user: #B91600 - subject: Missing Hat

[heartsteals]

[ contrary to his fairly casual way of speaking, Lupin types on the forums exactly the way you'd expect a gentleman from the 1800s to write a letter. ]

My dear fellow abductees,

The recent events involving Shadows and Shadow-Monsters led to the unfortunate loss of my hat; with their activity subsided, I assumed that my stolen goods would be returned to me. However, it appears they had one last prank to play on me: I am reunited with a hat, but not my own. It is a navy blue pork pie hat with a red and white ribbon, adorned with a cute pink flower. I've attached a rather poor image of it - my description may be of more use.

[ attached is an artistic depiction of a hat. He did his best with the laptop touchpad and the paint program... ]

If you are the owner of this hat, it shall be returned to you. And if you have my hat - a fine silk top hat with a red tie - this is a notice of my intention to take it back, if you will not hand it over yourself.

Cordialement,
Lupin

PS: Do we have a name for our Town yet?

Comments

actions!!

[doublecrowss]

You think? It's not so uncommon, back where I come from. Quite practical, too. But, if that's what you prefer...

[ Knock knock! A few moments later, he's at Lupin's door, announcing his presence with a pair of knocks before turning the knob open, head peeking inside. ]

Is this any better?

[heartsteals]

[ he is indeed sitting there, his laptop perched on a rickety sidetable while he rests on the edge of his bed with one leg crossed over his knee; when Akechi enters, of course, he redirects his attention towards him. ]

Much better, thank you. [ Kyrie's hat lays beside him on the bed, and Lupin picks it up, deftly tossing it towards Akechi without missing a beat. ] So, monsieur detective, do you know if Kyrie actually lives in Ruga, or is he pulling my leg?

[doublecrowss]

[ Good thing Akechi has quick reflexes, so he catches the hat just in time, runs a hand over the surface as he tries to remember, either the name or a face. ]

The only Kyrie I know of is Caramia-san's friend. I haven't spoken to him in person, and I'm not sure where he lives, but I do know Caramia-san lives in Ruga. They seem to be close, so it's likely he'll be over quite often, at least.

[heartsteals]

[ the prompt answer gets an "ooh" and a brief golf clap from Lupin, who looks amused. ]

Wow, you really knew! As expected of a detective.

[ not that he doubted Akechi, of course. ]

Yeah, that's the one. I'm surprised they're that close, but I guess Caramia's the type of guy that could actually put up with him.

[doublecrowss]

[ Akechi offers a small chuckle at Lupin's theatrics, then moves in closer to take an idle look at his laptop. He had already read everything he needed to know back in his own room, anyway. ]

Kyrie-san does sound like someone who's very difficult to handle, but it's true Caramia-san is just easygoing enough to be able to handle him. If, by any chance, you have trouble retrieving your hat through friendly negotiation, I believe we could count on him to assist.

[ Assuming Lupin doesn't just steal it back and all, that is. ]

[heartsteals]

I think so, too. Or... I could just take it from him.

[ one of these options is nicer than the other, but also, Lupin only has so much patience for these dumb games... ]

But I hope he's not that stubborn. This whole shadow thing was already a pain in the neck.

[doublecrowss]

Well, since it is your own hat you're taking, I suppose I couldn't arrest you for theft this time, haha.

[ Silly jokes properly dispensed, he brings a hand to his chin, thinking back on the main topic of discussion. ]

I'm surprised Kyrie-san still has the mind to play difficult even now, though. I thought he might too concerned for Caramia-san, all things considered...

[heartsteals]

Hm? Did something happen to Caramia?

[ he didn't hear about it, somehow, but he doesn't sound entirely surprised - he'd seemed reckless to Lupin. ]

[doublecrowss]

Hmm. [ A pause, and he hooks a finger under his chin in thought. ] I'm not sure if anything happened per se, but Caramia-san surely has been acting somewhat unusual for a while. Unlike his customary positive self, it's almost as though he's been... on constant watch.

[ Constantly scared, too, but he's keeping this much to himself. It's mostly an assumption, anyway. ]

[heartsteals]

On constant watch...?

[ well, that definitely sounds like something happened, considering Lupin's aforementioned impression of him as 'reckless.' He purses his lips. ]

Those shadows did something to him, I bet. Whatever those monsters are, they can mess with peoples' minds. It happened to you before.

[doublecrowss]

That is a likely possibility. However--

[ Akechi leans back against the wall, cups one hand over the other. He's not too fond of revisiting the memories of the time he lost his colors, but it's important information to base his conclusions on, so: ]

Whenever those shadows were directly responsible, people returned to normal in only a few days-- myself included. I do believe they are involved, but I get the feeling it's not quite the same as the other instances.

[heartsteals]

[ he knows Akechi probably doesn't want to talk about it, either, which is why he'd left his statement fairly opaque - and why he intends on moving on from this quickly. ]

... It's frustrating, but there's not much we can do but wait and hope he gets better either way.

[ not having all the information here - or any good way of getting it - is killing him. Resources are a gentleman thief's greatest asset, and he has none. ]

[doublecrowss]

[ Akechi nods in agreement-- with Lupin's words and, unbeknownst to him, to his feelings, as well. He, too, hates feeling powerless, without resources or concrete information.

But, there's no use dwelling in that, either. It's best to focus on the thing they can do. ]

If you're planning to exchange hats with Kyrie-san, it's likely you will find him with Caramia-san. Perhaps you can check on him, see for yourself if he's gotten any better.

[ And maybe... tell Akechi...? Not like he cares or anything... ]

[heartsteals]

I will. [ a sigh; he stretches his arms out over his head, then leans back again. ] I knew it was only a matter of time before that guy got himself into trouble. He needs to work on thinking ahead.

[doublecrowss]

[ Or maybe he needs to work on thinking, period. Not like Akechi would say that out loud, of course, so he only nods in agreement. ]

I'll admit this place isn't exactly safe, and it does normally throw us into troublesome situations, but... Caramia-san does strike me as the type to act on reckless impulse at times.

[ A brief pause, and then: ] On the other hand, and as difficult as he might act, Kyrie-san seems to be considerably more responsible. Perhaps like this, they can balance each other out?

[heartsteals]

[ he's trying to be charitable, okay!! ]

Yeah, that's probably how it works with them. Caramia's too happy-go-lucky to be bothered by all the stuff Kyrie says, Kyrie can't find many people he stand... voila. I've got a friend like that, myself.

[ people with big personalities like that tend to draw all sorts towards themselves, including those who otherwise wouldn't have many friends at all... unbeknownst to himself, Lupin is sort of one of those types, too. ]

[doublecrowss]

[ Unbeknownst to him, really? It sounds like he's not entirely oblivious to the fact, if he can admit that's exactly how he, too, got a friend of his own. ]

Oh, did you? [ He offers an amused chuckle at that, hand to his chin again. ] Lupin-san doesn't seem like the intolerant type, so... would that make you the happy-go-lucky type?

[ He's joking, of course. Mostly. ]

[heartsteals]

No way. I'm a Lupin-type, obviously.

[ he's special!! ]

My raw charm just draws people in. Like a magnet.

[doublecrowss]

Ah, of course. [ Another laugh, soft and polite, and maybe a little too indulging. ] How silly of me.

[ He's definitely very special!! But: ]

So, are you trying to use your raw charm on me, as well, monsieur gentleman thief? I must say, I will not be easily swayed!

[ Akechi is also a special detective! Look at all that charisma! ]

[heartsteals]

[ you go along with him too easily, Akechi. He hums at that response, leaning back in his chair. ]

Not on purpose, I haven't. It just happens, you know? I get more popular day by day... [ a pause - then he offers a cheeky wink. ] But I do think it's working on you.

[doublecrowss]

[ Being indulgent is part of earning people's favors, you know. And it seems to work particularly well on Lupin, so why stop?

(And if Akechi has a little fun on the side, that's just... a welcome bonus, yes.) ]

Oh, do you? And whatever gave you that impression?

[heartsteals]

We're friends, aren't we?

[ he gestures idly. ]

A wanted man and a detective, living together in harmony... That's proof of something.

1/2

[doublecrowss]

[ Ah... that word again. Friends.

It's not one that he heard a lot, back home, or... at all, if he's being honest. But in this place? Notions like friendship, and family, they almost feel like they're casually tossed around, given too easily. But are they really true...?

For someone who's constantly telling lies, this might be one he wants to believe in. ]

2/2

[doublecrowss]

Ah, but, as far as this place is concerned, you haven't really committed any crimes.

[ And then he leans in closer, with a wink, as though imparting a secret: ]

And who knows, I might just be playing along so to keep a close eye on you.

[heartsteals]

[ he does notice that pointed lack of response to his question, rhetorical as it might have been. Is Akechi shy? Or is he actually just playing along, as he suggests? The idea had never even entered his head until this moment. It certainly hasn't seemed that way to him, but he supposes it's not out of the question - he's a detective, after all, and they can be cunning.

In the end, it doesn't really matter to Lupin at the moment. His own feelings of camaraderie for his roommate are real enough. He reaches out a hand to poke Akechi in the forehead, nudging his face to the side when he leans in. ]

For your sake, I hope you're not. The best men in two countries couldn't stop me. You won't stand a chance.