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.]
[ Ren was hardly privy to whatever information it is that Akechi has covertly received courtesy of Raven, but what one might conclude is that they were banging, okay. Probably in a loving relationship if Raven's behavior with him could be extrapolated with any accuracy. They were banging and Akechi is reaping the benefits of their trusty lusty sexcapades.
What bothers Ren isn't that Akechi is successfully employing this info that he shouldn't have, but that he's been taken so off guard that Akechi would come onto him without provokation that his uncertain "Alright?" sounds as shook as he feels. What's more is that when he does successfully break the rack none of them deign to go into any pockets, prompting Ren to pull his stoneface into place. Can't let Akechi know he's in his head, right?
Clicking his tongue, Ren leans on his cue and offers little else besides. ]
[Sweet, sweet, schadenfreude. When the balls are hit and nothing sinks in, Akechi feels a great swell of power that can be described as finally realizing (drunkenly) that he has the power with his looks to distract Ren? The fact Ren looks annoyed at him right now? Somehow that turns him on.
Not that he'd say that, he merely continues his poker face as he finishes polishing his stick with exaggerated flourish; Akechi is drunk but he's still a formidable billiards player.]
Watch and learn.
[He purposefully moves closer to Ren and hits the cue-ball with ease, sending the first ball into the nearest hole. Laughing, he rubs his cheek at Ren (???) as he moves over to have a quick drink (no stop) and prepare to hit number two.]
[ Peacock would have been a better codename for him.
Rather than laboring to dissect what, exactly, the fuck is going on-slash-how the situation has gotten away from him several times over by now, Ren has made a silent decision to Not Worry About It and gather data instead.
Questions that should be addressed:
What the hell?
Why the hell?
Booty feel like it looks?
Ren answers number three the next time Akechi comes over to show off and the thief feels little regret in taking what's been freely out out there, yanno?
[In retrospect, a clearer choice. At least for incapacitated Goro Akechi.
Are you stealing his booty Ren? No touch! Only look!
Akechi gives off a little undignified squawk in surprise, as apparently he somehow didn't think Ren would retaliate.]
Excuse me, but I am trying to play here.
[He does manage to pocket the next ball but the next one looks like it might be complicated. He needs a drink of water this time before he looses the game.]
Then you should be well aware that thieves don't fight fair. I'm out of your jurisdiction~.
[ Thirsty are we? There's no incentive to let up the offensive when it's having a clear effect, and Ren has neither the shame nor the sobriety to take mercy yet.
Fanning himself with his hand, he makes an exaggerated moue of discomfort as Ren then seemingly decides that it isn't enough. He exhales and starts picking open the top one... two... and what the hell, three buttons of his top and sighs with relief afterward, then reaching to take a large sip of his drink. ]
[Oh he hella thirsty right now and the alcohol is making him less put on the breaks and more 'hey listen to that little voice inside your head; forecast: you're horny'.
Or whatever part of his brain would also put on the breaks for what plan he has next. Quickly chalking his wood. He purposefully begins to wind up his shot before the white ball shoots upwards, out of the table and...right in the middle square of Ren's neck, rolling downwards right into his coat. Too perfect to be a mere accident. Akechi looks up at him before he speaks.]
Oh I'm sorry. It seems my ball rolled right into you.
[He places his cue stick on the billiards's side before walking over.]
[ Brakes? What are brakes? If Ren had any of those he probably would've stopped any of the three of them from continuing on with the booze. Lightweights - they're a thing. They're them. They are lightweights.
Which, if asked, will be the reason why Ren's reflexes are nonexistent and the trajectory of a billiards ball flying toward him and hitting square in the neck is... super not what he was expecting. At all. Ren is pretty sure all he can do is stare gormlessly at Akechi's approach and try to find out if he's hurt somewhere underneath the waves of alcohol he's consumed, and even if he was it's like... yeah?Akechi looks really good. He wants to mess up that tie, also does he need to go to the hospital. ]
[Sober Akechi would never have done this. Drunk Akechi does feel a little guilty for the 'accidental' hit on the neck. Hopefully he didn't hurt him...too much. Ren didn't seem that hurt. Just out of breathe. Maybe. Ren's a big boy, he can manage, or at least pull out a Persona that can heal him, at worse.
One hand briefly feels his neck, making sure he doesn't sense anything out of place, before he moves upwards with a single finger under his neck. Before the other can think, Akechi closes the gap with a small kiss, before his other hand does as he had said (threatened?) he would, right into the fabric, past Ren's intricately sculpted abs, and landing on his 'prize' a few inches below. A little disappointed it hadn't sunk in more, but, well, still worth it.
He slowly pulls it out before holding it cradled in his fingers in front of the both of them, looking way too pleased at himself.]
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no subject
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.]
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
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?]
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
[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.]
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
[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.
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
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.]
no subject
What bothers Ren isn't that Akechi is successfully employing this info that he shouldn't have, but that he's been taken so off guard that Akechi would come onto him without provokation that his uncertain "Alright?" sounds as shook as he feels. What's more is that when he does successfully break the rack none of them deign to go into any pockets, prompting Ren to pull his stoneface into place. Can't let Akechi know he's in his head, right?
Clicking his tongue, Ren leans on his cue and offers little else besides. ]
Your go.
no subject
Not that he'd say that, he merely continues his poker face as he finishes polishing his stick with exaggerated flourish; Akechi is drunk but he's still a formidable billiards player.]
Watch and learn.
[He purposefully moves closer to Ren and hits the cue-ball with ease, sending the first ball into the nearest hole. Laughing, he rubs his cheek at Ren (???) as he moves over to have a quick drink (no stop) and prepare to hit number two.]
no subject
Rather than laboring to dissect what, exactly, the fuck is going on-slash-how the situation has gotten away from him several times over by now, Ren has made a silent decision to Not Worry About It and gather data instead.
Questions that should be addressed:
Ren answers number three the next time Akechi comes over to show off and the thief feels little regret in taking what's been freely out out there, yanno?
Learning lots, thanks senpai.
no subject
Are you stealing his booty Ren?
No touch! Only look!Akechi gives off a little undignified squawk in surprise, as apparently he somehow didn't think Ren would retaliate.]
Excuse me, but I am trying to play here.
[He does manage to pocket the next ball but the next one looks like it might be complicated. He needs a drink of water this time before he looses the game.]
no subject
Then you should be well aware that thieves don't fight fair. I'm out of your jurisdiction~.
[ Thirsty are we? There's no incentive to let up the offensive when it's having a clear effect, and Ren has neither the shame nor the sobriety to take mercy yet.
Fanning himself with his hand, he makes an exaggerated moue of discomfort as Ren then seemingly decides that it isn't enough. He exhales and starts picking open the top one... two... and what the hell, three buttons of his top and sighs with relief afterward, then reaching to take a large sip of his drink. ]
Ahh, much better.
no subject
[Oh he hella thirsty right now and the alcohol is making him less put on the breaks and more 'hey listen to that little voice inside your head; forecast: you're horny'.
Or whatever part of his brain would also put on the breaks for what plan he has next. Quickly chalking his wood. He purposefully begins to wind up his shot before the white ball shoots upwards, out of the table and...right in the middle square of Ren's neck, rolling downwards right into his coat. Too perfect to be a mere accident. Akechi looks up at him before he speaks.]
Oh I'm sorry. It seems my ball rolled right into you.
[He places his cue stick on the billiards's side before walking over.]
Here, allow me to help you with that.
no subject
[ Brakes? What are brakes? If Ren had any of those he probably would've stopped any of the three of them from continuing on with the booze. Lightweights - they're a thing. They're them. They are lightweights.
Which, if asked, will be the reason why Ren's reflexes are nonexistent and the trajectory of a billiards ball flying toward him and hitting square in the neck is... super not what he was expecting. At all. Ren is pretty sure all he can do is stare gormlessly at Akechi's approach and try to find out if he's hurt somewhere underneath the waves of alcohol he's consumed, and even if he was it's like... yeah?Akechi looks really good. He wants to mess up that tie, also does he need to go to the hospital. ]
Uh. [ Super smooth, Joker. ]
no subject
One hand briefly feels his neck, making sure he doesn't sense anything out of place, before he moves upwards with a single finger under his neck. Before the other can think, Akechi closes the gap with a small kiss, before his other hand does as he had said (threatened?) he would, right into the fabric, past Ren's intricately sculpted abs, and landing on his 'prize' a few inches below. A little disappointed it hadn't sunk in more, but, well, still worth it.
He slowly pulls it out before holding it cradled in his fingers in front of the both of them, looking way too pleased at himself.]
I guess it's your turn now.