[There's a moment of silence as Eren appraises Akechi. He has a few pieces of fruit on his own plate. He plucks at them one-by-one, placing them on the shared plate instead - even a few grapes.]
You're a smart guy. That's why it sucks I can't trust you.
But you've got a good point. Can't say I'd ever thought about it that way.
[The fruit returns to the plate with a reason Eren has yet to explain, so Akechi watches the bizarre exchange with light interest. It's not important. Irrelevant and -
His fingers grasp one of the grapes rolling around the porcelain and he pops it right into his mouth. Whether this is a haphazard attempt at a truce or coincidence, it doesn't matter.
He leans forward - the if I may being rhetorical because there isn't a choice to listen, save for Eren disappearing into the crowd around them.]
While I can't claim to understand your distrust of me, you don't need trust to align yourself with someone. You only need to know your goals match and your vision of the end result is the same. In fact, I would argue if this theory is correct, our captors have the same mindset.
[Considering Eren's background according to the Sleepr, that should resonate. A comment that almost leaves his lips, but he's playing a part - trusting, kind, and open. No poking. No prodding. Not in a way that brazen.
His left leg hikes over the other, arms crossing against his chest - thoughtful. As if pondering the implication of what he said, though he knows full well how easy it is to align with blood and lies. How simple it is to pretend and worship the ground someone walks on until they get comfortable enough to ignore the dagger slipping into their back.]
And for the record, my goal is to leave this place.
Let's see if our goals really do match, then. Because mine is to stay.
[Eren levels a look at Akechi, tries to meet his eyes across the table. He's a loud-mouthed kid with an attitude problem, yeah, but there's more to Eren than just that. There's a storm thrashing in grey-green waves behind his eyes. He's forgotten how not to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. They're sitting in a cafe, calmly sharing a plate of food, in a peaceful world, and still, he looks ready to go to war.]
Freedom is the birthright of every last dreamer in this place. It should be up to us where we go and when. Those that want to stay should get to stay. Those that want to leave should get to leave.
That's my one and only goal.
If all you want to do is get us all kicked out of this place, then we can't be allies. I'm a good ally to have, Pleasant Boy.
[Pathetic. Disgusting. The sentiment of staying a stance he didn't expect this brash, loud mouthed irritation to take.
For a moment, he's disappointed.
Joker must have made him soft to determined individuals. The expectation was misplaced. He's all talk.
But none of that flickers in his expression. A feigned neutrality holding the softness of his eyes in place - the same pair locked on to the unwavering gaze of his companion. Resolute.
What does he care if a bunch of nobodies rot in a prison they've chosen.]
To be frank, I can't worry about the decisions everyone else will make, so long as they don't conflict with mine. If they want to stay, I welcome their choice and sympathize with their plight. I'm sure it's a difficult decision.
[It makes him want to puke. The whole ordeal a nauseating affair, but-
Eren can fight, be exploited and be of use. It's a necessary exchange for the limited timeframe he has to work.]
Though I doubt my words satisfy you, it's all I have. I hope it's enough for us to come to an understanding here.
How fortunate for me. I can't deny what a comfort it is to be on the same side as someone with your background.
[The thought of working with this guy-
Revolting. It makes his stomach churn, to the point the little piece of pepperoni he popped into his mouth no longer taste palatable. Strength is a quality he must possess, given everything.
But brash, blunt and pathetic all the same. It will be easier once Robin Hood and Loki return to his heart and allow him the freedom to work alone.]
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no subject
You're a smart guy. That's why it sucks I can't trust you.
But you've got a good point. Can't say I'd ever thought about it that way.
no subject
[The fruit returns to the plate with a reason Eren has yet to explain, so Akechi watches the bizarre exchange with light interest. It's not important. Irrelevant and -
His fingers grasp one of the grapes rolling around the porcelain and he pops it right into his mouth. Whether this is a haphazard attempt at a truce or coincidence, it doesn't matter.
He leans forward - the if I may being rhetorical because there isn't a choice to listen, save for Eren disappearing into the crowd around them.]
While I can't claim to understand your distrust of me, you don't need trust to align yourself with someone. You only need to know your goals match and your vision of the end result is the same. In fact, I would argue if this theory is correct, our captors have the same mindset.
[Considering Eren's background according to the Sleepr, that should resonate. A comment that almost leaves his lips, but he's playing a part - trusting, kind, and open. No poking. No prodding. Not in a way that brazen.
His left leg hikes over the other, arms crossing against his chest - thoughtful. As if pondering the implication of what he said, though he knows full well how easy it is to align with blood and lies. How simple it is to pretend and worship the ground someone walks on until they get comfortable enough to ignore the dagger slipping into their back.]
And for the record, my goal is to leave this place.
no subject
[Eren levels a look at Akechi, tries to meet his eyes across the table. He's a loud-mouthed kid with an attitude problem, yeah, but there's more to Eren than just that. There's a storm thrashing in grey-green waves behind his eyes. He's forgotten how not to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. They're sitting in a cafe, calmly sharing a plate of food, in a peaceful world, and still, he looks ready to go to war.]
Freedom is the birthright of every last dreamer in this place. It should be up to us where we go and when. Those that want to stay should get to stay. Those that want to leave should get to leave.
That's my one and only goal.
If all you want to do is get us all kicked out of this place, then we can't be allies. I'm a good ally to have, Pleasant Boy.
no subject
For a moment, he's disappointed.
Joker must have made him soft to determined individuals. The expectation was misplaced. He's all talk.
But none of that flickers in his expression. A feigned neutrality holding the softness of his eyes in place - the same pair locked on to the unwavering gaze of his companion. Resolute.
What does he care if a bunch of nobodies rot in a prison they've chosen.]
To be frank, I can't worry about the decisions everyone else will make, so long as they don't conflict with mine. If they want to stay, I welcome their choice and sympathize with their plight. I'm sure it's a difficult decision.
[It makes him want to puke. The whole ordeal a nauseating affair, but-
Eren can fight, be exploited and be of use. It's a necessary exchange for the limited timeframe he has to work.]
Though I doubt my words satisfy you, it's all I have. I hope it's enough for us to come to an understanding here.
no subject
[An unspoken but certainly intended question: Does he plan to interfere?]
no subject
[See? He can do this teamwork makes the dream work shit.]
I'm glad we could come to an understanding. I look forward to working with you.
[Ugh.]
no subject
[For the first time, it clicks into place that "friends" is not synonymous.]
no subject
[The thought of working with this guy-
Revolting. It makes his stomach churn, to the point the little piece of pepperoni he popped into his mouth no longer taste palatable. Strength is a quality he must possess, given everything.
But brash, blunt and pathetic all the same. It will be easier once Robin Hood and Loki return to his heart and allow him the freedom to work alone.]
You can have the rest of my meal. I'm quite full.
no subject
[Eren takes his bag, a pouch from it. He begins bagging up the remaining food. None of it will go to waste.]
Same here. I'll see you around, Pleasant Boy.
no subject
He just waves at him - pleasant as ever.
Bye, asshole.]