5 || [audio]

[incriminating]

[There is an obnoxiously sharp clinking as he repeatedly taps the muzzle of the gun against a wooden surface, which, in this case, is the table inside the hut he shares with Valeria. If anyone were to listen closely, they might realize he's doing it in time to some imaginary clock. Tick...tick...tick...

Softly, his voice thick with disdain:]

Comments

[audio // very difficult to hack]

[toplay_thefool]

[He's not sure what it is that seizes his attention more.

The steady tap of the gun, so rhythmic, so precise.

The mention of his uncle so pseudo-casual.

The simple words, laden with a threat.

So he's wary, of course he is, and he's confused - terms? Something about terms? But he doesn't show it, never does, of course. He considers saying something light, friendly - but switches the feed to private instead.]

What kind of game, Adachi-san?

[audio // very difficult to hack]

[incriminating]

Queen to E5.

[A quiet pause, and then, almost gently -- ]

What will you do, Seta-kun?

[audio // very difficult to hack]

[toplay_thefool]

[Chess? What does chess have to do with anything? Trying to get a straight answer out of Adachi can be like trying to draw blood from a stone, sure, but there's usually something to it. There's usually something of worth in his almost-riddles.

So what is it? Chess itself, or the piece? The Queen? One of the most powerful, right? Unseen, his eyes narrow, and he tilts his head.]

That'd depend on the layout of the board, right?

[audio // very difficult to hack]

[incriminating]

Heh, right.

But if you aren't careful, my rook is going to take one of your pawns.

[audio // very difficult to hack]

[toplay_thefool]

[His pawns.

Souji doesn't think of them - doesn't think of anyone as a pawn, but he knows who Adachi is talking about, regardless. An initial flush of anger, an urge to spit a retort, a denial at him, is quickly held down.

Fuck. Does Adachi know Chie and Yosuke have told people? That's breaking the deal. And if he finds out the deal is broken, then Souji doesn't doubt he'll take action against them.

He wills himself to keep calm.]

Then it's a good thing that I'm careful.

[audio // very difficult to hack]

[incriminating]

It's too bad you're not careful enough. The king doesn't even know, is completely unaware, that his pawns go behind his back.

Kind of sad, actually. Ahaha!

[While he is still unaware that they have broken the deal, he is in fact referring to past conversations with Chie. He has the feeling she hasn't told her esteemed leader about them and senses that Seta's team isn't as unified or as strong as before. There is a weakness, and he will exploit it.]

[audio // very difficult to hack]1/2

[toplay_thefool]

[He covers the communicator with his hand, the moment he realises his breath is catching, to avoid is being heard. He stands like that for a moment, eyes wide, colour draining from his face.

His shoulders sag. He closes his eyes. He wills himself to breathe.]

[audio // very difficult to hack]

[toplay_thefool]

[And then he brings it back up to his face, steeling his features, even though they can't be seen.]

I didn't know you played chess.

[audio // very difficult to hack]

[incriminating]

[Adachi smiles thinly.]

I don't.

I play people.