(no subject)

[strangerpeople]

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.]

Comments

[foolishjustice]

[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.

[katsufemmefatale]

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.

[foolishjustice]

[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.

[katsufemmefatale]

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

I'd like that, Goro-kun.

[foolishjustice]

[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...

[katsufemmefatale]

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.]