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FINAL TRIAL

[When the doors open, the killed also find themselves allowed into the Room of Reckoning as well. And - similar to the living - they, too, have a table, with their own names and places and sitting pillows. They, too, receive the note on their phones with a ping.

The dead, however, have something else that the living do not have.

They can see that there is someone sitting on the gold pillow by the stairs.]

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[And that has Yuuri giving Akechi a long, piercing look. Not judgmental or cold... far from it, in fact.

Do you realize now, Akechi?]

[The look he gives back is...actually a little sheepish.]

Ah, I...never did thank you. For offering me a chance to change.

You don't have to thank me, Akechi-san. Just promise me you'll do something positive with your new life, okay? Even if it's something as simple as being happy with people you love.

If I can return to my own world, I already have plans to make a difference...without any more blood on my hands. And I'm sure Akira will be happy if he gets to see me again.

I know he will be.

And if you can't go home for some reason? Maybe we can find a place for you in our world. I could teach you to skate.

[There's a sad hint to his smile, now.]

I...do expect there to be consequences for what I've already done. Even if I didn't plan to confess, my involvement would come to light anyway...but if there's time, I would love to learn to skate.

It can't be any harder than learning to skateboard, at least.

Maybe you'll find mercy where you least expect it. Or maybe there will be another way to repay you debt to society. But no matter what, if you have time....

I'll make sure you and Kurusu-san have the chance to skate together. Kurama-san as well, if he wants.

[...He's not going to address that first part. He doesn't have high hopes for the Japanese legal system's mercy.]

It's actually fairly in line with my own hobbies. Before I was brought here, I enjoyed rock climbing and cycling, along with a few other simple sports.

Then you probably have good stamina and balance. I bet you'll pick up the basics in no time.

[His gentle smile takes on a slightly teasing tone, albeit a warm one.]

Of course, it takes years to learn how to do triple and quad jumps. I couldn't teach you those too quickly, so you'll just have to keep practicing for a long, long time.

I am a quick study, Katsuki-san. And some of my experiences have given me significant skill in acrobatics. I haven't really gotten a chance to show that off, here.

Then I'm insisting you show me what you can do. No arguments, as soon as we're free you're coming to Hasetsu even if I have to... to give an angel a really stern lecture.

[He's somewhere between grinning and terrified at the idea.]

[That...actually gets a laugh! One that he half covers with his hand, though he's not as concerned with hiding his teeth as he used to be.]

There should still be a couple of weeks before my deadline for finishing things up back home, so I should be able to accept that.

Edited 2017-12-22 21:49 (UTC)

Good. That makes me happy, Akechi-san.

[And he leans over Victor, offering his free left hand to Akechi.]

And if you want, you can call me Yuuri.

[He blinks in surprise, then accepts the handshake. He definitely appreciates Yuuri accommodating his handedness.]

Then you can feel free to call me Goro, if you'd like.

[And the handshake isn't timid or weak. There's genuine friendship and trust there.]

I'd like that, Goro-kun.

[And he still hasn't replaced the gloves he left with Akira, so he can feel the full firmness of the grip. His own is a little awkward, but it's a far cry from pushing him away, like he did a week and a half ago.]

You know...before this, I didn't have anyone who called me by my first name. It's a little strange to think there are several now...

Your life is turning around already. It's a good feeling, isn't it?

[Even after they separate from the handshake, the warmth and pressure of their palms remains in memory, a bond between them that might not be a Pact but has its own power.]

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