[ Never mind the hyperalert thief guy over here failing to notice one of his favorite people because, uh. Competition? Akechi's pretty face? Either or both honestly, but it'll have to be dragged out of him if someone wants to know.
Still, from the way Akechi is looking at him Ren becomes keenly aware of himself, some... extension or heightening of the cat and mouse game. The smile shot at Pidge is closer to his usual confidence, taking a deep draught of whatever tasty something drink Akechi kindly gifted him with earlier, settling himself in to make the initial break. If that's all right with the former detective prince, pushing the stick of his away. ]
Thanks. Hey, if you position your stick right behind you, you get an excellent angle to try and pry out the one stuck in your ass too. Bonus, you'll make sure Pidge remains the right amount of bored.
[ Nonetheless he does adjust his posture and, wonder of wonders, on the break two balls sink into separate pockets, straightening up and tipping his head to the side as they do. ]
I didn't jump up screaming bloody murder like you did.
[Still, he had let his guard down. He wasn't quite sure why, but Ren obviously was part of it. Of course. Always Ren's fault.
Normally he'd have them play for breaking rights, but really, he was feeling generous about the entire thing. At least until Ren let loose a comment and Akechi's face looked like he was just about to summon a Persona right there and stick something else up Ren's ass.]
Well take care of yourself with your ass in your mouth, Amamiya, considering you might choke from all that shit you talk.
[:D That's what he gets for trying to be helpful, he can go back to being a lot of bite. He goes back to his own drink, taking a sip before watching Ren pocket two balls. Not bad, it's true but Akechi's gonna take some credit for it. It will make his own victory all the sweeter.]
Ahh but now the two is in a precarious position. How are you going to take care of it?
[Don't mind him coming closer to be a purposeful distraction. He's not doing anything, for now. Just watching.]
That was for effect! And don't get mad, Akecchi, or you'll get wrinkles.
[ Ah the unmistakable sight of murder in his rival's eyes. How comforting.
This is all to say that Ren acts a lot cockier than he feels at the moment, not being the type of teen that had to play billiards to rub shoulders with certified terrible people (just Akechi). But hey, he's gotten by and wildly succeeded on no less than a hundred and fifty percent audacity and a dash of luck, so why think the train's gonna stop chugging along here?
As Akechi points out, the two is in a slightly scary spot. Ren takes a moment to think, scratching the back of his head. ]
Welp, I'm a newbie at this, but maybe trying to clip the outside with a strong enough hit will jam it out of there. No time like the present.
[ Time to test his hypothesis, ignorant of whatever it is Akechi may or may not be planning. ]
[Akechi for his part didn't need to act cocky, but he did so anyway. Assuming that Ren actually knew a thing or two about billiards since he was playing well enough (just not amazing like he did), he inches close enough that they are barely an hand's length away from each other. He gets a better idea of what type of shot Ren will need to do, and he was calling it correctly.
Maybe that's why he's surprised when his rival mentions he's a newbie.]
No time like the present indeed. Show me what you can do.
[Then he'll give him what most people would mistake as a friendly pat on the butt for encouragement. With Akechi it's something else entirely.]
[ What's... with the closeness... He usually has to risk life and limb to get touch privileges when Akechi is in a mood and here the detective is like a moth about to kamikaze into a naked lightbulb.
So it's out of the ordinary, but Ren should be more suspicious of this fact than he is. Respect the plotting teenager so that you're not caught offgu- ]
Uhm!?
[ Ren successfully muffles a yelp this time at least, but the damage is done. The tip of the stick sails wide of the cue ball and consequently sends the two to the middle of the table while Ren's mind works at a mile a minute. Though what Akechi was doing was simple, the fact of Akechi doing it was weird. And kinda hot?
Ren stands straight, mouth slightly agape as he then checks Akechi's face for intent before he goes around throwing accusations at anyone. ]
[That's the thing with Akechi really; you have to trick him into thinking it's a great idea to be a little shit and then he won't even think about the fact he was so close to Ren or what he just did. Even if the feeling of touching his rival's butt lingers on his hand a little longer as he just laughs, shrugging.]
I was just encouraging you.
[Also possibly opening up a can of worms with Ren retaliating. Which is probably why he quickly moved away, adjusting himself with his left hand (as promised) eyes still looked on Ren's own. Look at him and how it's supposed to be done.
He slams the white ball into the two, sending it ricocheting to the top left corner, hitting the side of three ball as it passed by and pocketed that one in left center.]
In the end it's mathematics, really.
[He'll exaggerate polishing his stick. Because he can.]
Do you mind moving a little? It'll be easier for me to hit the next one...
[ Look, this is terribly impressive and Akechi is a good special pool boy, but he's a cheater on top of being a smug prick who's already better at this than Ren is. Jerk.
Not that Ren is in a position to call it like it is without Akechi somehow judoing that into Ren losing face, but the flame of competition is now well and truly lit and as a bonus Akechi opened the playbook that Ren has the advantage in. Mathematics, sure.
Ren is going to change the formula. ]
Oh - yeah. [ He offers a sheepish smile and shuffles aside as bade. ] Guess I've still got a lot to learn, huh?
[ Except as he shuffles Ren mutters a low sorry as he squeezes past Akechi and back toward Pidge... but not without a steadying grip on Akechi's bare forearm. Such a rarity for Akechi; is this a belated birthday present for Ren? ]
Knock 'em dead, senpai.
[ Safely over there, Ren blithely ogles Pidge and her drink for long enough that she'll probably twig to the fact that he wants some of it, pretty please? As he's saying - low so Akechi can't hear a private conversation - ]
Mine ran out already because Akechi drank it all, pleeaaase?
[ He genuinely does adore Pidge, and the cherry on top is that he can cozy up to her with the big puppy eyes and arm around her shoulders equally because he wants to and because it'll bug the shit out of the asshole with the pool cue. ]
[Of course he's going to rub it in. Just like Ren's gonna rub on his forearm and cause Akechi to briefly turn red at his rival taking what he'd done and throwing it back to him. Still, he's in a good enough mood to add;]
Technically aren't I?
[What a shit. His eyes follow Ren as he gets closer to Pidge, before frowning like someone just ignoring the steak in front of their face to grab the chicken nearby.
For the record, Akechi likes Pidge, and that's why he was fine with her being around. Pidge is a friend, and that's a rarity for him. This is clearly an attempt to make him jealous, and he's not going to take the bait.
(Except the part that he is.)
He positions himself to sink in both the fourth and the fifth because, well, it should be an easy one for him and if he can wipe Ren's stupid little smirk off his face. Hears him begging for a sip just as he's about to let it fly and can't help but add;]
You can go get your own drink, unlike some of us.
[It had taken nearly everything for Akechi to get his first one, even showing his papers barely got the barman to give him something and that plus Ren's general...everything set on fire his annoying to levels unprecedented, caused him to hit the ball a little too hard. The fourth sank in as predicted, but then the cue ball hit the sixth and sank that one in. Only two balls left before he could sink in the final one. Tch.]
Your turn. [If words could have elements, his would be laced with ice.] Make it quick.
[Someone is suddenly very moody as he finishes his drink and sits down on a nearby chair, nails digging into the velvety seats slowly.]
[ Hey. Hey. He sees that you're having trouble grasping that two can play at that game. Please allow Ren to correct that cognition, since Akechi is apparently married to the idea that their bet is the only matter that has stakes attached.
Part of Ren feels bad for involving Pidge, but he checks with her through visuals and a light squeeze on her arm, hoping that she's down to poke the bear with him. ]
So can Pidge. Oh, that makes you the odd one out - sorry 'bout that.
[ Sucks to be you, as usual.
Ren doesn't stop begging for a sip, but he does huff when Akechi stops showing his ass off and expects Ren to pick up the cue again. Competition, sure, but they both know Ren is going to lose this bout, so what's in it for him? ]
Aw. Sure you can't just mulligan that one? Seems like you lost your concentration and it's only fair.
[Perhaps she was underselling it before. But there's just a special kind of amusement to be had from hanging out with these two that she can't quite manage to find anywhere else.
So when Ren comes slinking over after brushing past Akechi as though nothing was out of the ordinary, Pidge can't help but grin at him, equal parts pleased to have him so close and pleasantly tipsy from the booze.
It's obvious, what he wants, but she's not feeling entirely charitable today. Still, she's leaning into his side as she wrinkles her nose at him.]
What's it worth to you?
[Literally all he'd have to do is ask again and she'd probably hand it over, but where would the fun in that be?]
Yea. Pidge can get all the drinks~ [She's raising her voice for this part, mostly for Akechi's benefit.]
[Oh. Great. Now they've teamed up against him and Akechi's slowly reaching his boiling point. He knows it's probably karma catching up to him for a short while ago but fuck it if Goro Akechi is going to take this laying down.
Sadly not everything can be solved by violence. Especially as a submissive. Granted, the fun of having Ren be punished as well might be well worth it.]
I'm not going to redo my shot over. [He might use more dubious tactics but starting over was like an admittance for failure. Which he was not, dear reader, going to do.] Either you play or I'll leave, and fine more suitable company.
[Maybe a place that will not baby him about what drinks he can take.]
[ Pidge, Pidge. His dear, vertically challenged friend, would that Ren could speak his heart's devotion in exchange for a tiny sip to water his absolutely parched, some may say thirsty, self. But lo - a feral creature of some sort dares interject on their private conversation and Ren is compelled to sacrifice himself to save her from his vermin-y wrath. ]
Ah, I believe that's my cue. [ Got a pun in, sweet!
Ren plants a kiss that's more loud, smacking sound than contact on the side of Pidge's head as he springs up and cards a hand through his hair, for lack of glasses today. Don't think that he's forgotten you either, Akechi, because whether by intoxication, provocation, or some other -cation Ren is going to worm his way into Akechi's personal space. He may be a prickly porcupine now, but in general Ren is against the idea of going to bed mad, so here's him swooping in to smack a kiss on his cheek too. ]
[He hates how he can't technically fight back right now. It's taking every inch of his body not for Akechi to give into the temptation to call upon Loki and wreck havoc around the place and he hates, absolutely hates this feeling of being so powerless.
The nails dig so deep into the chair's leather seats it leaves marks.
He nearly backs up from Ren's kiss, pondering to use his elbow to hit him scare in the neck, but instead grits his teeth. Operating kiss the annoyance out of Akechi not working as expected. It's just how everything reminds him how Ren can do what he wants and he just has to sit here and take it.
Yes it's true, if the roles were revered, he'd want to remind Ren every single day who held the power, but wow it's not fun when it's him.]
[ Hey - unfair conclusion you're drawing there. Ren may have used their statuses to jab at him earlier, but this? Is not Ren lording it over him. This is Ren Amamiya being Ren Amamiya... albeit maybe a touch tipsy. But when has anyone ever said he's that brand of cruel? A tease maybe, but even then he follows through on his promises~ ]
I don't play to lose, if that's what you're asking.
[ His expression fades into a gentler sort of smile before Ren turns on his heel, energy back in his step. Akechi left the table state in a pretty rough spot for either of them to make heads or tails of it, but now that he knows what kind of rules are at play between them he feels justified, maybe compelled to draw on his other strengths.
Right. Ren takes a moment to recenter himself, silently extending his senses so that when he opens his eyes again they bear a familiar golden glow. Before him the possible angles a strike might send the billiards into, and after a while of considering the options Ren seems to find one that satisfies him, and sets to sinking three shots in a row with minimal showboating for once.
After getting the third Ren pauses to chalk up the stick again, looking over to his favorite grumpypants. ]
Last one. It's fine if we even this up before the third game isn't it.
[Akechi sure is projecting a lot, it's true. The alcohol was slowly getting to him as well, even if it took longer due to his careful sipping. Even if Ren managed to smile at him, his rival was locked in a stony expression, where only his eyes moved to watch him go at it.
Then suddenly he got good. Really good. Each sinking ball left a pit in his stomach, a mixture of being impressed but also awakening his detective sense of how such a thing could suddenly happen. It was too much for it to be completely natural. Even if there hadn't been a visual clue with his yellow eyes, Akechi would have smelled blood in the water regardless. Was this a power that had been granted to him? Something else for him to ponder and be grumpypants about it later. He looked at Ren, expression unwavering before he stands up and mentally prepares himself for the next round. Unable to show even the hint of weakness, even if he was starting to worry - maybe with this he could potentially lose.]
It would be boring if I won two games in a row right away wouldn't it?
Though I thought you were fond of a little domination.
[ Maybe it's in his best interest that Ren win the next game too.
Ren is mercifully swift about rounding out the game from there on out, and when it comes time to rack the balls again he digs out a few before it occurs to him to lean a bit more into the peace offering angle, pointing a finger over at the barkeep. ]
[He leans close enough that their foreheads nearly touch once Ren is done. There's a smirk to his lips again, as he pulls himself up.]
Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.
[And let him sow some doubt into you a little, even if it was a little lie. He has to wonder, would Ren? No. No Ren wouldn't. He can take what he offers with a smile of his own.]
I will. [He'll even play the role for those around them.] Thank you.
[See? He's not a lost cause he'll even let Ren pick. By the time his rival returns, Akechi will have set up the balls for the next round and ponder exactly his best course of action, looking rather serious as he moves his body into odd positions to see what might be the best way to strike. This is his true game face.]
[ His eyes flick down, but when he looks as though he'd lean in for more Ren is stepping away, asking for Pidge's drink preference for a top up. Or a chaser. They're all getting used to this teen drinking thing.
Ren's tact has born some fruit, at the very least. ]
Be right back.
[ Despite the hassle that the barkeep had evidently given Akechi, he remembered the order that he'd made earlier. Ren is struck by an idea, buying an entire bottle of premium sake and three small cups to go with it, arranged neatly in a platter that Ren ferries back to the billiards table so he can set it next to Pidge's seat, cups facing out to them. ]
The bartender said you could sip these or do shots - your call.
[ Meanwhile Ren has an opponent to tend to, though not empty-handed. Over by where Akechi is doing his poefaced strategizing Ren does bring him a glass, lifting it up underneath to the tips of his fingers. ]
Don't forget to have a little fun. It's a game, Goro.
[It's only when Ren returns that Akechi even bothers to look up. Eyes darting between him and Pidge. Wanting to maximize the impression, he simply states;]
If you don't mind, please hold on a minute.
[Putting him purposefully on hold while he polishes his stick and moves the handle back and forth carefully. With the 'right' arm for the job this time, it takes a bit before he strikes the ball with perfect accuracy, speed and strength, and it sends two balls into the nearby holes.
What makes it more important is that it was the stripped ball.]
Oh! A golden strike. [Now he takes the drink and raises it in front of Ren's face.] Cheers! I'll drink to that.
[Like a fool, drinks it in one gulp. The fire that bursts into his chest makes him cough a bit.]
Ahh! A little stronger than I expected.
[Worth it, as far as he's concerned. He leans on his stick and looks at him in the eyes.]
I guess we're going into the third round a little faster than planned. We might not have time to finish drinking the entire bottle.
[Ren might notice, however that Akechi sounds a little...looser?]
[ He'll drink to that too? Ren downs his with a little more of his customary no-sell, so he's still ready to pat Akechi's back in mild concern. Round three incoming! And Ren couldn't look more pleased with it, seeing as how Akechi might be warming up to the idea of fun, with the proviso that it's only him that gets to win.
The corner of his mouth tugs up, setting his glass aside to start retrieving the balls again. ]
That's why I had the foresight to buy the bottle, so we can take this party elsewhere once I soundly beat you. Aren't I thoughtful?
[He is indeed warming up both figuratively and literally at their playing, if his more playful tone is any indication. He also seems to be...playing it safe wit the alcohol, drinking a cup of water after finishing his drink.
Ahh yes Ren, please set the balls back in place so he can watch you do it with renewed interest.]
It must be nice, being able to purchase what you want. [They had just teased him about it too.] However, I think you're quite mistaken. It will be the one to utterly crush you. How thoughtful, regardless.
[He moves away to let Ren start the next round. Sure he could fight him for it, but he was feeling rather generous.]
It means I'm impressed too, y'know. Always knew you were a ball breaker but to see it in the flesh is something else.
[ No such caution exists within Ren at the moment. Does he have higher tolerance than Akechi? (Yes.) Does he not care about getting hammered in public? (Also yes.) Does he jsut want to drag his friends kicking and screaming into a good time? (Obviously.)
That also means that Akechi's jabs won't find their mark; far from it, Ren takes a deliberate step inside of the detective's personal space and... waits. For a little while. Never without that small grin, eyes flicking down to where he brushes an invisible something from Akechi's tie and straightens it, though it wasn't crooked.
Through the dark fringe of lashes Akechi would see Ren look back up at him square in the eye. ]
Didn't need to buy you. Won fair and square. So don't think I can't do it again.
[ He gives a last tug on the tie before his touch slides away, stepping back toward the table and bending over to ready his cue. ]
I'll be thinking of what to put you in, don't worry.
[ The break is clean between Ren's third eye and the advice Akechi gave earlier. Another two balls into pockets, Ren smirking and getting ready to hit in another where's the cue ball landed not too far away. ]
I don't see why you'd need to be impressed. I'm a man of my word, aren't I?
[Yes, that was a joke from Goro Akechi. Please enjoy and savour it. It lasts about as long as Ren gets into his personal space and Akechi's mind begins to race with thoughts (perhaps a few more lewd than he'd want to admit - was it the alcohol removing his inhibitions without the aid of Loki) of what his rival was planning. Until he adjusted his very well ironed and straightened tie like he had misplaced it. What.
His look is pure confusion as to what this was supposed to signify.]
Don't be too cocky in yourself just yet. You may have won the first battle but I'll win the war, just you wait.
[He doesn't do anything yet when Ren is done, enjoying the view as always of his rival's...physique as he prepares his shot. Impressive, much better than he had expected.
This is his move to pounce. After taking the time to inch himself towards the bottle and downing another shot he returns just in time before Ren is about to aim at the next ball.]
Since you aided me with my tie....here, let me fix your messy hair before you shoot.
[It's not something normal Akechi would have done, but slightly drunk and ready to play a little more dirty in public than normal Akechi is fine with what he's doing. Deliberately slow, he starts at the neck before ruffling up into his hair for less than a minute (but what probably felt like more) before giving him a small pat and then setting right next to him, deliberately putting both of his hands on the edge of the table.]
Well...I can't perform miracles but it is a little better.
Aww, don't downplay yourself like that. You won the first game!
[ Intimidation, dear detective. Tie-straightening is very intimidating and also sexy and no two qualities describe better describe Ren, no? Shut up, at least wait until you're not face to face with him anymore before you stop laughing.
Why Akechi thinks fixing his (frankly unfixable) hair will give him a competitive edge Ren has no idea. Such is the logic of the lightweight, he supposed, mixed with his rival's propensity for pettiness. Drunk and petty is an entertaining combination, but it isn't like it's a valid plan of attack -
...
Erm.
Well. He's icing Ren. Yeah, that's it. Delaying him when he's all raring to go with his break for the final game and Akechi has simply chosen this time to indulge his (understandable) fascination with Ren's sentient mop. Totally.
Would that it wasn't as distracting as it is, dragging Ren's mind away from the game and back to where the hindbrain resides, purring its approval. His hand hesitates on the stick, a small undefined sound caught in his throat, and soon after Akechi retreats he forces his voice back into normal range. ]
[The sweetest confirmation that the distraction is going smoothly when Ren is the one being confused by his actions, uttering a sound that stirs Akechi in a mixture of alcoholic rush and licentious curiosity. Oh yes. This is also very good. He has to wonder what 'Ace' and 'Raven' were considered to each other to know such details. What a great boon that Ren seemed to be swayed the same way.]
Of course.
[There's a small hummm from him that sounds completely satisfied. He leans on the edge, extended his legs backwards like a cat stretching out as much as possible.]
Please. I eagerly await every movement you make.
[Is that a lie or not? A mystery...but he is looking at Ren instead of the balls or stick.]
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[ Never mind the hyperalert thief guy over here failing to notice one of his favorite people because, uh. Competition? Akechi's pretty face? Either or both honestly, but it'll have to be dragged out of him if someone wants to know.
Still, from the way Akechi is looking at him Ren becomes keenly aware of himself, some... extension or heightening of the cat and mouse game. The smile shot at Pidge is closer to his usual confidence, taking a deep draught of whatever tasty something drink Akechi kindly gifted him with earlier, settling himself in to make the initial break. If that's all right with the former detective prince, pushing the stick of his away. ]
Thanks. Hey, if you position your stick right behind you, you get an excellent angle to try and pry out the one stuck in your ass too. Bonus, you'll make sure Pidge remains the right amount of bored.
[ Nonetheless he does adjust his posture and, wonder of wonders, on the break two balls sink into separate pockets, straightening up and tipping his head to the side as they do. ]
Huh. Whaddaya know.
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[Still, he had let his guard down. He wasn't quite sure why, but Ren obviously was part of it. Of course. Always Ren's fault.
Normally he'd have them play for breaking rights, but really, he was feeling generous about the entire thing. At least until Ren let loose a comment and Akechi's face looked like he was just about to summon a Persona right there and stick something else up Ren's ass.]
Well take care of yourself with your ass in your mouth, Amamiya, considering you might choke from all that shit you talk.
[:D That's what he gets for trying to be helpful, he can go back to being a lot of bite. He goes back to his own drink, taking a sip before watching Ren pocket two balls. Not bad, it's true but Akechi's gonna take some credit for it. It will make his own victory all the sweeter.]
Ahh but now the two is in a precarious position. How are you going to take care of it?
[Don't mind him coming closer to be a purposeful distraction. He's not doing anything, for now. Just watching.]
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[ Ah the unmistakable sight of murder in his rival's eyes. How comforting.
This is all to say that Ren acts a lot cockier than he feels at the moment, not being the type of teen that had to play billiards to rub shoulders with certified terrible people (just Akechi). But hey, he's gotten by and wildly succeeded on no less than a hundred and fifty percent audacity and a dash of luck, so why think the train's gonna stop chugging along here?
As Akechi points out, the two is in a slightly scary spot. Ren takes a moment to think, scratching the back of his head. ]
Welp, I'm a newbie at this, but maybe trying to clip the outside with a strong enough hit will jam it out of there. No time like the present.
[ Time to test his hypothesis, ignorant of whatever it is Akechi may or may not be planning. ]
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[Akechi for his part didn't need to act cocky, but he did so anyway. Assuming that Ren actually knew a thing or two about billiards since he was playing well enough (just not amazing like he did), he inches close enough that they are barely an hand's length away from each other. He gets a better idea of what type of shot Ren will need to do, and he was calling it correctly.
Maybe that's why he's surprised when his rival mentions he's a newbie.]
No time like the present indeed. Show me what you can do.
[Then he'll give him what most people would mistake as a friendly pat on the butt for encouragement. With Akechi it's something else entirely.]
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So it's out of the ordinary, but Ren should be more suspicious of this fact than he is. Respect the plotting teenager so that you're not caught offgu- ]
Uhm!?
[ Ren successfully muffles a yelp this time at least, but the damage is done. The tip of the stick sails wide of the cue ball and consequently sends the two to the middle of the table while Ren's mind works at a mile a minute. Though what Akechi was doing was simple, the fact of Akechi doing it was weird. And kinda hot?
Ren stands straight, mouth slightly agape as he then checks Akechi's face for intent before he goes around throwing accusations at anyone. ]
Did you..?
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I was just encouraging you.
[Also possibly opening up a can of worms with Ren retaliating. Which is probably why he quickly moved away, adjusting himself with his left hand (as promised) eyes still looked on Ren's own. Look at him and how it's supposed to be done.
He slams the white ball into the two, sending it ricocheting to the top left corner, hitting the side of three ball as it passed by and pocketed that one in left center.]
In the end it's mathematics, really.
[He'll exaggerate polishing his stick. Because he can.]
Do you mind moving a little? It'll be easier for me to hit the next one...
[What a little shit.]
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Not that Ren is in a position to call it like it is without Akechi somehow judoing that into Ren losing face, but the flame of competition is now well and truly lit and as a bonus Akechi opened the playbook that Ren has the advantage in. Mathematics, sure.
Ren is going to change the formula. ]
Oh - yeah. [ He offers a sheepish smile and shuffles aside as bade. ] Guess I've still got a lot to learn, huh?
[ Except as he shuffles Ren mutters a low sorry as he squeezes past Akechi and back toward Pidge... but not without a steadying grip on Akechi's bare forearm. Such a rarity for Akechi; is this a belated birthday present for Ren? ]
Knock 'em dead, senpai.
[ Safely over there, Ren blithely ogles Pidge and her drink for long enough that she'll probably twig to the fact that he wants some of it, pretty please? As he's saying - low so Akechi can't hear a private conversation - ]
Mine ran out already because Akechi drank it all, pleeaaase?
[ He genuinely does adore Pidge, and the cherry on top is that he can cozy up to her with the big puppy eyes and arm around her shoulders equally because he wants to and because it'll bug the shit out of the asshole with the pool cue. ]
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[Of course he's going to rub it in. Just like Ren's gonna rub on his forearm and cause Akechi to briefly turn red at his rival taking what he'd done and throwing it back to him. Still, he's in a good enough mood to add;]
Technically aren't I?
[What a shit. His eyes follow Ren as he gets closer to Pidge, before frowning like someone just ignoring the steak in front of their face to grab the chicken nearby.
For the record, Akechi likes Pidge, and that's why he was fine with her being around. Pidge is a friend, and that's a rarity for him. This is clearly an attempt to make him jealous, and he's not going to take the bait.
(Except the part that he is.)
He positions himself to sink in both the fourth and the fifth because, well, it should be an easy one for him and if he can wipe Ren's stupid little smirk off his face. Hears him begging for a sip just as he's about to let it fly and can't help but add;]
You can go get your own drink, unlike some of us.
[It had taken nearly everything for Akechi to get his first one, even showing his papers barely got the barman to give him something and that plus Ren's general...everything set on fire his annoying to levels unprecedented, caused him to hit the ball a little too hard. The fourth sank in as predicted, but then the cue ball hit the sixth and sank that one in. Only two balls left before he could sink in the final one. Tch.]
Your turn. [If words could have elements, his would be laced with ice.] Make it quick.
[Someone is suddenly very moody as he finishes his drink and sits down on a nearby chair, nails digging into the velvety seats slowly.]
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Part of Ren feels bad for involving Pidge, but he checks with her through visuals and a light squeeze on her arm, hoping that she's down to poke the bear with him. ]
So can Pidge. Oh, that makes you the odd one out - sorry 'bout that.
[ Sucks to be you, as usual.
Ren doesn't stop begging for a sip, but he does huff when Akechi stops showing
his assoff and expects Ren to pick up the cue again. Competition, sure, but they both know Ren is going to lose this bout, so what's in it for him? ]Aw. Sure you can't just mulligan that one? Seems like you lost your concentration and it's only fair.
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So when Ren comes slinking over after brushing past Akechi as though nothing was out of the ordinary, Pidge can't help but grin at him, equal parts pleased to have him so close and pleasantly tipsy from the booze.
It's obvious, what he wants, but she's not feeling entirely charitable today. Still, she's leaning into his side as she wrinkles her nose at him.]
What's it worth to you?
[Literally all he'd have to do is ask again and she'd probably hand it over, but where would the fun in that be?]
Yea. Pidge can get all the drinks~ [She's raising her voice for this part, mostly for Akechi's benefit.]
Sorry.
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Sadly not everything can be solved by violence. Especially as a submissive. Granted, the fun of having Ren be punished as well might be well worth it.]
I'm not going to redo my shot over. [He might use more dubious tactics but starting over was like an admittance for failure. Which he was not, dear reader, going to do.] Either you play or I'll leave, and fine more suitable company.
[Maybe a place that will not baby him about what drinks he can take.]
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[ Pidge, Pidge. His dear, vertically challenged friend, would that Ren could speak his heart's devotion in exchange for a tiny sip to water his absolutely parched, some may say thirsty, self. But lo - a feral creature of some sort dares interject on their private conversation and Ren is compelled to sacrifice himself to save her from his vermin-y wrath. ]
Ah, I believe that's my cue. [ Got a pun in, sweet!
Ren plants a kiss that's more loud, smacking sound than contact on the side of Pidge's head as he springs up and cards a hand through his hair, for lack of glasses today. Don't think that he's forgotten you either, Akechi, because whether by intoxication, provocation, or some other -cation Ren is going to worm his way into Akechi's personal space. He may be a prickly porcupine now, but in general Ren is against the idea of going to bed mad, so here's him swooping in to smack a kiss on his cheek too. ]
Aw, don't be mad, 'kechi~
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The nails dig so deep into the chair's leather seats it leaves marks.
He nearly backs up from Ren's kiss, pondering to use his elbow to hit him scare in the neck, but instead grits his teeth. Operating kiss the annoyance out of Akechi not working as expected. It's just how everything reminds him how Ren can do what he wants and he just has to sit here and take it.
Yes it's true, if the roles were revered, he'd want to remind Ren every single day who held the power, but wow it's not fun when it's him.]
Are you playing or not?
[Maybe he really has a cue stuck in his ass.]
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I don't play to lose, if that's what you're asking.
[ His expression fades into a gentler sort of smile before Ren turns on his heel, energy back in his step. Akechi left the table state in a pretty rough spot for either of them to make heads or tails of it, but now that he knows what kind of rules are at play between them he feels justified, maybe compelled to draw on his other strengths.
Right. Ren takes a moment to recenter himself, silently extending his senses so that when he opens his eyes again they bear a familiar golden glow. Before him the possible angles a strike might send the billiards into, and after a while of considering the options Ren seems to find one that satisfies him, and sets to sinking three shots in a row with minimal showboating for once.
After getting the third Ren pauses to chalk up the stick again, looking over to his favorite grumpypants. ]
Last one. It's fine if we even this up before the third game isn't it.
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Then suddenly he got good. Really good. Each sinking ball left a pit in his stomach, a mixture of being impressed but also awakening his detective sense of how such a thing could suddenly happen. It was too much for it to be completely natural. Even if there hadn't been a visual clue with his yellow eyes, Akechi would have smelled blood in the water regardless. Was this a power that had been granted to him? Something else for him to ponder and be grumpypants about it later. He looked at Ren, expression unwavering before he stands up and mentally prepares himself for the next round. Unable to show even the hint of weakness, even if he was starting to worry - maybe with this he could potentially lose.]
It would be boring if I won two games in a row right away wouldn't it?
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Though I thought you were fond of a little domination.
[ Maybe it's in his best interest that Ren win the next game too.
Ren is mercifully swift about rounding out the game from there on out, and when it comes time to rack the balls again he digs out a few before it occurs to him to lean a bit more into the peace offering angle, pointing a finger over at the barkeep. ]
Should I get us some refills? My treat.
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Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.
[And let him sow some doubt into you a little, even if it was a little lie. He has to wonder, would Ren? No. No Ren wouldn't. He can take what he offers with a smile of his own.]
I will. [He'll even play the role for those around them.] Thank you.
[See? He's not a lost cause he'll even let Ren pick. By the time his rival returns, Akechi will have set up the balls for the next round and ponder exactly his best course of action, looking rather serious as he moves his body into odd positions to see what might be the best way to strike. This is his true game face.]
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[ His eyes flick down, but when he looks as though he'd lean in for more Ren is stepping away, asking for Pidge's drink preference for a top up. Or a chaser. They're all getting used to this teen drinking thing.
Ren's tact has born some fruit, at the very least. ]
Be right back.
[ Despite the hassle that the barkeep had evidently given Akechi, he remembered the order that he'd made earlier. Ren is struck by an idea, buying an entire bottle of premium sake and three small cups to go with it, arranged neatly in a platter that Ren ferries back to the billiards table so he can set it next to Pidge's seat, cups facing out to them. ]
The bartender said you could sip these or do shots - your call.
[ Meanwhile Ren has an opponent to tend to, though not empty-handed. Over by where Akechi is doing his poefaced strategizing Ren does bring him a glass, lifting it up underneath to the tips of his fingers. ]
Don't forget to have a little fun. It's a game, Goro.
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If you don't mind, please hold on a minute.
[Putting him purposefully on hold while he polishes his stick and moves the handle back and forth carefully. With the 'right' arm for the job this time, it takes a bit before he strikes the ball with perfect accuracy, speed and strength, and it sends two balls into the nearby holes.
What makes it more important is that it was the stripped ball.]
Oh! A golden strike. [Now he takes the drink and raises it in front of Ren's face.] Cheers! I'll drink to that.
[Like a fool, drinks it in one gulp. The fire that bursts into his chest makes him cough a bit.]
Ahh! A little stronger than I expected.
[Worth it, as far as he's concerned. He leans on his stick and looks at him in the eyes.]
I guess we're going into the third round a little faster than planned. We might not have time to finish drinking the entire bottle.
[Ren might notice, however that Akechi sounds a little...looser?]
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[ He'll drink to that too? Ren downs his with a little more of his customary no-sell, so he's still ready to pat Akechi's back in mild concern. Round three incoming! And Ren couldn't look more pleased with it, seeing as how Akechi might be warming up to the idea of fun, with the proviso that it's only him that gets to win.
The corner of his mouth tugs up, setting his glass aside to start retrieving the balls again. ]
That's why I had the foresight to buy the bottle, so we can take this party elsewhere once I soundly beat you. Aren't I thoughtful?
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[He is indeed warming up both figuratively and literally at their playing, if his more playful tone is any indication. He also seems to be...playing it safe wit the alcohol, drinking a cup of water after finishing his drink.
Ahh yes Ren, please set the balls back in place so he can watch you do it with renewed interest.]
It must be nice, being able to purchase what you want. [They had just teased him about it too.] However, I think you're quite mistaken. It will be the one to utterly crush you. How thoughtful, regardless.
[He moves away to let Ren start the next round. Sure he could fight him for it, but he was feeling rather generous.]
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[ No such caution exists within Ren at the moment. Does he have higher tolerance than Akechi? (Yes.) Does he not care about getting hammered in public? (Also yes.) Does he jsut want to drag his friends kicking and screaming into a good time? (Obviously.)
That also means that Akechi's jabs won't find their mark; far from it, Ren takes a deliberate step inside of the detective's personal space and... waits. For a little while. Never without that small grin, eyes flicking down to where he brushes an invisible something from Akechi's tie and straightens it, though it wasn't crooked.
Through the dark fringe of lashes Akechi would see Ren look back up at him square in the eye. ]
Didn't need to buy you. Won fair and square. So don't think I can't do it again.
[ He gives a last tug on the tie before his touch slides away, stepping back toward the table and bending over to ready his cue. ]
I'll be thinking of what to put you in, don't worry.
[ The break is clean between Ren's third eye and the advice Akechi gave earlier. Another two balls into pockets, Ren smirking and getting ready to hit in another where's the cue ball landed not too far away. ]
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[Yes, that was a joke from Goro Akechi. Please enjoy and savour it. It lasts about as long as Ren gets into his personal space and Akechi's mind begins to race with thoughts (perhaps a few more lewd than he'd want to admit - was it the alcohol removing his inhibitions without the aid of Loki) of what his rival was planning. Until he adjusted his very well ironed and straightened tie like he had misplaced it. What.
His look is pure confusion as to what this was supposed to signify.]
Don't be too cocky in yourself just yet. You may have won the first battle but I'll win the war, just you wait.
[He doesn't do anything yet when Ren is done, enjoying the view as always of his rival's...physique as he prepares his shot. Impressive, much better than he had expected.
This is his move to pounce. After taking the time to inch himself towards the bottle and downing another shot he returns just in time before Ren is about to aim at the next ball.]
Since you aided me with my tie....here, let me fix your messy hair before you shoot.
[It's not something normal Akechi would have done, but slightly drunk and ready to play a little more dirty in public than normal Akechi is fine with what he's doing. Deliberately slow, he starts at the neck before ruffling up into his hair for less than a minute (but what probably felt like more) before giving him a small pat and then setting right next to him, deliberately putting both of his hands on the edge of the table.]
Well...I can't perform miracles but it is a little better.
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[ Intimidation, dear detective. Tie-straightening is very intimidating and also sexy and no two qualities describe better describe Ren, no? Shut up, at least wait until you're not face to face with him anymore before you stop laughing.
Why Akechi thinks fixing his (frankly unfixable) hair will give him a competitive edge Ren has no idea. Such is the logic of the lightweight, he supposed, mixed with his rival's propensity for pettiness. Drunk and petty is an entertaining combination, but it isn't like it's a valid plan of attack -
...
Erm.
Well. He's icing Ren. Yeah, that's it. Delaying him when he's all raring to go with his break for the final game and Akechi has simply chosen this time to indulge his (understandable) fascination with Ren's sentient mop. Totally.
Would that it wasn't as distracting as it is, dragging Ren's mind away from the game and back to where the hindbrain resides, purring its approval. His hand hesitates on the stick, a small undefined sound caught in his throat, and soon after Akechi retreats he forces his voice back into normal range. ]
Uh, thanks? Can I break now?
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Of course.
[There's a small hummm from him that sounds completely satisfied. He leans on the edge, extended his legs backwards like a cat stretching out as much as possible.]
Please. I eagerly await every movement you make.
[Is that a lie or not? A mystery...but he is looking at Ren instead of the balls or stick.]
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