15strangers | (no subject)

Entry tags:

*round 2,
*week 2

(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.]

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[He remembers seeing that side of Akira now. At the time, he'd been embarrassed to note that it only made him even more attractive...now he's happy to appreciate that fire in his boyfriend's eyes, that hint of danger to his grin. That look, more than the grip on his arm, serves to steady his emotions.]

It wouldn't be the first impossible case either of us have dealt with, would it? They'll regret pushing us into a corner.

[But for now, there's one thing he's noticed...]

But before we decide what we're going to do now, what's wrong with your hand?

[ He holds a blink, but the determination and anger still linger even after his eyes reopen. ]

This isn't impossible. [ He shakes his head. ] At least, it won't be if I can help it...

[ The flurry of intense emotions dim a little as he hears that question. This time, he does manage to calm the storm with a closing of his eyes and a deep breath. ]

... After the threats, I-

[ A heavy sigh as he takes a step back, his hand lifting just enough to show it to Goro. There's a bit of awkwardness in his expression -- he... shouldn't have lost his temper. But...

His jawline tightens. ]

The risk of all the Phantom Thieves getting punished was part of it. [ ... Croix and Ursula was another... ] ... And you don't deserve to take the fall for everything he used you for.

[ He's looking away. ]

Even I have a limit to staying remotely calm... but I know it was stupid.

[ One corner of his lips lifts into a wry smirk. ]

I plan to wrap it.

Akira...

[He sighs, running a finger lightly over the hand as he notes the swelling.]

I'm not sure how much I'll be able to do for this. My power does only work on minor injuries, so I doubt it can repair damaged bone if you've managed to break something. I'll do what I can...

[He holds up his hand and offers Akira a bottle of something brown. That. Sure is a bottle of cough syrup, isn't it?]

...But I won't be rewarding you for getting yourself hurt.

[ There's a twinge of guilt at hearing that sigh... and he can't help briefly reaching up to brush a hand through Goro's hair. ]

Sorry...

[ And... oh.

For just a split second, there is a small cringe at seeing that bottle. Briefly, he considers making a joke regarding his admitting the crush on his slightly sadistic doctor... but...

Welp.

He accepts it, even releasing a soft chuckle. It's after he leans forward and kisses Goro's cheek, he shrugs a shoulder in resignation. ]

It's not something I deserve to be rewarded for, anyway...

[ He's discreetly taking a deep breath... and... then he's immediately grateful this isn't anything worse than what the good doctor gave him. Still though.

Bleugh. ]

[There's certainly a part of him that enjoys that reaction. Takemi isn't exactly the only mild sadist Akira's had a crush on, after all. At least he returns that kiss to the cheek once Akira's choked down the medicine?]

How is it now?

[ There's one eye closed as he finally swallows that last bit of it down (gaining +1 music note to Guts).

There's a look of appreciation at the kiss, and he does hold his hand up to gingerly flex those fingers... There's a thoughtful hum. ]

Well... it isn't throbbing.

[ A smile and then he's brushing a kiss over Goro's lips. ]

Thanks, honey.

[ With that, he's glancing back to his hand. ]

Think it'll be fine if I wrap it and ice it at night?

You're welcome, dear.

[He runs a hand through Akira's hair, then turns his attention to the injured hand.]

You might want to put a splint on it overnight, just in case. And avoid putting too much stress on it, you don't want to make it worse.

[A pause, and a faked sigh.]

I guess you won't be doing anything fancy with those fingers for a while.

Getting help from you might spoil me. I'll never wanna visit a doctor's office ever again.

[ He feigns a dramatically depressed sigh. ]

Seems my dream of becoming a professional boxing champion will be put on hold a little longer...

[ Ah. Well. That last part? ]

Well, you know... improvisation is a skill listed on my resume at this point.

Edited 2017-12-08 21:39 (UTC)

Maybe you can show that skill of later, then.

[His face is turning pink as he leans in for a kiss.]

After we get your hand splinted.

[ He flashes a grin, eagerly returning the kiss. ]

Gladly...

[ He glances to his hand and nods. He miiiight sound a tiny bit eager. Tiny bit. He's a totally patient guy, okay! ]

Yeah... good plan.

I'm hardly a real doctor, but I should be able to help you with that much. Besides, you seem like you could use a hand with it.

[ He has to fight to keep a remotely composed face.

He's a totally patient guy. ]

You're a doctor in my heart.

[ Har har. ]

I'd prefer both your hands, actually, but I can't see myself being unhappy with any help you offered.

[ Annnnd just. Heading over to the door now. ]

Well, I wouldn't want to do anything halfway...

[He follows Akira to the door, giving a faint sigh as he prepares for it to open. He really does enjoy these moments where he gets to let go of the mask and just be himself...]

Which you definitely never do...

[ He hears that sigh...

... and then leans to press a somewhat lingering, hopefully reassuring (they'll be back soon, after all!) kiss to his boyfriend's cheek. After that, he's moving to open the door.

Fortunately, it's not too far of a walk there... ]

[He leans into the kiss, soaking in that last moment of a relaxed atmosphere before the door opens. Then his body language immediately stiffens back to that of the prim and proper Detective Prince.]

If we can't find anything in the pharmacy section of Yotsukoshi, there's what appears to be an urgent care clinic in the new wing.

[ He nods. ]

Good call.

[ After getting to see the relaxed version of Goro, it's actually... way more noticeable whenever these shifts happen. So, he might be staring at his boyfriend for a second... though it's simply with a thoughtful expression.

Nothing more, nothing less. ]

Shuuichi-san suggested an anti-inflammatory... So, guess if there's nothing to wrap it with in the pharmacy, it still won't be a wasted trip.

[ Small shrug. ]

Might as well get it just in case.

[He raises an eyebrow at the way Akira stares at him, but he doesn't comment. It must be a bit of mood whiplash...]

That's a good idea. I've healed the minor damage, but it could still get irritated again just from light use.

[ Well, his boyfriend is attractive... so why rush to avert his gaze?

In any gaze, he frowns down at his hand. Damn, was he stupid to do that... Sigh. Nothing he can do about it now, though... ]

I'm not a strictly "light use" kind of guy.

[ The wall he was talking to earlier probably agrees. ]

But, don't worry... [ A small smile as he shrugs a shoulder. ] I promise to take it easy...

[ ... ]

... maybe.

Then I suppose you'll need to be left handed for a little while.

[He holds up his left hand and wiggles his fingers.]

We'll match.

[ He feigns a super serious look. ]

Hmmm...

[ A thoughtful expression. ]

Does this left hand club offer any perks to temporary members?

You'll be able to surprise people who think they know which hand to watch. Not that I'm condoning any mischievous sleight of hand, of course.

The good detective giving tips to a thief -- wait, no, a leader of thieves...

[ One corner of his lips tugs up a little. ]

Now, that'd be just outright scandalous.

[ A thoughtful hum. ]

And just the kind of story I'd read.

Ah yes, and we all know I'm the very picture of respect for authority.

[...Yeah, no, even he can't say that with a straight face. He's covering a huge grin with one hand.]

[ Damn it, you cracked his expression. Also, he wishes he could kiss that grin? Why is he cute... Sigh.

A quiet snort slips free. ]

Just like I'm the most ideal, well-behaved student around.

[He's snickering at that, the sort of light laugh that comes most easily to him as Crow.]

Meaning I would never give you advice on ways to misbehave, and you certainly wouldn't take it even if I did, correct?