Week 1, Friday Post-Investigation - Akechi

[fragileprophet]

[Holy shit Akechi.

Ion has no idea what happened but he definitely sees how out of breath I can assume, as a mod, he still is, and hurries over.]

Are you alright? Can I get you anything?

[Ion stop.]

Ah, I don't think this is something I can heal--

[It's not...a physical injury...also Ion with like double fantasy asthma lmfao.]

Comments

[fragileprophet]

[Finally, Akechi has to depend on him. As. A friend. Two friends. Two peas in a pod. Ion waits patiently, and he'll take every step by his side, ready to support him if he stumbles. He even pulls out a stool for Akechi to sit on in the kitchen when they get there, and waits until he's confident that the older boy is steady before he gets a goblet to pour water in from a pitcher.]

It sounds like you had a very stressful day, I'm sorry.

[He offers Akechi the water when he returns before he goes to find another seat for himself.]

I won't bother you with too many questions while you catch your breath.

[doublecrows]

[ION YOU'RE TOO GOOD FOR HIM. . . it takes some time, but Akechi hobbles his way into the kitchen, plopping down onto a stool with slumped shoulders. he closes his eyes and rests his forehead in his hand, and for the time being, just. . . breathes]

Someone else was found dead today.

[he takes the water and sips at it, slowly and purposefully]

You could say that's stressful, yes.

[fragileprophet]

Yes...I heard the announcement.

[He was feeling too weak to participate in the investigation, and honestly was just glad that he wasn't transported anywhere overnight this week...but he heard.]

Two, this time.

[Ion's expression pulls downward, sorrowful for two young men whom were nothing short of strangers to him.]

You weren't among those who found either of them, were you?

[doublecrows]

[it's hard for Akechi to fake that level of sorrow. he can droop, he can slant his brows, he can lower his gaze. but there's always something a little faked about his sympathy]

I was.

[oh]

I found Soo-Won's body in the hedge maze, along with 2B and Di Angelo.

[fragileprophet]

...I'm so sorry.

[His eyes close; maybe he's taking a moment for prayer.]

Nobody should have to face something like that. If you need a shoulder to lean on, I'm here to help however I can.

[doublecrows]

[. . . ??????]

[more offers of assistance?? why are you like this Ion!!]

I'm a detective. Examining corpses is nothing new to me.

[he feels nothing, honestly]

[fragileprophet]

[He can't help himself, it's practically a compulsion.]

Still--everyone has their limits. Sometimes you don't even realize when you've reached them.

[doublecrows]

Examining one dead body won't bring me anywhere near my limits. I assure you of that, Ion-san.

[ESPECIALLY NOT WHEN HE CAUSED THE DEAD BODY]

[also, he takes another sip of water]

Are you really that worried about me?

[fragileprophet]

[Ion pauses.]

...did I offend you? I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to imply that I felt you weak of heart or incapable.

[His expression softens as he looks down at his hands.]

I'm worried about everyone, and I know how it feels to think that you can't...talk with anyone, regardless of what the reason may be. The offer I extended...well, if you didn't ever have need of it...

[Ion looks back up again, smiling as ever.]

That would only be a comfort.

[doublecrows]

[. . . . . . .]

[ssssstop giving him complicated feelings, Ion!1]

I'm not offended. Just. . . confused.

[. . .]

[and then he admits, with raw honesty]

I've never had anyone show this much concern about me before.

[fragileprophet]

I understand.

[The people love and respect their Fon Master Ion. His hands clench slowly into fists before he allows them to relax again. How can you trust the words of the people who believe in you based on a lie?]

I used to be in a similar position, where I was made to doubt such niceties. A kind word is so easily made into a weapon, if spoken by the wrong person.

[Let us worry about it. Take as many rests as you need. Mohs' brand of concern was only a means of control and belittlement. A statement that only he could hear: you're weak, and useless, and I'd kill you if I could get away with it so easily.]

I hope I'm not overwhelming you.

[doublecrows]

[he is, truthfully. it's extremely overwhelming for Akechi to accept this kind of kindness from someone he still barely knows. never one to mince his words, unless he was playing the part of the charming television detective, he says that]

You are.

[oh]

I don't know what I should be feeling right now.

[fragileprophet]

I'm sorry.

[The response is as automatic as ever, but the silence that follows his heavy as Ion gives it time to sit. If he's making things uncomfortable, then it's on him to back off. He looks away.]

I don't think there is a "should". What you feel is just what you feel. At least, that's the way that I think things aught to be.

[doublecrows]

[RAW HONESTY HOUR WITH ION!! because truthfully, Akechi's desperation for a connection will see him dumping things on anyone who shows him the slightest bit of kindness]

. . . what if I don't know what I am feeling?

[fragileprophet]

I'm not sure that's necessarily something that anyone can answer for you, no matter how much they might want to.

[Ion's face falls, but it's such an unhelpful-feeling answer he can't bear to leave it on that. He takes another moment to think.]

But it's alright not to know. It's understandable to be frustrated at feeling conflicted or confused, but just remember that it's not your fault if you feel that way. Just take the time that you need to think over what's on your mind, and don't rush yourself to an answer just because it's easier to accept. Sometimes the truth is hard to swallow, but it always feels better to have it.

[doublecrows]

[mmmmmmm]

[that's enough honesty for now. he suddenly looks away, fingers drumming against his knee]

Perhaps it's silly to get caught up in something like this when we have something more important to focus on.

[SOO-WON'S MURDER]

But I appreciate your concern and care, Ion-san. Thank you again.