[ around seven, as promised, goro heads down the hall to stop by ann's room. when he's inside, he's still wearing one of his many argyle sweaters. this is today's variation. it's as if his closet knew he was a nerd that needed to keep looking stuffy!
anyway, he'll curl his left hand into a tiny fist and raise it to knock thrice. ]
[He doesn't have to wait very long for an answer; the door opens a few moments later to reveal a reasonably cheerful-looking Ann, exhausted from the week but glad for the chance to smooth things over with the present company. She hasn't strayed too far from the way she would have dressed back home, still wearing a long sweatshirt over a skirt and tights despite the lack of a uniform. Behind her, it's obvious that she's been making an effort to make the room she's chosen a bit more comfortable, though it still has a ways to go.]
Hey! Wow, right on time. Should've guessed you'd be super punctual.
[ Naturally, Akechi hasn't spent much time in his room, let alone thought to decorate it. He had been surprised with how much Akira had managed to do in the very short time living at Leblanc - declaring it with memorabilia from all his trips with all friends. The thought makes his right hand twitch into a fist for a split second before he relaxes easily enough. ]
Ah, yes. You tend to be after your first encounter with an angry reporter. [ Pleasantly, he smiles. ] Are you ready to go?
Makes sense. You've had a lot of interviews, so lots of chances to get it right.
[She laughs just a little, and she's surprised at how nervous it sounds, hoping he didn't catch that. Akechi was always bright and pleasant, so much so that it was almost unnerving. She'd always considered herself to be plenty confident, but Akechi took it to another level.
She clears her throat, brightening as she steps out into the hall and closes her door behind her.]
Absolutely! Not that it's a long walk or anything, but-- it's nice that you wanted to walk together.
That's a good point! I mean, that's why we're here, right? To get to know each other better?
[They're missing a month of time between the two of them, but Ann hopes that she'll finish out the day having a better read on Akechi than she did before.]
Pretty well, all things considered. It's a lot to get used to... definitely quieter than home, since there are fewer people, but it feels a lot like being in a Palace. Otherworldly, you know? How about you?
They really are pretty useful-- I hear they backfire sometimes, but I haven't seen it yet.
[She kind of wants to, just to sate her own curiosity, but she knows she could very well come to regret that.]
I know what you mean. [She exhales softly, her mouth pulling to one side as they walk, thoughtful.] I don't even have your kind of schedule, and I'm still not sure what to do with myself.
That's right - how often do you have photo shoots? I imagine those can get exhausting, especially in the summer, if they go for too long.
[ it's surprisingly easy chatting with ann. it's a lot less forced than he thought it would be... than it had been back in the casino. the casino had been fun, he can't deny that, but this just feels simple. maybe it's the lack of masks... ]
[It definitely helps that they aren't racing against time to force a change of heart. At the moment, the only thing on the horizon is coffee, and that makes things infinitely easier than they might be otherwise-- not that Ann would know.]
It changes from week to week. I'm only doing it part-time, but I've been getting more calls lately-- some of the regulars haven't been showing up to shoots.
[That's a story in and of itself, one she's still not exactly sure she's heard all the pieces of just yet.]
I've been taking on more work this past year overall. I'm nowhere near as famous as you are, but I've been recognized a few times. [It helps that she stands out, she's sure.] It still feels weird when it happens. Is that what it's like for you?
[ is that what it's like for him? that's hard to say. ]
You'd be surprised at what you get used to over time. [ it's a broad, sweeping generalization but it's true. there's a tiny puff of air - a laugh - but he nods and decides to also add, ] At first it was a bit nerve-wracking. I wasn't used to anyone knowing my name before that. It took me a few months to get used to the attention.
[ and the... fangirls. but those were a different story. ] I'm sure you'll reach that level in no time. I can't imagine your career not taking off.
[He's on TV so often that he's well on his way to becoming a household name.
It takes a moment for the compliment he offers to register, but when it finally does, she feels her face color a little bit, and she clears her throat faintly before facing forward as they near the stairs.]
Thank you-- that's nice of you to say. For awhile, I didn't think I would want to do it long-term, but I think I might. I've been wanting to take it more seriously lately.
My best friend-- she's been in the hospital for a long while now. It's been a slow recovery, and her physical therapy is really hard work. I've wanted to support her by showing her that I'm working hard, too-- but it's been tricky finding something I'm good at. I never really thought of modeling as more than a hobby, but now I'm thinking that if something is worth doing, it's worth doing it right-- I should be doing the very best that I can.
[But she's only at rank 8 right now, so she's not entirely sold yet.]
That's very admirable. [ His hands shuffle into his pockets and he keeps his gaze straight ahead for the next park. ] Forgive me for overreaching, though, but I think you should work hard for yourself, first. If she sees that you're working hard at something you genuinely are invested in, the rest will come naturally.
Yes-- Shiho. Until I met the other Phantom Thieves, she was more than just my best friend, she was my only friend.
[They're nearing the bottom of the stairwell now, the coffee shop just around the corner, but she glances over and offers him a faint smile-- that observation is one she'd started to put together herself, but only recently. She'd wasted a lot of time beforehand.]
That's good advice. I think that's why I was having trouble finding something that stuck before. It wasn't until I started re-evaluating what I was putting into modeling and having my professionalism challenged that I realized that I want it to be more than just a hobby. Not only that, I want to be the best version of myself that I possibly can be.
[ When they get to the coffeeshop, naturally he'll hold open the door for her. He's a practiced gentleman, after all. He couldn't be seen not being one, even in a place like this. ]
I'm sure you'll reach your goal in no time, though as an outside observer, I don't think you have that far to go.
[ So smooth, Goro, so smooth. He heads over to the counter now to decide what to order!! ]
[Almost too smooth. Especially after everything that happened with Kamoshida, it's a little tough to accept compliments, although he seems genuine enough-- actually, he's been nothing but polite so far, right down to his holding the door open.]
That's really nice of you. I, ah-- didn't realize you kept up with the fashion scene?
[How else would he be able to make a call like that? She joins him at the counter, standing on her tiptoes long enough to get good look at the items in the very back of the pastry case.]
Oooh, these are even prettier than the cupcakes they had out the last time I was here...
It comes up sometimes on the segments before mine, but I was mostly referring to you as a person. You seem confident and comfortable with who you are already.
[ He eyes the cupcakes as well. He's never really been into sweets before - actually, he couldn't really nail down a favorite food, perhaps sushi? - but it wasn't that he didn't dislike them. His gaze sweeps over the vibrant colors. ]
[Really, he's not wrong, although that confidence didn't come entirely from modeling. Weathering rumors as long as she has, you had to learn not to care about what other people thought and invest in what you thought about yourself instead.
She smiles in return, and while it's just a little bit shy and caught off-guard, it's genuine.]
Thank you.
[Her gaze moves back to the cupcakes-- really, that's the best idea she's heard all day.]
That's a great idea! We have to sample the wares, right? Make sure this place is up to our standards.
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[ max charm ]
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Later today is good! All I have to do is check in on Oracle and then I'm free as a bird.
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Excellent. I'll stop by your room this evening, then.
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Alright, I'll be here. It's room 12, but you probably already knew that, being an ace detective and all.
[Plus it's in the directory, although she's not sure who actually handles updating that.]
action!
anyway, he'll curl his left hand into a tiny fist and raise it to knock thrice. ]
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Hey! Wow, right on time. Should've guessed you'd be super punctual.
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Ah, yes. You tend to be after your first encounter with an angry reporter. [ Pleasantly, he smiles. ] Are you ready to go?
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[She laughs just a little, and she's surprised at how nervous it sounds, hoping he didn't catch that. Akechi was always bright and pleasant, so much so that it was almost unnerving. She'd always considered herself to be plenty confident, but Akechi took it to another level.
She clears her throat, brightening as she steps out into the hall and closes her door behind her.]
Absolutely! Not that it's a long walk or anything, but-- it's nice that you wanted to walk together.
[They are gonna ace this friendship thing.]
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[ ah. while that's true, perhaps he should amend that statement. ]
Besides, it gives us more time to chat.
[ there!! that sounded friendly! ]
Speaking of that, how are you adjusting?
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[They're missing a month of time between the two of them, but Ann hopes that she'll finish out the day having a better read on Akechi than she did before.]
Pretty well, all things considered. It's a lot to get used to... definitely quieter than home, since there are fewer people, but it feels a lot like being in a Palace. Otherworldly, you know? How about you?
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[ he wrinkles his nose, thinking about all of the joys this world has been so far. it's definitely been weird. ]
The quiet is nice, I agree. I'm not used to having this much free time on my hands. I'm a bit... unsure what to do with it, to be honest.
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[She kind of wants to, just to sate her own curiosity, but she knows she could very well come to regret that.]
I know what you mean. [She exhales softly, her mouth pulling to one side as they walk, thoughtful.] I don't even have your kind of schedule, and I'm still not sure what to do with myself.
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[ it's surprisingly easy chatting with ann. it's a lot less forced than he thought it would be... than it had been back in the casino. the casino had been fun, he can't deny that, but this just feels simple. maybe it's the lack of masks... ]
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It changes from week to week. I'm only doing it part-time, but I've been getting more calls lately-- some of the regulars haven't been showing up to shoots.
[That's a story in and of itself, one she's still not exactly sure she's heard all the pieces of just yet.]
I've been taking on more work this past year overall. I'm nowhere near as famous as you are, but I've been recognized a few times. [It helps that she stands out, she's sure.] It still feels weird when it happens. Is that what it's like for you?
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You'd be surprised at what you get used to over time. [ it's a broad, sweeping generalization but it's true. there's a tiny puff of air - a laugh - but he nods and decides to also add, ] At first it was a bit nerve-wracking. I wasn't used to anyone knowing my name before that. It took me a few months to get used to the attention.
[ and the... fangirls. but those were a different story. ] I'm sure you'll reach that level in no time. I can't imagine your career not taking off.
[ goro wow ]
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[He's on TV so often that he's well on his way to becoming a household name.
It takes a moment for the compliment he offers to register, but when it finally does, she feels her face color a little bit, and she clears her throat faintly before facing forward as they near the stairs.]
Thank you-- that's nice of you to say. For awhile, I didn't think I would want to do it long-term, but I think I might. I've been wanting to take it more seriously lately.
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Lately? Did something happen recently that gave you a change of heart?
[ HA. HA HA HA. He's so funny without even trying! The polite smile is still there, despite the slight twinkle in his eye over the choice of words. ]
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I suppose you could say that.
[No theft necessary for this change, though.]
My best friend-- she's been in the hospital for a long while now. It's been a slow recovery, and her physical therapy is really hard work. I've wanted to support her by showing her that I'm working hard, too-- but it's been tricky finding something I'm good at. I never really thought of modeling as more than a hobby, but now I'm thinking that if something is worth doing, it's worth doing it right-- I should be doing the very best that I can.
[But she's only at rank 8 right now, so she's not entirely sold yet.]
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[ .....oh. That would make sense, wouldn't it? ]
That's very admirable. [ His hands shuffle into his pockets and he keeps his gaze straight ahead for the next park. ] Forgive me for overreaching, though, but I think you should work hard for yourself, first. If she sees that you're working hard at something you genuinely are invested in, the rest will come naturally.
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[They're nearing the bottom of the stairwell now, the coffee shop just around the corner, but she glances over and offers him a faint smile-- that observation is one she'd started to put together herself, but only recently. She'd wasted a lot of time beforehand.]
That's good advice. I think that's why I was having trouble finding something that stuck before. It wasn't until I started re-evaluating what I was putting into modeling and having my professionalism challenged that I realized that I want it to be more than just a hobby. Not only that, I want to be the best version of myself that I possibly can be.
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I'm sure you'll reach your goal in no time, though as an outside observer, I don't think you have that far to go.
[ So smooth, Goro, so smooth. He heads over to the counter now to decide what to order!! ]
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That's really nice of you. I, ah-- didn't realize you kept up with the fashion scene?
[How else would he be able to make a call like that? She joins him at the counter, standing on her tiptoes long enough to get good look at the items in the very back of the pastry case.]
Oooh, these are even prettier than the cupcakes they had out the last time I was here...
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[ He eyes the cupcakes as well. He's never really been into sweets before - actually, he couldn't really nail down a favorite food, perhaps sushi? - but it wasn't that he didn't dislike them. His gaze sweeps over the vibrant colors. ]
Perhaps we should get a few and split them?
[ Maybe a red velvet, perhaps. ]
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She smiles in return, and while it's just a little bit shy and caught off-guard, it's genuine.]
Thank you.
[Her gaze moves back to the cupcakes-- really, that's the best idea she's heard all day.]
That's a great idea! We have to sample the wares, right? Make sure this place is up to our standards.
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