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.]

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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?

[ Unfair. A small grin is tugging at his lips. ]

Frankly, detective, I'd feel offended if you offered.

[ Once inside the pharmacy, he does take a moment to glance around for supplies -- ah... they do have things to wrap a hand! Basic stuff, but it should be fine. ]

This should work, right?

It should. It doesn't seem like anything is broken badly enough to need a metal splint. I expect you would have been in much more pain if that were the case...

I have been working out more...

[ One (1) Overdone Contemplative Expression ]

Maybe I really am way more badass now.

[ But he gives a small smile and nod. ]

All right... I'll pay for this and then we can leave.

[ And so he does... ]

[His first thought is to comment on how fit you can tell Akira is just from looking at him, but...this is public. He's not going to risk someone hearing about the fact that he's seen Akira without a shirt.]

I hope that's not your way of indicating you plan on testing your limits. I'd have to come up with something even worse than cough syrup if you got yourself hurt doing something like that...

[ Wow, is that actually a small cringe? Has Goro managed to find a weak point in the unshakable, the Joker's kryptonite?

Or is he simply playing it up?

Spoiler: It's a bit of both. ]

You know, some part of me does wanna test this to see just how sadistic you can be...

[ With the medicine and the wrap purchased, he's going to head over to a sitting area. With everything set out, he tilts his head at Goro, tone playful. ]

After all, isn't it the duty of every rebellious, adventurous soul to test their limitations?

[He doesn't let a smirk show, this is too public to let that side of him out, but there's definitely a mischievous glint to his eye.]

I could always try my hand at those health drinks they sell at the Shibuya subway station. There's one of them that's particularly repugnant.

[ ... is that the sound of victory over in Goro's corner? Because, he's talking about Aojiru isn't he...

Try as he might, there's a flicker of dread in his eyes. Once was enough??? ]

... Well played.

[ Granted, he'd been joking to begin with. Still, he's about 99.99998% sure that's a promise for whenever Akira does something stupid. ]

[He might be looking a little smug now.]

I thought that might work. Now, let me see that hand. It's difficult to wrap them by oneself.

[ The most hurtful person is you, Goro Akechi.

At the smug look, he gives a very gentle huff-like sigh -- he's not annoyed, of course. But who said he can't pretend to be?

In any case, he's holding out his hand. It's still visually injured, discoloration already prominent. ]

Never thought I'd see the day I'd have someone capable of playing me like a violin.

[ His life is so hard. ]

[He gives a disappointed sounding sigh when he sees the injury, then starts wrapping it firmly. His fingers are nimble, and he's as good at it as you'd expect of someone who claims to be doing a good job of taking care of himself.]

I guess you ought to have considered that before befriending a detective. Identifying people's motivations is an important career skill, after all.

[ And he's a good little patient who doesn't even flinch... except maybe once, just a tiny bit, when there's some pressure to the most damaged part of his hand... ]

Sadistic and smart... [ A defeated sigh. ] Guess they say curiosity killed the cat for a reason...

Calling someone sadistic is a serious accusation, Akira.

[Except it's true, but that's beside the point.]

I'm just making an attempt to discourage you from being careless.

I'm a serious guy.

[ Most serious. ]

But... [ small smile ] I know you are. I appreciate it.

[He straightens up once he secures the bandage, then offers Akira a hand to help him up.]

Then you can show that appreciation by making certain you don't make that injury even worse.

[ He accepts that hand, suppressing the urge to kiss it once he's standing. There's a faintly sheepish look as he responds. ]

I'll do my best, then.

[ Very softly, he flexes the fingers of his freshly bandaged hand. The movement isn't too restricted... Good. ]

Good work, Doctor Akechi.