[Drying his hands off on a cloth, he tilts his head.]
Oh, television and all that? Not especially. I mean, it was flattering when things were going well. But even then, I knew it wasn't real. [He tries to think of the best way to describe it.] It was like... junk food praise.
[Nothing real or filling, just satisfying for a moment. Then he recalls that Akira wouldn't really understand why praise matters so much and laughs a little, somewhat embarrassed now at his honesty.]
It's a funny way to phrase it. [ He shrugs a shoulder. ] But I get what you're saying.
[ Even if he doesn't have all of the context to understand why Akechi cares so much about being praised, the sentiment itself is easy enough to parse. It also makes sense—after spending more time with Akechi both during Sae's Palace and here in Aefenglom, he's noticed a distinct difference between the smile he would wear in front of the cameras and the ones he shows when something catches him off-guard in a pleasant way. ]
[Though he isn't insulted at all. It does make him happy to hear that it came across anyway, even without context. Maybe lacking context would be for the best. He wouldn't know how to talk about that.
Akechi comes over and rests a hand on top of the curry container.]
Thank you for today—for inviting me and cooking for me.
[ Akira only laughs, just barely, watching as Akechi approaches. ]
No problem. [ He falls quiet, but only for a beat. ] Consider it thanks for being there for me.
[ The words don't feel quite enough to express the depth of gratitude he feels towards Akechi for having his back on the full moon, for seeing him in such a vulnerable state and offering the support he needed. But maybe the curry got it across. ]
[His gaze lifts from the container to Akira and he smiles, something softer. Even if Akira doesn't spell it out, he understands. They are similar in some ways, ways that make it easier to catch his meaning at times. If it had happened to him, he would have tried to thank Akira somehow like this, too.]
If it happens again this month, please call me. I'll tell you another story.
[ If it happens again? Akira almost has to laugh. Everything he's researched about the change implies that this is going to be a regular thing for him every month, and that it's only going to get worse as the transformation progresses.
But having the offer on the table makes that knowledge a little less overwhelming. ]
You do owe me an original. I haven't forgotten about that.
[Truthfully, the 'if' exists only as a quiet out: Akira can pretend it didn't happen. He can pretend there was no reason to call Akechi. He can stop needing him that way. It has a high chance of happening, as far as he is concerned, so he'd rather pretend now in advance. 'If' it happens again, though, he really will be there.]
I remember. I've been researching for it, I promise. It will be ready by full moon.
[ As much as he doesn't want to have to rely on Akechi, or anyone really, Akira isn't sure exactly what the next moon will hold for him and how much worse it will be. So he's not going to discount the possibility, offering a light reply as he pushes himself away from the counter. ]
[ It's pure habit that has him following to the door to see Akechi out. Maybe it's a bit silly, seeing as he's going all of one house over, but it's the least Akira can do when he's so used to waking his company home or to the station. ]
See you later. [ He calls from the doorway as Akechi heads off, waiting until he disappears from sight to shut the door. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ He's poking fun, but Akira really doesn't envy that position. ]
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Well, that won't be a concern here.
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Do you miss it?
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Oh, television and all that? Not especially. I mean, it was flattering when things were going well. But even then, I knew it wasn't real. [He tries to think of the best way to describe it.] It was like... junk food praise.
[Nothing real or filling, just satisfying for a moment. Then he recalls that Akira wouldn't really understand why praise matters so much and laughs a little, somewhat embarrassed now at his honesty.]
Sorry, that must sound strange.
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[ Even if he doesn't have all of the context to understand why Akechi cares so much about being praised, the sentiment itself is easy enough to parse. It also makes sense—after spending more time with Akechi both during Sae's Palace and here in Aefenglom, he's noticed a distinct difference between the smile he would wear in front of the cameras and the ones he shows when something catches him off-guard in a pleasant way. ]
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[Though he isn't insulted at all. It does make him happy to hear that it came across anyway, even without context. Maybe lacking context would be for the best. He wouldn't know how to talk about that.
Akechi comes over and rests a hand on top of the curry container.]
Thank you for today—for inviting me and cooking for me.
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No problem. [ He falls quiet, but only for a beat. ] Consider it thanks for being there for me.
[ The words don't feel quite enough to express the depth of gratitude he feels towards Akechi for having his back on the full moon, for seeing him in such a vulnerable state and offering the support he needed. But maybe the curry got it across. ]
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If it happens again this month, please call me. I'll tell you another story.
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But having the offer on the table makes that knowledge a little less overwhelming. ]
You do owe me an original. I haven't forgotten about that.
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I remember. I've been researching for it, I promise. It will be ready by full moon.
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[ As much as he doesn't want to have to rely on Akechi, or anyone really, Akira isn't sure exactly what the next moon will hold for him and how much worse it will be. So he's not going to discount the possibility, offering a light reply as he pushes himself away from the counter. ]
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See you later, Akira. Thank you again.
[Then he turns and goes to make his way out.]
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See you later. [ He calls from the doorway as Akechi heads off, waiting until he disappears from sight to shut the door. ]