“Exactly!” Akechi raises his arms in exasperation. “First come first serve- and yet even all my second choices beyond Crow had been taken. Feels like I’ve just settled for Mockingbird” and it wasn’t even his idea- ok fine he concedes that technically it’s Loki’s but Hannei is the one who suggested it.
And it’s not like he had any better bird choices he could think of.
He still feels it’s a placeholder until he does come up with something better, not that he’s really considered other options lately.

And then Kira says that. And he blinks at him, a bit surprised by the genuine comment.
It’s…
…
Damn, is this why the Akechi Akiren rivalry is common across the multiverse? If his Akiren is like this then maybe it would be nice to have him as a friend.
Or rival.

“…that’s, appreciated” is what Akechi eventually says, looking at the board and Kira’s full tripple 20s. He tries not to roll his eyes at the rumors comment, yes yes he will keep this to himself bla bla bla.

Ah, Futaba. “She does. And if she’s decided she likes you she will cling like a kuala and refuse to let go” he shakes his head, fighting back the fond smile as he thinks of her. He supposed her friendship isn’t the worst.
He still dreads the day she realizes the full extent of his involvement with her mother but… he doesn’t mind pretending that isn’t a looming issue
Just a bit longer.
… it’s his turn next isn’t it? He should get the darts.