[ Once they get back to the castle, Kurapika helps Akira transport all of the ingredients to the kitchen, helping him set all of them onto the counter however he needs them. ]
[Kurapika is such a busybody that he'd probably keel over without something to keep him occupied. As such, Akira slides over a cutting board and knife.]
Chop up the carrots into half-inch slices. Easy enough, right?
[ What's up, Boss! Yamato's here to finally try that shopping thing that Tatara keeps wanting them to do, and Akira did mention being a willing errand boy, so.
[Later he flies over to the manor, still in the suit from the party, still not wearing the jacket properly because why would you ever. Though he debates going in the normal way, he decides to stay on the broom and drift over to the windows and see if 1. he can spot Akira in one of the rooms and 2. check if the window can be opened from the outside.]
[One: Akira's in his room lying sprawled out on the bed, his expression contorted into one of pain. He's alive, at least, though he's pouring sweat and clearly not doing too well, caught somewhere between restless sleep and consciousness.
And two? Good news, Ahito! The window's cracked open to give Akira some air. Jimmying it open further shouldn't be difficult.]
[Thanks to the efforts of their lovely healers, Akira has once again managed to narrowly skirt death. Solomon's cooking was... edible, at least initially, but Akira never could have imagined it sitting in his gut like a bomb ticking down and going off at the worst possible moment.
Man, he must've looked like a loser lying face down on the floor like that. How could Solomon make him look so lame? He's supposed to back him up. Wingman him. Trying to kill his ass with omurice is so uncool.
But you know what? It's fine. Akira's decided to take a page out of Jesus' book and has turned the other cheek, graciously letting Solomon in at whatever late hour he comes knocking. He didn't mean to kill him with his atrocious cooking, Akira's sure, but if by chance he did, Akira has yet another reason to grow stronger than him and surpass his ass: coldblooded murder.
He's still a bit lethargic, but he's steady on his feet, sweeping his arm out with a flourish to welcome Solomon in.]
Welcome to my humble abode. Please tell me you didn't bring any midnight snacks.
[The disappearance of the body so suddenly isn't exactly something Solomon can ignore, even among all the pointing fingers and judgmental (lol) conclusions. Tatara being unusually calm about the entire situation, however, is what keeps the sorcerer from jumping into any further action.
Tatara has seen worse, this he knows by now. Tatara was concerned about wizards killing one another off. If Tatara was this relaxed, then Akira's situation wasn't an irreversible one.
It's why he slips down the halls to try and locate Akira's room, knocking when he finds it and offering a smile that doesn't reach his eyes when the teen answers the door.
Man. He sure does look rough.]
I'm afraid not. [He'll make his way in, keeping his eye on Akira to see what kind of state he's in as he moves and talks.]
It's good to see you're still in one piece. Do you remember what happened?
[ After Solomon and Akira's Everything, Yamato decides to pay him a visit. He's still in his suit from the dance. He actually decided to go straight here after finishing up at the ball, honestly. ]
[A big shame Akira missed out on the ball due to almost actually dying, but he's making up for lost time in whatever ways he can. Fighting is a lot like interpretive dance, each step timed to a staccato beat only Akira can hear. It might be obvious in his movements that Akira has a particular beat in mind, felling shadow after shadow right on cue.]
—Oops.
[But it isn't perfect. The shadows don't beat to the shame drum, one managing to sneak up behind him and make a grab for his leg. Akira dispatches it with a ball of whispy black flame shot from the barrel of his airsoft gun. Not so useless after all, is it?]
Cid! What happened to covering my back? You better not be dying over there.
[Little by little, he's memorizing Cid's tempo as well, but he'd have an easier time synchronizing with him if they could work in tandem. Get thine ass over here.]
'tis Go The Fuck To Sleep: Shadow (Not Shadow) Edition
[Comes Cid's extremely staid reply -- he mostly sounds either distracted or distant when he's actively doing anything, but especially when he's fighting, whether that's out of concentration or actual distraction (or actual boredom, because the same monsters day after day can get stale when you have to grind the small things).
It is a little more interesting fighting with somebody else; it's been a while since he really had to do that type of dance, especially as "Cid", and especially when it comes to the small fry they're bopping along through. The monsters are slightly different than usual, but it's more like wading through a million somewhat more annoying slimes...
It's really just the same steps, in reverse and at least half a beat off. He's never been good at not leading. Teamwork........... is hard.]
Besides, it's pretty hard to do teamwork with a ghost. I'm still totally bamboozled that you aren't dead after the crime scene in the castle. It's a little anticlimactic.
[That's even more deadpan than the first reply. His head cocks at the sound of the gun; it's an interesting thing to see used as a focus, and he is pretty sure there are more guns floating around. Kind of disappointing that there's no proper bullets, though.]
[*Except for the part where Khun does any cooking, right?
Akira would like an assistant in the kitchen, but he's used to flitting from stove to countertop to ice box all on his own. He's a bit sluggish post-"death," but that's no excuse to spend the day wasting away in bed.
As usual, Akira insists on cooking up a fresh pot of curry so those less kitchen-inclined can help themselves to a snack throughout the day. He's in the middle of slicing and dicing some onions when Khun makes his way into the kitchen, except... that is Khun, isn't it? It's kinda hard to see the guy through a veil of onion-induced tears. Excuse him while he furiously swabs at the mess that is his face to make some attempt at looking presentable.]
You're a rare sight in the kitchen. Did you come to help out?
[ hey, expediting in the kitchen is a real job. surely he can get credit off of that? khun's here to brew tea, he is in fact, capable of boiling water at least though anything more complicated is questionable.
his nose scrunches at the familiar smell, an amused smile on his lips given he had spoke with shinji about curry on one of their very first days here. it really is common everywhere. he comes over, staying clear enough of the ingredient island, but close enough where they can converse. ]
[Shit, Kurapika is going to poison and kill him. Somewhere in his heart, Akira always knew this was how he'd go down.
His nature as a busybody keeps his mind distracted until the 12th hour after which he slips out of his room and into the courtyard, scanning the periphery for Kurapika. Should he have brought his dagger? Probably.]
[It's the start of the afternoon and yet a certain Northern wizard has gone suspiciously into hiding. Wasn't he just here this morning? He was definitely around last night, banging on Tatara's window at 1am for some reason.
Oh, no, there he is. He's just tucked away at the manor bar, day drinking, looking at his cup of not!bourbon like it might hold life's mysteries if the ice melts a little faster.]
[The bar isn't a part of the manor Akira frequents. Why would he when he doesn't drink outside of special occasions? He's here to snag a bottle of cooking sherry for a pasta recipe he's been playing with, but it looks like that mission's on hold.
A familiar shock of white hair. An uncharacteristic slump to his shoulders. That's Solomon for sure, but what's he doing here drinking in the middle of the day?
He has a few guesses, but he'll leave the decision to talk about it to Solomon. Akira wordlessly drops onto the stool beside Solomon with a muted whump and peers into his glass. The acrid scent makes his nose wrinkle.]
Day drinking? I thought you were better than that.
[Whether the central wizards come through the front doors or the elevator, the commotion is enough to get Solomon's attention from where he's seated himself in the library.
He won't get in the way of the first responders, of any healers or friends or of any that need to retreat. He simply stays to one side in the frame of a doorway, observing, trying to sense the state of their newly returned fledglings. Syrlya, Kiryu, the blonde who'd tried to reason with Khun the week prior, the other witch besides Maya...
...and Akira.
He doesn't catch it at first - stressors will always change a person, making them react differently. But once the afternoon passes and dims into evening, there's an unsettling pit in Solomon's stomach. Something doesn't seem right.
He waits, until there's time enough to spot the teen in a moment of retreat on the way to his room.
Akira may see sudden sparkles of starlight starting to drift from the corner of his window, like dust falling from an hourglass and settling onto the windowsill. Is that sugar?]
[He's spent the better part of the day drifting in and out of fugue states. Wandering listlessly throughout the manor with no plan or purpose, Akira saw the looks of concern in the eyes of his friends and thought better of remaining in the public eye.
In his current state, all he'll do is worry them. It's not his role to be weak, to be fretted over, to be anything other than strong and resolute in the eyes of those who rely on and trust him. Until this "feeling" passes, Akira is sequestering himself away in his room.
But... It's lonely. It's isolating, his thoughts swirling around and around in his head with nothing to filter them, no one to break the silence. The book in his hands remains open to the same page he started on over an hour ago. He's getting nowhere, accomplishing nothing, which is when he jerks himself upright to retreat to the window and let in some fresh air. Maybe that will help him think.]
...Snow?
[Snow in the springtime is unusual, at least back home. Perhaps if his mind weren't buzzing with static, he'd have realized sooner that what falls beyond his window isn't snow at all. Wait a moment, that's... sugar?
This is someone's idea of a prank, surely. Akira stares for a moment longer before sliding open the window and peeking his head out in search of the culprit.]
[Whenever Akira can manage to slip away undetected from anyone who might try to stop him, he takes the opportunity and runs. Rather, he flies from his window and disappears into the night only to reemerge in the kitchen when it's completely unoccupied.
It's not an unusual sight, Akira nose-deep in pantries and drawers digging around for utensils to cook his meals. It's not even an unusual hour for him to be fixing up a big pot of curry sizeable enough to keep the whole of the mansion fed.
When someone else enters the kitchen, however, he jolts, apparently startled. He goes still, eerily still, with his eyes boring into them from over one shoulder. This isn't like Akira, but does Shinjiro know him well enough to determine what is and isn't normal Akira behavior?]
[ Sometimes, he thinks life behind the Port Island Station was far less hectic than whatever the hell is going on in this manor. It hasn't even been a month, and they've already had multiple murder attempts, late-night gunshots, and a pact of Central zombies meandering about after returning from their recent mission. It's no wonder he can't sleep for shit these days....not that he was doing that well enough to begin with.
He knows better than to try and sleep before a decent hour these days, so as usual, he's up and shuffling off. A midnight snack sounds good right about now, and it's train of thought that leads him to his usual haunt. His usual haunt which is, at the moment, currently occupied.
That being said, he isn't exactly surprised to see Akira. It's not the first time they've crossed streams in here, especially at this hour. The silent stare in lieu of the usual joking tone is what catches his attention.
...That, and the familiarity, which makes him twitch as he strides in slowly. ]
Gettin' a little familiar, Kurusu. [ Which is a little off, because he was calling him Aragaki just a few days ago. That being said, he also doesn't look so hot. They're not super close or anything, so it's not like he's an expert, but... ] You look like shit. Was that mission as bad as everyone made it look, or what?
[Akira wakes with a start. Lurching upright, he scans the room in a panic — where is everyone? Are they alive? The fire, the stake, Ahito, the others... Was that all nothing more than a vivid nightmare?
...Can't be. Can't be. As if to punish him for jolting upright, pain courses through his body and brings him crumbling back down against the mattress. Everything hurts. Bruises line his arms and legs. He brings his hand to his forehead, head aching and radiating sharp, stabbing pain.
Stabbing pain...? That's right, he— stabbed Ahito. Stabbed Wanderer. Shot two others. He did that, didn't he? He hurt them. He has to go, make sure they're still alive, apologize, set things right—
Akira's only just woken and his mind is racing a mile a minute. He's yet to notice his surroundings, much less Kurapika, fighting back the blankets to forcefully drag himself out of bed.]
[Hellooooo, where are you, Akira. Kiryu is looking for you]
Kurusu? I'm here to see how you're holding up.
[He wants to be sure Akira is fine now, and also apologize for any bruises left on his ribcage and arm from Kiryu getting rough with that angry ghost possessing Akira]
[Akira is in his room, perhaps predictably, rising to answer the door when he hears a familiar voice on the other side.]
...Ah.
[He wasn't expecting to see Kiryu. Regardless, Akira steps aside and invites him into his room, assuming he intends to stay a while and possibly lecture him. Concerning appearances, Akira looks a fair bit worse for wear than usual, but that's to be expected when you've been possessed and forcefully exorcised. He's fine, probably.]
The place is kind of a mess. Sorry. I didn't think anyone would bother coming by.
[ Keeping himself open to connections, allowing himself to actually live well with the time he has left... it's thoughts like these that propel Kurapika to slide a note underneath Akira's door one night. ]
Meet me tomorrow morning at 10 in the courtyard.
Don't plan anything else for the day.
-K.
[ This is his last ditch effort to reach out to Akira, and if he doesn't show, then he'll move on. Kurapika isn't going to chase after someone who doesn't want to be chased at all. He's too pragmatic to ever do something like that.
However, should Akira choose to go to the courtyard the next morning, he'll find Kurapika standing near a tree, dressed casually in jeans and a loose shirt styled with a jacket and a newsboy cap sitting on top of his head. There's a cigarette between his lips, too, just so he can stave off some of the anxiety bubbling up in his chest.
For the first time since arriving here, he actually looks like the rebellious teenager that he is. ]
[Akira doesn't know what to make of Kurapika's note. That's the thing about leaving vague messages: you don't know whether someone's asking you to clear your schedule because they plan on beaning you in the face or because they've got a hot date planned.
At this juncture, Akira would never anticipate the latter. Not from Kurapika. That's why he makes no particular effort to dress nicely beyond tucking in his polo and looping a belt through his jeans, somewhere between punctual and fashionably late when he strolls into the courtyard to meet up with the mysterious K.]
...You're smoking? Really?
[Kurapika's looking rather well put together today, cigarette aside. Did he borrow that thing from Kiryu?]
I'm not sure how well the bad boy look works for you.
[Akira has never been more thankful for the invention of peepholes than he is right now. It's a shock to his system to see Solomon standing on the other side, and so soon after regaining consciousness.
Akira has half a mind to ignore him, pretend he isn't home, but instead, he takes a few measured breaths before inching open the door. His expression is carefully neutral— a bit too much so, perhaps.]
Hey, old man. Should you be up and walking so soon?
[ It's sometime in the evening...not entirely late enough to be the dead hour for most, but enough the sun has set in it's entirety, and the early birds are shuffling off to rest.
Shinjiro is not one of those, and he personally doubts Akira is, either; that's why he's here right now, knuckles giving one, two firm raps on the door down the hall from his own. Knock knock. Wake up, skank. ]
...Kurusu. [ It's your cooking senpai! ] You got a sec?
[Akira is both a night owl and early bird, as it turns out, barely valuing sleep above having more time to cram eight million hobbies and chores into his already busy schedule. He's relatively free when Shinjiro comes knocking, at least, setting his book down on his desk to answer the door with brows arched in surprise.]
Oh. Hey, Aragaki. Did I leave the stove on or something?
[ If the knock on Akira’s door sounds awkward in its rhythm, it’s because Ginger’s holding two very bulky bags full of bread and pastries (same thing?? he’s unsure,). He’s trying real hard to keep a good grip on them, but also not to crush them? And also not to drop or juggle them. This is like a full-time job and he’s the unpaid intern for it. ]
… Akira?
[ It would be so sad if, after all this, Akira wasn’t in after all. ]
[It takes a moment for Akira to come to the door. There's a shout of acknowledgement on the other side of the door — be right there! — and the dulled screech of wood against wood. A moment more and Akira opens the door, a cloth slung over one shoulder that he takes and dabs against his brow. Apparently, Skinny McStringbean was working out.]
Hey, Ginger. Something wrong?
[Was he bothering him somehow? This wouldn't be the first time Akira's gotten a noise complaint, but ah... He extends his hands in case Ginger needs help carrying those bags. If he's running errands and needs a bag boy, he should know Akira is always willing to lend a hand.]
[ What's that? A very, very tiny knock at Akira's door.
It took a long few minutes of awkwardly standing outside in the hall and convincing himself this will be fine. Totally fine. Everything will be just fine. It's not like he's been avoiding Akira since the lake or anything haha (spoiler: he has been). ]
[After the horrible misstep that was attempting to bring out Bruno's bad side by fighting some sirens, Akira didn't expect they'd ever speak again, their partnership be damned. He hadn't known the sirens to be capable of transforming, much less into familiar forms like that of Bruno's family members, but Akira's ignorance isn't an excuse. The fact that he hadn't been prepared for any outcome is further proof that he fucked up and earned the cold shoulder Bruno's been giving him.
That's why, when he opens the door to find Bruno on the other side, he jumps in place. Of all the people who might come to visit, Bruno is the last person he expected to see.
Akira makes quick work of wiping the wide-eyed shock off his face, straightening up and greeting him like he would anyone else.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
week 1
I'd help you prepare too, but...
[ He's no good at that. ]
no subject
[Kurapika is such a busybody that he'd probably keel over without something to keep him occupied. As such, Akira slides over a cutting board and knife.]
Chop up the carrots into half-inch slices. Easy enough, right?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
week 2
Knock knock, kid. ]
no subject
Akira opens the door and greets Yamato with a hearty dab.]
'Sup?
1/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
Night of wizard prom
no subject
And two? Good news, Ahito! The window's cracked open to give Akira some air. Jimmying it open further shouldn't be difficult.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
post-prom night death
Man, he must've looked like a loser lying face down on the floor like that. How could Solomon make him look so lame? He's supposed to back him up. Wingman him. Trying to kill his ass with omurice is so uncool.
But you know what? It's fine. Akira's decided to take a page out of Jesus' book and has turned the other cheek, graciously letting Solomon in at whatever late hour he comes knocking. He didn't mean to kill him with his atrocious cooking, Akira's sure, but if by chance he did, Akira has yet another reason to grow stronger than him and surpass his ass: coldblooded murder.
He's still a bit lethargic, but he's steady on his feet, sweeping his arm out with a flourish to welcome Solomon in.]
Welcome to my humble abode. Please tell me you didn't bring any midnight snacks.
no subject
Tatara has seen worse, this he knows by now. Tatara was concerned about wizards killing one another off. If Tatara was this relaxed, then Akira's situation wasn't an irreversible one.
It's why he slips down the halls to try and locate Akira's room, knocking when he finds it and offering a smile that doesn't reach his eyes when the teen answers the door.
Man. He sure does look rough.]
I'm afraid not. [He'll make his way in, keeping his eye on Akira to see what kind of state he's in as he moves and talks.]
It's good to see you're still in one piece. Do you remember what happened?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
post-"death"
You in here?
no subject
Hey man. What's up?
[No dab this time. He's not feeling that well. Stepping aside, he motions for Yamato to come on in.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
kicking shadow booty with cid
—Oops.
[But it isn't perfect. The shadows don't beat to the shame drum, one managing to sneak up behind him and make a grab for his leg. Akira dispatches it with a ball of whispy black flame shot from the barrel of his airsoft gun. Not so useless after all, is it?]
Cid! What happened to covering my back? You better not be dying over there.
[Little by little, he's memorizing Cid's tempo as well, but he'd have an easier time synchronizing with him if they could work in tandem. Get thine ass over here.]
'tis Go The Fuck To Sleep: Shadow (Not Shadow) Edition
[Comes Cid's extremely staid reply -- he mostly sounds either distracted or distant when he's actively doing anything, but especially when he's fighting, whether that's out of concentration or actual distraction (or actual boredom, because the same monsters day after day can get stale when you have to grind the small things).
It is a little more interesting fighting with somebody else; it's been a while since he really had to do that type of dance, especially as "Cid", and especially when it comes to the small fry they're bopping along through. The monsters are slightly different than usual, but it's more like wading through a million somewhat more annoying slimes...
It's really just the same steps, in reverse and at least half a beat off. He's never been good at not leading. Teamwork........... is hard.]
Besides, it's pretty hard to do teamwork with a ghost. I'm still totally bamboozled that you aren't dead after the crime scene in the castle. It's a little anticlimactic.
[That's even more deadpan than the first reply. His head cocks at the sound of the gun; it's an interesting thing to see used as a focus, and he is pretty sure there are more guns floating around. Kind of disappointing that there's no proper bullets, though.]
(no subject)
cooking with* khun
Akira would like an assistant in the kitchen, but he's used to flitting from stove to countertop to ice box all on his own. He's a bit sluggish post-"death," but that's no excuse to spend the day wasting away in bed.
As usual, Akira insists on cooking up a fresh pot of curry so those less kitchen-inclined can help themselves to a snack throughout the day. He's in the middle of slicing and dicing some onions when Khun makes his way into the kitchen, except... that is Khun, isn't it? It's kinda hard to see the guy through a veil of onion-induced tears. Excuse him while he furiously swabs at the mess that is his face to make some attempt at looking presentable.]
You're a rare sight in the kitchen. Did you come to help out?
no subject
his nose scrunches at the familiar smell, an amused smile on his lips given he had spoke with shinji about curry on one of their very first days here. it really is common everywhere. he comes over, staying clear enough of the ingredient island, but close enough where they can converse. ]
That's a funny joke.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
day or two after central mission
In the couple of days after they return from their little mission, Kurapika leaves a note on Akira's door: ]
Meet me in the courtyard at noon.
Don't eat beforehand.
-K.
no subject
His nature as a busybody keeps his mind distracted until the 12th hour after which he slips out of his room and into the courtyard, scanning the periphery for Kurapika. Should he have brought his dagger? Probably.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Day after the khun incident, before central
Oh, no, there he is. He's just tucked away at the manor bar, day drinking, looking at his cup of not!bourbon like it might hold life's mysteries if the ice melts a little faster.]
no subject
A familiar shock of white hair. An uncharacteristic slump to his shoulders. That's Solomon for sure, but what's he doing here drinking in the middle of the day?
He has a few guesses, but he'll leave the decision to talk about it to Solomon. Akira wordlessly drops onto the stool beside Solomon with a muted whump and peers into his glass. The acrid scent makes his nose wrinkle.]
Day drinking? I thought you were better than that.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/2
/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
post-central mission
He won't get in the way of the first responders, of any healers or friends or of any that need to retreat. He simply stays to one side in the frame of a doorway, observing, trying to sense the state of their newly returned fledglings. Syrlya, Kiryu, the blonde who'd tried to reason with Khun the week prior, the other witch besides Maya...
...and Akira.
He doesn't catch it at first - stressors will always change a person, making them react differently. But once the afternoon passes and dims into evening, there's an unsettling pit in Solomon's stomach. Something doesn't seem right.
He waits, until there's time enough to spot the teen in a moment of retreat on the way to his room.
Akira may see sudden sparkles of starlight starting to drift from the corner of his window, like dust falling from an hourglass and settling onto the windowsill. Is that sugar?]
no subject
In his current state, all he'll do is worry them. It's not his role to be weak, to be fretted over, to be anything other than strong and resolute in the eyes of those who rely on and trust him. Until this "feeling" passes, Akira is sequestering himself away in his room.
But... It's lonely. It's isolating, his thoughts swirling around and around in his head with nothing to filter them, no one to break the silence. The book in his hands remains open to the same page he started on over an hour ago. He's getting nowhere, accomplishing nothing, which is when he jerks himself upright to retreat to the window and let in some fresh air. Maybe that will help him think.]
...Snow?
[Snow in the springtime is unusual, at least back home. Perhaps if his mind weren't buzzing with static, he'd have realized sooner that what falls beyond his window isn't snow at all. Wait a moment, that's... sugar?
This is someone's idea of a prank, surely. Akira stares for a moment longer before sliding open the window and peeking his head out in search of the culprit.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
post-central mission, late friday night
It's not an unusual sight, Akira nose-deep in pantries and drawers digging around for utensils to cook his meals. It's not even an unusual hour for him to be fixing up a big pot of curry sizeable enough to keep the whole of the mansion fed.
When someone else enters the kitchen, however, he jolts, apparently startled. He goes still, eerily still, with his eyes boring into them from over one shoulder. This isn't like Akira, but does Shinjiro know him well enough to determine what is and isn't normal Akira behavior?]
...Oh, Shinjiro. You startled me.
no subject
He knows better than to try and sleep before a decent hour these days, so as usual, he's up and shuffling off. A midnight snack sounds good right about now, and it's train of thought that leads him to his usual haunt. His usual haunt which is, at the moment, currently occupied.
That being said, he isn't exactly surprised to see Akira. It's not the first time they've crossed streams in here, especially at this hour. The silent stare in lieu of the usual joking tone is what catches his attention.
...That, and the familiarity, which makes him twitch as he strides in slowly. ]
Gettin' a little familiar, Kurusu. [ Which is a little off, because he was calling him Aragaki just a few days ago. That being said, he also doesn't look so hot. They're not super close or anything, so it's not like he's an expert, but... ] You look like shit. Was that mission as bad as everyone made it look, or what?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
post-exorcism
...Can't be. Can't be. As if to punish him for jolting upright, pain courses through his body and brings him crumbling back down against the mattress. Everything hurts. Bruises line his arms and legs. He brings his hand to his forehead, head aching and radiating sharp, stabbing pain.
Stabbing pain...? That's right, he— stabbed Ahito. Stabbed Wanderer. Shot two others. He did that, didn't he? He hurt them. He has to go, make sure they're still alive, apologize, set things right—
Akira's only just woken and his mind is racing a mile a minute. He's yet to notice his surroundings, much less Kurapika, fighting back the blankets to forcefully drag himself out of bed.]
no subject
No getting up just yet.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
a few hours after possessed akira harmed like seven people
Kurusu? I'm here to see how you're holding up.
[He wants to be sure Akira is fine now, and also apologize for any bruises left on his ribcage and arm from Kiryu getting rough with that angry ghost possessing Akira]
no subject
...Ah.
[He wasn't expecting to see Kiryu. Regardless, Akira steps aside and invites him into his room, assuming he intends to stay a while and possibly lecture him. Concerning appearances, Akira looks a fair bit worse for wear than usual, but that's to be expected when you've been possessed and forcefully exorcised. He's fine, probably.]
The place is kind of a mess. Sorry. I didn't think anyone would bother coming by.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
after returning from the city of rain field trip
Meet me tomorrow morning at 10 in the courtyard.
Don't plan anything else for the day.
-K.
[ This is his last ditch effort to reach out to Akira, and if he doesn't show, then he'll move on. Kurapika isn't going to chase after someone who doesn't want to be chased at all. He's too pragmatic to ever do something like that.
However, should Akira choose to go to the courtyard the next morning, he'll find Kurapika standing near a tree, dressed casually in jeans and a loose shirt styled with a jacket and a newsboy cap sitting on top of his head. There's a cigarette between his lips, too, just so he can stave off some of the anxiety bubbling up in his chest.
For the first time since arriving here, he actually looks like the rebellious teenager that he is. ]
no subject
At this juncture, Akira would never anticipate the latter. Not from Kurapika. That's why he makes no particular effort to dress nicely beyond tucking in his polo and looping a belt through his jeans, somewhere between punctual and fashionably late when he strolls into the courtyard to meet up with the mysterious K.]
...You're smoking? Really?
[Kurapika's looking rather well put together today, cigarette aside. Did he borrow that thing from Kiryu?]
I'm not sure how well the bad boy look works for you.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/3
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
during east mission
Akira-saaan, it's me. You in?
no subject
Your timing's perfect. I just got back. What's up?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
several days post-north mission
Anyway!
Knock knock. For once, it's on the door instead of the window.]
no subject
Akira has half a mind to ignore him, pretend he isn't home, but instead, he takes a few measured breaths before inching open the door. His expression is carefully neutral— a bit too much so, perhaps.]
Hey, old man. Should you be up and walking so soon?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
A couple days post-party
no subject
No one's home! Try again later.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Probably right before Island Vacation
Shinjiro is not one of those, and he personally doubts Akira is, either; that's why he's here right now, knuckles giving one, two firm raps on the door down the hall from his own. Knock knock. Wake up, skank. ]
...Kurusu. [ It's your cooking senpai! ] You got a sec?
no subject
Oh. Hey, Aragaki. Did I leave the stove on or something?
[If so, he's well within his rights to slug him.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
during vacation, before westies return (?)
… Akira?
[ It would be so sad if, after all this, Akira wasn’t in after all. ]
no subject
Hey, Ginger. Something wrong?
[Was he bothering him somehow? This wouldn't be the first time Akira's gotten a noise complaint, but ah... He extends his hands in case Ginger needs help carrying those bags. If he's running errands and needs a bag boy, he should know Akira is always willing to lend a hand.]
Here. I'll carry one. Where are you headed?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
post-meeting and solomon pep talk surprise i'm coming 2 u instead
It took a long few minutes of awkwardly standing outside in the hall and convincing himself this will be fine. Totally fine. Everything will be just fine. It's not like he's been avoiding Akira since the lake or anything haha (spoiler: he has been). ]
no subject
That's why, when he opens the door to find Bruno on the other side, he jumps in place. Of all the people who might come to visit, Bruno is the last person he expected to see.
Akira makes quick work of wiping the wide-eyed shock off his face, straightening up and greeting him like he would anyone else.]
What's up, Bruno?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...