BERTOLT

[bloodread]

Comments

[perspire]

[ for once, this icon is accurate ]

I might punch you back this time.

[bloodread]

...you really are a masochist, huh.

[perspire]

... people might really think that about me now, huh?

[bloodread]

[ Rather than snark back immediately, Akira seems to think about this. ]

People go with whatever's loud and in their face, so yeah. [ He forgot who said that during trial but he was distracted. ]

[perspire]

[ lets out a sigh at that ]

Thinking about everything, it makes sense, but... [ just sort of. awkwardly shrugs ]

[bloodread]

But what?

[perspire]

It's not like I enjoy it.

[bloodread]

Getting hurt? [ Just to make sure. ]

[perspire]

Yeah, it's just something I accept as happening.

[bloodread]

[ > Akira will remember that. ]

What do you like?

[perspire]

--You know, with everything I've done since I was young, I don't think I ever really figured that out.

I liked reading? And using my 3DMG during training was fun, but...?

[bloodread]

[ Nod. ]

I don't really know either, but riding my bike is nice.

[perspire]

Oh, I never learned to ride one. What's it like?

[bloodread]

You can go 100+ kilometers per hour and the cops can't catch you in their cars, that's what it's like. [ A small grin here. True freedom, or something like it. ]

[perspire]

... I didn't know they could go that fast.

[ but he grins at him ]

I bet it's like when I use my gear then. Like you're flying?

[bloodread]

They can go a hell of a lot faster, but I don't want to blow out my engine with all the stops and turns you need to make in Tokyo.

[ He thinks on that for a moment. ]

...yeah, it's something like that. You can fly with your gear?

[perspire]

Yeah! We launch ourselves through the air, using the hooks to grapple onto whatever it can hold onto.

[ a bit shyly at this part ] I was... actually the best of my training class in using the gear.

[bloodread]

[ Akira opens his mouth then closes it and shakes his head. ]

I'd ask to see, but.

[perspire]

[ gives him a sad smile ]

I would have loved to show you.

[bloodread]

...do you believe in ghosts?

[perspire]

What are ghosts?

[bloodread]

[ He searches bertolt's face, expecting this to be like a trick Seiji would pull on him. ]

...you really don't know?

[perspire]

[ he shakes his head ]

No, I don't.

[bloodread]

Spirits of the dead, basically. I never believed in them until one picked a fight with me and my life turned into dealing with one spirit another another.

[ A beat. ]

Most people pass on, but if you have unfinished business there's a good chance you'll stick around.

[ He just kinda looks at Bertolt, not really wanting to say the obvious. ]

[perspire]

--Oh.

[ he thinks about what that all means. about how he got his titan power in the first place. he lifts a hand and places it against his chest as he thinks about this. ]

I have a lot of unfinished business. If I can... I'll talk to you.