partay

[steelmagnolias]

 [Well, Ren's here, just as he said he'd be. He'll buy drinks for any adults still alive that want to imbibe, but there's also a number of sodas in a cooler available for anyone who's a minor or just doesn't want to drink. He's also brought in some snacks from Yotsukoshi and a few of those crab buckets, although anyone else is certainly free to contribute their own food and drink to the pile. 

Ren finishes up his cigarette before setting up, letting it extinguish before everyone arrives. Look, he's being good, there's only one in the ashtray. 

Joey's got one of her dance routines planned, Ren already also had the King's Game set up, or people can just mingle.

It's just not good to be lonely.]

Comments

[beguiledcard]

But, does it hold the same value if it's an honest thief's policy?

[ A weak joke, but... hey. It's requiring a little less effort than it would have a couple of days ago.

There's a softening of his expression as he listens to the talk of Kurama's mother. The mention of coaxing her to eat does remind Akira of the effort he'd put into getting him to eat. ]

What was she ill from?

[byanyother_name]

Mm, we'll have to find an honest thief to ask.

[Kurama, of all people, is allowed to take that particular troll shot, and this eyebrow quirk says he knows it.

The almost-lightness fades for a moment at Akira's question, though. Kurama looks down, rolling a cookie crumb between his fingers and watching it crumble away.]

...a degenerative illness. Human medicine had no cure, the doctors said all I could do was make her comfortable until the end came or it went into remission naturally.

I stole a dangerous wish-granting artifact from Reikai, instead.

[beguiledcard]

[ Wow, Kurama, you have absolutely no room to say that, how d-... Okay, no, it does earn a small smile. ]

I'm sure we can find one around here somewhere... Maybe.

[ ... That explanation has his eyes widening, for sure. With a tensed brow, his gaze lowers for a moment. That sounds awful, frankly -- like it must have been excruciating... for both of them. One hand lifts to lightly rest against Kurama's forearm. ]

So, you used something with spiritual powers to heal her, instead...?

[ His gaze lifts. ]

Is she completely well, now?

[byanyother_name]

If anyone can, it would be us, correct?

[Kurama's expression shifts a little at Akira's questions, focus directing inward in a frustrated, confused way that Akira has seen before.]

I must have. Because yes, she is well after the night I intended to use the object. I'm not certain what happened, however. The outcomes of that night make no sense according to what I know, and yet my mother is well.

[beguiledcard]

[ He watches at face closely, his own expression shifting into something with concern. Hm... and he knows all about the memory gaps thing, though he isn't so sure what the gaps in this one could mean, since... he isn't Kurama.

But... maybe he can work his way into better understanding the redhead. ]

How did you steal that object, anyway?

[byanyother_name]

[The question makes Kurama chuckle, fingers sliding absently through his hair.]

It wasn't nearly as difficult as they would like people to believe, breaking into the Reikai Vaults and making off with their artifacts. Not for Hiei and I, at least. It would have gone more smoothly if Hiei had recruited somewhat brighter muscle, but needs must and I, at least, was working to an unknown deadline.

Reikai, you see, depends quite heavily on mystical seals and barriers. But unraveling mystical seals happens to be one of my specialties, and Hiei's third eye allowed him to easily find any keywords or items I needed.

[beguiledcard]

[ His eyebrows lift at the story... and then a small, amuse smile surfaces. ]

I see...

[ A thoughtful hum. ]

Third eye, huh? [ soft chuckle ] That's what I call my ability. I doubt it's anywhere near as impressive as Hiei's, but it does help me identify significant objects and safe routes without having to move from a spot.

[ He shifts in his stance. ]

It also helps me spot my confidants in a crowd instantly.

[byanyother_name]

Hiei paid quite dearly for the powers of his eye, though I can tell you confidently he regrets it not at all. Yours sounds impressive enough for your purposes.

[Kurama notices that shift, tilting his head thoughtfully.] Confidants? [It's an interestingly specific word.]

[beguiledcard]

He paid...?

[ There's a soft frown, but he gives a small nod after. ]

I don't think I would have been nearly as useful as a leader without those skills, actually. They got us through a lot of critical moments...

[ He gives a nod. ]

Yeah... I'm not sure where I learned the word, but it's one used to describe important bonds. It's almost like a partnership, in a way. While I help the person in the real world, our bond usually ends with me learning a ton of new skills and getting stronger Personas.

Or, sometimes, I even wind up with new items that help the team along in our fight to overthrow society.

[ A very calm and totally serious nod... though he gives a small grin. ]

Pretty sure you'd be a maxed out confidant...