[Showing off... good for him, though. It's nice that he had something he liked so much, and it's kind of sweet that he wants to share it with her. She gives him another smile -- even if it's followed by an exasperated shake of her head -- as she drags over a chair to get herself a good spot by the record player.]
What kinds of things did you talk about? Phantom Thief stuff?
Sometimes. Back then I was working on a case of trying solve the mystery behind them alongside with the police. Akira was rather obvious case. [Not that he hadn't been aware of them a good while by that point, though.
He goes to take out two glasses, ice and seltzer drinks, preparing a drink for both of them. After that he enjoys the snacks she brought with her, frowning a bit at them. He really hopes she doesn't expect him to keep them. Well, anyway he does put some of the more sugary snacks on the bowl and brings it to the table where record player is sitting and then goes to fetch the drinks.
There's a slight breeze coming in the dimly lit room through the open window. It's.. not quite the same atmosphere as it was back in the club but it's okay. He's not really here to impress her too much.
Akechi also pulls a chair for himself and pressed the play-button on the player, starting the first song.]
So you were just trying to get information on him at first? ["At first," because whatever they are now, she's certain they're friends of a sort. Maybe not the same kind of friendship she has with her team members, but something like it, anyway.
Also, yes, she expects him to keep them. They're birthday presents! Which she won't call presents. Still, she waits patiently, turning her chair just enough to get a good angle of the music, and feel the breeze on her skin. Even if she's inside, something about the feeling of comfort reminds her of the school rooftop.
She holds her drink and closes her eyes when he hits play, letting the music wash over her. Jazz really isn't her main thing -- she prefers electronic or pop, sometimes classical -- but it's still beautiful. And really, it's the spirit of the gesture that makes it meaningful. Hopefully Goro isn't expecting any commentary from her, because she's just gently bobbing her head to the music.]
Something like that. [He admits quietly. That summer.. sure had been a thing. Full of pretending, fake flirting and blind cant-mouse game. Exhausting ordeal, one that he doesn't want to really revisit that by going into deeper details with Kotone. Just like his past as Detective Prince.
It's okay. Akechi is, for once, quiet too. He closes his eyes and just focuses on enjoying from the song, the tension leaving from his shoulders. And when the song is finally over he brings the glass to his lips, taking a sip.]
So, how was it? Of course, it doesn't hold a candle to the live performance. I was lucky enough to catch the singer at the club.
[She glances sideways at him, but doesn't press for more details. If he wants to tell her, he can! He seems like the type to speak unprompted about the things he does want to talk about, instead of needing to have information pried out of him. Besides, it would be harder to hear the music if she were chatting.
Weirdly enough, it feels like one of the first times she's been able to relax in recent days, just listening to the singer's melancholic voice. Again, slower than her usual taste, but still-]
It's beautiful. I can't imagine how nice it would have been live. [She mirrors him, taking a sip from her seltzer with a smile.] You said the place was a hole in the wall in Kichijoji? How'd you find it?
[Well. He has a bad habit of trauma-dumping when he gets on the mood, so she's not totally wrong in her assessment.]
It was by accident, mostly. I tend to prefer Kichijoji over busier areas like Shibuya. Less prying eyes and more privacy, if you know what I mean. [The downside to fame and so on. His popularity might not be as high as the pop-singer's or so, but there were still plenty of times when someone would recognize in the streets.] I used to have a habit to cycle around Kichijoji in the mornings. I happened to spot the owner having a smoke outside of the place and ended up chatting with him.
[Muhen.. was a curious case, yes. A little grouchy and blunt man with little patience for bullshit. Something that Akechi actually appreciated in him. He was never starstuck with him and treated him like any other customer.]
Oh, I didn't know you rode a bike! We mostly used the monorail and walked. Tatsumi Port Island isn't as big as Shibuya, but it had everything we needed.
[It's not too far away from those places, but it's also so much work and time to leave town that it was just easier not to. But it's nice to think that Goro was friendly enough -- or acted friendly enough -- to befriend the owner of a classy place like Jazz Jin seemed to be.
She huffs a laugh through her nose at the question about the dance club, her smile growing somewhat fond as she thinks back and takes a sip from her seltzer.] Technically, they weren't supposed to let me in 'cause I was too young, but the guy at the door didn't care enough to stop me as long as I didn't make any trouble. I met some really interesting people there!
[Swirling the ice in her glass, she taps her fingers gently against it.] There was an old Buddhist monk I used to hang out with there. I mean, he was a monk, but he didn't act like it, he was drinking and smoking the whole time. [Her nose wrinkles, because the cigar didn't smell great, but that's not important.] We talked a lot, and in the end, he was able to make amends with his wife and son and move back. Last I heard, he was doing well.
Ah, yes. I would cycle to places whenever I could. Of course, no one in Tokyo can be spared from using the train. It's almost a pity they don't bicycles here. Horses really aren't the same thing, right.
[Cycling is actually one of the few activities that he misses from home. It had been something that he genuinely had enjoyed doing, something that actually made him feel connected to life. If that made sense.
Anyway, he can't help but laugh out loud when hearing her explanation.]
Really? A high school girl all alone in a club at the dead of the night, chatting up shady drunkards and so. You really are scandalous person, K-- Shiomi-san. [Oops, he almost slipped there. But really, this all really explains why she gets along so well with someone like Dazai-san.] I'm sure you were unstoppable force.
[Not riding them, mind. Petting them. That reminds her, she has to see if she can nag someone to teach her how to ride a horse...
His laughter makes her smile with genuine delight, some of the sparkle returning to her eyes when he nearly slips on her name.]
He really wasn't that bad! I learned a lot from him. President Tanaka is the one who tried being more of a bad influence. I ended up having to give him like, 40,000 yen before he'd talk to me.
[Tanaka, as in Tanaka from the old TV shopping program on Sundays? Of course, by Goro's time, he runs a website for Shady Commodities, but she doesn't know that.]
[He pays attention to the name Tanaka. It does sound familiar to him so he's sure to file it away to his mind, right in the folder "for the later". It's really a shame he doesn't have access to internet here!]
You really do come pretty interesting people, let's say. Not that I haven't met rather colorful personalities through my line of work. Say, you wouldn't have happened to run into anyone with ties to Yakuza? [Sure, Iwai was more of Akira's associate but it wasn't like he hadn't paid attention to the shady airsoft shopkeeper. Especially nearing the end-times.]
--Oh! [He quickly waves the air before she has a chance to give her answer.] If the order is the same as in the club the song after this is one of the best from the record.
[She frowns, trying to think. The yakuza...? She doesn't think so, unless those guys at the mahjong parlor counted. They were just kind of sketchy, though. She shakes her head and opens her mouth to say so, but shuts it again when he speaks up.]
Oh yeah? Tell me what you like about it.
[Either while it's playing, or after, she doesn't mind! But she'd like to hear his perspective.]
[It's almost uncharacteristic of him to be in such a good mood. He's not usually happy but getting the record is getting him pretty darn close.]
Ah. Actually, I wish I could hear your assessment first, if you don't mind? [There's a hint of a test present here. It'd be lying to deny that Kotone hadn't roused his interest during their last meeting, despite it ending with him walking off. He really wants to see if she, too, has what it takes to challenge him.
He falls silent when the next song, No More What Ifs (because that's the only song mun knows), begins to play. The only sound, aside from the singer's melancholic yet soothing voice, is the faint clinking of the ice as it's slowly begin to melt in their glasses.]
[Is this a test? It feels like a test. He even said "assessment" and not "opinion." But okay, she closes her eyes to listen, tapping her foot gently to the music. Musically, it's a little bit repetitive, almost calming in its easy beat. It'd be nice for a romance dance, she thinks, the kind where you just put your arms around someone and just sway back and forth.
The lyrics are interesting, too. Second-guessing decisions, staying true to oneself, following through... it reminds her of Goro in a way she doesn't know how to explain just yet, a kind of resonance with Melchizedek that she can feel more than articulate. Her lips quirk up at the final line what matters most is how you bring joy to life, so...]
I like it! [she announces finally when it's over, dragging a fingernail idly up the side of her glass as she thinks about her "assessment."] About resolution, standing by your own choices even if you don't know if they're right or not. Like, she's singing about being alone, but she's also singing to someone. It actually reminds me of a song I have...
[She taps her headphones. Somebody once said Burn My Dead, babe.]
[Leaning forward Akechi crosses his legs, and rest his chin on the hand as he observes her. He does look rather pleased with her answer, nodding at her.]
Not bad, Shiomi-san. I have to say that I agree with you. Life is unfair to most of us, leaving some with no other than 'bad' options to choose from. In cases like those I believe it's important to stick to your guns and follow your guts, not allowing your resolution to shake even at the face of uncertainty. A mature song, and I feel like the singer really knew how to capture the meaning behind of it.
[He takes another drink and looks down at her headphones.] Really? Which song is that?
[Her smile is small and a little lopsided. That really does describe the life of a Persona-user, huh? Sometimes there's only the lesser of two evils to choose from, and one can only make the best of a bad situation.
Her eyes brighten a little with humor as she scrolls through the MP3 player hanging on its lanyard around her neck, turning it a few seconds later to show the track name scrolling along its very-early-2000s display -- Burn My Dread.]
Wanna listen? It's not jazz, though. [She holds up one of her headphones with her other hand. He'll have to scoot closer so they can share, but she doesn't mind!]
Hm. [He peers at the player with a curious eyes, recognizing the model. Oh, how cute. He thinks to himself while looking at her retro tech. Well, she had said to be from 2009.]
I don't mind. I told you that my work required me to keep track of the trends, music included. [He reaches to press 'pause' on the record player, and moves his chair closer to her. The whole set up kinda reminds him from their time at the party, where she had so boldly just decided share the chair with him. Well, at least they're not that close this time, shoulders and knees barely bumping to each other.
After settling down he takes the offered headphone, placing it on his ear.]
[She smiles at him coming into her personal space of his own free will -- she'd have moved if he hadn't, but it's nice to see him take the imitative -- and sets her other headphone on her ear so they can listen together. Oh, but first!]
I want to hear your assessment, too. [It's said with a bit of a teasing lilt to her voice, because yeah, she is genuinely interested in his opinion, but also she's making fun of him.
As she hits play, she starts drumming her fingers gently against the glass. It's a familiar song, after all, and one of her favorites! And it's not like she can add more music to her MP3 player these days, so she's been listening to these same songs for the past few months.]
[Look! For scenario like this it's not that much of a big deal. He can feel the warmth radiating off her body just as her own, characteristic scent mixed with faint floral fragrance travels to his nostrils. But it's nothing he can't handle. He had to sit tight and close to others in Monabus while traversing through Mementos with the Phantom Thieves.
The comment only earns a smirk from him, because yeah. He can tell that she's poking at him verbally, but whatever! And with that he focuses on the music, listening carefully the lyrics and beat. Yeah.. It's an old song, he can tell. Not really something you'd hear them play in radio. Once the song is over he removes the headphone and returns it to her.]
Was this popular in your time? Can't say that I've heard anything like this in a long time, but that being said. [Akechi leans back, taking another sip out of his drink as if he's trying to piece together his thoughts.] I believe it tackles the questions of existentialism. Coming to terms with one's mortality and finding strength from it, knowing that despite everything you have lived your life proudly.
[He can't help but laugh a little.] I can see why you'd like this one.
[Really, it just reminds her how grateful she is to Fuuka for building these high quality headphones for her. Even if the music is a little old by most people's standards, the sound is still good.
She gives him a pleased smile as she takes a sip from her own drink, not bothering to move away. Considering how often she breaches other people's personal space, something like this is hardly a big deal to her. But she just nods at his summary, a little pleased.]
Yeah. D'you think your singer, [she nods toward the record player,] was referencing this song? They're kind of similar, I think.
[She bumps his shoulder companionably.] Fits both of us, huh?
Could be. There is an overlapping theme and it wouldn't be the first time an artist uses an intertextuality as a tool in their writing. [Everyone has their own muses and inspirations and so on.
The grin on his face slowly fades away, turning from the playful one to more thoughtful one. He hums quietly at the question and allows a brief, but meaningful silence to fall between them -- filling in the tiniest cracks between them.]
What do you think of this place, Kotone. [Yes, first names again. This time intentionally. He had asked the same question from Akira when he had just arrived, but his 'leader' couldn't seem to be able to follow his thoughts on the matter. And why he found it all so difficult.] Is it a home? A second-chance?
[Oooh he gets good grades in his literature classes, huh? She grins at him a little, but nods in agreement.
She'll let him have the silence, though, recognizing it as thoughtful and not awkward. The gentle clinking of ice brings her attention back to the glass, and she takes another sip while waiting for him to say whatever it is he's thinking about.
The use of her name again brings a hint of a smile back to her lips, but she doesn't call attention to it. She just hums, letting him know that she'd heard his question, but now she's the one taking her time to mull it over. What is this place...? She can already guess that neither of those options are what Goro thinks of it personally, which immediately renders them as wrong answers. She runs her fingers up and down the side of the glass, collecting the condensation, before answering with a thoughtful,]
I don't know. Would it sound too dramatic to say purgatory? [She's only half-joking as she glances to him, lips still curved into that small smile.] I don't really think it's permanent. More like we're being held, waiting for something.
[Girl, he gets good grades in All of his classes. Overachieving and all that.
The expression Akechi wears is more somber one as he observes Kotone under his eyelashes. There are really no wrong or right answers here. He can see why someone in their situation would be overjoyed with the state of things. A new chance at life, clean slate where to start anew. Akechi, of course, thinks such way of thinking to be naive one. He's way too jaded for that.. Kotone might not be like him but surely, she understands.]
I believe you are most likely correct with that assumption. Some of us 'Chosen' have already disappeared. Maybe they've moved on? [But then again.. Akira and Sumire aren't dead. Or at least they shouldn't be. And he'd rather not to think the what-ifs on this matter.] If I remember correctly, you said you had accepted death as well when choosing to fight Nyx. Do you feel [What's the word he's looking here] content to be alive again? Or happy?
[It's said simply. There's no trace of regret in her voice; she's merely stating a fact. She takes a final sip of her drink and sets it down, folding her hands in her lap and gently rotating the faintly glowing ring on her finger.]
Every minute I had after that battle was borrowed time, but I'd made a promise to my team that we'd meet again on the rooftop during graduation. It was... hard, really hard, but I kept going. I just had to make it to then, and then I could finally rest. I was really close, I think.
[Her voice is curiously distant, as if she's describing events that had happened to someone else, but her smile doesn't fade.]
This is just... extending that. Sometimes, I still feel like I'm dying. Especially close to midnight. [She tilts her head, turning that smile on Goro, and he can maybe get a sense of how resigned she is, how weary she really, truly is under all of her usual energy.] I'm really tired. But if I just stayed in my room and slept until my "sentencing" or whatever... that feels really disrespectful to the people who did suffer or die so I could get as far as I did. So I want to enjoy however much time I have left.
[Her eyes brighten, just a little.] Maybe I'll die tomorrow. But at least I won't feel like I've wasted my time.
So, their situations were more different than what he had thought. From what she's saying makes it sound like she was spirited away here just a moments prior her death, leaving her lingering somewhere in the between. It must be tough, no doubt. Especially when she put up such energetic mask out every time she went out, hiding her exhaustion and pain. All too understandable. ]
I see your duplicity. [A 'crime' that she's continuing, even here. Well, it's not like Akechi wasn't doing the same.] You didn't answer my question, though.
[She huffs a small laugh. Is he joking? Is that really what her crime is? That can't be it.
...Can it? Huh. Something to think about, as it looks like a few things slotted into place for her. But Goro had asked a question; she thought she'd answered it well enough, but apparently he wants something more direct.
So she shrugs.]
I guess so. I thought I'd never see Aragaki-senpai again, so even that's a lot more than I could ever have hoped for. Besides, I'd never have met you.
[She tilts her head to give him another smile. As much of a jerk as he can be, she's still happy to have met him.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Showing off... good for him, though. It's nice that he had something he liked so much, and it's kind of sweet that he wants to share it with her. She gives him another smile -- even if it's followed by an exasperated shake of her head -- as she drags over a chair to get herself a good spot by the record player.]
What kinds of things did you talk about? Phantom Thief stuff?
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He goes to take out two glasses, ice and seltzer drinks, preparing a drink for both of them. After that he enjoys the snacks she brought with her, frowning a bit at them. He really hopes she doesn't expect him to keep them. Well, anyway he does put some of the more sugary snacks on the bowl and brings it to the table where record player is sitting and then goes to fetch the drinks.
There's a slight breeze coming in the dimly lit room through the open window. It's.. not quite the same atmosphere as it was back in the club but it's okay. He's not really here to impress her too much.
Akechi also pulls a chair for himself and pressed the play-button on the player, starting the first song.]
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Also, yes, she expects him to keep them. They're birthday presents! Which she won't call presents. Still, she waits patiently, turning her chair just enough to get a good angle of the music, and feel the breeze on her skin. Even if she's inside, something about the feeling of comfort reminds her of the school rooftop.
She holds her drink and closes her eyes when he hits play, letting the music wash over her. Jazz really isn't her main thing -- she prefers electronic or pop, sometimes classical -- but it's still beautiful. And really, it's the spirit of the gesture that makes it meaningful. Hopefully Goro isn't expecting any commentary from her, because she's just gently bobbing her head to the music.]
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It's okay. Akechi is, for once, quiet too. He closes his eyes and just focuses on enjoying from the song, the tension leaving from his shoulders. And when the song is finally over he brings the glass to his lips, taking a sip.]
So, how was it? Of course, it doesn't hold a candle to the live performance. I was lucky enough to catch the singer at the club.
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Weirdly enough, it feels like one of the first times she's been able to relax in recent days, just listening to the singer's melancholic voice. Again, slower than her usual taste, but still-]
It's beautiful. I can't imagine how nice it would have been live. [She mirrors him, taking a sip from her seltzer with a smile.] You said the place was a hole in the wall in Kichijoji? How'd you find it?
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It was by accident, mostly. I tend to prefer Kichijoji over busier areas like Shibuya. Less prying eyes and more privacy, if you know what I mean. [The downside to fame and so on. His popularity might not be as high as the pop-singer's or so, but there were still plenty of times when someone would recognize in the streets.] I used to have a habit to cycle around Kichijoji in the mornings. I happened to spot the owner having a smoke outside of the place and ended up chatting with him.
[Muhen.. was a curious case, yes. A little grouchy and blunt man with little patience for bullshit. Something that Akechi actually appreciated in him. He was never starstuck with him and treated him like any other customer.]
What was the dance club like?
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[It's not too far away from those places, but it's also so much work and time to leave town that it was just easier not to. But it's nice to think that Goro was friendly enough -- or acted friendly enough -- to befriend the owner of a classy place like Jazz Jin seemed to be.
She huffs a laugh through her nose at the question about the dance club, her smile growing somewhat fond as she thinks back and takes a sip from her seltzer.] Technically, they weren't supposed to let me in 'cause I was too young, but the guy at the door didn't care enough to stop me as long as I didn't make any trouble. I met some really interesting people there!
[Swirling the ice in her glass, she taps her fingers gently against it.] There was an old Buddhist monk I used to hang out with there. I mean, he was a monk, but he didn't act like it, he was drinking and smoking the whole time. [Her nose wrinkles, because the cigar didn't smell great, but that's not important.] We talked a lot, and in the end, he was able to make amends with his wife and son and move back. Last I heard, he was doing well.
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[Cycling is actually one of the few activities that he misses from home. It had been something that he genuinely had enjoyed doing, something that actually made him feel connected to life. If that made sense.
Anyway, he can't help but laugh out loud when hearing her explanation.]
Really? A high school girl all alone in a club at the dead of the night, chatting up shady drunkards and so. You really are scandalous person, K-- Shiomi-san. [Oops, he almost slipped there. But really, this all really explains why she gets along so well with someone like Dazai-san.] I'm sure you were unstoppable force.
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[Not riding them, mind. Petting them. That reminds her, she has to see if she can nag someone to teach her how to ride a horse...
His laughter makes her smile with genuine delight, some of the sparkle returning to her eyes when he nearly slips on her name.]
He really wasn't that bad! I learned a lot from him. President Tanaka is the one who tried being more of a bad influence. I ended up having to give him like, 40,000 yen before he'd talk to me.
[Tanaka, as in Tanaka from the old TV shopping program on Sundays? Of course, by Goro's time, he runs a website for Shady Commodities, but she doesn't know that.]
horse girl kotone!!
You really do come pretty interesting people, let's say. Not that I haven't met rather colorful personalities through my line of work. Say, you wouldn't have happened to run into anyone with ties to Yakuza? [Sure, Iwai was more of Akira's associate but it wasn't like he hadn't paid attention to the shady airsoft shopkeeper. Especially nearing the end-times.]
--Oh! [He quickly waves the air before she has a chance to give her answer.] If the order is the same as in the club the song after this is one of the best from the record.
horse girl!!
Oh yeah? Tell me what you like about it.
[Either while it's playing, or after, she doesn't mind! But she'd like to hear his perspective.]
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Ah. Actually, I wish I could hear your assessment first, if you don't mind? [There's a hint of a test present here. It'd be lying to deny that Kotone hadn't roused his interest during their last meeting, despite it ending with him walking off. He really wants to see if she, too, has what it takes to challenge him.
He falls silent when the next song, No More What Ifs (because that's the only song mun knows), begins to play. The only sound, aside from the singer's melancholic yet soothing voice, is the faint clinking of the ice as it's slowly begin to melt in their glasses.]
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[Is this a test? It feels like a test. He even said "assessment" and not "opinion." But okay, she closes her eyes to listen, tapping her foot gently to the music. Musically, it's a little bit repetitive, almost calming in its easy beat. It'd be nice for a romance dance, she thinks, the kind where you just put your arms around someone and just sway back and forth.
The lyrics are interesting, too. Second-guessing decisions, staying true to oneself, following through... it reminds her of Goro in a way she doesn't know how to explain just yet, a kind of resonance with Melchizedek that she can feel more than articulate. Her lips quirk up at the final line what matters most is how you bring joy to life, so...]
I like it! [she announces finally when it's over, dragging a fingernail idly up the side of her glass as she thinks about her "assessment."] About resolution, standing by your own choices even if you don't know if they're right or not. Like, she's singing about being alone, but she's also singing to someone. It actually reminds me of a song I have...
[She taps her headphones. Somebody once said Burn My Dead, babe.]
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Not bad, Shiomi-san. I have to say that I agree with you. Life is unfair to most of us, leaving some with no other than 'bad' options to choose from. In cases like those I believe it's important to stick to your guns and follow your guts, not allowing your resolution to shake even at the face of uncertainty. A mature song, and I feel like the singer really knew how to capture the meaning behind of it.
[He takes another drink and looks down at her headphones.] Really? Which song is that?
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[Her smile is small and a little lopsided. That really does describe the life of a Persona-user, huh? Sometimes there's only the lesser of two evils to choose from, and one can only make the best of a bad situation.
Her eyes brighten a little with humor as she scrolls through the MP3 player hanging on its lanyard around her neck, turning it a few seconds later to show the track name scrolling along its very-early-2000s display -- Burn My Dread.]
Wanna listen? It's not jazz, though. [She holds up one of her headphones with her other hand. He'll have to scoot closer so they can share, but she doesn't mind!]
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I don't mind. I told you that my work required me to keep track of the trends, music included. [He reaches to press 'pause' on the record player, and moves his chair closer to her. The whole set up kinda reminds him from their time at the party, where she had so boldly just decided share the chair with him. Well, at least they're not that close this time, shoulders and knees barely bumping to each other.
After settling down he takes the offered headphone, placing it on his ear.]
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I want to hear your assessment, too. [It's said with a bit of a teasing lilt to her voice, because yeah, she is genuinely interested in his opinion, but also she's making fun of him.
As she hits play, she starts drumming her fingers gently against the glass. It's a familiar song, after all, and one of her favorites! And it's not like she can add more music to her MP3 player these days, so she's been listening to these same songs for the past few months.]
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The comment only earns a smirk from him, because yeah. He can tell that she's poking at him verbally, but whatever! And with that he focuses on the music, listening carefully the lyrics and beat. Yeah.. It's an old song, he can tell. Not really something you'd hear them play in radio. Once the song is over he removes the headphone and returns it to her.]
Was this popular in your time? Can't say that I've heard anything like this in a long time, but that being said. [Akechi leans back, taking another sip out of his drink as if he's trying to piece together his thoughts.] I believe it tackles the questions of existentialism. Coming to terms with one's mortality and finding strength from it, knowing that despite everything you have lived your life proudly.
[He can't help but laugh a little.] I can see why you'd like this one.
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She gives him a pleased smile as she takes a sip from her own drink, not bothering to move away. Considering how often she breaches other people's personal space, something like this is hardly a big deal to her. But she just nods at his summary, a little pleased.]
Yeah. D'you think your singer, [she nods toward the record player,] was referencing this song? They're kind of similar, I think.
[She bumps his shoulder companionably.] Fits both of us, huh?
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The grin on his face slowly fades away, turning from the playful one to more thoughtful one. He hums quietly at the question and allows a brief, but meaningful silence to fall between them -- filling in the tiniest cracks between them.]
What do you think of this place, Kotone. [Yes, first names again. This time intentionally. He had asked the same question from Akira when he had just arrived, but his 'leader' couldn't seem to be able to follow his thoughts on the matter. And why he found it all so difficult.] Is it a home? A second-chance?
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She'll let him have the silence, though, recognizing it as thoughtful and not awkward. The gentle clinking of ice brings her attention back to the glass, and she takes another sip while waiting for him to say whatever it is he's thinking about.
The use of her name again brings a hint of a smile back to her lips, but she doesn't call attention to it. She just hums, letting him know that she'd heard his question, but now she's the one taking her time to mull it over. What is this place...? She can already guess that neither of those options are what Goro thinks of it personally, which immediately renders them as wrong answers. She runs her fingers up and down the side of the glass, collecting the condensation, before answering with a thoughtful,]
I don't know. Would it sound too dramatic to say purgatory? [She's only half-joking as she glances to him, lips still curved into that small smile.] I don't really think it's permanent. More like we're being held, waiting for something.
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The expression Akechi wears is more somber one as he observes Kotone under his eyelashes. There are really no wrong or right answers here. He can see why someone in their situation would be overjoyed with the state of things. A new chance at life, clean slate where to start anew. Akechi, of course, thinks such way of thinking to be naive one. He's way too jaded for that.. Kotone might not be like him but surely, she understands.]
I believe you are most likely correct with that assumption. Some of us 'Chosen' have already disappeared. Maybe they've moved on? [But then again.. Akira and Sumire aren't dead. Or at least they shouldn't be. And he'd rather not to think the what-ifs on this matter.] If I remember correctly, you said you had accepted death as well when choosing to fight Nyx. Do you feel [What's the word he's looking here] content to be alive again? Or happy?
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[It's said simply. There's no trace of regret in her voice; she's merely stating a fact. She takes a final sip of her drink and sets it down, folding her hands in her lap and gently rotating the faintly glowing ring on her finger.]
Every minute I had after that battle was borrowed time, but I'd made a promise to my team that we'd meet again on the rooftop during graduation. It was... hard, really hard, but I kept going. I just had to make it to then, and then I could finally rest. I was really close, I think.
[Her voice is curiously distant, as if she's describing events that had happened to someone else, but her smile doesn't fade.]
This is just... extending that. Sometimes, I still feel like I'm dying. Especially close to midnight. [She tilts her head, turning that smile on Goro, and he can maybe get a sense of how resigned she is, how weary she really, truly is under all of her usual energy.] I'm really tired. But if I just stayed in my room and slept until my "sentencing" or whatever... that feels really disrespectful to the people who did suffer or die so I could get as far as I did. So I want to enjoy however much time I have left.
[Her eyes brighten, just a little.] Maybe I'll die tomorrow. But at least I won't feel like I've wasted my time.
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So, their situations were more different than what he had thought. From what she's saying makes it sound like she was spirited away here just a moments prior her death, leaving her lingering somewhere in the between. It must be tough, no doubt. Especially when she put up such energetic mask out every time she went out, hiding her exhaustion and pain. All too understandable. ]
I see your duplicity. [A 'crime' that she's continuing, even here. Well, it's not like Akechi wasn't doing the same.] You didn't answer my question, though.
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...Can it? Huh. Something to think about, as it looks like a few things slotted into place for her. But Goro had asked a question; she thought she'd answered it well enough, but apparently he wants something more direct.
So she shrugs.]
I guess so. I thought I'd never see Aragaki-senpai again, so even that's a lot more than I could ever have hoped for. Besides, I'd never have met you.
[She tilts her head to give him another smile. As much of a jerk as he can be, she's still happy to have met him.]
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i feel like we should slam CW for death talk here???
OH YEAH PROBABLY
JUST YOUR REGULAR PERSONA STUFF !!
adding in cw for suicide ideation boy this is a proper p3 social link now
Blanket warnings for whole thing tbh
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