( since one's the loneliest number... )

[outplays]

[ If Akashi had to explain it, he wouldn't be able to. He is, of course, aware that there has always been a duality to his existence — Akashi Seijuurou is inherently not one but two, and it has never particularly bothered him much. It is what it is, and he is who he is. End of story.

But even still, he never expected to be literally two people.

For better or for worse, though, he won't be the first one to make that discovery. Nope, that one will fall to Mayuzumi (the poor, poor guy who happened to have the [mis]fortune to be Akashi's soulmate), because when he wakes up in the morning, he's not going to find himself spooning with Akashi. He's going to find himself sandwiched right in between Akashis, each of them looking plenty comfortable where they're snuggled in.

Here is the living proof that more is not always better. ]

Comments

[maidspecialist]

Oh yeah? Tell me something I can do for you, then.

[It's tempting to purposely let Akashi slip, exactly because he wouldn't expect it. Right into Mayuzumi's lap though, as he's not so mean as to let him land on the floor... Well, bad jokes aside, he hadn't done anything lately to deserve that sort of treatment, he mentally amended.

Being careful not to do just that, he slips his arm around Akashi's hips to give him a little tug. It'd be easy enough to resist, but Akashi—this part of him, anyway—seems to be pretty affectionate. It makes Mayuzumi want to take advantage while he can.]

[outplays]

Hmm... well, you seem to be sitting in my favored chair, so how about you let me use you as a chair for a bit?

[ Even before Mayuzumi can agree to it, though, Akashi slides from the arm of the seat onto Mayuzumi's lap, back pressed against his chest. Reaching for either of his hands, Akashi crosses them over his stomach, then clasps his own hands on top of Mayuzumi's, refusing to let them move for the time being. ]

[maidspecialist]

[This was not exactly as planned, but he can roll with it. Besides, it was his favorite chair. He even managed to be the one to nab it most of the time, that practically made it his. Even if he can't move his hands, he can still give in to the urge to nuzzle at the side of Akashi's neck, just below his ear.]

Surely you don't think I'm going to just accept that.

[Was this Akashi's way of asking for a hug? Well... it was rather roundabout if that were the case, but if it was, even he had to admit it was rather cute. He tightens his grip around the other a little, wondering which of them a hug would be helping more.]

[outplays]

No? I can't imagine why not.

[ He's just teasing, though. He hums as Mayuzumi nuzzles his neck, turning his face into the touch and —

Just then, the other Akashi walks into the living room. He pauses, gives them a look, and then asks coolly: ] I'm not interrupting anything, am I?

[maidspecialist]

Only an attempt to use me as a chair. Feel free to try your luck if you like.

[Go ahead, Akashi, sit on yourself. He rests his head on the shoulder of the one in his lap, looking thoughtful. Could it be that Akashi's actually jealous of himself? That was entertaining on its own. Maybe he should take extra care to dole out his affections equally, even if one side of Akashi was definitely more prickly than the other.]

[outplays]

[ Indeed, spoiling the pricklier Akashi will just lead him to developing a bad attitude, where he expects constant cuddles and affection! ]

You think you can handle that much weight on you?

[ Look... he's just wondering, okay. But that doesn't stop the other Akashi from walking over, giving them an appraising look, as if trying to figure out whether or not he wants to sit. ]

[maidspecialist]

Think I can't handle two of you?

[He's totally bluffing; while there's probably room enough for all three of them in the chair, it'd be far from comfortable, least of all for Mayuzumi if he were trapped beneath them. Still, his tone is light and even almost a challenge. He wouldn't mind the distraction attempting to deal with the both of them at the same time would grant. Though it would probably be easier if they moved, he thinks.]

[outplays]

[ In mildly insulting chorus, both Akashis reply at almost the same time: ]

No, probably not.

[ And then they give each other these brief, sly looks as if to express something like, hah, you totally get me. Well, of course I do. We're technically the same, after all. The one who's standing adds: ]

Well, maybe if we weren't being too serious. But if either of us were being serious... [ He leans forward, reaching past his other self to brush Mayuzumi's cheek with the palm of his hand. ] You should tread carefully.

[maidspecialist]

[Mayuzumi catches the hand before Akashi can pull it away again, holding it there as he turns his head to place a kiss on his palm.]

I think I've had enough of being careful today.

[After all, he's handled Akashi well enough before this. Having another of him will only make it more of a challenge. They're not on the court, after all. While that might help to settle his restlessness, it isn't what he's interested in right now.]

[outplays]

Well, then, feel free to put your life in my hands.

[ He's joking. Probably.

... No, he's definitely joking. Akashi cares for people in general too much to be reckless to that extent, although for different reasons between the two of them.

He lets Mayuzumi hold his wrist there, but he leans in to press a kiss to Mayuzumi's cheek, brushing past his other self. ]

In all seriousness, though, it'll get a bit... cramped here, don't you think.

[ The Akashi occupying Mayuzumi's lap adds: ] Mm, the bedroom might be more comfortable.

[ Even though it seems like he doesn't want to get up... ]

[maidspecialist]

I did plan on wearing you out today so we could be lazy in bed while we had the chance...

[The problem is easily solved when Mayuzumi leans forward, tipping Akashi's weight to make it easier for him to simply scoop the other up as he stands. He grunts a little and looks like he's seriously considering the merits of tossing Akashi over his shoulder instead to adjust his center of gravity. As entertaining as that might be, he decides to behave himself. There's no telling how either of them might respond to one of them being reduced to a sack of potatoes.

He cants his head at the yellow-eyed Akashi, indicating the direction of the bedroom.]

After you.

[outplays]

[ Both of them would probably not take that too well; it is an exceptionally good life decision on Mayuzumi's part to not do that. But the Akashi in Mayuzumi's arms does have a good smirk at being swept up the way he is. ]

How gallant.

[ It's very dashing, really! Even the yellow-eyed Akashi seems more amused than miffed at missing his chance to get carried around as he makes his way to the bedroom. Halfway there, he begins shedding clothing as he goes... it's all going to come off anyway, right? ]

[maidspecialist]

[Mayuzumi watches with unabashed interest, only regretting that he can't help with any of that. Well, at least he still has the opportunity to do so still securely in his arms. He doesn't set Akashi down until they're beside the bed, shifting to let their bodies slide against one another as feet find the ground.

His hands immediately slide up again, catching at the hem of a shirt that's hardly had time to be worn before it's very unceremoniously being tugged up and over its owner's head.]

Hm... Are you sure you're both completely identical? Maybe someone should check... count freckles and all that.

[The expression on his face makes it clear he'd like to volunteer for such a job.]

[outplays]

If you'd like to check, by all means, go right ahead.

[ Akashi leans in close, smirking as he begins to unclothe Mayuzumi in turn — ] But you'd better check very carefully.

[ Has Mayuzumi ever wanted to experience an Akashi sandwich? Because the other Akashi closes in from behind, sliding his hands around Mayuzumi's waist to undo his pants, almost alarmingly adeptly considering he hasn't got the benefit of being able to see what he's doing. ]