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It’s like waking up, the way the music enters his senses. A soft piano, perhaps a keyboard and a steady tune. His surroundings are drenched in a deep blue light, giving a suffocating feeling. If he couldn’t make out the grave markings of a mausoleum he’d presume it was the bottom of the ocean.
You’re beautiful
“Morning gorgeous,” The voice was soft, gentle. Akechi only now realized he was moving in a methodical waltz along the floor, only now realized a pair of arms was holding him almost like a guide.
He doesn’t have to look. He knows the voice. He knows it’s Kurusu. He’s heard that voice more than enough times to know.
And evil too
Bringing his gaze to match Kurusu he notices something off. Usually Akechi didn’t like to admire or think about his handiwork; but ignoring the blood that oozes down Kurusu’s face, stains his white turtleneck and leaves a hint of rust in his blazer, would be impossible. Averting his eyes from the bullet nestled all cozy between his eyes seems too challenging, like the flesh caving around it is mesmerizing.
Sinister and vile
Kurusu smiles like he knows something. Like he already won. The fact that Akechi was even here, awash in his guilt, proved that on some level he already had. It’s sickening, like an itch that will burn just under the skin as long as Goro Akechi lives. Kurusu leans in close to his ear, not daring to speak above a whisper when he finally does speak.
“Enjoying the view?”
For you I’d die
“You created, may as well admire it.” He spins Akechi around, stopping halfway. His arms snake around Akechi’s waist as they sway in time with the music.
Or kill myself, whichever makes you smile
A voice that sounds like the tv drifts through his ears. Did he leave it running?
“The leader of the phantom thieves is reported to have committed suicide while in police custody.”
The announcement of his victory. Yes, the phantom thieves would no longer stand between Akechi and his ultimate goal. Somehow, he feels hollow enough to heave a sigh. Kurusu leans to his ear once more.
“Smile detective, you won. Aren’t you glad? Doesn’t it make you proud?”
And if I succeed
Does it? What pleasure was there to be found in a predetermined victory? Kurusu seemed awfully glad to lose, if he even had. Akechi musters at least a tired smile to reply.
“Glad may not be the right word. Relieved perhaps.”
I’ll count all your teeth
“There’s that smile,” Kurusu spins him around once more and beams at him. It’s kind. Like he hadn’t left the boy to rot in a cement grave not even a whole day ago. The music swells as Kurusu dips him and asks a question that freezes Akechi to his core.
“Do you regret it?”
He pauses a moment. Did he regret it? “I beg your pardon?”
I’d swing from the gallows and wave
“Do you regret leaving me to die like that? Do you regret leaving me to metaphorically hang for your crimes?”
The music becomes distant. Does he regret it? His mouth is dry when he answers. “I don’t know.”
And there from the noose
“You don’t know?” Kurusu seems disappointed with Akechi’s answer. Was he supposed to say no? Had he wanted to kill Kurusu? Was he lying to himself?
“You have me at a loss here. I didn’t have much of another choice.”
Lest you cutting me loose
“I suppose you didn’t, it was me or you wasn’t it?”
“Precisely.”
Perhaps there was another option there. Perhaps there was a piece of the puzzle Akechi didn’t have. Dwelling on what could have been was a useless endeavor.
I’d carousel into my grave
It’s quiet. Kurusu doesn’t say a word as they waltz. That’s probably for the best, given that it was beginning to feel like a police interrogation to Akechi. His focus drifts back to the music, back to Kurusu’s face.
It’s now that Akechi realizes how cold his hands are, how pale his skin is. Like he’s rotting through Akechi’s grasp. Of course Akechi doesn’t even know why he’s surprised. That’s what happens to corpses after all.
Darling, Lord knows you’re beautiful
“I loved you, you know,” Kurusu speaks again. It sends a wave of guilt that was likely very much intended.
“I know,” Akechi dares not respond above a whisper.
But you’re evil
Fact is, you’re downright vicious too
Kurusu had loved him, and Akechi didn’t even see a hint of betrayal in his eyes when he buried a bullet between them. He had used Kurusu and thrown him away just as easily. Because that was who Akechi was, that was what he did wasn’t it? Drew people in with his charm and disposed of them once their use to him was over.
Why did it sting him now?
But each night I look up at the stars in the sky
And I can’t help it
But I still wish
I was with you
“I don’t blame you. You’re a survivor, sacrifices are necessary.”
“Shut up.” The sarcasm in Kurusu’s forgiveness was palpable. If Akechi didn’t know any better he might have expected venom to drip from his lips and mingle with the blood that kept seeping into his uniform.
“As you wish dear.”
And if I succeed
Silence once more. Music is the only thing that cuts through the tense air. Kurusu has a mischievous look in his eye. Like he knows how much all of this is getting under Akechi’s skin. Striking right through Akechi’s pride. It makes him think that despite his victorious outcome he was losing.
And Goro Akechi hated losing.
I’ll count all your teeth
“What happened to that smile?”
Akechi yanks him dangerously close, moving in time with the beat of the waltz. “I told you to shut the fuck up.”
Kurusu grins, blood oozes past his lips and stains his teeth. “That you did.”
I’d swing from the gallows and wave
“ Do you think you’ve won?” Kurusu finds himself asking anyway.
Once again it becomes an interrogation. Akechi’s control slips. Like it always does. It infuriates him.
“I don’t think I’ve won. I did. You’ve taken the blame for my wrongdoings whilst completely defenseless. Your friends are going to mysteriously go missing one by one, and finally I’ll have my revenge.”
“Awful confident about that. Remember detective, what goes around comes around.”
And there from the noose
“Are you threatening me?”
“Oh I’m not. I wouldn’t dream of it.”
No. No, Kurusu can’t be talking about him. He wouldn’t even know. Still, the idea that he even might was concerning in and of itself.
Lest you cutting me loose
“Then stop talking like you know anything.”
“I know more than you think.”
I’d carousel into my grave
The music cuts them both off. Loud trumpets flare as Kurusu and he both fight to lead the dance. He’s not losing here. Not to a ghost of all things.
But he does. Kurusu dips him once more as the music begins to fade from his ears, being undercut by a ringing like...like an alarm. And the blue surroundings fade, he forces his eyes open to sunlight.
And Goro Akechi wakes up.