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Sure.
I don't think you'd waste your time on packaged meat.
I don't think you'd waste your time on packaged meat.
You're correct. I never have and never will - not in any reality.
I have to admit that I expected him to arrive long before he did. I've been waiting for it. Now that it's here, it's somewhat jarring.
Not for any reason of course. I'm sure you understand how strange it is to have those from your reality appear.
[The kitchen conversation between the three of them - Akechi will never share that he knows. Doesn't have a clue what to say beyond this. Doesn't want to defend someone he despises or promote someone who is better than him in every conceivable way.
And still-
He can't stop thinking about Kurusu Akira, only a couple meters down the hall.]
That's all I wanted to discuss with you.
I have to admit that I expected him to arrive long before he did. I've been waiting for it. Now that it's here, it's somewhat jarring.
Not for any reason of course. I'm sure you understand how strange it is to have those from your reality appear.
[The kitchen conversation between the three of them - Akechi will never share that he knows. Doesn't have a clue what to say beyond this. Doesn't want to defend someone he despises or promote someone who is better than him in every conceivable way.
And still-
He can't stop thinking about Kurusu Akira, only a couple meters down the hall.]
That's all I wanted to discuss with you.
[Eren knows very well how "strange" it is to have others appear from his reality, yes - and it seems that only those that know him personally appear. As far as he can tell, that's true for almost everyone.
[So, Akechi expected Kurusu. Eren prepared a room for Armin, who still hasn't arrived; he still believes he will. So, he can't help but wonder what sort of connection Akechi and Kurusu truly have; this is no doubt the man that Akechi called a friend - or, something close to it, at least, to Eren's muddied recollection...
[He wishes he could ask Akechi to tell him how he feels. He wishes that he could picture any scenario in which Akechi wouldn't lie, deflect, withhold.
[They trust each other, but not enough, not in the right ways. The idea that Akechi might trust Kurusu more eats away at every bone in Eren's body. He doesn't want to be second choice. He's done the goddamn work to know whether or not seeing Kurusu's face makes him sick.]
It is jarring. [Eren sees him, at least.
[He cares about his pain, the potential for it - he truly does.]
My loyalty lies with you. Just remember that.
[So, Akechi expected Kurusu. Eren prepared a room for Armin, who still hasn't arrived; he still believes he will. So, he can't help but wonder what sort of connection Akechi and Kurusu truly have; this is no doubt the man that Akechi called a friend - or, something close to it, at least, to Eren's muddied recollection...
[He wishes he could ask Akechi to tell him how he feels. He wishes that he could picture any scenario in which Akechi wouldn't lie, deflect, withhold.
[They trust each other, but not enough, not in the right ways. The idea that Akechi might trust Kurusu more eats away at every bone in Eren's body. He doesn't want to be second choice. He's done the goddamn work to know whether or not seeing Kurusu's face makes him sick.]
It is jarring. [Eren sees him, at least.
[He cares about his pain, the potential for it - he truly does.]
My loyalty lies with you. Just remember that.
[A prince would accept that response without question - what more could a person ask for than the illusion of unerring loyalty in a reality, many realities, among all realities where it lacks.
Akechi has manipulated him for this reason. Wanted to hear that from Eren for this reason. He isn't Maruki - he doesn't need the sentimental shit that comes with true loyalty. The second there's a way out, he won't hesitate to leave Eren behind to rot as a forgotten pariah in his own disgusting world.
But it stings -Where Robin Hood and Loki lie.
'His memory is distorted' - typed out. Deleted. Irrelevant. It's easier for for Akechi to manage. There's a simplicity in dealing with someone who knows so little. Who experienced nothing. Whose only memories of the two of them deal in moments that matter - a palace run, potential for betrayal. Akira lived an entire life without and beyond him - it's what's supposed to happen, so he doesn't care.
'Let's take a walk.' - typed out. Deleted. Unnecessary.
'Why? - typed out. Lingers. 'Why?' to someone who strangles air out lungs. It doesn't matter how strong he is - Akechi won't falter. 'Why?' in the same way he used to ask Maruki why because even to this day he cannot fathom what makes either of them tick.]
Noted.
[Is what he settles on.]
You're my ally. I extend the same to you.
[A lie - easy and simple. It's all the same shit. Eren wants to hear it, so Akechi will say it. Eren won't believe it, Akechi relays it all the same. It's a game. It's routine. It doesn't matter.]
If you have no other plans, you should stay over tomorrow night.
[Akechi doesn't care.]
Maruki is making sushi. There's too many leftovers lately, despite having another mouth to feed.
[He doesn't care.]
We haven't gone to the bathhouse in some time either. I would like to go with you.
[He doesn't care.]
Regardless, I'll see you in the morning.
Akechi has manipulated him for this reason. Wanted to hear that from Eren for this reason. He isn't Maruki - he doesn't need the sentimental shit that comes with true loyalty. The second there's a way out, he won't hesitate to leave Eren behind to rot as a forgotten pariah in his own disgusting world.
But it stings -
Right in his chest
'His memory is distorted' - typed out. Deleted. Irrelevant. It's easier for for Akechi to manage. There's a simplicity in dealing with someone who knows so little. Who experienced nothing. Whose only memories of the two of them deal in moments that matter - a palace run, potential for betrayal. Akira lived an entire life without and beyond him - it's what's supposed to happen, so he doesn't care.
'Let's take a walk.' - typed out. Deleted. Unnecessary.
'Why? - typed out. Lingers. 'Why?' to someone who strangles air out lungs. It doesn't matter how strong he is - Akechi won't falter. 'Why?' in the same way he used to ask Maruki why because even to this day he cannot fathom what makes either of them tick.]
Noted.
[Is what he settles on.]
You're my ally. I extend the same to you.
[A lie - easy and simple. It's all the same shit. Eren wants to hear it, so Akechi will say it. Eren won't believe it, Akechi relays it all the same. It's a game. It's routine. It doesn't matter.]
If you have no other plans, you should stay over tomorrow night.
[Akechi doesn't care.]
Maruki is making sushi. There's too many leftovers lately, despite having another mouth to feed.
[He doesn't care.]
We haven't gone to the bathhouse in some time either. I would like to go with you.
[He doesn't care.]
Regardless, I'll see you in the morning.
['Regardless, I'll see you in the morning.'
[There are plenty of things that Eren struggles to remember, but there are things he knows inherently, too; they are, perhaps, even more valuable.
[He sees Akechi every morning, when the world is still dark, and only two people exist. He has for months now - practically since they met.
[There's nothing in this reality that could stop him from making that meeting. Akechi needs Eren as much as Eren needs him.]
I won't be able to get back to sleep.
The baths are always running, so let's just go now.
[There are plenty of things that Eren struggles to remember, but there are things he knows inherently, too; they are, perhaps, even more valuable.
[He sees Akechi every morning, when the world is still dark, and only two people exist. He has for months now - practically since they met.
[There's nothing in this reality that could stop him from making that meeting. Akechi needs Eren as much as Eren needs him.]
I won't be able to get back to sleep.
The baths are always running, so let's just go now.
( On Christmas Morning, Basil drops off a small box with a hand-knit blue-colored sweater for Eren. It's wrapped in a box with floral wrapping paper. Inside will be a note wishing Eren a Merry Christmas, and thanking him for everything that he's done. )
[ Maruki wakes up much earlier than normal; even with a human heater next to him, the windmill during a perpetual snowy night is cold, and sleep is hard to come by.
His back aches despite the rather nice nest Eren's made up in the loft, and he muffles a groan into his friend's shoulder as he turns onto his other side to bury in against his chest. ]
It's freezing...
[ Mumbled, groggy, and definitely hyperbolic. He's just a little chilly, but sometimes he likes to whine. ]
His back aches despite the rather nice nest Eren's made up in the loft, and he muffles a groan into his friend's shoulder as he turns onto his other side to bury in against his chest. ]
It's freezing...
[ Mumbled, groggy, and definitely hyperbolic. He's just a little chilly, but sometimes he likes to whine. ]
[Eren was a light sleeper before he left Visium, but he's historically been a heavy one, and he finds sleep a lot easier these days. When Maruki turns toward him, Eren's arms find their way around at new angles, his eyes never opening as he yanks the man against his chest, then rolls onto his back, dragging Maruki with him. He mumbles a kiss against the other man's chin.]
G'morn...
G'morn...
[ It could just be a trick of his tired mind–
But it's not. Eren kissed him again, unmistakably, undoubtedly. Maruki settles comfortably on top of him, a deadened sleepy weight, and tucks his face down into the curve of Eren's neck while that sinks in. ]
Good morning...
[ He really could fall back asleep like this, held warm and safe atop Eren, but he fights against the impulse to close his eyes. Only blinks into the darkness, lashes brushing against Eren's skin. ]
I feel like I got hit by a truck, and not because I drank too much this time. [ How long were they even at that party? Dear god, he feels like he lived lifetimes there. ] Yesterday was intense.
But it's not. Eren kissed him again, unmistakably, undoubtedly. Maruki settles comfortably on top of him, a deadened sleepy weight, and tucks his face down into the curve of Eren's neck while that sinks in. ]
Good morning...
[ He really could fall back asleep like this, held warm and safe atop Eren, but he fights against the impulse to close his eyes. Only blinks into the darkness, lashes brushing against Eren's skin. ]
I feel like I got hit by a truck, and not because I drank too much this time. [ How long were they even at that party? Dear god, he feels like he lived lifetimes there. ] Yesterday was intense.
[Eren breathes, long and slow beneath Maruki, his own lashes still pressed down against his cheeks.]
I had to take you there...
[The Paths? Or some other reality. Eren isn't sure. He dreamt they saw everything, but it wasn't a dream, Maruki says. He could still be dreaming now. His brows crease as he opens his eyes, bleary, still glassy with sleep. His fingers start moving along Maruki's spine.]
No, that...wasn't me. Was it? Maybe...
I had to take you there...
[The Paths? Or some other reality. Eren isn't sure. He dreamt they saw everything, but it wasn't a dream, Maruki says. He could still be dreaming now. His brows crease as he opens his eyes, bleary, still glassy with sleep. His fingers start moving along Maruki's spine.]
No, that...wasn't me. Was it? Maybe...
Don't worry. I remember.
In my head, though...
[His fingers curl and uncurl against Maruki's shoulder blades.]
I just thought...I'd end up doing that myself, once I could...
After all this...
[He's thought about it - more than once - endlessly.]
In my head, though...
[His fingers curl and uncurl against Maruki's shoulder blades.]
I just thought...I'd end up doing that myself, once I could...
After all this...
[He's thought about it - more than once - endlessly.]
[Eren's hands momentarily leave Maruki's back, just to touch either side of his face. It's brief, but tender. He tilts his head slightly to the side where it lays against the pillow, just to see him from another angle.]
After we take control of this reality, I figured I'd see you in some place. Like...
We could look at everything and choose where to go next. Or something...
That place...was really just like I pictured it.
After we take control of this reality, I figured I'd see you in some place. Like...
We could look at everything and choose where to go next. Or something...
That place...was really just like I pictured it.
[ Oh... ]
I see what you're saying now. That's the kind of thing I like to daydream about too...
[ A control room, of sorts. One might even say a control room connected to the collective unconscious of all humanity. What? Anyway.
He stays propped up, gingerly stretching out his back a little, and traces his fingertips over Eren's forehead. ]
What sort of reality would you choose next? If you could, I mean.
I see what you're saying now. That's the kind of thing I like to daydream about too...
[ A control room, of sorts. One might even say a control room connected to the collective unconscious of all humanity. What? Anyway.
He stays propped up, gingerly stretching out his back a little, and traces his fingertips over Eren's forehead. ]
What sort of reality would you choose next? If you could, I mean.
It's more than a daydream...
[Eren's eyes fall heavily closed again, though, this time, they strain behind the lids.]
It's happened. It will. I think...I've already been there before. Well...
[His mind is starting to spin. He forces his eyes open and takes Maruki's face again, thumbs stroking. Eren's expression softens, and it's impossibly genuine, more telling than a smile.]
You already know my answer, don't you? Which would you choose?
[Eren's eyes fall heavily closed again, though, this time, they strain behind the lids.]
It's happened. It will. I think...I've already been there before. Well...
[His mind is starting to spin. He forces his eyes open and takes Maruki's face again, thumbs stroking. Eren's expression softens, and it's impossibly genuine, more telling than a smile.]
You already know my answer, don't you? Which would you choose?
[ Since his return, Eren has always softened more around him than almost anyone else, but this sort of tenderness in his gaze is entirely new. Maruki's fingers still in his hair as his face is held, thumbs skating over morning-stubbled cheeks as he blinks dumbly without his glasses. ]
Your answer...
[ He only has to think about it for a few moments. ]
An empty world. Right?
Your answer...
[ He only has to think about it for a few moments. ]
An empty world. Right?
With you.
That part is important.
Honestly...
I'm tired of everything else.
That part is important.
Honestly...
I'm tired of everything else.
[ There is truly only one person in all known universes who could convince Maruki that he would be perfectly content in a world devoid of everything and everyone but him. Eren says it, and Maruki believes it, against all reason. ]
Then that's where we'll go. That's what we'll do.
[ He leans a cheek one of Eren's palms, almost unconsciously. ]
We'll rest.
Then that's where we'll go. That's what we'll do.
[ He leans a cheek one of Eren's palms, almost unconsciously. ]
We'll rest.
[Eren breathes. Maruki may as well be his lungs.
[They're alone now, and it's perfect. He could pretend the world is empty, lying here, just like this. And, no, he really isn't one to smile, but his voice can sound warm, and it does sound warm. It's only for Maruki.]
I want you to tell me everything. I want you to talk until you lose your voice. I'll listen every day.
I'll hunt for you. I'll chop would and build us a home.
We'll want for nothing. It'll all be ours...
That sounds nice...right?
[Only a dream, but, no, it isn't. Eren believes it. When's the last time he believed in something?]
[They're alone now, and it's perfect. He could pretend the world is empty, lying here, just like this. And, no, he really isn't one to smile, but his voice can sound warm, and it does sound warm. It's only for Maruki.]
I want you to tell me everything. I want you to talk until you lose your voice. I'll listen every day.
I'll hunt for you. I'll chop would and build us a home.
We'll want for nothing. It'll all be ours...
That sounds nice...right?
[Only a dream, but, no, it isn't. Eren believes it. When's the last time he believed in something?]
It does. More than nice.
[ Much more. It sounds–
Well.
Ideal.
Snow falls silently outside, as ever. Time and memory and space and reality are already mutable things, all the more so after his experiences in the alcove last night. He has one foot in that empty world with Eren, alone in a wooded glen with no one to answer to but one another, and the other back in Tokyo, brushing snow out of his hair on the way to his alma mater.
He lays his head back down then, noses at Eren's cheek idly. ]
For now, can we come here more often?
[ Much more. It sounds–
Well.
Ideal.
Snow falls silently outside, as ever. Time and memory and space and reality are already mutable things, all the more so after his experiences in the alcove last night. He has one foot in that empty world with Eren, alone in a wooded glen with no one to answer to but one another, and the other back in Tokyo, brushing snow out of his hair on the way to his alma mater.
He lays his head back down then, noses at Eren's cheek idly. ]
For now, can we come here more often?
Mhmm. [A simple, sleepy answer to an obvious question. They want an empty world, don't they? This place is always empty, save for them...
[He doesn't think Aubrey will mind it. He'll make some mention of it when he sees her later today...]
[He turns his face when Maruki nudges it, casually capturing his lips in a brief, chaste kiss. He brushes the tips of their noses together. Maruki's is cold...]
I'll bring more blankets...
[He doesn't think Aubrey will mind it. He'll make some mention of it when he sees her later today...]
[He turns his face when Maruki nudges it, casually capturing his lips in a brief, chaste kiss. He brushes the tips of their noses together. Maruki's is cold...]
I'll bring more blankets...
[ Maruki wants to say something about the temperature, his own lifelong poor internal regulation thereof, bad circulation, getting older, also his back can't handle sleeping just on piles of pillows, but– ]
You– um.
[ He may be cold, but his cheeks heat up easily. ]
You keep kissing me...?
You– um.
[ He may be cold, but his cheeks heat up easily. ]
You keep kissing me...?
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