[It's admittedly not a bad look for him. In fact, Akechi might have actually given him a true and real positive comment for a change if the asshole hadn't decided to help himself to his drink. That's like, rude as hell? Acting all proper and dominant is just pissing him off already.
So one could say game on.
Akechi for his part is wearing an ensemble that tethers between being fashionable and the type that makes you wonder if he's going off to chauffeur someone after this, gloves and all.]
You can take the drink, I'll order myself a new one.
[That's not an answer to his question. However considering he quickly goes off to get a pool, it's no question what he wants to play, polished sticks and all.]
[ Yoink. Get Tasty Half-Drunk Cocktail x1! Usually all Akechi could be counted on is catering to what is fashionable, but not necessarily good and a none too small part of Ren is relieved that he isn't on the floor like in his days of chugging whatever new concoction Takemi-sensei had on offer. At least he knows of Akechi was drinking it then it's not going to drop him, so bonus.
Ren is all smug amiability and eyes for Akechi while the game is set up, leaning on his stick as he watches the pull of fabric over the other boy's back. Mmm. Pidge ought to get here soon. If Ren gets bored with the game they might ~*magically disappear*~ to somewhere where Akechi's clothes will also pull a disappearing act. ]
[He briefly leaves the area to get himself another drink, briefly pointing at Ren with annoyance because of course even if he's ordered once, he's a fucking sub and god he hates this place and had half a mind to just wack the man with the stick he was hold.
He returns with a new drink, setting it on side of the pool table and takes a better look at Ren's outfit now that he can appreciate it in full. It gave him almost a bad buy vibe, something he'd see Ryuji wearing more than him and yet there's no doubt in his mind that Ren wears it a lot better.]
Hmmmm...
[He had an idea. A terrible one. He holds his stick for support, pretending to think about it, cradling his face with his hand.]
The steaks? What a splendid idea. The loser has to cook the winner dinner. Expensive. Additionally, a request of they'll be wearing, if you're up to it.
Happens when I don't get attention for five minutes, apologies.
[ This bears out when Akechi goes to get his new drink, tugging his hair a bit and waving when the bartender presumably seeks Ren for his approval to serve Akechi, then holding up a finger heart for the beleaguered detective. Hang in there!
Something about Akechi's controlled glee is worth immediate suspicion, he must say. Quiet, Ren mentally works out Akechi's angle and can't really say that he's unconcerned with what lay in his future should Ren beat him as promised. Dear reader, the shudder that shakes Ren's body to its very core cannot be described in full detail. ]
Like, actual steaks or just cooking dinner? [ Ren can do either, but fanciness is not on the same scale for both of them. ] What's my motivation for watching you get dressed up before you order take out?
Yes. [That's not now you answer a question with or, but Akechi does seem to mean both. Ren has every right to be wary from the grin that continues to grow on his face, until he is smacked with an insult.
There's a brief wince before he moves a little closer.]
Considering that this scenario is unlikely to happen, you clearly lack imagination.
Am I not using it plenty if I can envision beating you?
[ Tick tock Akechi, does he have too much imagination or not enough? In what manner would he most like to insult Ren.
It's should be established that Ren hasn't played billiards more than a handful of times in his life, but his absurd luck streaks and five star proficiency have to count for something, don't they? He stands his ground, unshaken (outwardly) as ever while he stares back, the toes of his boot tapping in a nervous rhythm. Hmm.
The cue is tossed from one hand to the other. ]
Deal. I doubt you'd have it in you to make a steep sartorial demand anywho.
Go ahead and break if you like. You'll need the handicap.
[A careful dance if insults, least they get on each other's nerves. What was the term he'd heard a few teenagers say before? Ahh right - smack talk. He thinks that is it.
Ren does look like he's rather confident. It makes him wonder if he made the right choice but then Akechi's own ego quickly takes over. He's played billiards for so long.]
Don't tempt me. [It's really more a question now if what he'd want. Something overly fancy? An amusing costume usually reserved only for submissives? Or maybe nothing at all but an apron...
Well, needless to say it gets his blood pumping.]
Let's do a practise run first. Then perhaps the best two out of three? The normal rules of nine-ball apply.
[Normally he'd settle for one match, but he needs to see what Ren can do to best strategize his victories. He moves over to the proper side of the table (but not before taking an overly long sip of his drink, nearly drowning the entire thing). As he looks at the table, he rubs his stick with the billiard chalk, eyes darting back and forth before placing his left hand in front to cusp the stick, using his right hand to apply the force, sending the balls flying. The one, three and seventh balls quickly find their way into pockets.]
Ahh not bad.
[Not a golden break, but better than he had anticipated with his strategy.]
[ No apron; didn't get enough of Ren's ass at the onsen huh? Understandable, it has entranced many and left them wanting, nay, yearning for more and Akechi would be no exception. Wagering clothing on a game is completely in line with Akechi's hyper-roundabout methods of getting what he wants and Ren has no choice but to rise to the occasion. ]
Sure.
[ He says like he knows anything other than standard pool. This would be an opportunity to warm up and get a feel for how Akechi plays (other than "as optimally as possible"), which makes it slightly disheartening when three balls are pocketed right off the break. Any dismay Ren might be feeling is kept off his face aside from a slight flattening of his lips before he paces around the table, searching for an in. ]
Wow, already got me on the ropes. Kinda thought you'd sandbag me at first.
[ No one tell him.
Ren finds an angle from behind one of the corner pockets, brushing his hair out of his eyes before leaning forward and aiming, fingertips light on the felt. In one smooth motion the cue ball is sent careening off the six and four, bouncing one to the middle pocket and the other toward the far end of the table and getting cold feet right on the edge of the corner pocket before lightly falling in.
Ren lets out a sigh of relief. ] Not too far behind yet.
[Ren it's the situation that makes it more inciting than anything the onsen can provide. The fact it's somewhere that's not traditionally seen as a place someone should be naked. The fact they are working for the other. The utter humiliation.
He's rather deranged.]
And take you for granted? Please, I've learned my lesson. Besides, treating you as anything less than a rival would be insulting.
[There's a small amount of glee in his mind when he waits for Ren to play his move. Eyes darting between all the balls on the field and the movement of the stick, there's a brief surge of joy when Ren only manages to pocket two balls. It's not bad at all; many billiards professionals would be amazed at the shot...
...but it's still one less than him.]
Not bad at all.
[Since they are just practising he goes next, eyeing one of the remaining balls far past the middle table. Instead of moving over there, he extends most ly his body, leaning on one leg with his body on the billboard's velvet top. In silence he moves his hand and lets the white ball fly, landing him his desired hit, while also moving away in time for the white ball to land itself behind the stripped ball - purposefully locking Ren into a difficult move, risking to pocket the striped one before it's' too early.
He leans back on his cue.]
Well, well, well. Now this may be a tricky shot. [He purposefully takes a small sip of his drink all the while looking at Ren.] I'm eager to see if you can pull this one off.
[ Look, Akechi's derangement was never in question. He decided to work for Shido in order to then humiliate him??? Why tho. ]
You also value victory and shows of ingenuity. Rival or no, a victor would need every strength at their disposal, and showing all those strengths in the open would be a tactical disadvantage. You're smarter than that.
[ In short: Ren respects Akechi too much not to expect him to have a plan. It's not a matter of whether or not he thought Akechi was being underhanded, but a matter of knowing and appreciating a formidable opponent.
If he gets to appreciate the sight of Akechi all but laid across the table in the course of appreciating his other strengths, well. That's neither here nor there.
When Akechi darts back Ren realizes it's his cue to stop staring at his ass and watch his rival push Ren into a deeply awkward position in the game. Ren hums pensively, but in the bar's dim there is a glitter to his grey eyes as he circles the table, alight with the thrill of competition, the bliss of a good puzzle you have to improvise for right on the spot. ]
Maybe - you can't make it easy on me, huh? [ He seems to come to a conclusion, straightening up and rolling his shoulders with a thin smile. ] Here I go.
[ Climbing up to sit on the table's edge, Ren takes a moment to balance himself so he can aim the stick sharply downward toward the base of the cue ball. When trapped, Ren has a tendency to want to spring the trap, but seeing as the striped ball being pocketed would spell worse things for him, Ren's play sees him strike the cue ball hard, forcing it to jump clean over the obstacle and veer to the other side, knocking in one more solid and sadly leaving the table set for Akechi to take advantage.
But Ren seems pleased with himself when he draws back, grinning at his partner with a boyish joy. ]
[Why tho? Because he needed to feel what it was to become nothing.
Basically Akechi's idea was stupid and he was burned for it. He can't help but smile at Ren's acute comment about him. This is why he made a good partner to argue against.]
Ha! Correct. It's not just the game I'm analyzing.
[Is that...Akechi's way of saying he's watching Ren? Is that a threat or his way of attempting to be charming? If it had anything to do with how he over-splayed himself on the table? So many questions, so little answers. He gives Ren a smirk as he idly twirls his pool cue, giving it a fresh layer of chalk.]
I'd never dream making it easy for you. [Ren understood him so well it was almost frightening. The pose he takes is unusual - not how he expected to tackle the problem but a play he could see coming from a professional player. Usually a fail. With Ren, however, it succeeds and a brief pang of jealousy overcomes him in anger. Ahh yes. Of course he would be able to clear that type of activity at him. Even if the coast was clear for him to win this practise round, there was something dry about Ren making that shot that got Akechi's blood boiling.
That damn pleasing look too...]
Remarkably well. [This would be the time when three musical notes would come out of his head to annoyance that Ren had done the maximum option in his choice, despite Akechi's feelings for it. He wants to argue that he must have a secret, but what could Ren even do apart from play correctly? It's not like he had a power to allow him to make better shots. No, it was skill and Amamiya is gifted with so many of them...he'd have to be careful on how to win this.]
I'd say it's about time we begin the true battle.
[He almost defiantly makes a quick move with his stick and sinks in the last colored ball, before taking a second shot to sink in the stripped ball, almost with careless abandonment.]
[ Not the only thing he's analyzing, huh. Nice to have the soft part spoken loud finally, and if anything the wariness Ren harbors from being closely scrutinized is underpinned by the thrill of competition, or just whose attention he has firmly on him.
Which is why he's the tiniest bit put out that Akechi seems annoyed(?) with him over something Ren was honestly a bit proud of, not being a real billiards player. And something else, something that niggles in the back of his head underneath that admiration, both of which get replaced by wonder at how skilled the other boy is, cleanly finishing their warmup game in a matter of seconds that prompts Ren to earnestly clap a few times before doing his part to retrieve the balls.
Then something clicks. ]
I dunno how close it'll actually be but I'm up for it if you are.
[ An uncharacteristic hesitance holds his voice back, but he has to know- ]
Does this mean you'll play with your left hand this time?
[Sorry Ren but Jealousy was arguably Akechi's middle name. He stops pulling out the balls from their pockets at the clapping - half expecting Ren to just be mocking him but can't help but briefly look away feeling his cheeks brighten somewhat when he realizes it's sincere.]
Good. I look forward to see what type of meal you'll be cooking for me...
[Taking all the balls to set them up properly, he hears Amamiya speak again and his heart briefly sinks. Ahh but that hesitation, unusual to hear in his rival. Is he going to forfeit just as he was willing to go in? Really, what would be quite a disappointment-
-oh.
Briefly, Akechi's face morphes into surprise at Ren's comment, impressed before he keeps it more down-key for those in the bar. His voice is barely a hushed whisper as he gets closer.]
So you noticed...I'm surprised you paid attention, honestly. It's true...I'm ambidextrous but primarily left-handed. Very well. I'll play with my left hand this time because you asked so nicely.
[Ren had said it himself; Akechi valued, among other things, shows of ingenuity. Observations counted in that aspect. It might not lead Ren to victory (actually it might make the situation worse) but it did force him to lay out his hand front and centre.
A hand he was now placing on Ren's knee shoulder as he playfully leaned on him. Something Akechi never did normally, for the record, which probably meant he had a plan.]
[Meanwhile, Pidge has been seated nearby, nursing on a half-finished Long Island iced tea, for roughly the last half an hour. She's not even mad that they hadn't noticed her up until this point, both because they seem to be pretty oblivious to the outside world and because she's generally accustomed to just fading into the scenery.
If anything, she's amused when she finally does speak up.]
[ Now that his embarrassing pearl clutching is done Ren thinks he'll shrink out from under Akechi's hand and finish racking the balls, hanging onto his stick for support. ]
[Normally Akechi would have cursed himself for not noticing Pidge around, but the fact Ren hadn't either and Pidge's 'sudden' appearance had caused his rival to jump up in surprise was completely worth it.
And so, both would be witness to something rather unusual; Akechi laughing at a situation.]
Oh. My apologies. It seems I hadn't been paying attention to our surroundings enough and you completely slipped under my radar.
[Considering the establishment, not completely surprising. A good of as an excuse, really. Gingerly, he made sure to let his arm briefly linger as Ren moved away, making sure to briefly brush the back of his neck and making it look like he just had held his hand upwards.
[ Over in his sheepish brooding Ren sets up the rack with all the distracted fervor of a cat who's had one treat while knowing for a fact that another is somewhere nearby, out of sight. The lighting in the bar doesn't lend itself to accurate coloring, but a certain tenseness with how he is holding himself speaks to another something lurking beneath the surface, only rising up to make the water ripple. Ren's long fingers trail along the back of his neck and fall away again for he pool cue. ]
[Had it been a peace offering by 'Raven'? Akechi didn't know, really, what his other's self plan had been. Apart from tricking himself to end up under Ren's collar - so to speak - some of the notes he had left him did include some of his rival's more vulnerable spots.
He hadn't really tested it. Why would he? It hadn't been required. Tonight, maybe fulled by his own yearning to win, he'd started with the first phase of his own mission; see if the Phantom Thief leader was sensitive behind the back of his neck. It almost sort of made twisted sense. Akechi already knew his desire of being lightly choked, a gentle caress should theoretically work...
Seeing Ren reach to where he had touched him, the emotions on him suddenly changing, he had to admit to himself that he enjoyed this power. With a better man maybe it would be used with much more reservation, but Akechi would be the type to milk it for as much as he could get out it...when the time was right.
For now he sported a grin on his lips, before he narrowed his eyes and briefly moved his own stick to poke Ren on the front of his chest briefly.]
I hope you don't mind, but I think if you move a little more upward, your posture will be better to hit the ball more efficently.
[He felt good enough about this to give him real advice. That was scary.]
[Ordinarily, she might feel a little bad for startling Ren. He's one of a very small number of people she tries not to go out of her way to annoy, but the fact that she's been sitting here unnoticed by either boy for a substantial amount of time is amusing, and that's enough to override any sort of guilt she might feel for startling her friend. Add in the fact that her drink is probably a bit on the strong side, and it's no wonder she's not feeling more remorseful.]
Oh. It's fine, guys. I'm a pro at sneaking around.
[Or something. It probably has more to do with the fact that they're both distracted, but who has time to argue semantics. Either way, the question has her shrugging and, though she glances at Ren before answering, it's really not that hard to come up with a response.]
Nah. Don't worry. I'm just the right amount of bored.
[ 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. ]
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no subject
So one could say game on.
Akechi for his part is wearing an ensemble that tethers between being fashionable and the type that makes you wonder if he's going off to chauffeur someone after this, gloves and all.]
You can take the drink, I'll order myself a new one.
[That's not an answer to his question. However considering he quickly goes off to get a pool, it's no question what he wants to play, polished sticks and all.]
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[ Yoink. Get Tasty Half-Drunk Cocktail x1! Usually all Akechi could be counted on is catering to what is fashionable, but not necessarily good and a none too small part of Ren is relieved that he isn't on the floor like in his days of chugging whatever new concoction Takemi-sensei had on offer. At least he knows of Akechi was drinking it then it's not going to drop him, so bonus.
Ren is all smug amiability and eyes for Akechi while the game is set up, leaning on his stick as he watches the pull of fabric over the other boy's back. Mmm. Pidge ought to get here soon. If Ren gets bored with the game they might ~*magically disappear*~ to somewhere where Akechi's clothes will also pull a disappearing act. ]
Okay then, stakes?
no subject
[He briefly leaves the area to get himself another drink, briefly pointing at Ren with annoyance because of course even if he's ordered once, he's a fucking sub and god he hates this place and had half a mind to just wack the man with the stick he was hold.
He returns with a new drink, setting it on side of the pool table and takes a better look at Ren's outfit now that he can appreciate it in full. It gave him almost a bad buy vibe, something he'd see Ryuji wearing more than him and yet there's no doubt in his mind that Ren wears it a lot better.]
Hmmmm...
[He had an idea. A terrible one. He holds his stick for support, pretending to think about it, cradling his face with his hand.]
The steaks? What a splendid idea. The loser has to cook the winner dinner. Expensive. Additionally, a request of they'll be wearing, if you're up to it.
[Or anything at all.]
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[ This bears out when Akechi goes to get his new drink, tugging his hair a bit and waving when the bartender presumably seeks Ren for his approval to serve Akechi, then holding up a finger heart for the beleaguered detective. Hang in there!
Something about Akechi's controlled glee is worth immediate suspicion, he must say. Quiet, Ren mentally works out Akechi's angle and can't really say that he's unconcerned with what lay in his future should Ren beat him as promised. Dear reader, the shudder that shakes Ren's body to its very core cannot be described in full detail. ]
Like, actual steaks or just cooking dinner? [ Ren can do either, but fanciness is not on the same scale for both of them. ] What's my motivation for watching you get dressed up before you order take out?
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There's a brief wince before he moves a little closer.]
Considering that this scenario is unlikely to happen, you clearly lack imagination.
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[ Tick tock Akechi, does he have too much imagination or not enough? In what manner would he most like to insult Ren.
It's should be established that Ren hasn't played billiards more than a handful of times in his life, but his absurd luck streaks and five star proficiency have to count for something, don't they? He stands his ground, unshaken (outwardly) as ever while he stares back, the toes of his boot tapping in a nervous rhythm. Hmm.
The cue is tossed from one hand to the other. ]
Deal. I doubt you'd have it in you to make a steep sartorial demand anywho.
Go ahead and break if you like. You'll need the handicap.
no subject
[A careful dance if insults, least they get on each other's nerves. What was the term he'd heard a few teenagers say before? Ahh right - smack talk. He thinks that is it.
Ren does look like he's rather confident. It makes him wonder if he made the right choice but then Akechi's own ego quickly takes over. He's played billiards for so long.]
Don't tempt me. [It's really more a question now if what he'd want. Something overly fancy? An amusing costume usually reserved only for submissives? Or maybe nothing at all but an apron...
Well, needless to say it gets his blood pumping.]
Let's do a practise run first. Then perhaps the best two out of three? The normal rules of nine-ball apply.
[Normally he'd settle for one match, but he needs to see what Ren can do to best strategize his victories. He moves over to the proper side of the table (but not before taking an overly long sip of his drink, nearly drowning the entire thing). As he looks at the table, he rubs his stick with the billiard chalk, eyes darting back and forth before placing his left hand in front to cusp the stick, using his right hand to apply the force, sending the balls flying. The one, three and seventh balls quickly find their way into pockets.]
Ahh not bad.
[Not a golden break, but better than he had anticipated with his strategy.]
Your turn.
no subject
Sure.
[ He says like he knows anything other than standard pool. This would be an opportunity to warm up and get a feel for how Akechi plays (other than "as optimally as possible"), which makes it slightly disheartening when three balls are pocketed right off the break. Any dismay Ren might be feeling is kept off his face aside from a slight flattening of his lips before he paces around the table, searching for an in. ]
Wow, already got me on the ropes. Kinda thought you'd sandbag me at first.
[ No one tell him.
Ren finds an angle from behind one of the corner pockets, brushing his hair out of his eyes before leaning forward and aiming, fingertips light on the felt. In one smooth motion the cue ball is sent careening off the six and four, bouncing one to the middle pocket and the other toward the far end of the table and getting cold feet right on the edge of the corner pocket before lightly falling in.
Ren lets out a sigh of relief. ] Not too far behind yet.
no subject
He's rather deranged.]
And take you for granted? Please, I've learned my lesson. Besides, treating you as anything less than a rival would be insulting.
[There's a small amount of glee in his mind when he waits for Ren to play his move. Eyes darting between all the balls on the field and the movement of the stick, there's a brief surge of joy when Ren only manages to pocket two balls. It's not bad at all; many billiards professionals would be amazed at the shot...
...but it's still one less than him.]
Not bad at all.
[Since they are just practising he goes next, eyeing one of the remaining balls far past the middle table. Instead of moving over there, he extends most ly his body, leaning on one leg with his body on the billboard's velvet top. In silence he moves his hand and lets the white ball fly, landing him his desired hit, while also moving away in time for the white ball to land itself behind the stripped ball - purposefully locking Ren into a difficult move, risking to pocket the striped one before it's' too early.
He leans back on his cue.]
Well, well, well. Now this may be a tricky shot. [He purposefully takes a small sip of his drink all the while looking at Ren.] I'm eager to see if you can pull this one off.
no subject
You also value victory and shows of ingenuity. Rival or no, a victor would need every strength at their disposal, and showing all those strengths in the open would be a tactical disadvantage. You're smarter than that.
[ In short: Ren respects Akechi too much not to expect him to have a plan. It's not a matter of whether or not he thought Akechi was being underhanded, but a matter of knowing and appreciating a formidable opponent.
If he gets to appreciate the sight of Akechi all but laid across the table in the course of appreciating his other strengths, well. That's neither here nor there.
When Akechi darts back Ren realizes it's his cue to stop staring at his ass and watch his rival push Ren into a deeply awkward position in the game. Ren hums pensively, but in the bar's dim there is a glitter to his grey eyes as he circles the table, alight with the thrill of competition, the bliss of a good puzzle you have to improvise for right on the spot. ]
Maybe - you can't make it easy on me, huh? [ He seems to come to a conclusion, straightening up and rolling his shoulders with a thin smile. ] Here I go.
[ Climbing up to sit on the table's edge, Ren takes a moment to balance himself so he can aim the stick sharply downward toward the base of the cue ball. When trapped, Ren has a tendency to want to spring the trap, but seeing as the striped ball being pocketed would spell worse things for him, Ren's play sees him strike the cue ball hard, forcing it to jump clean over the obstacle and veer to the other side, knocking in one more solid and sadly leaving the table set for Akechi to take advantage.
But Ren seems pleased with himself when he draws back, grinning at his partner with a boyish joy. ]
How'd I do?
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Basically Akechi's idea was stupid and he was burned for it. He can't help but smile at Ren's acute comment about him. This is why he made a good partner to argue against.]
Ha! Correct. It's not just the game I'm analyzing.
[Is that...Akechi's way of saying he's watching Ren? Is that a threat or his way of attempting to be charming? If it had anything to do with how he over-splayed himself on the table? So many questions, so little answers. He gives Ren a smirk as he idly twirls his pool cue, giving it a fresh layer of chalk.]
I'd never dream making it easy for you. [Ren understood him so well it was almost frightening. The pose he takes is unusual - not how he expected to tackle the problem but a play he could see coming from a professional player. Usually a fail. With Ren, however, it succeeds and a brief pang of jealousy overcomes him in anger. Ahh yes. Of course he would be able to clear that type of activity at him. Even if the coast was clear for him to win this practise round, there was something dry about Ren making that shot that got Akechi's blood boiling.
That damn pleasing look too...]
Remarkably well. [This would be the time when three musical notes would come out of his head to annoyance that Ren had done the maximum option in his choice, despite Akechi's feelings for it. He wants to argue that he must have a secret, but what could Ren even do apart from play correctly? It's not like he had a power to allow him to make better shots. No, it was skill and Amamiya is gifted with so many of them...he'd have to be careful on how to win this.]
I'd say it's about time we begin the true battle.
[He almost defiantly makes a quick move with his stick and sinks in the last colored ball, before taking a second shot to sink in the stripped ball, almost with careless abandonment.]
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Which is why he's the tiniest bit put out that Akechi seems annoyed(?) with him over something Ren was honestly a bit proud of, not being a real billiards player. And something else, something that niggles in the back of his head underneath that admiration, both of which get replaced by wonder at how skilled the other boy is, cleanly finishing their warmup game in a matter of seconds that prompts Ren to earnestly clap a few times before doing his part to retrieve the balls.
Then something clicks. ]
I dunno how close it'll actually be but I'm up for it if you are.
[ An uncharacteristic hesitance holds his voice back, but he has to know- ]
Does this mean you'll play with your left hand this time?
no subject
Good. I look forward to see what type of meal you'll be cooking for me...
[Taking all the balls to set them up properly, he hears Amamiya speak again and his heart briefly sinks. Ahh but that hesitation, unusual to hear in his rival. Is he going to forfeit just as he was willing to go in? Really, what would be quite a disappointment-
-oh.
Briefly, Akechi's face morphes into surprise at Ren's comment, impressed before he keeps it more down-key for those in the bar. His voice is barely a hushed whisper as he gets closer.]
So you noticed...I'm surprised you paid attention, honestly. It's true...I'm ambidextrous but primarily left-handed. Very well. I'll play with my left hand this time because you asked so nicely.
[Ren had said it himself; Akechi valued, among other things, shows of ingenuity. Observations counted in that aspect. It might not lead Ren to victory (actually it might make the situation worse) but it did force him to lay out his hand front and centre.
A hand he was now placing on Ren's
kneeshoulder as he playfully leaned on him. Something Akechi never did normally, for the record, which probably meant he had a plan.]Hopefully Pidge-san will show up soon.
I'm not even sorry
If anything, she's amused when she finally does speak up.]
Yea, Pidge-san should hurry it up.
we wouldn't' want you to be (1/?)
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I'm going to go break now.
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And so, both would be witness to something rather unusual; Akechi laughing at a situation.]
Oh. My apologies. It seems I hadn't been paying attention to our surroundings enough and you completely slipped under my radar.
[Considering the establishment, not completely surprising. A good of as an excuse, really. Gingerly, he made sure to let his arm briefly linger as Ren moved away, making sure to briefly brush the back of his neck and making it look like he just had held his hand upwards.
For science, of course.]
I hope we haven't been boring you too much.
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He hadn't really tested it. Why would he? It hadn't been required. Tonight, maybe fulled by his own yearning to win, he'd started with the first phase of his own mission; see if the Phantom Thief leader was sensitive behind the back of his neck. It almost sort of made twisted sense. Akechi already knew his desire of being lightly choked, a gentle caress should theoretically work...
Seeing Ren reach to where he had touched him, the emotions on him suddenly changing, he had to admit to himself that he enjoyed this power. With a better man maybe it would be used with much more reservation, but Akechi would be the type to milk it for as much as he could get out it...when the time was right.
For now he sported a grin on his lips, before he narrowed his eyes and briefly moved his own stick to poke Ren on the front of his chest briefly.]
I hope you don't mind, but I think if you move a little more upward, your posture will be better to hit the ball more efficently.
[He felt good enough about this to give him real advice. That was scary.]
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[Ordinarily, she might feel a little bad for startling Ren. He's one of a very small number of people she tries not to go out of her way to annoy, but the fact that she's been sitting here unnoticed by either boy for a substantial amount of time is amusing, and that's enough to override any sort of guilt she might feel for startling her friend. Add in the fact that her drink is probably a bit on the strong side, and it's no wonder she's not feeling more remorseful.]
Oh. It's fine, guys. I'm a pro at sneaking around.
[Or something. It probably has more to do with the fact that they're both distracted, but who has time to argue semantics. Either way, the question has her shrugging and, though she glances at Ren before answering, it's really not that hard to come up with a response.]
Nah. Don't worry. I'm just the right amount of bored.
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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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