I'm wearing a smile because otherwise, it makes it difficult for people to function around me. [That's a nice way of putting it.] But if I had a choice, I wouldn't need to do it at all.
It's tiring, that's what I mean. Adhering in the stage play that is everything all around us. Along with my apology, I just wanted to let you know that someone else functions the same way as you.
[Maybe this is too much of an assumption, but. Henry's making it anyway.]
[ akechi immediately bristles again at someone trying to act like they understand, like they know, him, but.
but. ]
A stage play? That's awfully dramatic.
[ akechi agrees. he also... agrees with wishing he didn't have to. he'd spent all that time acting that way for all kinds of reasons, but then... he has to admit he had... fun, getting to let go and be more himself when the ruse was finally up. ]
[ akechi's father tried to do much the same-- akechi himself did much the same.
ha. ]
I'd be interested to hear about that sometime. [ it's only fair, after all-- but yes, perhaps another time. as for the question... akechi mulls it over. thinks about it. eventually decides, ]
I know it wasn't your fault. I'm not happy about it, but I understand.
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so if he had a reason...?
the question makes him pause though. ]
Politeness has its uses.
[ which is. not technically an answer. but also totally an answer. ]
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It's a half-answer, anyway.]
To get people to do what you want, right?
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That's certainly part of it. Although I wouldn't put it so broadly, personally.
I don't just go around trying to get everyone to do what I want for fun.
[ ...perhaps much like henry needs "a reason" to use things against people. ]
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No, I suppose not.
I'm wearing a smile because otherwise, it makes it difficult for people to function around me. [That's a nice way of putting it.] But if I had a choice, I wouldn't need to do it at all.
It's tiring, that's what I mean. Adhering in the stage play that is everything all around us. Along with my apology, I just wanted to let you know that someone else functions the same way as you.
[Maybe this is too much of an assumption, but. Henry's making it anyway.]
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but. ]
A stage play? That's awfully dramatic.
[ akechi agrees. he also... agrees with wishing he didn't have to. he'd spent all that time acting that way for all kinds of reasons, but then... he has to admit he had... fun, getting to let go and be more himself when the ruse was finally up. ]
Most people are shallow. [ is what he'll allow.
is he... sympathizing?? ]
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>[It feels a little like sympathy. Maybe that's a step in the right direction, when it comes to... smoothing over their last meeting.]
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You're not wrong. Everyone has a persona they show to the world.
[ haha... haha... ]
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And that's not always a good thing. My own family employed that very well.
[But maybe that's a tale for another time.]
Either way, I hope there's not too much bad blood between us for now.
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[ akechi's father tried to do much the same-- akechi himself did much the same.
ha. ]
I'd be interested to hear about that sometime. [ it's only fair, after all-- but yes, perhaps another time. as for the question... akechi mulls it over. thinks about it. eventually decides, ]
I know it wasn't your fault. I'm not happy about it, but I understand.