week 4 ( monday )

[subordinacy]

[It's a bright new week (and by that I mean it's probably been an awkward start to the week for two certain plotters), and Setz is peering curiously at Worth Every Penne, because finally! A place to eat that isn't McDonald's again! But he's taking a look before he heads inside.

Yo, Akira.]

Comments

[subordinacy]

... When I asked Max, he said—though speaking as a neutral party—that for the result I wanted, the letter was a good idea. So that supports the idea that communication is important here...

[...]

Though you saw how people reacted.

[purrtagonist]

. . . yeah. I did.

[KIIIIND OF DISHEARTENING]

I even told them to confirm details with Max. I couldn't get any more explicit than that.

[subordinacy]

... A few of them seem to be trying, at least. [Magnus, Lenka.] And I could tell Ichigo was trying to help, so that was one upside to you telling him about everything...

I can't blame people for being suspicious, but we're at a standstill as long as they doubt our intentions.

[purrtagonist]

We need to find a way to let them know we're sincere, if they won't go to Max for confirmation.

[. . .]

. . . I asked the Composer if I could have permission to out myself and make arguments for what I believed to be the right course of action, if I had to. She said yes, but. . .

Only if I had no other choice.

[subordinacy]

Someone suggested writing back to... well, I assume they meant to the letter writer. [Aka Setz.] Maybe if we have a discussion in that way, it'll help a little.

[Though there's only so much sincerity that can be conveyed while remaining anonymous.]

... If it comes down to that, it'd be safer if I outed myself, I think. I have no role—no reason for anyone to be angry with me—and if they don't believe that... at least with Chuuya, who's the most openly suspicious of us, I have some proof backing that up.

[Proof that Setz isn't a Reaper, that is.

Of course, they're inevitably going to want to know what his source is, which is the other issue.]

[purrtagonist]

Encourage them to write back. I'm willing to explain myself, if they won't ask Max.

[although Setz is right, the more they write the easier it'll be for their identities to be discerned]

. . . while it's true you're probably in a safer position to reveal yourself than I am, I--

[mmmm]

I don't want you to put yourself in danger with the other Players for my sake, Setz.

[subordinacy]

I'm not sure how much I can push without making it obvious. I'm pretending to be neutral, for the most part...

[...]

If it comes down to it— ... even if just to protect himself, I doubt my partner would let me be seriously harmed. [It's said a bit wryly.] And you saw Jacopo at Junko's trial. He's not an easy man to defy.

[purrtagonist]

Mmm. That'll make your words more believable than mine.

[an ~obviously incredibly dangerous and bloodthirsty Reaper~ amirite, god he's so tired, he thought he escaped these kinds of rumors back home]

. . . and it's good to know, at least, that your partner will have your back. I don't want anything bad to happen to you.

[subordinacy]

Related to that—for your meeting, if I happen to come up at all... I've already made it clear to my tie—to the other Reapers, that is—that I'm not on anyone's side here. So... reiterate that if you have to.

[It's not about loyalty to anyone, as it is dedication to their common goal: an ideal ending for everyone.]

If worse comes to worst, I can look after myself. I'd rather not depend on him too much—I already owe him a lot.

[purrtagonist]

[honestly, that's how things should be, in Akira's mind]

Nobody needs to be on anyone's side. That isn't how we extend this game to the time limit. That's going to require cooperation.

[a breath, and a nod]

But if you do come up during the meeting, I'll reiterate that for them.

[subordinacy]

Let's hope the other Reapers understand. I think I cleared up any misunderstandings on my end, but we'll see.

[purrtagonist]

[a pause]

What sort of misunderstandings?

[he isn't asking for details, he just. wants to make sure he didn't accidentally ruin anything between Setz and his trusted people by, you know. being a Reaper and simultaneously barging into an alliance with Setz]

[subordinacy]

[... He doesn't really want to say, but—]

They were under the impression I trusted you more than them. Again, I just... had to make it clear to them that that wasn't the case.

[purrtagonist]

[a soft snort, and he jokes]

I suddenly feel like "the other man."

[subordinacy]

... What?

[does not get it.]

[purrtagonist]

[ah. . .]

You've. . . never heard of that terminology before?

[subordinacy]

No...?

[purrtagonist]

[OH BOY]

Nevermind.

Dumb joke. Not important.

[subordinacy]

[sorry he's a socially awkward loser, akira]

O-Okay.

[???]

[purrtagonist]

[it's fine, he likes him anyway]

Pancakes.

[a cute maid is bouncing over to their table to serve them pancakes. they have whipped cream! and strawberries!! how delicious]

[no garlic]

[subordinacy]

... Looks good, I guess.

[purrtagonist]

Looks aren't the most important thing.

[it's taste]

[subordinacy]

True enough.

[He's going to take a bite, then??]

[purrtagonist]

[it's probably delicious? how does one fuck up pancakes]

[the Maid makes a cute face and winks at him as he takes a bite. Iyaaaaa, Master, how does it taaaa~ste?]

[subordinacy]

[.............

OKAY THAT IS WEIRD AS HECK AND HE JUST. Freezes up out of awkwardness.]