15strangers | (no subject)

WEEK 2

[The unfortunate death, and subsequent execution, has no doubt weighed on everyone's minds since. The dam has burst, and now, the idea that someone may kill another in this place is not just a possibility anymore. It is reality, and a very terrifying reality at that.

Yet, there is a strange side effect to the murder's aftermath. When the Titled go to sleep on Saturday evening, they will dream, even if they don't normally do so. When they wake up, their dream stays with them, and a thought comes to everyone. A realization.

Their dream had been a memory they lost. Now, they have it back, as if they had never lost it.

Nor is that the only change. They also feel just a little more confident in their power. Confident enough that they find that their ability has evolved to become stronger. Whether that's a good or a bad thing, well...

Soon enough, too, the Titled's phones start pinging, and when they open up their LIME app, they receive a simple message:]

Your Mall Map has been updated!

[And indeed, those who go to check the Food Court will find an elevator on the eastern end which leads to a brand new wing that had previously been obscured by the barrier.

Dio and Wake's information is also slightly different from before on the LIME app, but...maybe it's best not to think about it. Last week had been...disheartening.

Hopefully, this week will be better, right? Surely, this week, temptation won't win out again....right?

Well.

There's only one way to find out.

Welcome to Week 2, Titled.

There are thirteen strangers in this place.

This week's crab is Dungeness.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Good. Can't say I mind that.

[ If Akira dares to look in that instance, there's something of a genuine smile on his face for a moment as he says that. Hearing that Akira really was stubborn was a positive sign that he hadn't lost his drive after everything that has happened.

He had been somewhat hoping for a more obvious, flustered reaction of sorts so the subdued one had surprised him a little. It was honestly nothing to how he'd fluster Nagisa when he'd snapped that picture of him crossdressing during their summer trip. ]

Let me know what he says then, okay?

[ Then Akira actually asks him that and it's enough to surprise him slightly, eyes widening for just a moment before turning his gaze over to some of the other cats around them. Appearing almost quiet and pensive, if one looks close enough. ]

Better than I think most would be in this situation. I... admit I wasn't ready to see Wake be the first to go.

[ That has one corner of his lips lifting in a calmer smile of sorts. That's one of his core traits -- being stubborn, almost to a point of it being too much so, in terms of his well-being.

Unfortunately, Karama won't be getting much of a reaction out of Akira with things like this -- he... isn't the one worried about being seen with his boyfriend, after all. Really, his only concern is how much it could... affect Goro? ]

Goro'll probably appreciate that picture not being spread around, by the way.

[ There's a serious look on his face as he says that.

When that last part is said, his expression softens into something that makes it clear he understands that feeling. ]

I don't think any of us were... [ A pause. ] I won't ever be okay with seeing any of you guys... going. I'm going to do... everything in my power to stop any of you dying...

[ There's almost a sound of desperation in his voice on that last sentence. As though it's something he needs to do. The cat in his lap suddenly seems a bit restless, as though it isn't sure what to do with the feelings Akira's holding inside of him -- a burning determination, anger, need, and... that desperation that's ringing through every fiber of his being. ]

I can't... let any more of you die...

[ Briefly, one hand trembles, his teeth clenching, something that's only ever been shown in the Metaverse burning within the gaze that's being directed at the floor. ]

Don't worry. No need to give me such a look. I wasn't planning to mass send it to anyone or anything like that.

[ Okay maybe a part of him had been sorely tempted to do so but for now, Karma was content to do as Akira wished of him.

Though as this conversation continued, his gaze fell onto Akira quietly as if considering something. Something about Akira had shifted and all at once there was so much Karma knew he could say, and it was enough to make his own expression soften slightly. ]

Just don't get yourself killed in the process of trying to save us from that.

[ A wry smile then curled Karma's lips as a bitter laugh sounded from him. ]

Not sure how well any of us would take it if you ended up being the next victim, you know?

[ The serious look melts into something softer, and he simply gives a small smile -- it's not exactly filled with humor, but there was an attempt. ]

Thanks.

[ Akira's lips part after those next words, only for nothing to come out at first. It's especially that last part that has something there -- something on his face that makes it clear he's a little surprised, and yet...

I know I would hate to see you seriously injured, and would do everything in my power to prevent it.

... He remains quiet for a moment, gaze shifting away from Karma... Finally, he takes in a quiet breath, voice low. ]

If it's between me and one of you guys, [ a firm, unyielding look ] I'll never pick myself.

[ Akira Kurusu will now dIe FoR--... ... uh...

... everyone here? ]

But, I don't plan on dying, either.

Edited 2017-12-05 21:53 (UTC)

[ Nodding his head in response to Akira's thanks, he wasn't quite expecting to see that brief touch of surprise on the other's face. Karma was an observant person so he picked up on little things here and there, even if he wouldn't directly voice them aloud.

There was clearly a lot on Akira's mind, so he'd let him have that for what it was worth. No need to rush things, after all. ]

Good. Glad to hear you've still got fight left in you.

[ Closing his eyes, Karma tilted his head to the side amidst his thoughts while fingers drummed idly along the floor. ]

You know, if I ever feel like you lose that fight and try to sacrifice yourself like an idiot? Expect a couple hits from me, and I won't be holding back. Got it?

Edited 2017-12-07 06:10 (UTC)

[ A-ah...

That latter part has his eyebrows lifting for a split second, clearly at a momentary loss for words. Until... suddenly... there's a laugh slipping out. It's... actually a genuine laugh, something that's stemming from the minor reminder of his best friend. Of the fact that he really does have friends here who are willing to support him to the extent of keeping him from being too reckless. And... it's such a strong reminder that it's actually caught him off-guard.

One hand lifts to cover a part of his face until the laugh dies down.

Though, in spite of the laugh, his smile softens quickly -- a tired, weary look returns, but some of that overly serious sadness has faded. There's a moment where he's staring at the floor, but he soon trades that out for looking up at Karma. ]

You'll be one of the first I'll come to whenever the urge to be stupid surfaces.

[ A hint of warmth enters his gaze before he closes his eyes and shakes his head. ]

... Thanks.