concasse | AKIRA

-- Oi oi, I'm just giving you shit.

[Not that Akira is wrong, everyone from a mile away could see that he was Up To Something, but Sanji reels back his bullshit for a hot second]

You're the one whose got the harder role, I bet... what is it, you can protect one person per week?

Oh don't worry, I'm extremely self aware.

[he says that lightly and with good humor as he finally casts his line, but a shadow falls across his expression once Sanji mentions his role]

And that's the gist of it, though there’s another layer that makes it more. . . complicated.

[... Sanji considers that statement, and he doesn't ask the obvious question yet -- "what makes it so complicated?" It's because while he'd poked fun at Akira for being so obvious a pick, the chef considers himself a damned good candidate for the role he was given, and runs the calculations like he's flipping through a recipe book.

...]

I meant what I said. I'm here to trade and coordinate information. [Staring out at the water] So I won't ask anything without offering shit in return.

I wanna know what makes your role complicated, but you can ask for something I gotta give up for that privilege.

[incidentally. . . that's the best way to get Akira to open up. he feels the most comfortable when relationships are a give and take, and it shows in the way some of the tension seeps from his shoulders]

[. . .]

I want to know if you're working alone. If not. . . then I want to meet your partner, but I'll leave that part up to them.

Just tell me if this is a solo gig or not and pass that message on and I'll consider us even.

No, I don't have a partner.

[His voice is pointedly neutral when delivering the statement]

I work alone, and that's not gonna change, either -- but I'll extend a hand if you need help with anything.

[hm. . .]

[Akira pulls his gaze from the lake to study Sanji carefully, his own expression neutral. and in the end. . .]

I can choose one person per week to protect, with the decision taking place on Mondays. If the person I protect is targeted, then I'm offered the opportunity to intervene.

[. . .]

I can intervene however I’d like, but I'm also reminded that "death is part of the competition."

[... A quiet scowl when the word "competition" is brought up, but Sanji holds his tongue for a moment.]

What's your criteria for protecting someone?

Right now, I pick anyone who seems likely to hold a role based off their actions, the number of people they interact with, shit like that...

[MOOD THO]

Last week I shielded myself.

[aha]

This week I was going to shield anyone I felt was at risk. And I had planned to shield anyone with— well. With either a role, or otherwise important information about the game that can't be risked.

[-- Wait what]

Oi, you shielded yourself? Did someone come after you?

[God wasn't he going to trade info for info? Well too late, he's shooting off questions like a concerned, irate parent]

And do you know anyone else with a role?

[Akira doesn't seem to mind, and he holds his hands up with palms facing forward, fishing pole resting against against his knees]

No. But if someone had, I wanted the heads up to prepare.

[I wish I had shielded Yu instead goes unsaid]

And other than you? Nope. But based on the pattern so far, I'm sure Shadows has someone doing some extra work for them.

[... Settling down because... Sanji gets it, in his own way. His eyes tick to the side before he heaves a sigh and leans backwards on his hands]

According to Heart, if we're certain someone has a role, we can talk about it like we're doing and not deal with any shitty consequences.

Trade-off is I can't out you, and you can't out me. The roles gotta stay secret.

[Which is also cause for annoyance, but if Sanji starts listing his grievances now, they'll be here all day]

Also? Never protect me. Even if you've got no one better to protect. I can handle myself just fine.

[WELL. he has some things to say to that, things like don't worry, I didn't plan on saying anything to anyone and if there is someone else out there with a role I'll be sure to tell you]

[but]

[then Sanji says that last thing and]

[THIS IS THE STARE OF A TEENAGER WHO IS GOING TO PROTECT HIM WHENEVER HE FUKKEN WANTS TO]

-- Oh no you don't!

[Where did the cool, levelheaded man go? He's been replaced by a shrieking banshee whose head swivels in Akira's direction]

Your role is more important! Protect yourself, you little shit, or I'll throw you into the goddamn lake!

[it]

[takes all of Akira's willpower not to laugh. somehow, he manages!! and he slowly reels in the line he cast for. . . extra effect]

I protected myself last week; I can't do it again this week.

[UGH Akira is gonna be a little shit, Sanji can feel it in his SOUL--

Also he refuses to be deterred and after a moment of sullen thought:]

Protect Lili then. She's a valued member of the group. And I don't know about you, but I don't wanna see what happens if we were to lose her this early.

[A sigh. And it's really at this point Sanji just gives up on managing how much info he gives Akira.]

I was thinking of checking her out next, or maybe Dick, but if you got better considerations, I'm willing to listen.

[. . . hah. his mouth twitches]

Lili was on my list, actually. Her, Dick, Chuuya, Escha. . . [a pause] Guy.

And out of those two I'd check Dick. I know Lili's team, and I doubt she has a role. But Dick I can't get a read on either way.

... Fair enough. Dick it is. I would've been shooting into the dark one way or another.

[...]

Lili's outspoken and good at rallying people to her side, so I'm worried that'll make her a target. But Dick's so damned competent, that might be a problem for the same reasons. [A pause] I'm not as familiar with Chuuya, Escha-chan, or Guy.

[Though uh, his eyebrows still arch slightly at that last name]

[. . . mmmm. once he's done reeling in his line, he casts it out into the lake again, not speaking until the bait and hook are submerged into the water]

Chuuya, Escha and Lili might be targeted by someone trying to find Yu's real killer. And Guy--

[he]

[trails off]

[... He doesn't say it, but that just has him doubling down on Lili as a worthy target for protection. Escha-chan... he would not want to lose her, but the group as a whole would manage. Same with Chuuya.

As for Guy:]

It ain't my business, so we can shelve that.

[Breezing along.]

You got any ideas on who Yu's killer actually is?

[he shoots Sanji a grateful look at that. Guy's whole business isn't something for Akira to divulge, and he'd rather not]

No.

[. . . his face falls]

According to the footprints, it had to be either Lili, Ogata, Chuuya or Escha. But Chuuya and Lili's curfew effects were solid, and as for Ogata and Escha. . .

[he trails off]

I just. . . I just don't know.

... Given the evidence we focused on, it would point to Escha-chan, since Ogata was innocent.

[He sees no point in beating around the bush. That said:]

But that's assuming we focused on the right evidence to begin with. For all we know, we pigeonholed ourselves into a trap, and all four of 'em were innocent.

[But he stops there, shaking his head and raking a hand through his hair. He's sure both he and Akira have had this conversation many times over the course of the weekend.]

Anyway, I was just wondering... Your list is pretty solid, so I'll leave it to you who to protect.

That's what I'm afraid of. Did we miss something? Were the footprints faked after all?

[they had seemed to legitimate, what with how their path through the camp, the lake, and the dining hall made so much sense. but now, he can't help but doubt]

[and he wonders if there's even a point to lingering on it now, when next week they'll have yet another body to deal with]

[so Akira moves on when Sanji does, letting out a breath as he does so]

Thanks.

But if you ever think someone is in danger, tell me, okay? [he says that firmly, chin tilted up] I'll trust your word and protect them to the best of my ability.

[it always helps to have someone else out there keeping an eye out for potential victims]

[... I'm sorry but after such a declaration, Sanji is gonna

reach over and flick in him the forehead]

Tch. No wonder everyone likes you.

[Whelp. Standing up, brushing some dust off his slacks. He's wearing a three-piece suit instead of that embarrassment from before, so Akira better be proud]

I'll be in touch. Lemme know if you need anything.

[WOW HEY??? a surprised noise and Akira rubs his forehead, scowling a bit as he does so. also he is proud of that two-piece suit, good job Sanji]

Sure, sure-- but you better do the same.

[and then. . . he pauses]

[. . .]

You said you work alone, so. . . does this mean you're not open to an official alliance?

Edited 2020-06-22 01:04 (UTC)

[... Ha.

Twisting a smile over his shoulder, one that is far more kinder than the first ones were]

Pirates aren't great at alliances, kid.

[Turning his back on him, and offering a wave as he strolls off]

I dunno. Ask me in a week when I'm in a better mood. We'll see.

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survivaltricks - 2020-06-22 01:09 (UTC) - Expand