middaeg | [ open ] maiuril catchall

[ There's something to be said for making an effort to adjust to a new culture, but when it comes to thank you gifts nothing but what Akechi's used to feels right. So once he has a confirmation from Connor that it's actually okay to drop in, he makes his way to their home with pair of boxes - one mall and cutely wrapped, and the other even smaller and in much plainer wrapping - in hand. His left hand, specifically, since Saburo is perched on his right shoulder and the crow is a little too pointedly interested in the bright colors on the wrapping paper.

It's not really a surprise, considering that Connor and Hank both seem to have arrived well before Akechi himself, but their house is much nicer than his apartment. He wonders if that's hard to maintain with a dog as large as Sumo around, though it's not until after he knocks that it occurs to him to wonder if Sumo is the sort of dog that looses his mind when there's someone at the door.

He supposes he's about to find out. ]

[ Akechi is aware of the risks of not properly cycling his magic through either a Bond or regular practice, and he sincerely thinks he's been putting in a reasonable amount of effort into avoiding those sorts of mishaps. But apparently he hasn't been practicing enough. It's just a good thing he's already at the Coven, making use of one of the semi-enclosed little gardens that spontaneously pop up on a daily basis. He's not doing anything particularly difficult, so he doesn't think he needs any more privacy than this.

Which is why anyone passing by will be able to witness his workspace suddenly disappearing under hundreds and hundreds of black feathers, ranging from little downy puffs to straight primary feathers. They manifest abruptly enough to startle a a short exclamation out of Akechi himself, and send the crow perched near him fleeing for higher ground with an indignant squawk.

There's silence for a long moment, and then Akechi heaves a sigh. He pushes himself to his feet and shuffles free of the little garden, scattering feathers as he goes, then turns around to face it with a deeply unimpressed expression. Where is he even supposed to start with this mess...? ]

[Sumo lets out a single, half-assed "boof" and not much else. It was one thing when Connor was breaking into Hank's house, Sumo had been protective of his owner at first. But otherwise, Sumo isn't really much for running around and barking.

Connor opens the door and eyes the crow briefly before smiling and gesturing for Akechi to come inside.]

Hello again, it's good to see you.

[The inside of the cottage is pretty tidy. Connor keeps things clean despite the dog, cat, and giant dragonfly. There are dog chews on the floor, though. The front door leads to a short hallway where bags and coats can be left, and then into the main room where Hank is. Even so, Connor calls out to him like he isn't aware there's a guest.]

Hank? It's Akechi.

[ Is it stalking when there's an implicit understanding that you're expected to come bother someone eventually...?

Probably, actually, but that doesn't stop Akechi. He has a reasonable idea of what Akira's schedule is like, so once he's pretty sure Akira is both up and awake enough to respond coherently he sends him a simple message, informing him that he's ready to discuss the idea of a Bond further, along with a request to meet at Akechi's apartment if he agrees.

Their homes aren't too far apart, as it turns out, which is pretty convenient. It means that as soon as Akechi gets an answer he can go wait outside for Akira's arrival. It's not so much a courtesy as it is a desire to not leave Akira unattended in his apartment building to do nosy things like talk to his neighbors.

The fact that it's faintly drizzling does make it a little annoying, however, leaving him with little else to do besides lurk on the apartment stoop until Akira comes into view. Maybe he should have just gone to Akira's place, but the idea of discussing this where they might be overheard isn't one he likes. ]

[ ... He'd be lying if he tried to claim he wasn't surprised to get that message.

But, all the same, he doesn't waste much time in agreeing. With his mind wandering, he's still somehow quick to get ready and start that way. And, once he's there, he gives a small wave. While he doesn't jump to say the first word, his expression probably makes it clear: he's trying to read Akechi's expression and waiting to see what he has to say, first. ]

[Yeah Sumo, the most protective dog that ever was - looks at someone breaking and jumping into their window for a few seconds before moving away to lay down. Sumo who is currently half-asleep by the door with a three legged grey cat making biscuits on top of his back. He looks over to Akechi (and the crow) briefly before setting into the warm fur. Doesn't even bother wanting to make a break for the door or attack the animal.

When they show up in the main room, Hank was busy finishing a potion, but sets everything down once he hears their guest has arrived. The large dragonfly was sitting on his head again - Hank's usage of fire made him slightly hotter (no pun intended) than the average human. It had taken a long time but they'd gone from Hank trying to avoid the thing on sight to letting it do what it pleased as long as it didn't fly into his face.]

Hey. Welcome to our home.

[Hank hasn't had guests in a house in years. It's still pretty weird to him to have people over, no matter what age they had.]

You need me to help you with those?

[He means the packages. He'd go for a handshake but Akechi did seem occupied.]

[ Well, at least Akechi doesn't have to worry about causing a Sumo rampage - though given how their first meeting went, he shouldn't have expected it to be a problem anyway. He brightens when Connor answers the door, giving him a nod at his greeting. ]

It's good to see you, as well. Thank you again for having me over.

[ With that, Akechi only lingers on the doorstep long enough to make sure that the crow is also allowed inside. It's not often that he walks into a new place and is confronted with two equally odd sights to study, but both the cat sitting on the dog and the (enormous) dragonfly sitting on Hank's head are too interesting to ignore. His attention bounces between the two for a moment, but ultimatel, Akechi keeps his focus on Hank, while the crow on his shoulder seems more interested in (though not at all fearful of) the cat. ]

These are for you, actually.

[ He offers the boxes out. They're not very heavy, and even the larger of the two should rest comfortably in Hank's hand. ]

A thank you for your help after I first arrived. [ There's a pause before he adds: ] The smaller one is a treat for Sumo, though I hope that doesn't make the other two jealous.

[ He's not even sure what to get for a dragonfly... ]

[The dragonfly darts off Hank's head upon seeing the newcomer, and Connor holds a hand up at it to stop it from flying too close to Akechi.]

Stop it.

[It has to be spoken to firmly when it comes to other people. Connor wouldn't want it to spit fire at anyone. It seems to reconsider and nestles itself on Connor's head instead. He gives Akechi a tired but apologetic smile.]

I'm sure it'll be fine. Thank you, though. Is this your familiar?

[He nods to the crow.]

Well uh, I'm gonna apologize if I end up being a shitty host. Haven't had guests over even back home for a while.

[He does change the subject before it becomes a subject. He takes both packages, carefully and easily, giving him a small nod.]

Hey you didn't have to. I mean, I'd be kind of an asshole if I didn't help people out, you know? [Important lesson; Hank is always full of excuses why he's nice.] And don't worry about it I'm sure the rest of the zoo can get treats later.

[Grateful at Connor for the dragonfly save, he sets both boxes on the table so he can inbox them properly. Upon hearing his name and the word 'treat' Sumo moves his head up enough that the cat jumps off of him in surprise, stretching out before hopping away to a nearby piece of furniture before the large dog makes his way towards both Akechi and Hank, placing his head on top of the table.]

Heh heh. Figures you'd show up. You want to give it to him yourself? Mind the drool, it's a feature of the breed.

[He'll let him answer Connor's question first, of course.]

[ Dragonfly incoming. Akechi leans back, but before he can do anything else Connor steps in and... saves him? Saves the dragonfly? Saves the both of them from an impending collision, maybe. He watches with some amusement as the dragonfly then settles itself on Connor's head, next. 'A zoo' is a good way of describing it, huh...? ]

Ah-- yes. This is the crow I mentioned, Saburo. I'm sure I'll have no complaints about your ability as a host, since he can be a rather rude guest.

[ Upon hearing his name the crow finally looks away from the cat, cocking his head as he tries to figure out where his attention should go now. Akechi doesn't pay him much mind, however. ]

[ His faintly amused expression doesn't fade when Hank comes up with excuses for why he's being nice. He doesn't go so far as to call him out, but... ]

That makes it even more important to repay kindness with kindness, doesn't it?

[ No matter how skeptical he might be of the sincerity behind altruistic actions, he can still appreciate their existence.

But never mind that, there's a dog asking for attention and Akechi's been given permission to give it. He visibly perks up at the offer, though he stops shy of acting on it. ]

If that won't be too disruptive, I'd be honored.

[It's a zoo because Connor works at a pet store and can't resist the animals that get rejected, whether by its peers (the dragonfly) or by potential buyers (the cat). It's only going to get worse from here.]

Hi, Saburo.

[Connor reaches up to rub a finger along one of the dragonfly's wings, an act which he still doesn't fully understand what the creature gets from it but it seems to satisfy it regardless.]

Feel free to sit down, just mind the cat. He'll curl up in your lap before you're even settled. Would you like anything to drink?

[Hank can't say no when Connor comes back either with whatever the animal-of-the-day is. At least he can be happy there's been only two additions in a year. Or maybe it's just a warning of things to come.]

I've seen someone with a pet Raven before, but a Crow huh? Those things are smart as fuck. [Sorry for Hank's language, ~~unlike Ryuji he's allowed to say fuck in his game~~. Then he grins at Akechi's comment before shrugging.]

Yeah. If you wanna look at it that way.

[Then he outright laughs.]

Shit, of course it's not. You're way more polite than most teens I've run across. [Maybe it's a Japanese thing. Hank's used to Detroit's...ahh...Detroitness. He looks over at Connor.] Yeah, we've got a few drinks. Hell, I'd offer you a beer but I don't know if the fun police is going to stop us since drinking age back home is twenty-one. I'm surprised he hasn't said anything about my diet. [He gives Connor another grin. It's very obviously a joke, Hank for all his complaints is very grateful for Connor's help and hopefully he'd feel that warm via their bond.] Then again, beer might not go too well with cake.

[They are opening and eating it, you can't just accept something like that and stash it away for later. Sumo continues to stare at Akechi waiting for whatever he has planned for him. The puddle of drool is growing comically large on top of the table.]

He knows a few commands if you feel like making him beg for it. That's probably the only time he'll actually listen to someone, honestly. Mutt's as stubborn as his owner.

[ Just wait until you see him in a bad mood, Hank.

But right now he's not in a bad mood, so he's still perfectly polite. The talk about drinks has his amused expression taking on a slightly wary cast. ]

Just water is fine. The drinking age is only one year lower in Japan, after all.

[ Though even without that consideration he hasn't quite warmed up the idea of alcohol just yet. Maybe one day.

As for the cake, it sits inside a little plastic container (or magically conjured plastic-like container, as Akechi understand it) inside the gift box. It's a small thing perfectly suited for two or three people to share... but since Akechi is aware that an android might not eat, there's an additional present in the form of a nice pen sitting on top of the 'plastic' lid. ]

The pen was an extra from the shop. It's not much, but hope one of you can get some use out of it.

[ He doesn't want to explicitly say it's for Connor in case he doesn't eat (he gets the impression Connor won't mind even if such an assumption is rude) but it's made of the sort of shiny material that he knows tends to appeal to merrow, so hopefully Connor likes it.

But enough worrying about that. There's a dog waiting for a snack and Akechi is only too happy to provide. He's nice enough that he only makes Sumo do one command before turning the treat over, and once he has there's no stopping him from praising Sumo for his good work and reaching out to rub at his ears. He'll have to wash his hands after this anything, so he may as well get as much affection in as he can manage.

Saburo seems a bit put out about it, but all he does for now is move across Akechi's shoulders so stand on the side closer to Hank and Connor. He doesn't take off yet, but he certainly looks like he's considering it. ]

[Connor’s eyes immediately fall on the pen and he swipes it before even considering that it might be for Hank. It’s shiny. Then he pauses, looking somewhat embarrassed by his behaviour.]

It’s— uh. Thank you.

[He hopes Akechi doesn’t think he’s rude.]

And don’t worry, Hank. I was planning on making you a salad later.

[He turns away briefly to admire the pen, because he knows his Merrow instincts won’t let it rest until he does. Then he pockets it.]

We shouldn’t encourage underage drinking. It doesn’t do you any good, anyway.

[Alcohol is nothing but vile poison as far as he’s been able to deduce. Both L and Hank have succumbed to it in front of him, and it’s been unpleasant every time. He goes to fill a glass of water for Akechi, and hands it off to him when he’s done petting Sumo. Fun police indeed.]

[ Oh there was a pen. That's all that Hank's brain registers before a pair of hands grabs it and he can't help but raise an eyebrow in surprise. Well Connor is what he is. No one can really fault him about it. He tries to make it like it's nothing big at least.

Well, until the comment about salad and he just groans.]

Oh for fuck's sake let a man eat a real meal once in a while.

[He strokes his chin at Connor's comment. Fun police.]

Yeah, yeah I know. [He gives Akechi a brief look. See? This is what he puts up with.] Alright now about staying for supper instead? If it's not just salad.

[Then he looks at the Crow. Maybe try to pet it. Not sure if he can, considering how the dragonfly tried to attack him the first time they met and for a good few months.]

You're invited too. Uh...Saburo, right?

[ Despite the mild discontent over being stuck in the rain, Akechi's expression is ultimately fairly neutral. He doesn't seem upset to see Akira approaching, however, and there's nothing tense in his body language or expression as he lifts his hand to return the wave. ]

Come on.

[ No sense in dawdling out here. Though... he slides Akira a thoughtful look. ]

I can make tea, if you're cold.

[ No coffee, though. ]

[ akechi and sylvia are sitting in a corner inside of diplomatea. it's nearing lunch time and the cafe's got quite a bit of business today, which doesn't make for a quiet meeting environment, but that's okay. sylvia's not really fazed by it. she has a cup of oolong tea in front of her and nothing else.

she takes a sip of it. nice and warm for a cool day. ]

So, I actually have something I wanna ask you about, now that you and Akira are bonded -- but first, tell me how that's going!

[ her eyes are bright with intrigue, a little bit of amusement. ]

How'd that even happen, anyway?

[ These tea 'dates' Akechi has been having with Sylvia lately have been... nice, weirdly enough. He's not used to spending any significant amount of time socializing with people his age, even after his time spent with Akira, so he's a little startled at how much he's enjoyed this. Maybe this friends thing isn't so terrible.

On the other hand, it does mean dealing with questions like this. Akechi looks thoughtful for a moment, wondering what the best way to describe it is. Would be appropriate to say it started off with Akechi feeding him...? ]

I suppose... it was a matter of convenience?

[ He looks a little amused at his own answer. ]

I know Bonds typically have a deeper meaning beyond that, but we both needed one and we were already acquainted before we arrived here.

[ Well, the pen seems to have been a success. Akechi doesn't look like he thinks it's rude at all; if anything, he seems a bit pleased. Certainly pleased enough that he's not going to try to interfere with Connor's fun policing and meal policing ways. He reminds him a little of Sae, like this.

But at least they seem a bit more generous with meals than Sae. Akechi has never been shy about intruding on someone's mealtime, and any thoughts of politely declining completely fail to occur to him. He opens his mouth to agree...

But then Hank says Saburo's name and Akechi's attempt at an answer is cut off with a startled ah when the bird launches himself off of Akechi's shoulder. He goes right for Hank, aiming to land on his shoulder instead. If Hank leans away he'll settle for the couch instead. Either way, Saburo immediately fluffs himself up and clicks his beak a few times, looking immensely pleased to have Hank's attention.

Once Akechi is pretty sure disaster isn't about to strike, he lets out a soft laugh. ]

Well, I suppose that means he accepts.

I was going to cook you something proper afterwards. Do I ever let you go hungry?

[Sure, his meals are healthy, but they're always filling. Humans need food, it's their fuel... they just need good food. Not junk, or booze. In any case, he's glad that Hank picked up through the Bond that he was going to ask Akechi to dinner.]

I'm cooking fish tonight. I hope that's alright with you, Akechi?

[Yes, the Merrow cooks fish. Circle of life and all that.]

If not, I can make you something else.

[He watches as the bird flies over to Hank, and smiles.]

What does Saburo like to eat?

Shit, I feel this a trick question.

[He laughs and raises his hands in defeat, and gives Connor a small wink which is Hank's signal for 'okay fine you win'.]

Yeah don't worry if you want something else. Hate to say it, but Connor's probably the best cook I've head the pleasure of eating the food from. It's a damn shame he can't have much himself.

[Merrow cooking fish is great because you get fresh food straight from the ocean. Apart from the fact that at first he was worried Connor would be offended at the idea, Hank's been somewhat of a fisherman for most of his life so he's more than find having fish, especially in a world where he doesn't have to worry about the lead content of them.

He doesn't move from the bird's movement, having dealt with a few over his many years of being alive, and instead strokes the crow under the beak, hoping his memories of his friend's pet raven still count. Most birds like being brushed anyway, he thinks.]

I'd make a joke about Saburo wanting a cracker, but I feel like that's just damn insulting.

[ she'll friendship you to the moon and back, akechi. she's very fond of him and will not give up on friendshipping him, so he's in for a wild ride. luckily for him, his answer seems to satisfy her -- the last part is intriguing, actually. ]

Really? You two were friends before?

[ friends. ]

That's cool though, that you guys were able to do that. What do you think about the whole 'bonding' thing in general?

[ Friends... You could call them that, but only if the word was surrounded by the largest pair of quotation marks in human history. But instead of explaining that...]

Not exactly, but we were well acquainted and had worked together before.

[ Hopefully that does the trick, cause the next answer takes even more thought. ]

Bonding is... to be frank, it's a bit troublesome, but going without was worse. I can't say I would have agreed in another situation, but it's not a decision I regret.

Fish sounds wonderful. I haven't had many chances to eat it since arriving.

[ It's pretty expensive compared to Japan and he's only a so-so cook, so he hasn't bothered. The fact that it might be odd for a merrow to offer fish doesn't occur to him; fish eat fish all the time, right? As for Saburo, his diet, and crackers... ]

He'll anything you give him - or anything you don't protect diligently enough.

[ Saburo, still perched on Hank's shoulders, leans into his touch with a few more contented clacks of his beak. He doesn't seem to notice or mind that he and his bad habits are being discussed. ]

Crows are opportunistic omnivores, so there's not much humans can eat that they can't. He'll be perfectly content with fish.

Fish for Saburo too, then.

[He'll make him a little mini plate of it.]

If you want to sit in the kitchen, we can talk while I cook. Don't worry, I won't get distracted.

[He doesn't seem to be taking no for an answer, because he's already heading into the kitchen- and he picks up the cake as he goes, before Hank can start digging in.]

You can try the cake after dinner.

[He gives Hank a smirk as he goes past. Yeah yeah, he knows, he's a spoilsport.]

[ open ] maiuril catchall

( CLOSED to: Connor, Hank )

( OPEN: at the Coven )

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( CLOSED to: Akira )

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