[ Ah... he will miss that hand. It was his favourite one for painting with. Take care of it, please. ]
... Oh, that pose.
Did you ever remember why we were doing that pose? I feel I am missing some context.
[ Still, he has painting permission now. Perhaps he should clarify. ]
I would like the paintings to be more candid. For this instance, I am willing to take photographs to keep that image. Snapshots of people doing things they love, that sort of thing.
... No, but I'm pretty sure we were in a church. Maybe it had to do with that?
[ Maybe they can figure that out thinking on it, but he glazes over it so they can focus on Yusuke's possible exhibit theme. It's something he can definitely get behind... Since he enjoys seeing people like that, too— ]
Off the top of my head I cannot think of how that particular pose related to anything to do with churches. Unless it was an homage to an expression of elation and worship?
[ Why were they like that.
... Oh. ]
I. Yes, I suppose? It would be interesting to be the topic of a sketch piece, rather than the one doing the sketching. [ Izumi's drawn him before but... sketches done in down time at work and this feel different? ]
Like people raising their hands up when they're really feeling the song...?
[ Akira guesses that makes some sense! He has seen it before when his own parents attempted church (it only lasted like a fad for a couple of weeks). There was no songs playing...
That doesn't mean they couldn't be imitating it. But the leg? Why were their legs up, too? ]
I'll show you what I have when I'm done. [ Yusuke will never see it coming. ] ... I don't think I've received memories of your art in our past yet, either.
Something along those lines, yes. Like gospel choirs - the people who really get into their singing and praise.
[ The leggies cannot be explained. ]
I would be interested in seeing it, truly. I will look forward to it. [ ... Hm. ] Come to think of it, I am not sure I have any memories of what the other me drew. While I doubt he was ever roped into designing body pillows for friends [ Akira. ] he must have had a style and preference of his own. I wonder what it was...
[ Akira hums as he keeps that in mind, but raises his eyebrows when Yusuke mentions how even he doesn't know what it is. His mouth opens his mouth to respond, but then closes it when body pillows are pulled out into the open.
That's some easy cash—that's what he's supposed to say until he remembers Yusuke inviting him to go to the church... That he's looking for inspiration. It's something different this time from their time in Mementos over artist block. He stays quiet, but the squint in his eyes tell that something definitely came up. ]
... The anguish of Jesus Christ.
[ HE'S JUST STARING AT YUSUKE NOW. NO EXPLANATION. ]
I wonder why we thought that was a good depiction of the anguish of Christ. I would have added a more prostrated pose, depicting true, crushing despair.
[ Lovely. ]
Although it was more vibrant than your original attempt.
He did show a moment of humanity before he died, so I can see why, but...
[ What can be even say? Even though they’re lying in the bed, Akira raises his arms to imitate the pose half-heartedly. He may or may not have gently bumped an arm against Yusuke’s head. ]
[ Pfft... He sputters before chuckling, snaking his arms back into the covers. ]
Yeah, definitely. [ Morrigan meows loudly, not impressed by the rowdy shenanigans. Simple and small moments like these warm his heart, but the feeling is so fleeting... Easily escaping him once the afterglow settles and dissipates. ] Ann isn’t on the app anymore.
[ And Minako, too. Even though he knows they’re both still there, a sense of loss still takes hold of him. ]
[ When Yusuke tries to sit up, Akira pulls him back down. Don't hit your head against the top, you fool. You are too tall. ]
Yeah. Some things you already know... Like the Phantom Thieves being erased from reality, then I wanted to apologize for just trying to hide—[ This? Other things? Like when he just avoided everyone, cooped himself up. ] Everything.
[ Sighing, he's glad that Yusuke already knows and went through his bullshit, so he doesn't need to worry about raining on his parade. ]
You are already aware of my feelings on your tendency to keep things to yourself, Akira. [ THEY AREN'T GOOD FEELS, FRIEND. ]
But perhaps there are things you don't need to apologise for precisely. There's no harm in protecting people, or letting us experience these memories in our own time. But if you are suffering because of it, we'll want to know.
[ He saved you for getting a bump on your pretty head, okay. Akira is quiet, processing this and finding his words. ]
I do... With my life. That's why I'm talking to you about it.
[ He knew for a while and kept telling himself he has to take steps forward. This at least helps him see that he has made some progress. ]
I'm planning to ask everyone else if they want to hear the rest. Some of it isn't pretty, but I'm sure we'll get through this together. Thanks, Yusuke.
[ Huddling closer, he wryly laughs— ]
Sorry, it seems like I'm always dropping something on you.
Good. Because of that, you can share or not share whatever you like. But to remember to keep in mind both sides of a situation: times when you would hope we would confide in you out of trust apply to us regarding you as well.
[ Hmm, hmm. ]
Not always. But friendship is about doing fun, silly things and supporting each other. It's certainly nothing to apologise for.
[ ... To think that he first thought Yusuke was a weirdo for coming into his cat cafe only to pass out not too long after. They’ve gone pretty far from employee and customer. It makes him feel sentimental.
[ Does he want to explain that the phrase is just to show that he appreciate Yusuke so much...? His warm expression returns to neutral so fast, now even squinting at Yusuke's reaction.
God. ]
I'm showing how grateful I am to have you in my life and you're staring at me like I grew a second head and dropped the real talk on me. How do you even do this?
Because you said best friend and I’m trying to figure out how to confirm my gratitude for your friendship as well without parroting the same phrase back to you!
[ LOOK. THIS IS BIG. Akira was passing out on the streets to avoid dealing with emotions and talking to him or Elliot last month, and now he's curled up in bed with Yusuke telling him they're best friends.
[ Stop looking at him like that? This is almost as bad as the phone call he had with Goro, hanging up by accident before he could say the magic phrase, then having to call him back and yell it in his ear.
And apparently loud enough for his friends to hear. ]
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... Oh, that pose.
Did you ever remember why we were doing that pose? I feel I am missing some context.
[ Still, he has painting permission now. Perhaps he should clarify. ]
I would like the paintings to be more candid. For this instance, I am willing to take photographs to keep that image. Snapshots of people doing things they love, that sort of thing.
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[ Maybe they can figure that out thinking on it, but he glazes over it so they can focus on Yusuke's possible exhibit theme. It's something he can definitely get behind... Since he enjoys seeing people like that, too— ]
Mind if I sketch you at random, too?
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[ Why were they like that.
... Oh. ]
I. Yes, I suppose? It would be interesting to be the topic of a sketch piece, rather than the one doing the sketching. [ Izumi's drawn him before but... sketches done in down time at work and this feel different? ]
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[ Akira guesses that makes some sense! He has seen it before when his own parents attempted church (it only lasted like a fad for a couple of weeks). There was no songs playing...
That doesn't mean they couldn't be imitating it. But the leg? Why were their legs up, too? ]
I'll show you what I have when I'm done. [ Yusuke will never see it coming. ] ... I don't think I've received memories of your art in our past yet, either.
[ HE'S SO CURIOUS. ]
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[ The leggies cannot be explained. ]
I would be interested in seeing it, truly. I will look forward to it. [ ... Hm. ] Come to think of it, I am not sure I have any memories of what the other me drew. While I doubt he was ever roped into designing body pillows for friends [ Akira. ] he must have had a style and preference of his own. I wonder what it was...
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That's some easy cash—that's what he's supposed to say until he remembers Yusuke inviting him to go to the church... That he's looking for inspiration. It's something different this time from their time in Mementos over artist block. He stays quiet, but the squint in his eyes tell that something definitely came up. ]
... The anguish of Jesus Christ.
[ HE'S JUST STARING AT YUSUKE NOW. NO EXPLANATION. ]
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...
...
...
... ]
I wonder why we thought that was a good depiction of the anguish of Christ. I would have added a more prostrated pose, depicting true, crushing despair.
[ Lovely. ]
Although it was more vibrant than your original attempt.
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[ What can be even say? Even though they’re lying in the bed, Akira raises his arms to imitate the pose half-heartedly. He may or may not have gently bumped an arm against Yusuke’s head. ]
Farewell!
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Are you attempting to create the anguish of Yusuke?
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Yeah, definitely. [ Morrigan meows loudly, not impressed by the rowdy shenanigans. Simple and small moments like these warm his heart, but the feeling is so fleeting... Easily escaping him once the afterglow settles and dissipates. ] Ann isn’t on the app anymore.
[ And Minako, too. Even though he knows they’re both still there, a sense of loss still takes hold of him. ]
There are things I didn’t get to tell her.
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... Yes, I'd noticed her name had gone.
[ ... ]
Things about the other life?
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Yeah. Some things you already know... Like the Phantom Thieves being erased from reality, then I wanted to apologize for just trying to hide—[ This? Other things? Like when he just avoided everyone, cooped himself up. ] Everything.
[ Sighing, he's glad that Yusuke already knows and went through his bullshit, so he doesn't need to worry about raining on his parade. ]
She trusted me.
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You are already aware of my feelings on your tendency to keep things to yourself, Akira. [ THEY AREN'T GOOD FEELS, FRIEND. ]
But perhaps there are things you don't need to apologise for precisely. There's no harm in protecting people, or letting us experience these memories in our own time. But if you are suffering because of it, we'll want to know.
Ann trusts you, we all do. Do you trust us?
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I do... With my life. That's why I'm talking to you about it.
[ He knew for a while and kept telling himself he has to take steps forward. This at least helps him see that he has made some progress. ]
I'm planning to ask everyone else if they want to hear the rest. Some of it isn't pretty, but I'm sure we'll get through this together. Thanks, Yusuke.
[ Huddling closer, he wryly laughs— ]
Sorry, it seems like I'm always dropping something on you.
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Good. Because of that, you can share or not share whatever you like. But to remember to keep in mind both sides of a situation: times when you would hope we would confide in you out of trust apply to us regarding you as well.
[ Hmm, hmm. ]
Not always. But friendship is about doing fun, silly things and supporting each other. It's certainly nothing to apologise for.
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He smiles brightly at him, almost beaming. ]
What did I do to deserve a best friend like you?
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But.
Oh. You can't just... drop the best friend words on him like that. His heart wasn't prepared. ]
Ah...
[ He looks a little wide eyed. But not unhappy? He actually looks really touched. ]
It's not as though you had to pass tests to earn friendship. Besides, it is a two way street.
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God. ]
I'm showing how grateful I am to have you in my life and you're staring at me like I grew a second head and dropped the real talk on me. How do you even do this?
[ He loves you, he really does. ]
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[ Heck. ]
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Why are you yelling!!
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[ Everything Yusuke has said sounds carefully planned with very little holes in them. Yusuke is also usually SO COOL.
God... Telling Ann that she's his best friend was a lot less stressful than this. ]
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[ LOOK. THIS IS BIG. Akira was passing out on the streets to avoid dealing with emotions and talking to him or Elliot last month, and now he's curled up in bed with Yusuke telling him they're best friends.
He's so proud of him.
He wasn't ready. ]
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[ Stop looking at him like that? This is almost as bad as the phone call he had with Goro, hanging up by accident before he could say the magic phrase, then having to call him back and yell it in his ear.
And apparently loud enough for his friends to hear. ]
You're embarrassing me.
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I didn't mean to embarrass you.
[ But he is touched. ;A; ]
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