[Akira starts naming names, and there it is again. Though... noticeably more subdued this time. Like when you're given a reminder of something you don't particularly want to think about. There and gone in an instant.
It won't be reflected in his expression, though. If anything, he just looks annoyed that this is where Akira decided to take this conversation.]
[Akira moves another chess piece to restart the game, gaze focused on the game board]
I think that's a lie.
[but]
I'm not going to press, though. [as much as he WANTS TO, this is about the limit. he and Akechi aren't fighting for once, and he'd rather keep it that way] But if you want to talk about it, I'll listen.
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[HE CAN CLIMB OVER THE TABLE BUT AKECHI'S LEGS ARE NOT, IN FACT, FUCKED UP SO HE WILL STAND RIGHT UP
AND MOVE AWAY.
But, hey, at least Akira kind of succeeded in taking their minds off current events?]
You should complete that sentence, Akira.
[Unfortunately, he's catching on.]
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[THROWS A CHESS PIECE AT AKECHI'S FACE AGAIN]
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thankfully not with the hand holding the doll, phew.]
Are you upset? [Binch.] There are better ways to get this back.
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[what happened to chess]
[advancing upon Akechi now, trying to grab the doll again]
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Why don't you say please, first?
[... Surprise!
He's still mildly salty about foot check.]
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[because all it does is let Akechi poke and prod and pinch the doll and then Akira can feel it I'm crying]
Over my dead body. . .!
[LUNGING FOR IT NOW]
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BUT, SINCE THIS IS HAPPENING—]
Well, since you asked!
[IF AKIRA DOESN'T GRAB HIM BEFORE HE STEPS BACK, AKECHI WILL ABSOLUTELY
YEET IT
ACROSS THE ROOM.]
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YOU ASSHOLE--
[immediately whirls on his heel and DARTS ACROSS THE ROOM TO CATCH IT-- oh nevermind he fails]
[the doll smacks into the wall and Akira just kind of crumples because the impact hurt and ow. now he hurts]
[mildly, it's not that bad, but he's still going to pout anyway because fuck you akechi]
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The hilarious thing is that Akechi likely felt that as well, judging by the way he flinches, but it's fine. It's fine. That was fun.]
Mm, you should have said please.
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[hilariously, although there is a flicker of annoyance on Akira's end of the bond, there's no like. actual malice or true irritation behind any of it]
Only in your dreams.
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[Is he relieved by the lack of malice or irritation?
...
Nah. Still funny.
While Akira recovers, Akechi will walk back over to the table and reclaim his seat, crossing his legs once he plops down on it.]
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[maybe he prefers you being a rude smug asshole it's more true to yourself!!]
[Akira takes a seat too, this time making sure the doll is nestled safely in his lap. they are missing a few chess pieces now. oops]
Just for that, I'm going to ask you a question.
[he was gonna ask it anyway but better to ask while Akechi is in a good mood and not a foul one. maybe]
Were you hoping that we'd be able to find Meltryllis and restrain her, before she hurt anyone else? Even though you insisted it'd never work?
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And just like that, any semblance of a good mood is gone. Oh, well.]
What kind of question is that?
[There's no grief. Not this time. Only a flash of irritation.]
Anyone who tried to retrain her would be dead. I'm glad someone had the sense to kill her.
[Even if that someone wasn't him. Pity.]
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[. . .]
[he does feel a little bad about killing the good mood, but. . . if Akechi is mourning someone, Akira doesn't want him to mourn alone]
It's a prying question. I guess I'm feeling a little nosy.
[let's go back to chess!! Akira is going to rearrange the pieces he threw earlier so they can play properly again]
. . . were you close to Mammon or Valentini, then?
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It won't be reflected in his expression, though. If anything, he just looks annoyed that this is where Akira decided to take this conversation.]
Of course not. I hardly spoke to either of them.
[Hm.]
Is there a point this?
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[Akira moves another chess piece to restart the game, gaze focused on the game board]
I think that's a lie.
[but]
I'm not going to press, though. [as much as he WANTS TO, this is about the limit. he and Akechi aren't fighting for once, and he'd rather keep it that way] But if you want to talk about it, I'll listen.
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He's quiet.
And then, as he moves one of his pieces:]
You're wrong.
[That's all.]
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[then for now, Akira will leave it at that. it's only after the trial that he learns those feelings of anger are over Mammon, anyway. so]
[Akira makes a neutral noise in response, neither one of acknowledgement or disagreement, and moves another piece of his own]