it only hurts for a moment - you get used to it quickly

[swordsinternally]

[ After everything's said and done, Shirou's going to go ahead and set things up for today. It's the same as always; nothing has changed-- but he still wants to believe that there's something worth in doing this, so he'll at least go ahead and do that once he's given out notes (or told a person verbally, one on one) under their door, a small neat note stating: ]

For those who don't want to be alone today:

I know it's been a hard month. And I know it's probably going to get even more difficult from here. But I don't want anyone to give up just yet. If you'd like, there'll be food and drinks in the simulation room.

- E.

[ And for those who decide to make the trip to the simulation room, they'll find themselves walking into what seems to be a karaoke bar! Shirou's made it pretty spacious and there is, in fact, a table set up with some food for everyone to take - primarily burgers and ramen (hell, there's a bit of ramen burgers, too, the Biggest Cancer) - that he's made the decision to make, so feel free to take it, and he's willing to even get drinks for everyone, too.

This includes virtual drinks, as he actually has some experience working at a bar, even if it was more menial tasks and less bartending. But hey, there's a first time for everything, yeah?

And there's also the option to sing your heart out-- although that might not be the most appropriate, given the last execution, but he's. He's trying, anyway. ]

Comments

[swordsinternally]

I mean... I'm pretty indifferent, I guess.

[covertizer]

[ Akira just tweaks his nose. ]

Don't be. It's important.

[swordsinternally]

Hey. Don't do that while you're laying down there.

[ He frowns. ] I just... I don't know. I'd like to be called something else, so that it's unique to 'me'. But at the same time, I'm used to being called Shirou.

[covertizer]

Oh. So it’s okay anywhere else?

[ He quietens down though, listening to what Shirou has to say. The idea of wanting someone to make him belong; something to represent an identity without letting go of what you’ve already known for so long... in a way, he’s reminded of Morgana, and all his cat like ways despite the heavy handed insistence that be was human.

Morgana had just been looking to define his identity too. ]

I think... whether you own something or not is up to you. You can still be Shirou, if that’s what you want, but you can change how you define who “Shirou” is. There are probably thousands of Akiras in the world, but I’m the only Akira like me. I don’t see why you couldn’t be a Shirou as well; you’re the only Shirou like you.

[swordsinternally]

I didn't say that.

[ He frowns for a moment, although if Akira did compare him to a cat, he'd probably have to get back at him for it.

So be glad that Shirou's being nice for now. ]

Maybe that's true-- any other name that I'd get wouldn't be exclusively unique to me, either. But... I probably just don't want to be constantly reminded of who I'm not.

[covertizer]

Let me have a little fun.

[ Shirou should keep being nice. He likes nice Shirou. ]

So... breaking away completely instead of clinging to an old identity that doesn't suit you?

[swordsinternally]

I never said you could stop. Anyway... yeah, something like that.

[covertizer]

You got moody at me. [ Or does he secretly like being nose-booped? ]

It's not something you decide overnight, I don't think. No one's rushing you. [ Except the big ol' threat of potential murder, but hey. ]

[swordsinternally]

...

[ He's not going to say anything about his moodiness. ] Yeah... that's why I'll think about it.

[covertizer]

[ He grins. ]

You'll be fine.

[swordsinternally]

Thanks, Akira.

[ That gets more pets!! ] Anyway... do you mind getting off my lap? I need to actually do karaoke.

[covertizer]

[ You can pet the boi then ask him to move? He's cosy now. Akira makes a grumbly sound under his breath. ]

But I'm comfy...

[swordsinternally]

How am I supposed to do karaoke while you're on my lap? I don't even have a microphone.

[covertizer]

Ask someone to bring you one.

[ HE IS. COSY. ]

[swordsinternally]

... fine, I'll just sing without it. That means you might be the only one to hear it.

[covertizer]

[ He shifts enough to squint up at Shirou. There's something a little bit victorious about that look. ]

It could be a trial run, before the big performance. Impress me and I'll move.

[swordsinternally]

I can't guarantee that it'll be impressing, but I'll try.

[ He takes a deep breath and then starts singing. ]

[covertizer]

[ Well. Shirou has his attention. Akira gets comfortable, and listens as Shirou sings. He can feel his fingers tapping along with the beat of the song, slowing only when the song comes to an end. ]

I didn't realise you could actually sing.

[swordsinternally]

Ah, well... I probably should let you hear me with my actual voice once we're out of here.

[covertizer]

Your voice, rather than Shirou's?

[swordsinternally]

Yeah. It sounds pretty different.

[covertizer]

[ It's... kinda weird thinking about it. Shirou and "Angra" are two different people, but even with the differences becoming clearer and the reminders that he doesn't look exactly like this, normally, or sound like this...

He still feels comfortable. Literally, curled up here like this, and in general. He's learning more about what parts are the same and what parts are different. Reaching out a hand, he twirls a lock of Shirou's hair around his fingers, and imagines it looking darker.

...

He thinks it'd look nice. ]

Want to go up and sing properly?

[swordsinternally]

Ah...

[ It's definitely a surprise when he feels the hand on his hair, but he doesn't think that it's necessarily a bad thing. ]

Only if you sing with me, Akira.

[covertizer]

[ There's a pause... and then he tugs the lock lightly. ]

That wasn't part of the deal.

[swordsinternally]

What if I said I wanted to use my favor now?