P5

Sorry guys, I fixed it now lmao. Here you go.

»Here's your coffee.«

Akechi blinked and looked up from the phone screen he had been staring at up until now, only to be greeted by the sight of a white, smoking cup being placed on the table in front of him. A small smile appeared on his face as he raised his gaze a bit higher. Akira Kurusu was looking right back at him, pokerfaced, but not in an opposing way.

»Thank you very much, Akira-kun.« He returned his attention to his mobile now lying on the counter, right hand reaching out to grab the cup. Absentmindedly, he took a small sip. The silence unfolding wasn't uncomfortable at all; on the opposite, it was rather relaxing. It was always this way when he visited Leblanc; he came in, sat down in front of the counter and got served his coffee by Akira. They usually stayed silent; Akechi was often tired from work, so he appreciated the quiet nature of the black haired boy. Usually, he would never speak up until Akechi himself started a trivial conversation, until he left late in the evening in a unusually good mood.

Today was different though, and he couldn't quite figure out why.

»You're left-handed?« Akechi looked up again, and apparently the confusion was written all over his face, because Akira brought a hand to the back of his head and dragged it through his wavy hair in an almost sheepish gesture.

Almost? No, not really; the boy on the other side of the counter was a very reserved person in general who appeared pretty meek and almost shy most of the time (although his choice of words tended to be rather… bold, from what Akechi had observed).

»Ah, sorry, I just noticed you were tipping on your phone with your left hand and…« He trailed off, and as always it was a bit hard for Akechi to tell what exactly Akira was thinking; the fact he could barely see his eyes behind the big glasses reflecting the soft light didn't really help. But if he had to guess, he'd say the boy wasn't really feeling sorry for asking; quiet he may be, he wasn't nearly as shy as he appeared to be on first glance.

Akechi pondered for a moment, taking another sip of the delicious coffee, causing Akira to shift his weight from one foot to another.

»You are correct, I'm indeed left-handed«, he finally replied after letting the full taste of no doubt very high-quality beans unfold on his tongue. He chuckled quietly. »You sure are observant for noticing this.« Akira tilted his head and finally the reflection of the light vanished, revealing his eyes. Unfortunately this didn't give away much either, but for a split second Akechi thought he saw a hint of amusement flash through his gray orbs. He waited for Akira to say something else, but the boy just nodded and stepped to the sink, continuing to wash the dirty cups. Akechi was a bit disappointed when he resumed to look through the documents on his phone; it wasn't often Akira started a conversation by his own will after all, so he had hoped it would go on for a bit longer. While at this point he was already fairly certain the black haired boy really was a member of the infamous

Phantom Thieves of Hearts, he did enjoy talking to him.

And if it was just to spend some more time with the only one he ever really told something about his

past before he'd murder him without hesitation or regret.

He didn't want to think about anything concerning the events in the far away future (or his past) right now though; at this moment, he was simply a high school detective enjoying some coffee made by someone who was simply a sixteen year old high schooler part-time working in a Café, one year his junior and very interesting to talk to.

However, Akira seemed to have noticed his darkened mood before he had been able to get rid of the dark thoughts threatening to rise to the surface of his mind, as he stopped in the middle of his cleaning and started staring at him. He simply stared, not saying anything, as if expecting Akechi to speak up. He coughed slightly, feeling a bit uncomfortable now after all, before meeting Akira's gaze and smiling, titling his head in what he hoped would make the other boy think he was just imagining the change in atmosphere. »Is something wrong, Akira-kun?« Akira blinked, putting the cup down next to the sink, taking off his glasses, wiping them with his sleeve, before putting them back on and continuing to stare. »…Akira-kun?« What's gotten into him? For a moment he thought he'd never get an answer as Akira kept quiet for some more time, but then he finally opened his mouth:

»There's shit on your shoulder.«

With that being said he resumed his task of cleaning the cups as if nothing had happened.

Akechi felt his eye twitch.

He slowly turned his head to first the right, then the left side, carefully analyzing the blue fabric of his favorite jersey, and indeed; there was a fat, black-white-brown liquid on his left shoulder which didn't look like it would be able to wash out.

Favorite. Jersey.
Suddenly, a noise echoed through the otherwise quiet Café.

At first Akechi wasn't quite sure what it was he heard; only when he laid his eyes on Akira, who was staring at the cup with the most smug grin Akechi ever saw, although it was immediately replaced by a desperate attempt to stop the ugly snickering from leaving his throat, he understood what he just heard.

It was Akira Kurusu's ugly snickering.

He blinked.

Akira looked at him, and that seemed to give him the rest, as he finally burst out into laughter, although Akechi could not understand at all how this situation could be anything to laugh about.

His favorite jersey had been tainted!

»Akira-kun?« At the sound of his voice, which by how far he himself could judge didn't sound amused at all, Akira suddenly stopped laughing at once, but a bright smile remained on his face, and it looked more genuine than anything he had ever seen on the other boy's face before.

»Sorry, Akechi-san. I'll bring you something to clean it right away.« When he disappeared somewhere, Akechi had already almost forgotten about his temporary anger; he was now wondering way more over why he had just thought the smile was the first genuine expression he had seen on Akira's face. Sure, Akira liked to stay pokerfaced most of the time, but it was not like he was emotionless; his eyes were very expressive, and he smiled slightly at Akechi every time they talked (out of politeness or not didn't matter; although Akechi's pride didn't allow him to even consider the possibility Akira didn't enjoy talking to him the same way he did).

Without his consent, his thoughts started drifting into darker territory again.

Akira always seemed to draw stories out of people with his meek aura; hell it had even worked on Akechi. He wasn't entirely sure what it was about the boy, but Akechi knew from first-hand experience people liked talking to Akira. Telling him things they usually wouldn't tell anyone, everything being taken in in by observant ears and answered with short, considerate words. Never pushing, and still getting all the answers he obviously longed for.

And while not telling a single thing about himself.

»Sorry again, Akechi-san. I really wanted to tell you sooner, but I got a bit…« He trailed off again, and Akechi wasn't sure whether he despised the way the younger boy always left his answers up to the imagination of the one he was talking to, or if he was grateful for it (despise because it made it even harder to judge the other's mood, personality in general, which was unacceptable for a detective like Akechi, and grateful because he was fairly certain the things Akira left unsaid were anything but nice).

»It's okay.« He sounded a bit more grumpy than planned, and he glanced at Akira's face while accepting the cloth he brought him to check if the boy noticed.

He then realized why he had thought about Akira's smile earlier.

The black haired boy had black bags underneath his gray eyes, and his face was incredibly pale. Akechi wondered how he hadn't noticed Akira's tired appearance before.

While gently scrubbing at the bird filth (he didn't even get his hopes up to ever see his jersey clean again), he asked: »Are you perhaps tired, Akira-kun?« Akira looked at him, clearly taken aback, before bringing a hand up to play with a single string of hair hanging into his face like he always did when he was uncertain of something.

»… a bit.« Figures. Of course he wouldn't get the detailed answer he was hoping for.

»You look really tired.« - »Yeah?« - »Yes. Are you sick?« Akira frowned, and it was then when it hit Akechi; the boy didn't want to share anything concerning himself with him. He almost wrote it off as something natural; it wasn't like they were the best of friends, and it seemed normal Akira wouldn't want to share something like this with him. However, if Akechi's assumption was spot on, he wouldn't tell anyone; not even his (very unsuspicious) growing pack of friends.

Trust no one but yourself? No, that didn't seem fitting either, as he didn't seem to have any problems sharing daily trivial things (as well as his secrets about the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, he thought a bit bitterly), and he did seem to trust his friends. What was it, then?

The answer he deduced left Akechi feeling nothing but annoyance.

»Not really. I guess I'm just tired from playing video games all day yesterday.« Again, he scratched the back of his head in a sheepish gesture, as if embarrassed being caught over something so banal.

However, the blank stare Akechi gave him seemed to make Akira realize his little lie didn't work. He sighed and let his hands slip into his pockets. »What's it to you?« He sounded almost defensive. Akechi brought a hand to his mouth, crinkled his eyes shut and chuckled.

»Nothing, I guess. I'm just worried about your health. I think I told you before; you're a very interesting person to talk to, the only one I can talk freely too at the moment, actually. It would be a shame if you were to collapse or something due to you not properly taking care of yourself. « Although he was fairly certain sweet words wouldn't lure Akira into spilling the beans, he opened his eyes again and continued, »So, if there is anything you want to share, feel free to tell me. I think I owe you this much after you always listen to my boring stories.« Akira shuffled his feet and muttered something. »What was that? I didn't quite catch it-«

»… your stories aren't boring. I enjoy listening to you.« Although he expected something like this as answer, he was still caught a bit off guard; he felt his eyes widen for a short moment, before he got his composure back. He smiled friendly.

»I'm glad to hear. Well then, why don't you share what's burdening your heart?« Akira's eyes narrowed a bit and he crossed his arms. Whoops. He's definitely getting defensive now. Maybe he could have formulated this a bit better.

»What makes you think my heart is burdened? I could just be a very diligent student and study the whole night.« Ah. Answers to questions like this were easy.

»Detective intuition«, he replied with a wink. »Besides… by all respect, you don't seem to be that kind of diligent student.«

At this, Akira let out a desperate sigh and dropped his arms. All the impassive defiance which had resonated from him seconds prior had vanished, he simply looked tired now.

It was a quite unsettling sight, as it reminded Akechi of the image the mirror at his apartment liked to show him whenever he got home from a meeting with Shido, or another "job well done"; a job which sadly wasn't connected to his official job as detective.

Akechi patted the free chair next to him, showing the younger boy what he hoped was a reassuring smile, as the sudden comparison had shaken him a little more than he would like to admit.

Akira's stare bore into him, and there was a look in his eyes which Akechi wasn't used to from him; it was a bit mistrusting but above all calculating. As if he was pondering over whether Akechi was worth hearing whatever he was about to tell or not. For a moment the detective feared he had gone too far and Akira would kick him out, but then the younger boy looked him directly in the eyes again, and when he saw nothing but the kindness Akechi had set up for him, he finally complied and stalked around the counter to sit down next to him, placing two cups of coffee the detective hadn't seen him prepare in front of them.

If he was allowed to exaggerate, at this moment Akechi felt a bit like he was luring a dog mistrusting humans into believing he was different, into believing he would be kind to him and never hit him, feed him and pat him, just to kill him off in the end after all.

He wasn't sure if he liked this comparison, so he quickly shoved it off his mind. Even if he did like it, it certainly wasn't very beneficial in this particular situation.

»Akechi-san.«

»Just Akechi is fine.« He paused for a moment, pondering if he should really say this, but he figured not much harm would be done and it would just aid in gaining Akira's trust. »I'd offer for you to call me by my given name since I do the same, but I feel more comfortable when called by my…« He hesitated for a moment. Damn. »… my family name.«

»Because of your mother?« God, he really is straightforward with his words. Knowing it was his own fault Akira came to this conclusion, he decided to not strangle him just yet.

»Ah, yes.« He cleared his throat. Akira rested his chin on a hand, looking at him with his head titled slightly.

»I don't mind. You're my senior anyway, it would feel weird to call you by given name. It still does a bit with Makoto.« He nodded to himself. »Just Akechi then.« He lowered his head a little so his black bangs hid his glasses almost completely.
Akechi wasn't sure what exactly he expected to hear, but he had a few ideas. Maybe he had troubles with his girlfriend. With his part-time job. With his guardian. Maybe he really did play too many video games for too long. Or maybe his parents had decided they wanted him back after all, not minding their son was officially a criminal; welcome him back in their arms when they came to visit and apologize for sending him here alone in the first place.

Akechi gave his best to not let his eyes twitch in annoyance at the thought.

So, these were only a few of the options he had thought of, but most of them were similar. So he didn't expect to hear Akira Kurusu say, »You know I'm approving of the Phantom Thieves' actions. But lately…lately I've been wondering if they're really doing the right thing.«

Akechi stared. He stared, and when it became obvious Akira was waiting for some kind of verbal reaction, he said something absolutely worthy of his status as ace detective.

»Huh.«

A Phantom Thief doubting the Phantom Thieves. In a quick moment of hastiness he thought Akira had pretty much just openly admitted to him, Goro Akechi, that he was a Phantom Thief. Why else would he be so beaten simply because he was doubting some people he didn't even know? Luckily he remembered just how many cases involving crazy Phantom Thieves fans they had solved in the past few weeks; Akira must be aware of this and think Akechi would act under the assumption he knew Akira was a very hardcore fan.

»Why are you suddenly doubting them? I thought you were pretty firm in your beliefs in them; that your idea of justice completely aligned with theirs.« He saw Akira frown under his bangs.

»Justice?«, he murmured, then made a sound which, to his surprise, Akechi identified as bitter laughter. »I don't even know what that is. Of course I support them, but that's just because I can't come up with a better idea myself. Morals are so hard to understand. Everything you do has a disadvantage. You think you do the right thing, but the more you think about the negative side which you thought was small in comparison the more you notice just how much damage you actually produce.« Akechi felt the conversation had turned into a monologue, and he wasn't sure how much more Akira could say without openly outing himself as Phantom Thief; in that case he would either have to ruin his own plans and arrest him or play dumb, which would turn Akira even more suspicious of him in return. So, he quickly interrupted him;

»Akira-kun. I agree with everything you just said; it's very true. So, what of it is bothering you so much you look like you haven't slept properly in two weeks?« Akira lifted his head and blinked at him. He raised a hand to push up his glasses.

»I'm… just wondering if I should really keep supporting them. Or if it won't end in a disaster if they keep going like this…«

»You're acting like it would change the course of their actions if you suddenly stop supporting them.« The words must have come out harsher than he had intended; Akira's head snapped back up and he stared at him with wide eyes. But then he smiled and closed his eyes.

»Ah, not really. I don't think I'm that important, don't worry. I just…« And he trailed off again. Akechi felt his eyes narrow, but luckily Akira continued right away. »…It's just for my own beliefs. I care about those y'know.«

Uncomfortable silence settled between them. Akira kept quietly playing with his hair, and Akechi knew if he didn't say anything soon this discussion would be over before he could get more out of the boy.

»You know about my opinion of the Phantom Thieves, so I won't repeat myself. But I should let you know, I really enjoyed the input you gave back at the TV studio. It made me view the Phantom Thieves from another perspective, and I acknowledge what they are doing also has its good aspects.« When Akira's fingers stopped moving Akechi knew he took the bait. »So, I'd say feel free to believe what you want. It's not like it will have much impact.« Yeah as if. I wonder if those outcasts would even be able to go on without their precious Leader, the way they follow him around like lost puppies. Like he can give them what they're yearning for. He thought he finally got a grasp of Akira's situation. They probably think he's some kind of superhuman who will solve all their problems. They are so dependent on him. They admire him. They love him and think he's perfect. He gritted his teeth. And he didn't even ask for it. He didn't have to do anything to get their attention.

»…Akechi? Are you okay?« He flinched when a hand waved around in front of his eyes, drawing his attention back to the boy in front of him. Akira raised an eyebrow. »Were you even listening to me?« Akechi blinked and smiled apologetic.

»I apologize, I must have been lost in thoughts.« Although he would clearly love to hear more, Akira just nodded when he didn't elaborate. Akechi wanted to ask him to repeat what he had just said when the other stayed silent, but suddenly his phone buzzed. He quickly flipped it open and looked at the message.

Come to my office at 21pm.

Akechi glanced at the time and felt his eyes widen. It was already past 20pm. A voice in the back of his mind complained about this turn of events, but he just turned back to Akira who was looking at him with unhidden curiosity. »I'm really sorry, but I have to take my leave now. My boss just told me he has urgent business with me.« Akira nodded quietly and got up, grabbing the two cups without a word. Akechi tilted his head to the side as he watched him, feeling the need to ask one last question.

»Akira-kun, why didn't you tell any of your friends about this? If I remember correctly, they are loyal Phantom Thief followers too. Surely they would have been able to offer advice.« Akira frowned thoughtfully, but before he was able to form a no doubt dodging response, Akechi added, »In general, you seem to not talk about any of your problems to them. They always tell you about theirs, but I don't think you openly share yours with them. Or tell them about your past for that matter. Why is that?« Sighting, Akira closed his eyes, a small smile tugging on his mouth angles.

»Is this your detective intuition again?«

»You learn fast.« Akira slowly shook his head before shrugging.

»They never asked.«

»…what?« Another brilliant reply.

»I mean, sure, they sometimes ask me about some things they notice, but they never really dig into it. I never felt the need to share any of my "problems" – or my past I guess– with anyone. I don't need any kind of support from others when it comes to that; I'm fine and can handle it on my own. Besides, it's none of their business.« He shrugged again, but when he saw Akechi's taken aback face, he quickly added, »Don't get me wrong, I don't mind others sharing their problems. I understand others need to get it off their shoulders, and apparently I'm a good partner for those conversations. But I don't like sharing personals things that much. And I like to handle my problems on my own. It's just who I am.« He smiled, more to himself than at Akechi. »And as you can see, when asked I can be quite talkactive too; I don't think I ever told anyone this much about myself at once ever since Ryuji and the others asked me about how I got on probation. «

Akechi stayed silent. Then he slowly turned and stiffly said, »Thanks for today« before heading for the door. His hand stopped halfway to its destination. »You really are an interesting person, Akira Kurusu.«

Akira stared after him even when the door had long fallen shut, before sighing and putting the cups down. »It's not like I'd leave those guys alone even if I decided for myself our actions are wrong«, he muttered. »It's too late for that.« He crossed his arms behind his head as another smile appeared on his face, directed towards the door.

»Y'know, I'm quite the Trickster, Akechi.«

It was 22:00pm when Akechi arrived at home. He angrily threw the dirtied jersey he had all but forgotten about off, gritting his teeth.

He leaned onto the wardrobe and stared into the mirror. His fingernails grinded into his palms so hard they almost drew blood. The face staring back at him wore a cold, emotionless expression; in opposite to the anger he felt on the inside. It was an expression he knew he'd never see on Akira.

He had everything Akechi had desired all his life long, and yet he didn't appreciate it one bit. It was people like him he hated the most.

Deep down, he knew he was wrong. Deep down he knew behind the pokerface he loved to wear, Akira cared deeply about those around him; possibly including Akechi.

And yet.

When he opened his eyes again, he was not startled by the satisfied smile on the reflection in the mirror, because he was certain at that moment he looked the same, for the first time in months.

It will all end soon. I will end it- end you with my own hands, you unworthy, lying trickster.

But first…

»Shit, this jersey reeks!«

Thanks for reading! Would love to hear your opinion~