[The tension of a hard spoken tale breaks with that forced out laugh, the way he touches his face to stop-
Akechi looks away, as a courtesy. The waterworks are unnecessary, but allowed with the brief respite of shared secrets from a man far more emotional than he lets on.
He can believe that's a story hard wrangled - if not for the lake spilling memories neither wanted aired, Akechi never would have asked. Maruki never would have spoken. Their goals align - hobbies, interests, and even humor, on occasion. In the rare moments where collective ire pools in the wall between their rooms, a series of knocks answered by looking at the most inane shit that's ever posted on this shithole's internet.
But it's a stretch to call them friends and this -
Evokes a sensation in chest, akin to Robin Hood's ever persistent, ever annoying, presence. It bursts through his chest like blood from a broken vein, an internal wound, a fading sort of warmth that burns and hurts, more than it comforts.
Comfort, still there, all the same.
He tries to quiet it down, but it wasn't Robin Hood at all.
The thought disturbs him. Unsettles. He's dizzy from the bath and that's what's making him lose focus.]
Of course. Listening was the least I could do and I hope I said nothing offensive. Despite how many scripts I read from, I've never been the type to follow one.
[It's-
I want to put my faith in you too and-
Joker must have said that to him, once. Implied it, maybe, right before the inevitable. A muzzle pressed to his skull and regret instant in those widened eyes.
He wonders if Maruki will cry. If he'll even recognize the cold steel against his forehead, a couple centimeters above where his glasses sit. Akechi can pinpoint the exact angle, how he'll have to account for the glare of his eyewear, so he can see recognition in those final moments. Maruki's life is ever shortening countdown, just like Akechi's, but-
If Akechi can speed up his own shortened life, kill Shido before this man's godlike power is ever found out-
It won't matter anyway. It's not like he enjoys sullying his hands with mistakes and unfinished work. The Metaverse shadows are easy to wash off, even if he can always smell the decay.
Blood was harder. His gloves had to be thrown out. A new school uniform. Pinpricks of black visible with hours of close inspection. Always visible. Tiny dots the color of Joker's mask and-
If he has to kill Maruki, he'll wear different clothes. Older gloves.
Shido's election is imminent. Soon. Whatever happens, he needs to be prepared for.
His eyes hurt. Lines. Colors. A series of rapid blinks.]
However, if I may - you placing your faith in someone you hardly know, whose overall intentions are unclear outside of our obvious shared goal - those are the types of actions that could create walls for your own dreams. You should be more cautious. I've never stated my overall plan and my true intentions could be nefarious - vile, even. That goes for anyone, even the duck.
[He laughs, as if trying to break up the air itself - a hand resting under his chin in an age old habit he can't break. Bright smile returning, the truth in his words coated with an artificial sheen.]
Oh, I guess that sounds quite ominous. It's a simple word of warning. Given my profession, I've seen more than my fair share of betrayal. Often from those you think you know best - friends, partners, roommates, coworkers, family. It's rarely a stranger that hurts you the most.
[Another laugh, his hand drops into the crystal clear water.]
But you're welcome to place your faith in me. I'll try not to let you down.
cw: MURDER THOUGHTS
Akechi looks away, as a courtesy. The waterworks are unnecessary, but allowed with the brief respite of shared secrets from a man far more emotional than he lets on.
He can believe that's a story hard wrangled - if not for the lake spilling memories neither wanted aired, Akechi never would have asked. Maruki never would have spoken. Their goals align - hobbies, interests, and even humor, on occasion. In the rare moments where collective ire pools in the wall between their rooms, a series of knocks answered by looking at the most inane shit that's ever posted on this shithole's internet.
But it's a stretch to call them friends and this -
Evokes a sensation in chest, akin to Robin Hood's ever persistent, ever annoying, presence. It bursts through his chest like blood from a broken vein, an internal wound, a fading sort of warmth that burns and hurts, more than it comforts.
Comfort, still there, all the same.
He tries to quiet it down, but it wasn't Robin Hood at all.
The thought disturbs him. Unsettles. He's dizzy from the bath and that's what's making him lose focus.]
Of course. Listening was the least I could do and I hope I said nothing offensive. Despite how many scripts I read from, I've never been the type to follow one.
[It's-
I want to put my faith in you too and-
Joker must have said that to him, once. Implied it, maybe, right before the inevitable. A muzzle pressed to his skull and regret instant in those widened eyes.
He wonders if Maruki will cry. If he'll even recognize the cold steel against his forehead, a couple centimeters above where his glasses sit. Akechi can pinpoint the exact angle, how he'll have to account for the glare of his eyewear, so he can see recognition in those final moments. Maruki's life is ever shortening countdown, just like Akechi's, but-
If Akechi can speed up his own shortened life, kill Shido before this man's godlike power is ever found out-
It won't matter anyway. It's not like he enjoys sullying his hands with mistakes and unfinished work. The Metaverse shadows are easy to wash off, even if he can always smell the decay.
Blood was harder. His gloves had to be thrown out. A new school uniform. Pinpricks of black visible with hours of close inspection. Always visible. Tiny dots the color of Joker's mask and-
If he has to kill Maruki, he'll wear different clothes. Older gloves.
Shido's election is imminent. Soon. Whatever happens, he needs to be prepared for.
His eyes hurt. Lines. Colors. A series of rapid blinks.]
However, if I may - you placing your faith in someone you hardly know, whose overall intentions are unclear outside of our obvious shared goal - those are the types of actions that could create walls for your own dreams. You should be more cautious. I've never stated my overall plan and my true intentions could be nefarious - vile, even. That goes for anyone, even the duck.
[He laughs, as if trying to break up the air itself - a hand resting under his chin in an age old habit he can't break. Bright smile returning, the truth in his words coated with an artificial sheen.]
Oh, I guess that sounds quite ominous. It's a simple word of warning. Given my profession, I've seen more than my fair share of betrayal. Often from those you think you know best - friends, partners, roommates, coworkers, family. It's rarely a stranger that hurts you the most.
[Another laugh, his hand drops into the crystal clear water.]
But you're welcome to place your faith in me. I'll try not to let you down.