[When the month's quests go up on the board, Shoka inevitably shows up to investigate. Despite her love for slacking off, it's become something of a routine for her now; even if she doesn't have the energy or will to claim any of the quests herself, she can at least find some entertainment in watching the throngs of Pokémon that come to see the board for themselves.
It doesn't take her long to spot Ren among them. She's been watching him lately, too—more carefully than usual. Try as he might not to draw attention to it, she's noticed that something's changed about him. It's in his restlessness at night and the just slightly pained-looking way he carries himself when awake.
After a moment of watching him scan the Questboard, she makes a decision, and shuffles soundlessly to his side.]
[Ren's been looking over the quests all morning, mentally making a checklist of the one's he's planning on signing up for. Some, he's fairly certain Akechi's gonna barge his way into regardless, but other's he's talked to some of the other pokemon here about joining. He'd... like to join more. He needs to get used to this ache, since it seems to be permanent thing. He can't let it drag him down, but at the same time-
He's been through worse. He can handle it. It's just an annoying ache.
Either way, when Shoka shows up, his ears twitch, and he tilts his head in her direction.]
You know it doll, [he replies with a smirk.] What, wanna join me?
[One of the quests at the top at the board has caught his attention, and he pushes himself upright on his hind legs, just like Firepaw taught him. He's... a little wobble-y, but it gets the job done.]
... Hmm, a Shellfish Request, huh...? [The pun alone makes him giggle a bit.]
[On what exactly, she doesn't specify, but really it just depends on the quest. Secretly, she's thinking of it as little more than an excuse to keep an eye on him for a bit and see if she can figure out what's up with him (and maybe she's also thinking of getting back at him for taking her along on that Swoobat quest last month, too).
When Ren picks one out, she takes a moment to scan its description.]
Sounds shrimple enough. [Almost too easy, really, but that's precisely what she's looking for right now. She isn't too proud to admit as much either.] Dunno about you, but just taking some scenic pics sounds like exactly my speed today... You down?
Well, there's always plenty to do, [he says, reading over the details.] We've been working our asses off lately. Something low-key like this might be nice.
[Which isn't to say anything of the quests for exploring the forest further. Ren's definitely going on those, so it's probably for the best that he doesn't overdo it before then. Still... he's not going to do nothing, so helping Numel out sounds like a plan.]
I'm down if you are, [he says with a nod, grinning at Shoka.] Some sight-sea-ing, and helping someone out at the same time? Cod be fun.
Shell yeah. [She titters.] Sounds like all we really need is our Pearls, so we can swing by the Spire, then head over.
[Conveniently for them, the Spire overlooks the ocean, so they can just swing by. They do just that, picking up their Grumpearls and any other supplies they might think of before heading out to the beach.
Once they've made contact with the requester—the enthusiastic and excitable Numel—Shoka is as friendly as ever... Which is to say, not very. Ren will have to forgive her if she isn't terribly talkative with the stranger and leaves most of the schmoozing to him. She keeps a careful eye on him all the while—subtly, she thinks, but if he's sharp, he might notice that she's being a little more watchful than usual. Whatever it is she's searching him for, she doesn't seem to find it, because she eventually does take her focus away from him.
Standoffish though she is, to her credit, Shoka does put her all into the request, shuffling over right to the edge of the shoreline to give Numel a closeup view of the waves lapping at the sands—even when those same waves also lap at the skirt of her disguise.]
How's that?
[It's a simple view, but Numel's excitement is infectious, radiating through her (and Ren) from their psychic connection. With a giggle, she moves along the shoreline, using her long, tentacular arms to hold the Grumpearl high above her head and give Numel more views to appreciate.]
[That's okay, Ren's pretty used to talking to people. Numel doesn't seem to mind him taking the word, and soon enough, they're at the beach. If he notices that she's watching him... he doesn't say anything. Or, perhaps, he simply doesn't notice, too busy making sure everything seems normal. Even as the wind tousles his hair, revealing the scar he received at the same time as his chronic pain...
Despite that, he seems to be having a good time, providing commentary where needed, and carrying his Grumpearl around to show the beach to Numel. Hell, he seems to be having fun discovering new spots himself, Numel's exitement spurring him on.
After some time, they find some Krabby blowing bubbles out over the sea, catching the rays of the sun, and creating quite the stunning sight.]
Whoa! Numel, are you seeing this? Look!
[He grasps onto his Grumpearl as best as he can with his paws, before rearing up on his hind legs. He's a little unsteady, before he rights himself completely, stunned by the beautiful sight-
!
Taken with it as he was, he'd forgotten about the pain in his muscles momentarily, until the strained movement mercilessly reminded him, the ache intensifying. It causes him to wobble, barely managing to catch himself as his pearl goes rolling. For a moment, his face contorts, though he's just as quick to shake off the flareup. Mostly, at least. He does his best not to limp as he runs over to his pearl, but there's something... stiff, about his movements. Still, he grins.]
Sorry about that! I lost my balance there. [He turns to Shoka.] Do you think you can get a better view? It's such a stunning sight.
[Clouds of bubbles drift through the air, shining with iridescent color when the sunlight hits them just right. Shoka doesn't notice right away, focused more on the push and pull of the waves and letting her Grumpearl be washed in the ocean spray—but when Ren calls her and Numel's attention to the sight, she's just as dazzled for a moment, looking up with a quiet, Oh wow.
And then Ren drops his Grumpearl, causing the view to spin and lurch in a way that has Numel calling out in alarm and Shoka glancing his way in concern. He tries his best to walk it off, but she sees. Still, she won't acknowledge it—not now, when they're still with a client.]
Yeah, I got it. Hang tight.
[She looks around for a moment, scanning the shoreline, before making a beeline for the start of the cliffs. Knowing better than to try scaling the whole cliffside, she makes do with a shorter rock formation that juts out over the beach, at an angle overlooking the Krabby below. With her Grumpearl stowed away inside the hollow of her disguise-head, she hops deftly from ledge to ledge until she reaches the top, then fishes the Grumpearl back out to share her view with Numel (and Ren).
Numel is treated to a dual view of it all then: Ren's perspective from the beach, showing the Krabby on their rock perches and the dazzlingly close glitter of the bubbles and waves, and Shoka's from above, showing the far stretch of the ocean and the sun reflected on its surface, blanketed by the scattering bubbles.
Ren was right; it is a stunning sight. Numel gives audible ooh's and aah's, but the waves of amazement being carried through the Grumpearl aren't just Numel's.]
Gotta admit... I've never seen anything like this either.
[Her voice sounds a bit distant; through their psychic connection, there's the briefest twinge of uncertainty, but it's quickly overwhelmed by joy. As the moments tick by and Numel yammers through his excitement, she senses that they've probably found the best view to end the day with.]
[Deep breaths. Shake it off. He very carefully doesn't let any annoyance or pain seep through the pearl, keeping a tight leash on himself. He allows himself to be taken by the sight instead- it is, indeed, not just Numel's amazement being carried through the pearls.
He's nestled himself into a somewhat more comfortable position, holding out his Grumpearl on one paw, when Shoka calls through, and he looks up at her.]
All good. [He gives her a grin.] You good up there? Don't lose your balance now.
[Deflect from it, make it out to be something small and humorous- that's what it was, right? Just a small, embarrassing moment. Numel didn't seem to notice his discomfort at least, and that's a relief.
Before long, the sun slowly starts setting, and Numel thanks them for their help, excited and thoroughly amazed by the sights he was shown. They all wave their goodbyes, before thr Grumpearl's connection is terminated.]
That was nice, [Ren says, satisfied with the outcome of the mission. He looks out over the sea, smiling.] Guess it's time we head back, too.
[The sun is setting, and it's about time for them to head back... But Shoka doesn't show any signs of moving. Seeming lost in thought, she stares out at the waves rolling under the orange-streaked sky in silence.]
... Hey. What happened back there? [She suddenly glances at Ren sidelong.] When you dropped your pearl. You didn't just lose your balance, did you?
[He notices that she's not moving, and he wanders back to her, about to ask what's wrong, but then she turns to him.]
Oh. Um...
[... Well, he supposes he might've not hidden it as well as he thought. Still, he doesn't want her to worry, so he waves off her concern as best he can.]
Well, ya got me. I think I stepped on the sharp edge of a shell or something. The sudden poke startled me, so I tripped.
Yeah, I'm not buying that. Something's been up with you for a while now—even before today.
[His question goes ignored. Her honest answer (maybe) is probably implied in the fact that she's bringing this up at all anyway.]
And what about that mark on your forehead? [She points to the forehead of her disguise, indicating a spot that mirrors that of Ren's scar.] Was that just from a shell, too?
[Shoka exhales a sigh. It seems she doesn't buy that either.]
More like a vibe check. [And he's failing it.] Don't play dumb. I know something's off. I just wanna know what.
[But maybe she shouldn't be prying, if he's being so evasive about it. Maybe it's none of her business. She wouldn't presume to call him her friend, after all. She doesn't even know why he'd say he's had his fill of interrogations.
[Frustration and worry make her voice emerge more harshly than she intends it to, almost a hiss. A moment later, she deflates in embarrassment, the ears of her disguise drooping low.]
But... fine. I won't push it. If that's really all it is. [Or if Ren really doesn't want to talk about it, rather.] I just. Don't want you to think you have to go through it alone or something... If anything does happen. That's all.
[She glances up at the sunset, then down at the sand—at anything but Ren—before she starts to shuffle in the direction of the Spire.]
[... Oh, wow. Akechi's actually pretty nervous about this, isn't he? If his body language didn't give him away, the pearl's ability to send over feelings certainly is. He's not sure Akechi's even doing it consciously- he more than likely isn't.
Uh. Oh. Hm.
Now Ren's getting nervous, suddenly feeling put on the spot. They... hadn't really talked about that whole thing, and Ren was fine with that, but now...]
... What are you curious about? [he asks, a little too obliviously to be true.]
[...Nervous, is he? Damn it. Why is that making Akechi more nervous? This is beyond stupid. There is no way in hell Ren would actually take an interest in someone who nearly murdered him.
[Oh, jeez. Akechi's even more nervous now, which feeds into Ren's nervousness, and even though it's paired with a steadfast curiosity, something in Ren's chest tightens.
Okay, calm down. Just stay calm.
... a little hard when they're feeding into each other's feelings. Crap. Ren awkwardly looks away, taking a deep breath.]
Well... I wanted to see you again. I hated that you'd died like that, and uh, yeah. Despite everything you were my friend, so...
[Dammit, this is so stupid.]
I just... missed you. More than I could've imagined.
A friend. And that's all you wanted from the arrangement?
[Try to calm down, Akechi. This is an exercise for clarity.]
Obviously, I wasn't... thrilled with how things turned out either, of course, even if I didn't actually die. I understand why you'd be dissatisfied, and why you'd...
[Ugh. Damn the sentimentality.]
Miss me.
[Even if Ren is ridiculously sentimental for it when Akechi did so many terrible things to him and his teammates, and furthermore, this whole situation is ridiculous and—
If that were all, I would've been fine with it, but-
[Aaaaaaghhh-]
We're rivals. I love being your rival. You're- horrible. You are, but at the same time you're amazing, and you drive me to get better, and, uh- maybe I'd hoped that-
[Eck!]
-well, y'know! There could be. More?
[Ren is sweating so hard right now. What a weird, awkward thing to say the guy you've been cuddling up with platonically for months.]
They... would. You've wronged them. You've wronged me. I can't blame them for whatever thoughts they might have, or how they'd react.
[More than strong opinions, probably.]
But-! I'm not going to apologize for- for caring about someone. For caring about you. And I know they'd understand that, eventually, if they don't already.
[He looks away, a little embarrassed.]
I can't help how I feel, and I- care about you. A lot. So.
[... This is such a stupid way for all of this to come out.]
If there's one thing one can say about Ren, it's that he's not afraid to take what he wants. So, he inhales, and allows his feelings to flow into the pearl, to say the things he can't.
Determination. Intrigue. Admiration. Something fierce, an eagerness to beat Akechi... followed by something warm that he doesn't always quite understand himself.
Trust.]
Only if you want it as well, [he says, as calmly as he can.] But... maybe that's something we should discuss when we're not using our pearls...?
[He glances at Akari, still hovering near Akechi.]
[Vague amusement flows through the link, but Ren nods regardless.]
Sure. Let's meet up at Alcremie's place?
[The place where they got pokepuffs, the first day. Ren's been there a few more times since, and it's cozy and private enough for a conversation like this... probably.]
[Making sure there's someone to take his spot to guide people around the guild, Ren's quick to set off as well. Still, being both on the ground and mindful of his aching limbs, he's a fair bit slower to get there than Akechi, so it isn't a surprise to see his rival there already. No matter, though; he perks up, calling out to Akechi.]
Hm? I could say the same to you, [he teases, but really, he's feeling... some kind of awkward and nervous, though. This was... very sudden, after all. Akechi wouldn't let him deflect, and he just kind of... went for it, over the pearl.
Being face to face because they're going to discuss this is. Well.
'Hoo boy,' as Sojiro would say.]
Soooo...
[He trails off, trying to keep a cool face, but boy oh boy is this weird.]
[Ren nods, and follows inside, walking up to counter where Alcremie-san is bustling about. He waits until she notices them, and orders a mocha pokepuff. Something to cool his nerves.
... an awkward silence settles as he waits for his treat.]
A small smile grows on Ren face, which quickly becomes a full-blown grin. This is... it feels so weird, but...
It's a relief. It wasn't like he was trying to hide his feelings for Akechi, but having them out in the open and accepted, no less, it's... nice. Very nice.
... It'll be strange if any of the others ever show up, but he won't apologize for feeling the way he feels.]
Thank you, Akechi.
[There's a moment of pause, then:]
... This doesn't mean I won't beat you still, though. You're my rival, after all.
[It rankles, honestly, that Akechi sits so far above him in rankings when they're supposed to be equals. He's been slacking too much... the aches can't continue being an excuse, especially not now that they're... something. More than rivals. Boyfriends?
... God, that's weird. Not bad weird, though. Just weird.]
I'm counting on you... Goro.
[His voice lowers a little, a fond look coming over him. It feels private, to say Akechi's first name. He's not sure he wants to share it with anyone--
"Here you go, sweethearts!" miss Alcremie interrupts them both, causing Ren to startle, just a little. "Two pokepuffs! Please enjoy~"
... Ah. They're... decorated with little hearts... did she... overhear them?]
Thank you! Have a nice day! [Ren bows, regardless, hurriedly taking his puff.] Let's-- find a table, huh?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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It doesn't take her long to spot Ren among them. She's been watching him lately, too—more carefully than usual. Try as he might not to draw attention to it, she's noticed that something's changed about him. It's in his restlessness at night and the just slightly pained-looking way he carries himself when awake.
After a moment of watching him scan the Questboard, she makes a decision, and shuffles soundlessly to his side.]
Hey, loser. Going questin'?
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He's been through worse. He can handle it. It's just an annoying ache.
Either way, when Shoka shows up, his ears twitch, and he tilts his head in her direction.]
You know it doll, [he replies with a smirk.] What, wanna join me?
[One of the quests at the top at the board has caught his attention, and he pushes himself upright on his hind legs, just like Firepaw taught him. He's... a little wobble-y, but it gets the job done.]
... Hmm, a Shellfish Request, huh...? [The pun alone makes him giggle a bit.]
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[On what exactly, she doesn't specify, but really it just depends on the quest. Secretly, she's thinking of it as little more than an excuse to keep an eye on him for a bit and see if she can figure out what's up with him (and maybe she's also thinking of getting back at him for taking her along on that Swoobat quest last month, too).
When Ren picks one out, she takes a moment to scan its description.]
Sounds shrimple enough. [Almost too easy, really, but that's precisely what she's looking for right now. She isn't too proud to admit as much either.] Dunno about you, but just taking some scenic pics sounds like exactly my speed today... You down?
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Well, there's always plenty to do, [he says, reading over the details.] We've been working our asses off lately. Something low-key like this might be nice.
[Which isn't to say anything of the quests for exploring the forest further. Ren's definitely going on those, so it's probably for the best that he doesn't overdo it before then. Still... he's not going to do nothing, so helping Numel out sounds like a plan.]
I'm down if you are, [he says with a nod, grinning at Shoka.] Some sight-sea-ing, and helping someone out at the same time? Cod be fun.
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[Conveniently for them, the Spire overlooks the ocean, so they can just swing by. They do just that, picking up their Grumpearls and any other supplies they might think of before heading out to the beach.
Once they've made contact with the requester—the enthusiastic and excitable Numel—Shoka is as friendly as ever... Which is to say, not very. Ren will have to forgive her if she isn't terribly talkative with the stranger and leaves most of the schmoozing to him. She keeps a careful eye on him all the while—subtly, she thinks, but if he's sharp, he might notice that she's being a little more watchful than usual. Whatever it is she's searching him for, she doesn't seem to find it, because she eventually does take her focus away from him.
Standoffish though she is, to her credit, Shoka does put her all into the request, shuffling over right to the edge of the shoreline to give Numel a closeup view of the waves lapping at the sands—even when those same waves also lap at the skirt of her disguise.]
How's that?
[It's a simple view, but Numel's excitement is infectious, radiating through her (and Ren) from their psychic connection. With a giggle, she moves along the shoreline, using her long, tentacular arms to hold the Grumpearl high above her head and give Numel more views to appreciate.]
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Despite that, he seems to be having a good time, providing commentary where needed, and carrying his Grumpearl around to show the beach to Numel. Hell, he seems to be having fun discovering new spots himself, Numel's exitement spurring him on.
After some time, they find some Krabby blowing bubbles out over the sea, catching the rays of the sun, and creating quite the stunning sight.]
Whoa! Numel, are you seeing this? Look!
[He grasps onto his Grumpearl as best as he can with his paws, before rearing up on his hind legs. He's a little unsteady, before he rights himself completely, stunned by the beautiful sight-
!
Taken with it as he was, he'd forgotten about the pain in his muscles momentarily, until the strained movement mercilessly reminded him, the ache intensifying. It causes him to wobble, barely managing to catch himself as his pearl goes rolling. For a moment, his face contorts, though he's just as quick to shake off the flareup. Mostly, at least. He does his best not to limp as he runs over to his pearl, but there's something... stiff, about his movements. Still, he grins.]
Sorry about that! I lost my balance there. [He turns to Shoka.] Do you think you can get a better view? It's such a stunning sight.
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And then Ren drops his Grumpearl, causing the view to spin and lurch in a way that has Numel calling out in alarm and Shoka glancing his way in concern. He tries his best to walk it off, but she sees. Still, she won't acknowledge it—not now, when they're still with a client.]
Yeah, I got it. Hang tight.
[She looks around for a moment, scanning the shoreline, before making a beeline for the start of the cliffs. Knowing better than to try scaling the whole cliffside, she makes do with a shorter rock formation that juts out over the beach, at an angle overlooking the Krabby below. With her Grumpearl stowed away inside the hollow of her disguise-head, she hops deftly from ledge to ledge until she reaches the top, then fishes the Grumpearl back out to share her view with Numel (and Ren).
Numel is treated to a dual view of it all then: Ren's perspective from the beach, showing the Krabby on their rock perches and the dazzlingly close glitter of the bubbles and waves, and Shoka's from above, showing the far stretch of the ocean and the sun reflected on its surface, blanketed by the scattering bubbles.
Ren was right; it is a stunning sight. Numel gives audible ooh's and aah's, but the waves of amazement being carried through the Grumpearl aren't just Numel's.]
Gotta admit... I've never seen anything like this either.
[Her voice sounds a bit distant; through their psychic connection, there's the briefest twinge of uncertainty, but it's quickly overwhelmed by joy. As the moments tick by and Numel yammers through his excitement, she senses that they've probably found the best view to end the day with.]
You okay down there, Ren?
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He's nestled himself into a somewhat more comfortable position, holding out his Grumpearl on one paw, when Shoka calls through, and he looks up at her.]
All good. [He gives her a grin.] You good up there? Don't lose your balance now.
[Deflect from it, make it out to be something small and humorous- that's what it was, right? Just a small, embarrassing moment. Numel didn't seem to notice his discomfort at least, and that's a relief.
Before long, the sun slowly starts setting, and Numel thanks them for their help, excited and thoroughly amazed by the sights he was shown. They all wave their goodbyes, before thr Grumpearl's connection is terminated.]
That was nice, [Ren says, satisfied with the outcome of the mission. He looks out over the sea, smiling.] Guess it's time we head back, too.
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[The sun is setting, and it's about time for them to head back... But Shoka doesn't show any signs of moving. Seeming lost in thought, she stares out at the waves rolling under the orange-streaked sky in silence.]
... Hey. What happened back there? [She suddenly glances at Ren sidelong.] When you dropped your pearl. You didn't just lose your balance, did you?
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[He notices that she's not moving, and he wanders back to her, about to ask what's wrong, but then she turns to him.]
Oh. Um...
[... Well, he supposes he might've not hidden it as well as he thought. Still, he doesn't want her to worry, so he waves off her concern as best he can.]
Well, ya got me. I think I stepped on the sharp edge of a shell or something. The sudden poke startled me, so I tripped.
[He gives her a grin, his voice teasing.]
What, were you worried about little ol' me?
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[His question goes ignored. Her honest answer (maybe) is probably implied in the fact that she's bringing this up at all anyway.]
And what about that mark on your forehead? [She points to the forehead of her disguise, indicating a spot that mirrors that of Ren's scar.] Was that just from a shell, too?
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Oh... that?
[It's... Ren doesn't want to think about it. He's-]
I got hit in the head with something while training. It didn't heal quite right, so here we are.
[He doesn't want to talk about this. He's achy and tired and while today was fun, he wants to go rest up.]
Really, Shoka, I'm fine. What is this, an interrogation? I've had my fill of those back home, you know.
[His voice is light, but if Shoka's attentive, she may notice a very, very subtle undertone of discomfort.]
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More like a vibe check. [And he's failing it.] Don't play dumb. I know something's off. I just wanna know what.
[But maybe she shouldn't be prying, if he's being so evasive about it. Maybe it's none of her business. She wouldn't presume to call him her friend, after all. She doesn't even know why he'd say he's had his fill of interrogations.
Nevertheless, she's concerned.]
I mean, we're... teammates or whatever, right?
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I-- well, yes, but... [His grin is slowly growing more strained.] I'm fine, Shoka, really. It's nothing you should concern yourself with.
[And it isn't! It's Ren's problem to deal with, not hers.]
I'm just a bit tired, and all the training's got me a bit sore. That's all.
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[Frustration and worry make her voice emerge more harshly than she intends it to, almost a hiss. A moment later, she deflates in embarrassment, the ears of her disguise drooping low.]
But... fine. I won't push it. If that's really all it is. [Or if Ren really doesn't want to talk about it, rather.] I just. Don't want you to think you have to go through it alone or something... If anything does happen. That's all.
[She glances up at the sunset, then down at the sand—at anything but Ren—before she starts to shuffle in the direction of the Spire.]
Whatever. Let's get outta here.
video
There's a sense of Akechi being very off-balance. Also nervous. Also frustrated.
Lookit those fluffy feathers. He is trying to calm down, but damn it. This is absurd.]
Ren. How would you define our relationship within this world?
Re: video
Uh, rivals, teammates, and friends? Why?
[Actually-]
Is that Akari with you?
video
[Huff. Pay no mind to the fluffy feathers, and the nervousness. He's not nervous! That's a lie. Your pearl is lying, Ren.]
...Well. She had certain assumptions.
[Deep breaths. Really now...]
But I'm not so naive as to forget about your wish. So, color me curious.
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Uh. Oh. Hm.
Now Ren's getting nervous, suddenly feeling put on the spot. They... hadn't really talked about that whole thing, and Ren was fine with that, but now...]
... What are you curious about? [he asks, a little too obliviously to be true.]
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But... transparency. Transparency is important.]
Your exact feelings.
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Okay, calm down. Just stay calm.
... a little hard when they're feeding into each other's feelings. Crap. Ren awkwardly looks away, taking a deep breath.]
Well... I wanted to see you again. I hated that you'd died like that, and uh, yeah. Despite everything you were my friend, so...
[Dammit, this is so stupid.]
I just... missed you. More than I could've imagined.
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[Try to calm down, Akechi. This is an exercise for clarity.]
Obviously, I wasn't... thrilled with how things turned out either, of course, even if I didn't actually die. I understand why you'd be dissatisfied, and why you'd...
[Ugh. Damn the sentimentality.]
Miss me.
[Even if Ren is ridiculously sentimental for it when Akechi did so many terrible things to him and his teammates, and furthermore, this whole situation is ridiculous and—
Thoughts. Cease.]
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[Yes? No? Maybe?]
If that were all, I would've been fine with it, but-
[Aaaaaaghhh-]
We're rivals. I love being your rival. You're- horrible. You are, but at the same time you're amazing, and you drive me to get better, and, uh- maybe I'd hoped that-
[Eck!]
-well, y'know! There could be. More?
[Ren is sweating so hard right now. What a weird, awkward thing to say the guy you've been cuddling up with platonically for months.]
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That's... hm.
Interesting.]
I truly cannot fathom why you'd want that from me.
[...]
If the others arrived, I'm sure they'd have strong opinions.
[But it's not Akechi's choice, nor is it theirs.]
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They... would. You've wronged them. You've wronged me. I can't blame them for whatever thoughts they might have, or how they'd react.
[More than strong opinions, probably.]
But-! I'm not going to apologize for- for caring about someone. For caring about you. And I know they'd understand that, eventually, if they don't already.
[He looks away, a little embarrassed.]
I can't help how I feel, and I- care about you. A lot. So.
[... This is such a stupid way for all of this to come out.]
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Akechi quiets.
It's not like he hasn't... enjoyed their time together here.
Billiards balls clattering, the sound of a jazz singer, Ren getting in his face and messing with his hair all rapidly flicker through his thoughts...
And, well. That night in February as well.]
And... you're absolutely certain you want this, regardless of complications.
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If there's one thing one can say about Ren, it's that he's not afraid to take what he wants. So, he inhales, and allows his feelings to flow into the pearl, to say the things he can't.
Determination. Intrigue. Admiration. Something fierce, an eagerness to beat Akechi... followed by something warm that he doesn't always quite understand himself.
Trust.]
Only if you want it as well, [he says, as calmly as he can.] But... maybe that's something we should discuss when we're not using our pearls...?
[He glances at Akari, still hovering near Akechi.]
1/2
Right.
Akari is right there. She's been there this entire time.
There's a ripple of shock, embarrassment, tension all at once...]
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[DEEP BREATHS. This is fine.]
I'm at the clinic, so just give me a moment.
[Give him a few minutes to finish his business here, explain things to Akari, and then he'll shuffle outside.]
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Sure. Let's meet up at Alcremie's place?
[The place where they got pokepuffs, the first day. Ren's been there a few more times since, and it's cozy and private enough for a conversation like this... probably.]
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[Right. Composure. He needs composure.
He takes a few moments to collect himself, to ignore reminders of "whatever frosts your Poképuff" and...
Then he flies over, waiting outside the bakery. This is fine.]
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Hey. Fancy seeing you here.
[... Ah. still awkward.]
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[Though he tries feigning confidence and even cracks a little smirk, don't be deceived.
His nerves are on fire. This is all so very confusing and alarming.
He just can't make it too obvious.]
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Being face to face because they're going to discuss this is. Well.
'Hoo boy,' as Sojiro would say.]
Soooo...
[He trails off, trying to keep a cool face, but boy oh boy is this weird.]
... let's get some pokepuffs first?
[Nailed it.]
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[He blows a small sigh. No, he won't bring up "whatever frosts your Pokepuff." That would just make this more awkward.
So he'll wait for Ren before shuffling inside on his little bird legs.]
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[He almost asks what, exactly, she said, but holds his tongue. Somehow, he doesn't think it'll help the situation.]
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[He gestures with his wings, as if beckoning Ren inside.]
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[Ren nods, and follows inside, walking up to counter where Alcremie-san is bustling about. He waits until she notices them, and orders a mocha pokepuff. Something to cool his nerves.
... an awkward silence settles as he waits for his treat.]
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Waiting.
Waiting, with Ren, who made his desires fairly clear.]
So...
[It's a start?]
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When he's sure Alcremie is busy behind the counter, he tries again, looking at Akechi.]
What... do you think?
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[Oh dear. Those feathers are slightly fluffed up again. Lovely...]
...But I trust you realize I'm hardly the romantic sort.
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I made my feelings clear.
[He tries to sound as sure of himself as he can, but there's a hint of... not hesitation, not quite, but...]
I don't want you to pretend to be. I--
[Oh, this is embarrassing--]
-- I like you. As is. Flaws and all.
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[Weak laughter escapes him. Of all the people Ren could like...
Well, no sense protesting.]
Well. I'll try not to blow this up in our faces.
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A small smile grows on Ren face, which quickly becomes a full-blown grin. This is... it feels so weird, but...
It's a relief. It wasn't like he was trying to hide his feelings for Akechi, but having them out in the open and accepted, no less, it's... nice. Very nice.
... It'll be strange if any of the others ever show up, but he won't apologize for feeling the way he feels.]
Thank you, Akechi.
[There's a moment of pause, then:]
... This doesn't mean I won't beat you still, though. You're my rival, after all.
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[It's just not his way. Akechi is proud, competitive, determined...]
No. We both have our work cut out for us. The next chance we get, I will be signing up for another exploration quest, and this time, we won't lose.
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[It rankles, honestly, that Akechi sits so far above him in rankings when they're supposed to be equals. He's been slacking too much... the aches can't continue being an excuse, especially not now that they're... something. More than rivals. Boyfriends?
... God, that's weird. Not bad weird, though. Just weird.]
I'm counting on you... Goro.
[His voice lowers a little, a fond look coming over him. It feels private, to say Akechi's first name. He's not sure he wants to share it with anyone--
"Here you go, sweethearts!" miss Alcremie interrupts them both, causing Ren to startle, just a little. "Two pokepuffs! Please enjoy~"
... Ah. They're... decorated with little hearts... did she... overhear them?]
Thank you! Have a nice day! [Ren bows, regardless, hurriedly taking his puff.] Let's-- find a table, huh?
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[Just give him a moment, because hearts. Those are hearts, and Ren just used his given name, and...
Right. Table. They should... aha! There's an table. Just let him... shuffle over there. Yes.]