idk pretend there's a title here

[beguiledcard]

Who: Akira, Shido, and whoever else! It's open!
What: recovery from the fissure, beating up Shido, Dogkira
When: ICly, April 20 - 27; OOCly, May 2 - 9 (so, it's mostly backdated!)
Where: roof, kitchen, beach, etc!
Warnings: Shido


a) for AW YEAH C O F F E E . . .

[ The last thing he remembers is looking at the day on the makeshift calendar he's made. That's why April 20th feels like any other Friday to him - the kind of Friday that leaves him lightly jolting awake, his heart pounding. And, it's not until after several seconds pass of total silence, he releases a laugh... It amounts to nothing more than a puff of air laced with some bitterness. How much longer before he finally stops doing that?

Well, he's not getting back to sleep anytime soon... even if he does feel like he hasn't slept nearly enough.

It's after he's managed to navigate his shared bedroom like it's a Palace - as stealthily as possible, for the sake of not disturbing Goro and Kurama, he makes his way down to the kitchen. Ehhhh... a full meal isn't going to happen just yet, but that doesn't mean he can't enjoy some snacks, right? And some coffee... Lots... and lots of coffee.

No, seriously, somebody might catch him while he's on his third cup (and still looking pretty damn exhausted. Alternatively, maybe they're catching him while his face is pressed against the countertop.

He's fine... Just tired.

Akira will spend the next several days primarily on the rooftop (where he'll be reading or writing), except when he's hanging out in the kitchen (where he'll just be sitting at... or on the counter, because he's a heathen like that).

Around the 24th, he can be seen doing all of the above plus playing some video games. Those goshdarn millennials and their fancy TV games. ]



b) for BACK TO THE LAND OF THE LIVING?

[ And it's starting around the 25th, that he can be seen looking even more lively than he did by the 24th.

He can be seen spending more time outside... and snacking more often? When was the last time he ate a proper meal, though... Well, whatever, he's eating, and that's all that matters! At least they're healthy snacks? ... Listen, Morgana...

... Chips come from potatoes.

If someone wants to lecture him, he can be found in the library and on the beach the most. ]



c) for CLOSED TO THAT ONE ASSHOLE NAMED SHIDO

[ It's on some random day, just after the whole Network Stuff Happened, he's out on the beach, intending to do some training. He's... cooled off a lot, but that doesn't take away from the restlessness. He'd meant it about the hand-to-hand sparring stuff, but Robin was right about Wound Up being an understatement. Maybe people should cool off before going at each other.

... Not to mention, maybe he could just use some time to clear his head out here, mostly alone.

Which... heh. Guess he wasn't the only one thinking this. They say speak of the devil, and he will come, but what does it say about a devil who's there without being spoken of?

Sigh... okay. He'd meant what he'd said to Prompto - he needs to just... find a way to work through his own feelings, after all, if he wants to help Goro work through his. So, with a deep breath, he walks right over to the older man. His tone is deadpan. ]

Didn't expect you to be the type to enjoy long walks on the beach.



d) for DOGGO STUFF

[ SOME TIME AFTER THE PALACE HEIST THING...

Akira's been feeling a bit weird since even before heading into the Palace. Granted, it was kind of clear something happened to him as a result of helping stabilize the Fissure...

Well, in any case, it's made clear the morning after Chapter: Izunia Palace is officially closed. He's tried running, tried multiple forms of exercise to just... get rid of that feeling! And, it's as he's out on the roof, he's reading in an attempt to just... ignore that weird feeling that nothing else seems to be helping with.

Eventually, it does help? In fact, he dozes off...

And that's what leads to an opportunity for people to wander up to the roof and find a dog curled up right where Akira was sitting. All of his things are still there... Hm. ]

Comments

[makejapangreat]

[He does notice the lack of energy immediately. It's a rather stark contrast to the conversation they had over the devices, when he was so full of energy he could've easily kept ranting at Shido for hours, had there not been an... intervention of some sort, he presumes.

And yes, that is rather shocking. He isn't sure where this is coming from (he's certain it's not coming from any genuine concern), but...]

I'll manage.

[He's still tense. Still expecting something, but he makes no move to retreat.]

You sound exhausted.

[There's a note of apology in that observation. He knows at least a portion of that exhaustion is coming from having finally expressed all that bitterness and anger he had at Shido.]

24

[letsplayer]

...whatcha playin'.

[ She blinks for a moment, then studies the screen a bit. She hasn't actually played a proper video game in ages. ]

[beguiledcard]

[ Since Shido is noticing all the other details, maybe he'll notice the way Akira's expression flickers at those last three words. Maybe he'll see the way that his body tenses ever-so-slightly.

After a brief moment, the ghost of a smirk appears, only to vanish almost instantaneously. ]

And you? [ he tilts his head to the side a bit, twisting a strand of his bangs before continuing ] You just said you'll manage. Meaning you'll get by... but not without struggling.

[ He lowers his hand completely back down to the side. ]

It's exhausting, living that way... maybe feeling like the entire world is against you. [ holding a blink for a couple of seconds, then giving something of a wry smirk ] And carrying a ton of guilt on top of it all? I don't know what that could feel like.

[ That sure is a lie with that last part. He's loosely folding his arms over his chest, and then giving the smallest shrug. ]

But why do you even care how I feel?

d o g g o

[shiritai]

... this seems like a very ill-advised place to sleep.

[ Yes, that's how Violet is going to announce herself. It's not entirely clear if she thinks the dog is actually going to respond, but that's just how we do here, apparently. ]

[foolishjustice]

I already ate the rest of the salads I found.

[He wraps an arm around Akira, partly out of affection...and partly to make sure he can't escape being fed.]

It's apple chips. Much more like actual food than anything served at Big Bang Burger.

[makejapangreat]

[And you?

His brow pinches a little at the words. What... about him? He expects to be mocked, but the words that follow... don't feel like mocking, and there's definitely confusion in his gaze the more the boy continues.

... is he sympathizing with him?

It's such a stark contrast from their other encounters that he can't help but wonder if this is some sort of ruse meant to lower his guard... Yet that defensive gesture does at least, in some way, feel genuine.]

Because you're important to him.

[Though... he worries. Is the relationship they have healthy? Is what they have... good? It goes against everything he's been taught, and Akira has... the anger he's shown makes him wonder if he's enabling that same sort of angry behavior within Akechi.

But he is a mere stranger, and two interactions do not paint a whole picture of a person. He wants to understand, first and foremost, so that he can figure out the best way to help hi... Akechi.]

Not to mention what I've done to you directly.

[...funny enough, those feelings are persisting, even despite the violence and mercilessness Akira has shown towards Shido thus far...]

[beguiledcard]

[ Oh, no... what a good girl...! This calls for immediate pets. Which Akira is gently doing with a smile, though he clearly hasn't forgotten about Serra's person. He gives a nod. ]

I wound up with a few friends from that Fissure, but they're all asleep in the room.

[ "Because they're better at that, than their human and Composers trio" goes unsaid. ]

I'm glad some good came out of that place.

[matchmakes]

[Ah, that's cute... Robin's smile grows. Serra's tail wags rapidly as she leans into the touch.]

I'm glad, too. Gods know we need some good considering what else came out of that Fissure.

[He really doesn't want to see another forest for a long while at this point. And certainly not fog.]

[beguiledcard]

Alternatively, there is a reason somebody coined the now-popular question of, "Why wait?"

[ He's, like... 70% teasing, given how that sure is a dagger being taken out of his inventory - via him reaching into his pocket, that is. He twirls it between his fingers with a small grin. ]

But, whenever you're ready to put on a show, I'll be more than happy to watch.

[burninglight]

[Ardyn tilted his head slightly at the dagger, a slow smile beginning to cross his face.]

[And after a moment's thought, a metallic sound rang out with a flash of crystal, thirteen magenta spectral weapons spinning around him like the cylinder in a revolver.]

'Why wait' isn't a terrible philosophy to have, though I do try to favor patience myself.

[beguiledcard]

[ The more she leans in, the more affectionate his petting is. She's too precious, and he can't resist. A rare moment where he is completely forgetting about some of his worries and some of the past...

A brighter smile even appears. ]

Heh... yeah... [ smile fading just a bit into something more solemn... serious ] But, I think it was another example of why simply trying to bury the past only creates bigger monsters.

[ One corner of his lips lifts a little higher as he looks back up to Robin. There's something more driven, more determined in his eyes, even with how tired he still very clearly is. ]

It's not easy fighting those monsters, but I'm definitely not running from it... [ averting his gaze a little, for just a moment, and then looking back to Robin ] ...anymore.

[matchmakes]

[Even in just the short while Robin's known him, Akira's grown a fair bit. Robin can't quite keep the fond smile off his face. He sets his hand on Akira's shoulder.]

I'm glad to hear that. And you've got people to rely on when you need it, you know?

[byanyother_name]

Oh, a little of both, Morgana. And they've been teaching me about the Metaverse, which doesn't exist where I came from.

[Chopping noises are starting from inside the kitchen. Kurama trusts Goro to keep Akira occupied, so he's free to focus on the cooking.]

[beguiledcard]

What he said.

[ "He" being Kurama, that is. The mention of Big Bang Burger has a small grin surfacing... Then that arm is sliding around him. HMMMM...

Akira's turning his head to give a knowing kind of sheepish look that evolves into a small, playful smirk. He sure is going to test that hold for the sake of testing it. Just how determined is his boyfriend to keep him here? ]

Love you, too... [ a kiss to the cheek, and then he's giving a quiet hum ] Wonder if he needs a hand, though...

[ So: ]

Want any help, Kurama?

[ CAN'T TRAP HIM IF HE'S... helping cook??? In all seriousness, though, he genuinely does want to help Kurama. And this warden is pretty cute, so he wouldn't have a problem remaining confined by him. ]

[meowna]

Are you sure it doesn't exist? Maybe you just didn't know about it because you couldn't access it.

[After all, as far as he knows, Kurama is just a normal guy, right? Maybe one with powers now, but still someone who would have no reason to initially know about the Metaverse.

He immediately turns to give Akira an accusing look, though, dramatically pointing a paw at him.]

Oh no you don't! You're not getting out of it that easily! Akechi went to the trouble of finding you a decent snack, so you're going to sit there and eat it.

[beguiledcard]

[ Glancing up, he blinks softly. There's a small shrug as he gives an almost exasperated smile. ]

Honestly, not the most exciting game for a single player. Smash Kart 2.0 is definitely meant for a group.

[ Akira's shrugging. ]

The graphics are pretty nice, and you can make your friends wreck... or just give them a very bad time.

[beguiledcard]

[ He doesn't bother suppressing the frown. There's some surprise within it, and that combines with some underlying uncertainty. Because he's important to Goro, Shido is trying to check up on him? Change of heart, indeed, he supposes.

It's reeeeally annoying seeing all of... certain reminders. Reminders given with those last words, too, even. With a tightened jawline, he shakes his head. ]

For the record, it goes both ways. [ expression shifting to something firmer ] I love him, and I'll protect him from anything and anyone.

[ With his arms lowering to his sides, he shakes his head. His voice is calm and steady. ]

... But you're right. You did a lot to mess up my life, including using your own son - a different version from the one who's here, that is - to try and have me killed. There's nobody I've hated more than how I felt towards you before now, and that's saying a lot.

[ Leeet him just clarify that last part. ]

Not to say I don't still hate you. [ a shrug ] But a lot of that hate is reserved for the Shido we still need to take care of, back in Goro's timeline. Because he doesn't regret anything he's done, yet.

[ Still, with a firm expression: ]

I'm tired of clinging to hate, though. Like I told somebody else, I can't help Goro if I don't help myself get past this, first. He's more than worth that effort, to me.

[notjustahacker]

Nope. No chance of that happening.

[ Her smile immediately grew into something of a playful grin at that.

Once he moves to make room for her, Futaba takes absolutely no time in sitting down next to him in her usual way and nodded her head. Just being here like this with Akira was nice, and was much less stressful than the things that had been going on back home. ]

Of course. You needed to actually ask? Thought you knew me better than that by now.

[letsplayer]

...can I give you a bad time, please.

[ Good god, she's got a little shit grin over here. ]

[beguiledcard]

[ The second Akira hears that challenge, his demeanor shifts a little.

Bring.

It.

On. ]

Only if you're willing to accept that I've had practice, [ a whole hour and a half, what up ] and I never go easy on anyone.

[ Just. Matching her grin with one of his own as he passes her a controller~ ]

[makejapangreat]

[...ah. He actually feels something in him ease at that. So this is the young man behind the blinding rage and vindictiveness; a fiercely loyal and protective person who would put aside his own differences to help the person that he loves.

...hah. The word still itches in his brain, knowing that he's referring to two males. Yet, logically... he can find nothing wrong or troubling about what he said. The fact that he seems to want to come to some sort of truce with Shido for Akechi is nothing less than admirable.]

But does it actually work that way?

[The way he speaks to Akira is the way he has been— there's no patronizing lilt to his tone anymore, nothing suggesting that he is better. He speaks to him as an equal, without any intent to aggravate.]

Even if Akechi is your motivation, it's still a personal matter between you and me.

[He glances out to the waters, something distant and longing in his gaze.]

If he feels the same way for you... I doubt he would want you to push aside your own grievances for him.

[foolishjustice]

[He doesn't completely hold Akira still, but moves with him, subtly inching behind so he can't move away from the kitchen. And no, he's not letting go...in fact, he's resting his head on Akira's shoulder.]

It would be awfully rude of you to ignore the effort I went to.

[He gives a light kiss to Akira's cheek, then looks at Morgana.]

Ah, by the way, Morgana...you don't need to be so formal if you don't want to. I'm trying not to be quite so distant anymore.

[letsplayer]

Heh.

[ Oh, it's on. It's on like some expy of Donkey Kong.

She'll take the controller. ]

I've been tellin' scrubs to git gud since I was in kindergarten.

rolls in ultra late with b

[thoroff]

[It's in the library, of course, that Wren finds Akira.

...She doesn't say anything, but she does give him a faintly questioning look.]

[beguiledcard]

[ Holy shit?

That gets an incredibly impressed look as he folds his arms over his chest. Without skipping a beat, he's shifting right on into his Joker attire. ]

I'll admit I've lost a little of my patience, ever since my life became even less predictable.

[ He's just. Casually summoning Satanael; the (translucent) figure is now quietly standing behind him. And Joker is sliding his hands into his pocket, looking... frankly? Cocky as hell. SAY HI TO JOKER? ]