Permanent Open RP post! Game based, AU based, meme based, canon based, catch-it-all based - everything is welcome. You can start or tell me what you want and I can start. NSFW is allowed - check kink list if you need/want
[He goes to open his mouth- some things about Sojiro and how his tastes in older women is questionable at best, and how he didn't want to think too much about his dating life, and how this was all based on one giant assumption that he needed flowers to impress a chick, but then he realizes that he was using Yu to compare because he has senior citizen hair, and wow, that's kind of rude for someone he's just met for the second time.
Feeling the gaze of the shopowner heavily on the both of them, he tries to scramble and come up with another excuse. The problem is his shyness, and Morgana knows exactly what's going on because he's laughing at his shoulder. He shrugs a little, jostling the little guy to stop making so much noise, and he says the first thing that pops into his head.]
The flowers... aren't for me. I was asked to pick them up for someone, but I wanted to make sure they were pretty, so I just wanted to use you as comparison.
[Oh. Fuck. No, that's not what he wanted to say at all. Morgana is meowing so hard through his laughter that Akira shrugs him off completely, throwing him off as he lands on his feet- and then decides to hide behind Yu's legs.
Akira gives him a look of promised death, but it's to no avail, and he scratches his head in the extreme embarrassment.]
[Well... that was unexpected. He received compliments before- about his smarts, his guts, about his soccer moves, when he was battling shadows, from girls here and there. So why did this compliment took him off guard so much so his cheeks flushed lightly? He didn't even hear shopkeeper who tried to butt in and ask if they needed any help.]
Ah- s-sure then, I- okay! Whole batch! [So eloquent. All that studying he did and vast vocabulary and expressions he knows and he ends up saying "okay"? Yu wishes he can grab nearby decor paper and wrap his face up and let the earth beneath swallow him.
He grabs a handful of roses and turns to the desk to cut and arrange them properly. His heart needs to stop pounding so loudly too. The cat that's hiding behind his legs is helping him calm down too.
When he's finally done, he goes back to Akira to hand him the bouquet over. He had put additional effort into preparing it too- it was probably the best one he made so far.]
Here we are. I hope you like it. [...dammit, his cheeks still feel warm. Hopefully, it's not noticeable and his smile is a good cover up.]
[There's a good chance that Akira is going to die of embarrassment right here, which would be particularly upsetting in the sense that he never actually finished his probation. Maybe the after life would be kinder to him, who knows- but as he wonders how far into his turtleneck he can hide, he watches Yu go about arranging the bouquet.
It's always moments like this that he wishes time would speed up, but of course, every second feels like an hour, and as it gets closer to being completed, he tries his hardest to calm the raging blush that's settling down his cheeks. And for all the cool, debonair tricks he could pull off as a Phantom Thief, nothing really prepared him for being able to handle accidentally hitting on another guy. For once, he's thankful Ryuji is nowhere near. Or worse, Ann. They'd never let him live this one down.
(Which reminds him- when he gets home he's reaming Morgana out for leaving him in left field like this. And doubly so that he shouldn't meow a word of this to anyone else or canned food would be about the only thing he'd be eating for the next few weeks.)]
Thank you. They're perfect, really.
[Taking out his wallet to pay, he offers over the requires amount, forgetting that he also came to get some fertilizer. Oh well, Sojiro would chide him later about that one.]
[When he hands over the flowers and takes the money, he smiles and bows slightly, thanking Akira for the patronage. The florist was still giving him a judging look, but since Akira actually bought flowers and didn't just chitchat she didn't say anything to Yu.
The rest of the evening went by uneventful. They had few more customers but that was basically it. The shop owner had let him go home early since the business was slow. While he was putting away his work apron and picking up his school bag, he noticed something rectangular in the corner of the shop. With a frown, he picked it up.
A wallet. Akira-kun's wallet according to the library card in it (he had to check this isn't snooping!). He somehow dropped it and the customers that came in and out kicked it into the corner of the shop. He nodded his goodbye's to the shop owner and went home. Well, he has another chance at talking to him, that's for certain. Is this luck? Or fate? Sometimes he wishes he could go back in velvet room and get cryptic advice from Igor or Margaret. Cryptic advice is better than none.
The next day, he tried finding Akira during lunch time. He overestimated himself when he stepped out of his classroom and was greeted by an avalanche of students going to buy lunch. Why is the third year on the first floor anyway!? A question he never got an answer to.
Fighting his way through the crowd, he finally managed to reach the second floor. It wasn't as crowded as first, but... he didn't see Akira. And being the moron that he is, he didn't ask which class he attends. Well- he has no other choice but lingers around, hoping to bump into him.
The nervousness of getting to meet him again is twisting his stomach enough to not be hungry.]
[When he got home, he left the bouquet on the coffee table, careful to at least grab a pot out of the back and place some water in it to keep the cut fresh. It wasn't much later that he realized he didn't have his wallet and proceeded to tear up his room, thinking he had dropped it somewhere in Leblanc (it was less of believing that he had actually left it laying around and more hoping that he didn't drop it in the middle of Shibuya. Good-bye savings). Some time past midnight, Morgana said that he should head to bed and that maybe it would show up in the morning.
The worry kept him up for another hour or two until he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore. There wasn't anything he could do about it; beating himself up over it wouldn't help. Waking, he eventually makes his way downstairs, somewhat ready for school, wondering if he has enough time to try and trace his steps back to the flower shop and see if it was still there (unlikely)- until he noticed that the roses he placed in a pot were gone, which roused a whole other level of suspicion.
Sojiro didn't even say thank you.
Using his phone for subway passage, he makes his way to school, managing to nab a seat on the train, Morgana bouncing in the schoolbag in his lap. Most of the day was met with passive worry over that stupid wallet- and he wasn't about to ask Ann for some money for lunch, so he was going to go hungry until dinner.
He was actually just thinking about Yu, too, as he decides to go for a walk during lunchtime. Everything about yesterday was horrible- from his slip up at the shop, to leaving his wallet, to the lack of sleep he got over thinking about both things... and there he was, of course, just standing outside the classroom down the hall.
Wait- was he waiting for Akira? Oh no. This wasn't what he was expecting. What if he said something stupid again? He veers right, pretending he didn't see the upper classman. Maybe he can get away undetected.]
[And Akira would've gotten away with it hadn't been for a student in a bright yellow shirt with big 'ZOMG' letters on it. Thanks to his loud call out for Akira in the middle of the hallway, Yu managed to spot the boy he was looking for.
Of course, he didn't interrupt the conversation. He diligently waited for them to finish up before he approached. It felt awkward after last night's encounter, but Akira probably needed his wallet. Maybe he didn't even have his lunch yet!]
Excuse me, Akira-kun. [Yu waved lightly to get the other boy's attention.] I need to speak to you for a second.
[Finally standing in front of him, Yu reaches for his inner pocket and pulls out Akira's wallet.] You dropped this yesterday in the shop. I almost didn't notice it- people had kicked it to the side as they came in and out of the shop.
[Good old Ryuji. Leave it to him to bring all the attention in a room straight to himself, and by proximity, Akira. Which was exactly what he was hoping to not really do. Worse, of course, is that Ryuji has suddenly come up with code references to the heist they're working on, and Akira had no idea what he was talking about until half way in. But he's always so enthusiastic and inspired, and it never fails to be somewhat contagious, at least, so it gives him enough pep to face Yu afterward.]
Oh... hi.
[24/7 charm, 24/7 grace: Akira Kurusu. Yu holds out his wallet, and Akira's brows perk upward. To say he was surprised was a huge understatement.]
My wallet?
[Reaching over, he takes it back, looking at its closed figure in his palm. Relief washes over him as he smiles softly at the gesture. To think, he'd left his ID card and everything there, and Yu happened to pick it up. Or pickpocketed him... but that seems rather unlikely considering how forward this guy seemed to be. Akira laughs at himself a little for even thinking that, and pockets it, without even checking to see if any money was missing.]
Thanks... I was beginning to think I'd never find it.
[He can feel Ryuji quirking a brow, until he feels the weight of a hand on his shoulder. Catch ya later, Akira. You'll have to tell me this story tonight. - before he settles off to leave (1) very awkward feeling Akira alone with Yu.]
Are you free? I think I owe you a ramen at this point.
[Yu didn't get the head or the tail of conversation between them, and he didn't bother to. It was something between them and Yu wasn't one to pry (if he overhears stuff, that's by accident!). He gives the loud boy a short nod as a greeting before looking back at Akira.]
Yes. It was in the corner of the room so I consider it a lucky coincidence that I noticed it. I didn't go through it at all, just looked at the ID. [Yu is not versed in pickpocketing and he doesn't really need to be. When the blond boy leaves, he feels less pressured. He doesn't know why- maybe it's the nerves of trying to make himself look presentable to someone he doesn't know.
He didn't expect to be invited out for hangout though. And Yu never refuses the invitations-]
I am actually. You don't really owe me anything, but I'd like to hang out with you. Is after classes alright? Lunch break is almost over. [He's not above skipping classes, but he can't suggest that to someone he recently met!]
[It's really not Yu's fault. Ryuji can instill a sense of worry in just about anyone. He has a looming presence that comes off as thuggish, which Akira doesn't mind anymore, but he understands the situation decently well for someone making a first acquaintance. Oh- right. He probably should've actually introduced the two. He's not sure exactly how well that would have went, but it would've been the polite thing to do. He chalks it up to the lack of sleep and the fact that Yu just saved him from having to get a new wallet, new ID, and scramble to replace the funds that were stored away in there.
He's a proper thief, after all. Maybe he should invest in a safe, or something.]
After classes? It's a date.
[Wait.
He really has to stop doing this.]
I mean. It's... uh...
[Akira raises his arm to the back of his head, feeling dumber by the minute. He's not like this with anyone else, so why Yu of all people?]
No worries. I'll... how about the roof? I'll bring some snacks.
[Akira also isn't above skipping class, but considering his most recent blunder, sitting through a history lesson with Kawakami sensei seems a lot less embarrassing at this point.]
[Yu holds back a chuckle out of politeness. It seems that Akira's watching what he says way too much to have a proper conversation.There's something so endearing about the way his new friend (was there ever a doubt he wasn't?) stumbles to find words.]
Sounds like a plan. I didn't hang out on the rooftop in a while. [Did that bring back some memories or what? The whole investigation team, chilling out on the rooftop, eating ramen. Mostly stealing said ramen from the girls.] I'll bring some snacks myself. [If he knew he'd hang out with Akira, he would have made some snacks back home.
Yu always aims to impress.
After waving a short goodbye, Yu went back to his class. Finally, after several weeks, he has something to look forward to. It was a feeling he missed. So when the classes ended, Yu crammed as much snacks and drinks as he can in his bag and headed for the rooftop. He checked the door and smiled when the handle clicked letting him step out. Peering curiously around, he wondered if he was the first one to arrive.]
[The rooftop wasn't exactly the French Riviera or anything- it was shabby, looked like it had taken a beating, and there were things strewn about that showed it was a place that access by the general student body wasn't allowed, but it happened anyway. Not far off, a planter box sat in two rows. Someone had been tending to it, but Akira didn't know who would drag themselves up here to take care of a few meek vegetable plants. Maybe it was the biology teacher. It seems like something she would do.
Prior to coming up, Akira had bought two bowls of instant ramen from the vending machines downstairs. The trickier part was getting hot water up here- but with a little help from a hot plate and a thoroughly washed out glass beaker from the science practice room this afternoon (look, he didn't steal them, no, of course not), it was busy bubbling away and prepping to be dumped into the styrofoam containers.
Morgana cheerfully circles around his feet, chattering away about little things, about Mementos, about how they should go see how far it goes, not different from a kid in Japan who thought if he burrowed a hole deep enough in the ground he'd land up in the United States. It's not long after that Yu arrives up here, and as Akira is sitting, watching for the bubbling beaker to hit its boiling point, he waves.]
[It's not wide and tidy like Inaba's rooftop but there's this sense of comfort and familiarity coming from it. Maybe it's those little gardens and stuff cramped in the corners. Something like a camping place? Yu liked this place already.]
Thank you for invi..ting.. me... [Yu's voice slowly faded out as he spotted in what Akira was heating up the water for the ramen.] ...is that from science lab? [...] How did you get it here without anyone seeing you? [It might not be big, but it's glass and if it breaks, principal's face might pop from anger.
And no, he's not judging Akira for doing this. In fact, he looks more fascinated than he should.]
Oh! [His eyes fall on the cat near Akira's legs and Yu drops his bag to the side so he can crouch and greet the cat as well.] I see you dropped by as well, despite the fact that it's forbidden to bring pets to school.
[Akira doesn't understand at first. The beakers are are damn near perfect for retaining heat. The convection plate doesn't overheat anyway, at least, unless there's a short in it, and then that's a different story. He has no realization that his worry is most likely related to the fact that he smuggled stuff out from the lab, and instead assumes Yu is just about to chide him for the excellent science experiment going on out here on the roof... but when it doesn't come, he's kind of relieved and shows a small smile.
If not the brightest bulb in the world, Akira is at least resourceful. This is your future, Yu. A guy who's good at stealing shit and can't cook to save his life.]
Yeah... It was kind of just... sitting there, so...
[He looks down at the floor. Total shy bad boy.
"Joker and Transfer kid sittin' in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-----"
Akira leans over and pets Morgana's head in a way that he knows the not-cat just loves.]
Told you I'm a troublemaker. [A small laugh.] Morgana's well behaved, though, so he usually just sleeps or pays attention in my desk. I... I didn't want to leave him home all day. He's one of my best friends.
['It was just kind of sitting there'... Yu couldn't help himself but chuckle slightly. That sounds so much like someone he knows. He sits down next to Akira and goes to pet Morgana as well.]
That's pretty smart though. As long as we don't break them. They paycheck from the flower shop can't cover the expenses.
[Taking his bag, Yu pulls out a bag of chips (XL size) and few cans of soda- all properly checked for expiry dates. After Akira warned him about it Yu's been doing it out of habit.]
Troublemaker? [The cans make satisfying sizzle as he opens them-] No, you're not there yet. Until you beat up a biker gang with school desk, you're not a troublemaker. [He offers one of the cans to Akira with a smile. The... rumors about Akira might have finally reached his ears. But Yu's instinct is telling him that there's way more behind that face than the rumors. Ebihara was living, walking proof to not judge people based on rumors and appearances.]
[Akira reaches down to the floor, pulling up the two unrefined bowls of ramen, peeling the lid just back so there's an entrance point for water. He opens his school bag and pulls out a pair of gloves- which is, to say the least, a little concerning that Akira has a pair like this so readily available. With a careful eye to the beaker, he puts them on and takes it by the spout.
Easy does it.
With relative ease, he doesn't spill any water on the roof, and sets the two bowls up, one on top of the other, dragging out two disposable chopstick pairs and laying it them squarely on top of the pile. Hearing the short fizz of a soft drink, he looks up to Yu and gives a thumbs up.]
You were in a biker gang before coming back to Tokyo?
[Akira knows it's not true, but it's a funny image nonetheless. Is this light flirting? Morgana looks happily enchanted by someone doting on him, and for a second, Akira almost blurts out about how they stole a biker gang member's heart once for extorting a poor family in Kanda. Probably not the best idea though, so he keeps quiet.
There's something about Yu that makes Akira want to tell him everything. Anything. This could be dangerous for a thief.]
[The ramen smelled so good and Yu's stomach gave a happy rumble. Yosuke might be right- minutes that you wait for ramen to be ready are as long as hours. It's interesting that Akira has gloves on him, but not enough weird for Yu to ask him about them. The guy probably had work in the lab today. After all, he got the glass beakers here.
With one hand, he picks up Morgana and places him on his lap. It's easier this way to pet the cat. And he continues to diligently do so while laughing at the question.]
No, I wasn't. If I was, one of my friends wouldn't be my friend and instead would be kicking my ass. With said school desk. [His group of friends is... colorful. And Yu could talk about them the whole day- given the chance and if anyone is actually willing to listen to him.
He scratches Morgana behind ear-] If I knew Morgana was here I would've brought some snacks for him as well. [He doesn't like when cats watch him eat with begging eyes! He always gives in and shares his food.]
This isn't right. Joker! Save me------------ow.....
All of which just sounds like a string of meows coming from Morgana to an untrained ear, but more or less he's starting to settle down in Yu's lap. Morgana is taken in by his gentle ear affection, and Akira has this shit eating smirk on his face that he can't contain.
Not a word of this to anyone. I know where you sleep.]
He likes you.
[With a bit of a reach, he takes one of the sodas, and tries really hard not to make eye contact with his not-feline friend, because honestly, for all the spunk the little dude has, it's really kind of sweet to see him acting like the cognitive world thinks he should act. This doesn't help Morgana's case much, who, for the most part, tells anyone who's listening that he's a human.
And the way Yu just settles with him... Akira finds himself watching as he takes a sip.]
I promise I won't kick your ass with a school desk, then. And don't worry too much about Morgana. I took him to a sushi buffet the other week.
[Yu was suspicious at first because the cat seemed restless but now he calmed down. Did the scratches help? Either way, Yu feels like he's in heaven. Maybe he should really adopt a cat.]
That's very reassuring. [Knowing your ass is safe is good.
He looks around curiously-]
Do you hang out on the roof often? [Pure curiosity. Also, he feels awkward and doesn't want their conversation to spin in a circle about cats. It's quiet up here, no one comes around- the perfect spot to rest from all the commotion in the school. And the rumors.]
[Akira looks around too, just to give the place a good measure. Considering he's moved into an attic space that was cramped and dirty as all hell, the wide open view of the Tokyo skyline around them is a nice change of pace. Not that he's ever really noticed it yet, considering the only times he's come up here was with Ryuji and Ann to plot how to get into peoples' hearts. But now that he gets a chance to realize it, it's... pretty dingy. But it's also quiet in a way that no metropolitan area should be.]
This was actually Ryuji's hangout spot. He invited me up here and... a few of us come up here from time to time.
[He checks on the ramen. Good enough. Peeling back the lid, he holds out the one on the bottom (the warmer one) and a pair of the throwaway chopsticks to Yu.]
You've probably heard about this by now... but I have a criminal record. I just wanted you to know, since...
[It's a depressing topic.]
Well... It's not really easy to make friends around here. It might make you look bad, talking to me.
Ryuji? [The loud blond he saw earlier today in the hall?] Tell your friend he found great hangout spot. The view of the skyline is pretty amazing.
[He puts his soda on one of the boxes near him and accepts the offered bowl and chopsticks. Yu makes sure not to use the cat as the resting place for his food.]
I heard. [After taking a bite and swallowing, he continues-] What I also heard is that you and your friends cornered the P.E. teacher and forced him to confess the abuse over the volleyball team. [Yu looks up from his bowl and smiles-] And if that's true, then your 'criminal record' is insignificant.
[He leans back, staring absently at his food-] People are too quick to judge these days, too unconcerned, tired or scared to look past the first layer. [With a shrug he looks back at Akira-] Because if they look it might prove them wrong. And people hate being wrong.
[Yu picks up more food as he asks-] Can I hear the full, true story? I don't like rumors. [The TV. Never again.]
[In preparation of Morgana insisting that he doesn't say anything, Akira scoops up a string of noodle with his chopsticks, blows on it to cool it down significantly, and leans over on his chair to hold it up for him to take. He's not entirely sure that cats should eat noodles, but he's already had curry and even a few sips of coffee, so this probably won't be too bad. Cutely enough, he bites on the string, and a drop of leftover soup swishes around and lands on Yu's pants. That... wasn't really intended, so Akira apologizes quickly.
Not to say that Akira isn't a little weary of his upperclassman asking such pointed questions, but he supposes that's just his style- direct and honest- where the former, a thief, is anything but sometimes.]
I just... can't sit around while adults do horrible things to people just because of their status or power.
[He looks at the door to make sure no one is eavesdropping. Lately, the student council president has been snooping around quite a bit lately, and he doesn't need the added complication. If only she came out and asked him directly like this, it might've been different.]
But I can't say that we did anything, in the end. He was trying to get us expelled. It's really amazing that he had a change of heart like that.
[At least he's getting way better at lying.]
My criminal record? It's... weird... I don't really remember all the details leading up to what happened. But there was this drunk salaryman who was trying to rape a woman. I pushed him off of her, but he called the cops on me, and the woman defended him. So... I got booked for it.
[Yu chuckles softly at the cat as he tries to get food from Akira and just waved off the piece of food that fell onto his pants. It was Saturday so he planned to do his laundry anyway.
Ever since he came back from Inaba, Yu never hesitated to ask things aloud. Of course, he'll apologize in advance if it's the intruding type of question, but he doesn't beat around the bush anymore. And it proved to be well accepted by people around him- for now.
He nods at Akira's explanation- fair enough. Yu would've probably done the same thing. And his friends would back him up- Kanji would probably threaten to kick his ass.] Yes. The 'Phantom Thieves' thing? It's an interesting thing to think about. [And after what happened to him, Yu has no problem believing in anything out of ordinary. Even ghosts are real to him now.]
W-Wait a minute-! [After Akira's explanation of his criminal record, a red alarm started ringing in his head. That's-] That's not right! Why would they convict you for something like that!? [He blurted it out before he could actually think about it.]
A-Ah, sorry, I shouldn't have asked like that. It just- sounds so unreal. [Was it a grudge? But Akira's just high schooler. Why would a salaryman hold grudge big enough to sue him and ruin boy's future with a criminal record? Not to mention that what he was trying to do to the woman was despicable.]
[He doesn't know what to say. It was a bad situation all around, which landed him here in the first place. Better. It was getting better, but it didn't stop the fact that he's still on probation, and guilt is always presumed ahead of him rather than giving him the benefit of the doubt.]
It's alright. I was doing what I thought was right and kind of... just got swept up by it. That's how it goes in this world, I guess.
[Akira pushes up his glass towards the bridge of his nose. Playing the field a little, he idly eats more of his dinner and shoots a pointed question at Yu.]
Do you think they're real? The Phantom Thieves, that is.
[Is it? Is that really how the world is? Everything that happened in the past year is telling him that it is not. So he shakes his head-]
No. That's not how the world is supposed to be. How is punishing the good people and rewarding the guilty alright? But I guess, that's just my opinion. [And there's nothing either of them can do about it.
He eats his food in silence, still pondering on what Akira told him. And if he was being honest, he'll be thinking about that even when he comes back home. Maybe he should give Naoto a call about this. Advice from Detective Prince can't hurt.]
Hmm? Well... [Yu idly taps the chopsticks against his lips-] I see no reason not to. If there really is a group of Thieves stealing hearts to make them repent for their horrible deeds, then they have my full support. What they are doing is admirable and gutsy.
[Akira shakes his head- Yu is filled with an intent of optimism, which probably means that he's been touched too much by the rural life, or something like that. It doesn't mean that he's not hiding back a smile, because he ultimately believes that too. Someone has to punish the guilty, and even if they're so far out of reach of the police and justice system, maybe what he's doing is right. Or not, who knows. All Akira can attest to is that he's following the beat of his own rebellious heart, one that's been passed over by society, one that understands that not everything is really just black or white.]
You're an interesting senpai.
[There, Akira starts laughing a little bit. He tries to distract himself with the ramen, bringing the bowl up to his lips to drink the broth that's been cooled down by the crosswinds at the top of the school.]
There's a website, too. Apparently there's a poll on whether or not you think they exist.
[Morgana's glare cuts through Akira's confidence, and he lets his food sit squarely in his lap. Phantom Thieves were a rumor too, weren't they? No one actually knew if they were out there, which only served to increase intrigue. Funny, too, that the people spreading the rumors in school about them were the same people who were whispering in the halls about the felon in school, or the new kid who just transferred in.]
What about you? What was life like before coming to Tokyo?
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Feeling the gaze of the shopowner heavily on the both of them, he tries to scramble and come up with another excuse. The problem is his shyness, and Morgana knows exactly what's going on because he's laughing at his shoulder. He shrugs a little, jostling the little guy to stop making so much noise, and he says the first thing that pops into his head.]
The flowers... aren't for me. I was asked to pick them up for someone, but I wanted to make sure they were pretty, so I just wanted to use you as comparison.
[Oh. Fuck. No, that's not what he wanted to say at all. Morgana is meowing so hard through his laughter that Akira shrugs him off completely, throwing him off as he lands on his feet- and then decides to hide behind Yu's legs.
Akira gives him a look of promised death, but it's to no avail, and he scratches his head in the extreme embarrassment.]
I'll take the roses. The entire batch.
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Ah- s-sure then, I- okay! Whole batch! [So eloquent. All that studying he did and vast vocabulary and expressions he knows and he ends up saying "okay"? Yu wishes he can grab nearby decor paper and wrap his face up and let the earth beneath swallow him.
He grabs a handful of roses and turns to the desk to cut and arrange them properly. His heart needs to stop pounding so loudly too. The cat that's hiding behind his legs is helping him calm down too.
When he's finally done, he goes back to Akira to hand him the bouquet over. He had put additional effort into preparing it too- it was probably the best one he made so far.]
Here we are. I hope you like it. [...dammit, his cheeks still feel warm. Hopefully, it's not noticeable and his smile is a good cover up.]
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It's always moments like this that he wishes time would speed up, but of course, every second feels like an hour, and as it gets closer to being completed, he tries his hardest to calm the raging blush that's settling down his cheeks. And for all the cool, debonair tricks he could pull off as a Phantom Thief, nothing really prepared him for being able to handle accidentally hitting on another guy. For once, he's thankful Ryuji is nowhere near. Or worse, Ann. They'd never let him live this one down.
(Which reminds him- when he gets home he's reaming Morgana out for leaving him in left field like this. And doubly so that he shouldn't meow a word of this to anyone else or canned food would be about the only thing he'd be eating for the next few weeks.)]
Thank you. They're perfect, really.
[Taking out his wallet to pay, he offers over the requires amount, forgetting that he also came to get some fertilizer. Oh well, Sojiro would chide him later about that one.]
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The rest of the evening went by uneventful. They had few more customers but that was basically it. The shop owner had let him go home early since the business was slow. While he was putting away his work apron and picking up his school bag, he noticed something rectangular in the corner of the shop. With a frown, he picked it up.
A wallet. Akira-kun's wallet according to the library card in it (he had to check this isn't snooping!). He somehow dropped it and the customers that came in and out kicked it into the corner of the shop. He nodded his goodbye's to the shop owner and went home. Well, he has another chance at talking to him, that's for certain. Is this luck? Or fate? Sometimes he wishes he could go back in velvet room and get cryptic advice from Igor or Margaret. Cryptic advice is better than none.
The next day, he tried finding Akira during lunch time. He overestimated himself when he stepped out of his classroom and was greeted by an avalanche of students going to buy lunch. Why is the third year on the first floor anyway!? A question he never got an answer to.
Fighting his way through the crowd, he finally managed to reach the second floor. It wasn't as crowded as first, but... he didn't see Akira. And being the moron that he is, he didn't ask which class he attends. Well- he has no other choice but lingers around, hoping to bump into him.
The nervousness of getting to meet him again is twisting his stomach enough to not be hungry.]
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The worry kept him up for another hour or two until he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore. There wasn't anything he could do about it; beating himself up over it wouldn't help. Waking, he eventually makes his way downstairs, somewhat ready for school, wondering if he has enough time to try and trace his steps back to the flower shop and see if it was still there (unlikely)- until he noticed that the roses he placed in a pot were gone, which roused a whole other level of suspicion.
Sojiro didn't even say thank you.
Using his phone for subway passage, he makes his way to school, managing to nab a seat on the train, Morgana bouncing in the schoolbag in his lap. Most of the day was met with passive worry over that stupid wallet- and he wasn't about to ask Ann for some money for lunch, so he was going to go hungry until dinner.
He was actually just thinking about Yu, too, as he decides to go for a walk during lunchtime. Everything about yesterday was horrible- from his slip up at the shop, to leaving his wallet, to the lack of sleep he got over thinking about both things... and there he was, of course, just standing outside the classroom down the hall.
Wait- was he waiting for Akira? Oh no. This wasn't what he was expecting. What if he said something stupid again? He veers right, pretending he didn't see the upper classman. Maybe he can get away undetected.]
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Of course, he didn't interrupt the conversation. He diligently waited for them to finish up before he approached. It felt awkward after last night's encounter, but Akira probably needed his wallet. Maybe he didn't even have his lunch yet!]
Excuse me, Akira-kun. [Yu waved lightly to get the other boy's attention.] I need to speak to you for a second.
[Finally standing in front of him, Yu reaches for his inner pocket and pulls out Akira's wallet.] You dropped this yesterday in the shop. I almost didn't notice it- people had kicked it to the side as they came in and out of the shop.
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Oh... hi.
[24/7 charm, 24/7 grace: Akira Kurusu. Yu holds out his wallet, and Akira's brows perk upward. To say he was surprised was a huge understatement.]
My wallet?
[Reaching over, he takes it back, looking at its closed figure in his palm. Relief washes over him as he smiles softly at the gesture. To think, he'd left his ID card and everything there, and Yu happened to pick it up. Or pickpocketed him... but that seems rather unlikely considering how forward this guy seemed to be. Akira laughs at himself a little for even thinking that, and pockets it, without even checking to see if any money was missing.]
Thanks... I was beginning to think I'd never find it.
[He can feel Ryuji quirking a brow, until he feels the weight of a hand on his shoulder. Catch ya later, Akira. You'll have to tell me this story tonight. - before he settles off to leave (1) very awkward feeling Akira alone with Yu.]
Are you free? I think I owe you a ramen at this point.
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Yes. It was in the corner of the room so I consider it a lucky coincidence that I noticed it. I didn't go through it at all, just looked at the ID. [Yu is not versed in pickpocketing and he doesn't really need to be. When the blond boy leaves, he feels less pressured. He doesn't know why- maybe it's the nerves of trying to make himself look presentable to someone he doesn't know.
He didn't expect to be invited out for hangout though. And Yu never refuses the invitations-]
I am actually. You don't really owe me anything, but I'd like to hang out with you. Is after classes alright? Lunch break is almost over. [He's not above skipping classes, but he can't suggest that to someone he recently met!]
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He's a proper thief, after all. Maybe he should invest in a safe, or something.]
After classes? It's a date.
[Wait.
He really has to stop doing this.]
I mean. It's... uh...
[Akira raises his arm to the back of his head, feeling dumber by the minute. He's not like this with anyone else, so why Yu of all people?]
No worries. I'll... how about the roof? I'll bring some snacks.
[Akira also isn't above skipping class, but considering his most recent blunder, sitting through a history lesson with Kawakami sensei seems a lot less embarrassing at this point.]
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Sounds like a plan. I didn't hang out on the rooftop in a while. [Did that bring back some memories or what? The whole investigation team, chilling out on the rooftop, eating ramen. Mostly stealing said ramen from the girls.] I'll bring some snacks myself. [If he knew he'd hang out with Akira, he would have made some snacks back home.
Yu always aims to impress.
After waving a short goodbye, Yu went back to his class. Finally, after several weeks, he has something to look forward to. It was a feeling he missed. So when the classes ended, Yu crammed as much snacks and drinks as he can in his bag and headed for the rooftop. He checked the door and smiled when the handle clicked letting him step out. Peering curiously around, he wondered if he was the first one to arrive.]
Hello?
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Prior to coming up, Akira had bought two bowls of instant ramen from the vending machines downstairs. The trickier part was getting hot water up here- but with a little help from a hot plate and a thoroughly washed out glass beaker from the science practice room this afternoon (look, he didn't steal them, no, of course not), it was busy bubbling away and prepping to be dumped into the styrofoam containers.
Morgana cheerfully circles around his feet, chattering away about little things, about Mementos, about how they should go see how far it goes, not different from a kid in Japan who thought if he burrowed a hole deep enough in the ground he'd land up in the United States. It's not long after that Yu arrives up here, and as Akira is sitting, watching for the bubbling beaker to hit its boiling point, he waves.]
Welcome to the hideout.
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Thank you for invi..ting.. me... [Yu's voice slowly faded out as he spotted in what Akira was heating up the water for the ramen.] ...is that from science lab? [...] How did you get it here without anyone seeing you? [It might not be big, but it's glass and if it breaks, principal's face might pop from anger.
And no, he's not judging Akira for doing this. In fact, he looks more fascinated than he should.]
Oh! [His eyes fall on the cat near Akira's legs and Yu drops his bag to the side so he can crouch and greet the cat as well.] I see you dropped by as well, despite the fact that it's forbidden to bring pets to school.
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If not the brightest bulb in the world, Akira is at least resourceful. This is your future, Yu. A guy who's good at stealing shit and can't cook to save his life.]
Yeah... It was kind of just... sitting there, so...
[He looks down at the floor. Total shy bad boy.
"Joker and Transfer kid sittin' in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-----"
Akira leans over and pets Morgana's head in a way that he knows the not-cat just loves.]
Told you I'm a troublemaker. [A small laugh.] Morgana's well behaved, though, so he usually just sleeps or pays attention in my desk. I... I didn't want to leave him home all day. He's one of my best friends.
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That's pretty smart though. As long as we don't break them. They paycheck from the flower shop can't cover the expenses.
[Taking his bag, Yu pulls out a bag of chips (XL size) and few cans of soda- all properly checked for expiry dates. After Akira warned him about it Yu's been doing it out of habit.]
Troublemaker? [The cans make satisfying sizzle as he opens them-] No, you're not there yet. Until you beat up a biker gang with school desk, you're not a troublemaker. [He offers one of the cans to Akira with a smile. The... rumors about Akira might have finally reached his ears. But Yu's instinct is telling him that there's way more behind that face than the rumors. Ebihara was living, walking proof to not judge people based on rumors and appearances.]
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Easy does it.
With relative ease, he doesn't spill any water on the roof, and sets the two bowls up, one on top of the other, dragging out two disposable chopstick pairs and laying it them squarely on top of the pile. Hearing the short fizz of a soft drink, he looks up to Yu and gives a thumbs up.]
You were in a biker gang before coming back to Tokyo?
[Akira knows it's not true, but it's a funny image nonetheless. Is this light flirting? Morgana looks happily enchanted by someone doting on him, and for a second, Akira almost blurts out about how they stole a biker gang member's heart once for extorting a poor family in Kanda. Probably not the best idea though, so he keeps quiet.
There's something about Yu that makes Akira want to tell him everything. Anything. This could be dangerous for a thief.]
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With one hand, he picks up Morgana and places him on his lap. It's easier this way to pet the cat. And he continues to diligently do so while laughing at the question.]
No, I wasn't. If I was, one of my friends wouldn't be my friend and instead would be kicking my ass. With said school desk. [His group of friends is... colorful. And Yu could talk about them the whole day- given the chance and if anyone is actually willing to listen to him.
He scratches Morgana behind ear-] If I knew Morgana was here I would've brought some snacks for him as well. [He doesn't like when cats watch him eat with begging eyes! He always gives in and shares his food.]
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What do you think you're--
This isn't right. Joker! Save me------------ow.....
All of which just sounds like a string of meows coming from Morgana to an untrained ear, but more or less he's starting to settle down in Yu's lap. Morgana is taken in by his gentle ear affection, and Akira has this shit eating smirk on his face that he can't contain.
Not a word of this to anyone. I know where you sleep.]
He likes you.
[With a bit of a reach, he takes one of the sodas, and tries really hard not to make eye contact with his not-feline friend, because honestly, for all the spunk the little dude has, it's really kind of sweet to see him acting like the cognitive world thinks he should act. This doesn't help Morgana's case much, who, for the most part, tells anyone who's listening that he's a human.
And the way Yu just settles with him... Akira finds himself watching as he takes a sip.]
I promise I won't kick your ass with a school desk, then. And don't worry too much about Morgana. I took him to a sushi buffet the other week.
[Akira wishes he were lying about that.]
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[Yu was suspicious at first because the cat seemed restless but now he calmed down. Did the scratches help? Either way, Yu feels like he's in heaven. Maybe he should really adopt a cat.]
That's very reassuring. [Knowing your ass is safe is good.
He looks around curiously-]
Do you hang out on the roof often? [Pure curiosity. Also, he feels awkward and doesn't want their conversation to spin in a circle about cats. It's quiet up here, no one comes around- the perfect spot to rest from all the commotion in the school. And the rumors.]
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This was actually Ryuji's hangout spot. He invited me up here and... a few of us come up here from time to time.
[He checks on the ramen. Good enough. Peeling back the lid, he holds out the one on the bottom (the warmer one) and a pair of the throwaway chopsticks to Yu.]
You've probably heard about this by now... but I have a criminal record. I just wanted you to know, since...
[It's a depressing topic.]
Well... It's not really easy to make friends around here. It might make you look bad, talking to me.
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[He puts his soda on one of the boxes near him and accepts the offered bowl and chopsticks. Yu makes sure not to use the cat as the resting place for his food.]
I heard. [After taking a bite and swallowing, he continues-] What I also heard is that you and your friends cornered the P.E. teacher and forced him to confess the abuse over the volleyball team. [Yu looks up from his bowl and smiles-] And if that's true, then your 'criminal record' is insignificant.
[He leans back, staring absently at his food-] People are too quick to judge these days, too unconcerned, tired or scared to look past the first layer. [With a shrug he looks back at Akira-] Because if they look it might prove them wrong. And people hate being wrong.
[Yu picks up more food as he asks-] Can I hear the full, true story? I don't like rumors. [The TV. Never again.]
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Not to say that Akira isn't a little weary of his upperclassman asking such pointed questions, but he supposes that's just his style- direct and honest- where the former, a thief, is anything but sometimes.]
I just... can't sit around while adults do horrible things to people just because of their status or power.
[He looks at the door to make sure no one is eavesdropping. Lately, the student council president has been snooping around quite a bit lately, and he doesn't need the added complication. If only she came out and asked him directly like this, it might've been different.]
But I can't say that we did anything, in the end. He was trying to get us expelled. It's really amazing that he had a change of heart like that.
[At least he's getting way better at lying.]
My criminal record? It's... weird... I don't really remember all the details leading up to what happened. But there was this drunk salaryman who was trying to rape a woman. I pushed him off of her, but he called the cops on me, and the woman defended him. So... I got booked for it.
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Ever since he came back from Inaba, Yu never hesitated to ask things aloud. Of course, he'll apologize in advance if it's the intruding type of question, but he doesn't beat around the bush anymore. And it proved to be well accepted by people around him- for now.
He nods at Akira's explanation- fair enough. Yu would've probably done the same thing. And his friends would back him up- Kanji would probably threaten to kick his ass.] Yes. The 'Phantom Thieves' thing? It's an interesting thing to think about. [And after what happened to him, Yu has no problem believing in anything out of ordinary. Even ghosts are real to him now.]
W-Wait a minute-! [After Akira's explanation of his criminal record, a red alarm started ringing in his head. That's-] That's not right! Why would they convict you for something like that!? [He blurted it out before he could actually think about it.]
A-Ah, sorry, I shouldn't have asked like that. It just- sounds so unreal. [Was it a grudge? But Akira's just high schooler. Why would a salaryman hold grudge big enough to sue him and ruin boy's future with a criminal record? Not to mention that what he was trying to do to the woman was despicable.]
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It's alright. I was doing what I thought was right and kind of... just got swept up by it. That's how it goes in this world, I guess.
[Akira pushes up his glass towards the bridge of his nose. Playing the field a little, he idly eats more of his dinner and shoots a pointed question at Yu.]
Do you think they're real? The Phantom Thieves, that is.
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No. That's not how the world is supposed to be. How is punishing the good people and rewarding the guilty alright? But I guess, that's just my opinion. [And there's nothing either of them can do about it.
He eats his food in silence, still pondering on what Akira told him. And if he was being honest, he'll be thinking about that even when he comes back home. Maybe he should give Naoto a call about this. Advice from Detective Prince can't hurt.]
Hmm? Well... [Yu idly taps the chopsticks against his lips-] I see no reason not to. If there really is a group of Thieves stealing hearts to make them repent for their horrible deeds, then they have my full support. What they are doing is admirable and gutsy.
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You're an interesting senpai.
[There, Akira starts laughing a little bit. He tries to distract himself with the ramen, bringing the bowl up to his lips to drink the broth that's been cooled down by the crosswinds at the top of the school.]
There's a website, too. Apparently there's a poll on whether or not you think they exist.
[Morgana's glare cuts through Akira's confidence, and he lets his food sit squarely in his lap. Phantom Thieves were a rumor too, weren't they? No one actually knew if they were out there, which only served to increase intrigue. Funny, too, that the people spreading the rumors in school about them were the same people who were whispering in the halls about the felon in school, or the new kid who just transferred in.]
What about you? What was life like before coming to Tokyo?
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