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jurisdick
[Two days after his seventeenth birthday, his parents show up in Tokyo without a word.
Akira doesn't quite understand why they're here, or the empty feeling that spreads through his chest at the sight of them talking to Sojiro like they ever called him while he was gone, like he isn't even there, but- But then. They say why they've come, he watches the protective anger blossom across Sojiro's face, and he thinks he understands.
He wishes he didn't have that well-ingrained response to respect them, because he finally understands.
"It's the best way to keep him safe and out of trouble, you know? There's a few candidates we've had our eye on but today we'll be making the final decision... Oh, but don't worry Sakura-san, there won't be any marriage moving forward until after his probation ends next year, so you'll still get your full payment for sheltering him!"
Business. Passionless. Forced politeness and just as forced smiles, everything is perfect and fine. Everything in order, as always, except for when Akira wasn't - and now they're taking care of that, too.
What if I had started dating somebody after coming here, he doesn't say. What if I don't love them, he doesn't say, either. He already knows what his answer is.
His friends flicker through his head, Morgana, Sojiro warming up to him and filling up the space he hadn't realized he was that much without - and as they say his prospective partner is on their way, Akira stands.]
If they'll be here soon... [His voice is quiet, feather soft as his heart thrashes and breaks apart in his chest-] ...I'll make some coffee for everyone.
[It's the least he can do. If it's someone like Haru... then he'll be a comfort to them instead of being a prison.
It seems that's the last rebellion he has left.]
Akira doesn't quite understand why they're here, or the empty feeling that spreads through his chest at the sight of them talking to Sojiro like they ever called him while he was gone, like he isn't even there, but- But then. They say why they've come, he watches the protective anger blossom across Sojiro's face, and he thinks he understands.
He wishes he didn't have that well-ingrained response to respect them, because he finally understands.
"It's the best way to keep him safe and out of trouble, you know? There's a few candidates we've had our eye on but today we'll be making the final decision... Oh, but don't worry Sakura-san, there won't be any marriage moving forward until after his probation ends next year, so you'll still get your full payment for sheltering him!"
Business. Passionless. Forced politeness and just as forced smiles, everything is perfect and fine. Everything in order, as always, except for when Akira wasn't - and now they're taking care of that, too.
What if I had started dating somebody after coming here, he doesn't say. What if I don't love them, he doesn't say, either. He already knows what his answer is.
His friends flicker through his head, Morgana, Sojiro warming up to him and filling up the space he hadn't realized he was that much without - and as they say his prospective partner is on their way, Akira stands.]
If they'll be here soon... [His voice is quiet, feather soft as his heart thrashes and breaks apart in his chest-] ...I'll make some coffee for everyone.
[It's the least he can do. If it's someone like Haru... then he'll be a comfort to them instead of being a prison.
It seems that's the last rebellion he has left.]
no subject
it’s that infernal smile that twists up akechi’s stomach and guts in a way he isn’t used to. the easiest thing to do is attribute it to a nice medley of irritation and fascination, but the more he really looks at kurusu, the more they talk, the more he knows this is something much more complicated. and with things that are usually beyond his control? he hates it.
but for now, he lets slip a less practiced smile. something smug and borderline crass as he strums his fingers against the counter than pivots closer to his so-called rival turned fiancé.
a hand sweeps up to brush aside kurusu’s hair for him, over an ear, lingering just like they do in the moves. picture perfect, easy, he can do this. )
You should continue to let it grow. It flatters you, even if it hides your eyes.
( he says it in a voice loud enough for the adults to hear. because that’s the only reason he’s saying it. it’s not like kurusu’s hair is soft and his eyes gorgeous in this alluringly dangerous way. )
no subject
Oh, that's real embarrassing. Probably worse than the red spilling out across his face, because at least that can be used to their advantage.
He has to rally, though. They have a show to put on. He can already see the adults taking notice from the corner of his eye - the conversation stopping, his mother's mouth dropping open, and that gives him enough savage satisfaction that he balls it right into the courage he needs to perform.
Akira allows himself one mental apology to the only person in the room that deserves it, Sorry, Sakura-san. He's probably about to break some unspoken rule about flirting right in front of the coffee beans, but these are extenuating circumstances.]
...Thank you. [He adverts his eyes, wielding his own surprise and fluster like a costume to play the part of the blushing maiden. Keeps his voice soft and shy, but Akira knows how to project it; he has to, or he'd never be heard. The same way he knows how to use his vocal range, he knows how to use his expressions, and he looks back up at Akechi through his eyelashes. Nice and demure.] If that's the case... I wouldn't mind growing it out a little more. You really don't mind having a husband with longer hair?
[Husband.
He doesn't move in any other way, but Akira's heart is slamming against his chest.
He said it. He said it. The reality they're weaponizing in the one way they have left to them feels so tangible that it makes his hands want to shake.]