maskreant | INBOX

I *was* a lawless bandit of the sea for a week. A man changes out there. (Yarr?)

Sounds good. I can't wait to see the extent of your culinary prowess, Akira, and I'm sure the bears can't wait to try and scare a couple of teens away for it too. Don't worry, I'll protect you.

go-ro go-ro a pirate's life for him.

like that time you protected me from that spider in my bathroom?

[god you're so cute.]

I didn't exist when you had a spider in your bathroom!
But I certainly will next time.
With a makeshift flamethrower.
If that is alright.

are you sure about a makeshift flamethrower? think wisely.

also, what do you usually like for picnics? let's see if i can magically make them.

I've used one before, it's okay. I'm experienced!
I will most likely not ruin your new bathroom.

Also... I don't really have any particular favorites? It isn't as if I go on picnics all that often.
Salad? Oh, or maybe dumplings actually. Something that isn't particularly messy.
... And something sweet. I don't mind whatever it is, but I'd like something sweet. I've been craving maple desserts since Haru made muffins for our evening together.

all right, i trust you with my bathroom.

dumplings and some maple dessert. got it. i've never made dumplings, but wish me luck? if i don't make it, remember me fondly. i leave Morrigan in your care. he also really likes Ann, so I would recommend letting him visit her once in a while.

[ ... ]

wait what time?

[...]

I'm out with someone at the moment, but I don't foresee this engagement lasting more than an hour?
So do take your time. I'll be sure to cut it short if it starts to go past that.

Also, does Morrigan let Ann kiss him?

not sure, but he seems fond of her.

pick me up around 6. i should be done by then... i hope.

If not, it isn't as if I mind waiting on you.
I'm looking forward to seeing you, Akira.

[... SO SURELY HIS DAY WITH SILVER WILL GO WELL and he'll arrive five til, sending a brief text to tell Akira he's waiting outside. It's really starting to become fall, isn't it... It isn't cold, but the wind's cooler than the last time they got to go out together. Soon it'll be all kinds of pretty colors and Goro will blend in like a chameleon with all the soft browns.]

[ Akira comes out with his bag probably filled with packed goodies before giving Goro a short wave. If he even thinks about staring at his thought bubble, it starts with some stars... then everyone can see that it says "oh, he's been waiting for me" and a image of a cute brown dog that follows right after.

Either way, they're here and Akira is half-dressed between summer and fall. Perfect. ]

Are you wet?

[ As in ready. ]

[He can't help but want to see what Akira thinks-- is that a dog. Oh, he thinks he's like a dog that's not flattering is it.

A sigh, but he's evidently more amused than really exasperated at Akira.]

You're not gonna let me live that down, are you Akira. Yes, yes, I'm quite wet. Are you?

[ But if Goro was a dog, he would gain Akira's unconditional love... Also, it's flattering!!

His smile easily turns mischievous as his friend plays along. Oh, boy. ]

Lewd. [ Sorry, but this is where they are. This is the fate Goro has sealed for himself, but it's fine. ] Yeah, I'm ready. Have a place in mind?

[ Since they were going to wander around the city for a bit before heading to the forest for a nice picnic. ]

[............... He should've thought of a place on his way over instead of being concerned about Akira. Goro glances away, smiling a little thinly as he hums.]

Since the forest's near Apprassage anyway, I though we could walk around there? There is plenty to do, even if it's, um, more on the educational side for the most part... [He trails off, looking back at Akira with something of a resigned expression.

He knows. He's a goddamn nerd. The Museums and Planetarium are up his alley 100%, they're fun for him and literally no one else.] I don't suppose you'd consider the library acceptable? Or maybe one of the museums.

[There's a certain dark tone to the thoughts that appear above him, disguised sweetly behind his hopeful smile: "Ooh, a museum, that's a great idea! Who let you do anything, Goro Akechi. You're a bore. You'd deserve to be laughed at."]

[ Akira is actually searching on the Recolle Apprassage page to see what they can check out in terms of museums and exhibits. He thoughtfully hums as he strokes his chin. It doesn't seem like he's disinterested or aware until a light bulb shows up in his own thought bubble as he lifts his gaze from his phone. ]

I haven't been to the planetarium in a while, actually... But I wouldn't mind going to one of the museums.

[ And he catches the dark, foreboding cloud over Goro's head. Well then. Just... Giving him an incredulous look. ]

Do you want me to laugh?

No! No, [he's going to look ridiculous waving his hands above his head trying to make the thought disappear, but he's very much doing that.] I appreciate that you didn't, actually. I just... thought that someone might. Sorry.

[God, this is gonna be a trip. Goro lowers his arms sheepishly, clearing his throat.]

Anyway, I wouldn't mind the planetarium. If you wanted to go.

[ He's only blinking slowly as he watches Goro frantically flail about like a magikarp. There's no need to lie here, he thinks it's cute, but— ]

I want to go. Relax.

[ Akira wouldn't actually laugh at someone's genuine interests. That would be too cruel. Otherwise, he's wondering why Mr. Detective is so fidgety today. ]

Are we going to take your bike again?

[ Though they're not too far for just a nice walk, either. ]

[Relax, relax. He closes his eyes and breathes out, shaking his head. It's not too far. And it'll be nice to walk with Akira too, in a city that isn't desperate need of saving.]

Let's walk. It feels nice enough for that, doesn't it? Fall's truly the perfect time of the year, even if we're not officially into it just yet. I can't wait for everything to start turning.

A walk it is.

[ He hopes that shake also meant shaking his nerves. He turns on his heel with his arms out, being dramatic as he leads them a couple of steps before sliding his hands back into his pockets. It isn't too far and he has passed by it enough, but... there's some quiet excitement here.

It shows in his thought bubble as music notes, but they instantly switch to leaves turning color. ]

Is it your favorite season?

[It's too bad it'd be too obvious if he looked up at Akira's thoughts now, he'd love the sight of the leaves.]

I think I could call it that, yes. There's no time I want to be out more than during the fall. I think it might be the chill, honestly, it brings in such crisp air... and static electricity, which is a point against it.

[For obvious reasons, tugging at his hair.]

I think it's underappreciated as well. Fall was a very important time for humanity's ancestors, you know, and while we do have things to celebrate it... not many people would count it as their favorite. Can I convert you?

[ All of those things can be listed without static electricity, but he doesn't point that out. Instead, he just remembers the time where his hair got out of control as a child because a classmate rubbed balloons against his head. It does not look like cognitive child Akira enjoyed it.

Hm... Favorite season. ]

I never had a particular favorite since there's something to like about every season... But I do like the fall. Convert me, autumn priest.

[ Do bubbles matter when Akira says really weird things? ]

[They don't matter?? They're adorable, as is cognitive child Akira, and it occurs to Goro he hadn't actually seen very many family photos -- if any at all -- in Akira's house when he went over. Or... maybe he just can't remember them, it was a while ago now and he'd been insanely nervous at the time. For some reason he can't even recall at this point. Just because he didn't usually go to others' houses?]

You really are kind of weird. [But it's fond and Goro bumps their shoulders together lightly, humming thoughtfully.

Trees turning colors, Halloween, roasted sweet potatoes... School starting up, the sloe death of insectkind as the chill comes. It's like a book turning pages in his mind, reason after reason.]

The world gets quieter in the fall, [he finally says, soft himself with a tone of wistfulness.] Every sound is magnified, from a bird's song to the crinkle and crunch of leaves. The trees turn all kinds of beautiful colors that we can still see too, and honestly I'd like to see them with you sometime, Akira. They're a sight that should be shared with others.

[... Well that came out better than he thought it would, okay, he's playing with his hair a bit and Moving On--]

Um, the insects start to die or go into hiberation too, so there's no stupid mosquitoes or anything really around. And there's Halloween! Halloween is fun, I like it, I think I might be too older to go around and ask for candy at this point but I like watching the movie marathons they show to celebrate it. Need any other reasons?

[ There are very few family photos. Most of them are probably in the wallets of his parents'. Anyway, Akira puffs out his cheeks at that comment about his eccentricities, but deflates before giving Goro a flat gaze. ]

Right back at you. [ He returns the shoulder bump!! But he looks up to Goro's bubble without a second thought. It plays a good visual aid with what he tells him next. ] Maybe if we crash a costume party, I'll consider fall my favorite season. How does that sound?

[ Akira is already thinking about costumes in his mind... He gets some snazzy vampire costume? Or maybe he should be a classy mummy...? He wouldn't mind being a werewolf, either. All of them cycle through his thought bubble as he looks ahead, but then turns back to Goro.

Costumes for Goro also pass through—a pirate, also a vampire... A knight? A prince, a princess... ]

[Princess... Akira's getting a flat look for that one, though he'd been thoughtful at the others. Please, that kind of dress? No, no, this kind of dress, this is what he'd like to wear as a princess. Honestly.]

... Crashing a party does sound a little fun. [It's something Baren would do, he's grimacing slightly, but fun.] Why is it that I always consider things like this more when you're the one asking?

[Which is a rhetorical question, okay, he knows why. Because spending time with Akira is fun, he makes things fun, Goro Sort Of wants to impress him by not being a terrible stick in the mud and letting loose a bit-- a list of reasons rolling out like they're being typed on a typewriter, though it isn't like his affections are something he tries to embarrassed hide anymore.]

[ He sees that? Well, at least he knows Goro isn't against going as a princess if they need to come down to that. ]

I think the answer is obvious and you don't want me to say it.

[ He knows it was rhetorical. With his words comes little music notes to indicate SMUG ARROGANT CONFIDENCE, but he's taking this opportunity to tease him. The typewriter of reasons do make him raise his eyebrows as his own thought bubble wonders how can this be the same guy that wanted to dive into some dangerous situations for the fun of it.

Stop stealing his thunder? He's the reckless one. All of that is displayed in his own thought bubble, but it also shows he doesn't mind a partner in crime. That is what Goro is now. ]

We'll be in disguise if you're worried about the agency's reputation.

[ "Since yours is already in tatters." WHOOPS. ]

[Wow. Akira's getting elbowed for that -- all of that, but especially the last part. It's... kind of surprising that a lot of Akira's thoughts are just things he'd tease about anyway, and Goro feels himself relax more sincerely with that thought in mind.]

I suppose you make a poor princess these days... though between you and I, Akira, I've always wanted to be in pinstripes. You know, like those mobsters from the early 1900s. They always looked so stylish, and their attitudes were quite attractive if the fiction has any inch of truth to it.

[He likes being vaguely threatened, he guess??? There's no doubt that the other him... or the past him? was really into the idea of being at the mercy of the Phantom Thieves, though more in the sense of that he'd be toe to toe with them, he supposes. It really did just sound like he wanted to be ravished.]

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