unfoggedlotus | [ ic // demi voicetesting ]

What's this? Another curly haired, glasses wearing person that is probably an Akira but might not be? Akechi was about to try poking around Iwatodai for fun, but the sight of this stranger draws him in. Not pale enough to be the vampire. Too confused to be an established resident.

Pulling out his notepad, he clears his throat and says, "Pardon me, but for the sake of science, inquiring minds must know. Are you Ren Amamiya or Akira Kurusu?"

...Okay, tonight's just a list of the weirdest firsts the universe could think to throw at him, isn't it? Ren turns and suddenly there's a small guy who looks like his boyfriend might've at that age asking him questions in a very Akechi way. He clears his throat and adjusts his glasses. "Oh. I'm Ren Amamiya."

"What." He squints at his notes, brow furrowing. "You're Ren Amamiya, but you wear glasses... You're an anomaly that breaks the pattern." He pauses. "I mean no disrespect. This must all be very confusing to you, dragged to a world with all those doors leading to fake, cognitive versions of places throughout Japan. You probably are aware of Personas and... presumably the Metaverse? That seems to be normal for versions of you that are this age."

"Yeah. I have personas. And know the Metaverse." He's still not fully trusting of this place, but... "The doors do what now?"

"They lead to versions of Tokyo, Inaba, Iwatodai, Mikage-cho and... some other place, which I still haven't properly investigated in full. There's also access to the TV world in Inaba, which probably doesn't mean anything to you unless by some ungodly chance you're familiar with a version of me that spent many of his formative years in Inaba... which would have some rather striking implications."

Hmm. Is it possible? He'll find out soon enough. The odds are slim, though. Very, very slim.

Life comes at you fast, but information out of the mouth of an excited Akechi comes at you faster. Ren's head spins a bit. "Version of you? You're Goro Akechi, right?"

"Yes. And I just so happen to be from Inaba myself, having flawlessly obtained the power to enter the TV world by shaking hands with a gas station attendant who in all likelihood is some manner of trickster deity." He tips his chin up, very proud of that fact. "But there are other Akechis. So many. I suppose, then, I can only ask if you are familiar with an Akechi just a bit older than you who wears a Shujin Academy uniform with a black turtleneck and matching gloves?"

It's a question for science. Inquiring minds must know.

Of course, Ren's boyfriend has probably told the story of the gas station attendant with far less pride and far more nostalgic embarrassment for how reckless hew as at that age.

...Yep, that's Goro Akechi, alright. A bit of fondness flickers in his chest.

"Well, yeah. It's not like he goes to Shujin naked." Even if that would be more fun. Actually...scratch that thought. He remembered the weird comments the math teacher made that one time.

"...And are you perhaps dating?" This is an urgent question that demands urgent answers. For science! His eyes have already widened with the realization that he might be onto something huge. Something crucial! He hastily texts Magpie.

And then, immediately, Ren receives a phone call. Funny how that happens.

Edited 2023-10-11 03:05 (UTC)

The theme song to Featherman: Justice For All! rings out across the room. It takes Ren less than two seconds to pick it up, jamming his phone up against his ear.

"Goro?" He asks, immediately. He's gonna say something else, probably, but the words escape him.

"Ren!" He sounds startled, to say the least. "You're here. You're actually here. I..."

The younger of the two Akechis watches this and finishes his text to Magpie. This is an interesting development, to say the least.

Shit. This is the man he'll one day date.

"Goro?" Something deep inside his chest unwinds at the sound of his boyfriend's voice, and his own words come out in a rush. "Yeah, I'm here. Where are you? Where are we? This seems like the Velvet Room, but it's not..."

"I..." Give him a moment. This is a lot. So sudden. It's been two months, and he's actually here. Really, truly here. "Stay put. I'll be there soon. We can... I don't know, sit down at Jazz Jin? Or if you prefer somewhere else, that's fine, too. Whatever you'd like, darling. I'm yours."

Raven continues watching this. So that's it, then. This is the elusive Ren Amamiya he's heard so much about...

Woah, he can hear the desperation in Goro's voice. That's...not good. "I'm here, honey. Not moving an inch," he promises. Jazz Jin is tempting, but he can tell just by Goro's voice that they need something else. "Why don't we go somewhere quieter? Actually...what even is here? The other Akechi here told me the doors led to different places, but I missed most of the locations..."

Keep him talking, he thinks. Talking is good for anxious Akechis, he's learned. Helps them feel more in control of the situation.

Edited 2023-10-11 03:23 (UTC)

"We could go somewhere in Inaba. There's a lovely view at the top of the hill. It might even be nostalgic for you, being somewhere in the countryside." Just talking to Ren is grounding. Steadily, his voice calms. It won't be much longer now... "I'll be coming from the door that leads there. It's the fourth one, clockwise."

Raven shoots another text out, eying Ren with interest. "It sounds as though you two will need your privacy. ...Honestly, I encourage it. He's been blatantly pining for you for two months."

"Inaba sounds fantastic, honey," he soothes, trying to project as much reassurance as he can through the call. "Clockwise from where? What point in the room is noon?"

Then, the little Akechi speaks, and the words crash into him all at once--

"Two months?" Ren yelps, baritone squeaking. "I saw you, like, five hours ago!"

"...Well, that's reassuring. I was a bit concerned that my absence would be felt and that you all would try something reckless to track me down. Kirijo-san would probably have turned all of Tokyo upside down just to find me."

A few hours is certainly less worrisome. That he can manage. It means his family isn't worried. It means he hasn't missed any classes. It means... many things. Thank goodness.

"The Velvet Room was always strange with its relation to time. This place is no different, and—"

Dun, dun, dunnnn... dour number four opens, and out walks an all too familiar Akechi. He may look slightly tired, though. He was in such a rush, he didn't think to put on any makeup to conceal those subtle dark circles. "It really is you."

Akechi gulps, pocketing his phone for now. He moves closer, starting slow, but gradually picking up speed. "Ren!"

Do pardon the sudden embrace. Also pardon the thirteen year old watching this all unfold. "...As I said, he's been entirely hopeless without you."

"Goro!" Ren opens his arms with a wide grin, catching his tired-looking boyfriend as he runs into him. Oof, he's just as solid as ever. One hand wraps itself around Goro's waist, and the other is on the back of his neck, both gently rubbing him, soothing, soothing. "I was getting worried. Mona had to knock my phone out of my hands so I could go to sleep. Then I woke up and I was here."

And now to address the, uh...very much not-an-elephant in the room. Ren turns to the smaller Akechi. "What, no sympathy for the reunited couple?" He jabs back, lighthearted. "Or is someone just jealous?"

He relaxes at the touch, going limp in his boyfriend's arm. Just... casually pressing his forehead to Ren's, steadying his breathing. His eyes tear up a little, and he nods along. Just taking in the sound of his voice...

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I..." Give him a moment. "Please let this be real."

Raven rests a hand on his hip. "What do I have to be jealous of? He is me. Which means that by proxy, you're my future boyfriend."

"It's real. I'm real. You can stop worrying about that, honey. I know how much you like to," he soothes, nuzzling him back.

"Mmm...don't get too ahead of yourself." He can tell this little guy has a lot in common with his boyfriend, but like. His head already hurts enough from the infodump, he feels like he just pulled an all-nighter with no coffee, he has a boyfriend to comfort... "You can get me caught up on the time paradoxes later."

Right now, he's having a nice moment with his boyfriend who's nearly crying in his arms. Not a lot can reduce an Akechi (or, well, his Akechi, he guesses) to tears, and for as long as two months is, some part of him's surprised that was able to do it. The hand wrapped around Goro's waist comes up to wipe his tears away. No mascara or anything wipes off when he does, which is definitely something considering how preened Goro likes to keep his appearance. His undereyes feel sore and tender to Ren.

Nuzzle, nuzzle. "Are you staying somewhere? We can cuddle up and go back to watching the Featherman reruns you wanted to show me."

"Ren. Darling. My Joker..." He nuzzles back, just basking in the affection. It's been so long. "My love..."

Ren asked a question, didn't he? Right. A place to stay. Featherman. Hm. It sounds nice. Comfortable. A viable option, but...

"There is a place, yes, but I'm not alone there. He is under my care, and, well..." In comes the sheepish laughter. "How do you feel about kids?" It's said half-jokingly, but it's best they address this soon rather than later. It'll help them prepare for whatever comes next.

"Goro. My Crow, my tuft of feathers, my sweet songbird," he coos, laying it on thick and genuine for the tired, craving creature in his arms. "It hasn't been that long for me, but I'm sorry you had to go through that."

A moment for Goro to respond, then Ren takes a moment to process what Goro says. "Not leaving anyone in need behind? That's my Akechi," He grins, placing a peck on his nose. "I was expecting a ring first, but if I said I was surprised, I'd be lying." Pat, pat, pat. Nuzzle, nuzzle, peck. "The hill? You can tell me more there."

This Velvet Room might be nice, but he still doesn't like Velvet Rooms. Like, on principle.

Oh, the way his heart flips at those soothing words. It melts into a little puddle. Two months without Ren. Two months without all this love...

He reaches up to gently brush his thumb over Ren's cheek, and then he quickly plants a soft kiss on his lips. "Yes. We should give them time to prepare." He sends Raven a quick glance, a quiet 'thank you,' and sends a text to the group chat. Once that's done, he reluctantly pulls back, but in exchange, he'll take one of Ren's hands in his, intertwining their fingers. "It shouldn't be long. All I have to do is think of the location, and it'll take us there."

So, when Ren is ready, he'll lead him to the Inaba door. Just as promised, they should arrive on the hill overlooking Inaba.

The kiss is almost enough to distract him from what his boyfriend said.

...Prepare? For what? He's curious. It's also a little ominous, but unlike "Igor", Goro being ominous is less "hehehe I'm trying to screw you over" and more "I solved the murder mystery three chapters into the book and I forget not everyone can do that".

"Reminds me of a magic carpet ride," Ren grins, taking the lead and stepping out into Inaba. "Gonna whisk me off into the sunset, o genie?"

"If that is what you wish." Hey, look at that. It's a little smirk. His voice still sounds a bit wistful, though. Like reality hasn't fully set in. "Ah... where would you like to sit? There's the table, the bench..."

It's Ren's choice. He'll go with whatever makes him happy. That's important.

"Hmm..." Ren weighs their options on the small hill. "Don't think I have anything needing a table for..." He walks his boyfriend over to the bench. "You, on the other hand, look like you need a nap."

Oh, okay. He'll plop on the bench, giving their joined hands a squeeze before resting his head on Ren's shoulder. "...I've been busy." He pauses. "That is, I've become the sole caretaker for four children. I do get assistance from another version of myself at times, but you know me. Always trying to keep myself occupied with one task or another..."

"No offense, honey," he pokes Goro's undereyes lightly, "but I can tell you've been busy. Never expected anything less when I started dating you." A snort. "Two months and you picked up four kids? That must be some kind of record."

He runs his fingers through Goro's hair. "I'm here now," he asserts. "And we're leaders together, right? Let me in on what I've missed and I'll be right by your side."

Ah... He leans into the touch, humming softly. "Where do I even begin?" Heh. There's so much to cover. So much has happened. "My child self arrived first. I came a short while later. We're directly linked, so everything he experiences feeds into me in real time, though it's less noticeable if I have something to occupy my attention." Oh, the look he gives Ren, playful, if a bit tired.

"There are many different versions of us who have lived drastically different lives. Most of the other 'yous' are named Akira Kurusu. One of them is a vampire. The only other Ren here lived a very different life and recently blew up fake Shinjuku. One of the children in my custody also happens to be a young Akira, but we'll need to be careful, as he has a rather... unfortunate relationship with notions of love, likely brought about by childhood trauma and shitty parents."

He'll let that sink in first. It's already a lot.

Ren lets out a little sigh. Okay, still a lot, but apparently Akechi gets better with infodumping as he gets older. He shoots another playful look back when he gets one, but doesn't go any further; he can think with the head between his shoulders instead of the one in his pants sometimes.

"So. We're in a big crossover episode and we don't know when it'll end," Ren sums up. "Many of us from different shows. Vampires are real, time paradoxes aren't, Shinjuku might be gone but it wasn't real in the first place. Gotcha." He's got like 80% of it, at least. Probably. Much better.

Then the last bit...hmm. Ren mulls it over in his head. "Do I need to know anything before dealing with him? I'm not making out in front of a little kid anyway, but..."

Edited 2023-10-11 05:16 (UTC)

Heh... That earns some genuine laughter, if a bit hushed. The laughter dies down soon, though, as the subject changes to Akira-kun. "We'll just have to watch our wording, I think. Evidently, he doesn't understand that 'love' in a romantic context can be such a wonderful, warm thing. Perhaps his parents have a rather fraught relationship that has formed his idea of what love is."

It breaks his heart. You can see it on his face. He blows a small sigh before continuing. "Ah, I suppose I should also mention that he is selectively mute. He also seemed to react rather strongly when I said I would 'take care of him,' so that may be another trigger to be mindful of. He does really love dinosaurs, however, so that's one point of interest to work with."

"Yeesh," he says in response, lacking any other words. "Hard life for the kid..." He was selectively mute himself when he was younger...sorta, maybe. He definitely remembers needing to work on being able to talk to people he didn't know, at least.

Ren thinks for a few moments, absently running his fingers through Goro's hair. "Bet he's doing much better with Papa Wolf Akechi looking after him, though." A beat. "Where are you living with the kids? Maybe I can find somewhere nearby, if you wanna take it slow on introducing me."

"...I think I'd be happier if you were there beside me." Is it a bit selfish? Perhaps, but it's important. He needs this. "I think my younger self and my counterpart will prepare the children. The kids trust them both."

Ah, wait. Names. Codenames. That's important. "...We all have codenames. The little spectator you just met is Raven. Then there's Magpie, a version of me who is a bit rougher around the edges, but I've spent enough time with him to know that there is a good heart buried beneath layers upon layers of spikes."

He'll refrain from mentioning the murders. That's Magpie's decision, should he choose to reveal it. "There's also Hawk, a six year old version of me. He hasn't lost his mother yet, and we're still debating on whether to prepare him or not. ...He also is very aware of our relationship and once asked me how we 'make babies.'" That gets him to snicker a little, at least. Perhaps Ren will find humor in it. "Akira-kun is also aware. It doesn't have to be some grand secret."

Akira snorts at the "making babies" bit, trying to nail down the codenames in his head. Crow is still Crow, young Crow is Raven, the spiked one is Magpie, there's a baby Featherman fan... "Little kids are so funny, sometimes. And hey, about Magpie, I'll never back down from a challenge!" He grins. He tends to see red flags as guideposts, anyway.

"I'm not saying I'd leave you, or something; that's the last thing your workaholic ass needs," he boops Goro's nose. "We could just crash next door for a little while before full-on cohabbing. But if you think it's okay."

"Just go easy on him. Magpie may not be prepared for your brand of menace." He knows Ren. He knows how brazen he can be at times, spurred into moments of flirtatious tomfoolery. "I think it'll be all right once I properly introduce you. There's one other little version of me who's a vampire, but you can rest assured that he won't bite you when he has perfectly good blood packets he can drink in the fridge."

...Wait.

"Please don't try to drink them. They do not taste good."

"Well, now that you say it..." he trails off into a grin, but they both know he won't, probably. He can't imagine it tastes better than regular blood, anyway.

Then. Proper introduction. "Oh." He winces. "I don't think I gave them the best first impression, huh? Raven as much of a gossip as you are?"

He grins right back, even giving a little peck on the cheek. "Raven has already informed Magpie and the other resident Ren about your petnames. I think it may have broken Magpie a little, but I'm sure it'll be fine." And back to resting his head on Ren's shoulder. It's comfy. He's missed this, although...

Shit.

Something else rears its head, wiping the smile from his face. "I should probably warn you. There is an extremely dangerous Shadow in Mementos, and it has a seething hatred for you. So please, don't go there alone. I can't afford for anything to happen to you."

There we go, his boyfriend is smiling again-- and now he's not.

"There's a Mementos here -- wait, younger you already said that. Don't happen to know what I could've done to piss it off, do you?"

"...Its Ren struck a deal with an alternate version of Dr. Maruki to create a 'perfect' world, ignoring the wishes of his own Akechi, who was likely to die if they defeated Maruki, because he couldn't bear the thought of losing him. In their world, Maruki used cognitive psience to effectively become a god, and in the end, it resulted in a 'happier' world, but one that fundamentally changed that Akechi and scrubbed away all pain and conflict."

It's... a lot. He could mention how it's possible that their world's Maruki seeks a similar goal, but he won't. He know Ren is fond of the counselor, and besides all that, it is a different world. It's a worry for another time.

Still, there's a distinct sorrow carved into Akechi's features. "The Shadow is every piece of that Akechi's pain, his negativity, and the sting of betrayal distilled into one entity. The person he left behind is... pleasant, but he has a habit of blanking out if you directly mention things such as Personas and the Metaverse. His codename is Sparrow."

...What.

"...Don't go into Mementos alone," he says aloud after several seconds of silence. "Gotcha."

"...We can go together, of course. Form parties, if need be. There are ways to pacify the Shadow, but I worry for how it may respond to you. Raven lucked out when he encountered it, but we can't guarantee you would be so lucky, even with all your tricks."

Of which Ren has many, flawlessly embodying his role as a Trickster. There's no doubting that. "But I digress. There are others here, such as two versions of Haru Okumura, though neither is from 'our' world, a Morgana from a world where I was not a proper member of the Phantom Thieves, and a few others, such as Kanji and Naoto, though they aren't our Kanji and Naoto."

Kanji is too young, for starters, and he doubts that Naoto remembers things the way that they do. "It can be a bit overwhelming, but I will do my best to help you acclimate." He pauses. "...Dr. Maruki may also be around, though he's made himself scarce of late. That's at least one other familiar face from our world."

Ren nods and digs out his phone to take notes. "Lots of new-old faces to get used to." He'll probably slip up every once in a while. New places are daunting, but he has his boyfriend by his side, so nothing's unconquerable -- not even his songbird's workaholism. "Man...you've already had two months on me!" Ren pokes his boyfriend's side. "Anything funny happen? Find any more weird copies of us?"

"The day I arrived here, I prank called my younger self to see if he was still here about starting an 'Akechi Alliance,' and then Magpie made that a reality. I also got a very awkward phone call from the other Ren here, who sought to give me sex advice."

His cheeks are slightly pink when he says that, but to his credit, he didn't stammer or anything. "...For the record, I didn't cheat on you, although Magpie had far too much fun engaging in texting games of gay chicken."

"Akechi Alliance? Sounds like something out of a Featherman movie," Ren laughs. "Fitting. Also...what prompted the sex advice? That sounds like a hilarious conversation."

Gay chicken...two Akechis trying to turn each other on...mmm, okay, that's definitely not unpleasant to think about. "Next time," his grin goes lopsided, "why don't I come over and be the referee? You have to have someone to judge such a...stimulating sport." He waggles his eyebrows.

...Oh no. What has he walked into? You see that, Ren? That would be your boyfriend's cheeks being a pretty little shade of red as he very briefly averts his eyes because, damn it, Ren is being Ren again.

Being so suave and flirty and just... Ren Amamiya.

Absolute menace.

Well, he walked into this, and it was bound to come up one way or another. Hoo boy.

"Gay chicken." He reaches for his forehead, massaging his brow. "Magpie, erm. Came on a bit strong. ...And I'll note, this was at Raven's birthday party, as an elaborate diversion so the kids could steal the birthday cake. I..."

Oh. This is so incredibly awkward to admit.

"Well, let's just say that my body had thoughts that my mind did not agree with. I got uneasy, because more than anything, I missed you. Nothing happened. In fact, Magpie has zero interest in me in that particular context, but it..."

Hm.

"I still felt guilty."

Edited 2023-10-11 06:47 (UTC)

Ren pats his boyfriend with all the soothing wisdom of a guy whose sex knowledge is health class, an awkward talk with the parents, random PSAs online, and like maybe two half-watched porn flicks. And some doujinshi thrown in there. "Sometimes...bodies just do things in response to other things. Doesn't always have to mean things. Just 'cause I look at the sun and sneeze doesn't mean I'm allergic."

Edited 2023-10-11 07:02 (UTC)

"True. But I suppose it just made your absence hit harder." He adjusts one of his gloves, trying not to be too flustered. It's fine. Everything is perfectly cool. "...It's not as though I haven't thought about it before. Though, obviously, we're in no rush. You literally just got here."

He scoots a little closer, once again pressing his forehead to Ren's. "More than anything, I've missed holding you close at night. I've missed kissing you. I've missed every one of your ridiculous antics... You're my world, Ren."

"I just got here, only to find out that you had children without me," he lets out a comical groan, smiling all the while. "Now we'll never have the chance."

Ren reciprocates the forehead press after a quick kiss to the nose. "And honestly..." fingers back in Goro's hair, "trying to get to sleep without you was hard for just one night. I'm happy to have you back in my bed...in any way we can."

Oh.

Oh dear. As if his heart wasn't aflutter already. "...We can pencil it in. There's no rush. I imagine we'll need time to... figure it all out." Preferences. Boundaries. Comfort zones. But he'll give another quick kiss on the lips. "But if we do, we should pick a place just for us, separate from the children. There are other unoccupied houses. It'd probably be less awkward than doing so in my childhood home. Or perhaps... the Amagi Inn? There are hot springs. Nice beds. It could be a little getaway."

"I don't know if I can think of anything less sexy than doing it on your dad's bed," he says, blunt and honest, but runs his fingers comfortingly through Goro's hair again. Two months really did a number on him, huh... "Or like. In a place where kids are living. How young are they again?"

Edited 2023-10-11 07:27 (UTC)

"As young as I was when I first became privy. ...That is not a good thing, just so we're clear." He sighs, slumping slightly. "Everyone besides Raven is about six or younger, so around them, we'll have to keep things age appropriate. Though it's not like I was planning to make out in front of them- that can be saved for our own time, along with everything else."

Another nuzzle at the slump. He knows how hard that time of his life was for Goro, and other Akechis -- and Rens -- too, by the sound of it. "Hmm...yeah." That'll be a bit annoying. "Just when I'd gotten Ryuji to say "fuck"...I agree though, there's no need to rush it. "Someday" doesn't have to be tomorrow."

"Raven rather likes to say 'fuck' and 'shit'. He has to self-censor in front of the kids." Heh, heh. It's quite funny to see. That boy has so much pent up rage energy that, thankfully, this Akechi manages better these days.

Mostly. We don't talk about Loki.

"...It's probably silly how nervous I've been about bringing up the subject. But then I found out the other you has been at it for years, quite casually. You don't happen to have years of secret experience in the art of seduction, now, do you?" He gives a playful poke on the nose, smirking.

"And what if I do?" Ren gives him a shit-eating grin. "Maybe I've left you in the dust in terms of sex experience, rival."

The thing about Ren is that sometimes it's so hard to tell when he's serious or messing around. He'll flash a smirk back at him, of course, so not to lose his cool. "Well, if you have, then you'll have to get me up to speed, then, won't you? Wow me with your abilities..."

Edited 2023-10-11 15:19 (UTC)

"Yep. Catch you up to speed with all two of the doujin I've read," he jokes. "I'm just teasing you. I haven't done anything either. No one back home was interested and you scooped me up pretty quickly when I moved."

"Ha. Well, I suppose we can figure it out as we go and have a good laugh along the way." Just as he says that, his phone vibrates, and... He takes it out, squints at the message and after shooting a reply, shows the silly little emojis. "Oh, speak of the devil. Here he is now, sending me unsolicited smileys. Methinks Raven informed him of us."

Ren peers over at the contact info. "Another Ren, huh? I already like him, he's got good taste in names," he grins. Then, his own phone vibrates with a message. "What...?"

"...I have no idea how Akira got your number. Then again, Akira also found out about a very embarrassing euphemism I made, so nothing should surprise me anymore." The pun is probably the least surprising thing about all of this. "Oh. And he also offered advice of a more intimate nature, so don't be alarmed if that comes up."

"...Huh," Ren blinks. "Color me intrigued."

Another message, and Ren reads it, then shows it to Goro. "Who's..." he squints, words swimming in front of his face for a moment. "Nightmare-chan?"

"That must be Akira-kun. He's rather fond of his older counterpart. Calls him Card-san, if memory serves." But, ah. He knew right away. Perhaps Arsene helped in that respect. How handy. "Well, it's good to hear that Akira-kun is in safe hands. That should potentially make your introduction go a bit smoother. And Magpie seems to have brought quite a bit of food over to boot."

Edited 2023-10-11 19:22 (UTC)

"Card-san...aww, that's cute. Does Akira-kun have a nickname for you?" And, as if on cue, Ren's stomach growls. He didn't manage to eat much food while worrying over his boyfriend...

Edited 2023-10-11 19:40 (UTC)

"Rock-Akechi-san, sometimes. ...It's because we both found special rocks together, although I was still Raven at the time." Nonetheless, he'll pull out his pretty blue rock to show all the same. "Although if you're getting hungry, I suppose we should consider heading back to the house. Unless you'd rather stop somewhere along the way?"

Either is valid, of course. It's hard to say how adequately the others have prepared the children.

Ren admires the rock. It's nice and blue. "Maybe you can get me a special rock one day. One for my finger," he laughs. "Hmm...I'm okay with stopping somewhere for a snack. Maybe one of the...other-us-es can tell us when they think it's good for us to head back?"

Edited 2023-10-11 20:18 (UTC)

"One day." He takes Ren's hand, giving it a small kiss. "We do have a few options for food. The Junes food court has various options, and there's Aiya if you favor Chinese food. Souzai Daigaku for steak croquettes and skewers..."

Ren giggles when Goro presses a kiss to his hand. "Such a gentleman thief, stealing my heart -- metaphorically," he grins, rubbing his cheek against Goro's. "I'm not feeling too picky right now, so I'll take your recommendation. You know the area better."

"Junes might be more efficient. It has just about everything, so if anything else tickles your fancy, we can grab that on the way home." Ah, a part of him just wants to stay here a little longer, but he very reluctantly rises to his feet. "Under other circumstances, I'd try to prepare a nice dinner for you, but I suspect Magpie would growl at me if I so much as tried."

"Magpie's territorial about the kitchen, huh? You wouldn't be cooking tonight, anyway," Ren flicks the side of his head. "After I meet everyone we're going right to sleep and you're not waking up before noon tomorrow."

Edited 2023-10-11 22:05 (UTC)

"Magpie is territorial, period. He's a lot like a feral cat." Well, at least it's a pleasant day as they stroll down the hill. The compressed distances should make Junes creep in relatively fast as well. Still, he frowns a little at that remark. "And if I sleep that long, I won't be able to make breakfast. Or ensure that the kids are behaving themselves."

Hmm. "Winning him over won't be as easy as shying away in Leblanc's doorway, huh?" Ren hums, half-jokingly. This Magpie might be a tough customer...he's never really dealt with a prickly Akechi before, but the basics should still apply. "Sounds like he means a lot to you."

He'll have to consider a plan for Optimal Alternate-Universe Akechi ~~Terrorizing~~ Bonding in the future...he smirks a bit to himself as a few options cross his mind. "And isn't it good that you've got a boyfriend who can make breakfast and look after the kids, now? You get the option," they both know it's not an option, "to sleep in and I'll handle things."

"He means a lot to me, but contrary to what Raven will tell you, we are not married. My heart has already long been stolen by a certain Joker right here." He gives Ren's hand a little squeeze, followed by an exaggerated sigh. "Not that I don't trust your judgment, but four children are a lot to take on immediately. Your negotiation skills may work with Shadows, but little kids are an entirely different beast."

Well, at least Junes is starting to come into view now. That's a promising sign.

Ren-- okay, Ren has to laugh at that one. "Two Ake-chi Go-ros, sitting in a tree. K-i-s-s-i-n-g," he singsongs with a smirk. "The thought of someone else taking you from me didn't even cross my mind." Okay, maybe it did once or twice, but...yeah, his boyfriend wouldn't be this touchstarved if he'd been getting dates from anyone else.

"You're just making me more and more curious about Magpie, y'know," Ren comments as they walk into the mall. Gay chicken, acting like a married couple... "Has Yu found competition for your best man?"

"...Now there's a thought. A one on one cage match between Yu Narukami and another me for the right to be my best man. Though I can see Kanji being a third contender, followed swiftly by Ryuji, and soon we'd be seeing an all out brawl."

They reach the doors and step inside. There's an elevator to their left that'll lead to the food court, so he'll go ahead and move toward the-

"What the fuck?"

On the community board to the right of the second elevator, a movie poster hangs. It displays a blushing, gasping Akechi on the top half, divided by the movie title. Beneath the title? A snake sticking out of the zipper of a pair of pants.

The title is: Serpent Below the Belt.

"...I am going to have a serious word with Igor about this."

...He may have found his boyfriend, but the realm of the subconscious is definitely on that "throw him as many firsts as possible" kick.

After a moment, he glances over to his boyfriend's crotch area. "I've heard of having a snake in your boot, but this is ridiculous."

"...I made an overly pretentious euphemism one time, and this world decides to taunt me." Despite the tight smile, he sounds just a teensy bit peeved, though thankfully not at Ren. "I was trying not to be too crass, so I said 'when the serpent below the belt rears its head.' Now, I suppose, it'll haunt me for eternity."

"Yeah, I'm gonna say you deserve that one," Ren snorts. "Serpent below the belt...good thing you have a snake charmer here now, though, right?" He grins.

S—Snake charmer... Fuck's sake.

So he might be blushing a little, but he'll not be so easily outdone! Watch him smirk and try to keep his cool, even raising an eyebrow and leaning in to poke Ren's chest. "Hmm... You'll have to give me a demonstration sometime."

Ren chuckles and nudges Goro forwards, away from the poster. "Not with the kids around," he advises. "And how do you think your not-husband will take it?"

"He already advised us to get a 'love nest.' I think he anticipates the impending loss of my virginity as some big, momentous event that'll happen any day." With a press of a button, the elevator opens. He'll go ahead and lead Ren inside. "Obviously, we should save that for when you've settled in and, more importantly, are ready. But Magpie assumed we were already quite proactive in that respect when he learned I had a boyfriend."

"Well...someone's jealous," Ren comments. "He's not in a good relationship with his Ren, then? ...If that's something you can share."

Edited 2023-10-12 01:24 (UTC)

"I can't go into too much detail, but what I will say is that his relationship with his Ren seems... complicated? Not wholly negative, but likely much messier." He'll press the button leading up to the food court. "I think I might have broken his brain a bit when I mentioned I'm in love with you."

"Huh," Ren blinks. "Curiouser and curiouser..." another opportunity to flirt comes to him, and oh, he's gotta take this one. "Well..." he puts a hand under his chin, imitating the Akechi Stance. "Maybe I could come around to the idea of taking two at once. Especially since it's just the way you like it," an obnoxious Detective Prince wink.

"Ren!" Holy shit, that's... well, that's about what he expected during the first game of gay chicken. That Ren would say something as absurd as that. Doesn't stop his brain from short circuiting a little, though.

Then the elevator opens.

"...Am I going to have to warn him about you?" He gives a playful little nudge at that.

"Maybe," he grins. "Offer's open, at least on my end." And if his boyfriend consents, of course. "I can't say the thought of two of you isn't appealing. After we get the kids figured out, though."

Ren steps out to the food court. Huh, the people here seem...he can't put a finger on it. He squints at them.

Edited 2023-10-12 01:58 (UTC)

"If it's all the same to you, I'd like our first time to be special. Private." He figures it's at least partially a joke. There's no ire in his voice. Just an odd mix of amusement and exasperation. "...Ah, and I see you've noticed the resident cognitions."

"I'm definitely not saying for our first time. It was mostly a joke." Shrug. "And...is that what they are? Cognitions? Are we in a Palace?"

"I figured. Though I do wonder how Magpie would even take such a proposition..." It might be funny. In fact, it most likely would be. Hmm... well, he'll lead Ren past the tables and over to the various food stalls. "And they're effectively the same as Palace cognitions. I wouldn't call it a Palace so much as an extension of the Velvet Room, however. Everything is free as well, so you can have your fill if you so choose."

Everything smells pretty good..."Well, what does my Inaba connoisseur recommend?"

"If you want something light, you can never go wrong with their takoyaki. If you crave something more fulfilling, their grilled steak is respectable for a food court. Or perhaps you wish to buck nutrition outright and go for soft served ice cream." He motions to the ice cream stall. "The choice is yours."

"I guess takoyaki, since it sounds like the other-yous have a feast waiting at home. Assuming the hungry kids don't eat everything..."

He's not entirely sold on a cognition making good food for them, but...doesn't hurt to try, hopefully?

"Takoyaki it is, then." Akechi steps up to the food cart offering the takoyaki and other assorted Japanese takeout. "Two orders of takoyaki, please."

The cognition smiles, giving a very generic response for a food worker, and steps back to prepare the meal. It's almost robotic. Like an NPC in a video game.

"While we wait, I got permission to share the other Ren's number with you." In fact, he'll text Ren the contact info for his own convenience.

"Oh, thank you." He blinks, realizing something. "Wait, cellphones work here? Why couldn't I get in touch with you?" Is there a risk of that happening again?

"Likely a result of this place being so far removed from reality. I was able to call you once you arrived, but I got cut off in the middle of a phone call with Dojima-san on the way to a meeting with Kirijo-san."

The food comes up relatively quick, so Akechi takes it, leading Ren over to one of the tables. "I wonder if, perhaps, the five hours that passed were simply due to the nature of our most recent mission requiring a longer meeting than usual. Sometimes outside phone signals are disabled as an added security measure in HQ, and given that Isshiki-san was where the cognitive anomalies began, it made our most recent victory a highly sensitive one."

But that's just a guess, really. All that matters is that Ren is here now.

"That was Mona's theory, that you guys were just running late," Ren sits down next to his boyfriend. "I wonder if it more has to do with, like...maybe it was just easier to grab me while I was sleeping? Since I visit the Velvet Room like that." Ren says thanks over his food and takes a bite. Not bad. "But you've gone through TVs and stuff before. So it could grab you on the call."

"That... actually would make sense. Though I am sorry all the same." He reaches across the table, placing a hand over Ren's, though obviously not the one with his chopsticks. "Five hours of worrying you is still five hours too many. I'll absolutely have to cook you something later. ...Perhaps in a few days, once I've passed your rest test."

Ren strokes his boyfriend's hand with his thumb. "I mean, five hours for me was two months for you. And that was definitely too much unprepared with no way to contact us. If your meeting ran late...that's one thing."

"It was agony at points. So many people who look like you, but they lived different lives. They weren't you." He heaves another big sigh, popping a piece of takoyaki into his mouth. "But that's all changed. Now that you're here, I do think I'll be able to rest easier. ...Though Raven wasn't wrong when he said I was 'hopeless.'"

Ah, there's some self-deprecating laughter. "I've been struggling with insomnia. It's been a while since that last happened."

Ren moves over to give his boyfriend a comforting hug. “I’m here now. We’ll get you caught up on your Zzzs in no time.” Nuzzle, peck. “Do the kids need people to sleep with them, too?” Ren won’t lie — he’s not the most familiar with babysitting.

"Well, Akira-kun generally doesn't require it, though he does enjoy a story before bedtime and will occasionally cuddle with Hawk. Moth, the little vampire, seems fine in his own room, and Raven just turned thirteen." Ah, but the hug is welcome, and he gladly returns it. "I think the biggest thing to keep in mind is that they are very curious children. Hawk and Akira-kun also have a budding rivalry..."

Edited 2023-10-13 00:08 (UTC)

"That's adorable," Ren grins, taking another piece of takoyaki. "Are other versions of us rivals, too?"

"I suspect Magpie's relationship with his Ren may be of similar substance, though he'll fervently deny his attachment." Ah, another nibble of his own takoyaki. Warm food can do wonders, and he had been rather hasty in his own lack of eating before meeting with Ren. "Magpie is in a similar state as I was when I was younger. Friendship to him is like cooties to small children."

Ren snorts. "That gives me a better picture of him, at least." Then, with his chopsticks, he picks up the nibbled piece of takoyaki from Goro's side and pokes it into his mouth. "Eat."

...Ren. Ren, you absolute menace. Akechi feigns annoyance with a little groan, but accepts the offering all the same. "What am I, a baby bird?" He knows this will likely result in some other weird remark.

Try him, Ren.

"You're a baby bird when you don't eat without me feeding you," Ren asserts, less weird than anticipated. "But you're my baby birdie."

"Times like these make me glad the memory link only goes one way." He pops another piece of takoyaki in his mouth, like a big bird. Tsk. "Raven's already spilled the beans about your petnames to at least two people. I suspect we'll be hearing a lot about 'tuft of feathers' in the near future."

"Like you're still hearing about snake below the belt?" Ren smirks, feeding his boyfriend another piece of takoyaki. "At least we're on even footing now."

You know what? Just for that, he's going to pop one in Ren's mouth, too. "Even footing does raise certain questions for what would happen in a love nest." Quite the thing to bring up while... feeding each other...

Fuck.

Takoyaki. Balls. Damn it. Why must his teenage brain do this to him?

"Sex, probably," Ren cuts through the awkward stumbling around like butter. He delicately takes the takoyaki ball in his mouth, then swallows it whole in one gulp. "We're about to introduce me to your kids. Don't think any snakes below the belt would do anything for their perception of me." It's lighthearted, but the meaning is there.

"I know." The banter is fun, but he understands Ren's concerns, nodding. "All quips aside, I think the biggest thing we'll need to convey is that I'm not abandoning them. You aren't taking me away. You're an addition to the family, not a subtraction."

But that may be easier said than done, depending on the child.

Hmm...he can see where the concern's coming from; knowing what he knows about Akechi's mom, it's not hard to picture other, younger versions of him struggling with abandonment issues.

The problem makes his thoughts whir into leader mode again, and it's not long before he's got a few suggestions lined up. "Is there anywhere else we can sleep, aside from your bedroom? Living room, kids' room? Maybe sleeping somewhere easier for the kids to get to could help reassure them that you're still here. I'm open to any little kids who need snuggles...I'll help you send them to bed?"

Edited 2023-10-13 01:39 (UTC)

"I suppose we could bring a futon out into the living room. That would probably be preferable to the couch, and at least that way, we're out in the open." He'd like the privacy of a room with Ren, but perhaps that can come when the children have more confidence. "Helping send them to bed isn't a terrible idea, either. If you show that you're involved, it may put them more at ease."

"Hmm...I won't enforce the "sleeping-till-noon" thing tonight, then. Hard to keep you from waking up with everyone else if the house is as full as it sounds." Ren pokes Goro with his chopsticks. "It's coming, though! And this isn't an excuse to get a bad night's sleep."

"Heh. I think that if you're beside me, I may finally be able to rest easy." He blows a little sigh, taking another piece of his food. "You spoiled me, Ren. I got so used to our nights together that the sudden absence left me restless. Raven will probably tell you about me calling out for you in my sleep."

Ren wraps his arms around his boyfriend tighter, squishing him. "I'm here," he affirms, again. "I'm here."

"You're here." He leans into the touch. It's real. He's real. "Now I can breathe. The world won't spin so fast now. Everything's so... The other worlds are so different, Ren. Sometimes, it's left me feeling guilty because I'm so much luckier than my other selves."

Ren just nuzzles him, for a moment. "You all deserve the world," he says, eventually. "It's bullshit that their worlds don't understand that. But it's not your fault that ours does."

"...Most of the other Akechis here lived truly difficult lives. I can't go into all the details out of respect for Magpie's boundaries, for instance, but it's truly heartbreaking what he and some of the others endured." He returns the nuzzle, though with perhaps a bit less enthusiasm. "I know it's outside my control, but there have been times where I've asked myself what made me more deserving than them."

"Nothing did. Sometimes life's just like that," Ren says, a bit lamely, but he doesn't really have the words to go into a big speech about free will and all the thoughts in his head right now. He just hugs, and hugs, and hugs his boyfriend.

"See? This is why I need you, Ren. You're always good at dragging me out of my own stupid thoughts." He takes Ren's cheek in hand, planting a gentle kiss on his lips. He lets it linger for a few seconds before pulling back, though his hand remains cupped around his cheek, gently caressing it. "I'm sure they'll come to see why you mean so much to me."

"I'm hoping they do, too. I wanna get to know the people who're special to you." Nuzzle. "I'll do my best to charm their metaphorical pants off."

"I look forward to witnessing it. Especially where Magpie is concerned." He chuckles, regaining a teensy little smirk, when—

Ah. His phone's vibrating. "...Seems we have the all clear. Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Ren grins wide, jumping to his feet and striking a little pose. "It's showtime!"

...Pfffft. Don't mind him over here, covering his mouth and laughing because Ren. Holy fuck, Ren. "You really are..." He rises from his chair, nudging it back into the table. "Well, I can't say the enthusiasm is unwelcome. I've missed this, too."

Just give him a moment to dispose of his trash. Then he'll be set to lead Ren back.

[ ic // demi voicetesting ]

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