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Akira hadn't thought seeing him in person would affect him as much as it does. After all, he's had two months to mentally prepare himself for this moment.

And yet, the sight of Goro Akechi, alive and in the flesh, perfectly put-together and looking like he was made to sit under the studio lighting, makes him feel... some kind of way. Unsettled, for sure, knowing what he knows now. Then again, there's a part of him that hasn't stopped feeling unsettled since he first (well, perhaps first isn't accurate) jolted awake to find himself on the train to Yongen-Jaya again. In one piece. Not bleeding out on the ground with a megalomaniacal pseudo-god bearing down on him. And, most importantly, as the only one with any recollection of all they'd been through.

It doesn't take Akira long to come to the most logical conclusion: That somewhere along the line, he screwed up. Somehow, it hadn't been enough, and now he has an opportunity to fix it—which would be a lot easier if he were to have some notion of what, specifically, he needs to fix, or even if this is a one-time deal.

At first, he tries copying his previous motions as closely as possible. People always talk about their regrets like they would change them in a heartbeat, given the chance, but the thought of altering the timeline as he knows it is overwhelming. The more Akira steps away from his previous path, the less accurate his existing knowledge may become, the bigger the chance that he may miss something important from the first time around.

That reasoning goes out the window pretty quickly. Akira finds that he can't watch Shiho Suzui jump off that building again, can't go through hearing that agony in Ann's voice a second time when he can so easily prevent it. So he stops her. It's what the Phantom Thieves would do. And things change... but not in a way that affects the flow of events in any profound way. Ann still stumbles after them into the Metaverse and finds the conviction to awaken her persona, somehow. He's not sure how it works out, but it does. What Akira does know is that fate is what you make of it. If he believes in his teammates, they'll end up where they need to be.

But for all of that, he still wavers as they're leaving the recording area. Up until now, the decisions to change things have been easy. Akechi, on the other hand... where to start? Is it even salvageable? Akira's not certain, but when he thinks of their last meeting in Shido's palace, Akechi's remark about the possibility of them meeting a few years earlier, the sounds of gunshots echoing from the other side of the bulkhead—he can't not try. It's not years, but maybe this handful of months will be enough.

Akira lets Ann go ahead with a nod, sliding his hands into his pockets as he tries to maintain his usual casual demeanor. Any moment now...

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The clerk's mild surprise isn't lost on Akira, and it only takes him a moment to make the connection that his presence is the source. Before, he would've thought that Akechi would have no shortage of people eager to spend time with him. That may still be true, but now Akira has seen things that lead him to believe Akechi isn't particularly the "hanging out" type. Which makes this outing all the more meaningful.

Check-in is quick and smooth, and soon enough, Akira is changing into the rented shoes. He glances up at the question, taken off-guard at first, though he comes to the obvious conclusion that it has to do with climbing.

"Around 64." Probably. Takemi keeps track of his weight for her trials, so it's not like he doesn't get weighed often enough, but Akira rarely pays attention to it.

Akehci had just enough of a social life to not seem off-putting, but outings like today are rare enough to be unheard of for him. Which he's aware of, of course, but he's not really thinking about what it means.

"Perfect." And just like he suspected. It feels good to be right. "Some of the walls have auto-belays, but for a few of them you need a partner. It's best if the person on the ground is about your weight or a little heavier." So 64 is a good range to be in. More teasing, he adds: "Though if you're not a fan of height, we can skip right to bouldering - but that doesn't use harnesses at all."

The teasing suggestion earns a grin from Akira. "I like heights, so this is fine." Although, the idea of climbing without a harness feels more up his alley—more like the sort he does in the Metaverse.

But, at the same time, he knows the safer route is the way to go. Certain friends already look at Akechi with distaste every time he badmouths the Phantom Thieves. Akira can only imagine how they'd react if he got injured hanging out with Akechi.

Shoes snugly on his feet, he stands up straight, waiting for the next bit of instruction.

Even with having only met them a few times, and even without knowing the extent of their distaste, Akechi is aware that at least some of Akira's friends don't care for him. It's not like Ryuji is subtle about it, or like Makoto was ever anything but coolly polite to him.

They're the furthest thing from his mind right now, however. He's focused on walking Akira through the basics, explaining the safety features, and showing him how to clip in to the auto-belay. It's definitely strange to be here and working with another person but he's quickly finding he actually enjoys it. He wouldn't have believed if even a week ago, but he supposes that's just the effect Akira has on him.

"One you get to the top, just let go and the belay will lower you to the ground." He doesn't even think that Akira might not make it, even as a beginner. "It's more of a solo activity from here on out, but I can still give you advice or pointers if you need." Honestly, he could probably just go do his own thing while Akira climbs, but he doesn't actually want to.

Not for the first time, Akira's attention drifts, more caught up in observing Akechi than completely absorbing what he's saying. Watching him demonstrate attaching to the auto-belay triggers the thought that he actually has pretty nice hands—a thought the sensible part of his brain immediately counters with a reminder that those same hands would've shot him, given the chance. It only sends a thrill through him, and Akira thinks he'd rather throw himself from the top of the rock climbing wall than try to read into that reaction.

"... Thanks," he says, a little belated, once the tutorial has wrapped up. Even distracted, Akira's sure he's got the important points down. All of that texting in class at least taught him how to successfully divide his attention. "I'd say let me know if you see me doing anything wrong, but I'll probably know when I slip."

All that's left is to climb. With a small nod to himself, Akira sets off, fairly quick at first, though he slows down as he gains some height, mentally mapping out his path a few holds ahead.

"You'll be halfway to the ground before I can help." And with that slightly ominous warning, Akechi steps back and lets Akira get to work.

Akechi is distracted by Akira himself, but the nature of it is quite different. Sure, he definitely admires the simple physical prowess that lets Akira throw himself right into a new activity, and how easy he makes it look. But mixed in with the admiration is a sudden undercurrent of simmering jealousy. Akechi's been having fun with these outings - more fun that he's had in years, as a matter of fact - but it suddenly feels both completely incomprehensible and completely natural that people gather around Akira despite all his unrefined edges.

Why wouldn't people be drawn to someone that everything seems to come easily to?

And yet, why is Akira the one that can make everything seem so natural?

It doesn't take Akechi long to chase away the dark thoughts and the gloomy expression they brought, already telling himself there's no real reason to be jealous. Still, it takes a moment for him to stop zoning out loud enough to realizes Akira has slowed down. Right, he's supposed to be teaching him.

"You were more right than you realized when you said this was as much about strategy and technique as about strength." Which isn't really advice, but still encouragement that Akira is on the right track and that slowing down isn't a bad thing.

"I'm seeing that," Akira grunts out, though he's not sure if Akechi can catch it below him.

Strength is definitely still a feature, and Akira is more grateful than ever for all of those pull-ups he's done from the rafters of his bedroom. It's what keeps his grip steady as he paces himself slowly up the wall. All of the scampering and slinking around Palaces has given him a decent gauge of what would be a good grip and what would be too far out of his reach, so he does manage to reach the top without any unfortunate incidents.

At the top, he takes a moment to glance down, surveying the gym from his current height—it definitely felt like he'd climbed higher than that. Still, Akira flashes a grin when his eyes land on Akechi, and there's no hesitation when he lets go of his current holds. As promised, the belay lowers him safely until his feet touch down on the ground. "That was fun."

Now that the earlier surge of jealousy has passed, it's easy for Akechi to just stand back and observe Akira as he works - though by now it's more like admiring him. Now that the surge of jealousy has receded it's much easier to appreciate the simple confidence he moves with. Akechi is able to give him a genuine smile when he returns to the ground.

"You make it look like you're meant to be up there." He reaches into his pocket, withdrawing a black elastic band. He works on pulling his hair back into a ponytail as he speaks, though he leaves the parts that frame his face loose. "You can skip right to one of the more advanced walls if you're interested, but there's other walls with auto-belays if you still want to feel things out."

"Maybe I've found a new calling," he suggests, half-joking. It is pretty fun, though, and seems like an effective form of exercise. Maybe he'll get a membership here; it would be a spin on the current script if he started showing up at one of Akechi's hangs-outs.

The motion of Akechi's hands draws Akira's attention at first, idly wondering if his hair is as soft as it always looks. That thought is quickly banished as Akechi offers him different options. There's one, unlisted, that he's interested in.

"Are you going to climb?" Akechi can only assume, if Akechi is tying back his hair. "I wouldn't mind watching someone experienced." There's a lightly teasing edge to his voice, but he really could pick up a thing or two from simply observing. Granted, there are other people climbing, but he'd much prefer to see how Akechi goes about it.

It might be a joke, but Akechi doesn't let the opportunity pass.

"The memberships here aren't very expensive, and it makes it easy to bring a friend." Though as soon as Akechi says the second part, he catches himself wondering why. It's not like any of Akira friends like him, or vice versa. Running into them in one of his few 'unknown' hangouts would be pretty annoying.

He doesn't try to retract the statement, however. The question he's just been asked is more interesting to focus on.

"I am. I usually use that--" He points to a different wall on the other side of the gym; it's shorter and has no space for a belay, but the holds are more varied and the assorted planes are tilted forward at different angles. "--but I prefer to warm up on one of these walls." And since Akira just plainly stated he's interested in watching, Akechi shows him how to unclip himself from the belay line, though he tells him to leave his harness on until he's done.

The wall Akechi chooses is a little more advanced than the wall for total beginners, but still not too complicated. He's not showing off (for once) but he still scales it with ease that speaks more of experience with this particular course than anything else. Even so he does a few things that might stand out, like testing his footing on each hold before he puts his weight on it and hanging with his arms straight whenever he pauses to calculate his next move. Despite the care he takes it's clearly not difficult for him in simple physical terms; he's stronger than he looks.

Once he's done he lets go of the wall and lets himself to be lowered to the ground, just like Akira had. He's a little chattier on his way down, however.

"Pick up anything new?" Akechi is sure he did, which is part confidence in himself and part confidence in Akira.

He knows Akechi is strong. He's fought alongside him, been on the receiving end of his pure, unmitigated rage—so it's not surprising to see how easily he turns his prim image on its head and makes the climb look completely effortless.

Still, it's a simple display of power and intelligence that's hard not to appreciate. Akira does so, but it's as much analysis as it is admiration, sharp eyes noting the little details and filing them away to be tried on his next go. Even without being able to see his own attempt, he can tell there's a huge difference in experience between himself and Akechi.

"A couple of things," Akira replies, watching as Akechi lowers back to his level. His first try had been fun, but Akira is itching to give it another shot now that he has an example to strive to match. "I thought you'd be good at this," he says, like he doesn't have an unfair amount of knowledge to make that call, "but that was impressive." And Akira has no trouble admitting that, paying Akechi a well-deserved compliment. Even as much as he's ready to go again, he definitely wants to see Akechi take on the more advanced wall.

Being called impressive, especially by someone like Akira, is a nice boost to Akechi's ego. He's visibly pleased with himself as he touches down, though not so much that he stops to preen.

"It's a matter of practice. Give it a year or two and you might be just as good." Though really, Akechi doesn't think there's a 'might' involved. If Akira puts the effort in then reaching that level is a certainty.

Akechi suddenly wishes he'd picked a different activity, though. It's not like it isn't enjoyable or like he thinks Akira isn't having fun, but he sudden'y can't ignore just how much of a solo activity this really is. He's not exactly self-conscious, buthe does feel a bit short-sighted.

But maybe there's a way he can keep it from being solo. He suddenly looks thoughtful.

"We may only have a few hours to work with, but would you be up for a challenge?"

It's strange that the thought is triggered by Akechi of all people, but the honesty is refreshing. He doesn't try to inflate Akira's performance, nor does he downplay his own. "I'll have to work twice as hard to catch up."

Really, though, if Akira can manage to live to see the end of the year this time, much less Akechi's projected one or two, he'll go climb an actual mountain out of joy. And, if he plays his cards right, Akechi could be around and might even be interested in joining him? He's probably getting ahead of himself; Akechi hasn't even figured out his identity as leader of the Phantom Thieves yet. There are still plenty of hurdles to cross.

That thought doesn't stop him from perking up slightly when a challenge is proposed. Akira figured they were just going to climb for a while and that Akechi would give him tips where necessary, but this seems like it could be an interesting spin on things.

"Like what?"

"A race." Which he's aware might sound like an odd challenge, so he doesn't hesitate to explain further. "Spend the rest of the day getting the feel for things. Before we leave, we'll both climb the most advanced wall we're comfortable with and see who reaches the top first."

It's a little silly, maybe, but that's not something Akechi is really worried about. He and Akira don't share any other hobbies or interests, and they aren't even in the same grade. This might be the closest they get to a fair competition for a while.

"As for the prize... maybe whoever loses pays for our next outing?" He knows that's not a very interesting thing to put on the line, but it's also the part he's least interested in. He'll happily hear any alternate suggestions.

"Alright." For as much as he's trying to change the outcome of things, to shift the fate they've been dealt of being pitted against each other, Akira can allow for a little friendly competition. Indulge in it, even. He may be quiet and easygoing, but there's still a competitive streak buried underneath all of that, and it seems to rear its head around Akechi more than anyone else.

The suggestion of a prize, though... It's entirely incidental for Akira, seeing as he's not angling to win for the sake of getting something from Akechi, but it's still uninspired, as far as stakes go. He takes a thoughtful moment before speaking up with another idea.

"How about owing a favor in general?" The sensible part of him knows that he should take the easy out, especially after seeing his opponent climb. Even if he has a few hours to practice, it still wouldn't be the least bit surprising if he got thoroughly trounced, and Akechi has no way of knowing that his time in the Metaverse has padded his pockets more than any high school student's should be. But isn't it more fun when the stakes might actually matter?

'Owing a favor' is a more ambiguous and potentially dangerous sort of prize, and Akechi isn't completely certain he'll be able to win with the proposed handicap. Even so, he doesn't shy away from the idea. Higher stakes are more fun, and while it's a stretch to say that he trusts Akira he also thinks that whatever favor he asks for is likely to be pretty interesting.

"It's a deal, then." Akechi sticks around long enough to make sure they're in agreement about when to start, then parts ways so that they can both focus on preparing. When the time comes to compete Akechi picks the most difficult wall that can be climbed solo. If he were truly concerned with winning he would have picked something he was more confident with, but he feels like both challenging himself and letting himself deal with a real challenge.

Even so, he's doing well and suspects that he'll even win - up until his grip slips on one of the handholds halfway up the wall. It's not much of a setback, but enough to give Akira the edge necessary to reach the top first. It's disappointing to lose, but Akechi doesn't seem upset as he lets himself to be lowered to the ground again. He'd been prepared for it, and losing gracefully is part of his public image. It's easy to keep his cool with that in mind.

"Looks like I underestimated you." That's easier than admitting he'd over-estimated himself. "Go easy on me and try not to ask for any favors that are too extravagant, okay?"

Akira goes into their competition with no expectations. He's had some time to practice, to exercise some of the little tricks he picked up from watching Akechi climb, and by the end of it he feels a lot more confident in his own ability. But between his own attempts, he's caught glimpses of Akechi, and... he's definitely a force to be reckoned with, even with a handicap.

He's so focused on his own task that he doesn't bother to try to check Akechi's progress, so it's a surprise when Akira reaches the top of the wall and glances over to see Akechi only then nearing the end of his own.

"I had a good teacher," he retorts once they're on the ground again. He wouldn't have improved as quickly as he did without Akechi's guidance, that much is certain.

And then there's the matter of the prize. Akira may have been the one to suggest it, but he's been so intent on the competition itself that he has yet to give any thought to what he would actually request of Akechi.

Well, he can think of a few right off the top of his head, but all of them would reveal things he'd rather not, and there's doubt as to whether Akechi would go that far to honor a silly agreement made over a rock climbing race. Still, it feels like something he can make use of, given some time to think about it.

"I'll go easy on you, as long as you don't mind me sleeping on it."

"That won't be a problem." Though really, that might be an understatement. "I'm never sure when my next day off is, so you'll have some time." It could be more than a month, at the rate he expects things to go.

That's actually pretty disappointing to think about. Akechi looks thoughtful as he unclips his harness and loosens it enough for him to step out of it.

"I'm not sure if we'll see each other again before the school year resumes, but I'll be sure to stop by Leblanc next time I have a free moment." Despite wording it as a statement, he says it with a questioning tone. He's hesitant to drop in uninvited, even without realizing how badly the public perception of him is going to change in the next couple weeks.

Akechi raises a good point. He knows the plot against the Thieves has been in motion for a while, but things are about to get truly underway, so it's no surprise that Akechi will be busier soon. Akira himself will have more on his plate, including helping Futaba and the Hawaii trip—

And then he remembers the awful revelation following their return from the school trip last time: Principal Kobayakawa's death. Akira's in the middle of removing his own harness when it occurs to him, and he can't help the sudden flicker of his eyes to Akechi's face, expression open for just a moment. Shit. What is he supposed to do about that when he's not even going to be in the country? He can't just let it play out the way it did before.

As much fun as he's had today, the conundrum weighs on Akira's mind as he gets back to sliding off the harness. He's still got a smile for Akechi, but there's the slightest bit of distraction lacing his tone when he responds, "I'll be expecting it. We still have to finish our chess game."

Akechi doesn't miss the flicker of surprise in Akira's expression, not when Akira looks right at him, but once again he can't place the source. Is he surprised by how little free time Akechi has...? That could be it, but something tells Akechi it isn't. But he has no way of figuring it out now so he files it away as something to consider later.

"That's right. I'm hoping to make up my loss today when we do." Just to let Akira know he's not going to go easy on him.

The next couple weeks aren't a great time for Akechi, however. The Phantom Thieves' victory over Medjed gives their popularity a considerable boost, while his previous comments criticizing them put even more downward pressure on his own popularity. Even if he was expecting it, it's still a bitter reminder of the situation he's in. His state of being wanted and needed is tenuous at best, and dependent entirely on his ability to be right. Just a couple of missteps is all it's taken for 'loyal fans' to start abandoning him.

But there's one person he's pretty sure won't abandon him, even if he doesn't quite consciously think of him that way. Regardless, Akira has been on Akechi's mind for quite some time now. As usual when he's feeling low he finds himself making his way towards Leblanc. It's become a relaxing retreat for him lately, to the extent that he's all but forgotten his original plan of checking it out to keep an eye on Wakaba Isshiki's daughter.

Like always he lets himself in without any fanfare, and like always he immediately looks around for Akira before doing anything else. He can just sit and get a cup of coffee if he needs, but he is hoping for something more.

With Futaba's return to the fold, Akira feels like another piece of him is restored. It's not easy, realizing that he has to build up that relationship again, the same as it was with the others, but he's just grateful to have her back. The time they spend working with Futaba is enough to shift his thoughts of Akechi firmly to the backseat. They're still there, though, simmering, something he doesn't want to examine just as much as he knows he needs to.

August 28th. He's forgotten what today is until he's in the middle of washing dishes, sudsy hands faltering when it hits him. Today is the day Akechi visited Leblanc for the first time, the day he spilled his background, the day he showed that first sliver of sadness and insecurity that Akira now knows wasn't just a ploy.

Except it wouldn't be his first visit this time around. Will he show up, or have things diverged too much? Even after months, Akira doesn't really have any sort of comprehension of how his actions effect things in the long-term. Sometimes things still happen when he thinks they might not; sometimes events are completely absent.

This seems to fall into the former category. Not too long after, the chime of the bell has Futaba darting around the counter to hide behind him, and the sense of deja vu kicks in, a familiar phenomenon that's become useful for filling in the gaps his memories don't quiet reach.

"Hey," he greets Akechi. Sojiro's already getting to work on his usual, so Akira simply holds his ground as Futaba's shield, offering a smile from his position behind the counter.

Akechi's politely neutral expression morphs into one of genuine cheer as he spots Akira. Oh good, he's here.

"Hello." He's here with company, though...? Akechi gives Futaba a curious look before recognition clicks. "You must be--"

But unlike 'last' time, he stops short of actually mentioning Wakaba Isshiki by name. He's had more time to adjust to the idea of running into the daughter of his first victim, especially since Sojiro has long since been made aware of his connection to Sae. But more than that, the prospect of blatantly probing for information right in front of Akira strikes him as an odd combination of tasteless and careless. His suspcions about Akira's connection to the Phantom Thieves have waned somewhat, but not totally dissipated.

So he looks to Akira himself, expression amused.

"Seems like you've found another interesting companion for yourself." That's not at all surprising, but the narrow degree of separation between himself and Futaba is suddenly quite uncomfortable to consider. If Akira were to find out that would be the end of their friendship, not to mention a risk to his attempt at revenge.

He feels Futaba shrink behind him when the attention turns to her, and Akira shifts his weight from one foot to the other, angling himself just a bit more between them. Even knowing that Akechi is being manipulated himself, he still feels a flash of something unpleasant, hearing Akechi politely address her while completely aware of who she is. At least he keeps her mother's name out of the conversation—something this time around has given him a better sense of tact.

The unsavory feelings are easy enough to mask with a smile. Akira is genuinely happy to see Akechi, situation aside. There were times, in the midst of everything else going on, that he sorely missed the calm of their conversations at the counter, moments where he'd spot Akechi's forced smile in an interview and feel a sharp pang of desire for the real ones that sometimes come out when they're together.

"It's more that they find me," he says with an undertone of humor.

It's not like it's a huge, dramatic gesture, but the combination of Futaba sliding a little further behind Akira and Akira shifting a little further in front of Fubataba is impossible to miss - and Akechi isn't in the right mood to not take it a little personally. His reaction isn't dramatic, either, but his warm expression dims and his smile becomes less casual and more calculated.

"That can be considered a talent, too, you know." Akechi sets his briefcase down and takes his customary seat, though he's suddenly wondering if he should really be here right now. "Plenty of people don't know how to be more than casual acquaintances with someone they don't have a great deal in common with." And Akechi seriously doubts Akira somehow has a lot in common with a high school detective, an artistic genius, a student council president, and a middle school girl all at the same time.

The subtle shift in Akechi's expression isn't lost on him. They've spent enough time together that Akira has developed a keen eye for the undercurrents of emotion on Akechi's face, and this has the plastic edges of that made-for-TV smile that he's grown to dislike.

And here it looked like maybe Akechi would be in higher spirits this time. Akira kicks himself internally. Good going.

"Maybe we have more in common than you think," Akira responds, and it comes out a bit more quiet, a bit more serious than intended. He doesn't quite clarify who's included in that "we," but his gaze is locked on Akechi as he speaks.

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