[oh, ah, that's. that's acceptable. Belle has also become interested, there are now two cats pondering the right minute to strike.]
My guest has-- has been here often enough that he can entertain himself.
[Which is a poor thing to say at this very moment, seeing as he's been pulled back this way, but when has he ever had good choice in words. Never. Despite his previous desire to hide, Goro's leaning back into Akira. It's hard to resist.]
But I was raised to be a proper host, tending to every want and need... Do you want a fun fact? Or maybe there's something else I can offer to you, if you can think of it.
[ He's rolling his eyes as Goro preens himself, but buries his nose into the crown of his head, taking note of the lighter colored roots that makes his boyfriend look like a delinquent. It's all right. Every person likes to try new things or get pranked by their roommates ]
I can go for a fun fact of the day, your Majesty.
[ He's content in a nice pillow fort... Since this is also his first time making one with someone his age. What to do with the cats, though. Akira gently nudges them with his foot. ]
[... He really needs to fix his hair before Thanksgiving. But a fun fact... Belle swats at Akira's foot, but she'll hop over to curl up behind Akira's head. Gold is gonna climb on them.]
Um, human saliva has three times the boiling point of regular water. Also, as a bonus, Your Majesty is specifically for kings and queens only; Your Highness would be more appropriate in court.
[ Oh, no. The cats have invaded... Akira doesn't mind, but he tenses up as the cats scramble their way in. To steady himself, he holds onto Goro a little tighter, drumming his fingertips against his sides to keep them occupied. ]
Wow, a double whammy. I'm only somewhat satisfied now.
[ Somewhat. Good thing Goro can't see the glint in his eyes in this position. ]
[ Because Akira can’t pass that up. He has always enjoyed stories... Especially considering his upbringing. He also can’t say he prefers to be around large crowds and attending big parties, so a lot of his time recharging is immersing himself in fiction. It’s fun.
Unfortunately, that isn’t even half of his aim. His fingertips dig into Goro’s sides, teasing a light tickle in. This is fair warning. ]
But I will take the jubilant laughter of a pleasant boy.
[Oh-- oh no, he is writhing away from Akira and turning to face him, don't you start.]
What sort of story would you like!
[HE DOESN'T WANT TO BE TICKLED but this castle is only so big. He cannot escape Akira, he is suitably backed into a wall with a wary look to his eyes and hands ready to catch.]
[ Ohhh, noooo? Whatever shall he do? Goro is trying to escape in a small enclosed space where abrupt movements will surely shake the infrastructure. Think about this clearly, Goro. Surrender yourself now.
Of course he doesn't mind if the pillow fort collapses on them, so he homes in on Goro's sides again. Come here!! ]
Something nice? Funny. If you're the main character, that would be even better.
[Akira........... Goro's catching his hands, since he was waiting for it, but it's definitely loose enough for him to escape. He's kind of taking the story request seriously.]
I started dating someone named Akira Kurusu. Isn't that a laugh?
[ That totally kills his drive to tickle Goro now, but he'll do it, anyway... Though not as enthused. It's just for a couple of seconds before he relents. There's an exasperated siiiiiighh. ]
That's funny. I guess maybe we can share a little bit more about each other? It's been on my mind during October.
[ Like a nagging feeling that he can't explain—as if everything is out in the open. It makes him uneasy. ]
[He's not taking it seriously, is he..? The tickling is half-hearted but still gets some laughs, of course, and Goro waits a moment to make sure there's nothing else before scooting closer and rest an arm around Akira's waist.
He is doing his fucking best not to be tense. It is really not working.]
What did you have in mind, exactly? Outside the... thing I don't quite want to talk about yet, I believe I've told you everything...
[Hasn't really occurred to him it might not be Retrospec related, god bless his heart.]
[ He can feel the tension in Goro's body, so he pulls him closer into a little squeeze before settling into a comfortable hug. It's okay. ]
... What about things that actually happened here? Those are important, too.
[ Sometimes they've been wrapped so deeply into their memories, into the things Retrospec throws them into, that they forget about their lives and what truly made them into the people they are today. While he learned a lot about Akechi, he wants to grow closer to the Goro in his arms. ]
[His eyes widen for a moment, humming softly as he looks away. Goro truly doesn't think himself half as interesting in this life, really. But he relaxes a little with a small smile.]
[ He pulls back a bit to give him some space. Though Goro is looking away, Akira is staring at him much like how a cat would—of course his eyes are less piercing, less scrutinizing... They're more curious, yet also filled with some concern. ]
Let's start with your happiest memory? During your childhood.
[... Is it bad that it's actually taking him a bit to rifle through his memories for one, um. His happiest memory..? From childhood specifically. If it wasn't for the fact that his eyes are open and wandering, he could probably be mistaken for sleeping for how still and quiet he is.]
[ He clears his throat once, twice, feeling the small little butterflies in his chest as he remembers this small memory. It's... Kind of embarrassing. He has never had the opportunity to share anything, really.
It's fine, he's a regular on the Internet. ]
Back when I was really young, we couldn't afford a lot of things... But my family planned to go to an amusement park for the very first time. I remember my dad had been working overtime to gain the graces of his superiors and my mom slaving away over a computer to make sure she's free that weekend, too. Unfortunately, the amusement park ended up being closed for last minute construction—I was pretty disappointed. [ ... ] Okay, I was upset, but I didn't show it.
[ Let's not lie? He really wanted to go? ]
Then the next day, my parents set up a miniature amusement park in our small home. Mostly some small booths with carnival games... A makeshift roller coaster cart that's actually a dressed up laundry basket with a projector set up in front of it. My dad would shake the cart and move it around to make it match whatever video was showing. There was a shadow puppet play, too.
[ Thinking about it, it reminds him he hasn't spent time with his family as a family in a long while. ]
[Goro listens, gaze returning to him at the first word, and relaxes as it goes. He doesn't laugh any, but his smile is pleased and fond. How sweet... It sounds like they knew how upset he was and compensated for it. He shifts a bit, not closing the distance any but just sort of making himself more comfortable.
There's some envy, but it isn't burdensome. Just natural. The grass is always greener; where Akira might've been close to his family at some point, it would seem he isn't so much now... and despite Goro having a shattered one, all things considered, he can't imagine being without his mother, his aunt and uncle. Who needs a full family.]
[ It takes him a moment, expression blank before it brightens up. ]
Yeah. It was my first amusement park and nothing will change that.
[ It’s weird, but that memory almost feels foreign to him. It’s been a long time since he thought of it, hasn’t it. It’s almost pathetic of him—note to self, maybe keep a gratitude journal. He’s smiling fondly, but realizes Goro is also smiling. It makes him nervous in a way he can’t explain... His gaze falls as fretful fingers run through his own hair. ]
I kept my part of the deal.
[ Puffing out his cheeks, he keeps it like that for a couple of seconds before letting the air out. ]
[He shifts onto his back, staring up at the blanket that makes their ceiling, and hums thoughtfully. Not so tense anymore. Easier to think.
... A lot of his memories are muffled, thouģh. Wrapped tight and sealed away. Goro knows logically there are happy times, but they seem so inconsequential that they don't surface; happy birthday hummed until his mom fell asleep holding him, growing flowers, festivals they don't really have here... all important to him, but nothing compared to Akira's.
He really shouldn't compare.]
... I suppose the happiest memory I have is a festival happening around my birthday. It almost felt like it was a celebration for me, with so many people and fireworks, and my mom even made me a small cake. As a child, that feeling was exhilarating, almost too good to be true, but it isn't like I could tell you specifics. I was too wrapped up in wonder.
[It's small and lame, it's just born from a wish to have a big party and technically getting it, but it does count under the happy memory umbrella. As far as he's concerned, it's the happiest he recalls feeling.]
[ Happiness is happiness, Goro, and that's what Akira wants to convey. He listens inquisitively with eyes on him, watching like a cat pining for something more. As the story continues, the ends of his lips quirk up less from anxiety, more out of endearment. It's a simple memory, a cherished happiness... He knows full well Goro never had a chance to live a life with his father in the picture, but he believes it doesn't make his family any less complete.
When it ends, he scoots closer to nuzzle into the side of his dyed head. When he's done burying his nose in, he gently whispers something. It isn't surprising, nothing offensive. ]
I'll throw you a big party next year. Fireworks and all.
[ He has a friend that's a cop so they won't get arrested for it, either. ]
Of course I'll need advice from your mom here and there, just to make sure it has that magic touch.
[Goro's heart catches and he laughs a little, startled and soft, before he clears his throat and tucks some hair behind his ear. Akira's so... he doesn't know, Akira is so something and he feels entirely too gay. Warm and filled with something light. Cotton candy, maybe. Sweet and delectable.]
I'd like that. [Quiet, and he turns his head to look at Akira, gaze as affectionate as his tone.] Though I'd be just as happy with a party of you and some sparklers, you know.
[At least, that's how he feels at this very moment.]
[ Feeling too gay is very much a daily occurrence... Akira can't imagine a life where he doesn't feel weak to any of his friends, male or female (obviously less gay), to be honest. To think Goro is trying to withhold love and affection from him. How deplorable? He shimmies back a bit to give Goro some space to turn, but that space is invaded not too long after. ]
You can still monopolize me all you want in the company of all your friends and family.
[ He mouths the words "baka" before gently flicking Goro's forehead. ]
[He makes a small show of rubbing his forehead with a hurt look, but it's just as soon gone.]
And have them tease me mercilessly about it? I'll die, Akira.
[But honestly, he's keen on the idea. That's really showing him off. And... by that time, for better or worse, his family would know that he's dating a boy. A very wonderful boy. A boy who is not without faults, but makes him very happy and that's what is important to them. Goro'll sigh, brushing his fingers through Akira's hair.]
I suppose I'll just take you down with me. Don't think I won't, I'll have plenty of know-how by that time.
Hey... I'm already going to be your arm candy? Isn't that enough?
[ Why won't you let him live?
He's basically going to die with Goro whether or not he likes it. It's the boy's birthday and the least he can do is try his best to make him happy, especially after everything. ]
All right. That wasn't so bad. [ But now it's the harder part. ] Do you want me to start the second part?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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You're supposed to entertain your guuueeesssts.
[ Pulling back, he settles behind him. He snakes his arms around his waist and pulls Goro closer. ]
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My guest has-- has been here often enough that he can entertain himself.
[Which is a poor thing to say at this very moment, seeing as he's been pulled back this way, but when has he ever had good choice in words. Never. Despite his previous desire to hide, Goro's leaning back into Akira. It's hard to resist.]
But I was raised to be a proper host, tending to every want and need... Do you want a fun fact? Or maybe there's something else I can offer to you, if you can think of it.
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I can go for a fun fact of the day, your Majesty.
[ He's content in a nice pillow fort... Since this is also his first time making one with someone his age. What to do with the cats, though. Akira gently nudges them with his foot. ]
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Um, human saliva has three times the boiling point of regular water. Also, as a bonus, Your Majesty is specifically for kings and queens only; Your Highness would be more appropriate in court.
[attractive,]
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Wow, a double whammy. I'm only somewhat satisfied now.
[ Somewhat. Good thing Goro can't see the glint in his eyes in this position. ]
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[That's no good. He's rather satisfied himself, after all, though he'll reach a hand over to pet Gold as he settles on Akira's side. Good kitty.]
Well, then tell me what would satisfy you. I'm eager to please.
[Earnest and innocent.]
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[ Because Akira can’t pass that up. He has always enjoyed stories... Especially considering his upbringing. He also can’t say he prefers to be around large crowds and attending big parties, so a lot of his time recharging is immersing himself in fiction. It’s fun.
Unfortunately, that isn’t even half of his aim. His fingertips dig into Goro’s sides, teasing a light tickle in. This is fair warning. ]
But I will take the jubilant laughter of a pleasant boy.
[ Sneering, this is the End. ]
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What sort of story would you like!
[HE DOESN'T WANT TO BE TICKLED but this castle is only so big. He cannot escape Akira, he is suitably backed into a wall with a wary look to his eyes and hands ready to catch.]
no subject
Of course he doesn't mind if the pillow fort collapses on them, so he homes in on Goro's sides again. Come here!! ]
Something nice? Funny. If you're the main character, that would be even better.
[ Calm, collected, and ready to kill. ]
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I started dating someone named Akira Kurusu. Isn't that a laugh?
[kill him.]
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That's funny. I guess maybe we can share a little bit more about each other? It's been on my mind during October.
[ Like a nagging feeling that he can't explain—as if everything is out in the open. It makes him uneasy. ]
I feel like I'm forgetting something.
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He is doing his fucking best not to be tense. It is really not working.]
What did you have in mind, exactly? Outside the... thing I don't quite want to talk about yet, I believe I've told you everything...
[Hasn't really occurred to him it might not be Retrospec related, god bless his heart.]
no subject
... What about things that actually happened here? Those are important, too.
[ Sometimes they've been wrapped so deeply into their memories, into the things Retrospec throws them into, that they forget about their lives and what truly made them into the people they are today. While he learned a lot about Akechi, he wants to grow closer to the Goro in his arms. ]
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Then, um, what do you want to know, Akira?
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Let's start with your happiest memory? During your childhood.
[ Light and fluffy. ]
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You go first. I can't think of any on the spot.
[God, that's kind of pathetic.]
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[ He clears his throat once, twice, feeling the small little butterflies in his chest as he remembers this small memory. It's... Kind of embarrassing. He has never had the opportunity to share anything, really.
It's fine, he's a regular on the Internet. ]
Back when I was really young, we couldn't afford a lot of things... But my family planned to go to an amusement park for the very first time. I remember my dad had been working overtime to gain the graces of his superiors and my mom slaving away over a computer to make sure she's free that weekend, too. Unfortunately, the amusement park ended up being closed for last minute construction—I was pretty disappointed. [ ... ] Okay, I was upset, but I didn't show it.
[ Let's not lie? He really wanted to go? ]
Then the next day, my parents set up a miniature amusement park in our small home. Mostly some small booths with carnival games... A makeshift roller coaster cart that's actually a dressed up laundry basket with a projector set up in front of it. My dad would shake the cart and move it around to make it match whatever video was showing. There was a shadow puppet play, too.
[ Thinking about it, it reminds him he hasn't spent time with his family as a family in a long while. ]
They wore costumes, too. Hideous.
no subject
There's some envy, but it isn't burdensome. Just natural. The grass is always greener; where Akira might've been close to his family at some point, it would seem he isn't so much now... and despite Goro having a shattered one, all things considered, he can't imagine being without his mother, his aunt and uncle. Who needs a full family.]
Did you have fun?
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Yeah. It was my first amusement park and nothing will change that.
[ It’s weird, but that memory almost feels foreign to him. It’s been a long time since he thought of it, hasn’t it. It’s almost pathetic of him—note to self, maybe keep a gratitude journal. He’s smiling fondly, but realizes Goro is also smiling. It makes him nervous in a way he can’t explain... His gaze falls as fretful fingers run through his own hair. ]
I kept my part of the deal.
[ Puffing out his cheeks, he keeps it like that for a couple of seconds before letting the air out. ]
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[He shifts onto his back, staring up at the blanket that makes their ceiling, and hums thoughtfully. Not so tense anymore. Easier to think.
... A lot of his memories are muffled, thouģh. Wrapped tight and sealed away. Goro knows logically there are happy times, but they seem so inconsequential that they don't surface; happy birthday hummed until his mom fell asleep holding him, growing flowers, festivals they don't really have here... all important to him, but nothing compared to Akira's.
He really shouldn't compare.]
... I suppose the happiest memory I have is a festival happening around my birthday. It almost felt like it was a celebration for me, with so many people and fireworks, and my mom even made me a small cake. As a child, that feeling was exhilarating, almost too good to be true, but it isn't like I could tell you specifics. I was too wrapped up in wonder.
[It's small and lame, it's just born from a wish to have a big party and technically getting it, but it does count under the happy memory umbrella. As far as he's concerned, it's the happiest he recalls feeling.]
no subject
When it ends, he scoots closer to nuzzle into the side of his dyed head. When he's done burying his nose in, he gently whispers something. It isn't surprising, nothing offensive. ]
I'll throw you a big party next year. Fireworks and all.
[ He has a friend that's a cop so they won't get arrested for it, either. ]
Of course I'll need advice from your mom here and there, just to make sure it has that magic touch.
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I'd like that. [Quiet, and he turns his head to look at Akira, gaze as affectionate as his tone.] Though I'd be just as happy with a party of you and some sparklers, you know.
[At least, that's how he feels at this very moment.]
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You can still monopolize me all you want in the company of all your friends and family.
[ He mouths the words "baka" before gently flicking Goro's forehead. ]
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And have them tease me mercilessly about it? I'll die, Akira.
[But honestly, he's keen on the idea. That's really showing him off. And... by that time, for better or worse, his family would know that he's dating a boy. A very wonderful boy. A boy who is not without faults, but makes him very happy and that's what is important to them. Goro'll sigh, brushing his fingers through Akira's hair.]
I suppose I'll just take you down with me. Don't think I won't, I'll have plenty of know-how by that time.
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[ Why won't you let him live?
He's basically going to die with Goro whether or not he likes it. It's the boy's birthday and the least he can do is try his best to make him happy, especially after everything. ]
All right. That wasn't so bad. [ But now it's the harder part. ] Do you want me to start the second part?
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