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?
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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.]