realpolitik | Minato Arisato | Akira Kurusu

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Minato Arisato | Akira Kurusu | 090

[He's exhausted.

It's been an intense couple of months, and it feels as though the situation will only get worse somehow--worse and worse, and Minato has no idea what to expect. Strega is still out there. The Dark Hour still exists. The Arcana Shadows are gone, but...at what cost?

What was Ikutsuki rambling about, before the end?

Junpei's exhausted and depressed, the entire dorm dark and quiet and respectful of his mourning, and Minato's still shaken too from how close it was--how close he came to losing yet another teammate, and friend.

So he hops on the train. Akira probably won't mind a visit, right...? They get along well enough, and he thinks Akira would probably understand if Minato just needs a day away from the oppressive atmosphere of how much everyone has lost over the past two months.

He pushes open the door to the cafe quietly, but... well, the silence is almost more stifling over here, and his brow furrows a bit, even as he glances at Sojiro behind the counter.

UM...]

Is Akira around...?

[Now would probably be a good time to get interrupted before Sojiro tells this punk he doesn't really know well that Akira's TOTALLY DEAD.

(Minato probably should've texted first.)]

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H-hold on--

[he mutters those words, tight and strained, through clenched teeth. Minato's hand on his back is comforting, but still not enough to keep him upright. Akira sinks to the ground, injured leg extended in front of him, hunches his shoulders and closes his eyes as he waits for the pain to pass. the sensation is concentrated in his calf, but his whole body aches all of a sudden, like he could fall apart at any moment now]

[this is unbecoming of the leader of the Phantom Thieves]

. . . gimme a minute. . .

[it isn't his pride he's worried about, here. he isn't afraid of showing weakness. he just super didn't want to be another reason for Minato's fuss]

[Minato's always gonna fuss. It's what he does.

Especially when his friend and fellow protag leader is on the ground like this, from the injuries that have been inflicted on him in prison.

(This is brutality, isn't it? This is wrong, in all possible ways.)

Minato crouches next to him, hand remaining lightly on his back, and looks at him quietly, drawing in a slow breath. He has to stay calm, and support Akira here. Even if he's...well, honestly really, really pissed at whoever did this to him, whoever thought they had the right--]

... Your leg, right? What else?

[What injuries? Maybe if he looks at this clinically, from a leader's sort of perspective, it will be less infuriating (it won't, Minato knows).]

[what else?]

[that question pulls a breathy laugh from Akira, and he thunks his head back against the fencing. wordlessly, he draws his thumb across his ribs (a reminder of a harsh kick to the stomach, all because he had refused to say anything when the detective questioned him about the security cameras), up the length of his opposite arm (where the bruises are shaped like fingerprints, from every time he was roughly manhandled and thrown across the room), and over his collarbone and face (the only dark splotches that are actually visible, swollen and still raw even though it's been a few days).]

. . . sorry.

[he mumbles contritely once the pain fades enough for him to move again. he doesn't try to play it tough this time as he grabs Minato's shoulder and attempts to stand up again]

I never thought I'd truly understand what a piñata felt like until now.

[STOP MAKING JOKES]

[he has to make jokes, or the anger he feels bubbling in his stomach every time he's reminded of his own condition would boil over, too]

[... Ugh. It really is just...cruelty, isn't it? Bullying, cruelty for the sake of being cruel, and the knowledge that nobody can stop you. Minato knows that people can be like that. That some people, given power over others and no accountability, will resort to absolute cruelty.

He frowns a little to himself, but focuses entirely on helping Akira to his feet, cautiously snugging an arm around his waist when he's sure Akira won't flinch from him pressing on any hidden bruises.

... This... Akira doesn't need to apologize for. Even if the plan was reckless, even if Minato wishes Akira would've taken better care of himself... he doesn't need to apologize. Not ever.]

... You don't have to apologize. You did what you needed to do.

[To protect his team, to smoke out the traitor... Minato wishes it would've been using a less reckless method, but... he can't really say much to that, considering that for all of Minato's care and caution, Shinjiro and Chidori are still dead. A sigh, and he shakes his head, but he'll keep up the light-hearted tone.]

Come on, Piñata-san. Let's get you back.

[leans into Minato easily, sliding his whole arm around his fellow protag's shoulder in order to remove some weight from his bad leg. he also mutters something under his breath as he finds his footing again, something that sounds like "screw rotten adults. . ." but it's followed by a shake of his head and a laugh as he also tries to maintain the light atmosphere]

Thanks.

Can I re-roll for a different nickname, though?

[Piñata-san doesn't sound cool!!]

[He hears it.

And pretends he doesn't, because some things aren't meant to be overheard and discussed. Instead, he's patient as Akira refinds his footing, and then gently helps Akira begin to step forward.]

... Sure.

[Is Minato being merciful?]

Next time, when you don't come out of your plan looking like one.

[Oh.]

[this is why the Phantom Thieves do what they do, Minato!!]

. . . if I truly looked like a piñata, I'd have strips of paper glued to my face.

[duh???]

I'd also be full of candy.

[they should just. go to Leblanc, before he sasses so much he falls over agian]

[... Akira, that joke was kind of terrible.

Minato gives him a sidelong glance, and then begins to carefully walk, supporting Akira's weight.]

... Are you sure you don't have a concussion?

[It was a really bad joke.]

[oh my god]

Was it that bad. . .

[yes, Akira]

Honestly?

I'm not. Most of my memories of the interrogation is pretty fuzzy. . .

[he says dryly as he limps alongside Minato. ow, ow, leg pain, ow]

Yes, Akira... it was that bad.

[And that response is not really reassuring him?? What the hell, Akira!!]

Did you at least get that properly checked by your doctor friend?

[??!??]

[he's starting to feel a little guilty for making Minato worry so much. reluctantly, he answers, while simultaneously tugging the hood of his sweater down over his face some more]

. . . no.

[and then, immediately after]

But I'm sure if it was a concussion, it would have caught up to me by now.

[it has been a few days, after all, and his head feels mostly fine!!]

Edited 2017-06-06 19:28 (UTC)

[Akira..... Akira....]

... So you have a doctor friend and never asked her to look you over...

[Akira just gets the flattest possible look, before Minato shakes his head to himself and keeps on walking carefully.]

If I'm completely gray by the time we meet up again in this time, it'll be your fault.

[...A beat.]

...And Akihiko-senpai and Junpei's.

[ALL OF Y'ALL]

[POOR MINATO]

[he might be feeling a little guilty, but that doesn't mean he knows how to shut his mouth]

If you really do have an old man mustache, that'll be a lot of gray hair.

[at least they're coming up on Leblanc, maybe he'll shut up when they get back to his room]

It sure will be.

[Minato just rolls with the teasing, because if Akira's still talking, at least he's not falling flat on his face, and that's what's most important here. He wants to look over Akira's injuries as soon as they make it to Leblanc--he doesn't believe in this nonsense about Akira being "fine", not anymore.

There may not be a lot he can do, but he can look after his fellow protag as best he can, no matter what.

It's important, after all.

So Minato pushes open the door for the two of them, cautiously helping Akira through.]

[the bell chimes when Minato pushes open the door, and Sojiro glances up from his newspaper. of course, he immediately stiffens and leaps to his feet when Akira's condition registers, and the paper falls to the ground. "Hey! Are you okay, kid?!"]

[Akira gives Boss the most reassuring smile he can. . . which isn't very reassuring at all honestly, since it's framed by blue and yellow bruises. he mumbles something about heading upstairs to rest a bit, and if he could bring him an ice pack or two that'd be great]

[at least Minato isn't the only one fussing. Sojiro lets out an exasperated sigh, shakes his head, scolds Akira for pushing himself too much and makes his way to the fridge. as the two protags head upstairs, Akira huffs]

Everyone keeps lecturing me. You all sound like my mom.

[GEE I WONDER WHY]

[Minato just snorts softly, shaking his head. Akira, acting like they're all completely strange for worrying about him when he looks like that... he supposes that's just an Akira thing.

It still makes him shake his head, though. Akira needs to learn to take care of himself a bit better, he thinks.]

It's just because we're all worried about you...

[That's just said quietly, even as Minato helps lead Akira over to his bed. It's obvious enough that Akira needs to sit and take some pressure off that leg, after all.]

So as long as you keep worrying us, it'll keep happening. That's what happens when people care about you.

[WITHOUT SHAME, and quite simply.]

[one would think, after seven months of being fussed at by a group of tightly knit friends, Akira would be used to people expressing their care about him. it was something he had desperately needed immediately after his conviction, something that had eluded him back home following his arrest and trial. the friendship of the Phantom Thieves was like a cool balm on an angry burn, AND YET. . .]

[Minato's words are warm and comforting, but still take him off guard. Akira blinks a few times, before he plops onto his bed, ducks his head and rubs his nose. damn it, Minato, why are you like this!!]

Well, when you put it that way. . .

[how can he complain? oh, and by the way, he's grinning]

[I GUESS that statement can raise this confidant from Rank 5 to Rank 6. or 7? Can we skip a rank. Rank 7 feels more accurate]

[Sojiro's steps can be heard on the stairwell as he delivers the ice pack Akira had requested. his gaze flickers from his pseudo-son's, to Minato, and back again, concern etched on every feature of his expression. he drops the ice pack into Akira's palm, mutters, "Let me know if you need anything else. Been slow to day," and then leaves both boys be to head back downstairs]

[. . . honestly, Akira feels kind of guilty for worrying him too, but. what can one do?]

[It's definitely rank 7, we can go back to rank 6 at some point, it's fine, we'll get there.

Minato seems satisfied, though. At least Akira's got Sojiro looking out for him--that makes him feel better, and he just inclines his head slightly to Sojiro as he moves to head back downstairs. He's grateful for that--even if Minato knows that he's personally a bit of an outsider to the situation, he's still grateful that Akira has people looking out for him.

For Minato's part, he just sits next to Akira then, and quite firmly:]

I want to see your injuries.

[Oh.]

[maybe Rank 6 is when Minato tries Akira's specialty curry!!]

[at any rate, that question gets Minato a blank stare. there's a joke about stripping in here somewhere, but the words don't quite make their way out of the back of Akira's throat]

Why?

[it's an odd request. he's not against obliging though, evident by the way he's already reaching down to roll up his pant leg]

[don't be silly, that's when their slink is reversed--]

... Because I want to know exactly what your injuries are and just how far you should be pushing yourself.

[Akira's not his team--but he'd ask the same of Junpei or Yukari or anyone who got hurt and needed to rest. He'd have to know, so he could know just how far is too far for them.

He can't do the same for Akira. He can't stop Akira from doing whatever he pleases, and he knows Akira's team won't either, because Akira is that Leader, the one they all follow.

But he still calmly pursues it anyway.]

I know I can't stop you from doing more reckless things, and I know you don't have to listen to me--but I want to know the extent anyway.

[it's the same question he'd ask anyone on his team, if he was worried about their ability to continue fighting on the front lines. the same question he asks to make sure he's not making someone fight when they can't, when their body is about to give out on them and they need to hang back and drink a thermos of coffee before they can keep going. so honestly?]

[he doesn't really need more of an explanation than that]

Sure thing, Leader.

[he teases, but continues to roll up his pant leg nonetheless. if Minato thought the bruises on his cheeks and wrists were bad, then. . . well. he might not be prepared for what he sees]

[because the injury to Akira's left calf is dark and extremely angry. the center of the bruise is bright yellow, with rings of black and blue and purple surrounding it. it creeps up his calf to his knee, even, which probably explains why just walking on the injury caused his leg to seize up. it certainly looks like whoever caused that injury was trying to do more than just leave a mark]

[Akira exhales deeply, and covers the worst portions of the injury with the ice pack. at least that'll help soothe it a little bit]

[... It's bad.

It's absolutely bad, and while his expression is relatively calm (even in the face of that teasing; he knows Akira's just saying he understands where Minato's coming from), he can't help but frown a little at that bruise.

... They were trying to break his leg, weren't they?

And Akira's walking around like it's nothing, like it's absolutely fine to be in pain like this.

Minato frowns a little more deeply, but all he can really do is say quietly:]

Are you really okay?

[Not just physically (obviously, he's not) but...mentally, too, from being treated like this.]

[it'd be really easy to be flippant. to toss out another "I'm fine, I swear." but come on, at this point he knows Minato would be able to see right through it]

[so instead, he just responds with a noncommittal noise as he swivels to the side to prop his injured leg up on the mattress. his back is facing Minato now, which is probably good for Akira, because it means the other wild card can't see the way his expression contorts in pain, brows furrowed, eyes closed]

[. . . maybe. it's okay to let it be worse than he's acting like it is for a moment. he can't really let that show in front of Sojiro, or Sae, or the other Phantom Thieves. he's their leader; they rely on him. and as he told Minato earlier, that responsibility means they don't have the luxury of being able to take their time to be okay]

[but Minato isn't a Phantom Thief, and he sure as heck isn't Sojiro or Sae either]

No.

[he finally responds, the word strained on his tongue. he takes a page out of Ryuji's book and practically growls]

I'm freakin' pissed.

[... It's a relief.

It's such a relief for Akira to properly state his true feelings on the situation. Minato knows there's nothing he can do to ease it; he can't meddle, even if he wanted to. This isn't his task, it's Akira's, and he's not in the position to meddle.

But if he can be an outlet for Akira and his feelings...then it's something worthwhile, right?]

... It was the people who caught you, right? They...all did this.

[The people who'd arrested him... had been this brutal. He just wants Akira to let it all out--after that, then, Akira can start moving forward, right?

(Minato's pissed by it too...but he's quieter about it, and right now, it's Akira's feelings that really matter.)]

[he's long since learned to ignore those ever-present embers underneath his breastbone. had learned to dismiss the anger so he could focus on what lies ahead. he was good at that now, letting rumors and threats from authority figures roll off of his shoulders. it helped that he had stolen back some control in his life, helped for him to know that he had the agency to enact the justice he and his friends had decided to pursue so long ago]

[but right now, there's wind blowing on those embers, fanning the flames until they swell and practically burn through his skin to the surface. and Akira had never been good at poker facing through his rage]

The police are supposed to be protecting the public. [he mumbles, contempt in every word. his grip tightens around the ice pack] But they only care about their egos. Their pride. And to save face, to make themselves feel better for not being able to help the weak like the Phantom Thieves can, they did this.

[gestures to his leg]

It was never about getting the truth from me. It was about trying to put me in my place.

[his lips curl back into a defiant sneer]

But that's okay. Because we're going to steal this world back from those corrupt adults, one heart at a time.

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