doublecrowss | Inbox for awash

Surprised? More like relieved!

[ he sets the rations aside (it's not much more than bland vegetable stew, considering what he has to work with) and quickly moves to Akechi, clapping his hands on his shoulders and staring into his eyes quite seriously for a solid few seconds. Looking for signs of life - or confirming them, really. Then, he sighs, tension easing out of him as his head droops and he releases his roommate once more. ]

Geez... You really know how to freak a guy out. I'm not a doctor, you know? For all I knew, you were done for. What the hell happened to you?

[ Akechi stays still as Lupin fusses over him, a little taken aback by all the sudden physical contact-- maybe he should be getting more used to it by now, but it's hard to erase a lifetime of isolation in just a few weeks. ]

I... apologize for troubling you. [ He finally offers, a small bow of his head following up. Finding the right words is still troublesome, his mind still in a light haze, but he figures worrying would have been too much of an assumption. ]

As for what happened to me-- [ He takes a short pause, cringes at the memory - and for once, it's not all an act. He doesn't really want to remember how weak he was. ] --You could say I had a... very unfortunate encounter in the woods. I was unharmed, and I don't think my health was in any kind of danger, but...

[ He trails off, trying to fish for the right words. Did Guren tell Lupin anything about it? Otherwise, how do you just spring the news that you faced a demon on your roommate? ]

[ He draws exactly one conclusion from Akechi's deferential behavior: this kid is just overwhelmingly polite. Apologizing after being basically a zombie for days? Lupin reminds himself to ask more about his life back home later; he must be the son of a nobleman or something like that. He just shakes his head. ]

An encounter? [ with a minotaur, maybe? Minato had mentioned something like that. ] - No, you can tell me about it later. More importantly, how are you feeling? Do you hurt anywhere? Does your head feel fuzzy or anything like that?

[ his medical knowledge is pretty limited - he wishes Frankenstein were here - but he's more than a little concerned that his roommate might have incurred some kind of lasting brain damage from that episode. ]

[ Well, he's not wrong about the "overwhelmingly polite" bit, but only because, as the bastard son of a high profile politician and a single mother who killed herself, how else is he supposed to get adults to pay attention to him if he's not the very image of societal perfection? ]

I feel fine. [ He starts, then remembers those are words he used a lot when he wasn't himself. If he wants to convince Lupin he really is okay, he'd better elaborate some more. ] A little lightheaded, perhaps, and I feel a migraine incoming. That might have been from sleeping so much, though-- I hope I haven't snored or anything of the sort!

[ There, he can always rely on his lame jokes to break the ice. ]

[ somehow the bastard orphan son who was homeless and stole stuff from people to survive is the better-adjusted of these two

his corny joke does lighten Lupin's mood a little through its sheer lameness. He quirks an eyebrow, giving a short laugh. ]

You were perfectly quiet, Sleeping Beauty. Maybe a little too quiet. [ at last, he backs off a few steps, giving Akechi some more breathing room. ] ... Seriously, though, I'm glad you're all right. Can I get you anything?

[ That's how badly Japanese society will fuck you up, man. So much that someone like Arsene Lupin is considered rebellious enough to become a Persona. ]

I think you have gotten me more than enough. [ Smile still in place, he motions towards the meal Lupin had walked in with just minutes prior, still waiting for him. ] Not only just now, but during the entire time I was... out of commission, too. I understand it must have been quite a bit troublesome, so I hope I can repay you for all your care and thoughtfulness, somehow.

[ Another bow of his head. The kid isn't very good at saying a simple "thank you" when he actually means it, but... he's trying. ]

[ he's known quite a few people that are bad at accepting kindness, so he takes the familiar response in stride. With a gently amused smile, he shakes his head. ]

There, there, no need for that. You don't owe me a thing. [ he meets Akechi's bow with one of his own, though it's much more ostentatious, accompanied by a dramatic flourish of his arm. ] This Arsène Lupin would never overlook a troubled friend in want of help or company. Please rely on me to your heart's content.

[ he rises back up, then adds, somewhat playfully: ] ... Although if you're set on repaying me, just promise not to wander off into danger without a plan again. That'd be enough.

[ There is much about Lupin's speech and mannerisms that could be met with some surprise: that he doesn't ask for anything back, that he further offers his aid as someone Akechi could rely on - and that may a lot of wishful thinking on his part, to believe he could ever get the things he really wants - but what really gets his eyes bulging and his jaw dropping is: ]

Wait, you're-- [ A quick shake of his head, like he had heard things that weren't real. ] --you're Arsene Lupin? The Phantom Thief?!

[ ... huh. What a turn of events. ]

Huh? Didn't I tell you? That was rude of me.

[ he blinks at Akechi, feigning surprise. Lupin's tried to be a little conservative about who he told his real name to. Really, any surprise he actually feels is at himself for waiting this long to reveal it to his roommate - and that said roommate apparently knows who he is. It's terribly flattering to be known in a foreign country on the other side of the world long after your death... seems like Minato wasn't just an outlier.

So he meets his roommate's shock with a mischievous smile. ]

I prefer the term gentleman thief, actually.

Ah-- of course, gentleman thief, it is.

[ He's quick to correct himself according to Lupin's wishes, but the truth is he can't stop himself from staring at him, mouth hanging agape. There's a lot going through his mind right now, and the fact this is a fictional character turned real standing right in front of him is the smallest of them; rather, he's thinking of the Metaverse, and how his destined rival's original Persona just so happens to now be his roommate, offering him his strength and support.

Given enough time getting to know him, and access to that strange Velvet Room place, he wonders if he could... Hmm. ]

I apologize for my manners-- [ A shake of his head, warding those thoughts off for the moment. Gotta focus back on being a Pleasant Boy. ] But this was quite the surprise. I have heard many tales about you..!

[ Well. For once, his enthusiasm isn't a lie. ]

[ the enthusiasm is immensely charming, to be honest, and though Lupin loves basking in the spotlight, he can't help looking a little sheepish. Just a little bit, though. Minato had already told him that there were novels published about his exploits in the future, so that isn't any sort of revelation; still, hearing it from Akechi makes him grin all over again. ]

Have you, now? In that case, I promise that all the good parts are entirely true. [ he plants a hand on his hip, puffing out his chest a little. ] I do ask that you don't run around telling everybody about my occupation... Not that you're the type. But If I'm to have a nasty reputation, I'd rather earn it myself.

[ Akechi offers a small laugh at that, open and genuine. ] I promise I won't tell anyone about your true identity. Your secret is safe with me.

[ But, hm, nasty reputation? It's true, he may be a thief, but his feats are quite extraordinary, if the tales are to be believed - and why shouldn't they? If he's standing right in front of him, then he's no longer only a fictional character, is he? He's as real as anyone else-- as real as a persona, too.

(And, for the record, he was too cool to be Akira's persona. Way too cool. Someone with that kind of charm and charisma... Yes, he is definitely much better suited for Akechi.) ]

I must say, even though I am on the side of justice, I wouldn't think your reputation is quite that bad. You're something of a Robin Hood from the Belle Époque!

[ And Robin Hood is one of his persona, so. It makes sense, see? ]

[ on the side of justice, huh. Lupin tucks that little comment into his back pocket for later - Akechi's younger than him, almost certainly, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's not working on the force. Especially in 2000s Japan. He can't even pretend he knows what's going on over there.

The comparison is one that delights him, nonetheless; of course, he remains oblivious to Akechi's plotting about Personas. ]

Heh. Robin Hood of the belle époque - that has a nice ring to it. It's too bad you weren't the one writing my articles in the post.

[ he's never heard that term, either - is that how they think of the time he's from in the future? He'll have to ask about it. ]

Alas, I remain nothing more than a simple infamous gentleman thief to the police... Knowing you think of me that way makes me happy, though. Even if you are on the side of justice.

[ Well, Persona plotting aside, the comparison does hold some truth: like Robin Hood, Lupin isn't a thief looking out for his own gain, but instead, he helps those who are truly in need. A true gentleman, fighting for his own justice-- not unlike the Phantom Thieves he's come to know.

In truth, Akechi is more like them than he can let on, and his justice is extremely personal. It's too bad he has to keep playing on the wrong side. ]

If you would like, I could always write about your feats in the forums. [ And because Lupin's curiosity hasn't escaped his attention, he adds: ] It might sound strange for a detective to be singing a thief's praises, but for as long as we are in this place, I suppose we are all on the same side, right?

[ Besides, he's no Herlock Sholmes, anyway, this is fine. ]

A detective?

[ he raises an eyebrow, but he doesn't look concerned in the least - no, he just looks amused. Either it's an ironic coincidence, or their Mr. White has a sense of humor. ]

We're quite the odd couple, then, aren't we? Especially because you seem to get into trouble much more often than me, monsieur detective. You scamp. [ Lupin reaches out and lightly taps his forehead, scolding, almost, though his roguish smile suggests it's more playful. ] I don't much like detectives... but maybe you can charm me into making an exception for you if you get your act together.

[ Akechi goes just slightly cross-eyed at that little tap, knitting his eyebrows together. He can tell it's playful, at least, but is he getting scolded? For getting into trouble that ultimately affected no one else but himself?

Well. That sure is a new experience. ]

Do I? I believe monsieur Arsene Lupin's reputation precedes him. [ Well, he can repay playful teasing with teasing, even adding a small wink to reinforce the thought. ] Besides, I'm only a rookie detective. Hardly someone you could consider a nemesis or anything of the sort.

[ He's totally harmless, really. ]

[ okay, that's a fair enough accusation, but Lupin accepts it heartily. He only gets into the good kind of trouble - the kind where he comes out the other side with a bunch of stolen goods. ]

That goes without saying. There's no one I consider a nemesis. [ especially NOT herlock sholmes!! but yes, don't get ahead of yourself, pleasant boy. nobody is good enough for him! ] But we're getting off-topic. It's my turn to investigate you, detective. Mind telling me what happened to you?

[ Boy, Akechi sure is glad he didn't actually mention any names... Clearly that would have struck a Nerve or something... ]

Ah, I'm not used to being on this side of an interrogation... [ And he offers a light chuckle to go with his lame joke. ] But, I will do my best to answer your questions. Has Guren-san told you anything at all, though?

[ sherlock holmes isn't your persona... you're safe... for now. ]

No, not really. I know you were attacked by something, in some sense of the word. Which isn't much at all.

[ he leans against the wall a little, tilting his head at Akechi. His attitude seems fine, but he still needs to say ]

... If you're not ready to talk about it yet, that's fine. I get it. But I'd like to know eventually.

[ Akechi shakes his head once, though a soft sigh does escape him. It's not as though the experience was particularly traumatic - it was disorienting, in hindsight, but he didn't lose any blood or was hurt in any way, so there are no gory details to be shared. And considering Lupin took care of him all this time (though he didn't really need to be cared for, but that's beside the point) he owes him at least some sort of explanation. ]

Thank you, but this is fine. [ That said, he cups one hand over the other on his lap, considering where to start. ] The truth is, I don't think claiming I was attacked would be quite accurate, though I suppose I would have been, if I had fought.

[ Which he pathetically didn't. So he closes his eyes, takes another breath, then continues: ]

As we progressed further into the woods, we were watched by shadows, and at one point they seemed to ambush us. Three of them, one for each of us, took on the shapes of people we knew, and tried to sway us with beautiful promises... I don't remember it clearly, but I think Guren-san took down his shadow, and he helped Mochizuki-kun resist his, but I... couldn't do it.

Shadows, huh...

[ he remembers what Minato told him before; it's probably worth bringing up with him on the off chance these are the same "Shadows" that he mentioned. Lupin listens quietly, considering Akechi's words in his head and trying to put them together with the other scant clues the town has offered them. For the moment, none of it is particularly insightful, but he's confident collecting information will lead to some conclusion eventually. ]

That sounds rough - like a challenge out of an old myth, almost. I don't blame you for getting tricked.

Ah, thank you, but--

[ He cuts himself short with a cringe, the memory of that day - and the new, fake memories he received on that fated moment - haunting him without mercy. ]

To have fallen for such an obvious trick... [ He shuts his eyes, shakes his head once. ] How can I even call myself a detective like this?

[ And while it is true that he feels like a failure, it's hardly the only thing that bothers him about this ordeal. The face he saw, the promises... How could he be so weak? ]

[ at that, Lupin sighs a little - not disappointed or exasperated, simply knowing. He had a feeling Akechi might be worried about this part more than actually being put under some mysterious curse. ]

Even detectives make mistakes sometimes. It's a good thing, too, or else I'd probably be locked up. [ he shifts from his spot by the wall, taking a step or two over to rest a hand on Akechi's shoulder reassuringly. ] In all seriousness, don't be so hard on yourself. No matter how you look at it, your feelings were being manipulated by a power we don't understand yet. It's got nothing to do with your wits.

Edited 2018-05-17 03:37 (UTC)

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I missed this one I'm gomen!

yurusenai

;w;

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