show me your true colors.

Yusuke Kitagawa @ fuckoville

[captivatedhues-blog]

andthatsthepiss‌:

Abbacchio’s half expecting the kid to turn down his offer, or throw up whatever placation he can before politely excusing himself. But instead he accepts and Abbacchio knows he’s fucked. 

Regardless, he remains impassive as he introduces himself and asks him what he’s doing out here. 

“Waiting for the bus, what else?” He shrugs, idly staring ahead. Yeah, he has another obligation, but he’s not gonna tell Yusuke that. Besides, his boss is a jackass and can get in contact through him through other means. Arnold will be bitching him out, which will be annoying, sure, but somehow… This seems more important to him. More important than his actual job, somehow. Since when did that happen. 

“… Name’s Abbacchio, by the way.” 

– You suddenly don’t know what to say, what with everything out in the open. It wasn’t as if you’d been expecting this conversation to go any further than telling him that his life means something. And even then, you’re just echoing a sentiment that you wish someone would tell you. Regardless, you inhale, and you move forward. 

“It’s nice to meet you under slightly better circumstances,” you say, and it’s true. You might not know how to function, but you’re glad you saw him again. The bus rolls up, and you gladly embark on it with him. 

“Ah. Your eye makeup is stunning, yet again. Tell me, does one use the odd applicator that it comes with? I can’t imagine painting with such a tool to be very easy.” 

Defaulting to art? Of course. You think of this man as an artist, after all. To create such a fine gradient on the face... it takes talent.

“I’ve um. I’ve thought about wearing reds, myself. But. I don’t think my teacher would approve of something so bold.” 

It feels a bit revealing to admit as much, but you’re trying to form a conversation that isn’t about the weather. 

[captivatedhues-blog]

@nomoruleskidd

– You head off to the address Ryuji sent you, doing your best to look at ease as you wait for him to arrive. You’ve taken a look over the menu, and everything smells wonderful. But... what will you be able to keep down? Your head starts to ache as you consider your options, and a ringing of a shop bell only serves as a further annoyance. You look to check to see who it is and... ah. Looks like you’ve ran out of time. 

Either way, you don’t show your disappointment. You just wave to Ryuji, and give a smile. It’s fine. Maybe you’ll be able to weigh your options while he’s deciding what to order.

“I was beginning to think you wouldn’t make it,” you say reaching into your satchel. You slide the bus schedule over to the seat next to you. “Here. I promised, didn’t I?” 

[captivatedhues-blog]

nomoruleskidd‌:

From: Ryuji To: Yusuke

💀: Sounds good man! I’ll get the address for ya. 💀: Wait! There’s a BUS?! I’ve just been walkin everywhere!!!

💀: I look forward to it dude!

[Ryuji Sakamoto is typing … … … ]

💀: Take care of yourself okay 💀: I’ll see you tomorrow!

from: Kitagawa Yusuke to: Sakamoto Ryuji 

🖌️: I’ll bring a copy of the bus schedule for you.  🖌️: Consider it a trade for the ramen.  🖌️: And I will.  🖌️: See you tomorrow. 

[captivatedhues-blog]

andthatsthepiss‌:

Honestly, it should be left at that. The kid’s home life was none of his business, no matter how alarming the implications are. Abbacchio knew that he wouldn’t take kindly to a stranger prodding into his personal business. 

… Except he did, once. 

Hazed memories of rain drenched cold and the burning taste of whiskey resurface, as well as the sight of clear blue eyes that regarded him neither pity, nor disdain. An offered hand, and a chance to reshape the broken shards of his life into something manageable. 

He knew for a fact he would have been dead by now had he not Bruno Buccellati that night.  But this kid wasn’t Abbacchio, thank god for that. And Abbacchio was no Buccellati. He was in no position to reach a hand out to someone else, especially when they look they could crumble at any moment. And he did look like he was ready to crumble. Or collapse. 

…

God damn it. 

“You don’t have to be in sub-zero weather to clear your head,” he says, voice only slightly raised. 

“Want to get a cup of coffee?”

You hadn’t realized you’d been wishing for him to say something more to you until he does. You look up to him, speechless for a few seconds as you try to decide whether or not to take his offer. There isn’t a lot of money left in your savings, however, there should be enough for a cup of coffee and for the ride home. And coffee just sounds so... good. Like something you’ve needed for a lifetime. 

“... That sounds lovely, actually.”

“Oh. I don’t believe I formally introduced myself. My name is Yusuke Kitagawa. I’m a student of the arts.” 

You fumble for something, anything else to say. 

“Was... there a reason you’re out in the cold?” 

[captivatedhues-blog]

nomoruleskidd‌:

From: Ryuji To: Yusuke

💀: Don’t worry about it man! I’m just glad you’re okay. 💀: I’m seriously free whenever dude, so just let me know when you’ve got some time. 💀:Hell we can go both days! I’ll eat the ramen from this place all day everyday!  💀: I’m gonna see if they’ll give me a job doin deliveries for ‘em! [Ryuji Sakamoto is typing … … … ] 💀:So you workin on any new paintings? I’m no good at artsy stuff, but I think you make some really cool shit! Even if I don’t always get it.

from: Kitagawa Yusuke to: Sakamoto Ryuji 

[ Yusuke is typing ... .... ... ... ] 

🖌️: Does noon tomorrow work? If you tell me where to meet you, I can find my way there.  🖌️: Riding the bus is actually relaxing here.  🖌️: Also I have been trying.  🖌️: Everything seems to be coming out muddy however. 🖌️: If I make anything worth sharing, I’ll be sure to bring it with me to show you.  🖌️: And it’s alright if you don’t understand. In many ways that’s almost more useful than recieving feedback from other artists.  🖌️: I have to go now, though.  🖌️: I’ll see you tomorrow, Ryuji. 

[captivatedhues-blog]

andthatsthepiss‌:

It’s fucking cold. 

He hates it, and he hates this fucking city. He should be in Naples, where neither the weather or the food sucks. But there is some cosmic force in the universe that is constantly trying to destroy any semblance of contentment that Abbacchio could scrape together, and today it is sub-zero weather. 

He does have a coat. Does it look good? Yes. Is it doing enough to block out jack frost essentially jacking off all over the weather? Does it even need to be said? 

So of course he has to be outside today. And of course the building he’s meeting with his sort-of-not-really capo is all the way across town, so he has to take a bus. Which means he has to stand here and hope that the bitter freeze doesn’t root him to the spot. 

So he’s exactly zero (0) percent interested in any conversation that requires him to expel any body heat through talking. He’s fully prepared to tell whatever prick who’s addressing him to fuck off, but it’s immediately forgotten when he sees who it is. 

He’s not quite sure it is him at first, but when the kid from the Christmas party comes up to him and actually thanks him, referencing that horrifically mortifying outburst he had, recognition clicks in Abbacchio’s head. 

He supposes he should brush it off, or maybe let himself be fucking glad the kid gives a shit enough to tell him to survive, but he can’t help but notice how fucking awful he looks. He figured that he was sick from over-drinking and the following hangover, but now that Abbacchio isn’t emotionally riled up, he can observe the kid in more detail. 

He’s ridiculously pale, with bruised bags under his eyes. And while it was disgustingly cold outside, he was shivering way too much for how bundled up he is. Abbacchio’s expression tightens. 

“… Don’t worry about it.” He finally says, crossing his arms, and actually frustrated with himself for not being able to string together a better answer. 

“S’there a reason for you to be out in this weather? You look like you should be in bed.”

You don’t know how to answer that without lying, which is such a graceless thing to do but… what else could you say? Your situation is far from normal, and even more difficult to explain with any measure of brevity. But you can’t exactly play things off as if you’re okay, and you know that. Especially with the way he’s looking at you now.

“Things are… complicated at home, so I wanted to take a walk,” you say, a little more quietly than you mean to. You clear your throat, and continue.

“I’m sorry for troubling you. I just wanted to thank you for your kindness, is all. Please take care.”

And… you suppose that’s that. Two strangers pass by one another, make their marks, and leave. It’s the kind of world you’ve grown accustomed to, but still. You’re happy you met this person. You hope that person he was talking to in that room takes care of him, too.

[captivatedhues-blog]

nomoruleskidd‌:

@captivatedhues

From: Ryuji To: Yusuke

💀: Hey man, I just wanted to make sure you’re okay 💀: You weren’t doin so hot last I saw you… 💀: If you’re free sometime, wanna grab lunch? 💀: I know a great ramen place! My treat!  💀: 🍜🍥🍜🍥🍜🍥🍜🍥🍜🍥🍜🍥

You check your phone and- oh. It’s Ryuji...  And he’s worried about you? There’s undoubtedly a piece of your heart that feels warmer, yes, but it’s overwrought with shame as well. You feel awful for letting yourself stoop so low at the party in front of him, and what’s worse well. He seems to be on to something you would rather keep to yourself. 

Would it really be wise to go out and eat with him like this? 

from: Kitagawa Yusuke to: Sakamoto Ryuji 

🖌️: I’m alright. Sorry for worrying you. 

[ Yusuke is typing... ... ... ... ...                                         .... .... ... ... ...  ... ... ... ] 

🖌️: I’m available tomorrow, or the next day.  🖌️: Would either of those work? 

[4threset]

Happy Birthday Yusuke my child I learnt how to draw lobsters for you. <3

[captivatedhues-blog]

@andthatsthepiss

– It isn’t for a few days that you manage to go outside again, and the bitter cold does not help. But you need to leave the house. You don’t want to be holed up in your room anymore, regardless of how bitterly cold it is. The bus stop is only a few paces away from your house, and to ride it is only a small fee. You’ll ride it anywhere it goes. 

You see a familiar face, while you’re waiting, huddled up in the little hut. Well. He’s familiar as the person who told you to never drink again. That man from the party.

“... Wait- wait a mm-moment,” you say through chattering teeth. It’s embarrassing, but you need to thank him. Or apologize. Or both. But when you run up to him, your words die in your throat for just a little too long. 

“I wanted to thank you, again. Nn-now that I have my wits about me,”  you swallow hard, and continue.  “That act of kindness at the party- no matter how small. I needed it. So. I meant what I said. Your life is important. Please don’t give up.”

[captivatedhues-blog]

{ Making Marks } 

– You wake in your party clothes, with a splitting headache, and nausea to rival all the nausea you’ve been feeling for months. It’s all the confirmation you need that last night was indeed a reality, and not a nightmare. You’re... so ashamed of yourself. How much grace must you lack to have gotten so intoxicated? To let yourself fall so far? To need carried? 

You said so many things. Completely bore your soul to Sakamoto, and a few strangers. What a disgusting display of emotion you’ve become. 

Sensei knocks on the door, and you tell him that you’re sick. It’s the truth. But this time, he doesn’t believe you. The fact is, you’ve been “sick” for weeks now. What you didn’t tell your friends in the hallway last night, when they commented on how light you were, is that you are been being starved. However, it the fault doesn’t lie with Madarame. It lies with your own body. 

 There are so many thoughts in your head conflicting with one another, running your nerves ragged. You’ve been trying to eat. But lately, nothing seems to want to stay down. You’ve felt so light headed, much like you do right now listening to a lecture on how being a great artist requires dedication. You hate disappointing your teacher. But can you really keep working like this?  You paint for a while, just making marks. Then you throw up, and Madarame seems to believe you. He apologizes for being so hard on you, and takes you to bed. He brings you water, and tells you that he knows you’re doing your best. 

And... for a few seconds, you want to believe nothing in the world could be wrong. You let him be the closest thing you have to a father, just for a few selfish moments, and fall back asleep. 

[boxkiri]

here is a tiny excited yusuke

[captivatedhues-blog]

@nyannyangaogao

You’d arrived at the venue rather early, having got quite a bit of sketching done prior to Ann’s arrival. At some point, you had gotten lost in your thoughts. About the incident with that boy who met a terrible fate out there on the streets. But once the bell to the door rings and you see her, those thoughts are kept at bay if only for now. 

You wave to her from your table, which despite your best efforts has become a bit of a disaster zone. There are papers scattered about, reference books stacked. You have every intention of cleaning up, but for now you push everything into a pile. It’s... a bit embarrassing. But you’ve been so inspired since you saw her, yesterday. Your wrists may be starting to feel it, however, so it’s good she’s here.

“Ah! Takamaki-san,” you wave to her, unconsciously leaning to cover up the shame of the disaster pile you’ve left in your wake. There are also multiple cups beginning to stack up. You’ve had quite a bit of coffee. 

“I hope your photoshoot went well. As you can see I’ve been busy- I’ll clean this up while you order. The coffee here is delicious.” 

You haven’t eaten anything though... the croissant in the case is calling you, however, you do need to save some money for later. As well as to tip with. And for bus fare. And supplies. Oh god. You hope you have enough. 

[captivatedhues-blog]

@kotyonokonice

You arrive early to the cafe early, feeling a bit inspired with how excited you are. You’re having coffee, and with a friend no less. 

You get comfortable, settling in at one of the booths. The barista looked busy in the back, and you aren’t about to bother him. You’re in no hurry after all. You dredge up your sketchbook from your bag, as well as your assortment of drawing tools. You’ve learned your lesson about taking acrylics to establishments already. Dry media only. 

You find yourself sketching quite a bit. The surroundings, at first. A few thumbnails of future ideas that are... questionable at best. But then the barista catches your eye. The pose of his arms moving upwards to pull up his hair... the serenity in his expression in just that one moment. You wonder if you can capture it. 

 After your first three attempts, you end up making eye contact. Ah. Ohhh you’ve been sitting here for an hour and haven’t ordered anything yet. 

“Ah- sorry. Are you busy?” – It’s a stupid question. There’s no line. 

“I’m um. Waiting for someone, but if there’s a house blend...” 

[captivatedhues-blog]

nyannyangaogao‌:

“Huh? Oh, y-yeah, that’s right.” Ann glanced back and noticed the rest of the photography crew. They weren’t outwardly showing their impatience, but she could tell from the way some were checking their phones or glancing nervously at the setting sun that they had wanted her back.

Truth be told, she had forgotten all about the photo shoot. And honestly, she was about ready to call it off then and there, not wanting to part with Yusuke just yet. But she didn’t want to be pushy with him either, since for him, this was their first meeting. Besides, she had made a commitment for this gig, and a job was a job, right? 

Still, she really, really didn’t want to leave him alone. 

“Um! Are you free tomorrow?” She blurts out without fully thinking things through. But now that she’s recaptured his attention, she’s not about to drop it now. “I mean, if you’re not ready to set up for the modeling or whatever, that’s cool. But maybe we could get a cup of coffee? Like, just to hang out?”

She calls after you, and of course, you can’t help but turn back around. You never wanted to leave after all. But you can’t help but be surprised. She really wants to spend time with you so soon? You can’t imagine why. But you’re truly thankful. 

“I would love nothing more,” you say, adjusting your bag on your shoulder. How foolish you were to bring so much with you at once. 

“Please feel free to text me where you would like to meet. I’d be happy to try somewhere new. The coffee shops near my home always seem to be lacking something, for some reason.” 

You take a deep breath in as you leave, feeling lighter. You’ve made a friend after all, haven’t you? Amidst all of this melancholy. 

[captivatedhues-blog]

nomoruleskidd‌:

Taking a deep breath he tries to hold in the rage that boils. Still, he tells himself, this time it seems like Yusuke is ready to listen. It takes him a moment to find the words, his voice low and forced, trying to stay as ‘civil’ as he can manage.

“I get it, he’s raised you, and you feel indebted to him or somethin’, but Madarame is a shitty guy who manipulates and uses his pupils. Before you start yellin’ at me though let me finish,”

He sighs, crosses his arms, eyes locked on his feet.

“This ain’t gonna make a lot sense, I still don’t really get it myself, but you’re like me. You’ve got a persona. It’s this cool ass thing that lets you get into the palaces of people with distorted desires. Kinda like getting’ into their heart ya know? And like me, you’re one of the phantom thieves, or you will be. Shit this is confusin’” He takes a second to gather himself, trying to find the words, “It sounds crazy, but we’re a group of people with these powers who want justice for the shitty adults who have made life hell for us, for people we know, and for people we don’t. We go into those palaces and we find their treasure and we steal it. We’re stickin’ up for the little guys, see.”

He leans back on the bench and sighs again.

“Ugh it’s really hard to explain if I can’t just show ya.”

He turns to Yusuke, a whisper of a smile on his face, “what I’m tryin’ to say is…Madarame has one of those Palaces, and it’s a nightmare of a museum. He’s stealin’ his pupils works and claims them as his own, he’s led people to homelessness and worse, he might be charismatic and shit but under it all he’s a greedy monster.”

The words are harsh, he knows, but honesty seems the best thing here. It had taken so much work to get Yusuke on their side last time, hopefully the second time round would be easier. Nonetheless he braces himself for Yusuke’s stubborn side. 

– What he has to say at first, completely disarms you. It also, without a doubt, convinces you that he does know you. He has to. Otherwise, how would he know your heart so readily? You’ve never told anyone how you feel indebted to him. Not even once. It’s difficult to even admit such truths to yourself. 

And as much as you want to deny what he’s saying about your sensei... those are the same words you read on the blog of the boy who was murdered. He was homeless. But hadn’t he left of his own accord? That was what your sensei told you.  But then. There’s so much madness in what he’s telling you. Palace? Special powers? Persona? It all sounds absurd. But he’s not joking, is he? No. How could he be? 

“... Very well then, show me,” you say, no shortage of anger in your voice. You stand up. 

“If what you’re saying about Madarame is true, then I want to know. Show me this ‘palace’ you speak of, and we’ll be done with it. Well? Go on.” 

You take a deep breath. “And if you’re lying- I will never forgive you.” 

[captivatedhues-blog]

nyannyangaogao‌:

The pit in Ann’s stomach grows heavier as Yusuke confirms her fears: Madarame did find him after all. He doesn’t sound particularly troubled when he recounts his story to Ann, in fact, he seems genuinely relieved to have returned to his teacher again. But then again, he was greatly devoted to the ‘master artist’ the first time around as well. Just coming out and trying to expose Madarame now would only cause Yusuke to push her away. So she kept her friendly smile firmly in place. 

But it grew harder by the second, especially the other teen had so earnestly offered her a helping hand, already caring for her well being without knowing anything about her. She felt so scummy lying to him like this. Was this really the right thing? Didn’t he deserve to know about the true horrific nature of the man he loved like a father? She was of course planning to help him see this anyway, but… Yusuke wasn’t some game piece to plan around. He was her friend, and she was just… Playing him, even if she convinced herself that it was for his own good. 

… Maybe a little bit of Akechi had rubbed off on her without her realizing it. 

“Thank you. Of course, same goes for you. If you ever need to vent or anything, I’m all ears.” 

Coward. 

   –  Just as you begin to settle into this comfortable conversation, it seems as if it it is destined to draw to a close after all. As you look over Ann’s shoulder briefly, it looks as if her team is starting to gather back from their break. Given that she looked to be the model for the shoot, you probably shouldn’t take up much more of her time, as desperately as you want to. 

“I’ll keep that in mind. And thank you for hearing me out today. It’s nice to have a friend here in this maddening place,” you say, voice a bit more quiet than you had intended. You don’t want this to end just yet. Ever since you arrived you’ve had a strange yearning for coffee you just can’t shake, and you wanted to ask her to go with you. It always tastes better with company for some reason. 

Even alone, it’s still something you can do to pass the time instead of going back to the house. 

“I should let you go for now, however. Your teammates are waiting on you, and we are entering the golden hours. What kind of monster would I be to impede on such magnificent lighting?” From the way the clouds are beginning to light up in pink hues, you can only imagine how radiant those photographs will turn out.

“Farewell, Takamaki-san.”

[captivatedhues-blog]

crowism‌:

“Oh no, it is not an inconvenience at all. I just appreciate you agreeing to speak with me.”

You wonder what he means by giving everyone space. It’s a suspicious statement and you make a mental note to do more digging later. Perhaps something had happened.

“I see.” It’s as you thought–Madarame very intentionally sought him out. “I hope things are going well for you thus far.”

You doubt they’re going all that well.

“Oh, yes, haha. I apologize.” You somehow doubt he would take the missing memories bomb as well as the others. Unlike them, he has someone here he knows and trusts, even if that person is actually manipulating and using him. So, you lie instead. “I don’t think we ever formally met. I’m a rookie detective and back in Tokyo I was brought onto a case regarding art fraud and plagiarism. Coincidentally, you were on my list of potential interviewees, but clearly that fell through.”

You laugh a bit at your own jest.

“It was refreshing to find out someone from Tokyo around my age had also been brought here, so I decided to seek you out. I hope it wasn’t too forward of me.”

–「 At first, things are pleasant enough. Akechi seems, all in all, to be a nice young man. The promise of food in a place with easy atmosphere also has your interest piqued, as you haven’t eaten anything since early this morning. But then he mentions how he had been investigating cases of art fraud, and something about that smile of his just seems. Off putting now.」

「 What had he really approached you for, today? Was it really just to be friendly? You walk alongside him as naturally as possible, but your spine is stiff. 」

“ Not at all. I’m flattered. I’m also impressed that you figured out I was the one who arrived here specifically, though. You must be quite aware of what’s going on in this city. Very fitting for a detective.” –「 You don’t take your eyes off his as you gauge his reaction.」

“... Can I ask you something, Akechi-kun?”