It does make him laugh. Feigned, and not. It's a surprise from such a mild-manner boy.]
How could I resist sharing after a comment like that?
[What he wants Neil to know? Nothing. Not a single part of Akechi Goro, but the Detective Prince-]
My college entrance exams are coming up and I score at the top of our nation on practice tests. This isn't a brag. It's only meant to set up the background for what I wish to say. I'll have top pick of whatever University I wish to attend. The truth is-
I don't particularly want to go to school to be a detective or further my current career, as noble as the cause is and despite what I've told local media. If I could find a way to travel the world, I would likely take the opportunity to do that instead and pause the life of the Detective Prince.
[A smile, a soft laugh and-]
That sounds silly, doesn't it? To give up the celebrity life for a plane ticket.
[Neil's face falls a bit as Akechi's explanation progresses. The first thing he thinks - and it starts to come out - is:]
But your passion--
[Because Akechi did tell Neil that his detective work was a passion, but...now he's telling Neil about another dream - something he wants - and that matters just as much.
[Neil shakes his head, brightly laughing.]
Forget that. I'd choose traveling the world a thousand times over picking whatever university I want. Who cares if it's...[Neil waves his hand around, making an incredulous noise.] Irresponsible or...whatever they might say.
[He reaches across the table and grips Akechi by the arm.]
You have to do it, Akechi! Do it while you can, do it while you're young! Who cares what they say?
But he's a prince, and Neil is supporting a halfhearted, nonsensical dream that will never be. He allows it - doesn't jerk his arm back or move away. It's all necessary.
The impassioned speech-
Is a surprise. As if Neil actually gives a shit what Akechi does when they're five worlds apart. He doesn't care - not really, but he knows how he should look.
Taken aback. Surprised.
So he does. Widens his eyes, watches Neil's excited face- it's incredible, frankly.]
Would you now? How impulsive. I'll admit that I'm a bit jealous of your confidence on the matter. I wish I could indulge the same way. Shun the celebrity life, ignore my exams, get on a plane, leave Tokyo and perhaps-
[Just never, ever return.]
Well, enough about that. Tell me something about yourself - as fascinating as that poem is, I want to hear about you in your own words.
[It's really the dramatic pause that makes Neil laugh, but it does make Neil laugh, bright and genuine, tapering off into little snickers.]
You're not the type to leave anything to fate, are you, Akechi? Here I am, content to sit around and wait for something to come along - you won't have that, though. Bouldering, it is.
I only want to give you a push forward. Isn't that what friends do?
[There's something to that laughter - genuine as it seems. Praise and adoration still drive him. Neil finding his joke funny-
It reminds him of being in the middle of a classroom during one of the very few days he was required to attend, a gaggle of people around him. Chatting, laughing, talking.
And he does need a spotter. He can't ask Eren to do everything for him.]
We'll wait for a day with pleasant weather. As of this moment, it's a bit too cold for me. When all seems calm, I'll reach out to you to do so and we'll make an afternoon of it. Does that suffice?
[And then he sets his elbow down noisily on the table and holds his hand out for a shake. A smile flickers through a poor attempt at keeping a straight face.]
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HE IS!!! OUPPY!!!
[Neil is grinning as he takes his seat - always grinning, this one.]
Whoever - er, whatever - wrote this simply can't put you into words.
[Neil raises his eyebrows. How do ya like that?]
Tell me what you'd want someone to know instead--
No. Tell me something you want me to know instead. Go on.
GOD HE IS FPDOSFOPDSOP
It does make him laugh. Feigned, and not. It's a surprise from such a mild-manner boy.]
How could I resist sharing after a comment like that?
[What he wants Neil to know? Nothing. Not a single part of Akechi Goro, but the Detective Prince-]
My college entrance exams are coming up and I score at the top of our nation on practice tests. This isn't a brag. It's only meant to set up the background for what I wish to say. I'll have top pick of whatever University I wish to attend. The truth is-
I don't particularly want to go to school to be a detective or further my current career, as noble as the cause is and despite what I've told local media. If I could find a way to travel the world, I would likely take the opportunity to do that instead and pause the life of the Detective Prince.
[A smile, a soft laugh and-]
That sounds silly, doesn't it? To give up the celebrity life for a plane ticket.
no subject
But your passion--
[Because Akechi did tell Neil that his detective work was a passion, but...now he's telling Neil about another dream - something he wants - and that matters just as much.
[Neil shakes his head, brightly laughing.]
Forget that. I'd choose traveling the world a thousand times over picking whatever university I want. Who cares if it's...[Neil waves his hand around, making an incredulous noise.] Irresponsible or...whatever they might say.
[He reaches across the table and grips Akechi by the arm.]
You have to do it, Akechi! Do it while you can, do it while you're young! Who cares what they say?
no subject
But he's a prince, and Neil is supporting a halfhearted, nonsensical dream that will never be. He allows it - doesn't jerk his arm back or move away. It's all necessary.
The impassioned speech-
Is a surprise. As if Neil actually gives a shit what Akechi does when they're five worlds apart. He doesn't care - not really, but he knows how he should look.
Taken aback. Surprised.
So he does. Widens his eyes, watches Neil's excited face- it's incredible, frankly.]
Would you now? How impulsive. I'll admit that I'm a bit jealous of your confidence on the matter. I wish I could indulge the same way. Shun the celebrity life, ignore my exams, get on a plane, leave Tokyo and perhaps-
[Just never, ever return.]
Well, enough about that. Tell me something about yourself - as fascinating as that poem is, I want to hear about you in your own words.
no subject
Well. [Would you now? Likely not. He'd like to think so, but...he'll never know.
[His eyes had fallen away from Akechi; he locks them back on.]
It's what I'd choose now. Even if I never would have had the courage before. I want to do everything. Absolutely everything.
[There's something.]
no subject
[A beat, and-]
That's a silly question given you're here. Let's say speed dating is your first 'everything' today, but what might be the second? Or the third?
no subject
See what happens next. Something interesting is bound to come along.
no subject
[A beat and-]
Rock climbing. I'm often looking for a partner in a place like this and very few enjoy the activity.
no subject
Rock climbing? That's not exactly what I was thinking, but I--
You know, I might have guessed a different sport for you. Track and field, maybe.
[Oh, well. It appears that isn't the case.]
Sure. I'd give it a try. Uh...
How far will we be off the ground? Do we need special equipment?
no subject
A mountain should suffice.
[He waits one, two, three seconds in absolute silence and then-]
Just kidding. We'll start small - you won't be any danger even if you fall. I'll be your spotter, after all.
no subject
You're not the type to leave anything to fate, are you, Akechi? Here I am, content to sit around and wait for something to come along - you won't have that, though. Bouldering, it is.
I will, of course. When do you want to go?
no subject
[There's something to that laughter - genuine as it seems. Praise and adoration still drive him. Neil finding his joke funny-
It reminds him of being in the middle of a classroom during one of the very few days he was required to attend, a gaggle of people around him. Chatting, laughing, talking.
And he does need a spotter. He can't ask Eren to do everything for him.]
We'll wait for a day with pleasant weather. As of this moment, it's a bit too cold for me. When all seems calm, I'll reach out to you to do so and we'll make an afternoon of it. Does that suffice?
no subject
That does.
[And then he sets his elbow down noisily on the table and holds his hand out for a shake. A smile flickers through a poor attempt at keeping a straight face.]
we can wrap <3<3
Akechi doesn't hesitate to grasp Neil's hand in his own - curls his fingers around his palm and gives it a gentle shake.]
Then it's a deal. Even if you're new, I still expect you to do your best - don't let me down.