[nope] - date 3, Tatsuya

[afailedmurder]

[The aquarium tunnel is a romantic spot for a date, though Akechi seems a little wary of the water overhead.]

Shall we take a seat?

Comments

[motorcycle_noises]

[ After a moment: ]

...You're right. I really don't.

[ Tatsuya sighs. ]

I'm sorry. I'll try to leave my assumptions out of it.

[afailedmurder]

[glances over to Tatsuya, and then back up to the fish]

Every three days or so, we'd have a "killing night." If someone was murdered during that time, we'd have to find the culprit, and the raccoons would put them to death. If everyone survived that night, they would instead execute someone at random.

There were "carrots" and "sticks." A stick might be something like, "If no one is dead by tomorrow, we'll kill your family." One person's carrot was the promise that everyone who had died during the game would be resurrected and sent home.

[motorcycle_noises]

...So no matter what decision was made... There really were no good options.

[afailedmurder]

...Well, it's in the past. Honestly, it ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me.

[motorcycle_noises]

It... was?

[afailedmurder]

[let's go with the simplest reason]

This is where I met Saihara.

[motorcycle_noises]

[ The simplest reasons are all it takes. ]

....Then I can see why you'd that.

[ The look on Akechi's face says everything. ]

[afailedmurder]

Yes. He's something really special.

[gay feeling]

Though that's poor date conversation, isn't it?

[motorcycle_noises]

Maybe, but I don't mind listening.

[afailedmurder]

He's a good person, Saihara. Genuinely, despite all the things he's been through, and in a way most people could never be. Back then, he was only one who you could know beyond any shadow of a doubt wouldn't kill anyone.

[motorcycle_noises]

Someone like that... I can see why you'd be attracted.

[afailedmurder]

Yes...

[chuckles]

He gets embarrassed when I talk about him like this. He'll tell me I put him on a pedestal, or that I'll meet all sorts of good people if I get to know them...

Sort of a silly thing to argue about, wouldn't you say?

[motorcycle_noises]

A little bit. But that sounds like it's part of his charm, too.

[afailedmurder]

It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if he were a little more confident. Or perhaps I'm the one that should be?

[cocks his head to the side]

Are you bored yet? I'm a bit bored, listening to myself.

[motorcycle_noises]

This is going to sound really corny, but... I don't think I could ever be bored, listening to people talk about the ones they care for.

[afailedmurder]

You're right, that's incredibly corny.

[motorcycle_noises]

[ Tatsuya laughs. ]

Well, I did warn you.

[afailedmurder]

Still, the purpose is for us to get to know one another, right? Not for you to get to know Saihara-kun.

[motorcycle_noises]

That's true.... Another time then, maybe.

[afailedmurder]

Another time.

How've you been doing with... all of this?

[motorcycle_noises]

Honestly? I'm trying to enjoy it while I can, regardless of the results. Having company is.... nice. Some of it's very nice.

[afailedmurder]

You don't have company where you come from?

[motorcycle_noises]

Not unless you count the demons.

[afailedmurder]

...Should I count the demons?

[motorcycle_noises]

I mean, you can. Some of them are willing to talk, some of them just want to fight me... Most of them are pretty willing to ignore me if I ignore them. It's pretty "live-and-let-live" these days.