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]

... 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?

[covertizer]

[ HRRRRRRNNNNNNNGGGGGGGHGGGGGG. ]

Denied.

[swordsinternally]

Why?

[covertizer]

I can expend the energy to free you from my trap but that is all I can promise.

[swordsinternally]

You're just lying to get away from not singing, aren't you.

[covertizer]

I am tired and must rest.

[ How dare you good sir. ]

[swordsinternally]

Then I guess I'm keeping that favor for later and I'll make you sing later. Just you wait.

But... I guess I can just keep you here.

[covertizer]

[ He just wrinkles his nose. He has dodged a bullet, but for how long? ]

I am pretty comfortable here.

[swordsinternally]

You really like laying down on there, huh.

[covertizer]

Maybe you have a future as a human body pillow.

[ Akira wriggles around, so his face is pressed up against Shirou’s stomach and wraps his free arm around the other’s waist. ]

... [ That and he doesn’t want to think much about anything — it all ends up going to bad places after the trials. ]

I’d write you an excellent review and everything.

[swordsinternally]

[ If Akira doesn't want to think that hard, then he really doesn't mind. He feels comfortable like this; he feels safe. ]

What score would you give me, a ten?

[covertizer]

[ It comes out a little muffled but: ]

Eleven.

[swordsinternally]

Wait. Seriously? Maybe I can make a profit that way...

[covertizer]

I have dibs.

[ His arm is tightening its grip. Sorry Shirotsugra, there is no escape. ]

[swordsinternally]

How much are you going to pay me, then, Akira?