doublecrowss | Inbox for awash

[ This had been a difficult week for Akechi. Lupin probably knows that better than anyone in Chroma right now; every day, he'd had to watch him go back and forth between grieving and raging, albeit in his quiet, slightly unnerving way. Part of him thinks he shouldn't be surprised - Akechi spent so much time trying to smile through everything and be reliable for everybody that it was only a matter of time before the town wore him down. But even knowing that, it bothers him. There's something a bit sharper and darker about Akechi's emotional turmoil than he expected.

Eventually, they do find everyone and get them back safe and sound. He's still feeling a little woozy - it had been a difficult week for Lupin, too, to say the least - but he goes and has all his reunions, and gives Akechi plenty of space to have his own, too. It's not until that evening that Lupin approaches him properly, gently knocking at his door once the sun has set. ]

Are you awake?

[ Calling it a difficult week would, in fact, be an understatement.

The illness had been the least of his concerns; it was a nuisance, all right, but nothing he couldn't deal with, and other people surely seemed to have it a lot worse than he ever did, anyway. The actual disappearances, however, and the whirlwind of emotions that naturally followed, that had been his downfall.

Rage, he could easily recognize-- it was his one lifelong companion through his years, after all. Grieving, he had only felt once back home, and then one more time, ever since coming to this strange land. But everything else? The powerlessness, the anguish over not knowing, the worry... the knowledge that it all came from a place of caring. It was all as new as it was near incapacitating.

(It made him remember, too, what it felt like to be scared.)

But everyone has been found and rescued safely now, so Akechi has been trying to push those thoughts to the back of his mind, get his well earned rest for the night. And just as he's pulling up the covers on his bed, he hears knocking on the door. ]

Yes. Come in.

[ Guess his rest will have to wait a little longer. ]

[ the door clicks open, and he pokes his head through, only to see Akechi looking considerably more comfortable than he'd expected. He probably shouldn't assume people will keep the same nocturnal hours that he often does... ]

Is this a bad time? Don't let me be the one to keep you from some well-needed rest.

[ as "difficult" as the week may have been for Lupin, he knows it was far worse for Akechi. That's why he's here, after all. ]

[ A shake of his head, followed by his usual smile. It's still a little strained, after everything they've all been through, and quite tired, too, but considerably less fake than it might have been, months ago. He does enjoy Lupin's company, after all. ]

Not at all. It's true I was getting ready to lie down, but the truth is I'm still far too wound up to properly fall asleep any time soon. Some conversation might actually do me good.

[ So he gets comfortable seated in his bed, and motions for his roommate to follow suit. ]

[ if Akechi spends any more time wound up, he's liable to snap for real, Lupin thinks. He gives him a wry smile, quietly stepping over the threshold. ]

As polite as ever, detective. [ but he'll take advantage of his kindness. Lupin plops himself down on the edge of the bed, crossing one leg over his knee. ] Are you feeling all right? Aside from being wound up, of course.

[ Oh, Lupin, he has snapped already, and it wasn't remotely as bad as it could get. There's still a lot of fire in him, a lot that could erupt any minute. ]

As well as anyone could conceivably be, under the circumstances. [ A noncommittal reply that doesn't really answer much, but Lupin should be used to those by now. ] Fortunately, it would seem the effects of illness are no more, at least. I'm sure I'll be feeling good as new in another day or two.

[ Physically, yes, he would-- he's feeling just fine even now, to be honest. His emotions, on the other hand... those would be an entirely different beast to deal with. ]

What about you, Lupin-san? Have you managed to get some rest after your forest expedition?

Yeah, it was fine. Nothing to worry about. [ they did fight four fire-breathing claw bears who also shot lasers but other than that it was fine ] The rescue efforts today were much more trouble. But I'm none the worse for wear, other than maybe being a little tired.

[ a beat. However, that's not what he's here to ask about. Not about his own physical condition - and not really about Akechi's, either. Lupin continues smoothly. ]

So your health's doing fine. That's good. How about your heart?

My heart...?

[ Ah, of course. Lupin was way too perceptive not to have noticed Akechi hadn't been quite his usual self ever since the kidnapping; try as he might to keep the pleasantly collected exterior, the truth is that he was anxious, and growing more agitated with every passing day without news of the victims.

(He was also furious, and consumed with murderous intent towards whoever the culprit was, though hopefully that much hadn't been obvious.) ]

... it's rather exhausted, as well. [ He offers, a bit of truth and a resigned smile to go with it. It would be pointless to lie at this point, anyway. ] But also relieved that everyone is safe.

Yeah... Same here.

[ he spent a good chunk of this afternoon hauling Cairngorm back to their house, for one thing, which was a herculean effort - but he's glad everyone made it back okay, if not in one piece. ]

I talked to Akira a little bit. He's tough, that one - he'll be all right. [ a beat. ] You helped save him, didn't you? I appreciate it.

[ Ah, Akira. The reason why he was so exhausted, and not only for the physical battles he had to endure. ]

There's no reason to thank me. I only did what I had to.

[ Had to, because Akira is a reckless idiot who doesn't listen to his warnings and keeps getting in trouble, but hey. Better not let his bitterness show!! ]

I wasn't aware you and Kurusu-kun were closely acquainted, though. I start to believe there isn't anyone in this town you don't know.

[ He's not really surprised, given their connection and all, but... Maybe he's a tiny bit jealous. Tiny bit. ]

Heh. Information gathering is part and parcel of being a master thief.

[ he doesn't know everyone in town, per se, but he knows of everyone, even if they haven't spoken; he keeps tabs on the population as best as he can. With only a handful of people living here, it's important to know who's around and what they can do.

Akira's definitely one of the people he knows, however. ]

Akira, though... We're related, believe it or not, so I do my best to look out for him. He's a good kid.

[ It's part and parcel of being an ace detective, too. Funny how they match like that. ]

You're... related, huh? Well, I can certainly believe it.

[ Actually, he can't believe Akira has hidden the truth from Lupin's face like that-- and it's not like that's above Akechi, of course, but he would like to at least get the memo on lies that he didn't make up himself!! ]

Although unfortunately, I don't think he shares your same ability to get out of trouble. Looking out for him can be quite challenging.

[ And he's not speaking for Lupin, of course. ]

[ that makes Lupin chuckle a little bit. ]

No kidding. I can't believe what he's gotten into. It's only been a couple months since we got here, and already...

[ well, he's died once, for one thing. Lupin has the tact not to actually say that; he merely shakes his head with a disapproving (but affectionate) sigh.

The truth is that the two of them aren't that closely acquainted, besides their strange connection. He'd like to change that, though - and he still feels responsible. ]

I've been teaching him a few tricks. With any luck, he's paying attention. A good thief should be able to get out of trouble.

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