15strangers | WEEK 1

[He shakes his head.]

Nobody I've spoken to seems like they're in that sort of desperate situation. Not that we can be certain it would be obvious...one individual wasn't particularly interested in speaking of himself at all, for instance. Others might simply consider it not worth mentioning under these circumstances.

[ He glances down for a moment. ]

We can't know for sure there aren't any people here capable of hiding their true nature. [ He shifts his stance. ] We're all victims in this.

[ Averting his gaze for a moment, falling quiet for a couple of seconds. ]

I'm not going to give up on anyone here, especially if they feel trapped enough to resort to killing. [ He shakes his head, holds a blink for a moment... then looks at Akechi, giving a nod. ] I don't believe anyone's beyond saving, as long as there's at least one person in the world willing to fight for them.

[If Akira was paying attention, he would have noticed Akechi tense at the comment about people hiding their true nature. By the time Akira fixes him with that stare, he's forced himself to relax again, though there's still something a little uneasy in his posture. The words hit far too close to home for him.]

That's a bold philosophy. Are you saying you would be willing to fight for such a person, if nobody else was?

[ ... He does notice that shift in posture, and it has his expression shifting for just a moment to one of curiosity. Even more so after he hears the first sentence.

But to that question? There's zero hesitation in his response: ] Absolutely.

[ Though, that isn't all he has to say. He just... needs a moment... to think on it. ]

People who feel trapped or lost deserve a chance if they're willing to change their ways. [ He sighs. ] But this is only be relevant if whoever's being targeted actually does resort to killing.

[ He cocks his head to the side, and then speaks in a tone that suggests he's simply trying to make a point. ] The person could just... not give in, right?

[He lifts a hand up to run through his hair, trying to calm his nerves. Kurusu doesn't know, so...he can't be talking about him, right? Surely if he knew about the blood on his hands, he wouldn't be so kind to him.]

It is possible, yes. Shuuichi-san and I discussed implications of the profiles and our memory loss earlier, however, and I find it unlikely that this offer isn't specifically tailored to appeal to one of us. They may have made a miscalculation in their target's level of desperation or greed, but it would be foolish to assume that nobody will consider it worth killing over.

[ Maybe before seeing that a change of heart is possible, he wouldn't be quite so... determined to believe there is at least a fraction of good in everyone. A conscience, whether it's quiet out of necessity, or even to stave off what guilt's left as they venture further down a path littered with distorted desires...

This is just how a leader of a band of thieves, set out to fix a messed up society, is. ]

I agree.

[ He takes a deep breath. ]

We should work towards the best outcome while preparing for the worst.

[It's not hard to tell this whole situation is taking a toll on Akira. After a brief moment of silence, he lifts his hand to rest it on the younger teen's shoulder.]

I was intending on gathering everyone to discuss the situation, as an extension of our efforts to get to know everyone well enough to gain a handle on the situation...as well as to ensure that everyone is managing well enough in light of evidence our captors are willing to push us to murder, and the likely distrust such a motive will bring. Given the time, I was considering making it something of a public lunch...would you like to assist me?

[ That contact has his expression softening a little. And that idea sounds... pretty great, actually.

He nods. ]

That's a really great idea. [ One corner of his lips lifts -- and he does actually look impressed. ] Just let me know where I'm needed.

[ A tiiiiny sound of eagerness slips through the cracks. But that might be due mostly to his wanting to have something -- anything -- to do that could help him feel like he's helping boost morale. ]

[He gives Akira's shoulder a slight squeeze and, seeing that his friend is in a better mood, pulls his hand back. If there's any hesitation in letting go, it's entirely because he's still worried.]

I'll be providing drinks... [He flicks his wrist and offers Akira a bottle of Bepis.] Would you mind assisting with the food?

[ He notices that hesitance... and one corner of his lips threatens to lift for just a split second. Yet, his expression doesn't actually shift until he hears that next part. ]

I can't say I'm too surprised.

[ To that, he does manage a small smile -- it's not... forced at all... ]

Not at all. [ He gives a nod. ] Anything specific you want made by me?

Ordinarily I would request that delicious curry from Leblanc, but...that seems a bit much. It's not as though we know how far our finances have to stretch, after all...whatever you can make without spending too much of our money will do well enough.

[Unless they end up just getting Ms. Moneybags to pay for it all. But he doesn't know Croix well enough yet to know if that's a reasonable thing to ask her.]

[ It won't be the first time he's had to stretch his funds for a small group... ]

Leave it to me.

[ He shifts in his stance... and then glances to the side for a moment. ]

... Mind just hanging out with me for a few minutes?

[ To visit some stores together, or something, really... ]

[He pauses for a second, trying to think if he can remember Akira ever extending an invitation to him like this before. But no, all of their meetings he can remember have been by chance or at Leblanc...

Despite the stress of the situation, his lips quirk into a faint smile.]

Not at all. I'm always happy when we have the opportunity to spend time together.

[ That smile is met by a small, almost tired one of his own. ]

Thanks.

[ He's turning and taking a step in the direction towards the various stores. He pauses just long enough to give Akechi a chance to start that way before continuing. ]

Anywhere you've been wanting to check out?

Only a couple of the restaurants that I haven't yet visited, but that seems a little inappropriate while planning a lunchtime meeting. We could simply browse the department store and see if anything happens to catch our eyes.

Well, we could always check the restaurants out later.

[ They'll need to eat more in the future, after all. Granted... Akira's not feeling especially hungry, which might explain the way his expression dims for a moment. ]

For now, your plan sounds good.

[You look like you need a distraction. Have a pat on the arm as he walks.]

Perhaps we'll find ourselves lucky and discover something interesting we weren't expecting. Although, I doubt we can afford to buy much outside of necessities...

[ He tilts his head a bit as he glances at Akechi. One corner of his lips lifts ever-so-slightly. ]

Well... it is a mall, so there's definitely room for surprises. [ He does nod, though; money is limited... Suddenly, his gaze lowers to the floor as they walk. ]

... Although, when I asked to hang out, it was... just that. [ A small, soft smirk. ] Right now, I couldn't care less about what we find.

[ Some of that anger resurfaces on his face. He hates this... a lot, actually. Feeling helpless, feeling... afraid, actually. There are people here that he'll fight like hell to protect, but once again... once again... he's almost nothing more than just some regular guy. He isn't going to give up. No, he'll keep fighting, and he will do everything possible to get everyone out of here.

... Also, he's realizing just a second, or two, later... how what he said might have sounded-- ]

It just matters that you're here.

[He looks worried at that look of anger, but his expression softens at what Akira says last. Just him being here, with Akira, is important...it's a comforting statement.]

If my presence is truly such a comfort, then, you're welcome to request it whenever you wish. I'm always happy when we have the opportunity to spend time together.

[ He glances over to see the detective's expression softening -- he's... glad he cleared that up, then. ]

... Same.

[ There's a slight lifting of the corners of his lips. ]

To both things.

In that case, where we go doesn't make much of a difference, does it? Simply wandering the mall suits our purposes quite well.

You know...

[ It might be obvious he's... trying really hard here to seem more okay than he feels. ]

I always imagined my first mall date being with way more people around.

[ GOSH, ALL THE PRIVACY... okay, no... this actually kind of reminds him a little of Mementos. The kind of place you'd expect to see totally packed full of people.

Also he just wanted to make a thing that's supposed to be joke. ]

[Oh Akira, you and your joking jokes that are clearly only in jest.]

Disappointed that we won't be able to use fear of being separated by the crowds as an excuse to hold hands, Kurusu-kun?

[His tone is teasing, but he manages a pretty good approximation of genuine playful chiding.]

[ Joking jokes that are only in jest, and are not at all tainted by confidant rank/memory shenanigans, even. ]

Studies show an overexposure to underestimation is bad for the heart, you know.

[ Ha. ]

I wouldn't need an excuse for something like that.

[ Annnd just adjusting his glasses on that note. ]

That's...quite bold of you, all things considered.

[He taps his lip thoughtfully. He can't help but wonder...is that hypothetical taking into account the fact that they're the same sex?]

I suppose whoever you find as a girlfriend had best not be adverse to a little public affection.

WEEK 1

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Skirting spoiler territory.

y-yeah.............

And now in spoiler territory.

and likely going to venture deeper into it

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whY DO SOME NOTIFS KEEP VANISHING... jesus christ