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]

[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.