artcritic | OPEN RP POST

Please do not thank me. This is the least I can do to return the favor.

[As he predicted, the train ride to Yongen was peaceful. Not many people lurked around these parts in the evening. He was happy to be able to catch up with Akira after the Morganabus adventures in Mementos. A dull throb on top of his head is not-so-gentle reminder of that.

When he arrives at Leblanc, it's already past closing time and Yusuke feels at ease. They could converse without curious onlookers. He steps inside the familiar building and looks around. Akira should be around here, right?]

[ He's behind the counter when Yusuke arrives, finishing up preparing the coffee — of course, he's not an expert on Sojiro's level, but he's at least gathered enough to know what blends match with certain foods and has elected to put together espresso with a milder roast. ]

Hey, Yusuke. Sit down wherever, I'll be done in a minute.

[Yusuke nods and takes a seat- at the counter. He's always been curious how Akira makes the coffee and he can see it perfectly from where he sits at the bar. He places the box with sweets on the table and his bag to the side.]

Which one are you making?

I thought I'd try something different and make espresso... I heard it pairs well with sweets. You don't mind, do you?

[ It wouldn't be much trouble to switch to the usual house blend, after all. ]

That sounds delightful. I am not acquainted with brands of coffee beans, so I leave the choice to you.

[Akira has never failed to impress him when it comes to coffee. Except that one time which is questionable- but it was probably the beans. Yes, it wasn't Akira's fault at all.]

[ His love is a fickle creature and just doesn't translate well into culinary experimentation, he promises...

But thankfully, he's stuck to procedure this time, so the cups of coffee he pours out and brings over to where Yusuke's sitting should taste perfectly normal. ]

Hopefully it's to your taste. More importantly, though... are you feeling better?

[The smell of coffee puts a smile on Yusuke's face. Akira says he's not good as Sojiro, and he might be right in a certain way. But Yusuke prefers when Akira makes him a cup.

Is that weird?

He opens the box with sweets and puts it between their cups.]

Ah, yes. Thank you for asking. Today's Mementos exploration was on the rougher side, but I'll be fine. [Nothing sleep can't fix. He will have a bump on his head for a while. The disadvantage of being so tall.]

If you say so... [ He does feel kind of bad about it, since he's the driver and all. On the other hand, when you're running from the Reaper, anything goes as long as you make it out alive...

He reaches up (and up a little more), to gently assess how bad the bump is. ]

Just don't push yourself too hard, alright?

[The sip of coffee seem to bring him back to life and wash away all the problems.]

Mnn. You're getting better. This cup is delicious. [Or maybe that's just Yusuke's bias. He doesn't care.

He pauses in his drinking as Akira touches the bump on his head. He feels this close to blushing but somehow he's holding it back.]

I appreciate your concern. I'll be more careful.

[ That gets a smile out of him — ] Thanks, that makes me happy to hear.

[ Not only because it feels like he's improving, but it's nice to give something good to the people he cares about. His hand lingers for a few moments before he withdraws, so he can take a sip from his own cup. ]

Anyway, since you've been injured in the line of duty and all, how about I coddle you a bit? Your wish is my command, Yusuke.

[ He's mostly just being playful, though — if he's well enough to make the trek all the way to Yongen-jaya, he's probably not concussed or anything serious. Still, he doesn't mind playing caretaker just for the fun of it. ]

[Yusuke almost chokes on his next sip. That's-- well--! It's embarrassing to hear. And coming from Akira too! Coddle him... take care of him... It doesn't sound bad. But, he can't put his friend in such position. He doesn't want to impose on him. Akira probably already has his hands full.]

Ahh, I don't think that will be necessary, thank you, [Yusuke's smile is soft, cheeks a bit red from embarrassment.]

Just spending time with you makes me feel better already.

[ ooc: continued from here! ]

What, you mean you left the lobsters to die for a week and then cooked 'em??

If you are trying to imply that I tortured lobsters to death then no. I did not.

[It was, however, very difficult for him to off them. He still feels bad about it.]

I just don't know how to prepare them. I am not a cook.

Wellll.........

[ yusuke might be a bit weird sometimes, but he's still a friend, and friends help friends, right?

or in this case, get other friends to help friends. ]

Why don't you try asking Haru? I bet she's got loads of cooks around she could ask for tips from.

[ isn't that the whole point of being rich, having a million servants?? ]

It's too late for that. I already ate both of them and I don't plan on buying more soon. They are expensive.

But it was worth it. The painting is progressing smoothly.

You're sure? I don't mind, you know.

[ In fact, he can't imagine that he would find anything that Yusuke might ask of him difficult or objectionable. He'd do the Orobas pose in public, he's down for pretty much whatever. ]

You shouldn't have gotten them in the first place if they were so expensive.

[ but whatever. more important things to focus on at the moment. like: ]

Sooooo you gonna show us this new painting when it's done?

[If it's for the art- Yusuke makes no compromises. It had to be done.]

Of course. I sent you an attachment earlier with a photo of it. It is still work in progress. I intend to make the dragon fill the sky, his thunder striking the ground, shattering it.

[Yusuke stares at Akira in amazement. He's going so much out of his way to help him. And it's not even serious injury- everyone gets bumps every now and then.]

You are... really kind person, Akira. Did you know that? [It makes everything that has befallen him seem so unfair and consequently makes Yusuke angry.

He picks up one of the treats from the boxes and offers it to him-] I think I should be the one to coddle you.

[ oh THAT attachment. the one ryuji didn't read because he was too busy talking about lobsters. whooooops. ]

Oh my b, lemme go look

[ and look he does, and lets out a low whistle when he sees it. he might joke about yusuke's erratic artist ways but he can recognize good art when he sees it. (sometimes.) ]

Dude, that's awesome! How long it take you??

It is a work in progress. I have been working on it in the past few days

[There's a pause before he sends next message-]

I would be lying if thunder techniques you use in battle didn't spark an idea in my brain.
I am thoroughly enjoying work on this piece.

Me, kind? ... Not particularly, I don't think. You just make it easy.

[ When he's offered the macarons, he picks the brightest red one, naturally, and takes a generous bite out of it, and then just kind of. Pauses.

And then he makes this expression that screams: Oh, that was really delicious?! ]

Hmm? How does one make it easy to be kind?

[Because he's confused. He was sure that kindness comes from one's heart. And Akira is overflowing with it. It leaves Yusuke in a daze at times.

He takes a bite of his treat as well, holding back a laugh-]

I'm glad you like it.

I do. Thanks for sharing, Yusuke.

[ And he'll keep eating as he ponders how to answer that first question, before finally deciding upon a proper response — ] Well, I always can feel your appreciation. That makes me feel like my efforts were worthwhile.

[Why does everything Akira says make Yusuke so incredibly happy? Even simple stuff like this. It just makes Yusuke want to work harder both in metaverse and art.]

I will make sure to never disappoint you. Now then, [he finishes off his cup of coffee-] have you considered checking Morgana's tires after the last trip? Do they need changing or some kind of maintenance?

OPEN RP POST

@anomies

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Orobas pose... that made me laugh omg xDD

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	This is open RP post. Everything goes here- from PSLs to TFLN overflows. The links below lead to some of my preferences regarding smutty scenarios or general AU/PSL musings- things I'd like to play out. Always feel free to message me to talk about ships/plot out stories or just leave a starter!
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