such is possible. Even after Ruin nearly skewered him.
"Oh--and you can call me your boyfriend if you want, but if it'd be convenient to describe me as your girlfriend, I don't mind that either." They grin. "You even have a name you can give if anyone asks." 'Ran Umemura' really is a convenient alter ego to have. "Now... I'm starting to get hungry, so let's break to eat soon. Before that, though--are you free Christmas Eve?" Their smile turns just a touch coquettish. "If so, I'd really love to have a romantic evening with you then."
One where the two of them can just relax and be on a date, rather than tempering it with discussing the hard necessities of a relationship.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"A lesson I've learned well as a Detective."
Akechi relates with a nod of agreement, though perhaps does understand behavior through someone's internal logic quite well, he just always takes the worst possible slant on it, generally.
But he does grin as Ren relates that learning his was a badge of honor. "Heh heh. Well, I'd say I at least know yours to some degree, but-" There's a pause, and a more genuine smile, "-I would be lying if I claimed you could never surprise me, because you keep on managing to do so."
It is perhaps the highest compliment he could pay, really, as a Detective that stakes his career on accurately predicting people, being unable to predict Ren in social situations.
"Quite." He does agree that it depends, "But let us just say all the best stories have some degree of... 'tension' created by their rivalry."
He says with a chuckle, because indeed, he's definitely an early adopter of the internet...
... He knows well how many people see the same thing as him, in the 'tension' between two characters in a story.
Yes, the matter of Ruin. That dastardly, devilishly handsome, mind-blowingly sexy Ruin- who forces Joker to think 'creatively' to survive.
For now, he enjoys the kiss. Ruin he can compartmentalize away, with the gentle press of his lips against theirs, as he smiles wider after the moment comes and goes.
"Well, rest assured, I won't consider it to be cheating if you must."
He reaffirms despite saying it before, because in a sense, it just isn't. It's not even a lie... even if it is couched in a greater one.
"I certainly don't intend to either. Even if I do spot him- I'll be sure not to take any unnecessary risks."
Which, well, he had seemed hellbent on trying to capture him, but Ren had repeatedly told him that 'Hey he's too much for you'. So it feels like a reasonable concession to make.
"Hm. I'll be careful either way." He agrees, when it comes to saying what Ren is to anyone, "Even saying I have a girlfriend begs further questions. The tabloids would refuse to let even the implication I have a significant other slide."
And also that well- Shido learning he's seeing someone he actually cares about would be D I S A S T R O U S.
Yikes.
Better if they find out he acts like its some dalliance for a greater cause than let anyone think he actually cares.
"They'd stop at nothing to find out whom, which would also put the Phantom Thieves under... greater scrutiny from media who might merely stumble upon it."
He leans back, taking the time to consider things, "Well, if push should come to shove. I have my own methods to head such things off at the pass." He says as an after thought.
He does furrow his brow, and- "Hm. I suppose I ought to ask if there are any further boundaries we need to set as regards to that matter..."
He does lean back to search Ren's expression, "... Would it trouble you, for me to continue appearing on television as being against their methods, whether it is actually true or not?" He does pause, then adds, "Though that isn't me saying I actually do approve, yet. I don't expect you to divulge such just because we are seeing each other."
It's a good enough excuse to justify his own 'secrets'. Especially if he allows Ren theirs.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"If I couldn't ever surprise you, I doubt you'd have fallen for me. You seem like someone you can't stand being bored," Ren replies. Although they aren't teasing when they say this, they mean no ill will by it either, nor are they displeased by the concept. If anything, they're pleased that Goro sees enough of the real them to not be fooled by the stoic exterior they often present. It's them--but it's not all of them, as many people unfortunately assume. (Still, better than assuming the rest of them is a vicious criminal like the rumors at school say...)
They grin back on the matter of tension between two rival characters. "That I can agree with."
Is Ruin handsome? Ren wouldn't know, having never seen the face beneath that mask (to their knowledge). His personality's pretty rotten too. There's been hints of something likeable underneath all that, but... a lot of that was knocked down like a Jenga tower after his attempt to murder Futaba via her Shadow. For now, they enjoy that kiss and the way Goro smiles underneath it, and nods at his response.
It's nice to see Goro listening to their warnings for once. Surely it couldn't be because they're one and the same. Though Ren does still want to find out what exactly connects the two, considering Ruin tried to run him through before, Ren has no reason at present to think he wouldn't do it again.
"True," they acknowledge wryly when Goro points out the tabloids wouldn't leave him alone if he admitted to having a girlfriend. "I admit I've got mixed feelings about keeping our relationship a near-total secret, but... I was prepared for that." Otherwise they wouldn't have asked if it was okay to tell their friends.
They fall silent at his next question. That's another thing where their heart and their head are divided. Even without Goro's addendum, to which Ren's expression softens, it would just be weird if Goro Akechi made a sudden reversal on the Phantom Thieves on TV. If the two of them are going to keep their relationship a secret from the public, and they're going to avoid doing anything that would let on that Ren and Joker are the same, letting Akechi continue to speak out against The Phantoms is a must.
"Right. Our methods are for our members only," Ren replies. They quirk a joking half-smile. "So sign up with us and then I'll tell you." Their smile fades. "But more seriously, I get it. I wouldn't expect you to go along with what I say is right just because we're dating either. Neither you nor I are the type to compromise our principles because it might make someone else like us more. So... I'm not crazy about it, but I also get it. It's fine--you do what you need to." They shrug a bit. "We can figure out a narrative for the media to follow over time if we want or need to."
Though that brings up another important detail. "Speaking of... I started calling you Goro without asking. I'm guessing you don't mind since you haven't protested--and for the record, you can call me Ren--but how do you want us to address each other in mixed company? Should we stick with 'Akechi' and 'Amamiya-kun' like before, or...?" They smile a bit. "Though if you want to switch to just Amamiya like you did for our snowball fight, I wouldn't mind that either."
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
There's a wry grin at Ren's comment, "Well, I didn't exactly leave you alone when you were stonewalling me either." He points out, "But you know me- I have trouble leaving such things alone."
He's a little like a cat in that sense, isn't he? He had to keep on poking Ren, even when they weren't. Indeed, if he HAD left Ren alone, then they wouldn't have grown so close, now would they?
Because he would have simply been put off by it, same as many others are.
But no, he wasn't fooled. There was more to the one in front of him than that.
He's definitely handsome! Is- a thing Akechi couldn't say either, as they haven't seen beneath Ruin's mask.
But come on, obviously.
OBVIOUSLY!
"I understand." But then, he seems to confess, "I admit, it doesn't entirely sit well with me either. However- even if I were to sacrifice my status on that altar of us being open. There are other risks..."
He grimaces at the thought, "... as an example, there are some police officers that might consider the two of us dating 'deviant' behavior- and decide to target you as a result. Some may even falsify charges that you violated the terms of your probation."
It's a valid enough concern, but at the same time, it's also a good excuse to keep him from having to actually commit to make such a sacrifice.
"Haha..." He does chuckle at Ren's statement, "... well well. How unexpected. How tempting. ... I think it's best I don't even pretend to take you up on that." He grins at him, "There would always be the underlying fear that I was only joining you to learn your greatest secrets."
At least he understands that position, why not, "And besides, I doubt your friends would all be in agreement anyway. You advocating for me because we're now dating would undoubtedly be a source of tension."
He's... being cautious here. He's not jumping at the bait. After all, he does want to actually join in time. But he can't allow it to be so sudden that its suspicious.
He had considered simply blackmailing them into it, but Ren and him dating does make that less necessary now, doesn't it?
With a nod, he agrees, "Indeed so. And I'm willing to tailor my opposition - a little, to suit our needs." He says, finally, "It may be a principled stance on my part, but I'm not above a little bit of misdirection."
That's the understatement of the last Oh- Eighteen years or so.
He should win an award for that one.
"Hm." He does look thoughtful on the subject of what to call each other, "No, I have no objections whatsoever. It's... lovely actually, given that everyone else uses my family name."
A beat.
"Or Ran, as it might be- depending on the signs you're giving me that day." As he gestures at the pin on the bag.
But mixed company?
"As for mixed company. Amamiya-kun, Amamiya or Umemura-chan. If anyone asks about the yobisute, it's easy enough to say we're simply very close friends."
He says with a grin, "Though I think it's best to avoid it when you're Ran. People will ah-" He coughs, politely, "-get the right idea, very quickly."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Goro is like a cat. Maybe that's what ultimately drew Ren to him. They've never had a pet they took care of at home, but Inaba's full of stray cats, and they've done their fair share of feeding them and giving them pets. The ones who are aloof so they draw you in, and the ones who approach you no matter how much you try to ignore them... It really is a lot like how Ren and Goro have been to each other since they met back in May.
"Mm." Ren lowers their eyes when Goro points out that there are those in power who might decide to make Ren's life hell over their relationship with him. They know he's right. Japan is starting to make strides towards accepting queer people, with that actress who's been campaigning on behalf of her gay son, but as a society, they're nowhere near it yet. It might actually be an excuse on Goro's part, but it's one that is rooted in brutal reality. Ren can't afford to let themself get arrested (again) either, and they know agonizingly well no one would listen to their defense. So: "...Yeah."
At least there's humor to be had in Goro's refusal. Ren chuckles along with him. "Yeah. I'll wait until you come around to my way of thinking on your own." That may or may not ever happen, but if it does, Ren wants it to be because it was of Goro's own will, after considering what he knows and coming to his own conclusions. "Besides--" They smirk and wink. "It'd be way more fun to see if you could figure out how we change hearts on your own. Isn't that more fitting for the both of us?"
Though it's definitely true that their friends would probably not be happy about Goro Akechi joining just because he's dating the leader now. If it were Ren, they'd be pissed too. That's not how a principled and trustworthy leader should act.
I'm not above a little bit of misdirection--
Ren snorts. "Oh, are you? I hadn't noticed." They nudge him with their knee. "Really, that seems so unlike you, Mr. Plausible Deniability." Nudge, nudge.
At least him agreeing to being called 'Goro' officially brings a smile back to their face--as well as his acknowledgement of the meaning of the pin on their bag (which is currently, and typically, displaying a green clover). It grows into a grin of their own when he acknowledges the 'right idea.' "Then you'd better stick to Umemura-san, if we're trying to emphasize a polite fiction." They adopt the low, velvety tones of Ran Umemura as they lean forward to lock eyes with him. "Though I don't mind calling you Goro-sama..."
Ran lifts a graceful hand to brush her fingers along the line of his jaw.
"...my master~," she purrs.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"Certainly I'd do everything in my power to exonerate you, at least."
And woe be to any cop who actually does that. As their whole family might just have a psychotic breakdown while they're enjoying a nice drive around the mountains of the countryside.
If they're lucky.
"But, the burden upon a private citizen, even a celebrity Detective to prove malfeasance in such matters is high. And unfortunately..."
He takes a deep breath, and lifts his eyes to the roof, placing his gloved fingers against his forehead.
"... the fact that you already have a conviction on your record would make it so most would not even care about the misconduct." He admits, "They'd simply see it as taking one more dangerous element off the streets."
He doesn't have to go so far- but even besides it being an excuse, he is genuinely concerned that Ren might have someone just- decide that. At any time!
There's a reason why he monitors several cops - very closely.
"How optimistic and audacious of you." Akechi says with a chuckle at the idea he'll just come around to their way of thinking. "I must admit, it's a side of you I'm rather fond of. Though take care not to turn that into a competition of sorts~"
He says with a light, joking tone, "If you do, then you know that it will be a rather cold day in hell, before I would ever admit such."
Ren knows of course, it already IS a competition between them in a sense. Thesis and Antithesis- by placing themselves in opposition, it means that they'll have a hard time making him 'see the light'.
He does chuckle though at Ren's idea, "My my~ I have my theories of course. But I won't insult you with trying to ply information from you by sharing them."
As Ren snorts, "How uncommonly oblivious of you." He teases, knowing full well that Ren isn't- and is even OUTRIGHT SAYING they aren't right now, "I suppose that makes us even for the lead up to your confession."
When Ren takes on Ran's tone though, and 'Goro-sama...' "I- ah." That brings a slight flush to his face, "Well- I." He seems at a loss, again for a moment, "I think I should leave that one up to your own judgment- rather-" He swallows, "-rather than it being by request."
It feels too comically Shido for him to just ask. No Shido doesn't make his people call him Shido-sama.
But the implications of it feels in that realm.
Damnit, he finds it off-putting when it's one of his fans- but when it's Ran its super hot.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"Yeah... I know," Ren replies with a certain grim gloominess. They learned the truth of that the hard way. Even with Goro on their side, they'd rather not deal with that at all if they can help it.
Once inside a kangaroo court was traumatizing enough.
At least there's plenty more pleasant things to talk about, from their audacity to his theories to the two of them being 'even.' On the matter of not turning it into a competition in particular, Goro might be joking, but Ren's serious as he nods. "Yeah. Our Justice isn't about winning--it's about finding that synthesis. Right?"
Right?
After, though, Ren smiles anew--and that smile turns outright devilish when she manages to fluster him. She leans up onto one knee, slipping her fingers across his neck into his silky hair. "So in other words, you want me to. You're just too embarrassed to say it." She cups the back of his head and brings her lips to his ear. "You're so cute like that, Master Goro~."
And then she gives his earlobe a sharp little nip before settling back down with a smirk.
"Though, in all seriousness," he says in his normal deep tone, some of the mischief fading from his face, "if there's anything that'd turn you on that you want to see me do or say or wear, don't keep it to yourself. Let me know. I'll do the same for you, and we can talk it over--see what we're willing to do and not do. On which note, you still haven't told me if you're free on Christmas Eve yet. If you've already got plans, or a case you need to work, I understand. I know it's last-minute. But, well... I thought it'd be really nice if that could be when we have our first date as an official couple."
One could count this as a date, with the charcuterie spread and the two of them being alone together at Goro's home and office, but Ren isn't. The two of them had to talk things through first--make sure they're on the same page and agree on everything so that they can be a couple going forward. There isn't anything else they can think of to discuss for now though, and certainly neither of them are running for the hills, so it's worth it to ask about that calendar date again.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"Well, that would be the ideal of the Hegelian dialectic," Akechi concedes, at least, when it comes to finding a synthesis of what two separate theses of Justice are, but-
Hegel only works in that direction for two people who are willing to budge.
And nothing says either of them are.
"Guh, it means no such thing," Akechi lies, poorly this time, because he's actually flustered, on the idea that he's being called Master Goro.
The lips near his ear renders him actually speechless, on the subject. The tingle of the speech, the breath- so close that he can feel it, right before that bite.
Damnit all. He has to learn to COMPOSE himself in the face of such seduction. He's the one who STARTED the seduction games!!!!
It's just usually he's the dominant party, and he knows that Ren is BEING SO HERE while also calling him MASTER!
The contrast is giving him shivers. "I'll- keep that in mind." At least at the moment though, he's still processing the sensation of being with someone at all. He's- not quite at REQUESTING things he'd find sexy.
"Ah!" he says. "I can give you an answer in one moment. Allow me to check my messages real fast..."
He picks up his phone and starts tapping out something as he goes through his calendar. "Let's see..."
As he suddenly puts off like six different things until the twenty sixth due to an important case that just came up.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
"Well, after some back and forth," he finally announces, "it would seem that I'll be free that night after all."
Never underestimate the power of Ren's lips on his ear.
"I'll be looking forward to it."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"Mmmhmm."
Ren has to say, they really enjoy having this effect on Goro. There's something so intoxicating about being able to reduce such a smooth, composed young man to a transparent, blushing virgin.
...Not that they aren't a virgin too, but they've still got more romantic experience than he does. (Another reason why it irritated them so much when he called them 'innocent' that day in Kichijoji.)
He asks them to wait while he checks his messages, though, and he does. It doesn't take that long at all before he says 'after some back and forth...'
Ren outright laughs, reading right between those lines. God, it feels so good when he prioritizes them. "Me too," they say fondly, scooting closer to him again.
They'll stay that way even when the two of them finally move in on that charcuterie board.