twostringsonebow

[ Hmm... How should he do this? Let's start with the easier part. ]

Well, I'll start by saying that I like you. Before your mind starts making excuses as to what I'm saying and why, I do mean romantically. Tell me when you're ready for the next part.

[... Give him like, a full minute to process this. Okay. Um. He lost a bet, everyone calling him stupid was right, he's going to go lay on his bed. Part of him wants to ask Akira if he's positive, but he's crushing it down. Don't talk yourself down on this!!]

Um. Okay. Go on. I hope the rest of this is as pleasing..?

It probably isn't...

[ He isn't going to lie to him. ]

I'm sure that you've had your suspicions already, but I might as well tell you myself. You'll find out eventually, right? Whether it be from your own deductions or from your memories... I also promised to tell you something in September.

[ Withholding info is really tempting right now, but he said he would go through this. He would figure this out... Even Ann agreed that they shouldn't fall onto old memories.

He can feel his chest swell with conflicting feelings about it, but here we go: ]

I'm the leader of the Phantom Thieves. Surprise.

... I thought as much.

[Deductions, deductions. Still, it's... true, he's not the happiest to hear it. Even if he's different than that person, marked by their experiences and feelings, it still feels wrong to want any sort of relationship with Akira or-- or any of the others, whomever they are. (Ann is a good suspect.)]

Is it odd if I apologize for my other self..?

A little. I don't see why you need to—the other you probably had his reasons.

[ While he isn't keen on the betrayal at all, he understands there must be circumstances... he's still a firm believer than not all rotten eggs started that way. For some reason, his other self was also comfortable with having Goro on their team despite differences. It makes him wonder why, but gives him some comfort. Maybe he had been unsure about it all by himself? ]

But I won't say no if you want to apologize for possibly betraying me in the future. The second half is a joke, by the way.

[ Still means Goro can apologize and kiss his shoes, etc. ]

[buddy it will not be your shoes he will be kissing,]

I'll keep it in mind when we're alone next, then. Is that all you wanted to call about?

[can they. can they go back to the other topic. he has to apologize on that one too.]

Mm. [ Is that it...? ] Even if it was probably for a short time, you were one of us... And you're still welcome to be a part of the Phantom Thieves here.

[ That's it on that part. After everything and some small soul searching, he still trusts him. What else? Akira is looking through his mental manuscript of how this call is supposed to go. ]

I told you that I like you already, right?

[... Oh... He's kind of tou oh my god]

Yes, Akira, you... led off with that. [um.] Sorry I've been difficult on that front. It must've been frustrating, and I'd like to make it up to you.

[He has like, ten people to apologize to, and fifty bucks to lose.]

Right.

[ Now he's a little embarrassed that he lost track of the points he covered. It's hard on him, okay?! ]

You can by giving me an answer.

[ For both things, really, but he doesn't mind just one. ]

[God this is. A first. Not so much the confessing bit, not so much the answering, but from someone he actually likes, actually is interested in--

A first.

... But would it really be alright? Akira's made it clear time and time again, even now, that the memories are kind of a footnote. They really are, honestly. Not as if they matter. Goro rolls the thought in mind and decides both are fine; being a Phantom Thief, dating Akira. He's not alone in working things out.]

Right. Thank you. I'd like to be part of the Phantom Thieves very much, actually! There's so many things I'd like to know... [The mystery of a lifetime, for him. He'd said as much to Liz too.

A beat. Then, softer and fonder:] And I do still like you very much, Akira. I don't think there's any doubt of that, so... if we could go out, I'd very much like that, too. If, um, I'm not presuming your asking on that point, that is.

Welcome back.

[ It was never that Goro left, at least in Akira's mind. Their past may be giving hints on who they used to be, maybe the core of their entire being, but destiny is paved by what they do now. Akira is positive that they can work things out. For a short moment, Akira wonders if Recolle is a second chance for all of them, even if some not worse off than others.

That kind of response though. If. I'd very much like that. If I'm not. No doubts in feelings, but a lot of doubts in words, huh. ]

Try being more assertive.

[ He's waiting!! ]

[Oh, my god. You're so demanding?? He is not a prince that sweeps people off their feet that way, he is a Sweet Young Lad.]

... Would you like to be mine?

[is. is that better. he feels a little like dying, but.]

[ Sometimes the Pleasant Boy needs to man up a little. Akira also thinks he deserves to be a little demanding. While he isn't satisfied since like makes it still a little passive, he digresses. Goro is spared from further humiliation. ]

Yes, I would. [ How easy. ] How are you feeling?

[ Like... are you okay after all of this?? ]

[No, you should have definitely made him do it once more with feeling.]

Like I want to see you. [Be still, his heart.] Besides that, I'm fine. Though I don't think I'm getting back to my schoolwork today.

School is important, so you're going to your work.

[ Listen to him!!! ]

But yeah... Sorry. I'm busy for the evening. I actually have to start prepping.

Oh.

[... Well, that's disappointing. He'll have to do his work somehow, huh.]

What are you prepping for?

[If you don't think he won't hold you on this line.]

[ *going to do, goddamnit. ]

A party for my team from August's escapade. I think they deserve something nice, so... [ He's shrugging here, but not like anyone can tell on the phone? One can hear mewing, at least. ] You're not trying to procrastinate, right?

Me? Put off school work? Who do you think you're talking to?

[Goro's a nerd he loves school work, remember? He hears the meowing though. It'd be rude to visit Akira when he was busy... tempting, tempting.]

I'm simply keeping you company, that's all. We both know how to multitask.

A lovestruck fool.

[ He knows you're a nerd, but he also knows you're a sap. Which part is stronger? He's not sure. ]

I know how to multitask, yeah. Are you sure you don't need to focus? I can be pretty distracting.

[Goro snorts, but it's a total farce; he knows he is, red faced and thankful now they are just on the phone.]

Rest assured, Akira, no one is more of a distraction to me than myself. I'll be fine.

[... And very tempted to stay exactly where he is, phone fitted against his ear with his eyes closed. Yes, yes he's an absolute sap, it's the side that wins out.]

It's not like it's anything hard anyway. Just gen ed stuff right now.

All right, all right. I'll trust you.

[ Because he doesn't want to feel like a total nag of a boyfriend. It's only the first... Couple of minutes? He doesn't want to be remembered for that. ]

Are there guidelines to relationships? Or anything you want to tell me?

[ And here he is... Placing his trust in Goro who he thinks has more experience. ]

[... Akira, he already knows you're a worrywart. A nag would not be too far off.

Also: ah. um. His few, short lived romances... with girls he was kindly not interested in, and the various forms of romance media he has consumed with guilty pleasure. Oh boy.]

No, there's... not really anything like that, Akira. Boundaries are still important, consent is important, open communication is ideal but if it begins to run to nitpick territory then something's wrong... Oh, but I'd like flowers at least once a month. Hypoallergenic ones -- that is, ones that don't produce pollen. Is there anything I can give you?

[ He can hear the inexperience in your voice, Goro. It actually comforts him, but he isn't going to say ANYTHING. The flowers thing does make his smile go wry.
Goro. ]

That's cute. I'll keep note of that. [ But hm. What does he want? ] It would be nice if you confided in me when you're bothered with anything—communication... Is important. Even if it takes time, I want to be a person you can rely on.

[ ... Now he's embarrassed. It's why his voice gradually became softer and trailing off, almost unsure about what he said. It's weird, isn't it? It should be some unspoken code or something. He feels silly for speaking up; let's rectify. ]

I would also like you to send me good morning and good night texts with nya~ attached.

[... Oh... Even if it's something usually unspoken hearing it aloud... Goro feels something wanting to tumble from his lips and it stops the moment the second part comes up, turning into a chuckle instead. Well, another time. Akira doesn't need something on his shoulders at the moment.]

I'll keep it in mind. Both things. [Just so he knows.] Maybe I'll let you see what my bedhead looks like.

... I haven't even seen Ryoji's hair down yet.

[ And he lives with the guy. Why is he suddenly so captivated by the thought of seeing people in their natural state? It's just hair.

Maybe because it's intimate. ]

Your bedhead can't be that bad.

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