That's Akira all over, at the end of the day, isn't it? A young man so remarkably attuned between his inner world and the mask he wears that he can boil down the most knotted, gnarled, emotional experiences down into just a few perfectly chosen words. It's why Maruki had conversation after conversation with him in that nurse's office, presented him with the theories he'd toiled his whole life over and let Akira simplify them better than he ever could.
Maruki has missed him desperately. Still misses him desperately.
But there are things that his Akira didn't know about him, because Maruki didn't even know about them himself. There is a reality in which he only learns them because they stand in opposition to one another. And then there is this reality, where they sit across from one another as equals stepping into unknown territory on the same footfall.
For the first time, Maruki prefers what's right in front of him.
Right thumb rubs over left knuckles as he nods along to what Akira's saying, his offer to answer honestly. ]
I appreciate it, Kurusu-kun. More than I can say.
[ After all, how long has he waited to have this conversation?
For all he can talk to Akechi and Eren about their shared powers, for all he's confided in BB and Venat about the same, there was only ever one person whose brain he wanted to pick. ]
First, I feel like I should explain my own circumstances, because I've since learned that they're... unusual. [ To say the least. He unwinds his hands to scratch awkwardly at the stubble along his jaw. ] My persona manifested first as voice, and then years later, appeared to me in the true reality. On Christmas Eve, to be precise.
[ In the aftermath of a terrible battle that Akira won in the world they somehow didn't share, would never lose in a reality they both inhabit. Maruki exhales sharply, drops his hand back down to the table with a little laugh. ]
And then, not even an hour later, I found myself here without it. You can imagine how I thought that I might have dreamed it all. It's been a steep learning curve ever since. [ A beat, and he meets Akira's eyes carefully. ] I've been phenomenally lucky to have Akechi-kun to guide me, but ever since I put the pieces together to theorize that you held the same power, I've wanted to know...
[ Maruki hesitates, honesty too close to the tip of his tongue. He could swallow it back, but–
Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor. He will be nothing but truthful with Akira this time, in all matters. ]
Personally, I often feel isolated by it. What has your experience been like?
no subject
That's Akira all over, at the end of the day, isn't it? A young man so remarkably attuned between his inner world and the mask he wears that he can boil down the most knotted, gnarled, emotional experiences down into just a few perfectly chosen words. It's why Maruki had conversation after conversation with him in that nurse's office, presented him with the theories he'd toiled his whole life over and let Akira simplify them better than he ever could.
Maruki has missed him desperately. Still misses him desperately.
But there are things that his Akira didn't know about him, because Maruki didn't even know about them himself. There is a reality in which he only learns them because they stand in opposition to one another. And then there is this reality, where they sit across from one another as equals stepping into unknown territory on the same footfall.
For the first time, Maruki prefers what's right in front of him.
Right thumb rubs over left knuckles as he nods along to what Akira's saying, his offer to answer honestly. ]
I appreciate it, Kurusu-kun. More than I can say.
[ After all, how long has he waited to have this conversation?
For all he can talk to Akechi and Eren about their shared powers, for all he's confided in BB and Venat about the same, there was only ever one person whose brain he wanted to pick. ]
First, I feel like I should explain my own circumstances, because I've since learned that they're... unusual. [ To say the least. He unwinds his hands to scratch awkwardly at the stubble along his jaw. ] My persona manifested first as voice, and then years later, appeared to me in the true reality. On Christmas Eve, to be precise.
[ In the aftermath of a terrible battle that Akira won in the world they somehow didn't share, would never lose in a reality they both inhabit. Maruki exhales sharply, drops his hand back down to the table with a little laugh. ]
And then, not even an hour later, I found myself here without it. You can imagine how I thought that I might have dreamed it all. It's been a steep learning curve ever since. [ A beat, and he meets Akira's eyes carefully. ] I've been phenomenally lucky to have Akechi-kun to guide me, but ever since I put the pieces together to theorize that you held the same power, I've wanted to know...
[ Maruki hesitates, honesty too close to the tip of his tongue. He could swallow it back, but–
Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor. He will be nothing but truthful with Akira this time, in all matters. ]
Personally, I often feel isolated by it. What has your experience been like?