Chapter Text
Ren is slowly getting used to the return of the metaverse. It was sudden when the cacophony of voices nestled deep within his heart began to speak once more and equally if not more so when his rival had, as far as he’s aware, risen from the dead and returned to a relatively normal life.
In this small town between rolling hills and a decently dense forest; it was a happy coincidence when he happened upon the ex-detective in the aisles of the weapon shop that he likes to frequent. His heart was wracked with nervousness as he reached out to Akechi.
Akechi ran; Ren gave chase.
In hindsight, they both can chuckle how ironic it is. A thief chasing after a detective? It’s still amusing to this day.
Of course, it’s been about a year since they’ve done their respective jobs. The metaverse had disappeared by then, and so Ren was forcibly out of the job, while Akechi was… assumedly recovering from the aftermath of everything that had happened.
After about a 10 minute chase, Ren manages to corner him in the forest; Ren did grow up here after all. He knows this town as much as he knows his knife skills.
“Give up, Akechi.” He suggested, seeing Akechi try to run further into the thick of the forest. “if you keep going, you’re going to get lost.”
“I’m not going to get lost!” He hissed back.
Ren manages to grasp at the edge of his shirt. “Trust me. I’ve lived in this town for 18 years.” Akechi tries to pull away from his hand. “People still die in this forest.”
That got him to stop squirming at least. He sighs, “what do you want, Amamiya?” His name was spat with disdain.
“I…” he followed on more or less a whim… instead he countered, “do you forgive me?”
“What?” It puzzles Akechi. “For what?”
“Um…” he rubs at the back of his head with his other hand. “My… actions… in February of that year…” it was not befitting of a leader. Definitely not how he should have reacted. He blushed red the more he remembers that moment.
“It…” Akechi flushes pink too. “Let’s converse elsewhere. The setting fits not this line of conversation.”
Ren guides him out of the forest. And Akechi drags him towards his own place. The entryway is empty, only filled with the barest necessities. The door clicks locked. “Ah… Locking the door is a tad unnecessary,” Ren says, eyes drifting back and forth between Akechi and the only (normal) exit.
“You were the one who chased me; I didn’t take you for someone to back out so soon.”
That is… unexpected. “It- it’s not that—”
“Well, back on topic; that kiss of yours?”
Ren’s entire face is red as the memory returns in full.
“A—” Akechi clasps his hand against the wall before he can speak a single word.
He chuckles, amused by Ren’s expression. “I wouldn’t entirely hate a repeat.”
Ren stares at Akechi. Slowly understanding the words. He wouldn’t hate it? He didn’t hate it??? Ren very clearly remembers the burning splash of fresh coffee amidst his shock.
Then came the explosion of voices speaking over one another in his mind.
I am thou, thou art I.
Twelve voices speak at once, it makes Ren dizzy.
Thou needn’t worry about the course of fate. One voice rose above the rest… It's Arsène’s. Thou art free to do what thee desires.
It’s a bit before he realizes that he’s been pulled to a plush couch. Minutes before the voices quiet down to a manageable volume.
“So, they’ve returned for you too?” Akechi says, close by but not enough for him to be in his line of sight.
“As are Robin and Loki… or is it Hereward now?”
“I don’t sense Hereward, a shame.”
“It—” it’s still rough, though he can sense Arsène trying to hush the others. Part of him wonders how he had grown used to so many voices chiming various thoughts in the back of his head.
“Amamiya, go home.”
“I- I’m okay.” He breathes carefully, trying to keep his focus on Akechi. He happens to glance at his phone, the MetaNav is there in all its… blue glory? That’s unusual.
“Give me your phone.” Akechi asks and Ren does. He inputs his number, deleting his old one off of the device. Passing back his phone, Akechi goes to unlock the door. “You should leave; if they’re anything like mine, they won’t shut up for another few hours.”
He nods… He‘ll go lie down until they quiet down.
Soon, once the other sections of his soul mellow out, he and Akechi get to chatting over IM. Their chats leading into the early morning… and also leading to speak about that challenge during that winter.
“Later,” they both agreed on; it is far too soon to do it now, especially with the re-establishment of the metaverse navigator being just several hours ago.
…
Soon, Later was now. He didn't feel so great once the decided date had arrived, but it wasn’t so bad that he couldn’t hide it. He can feel Akechi’s gaze rake over his body as they slowly arrive at their chosen arena.
“Joker, Are you sure about today?”
“Y-yeah, though I may be a tad out of practice…” The crimson labyrinth is harsh to his eyes. With how fast they’re moving, Ren’s worried he might trip over himself.
He’s winded once they arrive. He blames it on not having access to the Mona-bus.
“We’ll start when you’re ready.” Akechi replies.
It takes a minute to catch his breath. He grabs his dagger, nodding at Akechi. “Ready.”
“Well, come at me.”
The sound of metal clashing against metal echoes in the air, sparks flying off their weapons. Akechi is quick on his feet, countering Ren’s strikes with ease. Though… Ren can’t help but notice that Akechi seems to be holding himself back. He hasn’t unleashed Loki at all; he hasn’t pulled out his gun; his slashes feel lighter handed; he seems… distracted?
Their weapons clash again. “Is something wrong, Crow?”
“I could ask you the same, Joker.” Akechi’s claws tear into his shoulder, but not so deep as to leave with bloodstains. “You aren’t winning this battle with that awful performance.”
He can see Robinhood linger at the side as Akechi releases him. He reaches for his mask as he tries to chase after Akechi…
Only… he trips over himself and lands flat on his face.
There’s silence, as Ren tries— and fails— to get up.
“Oh dear…” says Robinhood softly.
“Get up.” Akechi demands.
He tries, but it’s like his body refuses his mind’s command.
“So that’s how it is…” Akechi sighs, “it seems we must put the rematch on hold for now.”
“N-no, it— I can, just, a little—”
Akechi lifts his head with a hand. “Joker, just how many shadows linger in that pretty head of yours?”
“T-twelve…” Akechi must have come to a conclusion as to what ails him.
“We’re going back to the entrance.” He declared. “That’s far too many for your psyche.”
“There’s… no need.” Ren mumbles, mentally flipping through the masks of shadows at his disposal.
He won’t be needing any of them, apart from his true other half. He only planned to have Arsène come out to face Akechi anyway.
So he lets the other eleven bleed out from his being. Akechi shuffles back, a bit horrified from the looks of it. He’s heard that the process of letting shadows go is not… visually appealing, to say the least. An inky substance pours out from his mask, sitting upon his skin for only a moment before dripping down to the ground. Eleven forms bubble up around him before scattering to the edges of the room.
Ren closes his eyes, checking that one remains.
Arsène?
I am here.
He hears Akechi settle beside him once more.
“How many remain?”
“One.”
“Good. Bring them out.”
He sluggishly shifts to his side, bringing a hand to his mask. “Arsène.” He calls.
Flames flicker at the tips of his fingers, but they quickly die out.
That’s… weird. “Arsène?” He calls again, and yet again, his phantom doesn’t answer.
I must apologize, I cannot disgrace thou both with mine appearance.
Ren glanced at Akechi, who was growing annoyed at this development. “He doesn’t want to.”
“What? Just force him out!”
“He doesn’t want to be seen.”
Goro sighs, drawing forth his serrated sabre once again. “This is not a matter that will merely sort itself out.”
Ren finally pushes himself up from the ground. “Uh- Crow—?”
Crow stares him down, claw clutching the blade tightly. His eyes seem possessed in a way.
“C- Crow?” His voice comes out small. He can feel sweat begin to collect in his gloves and on the back of his neck.
Akechi lunges at him.
He raises his arms in a futile effort of self defence. But no pain comes.
“I would rather if thou didn’t force my hand, cher.”
Gilded blood drips towards the ground from the tip of Akechi’s blade. Shadow-tipped hands tremble as Akechi rescinds his blade.
“I wouldn’t have to if someone wasn’t hiding.” Akechi replies mildly.
“Crow… I’m confused…”
“You’ll get it in a moment.” He says as he drags Ren’s Lupin away towards a mat that Robinhood had rolled out moments ago.
Ren watches as Akechi settles on the back of his phantom, who had just been pushed to lie face first onto the mat.
Akechi’s hand dives into Arsène’s plumage.
“Crow, what are you—?”
“What the fuck do you think I’m doing, Joker?!” Akechi hissed, pulling back with a fist full of feathers. “I’m doing the shit that you seem to refuse to acknowledge!”
Ren was taken aback. Just what the hell does that mean??? He flinches when a large hand relaxes over his shoulder.
“Ah, I didn’t mean to scare you, dear. But Goro-kun means that you seem to not tend to the needs of your other half.”
“What?”
“It really isn’t good for either of you to neglect such care for so long.”
“Huh?”
“Enough, Robin, he clearly has never done this before.” He pulls away several more handfuls of loose feathers… and Ren can feel it. “Feathers, especially wings, need careful attention. I am appalled that you’ve let it get so bad- both of you!”
“C-Crow— I—” he holds himself short of melting as he feels the ghostly sensation of Akechi’s hand on his back. “Nnn… h-hang on…”
“Cher… I would implore thee to be a tad gentler…”
Akechi doesn’t let up on the pressure. It makes Ren writhe at the touch… not that his persona is faring any better than he was. He feels arms gently scoop him up…
“Now, now, Goro-kun, be nice.” Robinhood admonished him.
“Hush,” Akechi mutters. He continues pulling loose feathers.
Robinhood gently lowers him beside Akechi. Ren reaches for Akechi’s arm. “S-slow down… please, Goro?”
Arsène does the same, holding Akechi’s other arm. “Indeed, mon cher, though I am sure I can continue from here.”
“Absolutely not!” He swats both of their hands away. “You clearly won’t be taking this as seriously as you should!”
Ren makes a rather scandalous noise as Akechi’s gauntlets rake even deeper into Arsène’s wings. Only then does Akechi truly give pause for Ren’s mind, already thoroughly frayed from what felt like a feedback loop between just the two of them.
Although… Akechi’s efforts do seem to be working. Arsène’s wings do look tidier and Ren’s body feels noticeably lighter than before. He wonders what Akechi does for Robinhood and Loki if all it takes is a simple brush of Arsène’s wings for this much of an improvement.
“How do you feel?”
Ren blinks, oh, he must have zoned out. “Better, I think?”
“I see…” Akechi begins once again, though much gentler this time. He even took out a small brush for the tiny feathers close to his back. After that, Akechi even bandaged Arsène’s hand.
Arsène slips back into his mind. Akechi begins packing away his things. “Let’s go back; that renewed energy will be short-lived.”
Ren nods, “sorry for derailing the duel…”
“We can reschedule it for a later day.”
They manage to get to the entrance a few moments before Ren’s legs give out. “Ah-”
Akechi sighs. “You should work on your stamina.”
“Sorry…”
“Enough of that, where do you live?”
“I’ll- I’ll put it up on my phone.”
Akechi shuffles him up onto his back before leaving the metaverse, giving Ren the time and patience for inputting his address into the navigator app. He was phasing between consciousness and unconsciousness as Akechi made the trek back to Ren’s place of residence. He’s woken up when Akechi is stopped at the door.
He passes him the key from his pocket. “Put me down on the bed,” Ren mumbles, “take what you want from the fridge, it’s the least I can do.” Sleep takes him again, even before Akechi finishes unlocking the door.
Ren is… rather careless, all things considered. One would think an ex-thief be cautious of most everything, and not quite literally inviting their once rival and assassin into their home— giving him a key and everything! It isn’t even that hard to make a copy. Goro glances back at the slumbering thief atop the expanse of plush pillows and fluffy blankets… he never took Ren as someone who slept in quite the full bed, but that attic was probably not the greatest, leading him to overcompensate now.
Obviously Goro is going to snoop, but first he should begin with the part of this house where he was indeed given permission: the fridge. Plenty of containers with leftovers inside sit within the fridge, the most recent, as determined by its position, being a soup of sorts. Still, it’s certainly more full, and more fragrant, than the one at his own apartment. He takes a small portion of curry from further within the fridge. It’s reminiscent of Leblanc’s, with a couple spice alterations… It's sweeter and milder than that café’s staple dish.
His eyes caught on a frame that was hung on the wall. It’s his glove from back then, gently pressed between the glass and a rosy red backdrop of paper. Even after everything, he still has that little promise kept close to him… idiot.
I find it rather cute. Robinhood chimes in.
Wasn’t asking you. Goro huffs, putting away his dirtied plate. Robinhood seems to remain at the forefront of his mind, but he assumes that Loki is just sulking at the back.
Next, he finds a small and sleek leather journal. He also never took Ren for the diary keeping sort either. He flips through a few pages, skimming some passages here and there… His name shows up often, especially with a positive light, in it. Was he truly that happy about their encounter? Goro isn’t sure what to make of it.
He glances back into the little Raven’s den… it’s cozy, somehow, and in no way similar to the dusty dullness of that café during that year of their occupational rivalry. Goro sighs, he thought he had a pretty damn good idea of Ren’s whole character… This simply proves he knew nothing at all.
Well. Now is the time to learn everything he neglected to learn about him.
Ren wakes. The room is dark now, evening maybe? Er, no, the curtains are simply drawn shut. He can also hear the sounds of a local news channel seep through the wall… did Akechi wait for him to wake up? All this time? He should at least thank him for everything he’s done today.
He steps out into the living and dining room, noticing that Akechi has a bowl of leftovers that were in the fridge. “How is it?” He can’t help but ask.
“Oh, you’re finally awake?” Akechi counters.
“Mhm,” Ren hums, “was I out for long?”
“Just a couple hours.”
A bit longer than he’d like. “I hope you didn’t mind the mess…”
Akechi gives him a look, Ren couldn’t analyze it before the ex-detective shakes his head. “I’ve long overstayed, let’s decide our next duel over text.”
“Oh, okay… um, you can take that with you if you want.” He only says that so Akechi doesn’t hastily force the curry dish down his throat.
“I’ll do that, thanks.”
Akechi leaves, taking the bowl of curry with him. He’s sure Akechi will return the bowl the next time they meet up, since they do live in the same town.
Well, now that he is alone in his own house, he now has the time to come to terms with… those sensations. He can still feel the vague sensation of Akechi’s clawed hands scraping down his back.
As can I, mon cœur…
Arsène sounds a bit awkward about it. Self conscious perhaps? Ren’s cheeks flush as he thinks back on it… and the sounds that came from his throat are even more embarrassing to think about.
We- we’ll get him back during the duel, Ren promises.