...Wait... Okay, slow down: So we're basically going into people's minds?! Is that what this is about?! And it's like we're looking into their deepest, darkest desires?
[ holy shit.
the phantom thieves are a lot cooler than ann thought they were. ]
I'm not surprised he caught onto that so quickly, though. Yusuke's...pretty smart, I think. I can tell!
[ Oh... Ann here is smarter than Ann in the other world. He'll keep that to himself? Keep that and nod about Yusuke being a smart fox. ]
Yeah. It seems like we go into a world that represents one's psyche and we steal their desires there. [ This is some weird shit, but as long as Ann thinks they're cool? ] The treasure... I think is their desires? Shows up on the same day we send a calling card saying we're going to steal it.
[ He finishes up his crepe now... Finally. So he leans back against his chair while scratching his cheek. ]
... From the memory I had at this TV station, they only mentioned that it also forces a "change of heart", so it makes sense why they started confessing to their wrongdoings.
[ He's guessing that's what must have happened with Kamoshida... There weren't any names that were mentioned in the interview, however. Just... a familiar face. ]
It does seem like that. We're really popular with the people, but not with the police.
So stealing their hearts gave them a change of heart? And they just...suddenly felt bad about everything they did? We did that to Kamoshida, didn't we?
[ so many questions. ]
Yeah, the police hates vigilantes. I mean, that's what we are, kinda? Aren't most heroes vigilantes?
Yeah... It kind of makes me think it's like when someone you know completely changes because of their ambitions being realized and kept unchecked. If we take the distorted part away, they're back to how they used to be.
[ ... That's how he kind of felt about his parents once they got better jobs, but he digresses. Either way, the more he thinks about it, the more complex it becomes. It's... extremely invasive, but it's for the good of the people.
It's for people that can't fight on their own. ]
Feeding the homeless is technically illegal... So I guess most heroes are vigilantes?
I don't think anyone is inherently bad... [ It's very complicated and that's his opinion, but!! ] What matters is that they learn their lesson and atone, you're right.
[ Why is this crepe place letting vigilantes loiter here talking about some really shady stuff... Akira makes sure to always check the shop to see if anyone will pass by, etc. ]
But that's all from me. [ At least he thinks he covered everything? ] Which means we're back to the Ann Takamaki episode. What finally made you change your major?
[ ann disagrees, at least for now, but that's besides the point. ]
Right. Thanks for telling me all of that.
[ as for his second question...ann hesitates. she opens her mouth, closes it, and seems to ponder on whether or not she should say anything--you know what, it's akira. ann trusts him a lot? so. here we go. ]
It's...well... I've wanted to take care of animals for a while now. But my parents--my mom, especially--they're the ones who wanted me to do Theater, so I signed up for it to please them. Now...I don't wanna follow that path anymore.
[ At least they're civil enough to agree to disagree. He knows that she's still raw from her memories, so he doesn't press that on forward about that debate.
After all they've been through, a major in higher education seems like a small deal, but he can tell it weighs heavy on her mind with her hesitation. ]
Living your life making your own decisions... I'm proud of you. [ Like he's her mom instead of her actual mom. ] Your mother needs to understand her dream isn't yours.
Thanks. [ THANKS, MAMA KURUSU ] I...don't know if she ever will. But I have to try.
[ her fists clench at her sides. ann has stopped eating her cake.
this is a pretty high-leveled social link conversation they're having, if we're being totally honest. ]
Akira... Do you think it's wrong of me to be angry at my parents? They've...they've given me so much. Money, a luxury lifestyle...but I threw all of that away for an ordinary life. I just...
[ she sighs, taking a sip of her water. ] Maybe I'm just being ungrateful. But...I don't want that kind of life anymore.
[ The true Ann Takamaki episode... Akira faces the opposite kind of problem, but he can understand the pressures any person faces when it comes to their parents expectations. He remembers at a young age that he also considered how his actions would reflect his parents' status and reputation... ]
Just because they're your parents doesn't mean they're perfect or always right. We're all human.
[ So, no. He doesn't think it's wrong to be angry at them. ]
You're old enough to make your own decisions and pave your own path. It's your life. [ ... ] And if that makes you happy, I think that's what matters.
[ this really is the true ann takamaki route and akira's just ranked up. ]
...Yeah. You're right.
[ a little nod, another bite of her crepe. she's pretty much done, at this point. ]
I don't know if this is the right thing to do, but I have to try. Otherwise I'll never know, right? So... [ another nod. ] Yeah. I'm gonna keep doing that.
It's no problem. Show them that you made the right decision and that you can do this.
[ By them, he means he parents... While he doesn't know them well, he wants to believe that they'll be proud of her when they see her smile and succeed. ]
We're cheering you on, Ann. [ We as in him and the rest of her friends. He can't take credit for that. ] Also, does this mean I'll get discounted check-ups for my cat?
[ He's teasing now. It's nice to have a little light humor after some deep talk, one that at least acknowledges the great change in her life as being permanent. ]
[ a smile, and then a little giggle at that last part. she finishes her crepe first before going on, drinking the rest of her water while she's at it, too. ]
As long as you pay me back, then sure!
[ store policy and stuff. ]
...You know, you're a really good friend, Akira. Thanks for meeting me today.
[ It's not like Akira doesn't have money because he very much does. It seems like they're done with their crepes? And probably overstayed their welcome at the shop. ]
Of course I would meet with you to commemorate your important date. [ He'll lead them out of the store so they don't pressure the employee there. Luckily a flux of people fill in right when they leave. ] I hope this gives you a boost of confidence for it.
[ ann follows him out of the cafe. it's probably better if they take their discussion elsewhere; especially if they plan on talking about some shady stuff again. ]
It definitely does. I think I'm ready for it... And like you said, I'm just gonna be myself! That should work, right?
UGH SERIOUSLY
...Wait... Okay, slow down: So we're basically going into people's minds?! Is that what this is about?! And it's like we're looking into their deepest, darkest desires?
[ holy shit.
the phantom thieves are a lot cooler than ann thought they were. ]
I'm not surprised he caught onto that so quickly, though. Yusuke's...pretty smart, I think. I can tell!
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Yeah. It seems like we go into a world that represents one's psyche and we steal their desires there. [ This is some weird shit, but as long as Ann thinks they're cool? ] The treasure... I think is their desires? Shows up on the same day we send a calling card saying we're going to steal it.
[ He finishes up his crepe now... Finally. So he leans back against his chair while scratching his cheek. ]
Would you call that's overrated or full of style?
no subject
So...we steal their desires? Is that what "stealing their hearts" means? But...what does it even do?
[ she's still really confused but it sounds like she's at least getting the gist of what's going on. faster than her counterpart, at least? ]
I don't know, I think that's pretty awesome! As long as what we're doing is a good thing, it's like we're totally heroes!
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[ He's guessing that's what must have happened with Kamoshida... There weren't any names that were mentioned in the interview, however. Just... a familiar face. ]
It does seem like that. We're really popular with the people, but not with the police.
no subject
[ so many questions. ]
Yeah, the police hates vigilantes. I mean, that's what we are, kinda? Aren't most heroes vigilantes?
no subject
[ ... That's how he kind of felt about his parents once they got better jobs, but he digresses. Either way, the more he thinks about it, the more complex it becomes. It's... extremely invasive, but it's for the good of the people.
It's for people that can't fight on their own. ]
Feeding the homeless is technically illegal... So I guess most heroes are vigilantes?
[ Logic. ]
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[ ann feels the same way about her parents, too. no worries, akira. she feels you. ]
That's true! Well, except the police. Some of them are pretty corrupt, though. So...yeah. Vigilantes are the best, in my opinion!
...Don't tell Mako I said that.
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[ The Phantom Thieves, the alternative to a Snickers candy bar. You're not you when you have distorted desires, etc. ]
I won't, but I think that's practically painted on my face at this point.
[ Does he look like a goody two-shoes to you... Actually, he might pass off as some goth kid into the occult. ]
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[ ann likes that a lot better because fuck you kamoshita ]
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[ Why is this crepe place letting vigilantes loiter here talking about some really shady stuff... Akira makes sure to always check the shop to see if anyone will pass by, etc. ]
But that's all from me. [ At least he thinks he covered everything? ] Which means we're back to the Ann Takamaki episode. What finally made you change your major?
no subject
Right. Thanks for telling me all of that.
[ as for his second question...ann hesitates. she opens her mouth, closes it, and seems to ponder on whether or not she should say anything--you know what, it's akira. ann trusts him a lot? so. here we go. ]
It's...well... I've wanted to take care of animals for a while now. But my parents--my mom, especially--they're the ones who wanted me to do Theater, so I signed up for it to please them. Now...I don't wanna follow that path anymore.
no subject
After all they've been through, a major in higher education seems like a small deal, but he can tell it weighs heavy on her mind with her hesitation. ]
Living your life making your own decisions... I'm proud of you. [ Like he's her mom instead of her actual mom. ] Your mother needs to understand her dream isn't yours.
[ Stroking his chin. ]
This kind of makes you a real rebel now.
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[ her fists clench at her sides. ann has stopped eating her cake.
this is a pretty high-leveled social link conversation they're having, if we're being totally honest. ]
Akira... Do you think it's wrong of me to be angry at my parents? They've...they've given me so much. Money, a luxury lifestyle...but I threw all of that away for an ordinary life. I just...
[ she sighs, taking a sip of her water. ] Maybe I'm just being ungrateful. But...I don't want that kind of life anymore.
no subject
Just because they're your parents doesn't mean they're perfect or always right. We're all human.
[ So, no. He doesn't think it's wrong to be angry at them. ]
You're old enough to make your own decisions and pave your own path. It's your life. [ ... ] And if that makes you happy, I think that's what matters.
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...Yeah. You're right.
[ a little nod, another bite of her crepe. she's pretty much done, at this point. ]
I don't know if this is the right thing to do, but I have to try. Otherwise I'll never know, right? So... [ another nod. ] Yeah. I'm gonna keep doing that.
Thank you.
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[ By them, he means he parents... While he doesn't know them well, he wants to believe that they'll be proud of her when they see her smile and succeed. ]
We're cheering you on, Ann. [ We as in him and the rest of her friends. He can't take credit for that. ] Also, does this mean I'll get discounted check-ups for my cat?
[ He's teasing now. It's nice to have a little light humor after some deep talk, one that at least acknowledges the great change in her life as being permanent. ]
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[ a smile, and then a little giggle at that last part. she finishes her crepe first before going on, drinking the rest of her water while she's at it, too. ]
As long as you pay me back, then sure!
[ store policy and stuff. ]
...You know, you're a really good friend, Akira. Thanks for meeting me today.
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[ It's not like Akira doesn't have money because he very much does. It seems like they're done with their crepes? And probably overstayed their welcome at the shop. ]
Of course I would meet with you to commemorate your important date. [ He'll lead them out of the store so they don't pressure the employee there. Luckily a flux of people fill in right when they leave. ] I hope this gives you a boost of confidence for it.
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It definitely does. I think I'm ready for it... And like you said, I'm just gonna be myself! That should work, right?
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[ They can just walk around since they're having some relationship talk. That isn't at all too shady. ]
But if you need live tips, you can text me during your date. I'll even send you answers to trivia questions... Or puns.
[ ... ]
He likes puns.
[ He... Wishes he was kidding? He knows this is weird to say, but it's true? ]
no subject
[ who knew mako was such a humorous guy ]
Okay, send some to me. Maybe it'll come up in conversation, I don't know.