Most people Akira knew consider him a trusted confidant.

Even Akira himself agrees to that notion. He has known many deep secrets from when he listened to the problems of his classmates and other friends and always kept their secrets close to his chest, never having any intention to betray their trust.

For some reason, Akira always just has this instinct to just help someone when he can. He is quite self-aware of this fact himself and sometimes could not even control it. From listening to his friends' troubles to even trying to fix some of their atrocious eating habits.

This is why he never bothered to deny his former classmates' insistence on calling him "Mom" or "Dad". Though, he momentarily wonders if they're still arguing over that right now.

He sighs, he misses his loud classroom.

Speaking of atrocious eating habits, Akira managed to get the number of Kitagawa Yusuke after treating him two large servings of curry under the excuse of wanting to learn more of his artistic knowledge and future works (He does actually). Unfortunately, before he could ask him any more question of his home life, he had gotten a call from his guardian and left abruptly, but not before giving his sincerest thanks to Akira.

As a result, Akira is quite stressed right now.

He could not stop worrying about Kitagawa, fearing that he die of starvation at any moment. One might call him out for this paranoia, but his fear is, in fact, very justified and real. The fact that Kitagawa believed that it was normal to have his stomach growl several times a day as well as his bony wrists are already alarming red flags of neglect and abuse.

While, he would really love to have a talk with whoever his guardian is one day, he would have to make do with constantly giving him large portions of food every chance he gets. From the fact that he ate beansprouts and mushrooms the other day must also meant that Kitagawa also has financial problems, however, it would be very strange for a barely-acquaintance to suddenly give him tons of money.

Hopefully Kitagawa's eccentricity would make him accept it.

He then thought about how to find out his guardian's identity. There are still a few unknown factors for him to fully deal with this. He couldn't just ask if Kitagawa is getting abused because he's not sure what the artist feels about his own abuser. Best approach would be to take things slowly and befriend Kitagawa until the latter feels comfortable enough to tell him more about his guardian.

From Kitagawa's physical state, there doesn't seem to be any signs of physical abuse (Because he doesn't seem to suffer any injuries) other than extreme neglect. If that's the case, that meant that Kitagawa most likely has a lot of free time for himself until the next school year comes up, which is within two weeks.

Akira can only hope that Kitagawa doesn't actually like his guardian, helping someone with Stockholm Syndrome is a difficult and painful process that needs time, according to Assassin. And he really doesn't want to wait until the artist finally dies of starvation.

Unfortunately, he needed to be patient.

The ringing of the bell quickly snapped him out of his thoughts. Akira turned to see who the customer is and blinked in slight surprise.

It was Sumire... without Kasumi by her side.

It was a rare sight actually. Ever since he met them, the twins have always been together stuck like glue.

"Oh, Sumire-san." Akira greeted her warmly as she shyly took a seat on the counter, "Did practice ended early?"

"U-Um, yes... Our coach made Kasumi stay behind because she came up with a new routine during practice." Sumire didn't elaborate more on the matter but Akira didn't mind, "Um, where's Saku-I mean, Boss?"

"Oh, he just went out to buy groceries. The fridge is running out."

For a few minutes, there was silence in Leblanc. It was clear that Sumire was sort of tense due to how she still hasn't ordered something and has yet to avert her gaze from the counter. He then decided to give her a little surprise.

"Sumire-san?" Akira called out to her, quickly snapping her out of her obvious inner turmoil, "If you don't mind, may I ask a favor?"

"Eh? Um, o-of course, Senpai!" Sumire sputtered her words out, completely off guard.

Akira nodded, quickly finishing up his coffee before making his way back to the counter, "This coffee is a recipe of my own. I would like for you to be my first taster."

Sumire was surprised by his request as her attention was captured by the coffee that was gently placed in front of her. She stared at it in awe.

"Wow... Senpai, this is latte art, right? It's beautiful." Sumire said, admiring the beautiful milky art of what looked to be a rose.

He nodded in confirmation, "I have actually been practicing ever since I came to Tokyo. Boss doesn't really do this because he doesn't care much about the appearance as much as the taste of his food."

Sumire sighed as she inhaled the aroma. She then lifted cup up and took a sip. Sweetness and bitterness quickly invaded her tongue as she also tasted a tinge of a berry. Tension quickly left her shoulders as she slowly sank further into her seat.

"This is really good! It's the perfect mix of sweet and bitterness. " Sumire said happily, "I think I tasted a bit of... cherry in it?"

Akira nodded, "Indeed. This coffee is mostly for younger customers that liked the sweetness more than the bitterness of the coffee. I figured that adding fruit would help mix it in."

"It certainly deserves to be on the menu. I have no doubt that Kasumi would love this!"

The male teen watched as Sumire's smile grew while she savored the marvelous flavor and aroma.

Thankfully, the positive atmosphere stayed for a little while longer. He and Sumire chatted either about their opinions about his next batch of recipes or just what is being reported in the news. He was glad that he managed to snap her out of it earlier although he is sure that it will come back soon after this.

And sure enough, Sumire's lips slowly turned back into a frown like earlier. Her gloomy atmosphere returned, making Akira frown in concern. Perhaps, a direct approach is finally needed.

"Sumire-san?" The younger Yoshizawa twin glanced back at him in confusion, "Is there something bothering you?"

Shock took over her expression before she quickly shook her head, "N-No, not at all! It's nothing to be concerned about!" Her next time was akin to a whisper, "I don't want to bother you with my stupid, little problems..."

Akira did not like how self-deprecating that sounded.

"If you say so..." Akira said, "But please remember that it's not healthy to bottle it all up. If you need someone to talk to, I'm often here at the cafe."

Sumire did not say anything for a few seconds, just staring at him in shock. He decided to wipe the glass as he waited for her answer, her long silence meant that she was considering his offer.

"Senpai... What do you think of Kasumi?"

Akira stopped wiping his glass, taking his time to consider her question.

"She's a bold and confident person. Her cheerfulness is plain to see. It was obvious at first glance just what kind of person she is from how she's constantly smiling."

Sumire looked down, despondent, "That's right... And it's the complete opposite of me..."

He waited for her to continue.

She took a deep breath and finally continued, "Kasumi... She's always been the perfect sister. Many call her a genius and she really is one. Everything she learned came so easily to her. She's always so bold, she's the beacon of confidence... She always said that we'll reach our dream to be the best in the world. The two of us. And I know that she really believed in me..."

Sumire sighed, but this time, it seemed that she was recalling a happy memory, "Whenever we do well in practice or a competition, our couch would always treat us to ice cream. But even when she won in first place in many competitions, she never ate hers without me. She's always trying to help me, even when she had her own practices to do... Her kindness is so... infuriating."

Akira, who stayed silent for her, nodded in understanding, "I can imagine."

He can already see the problem she has. It was something he had already witnessed before. Being constantly helped by her own sister who beat her talents in almost every way can lead to a massive inferiority complex, especially when this has been happening for years.

It reminded him somewhat of the situation of the twin heads of the Edelfelt family.

"She was always the one on the podium, surrounded by flashing cameras. But all I could do was watch from the shadows." Sumire sighed in frustration, "I'm not Kasumi... and no matter what I do, I'll never be like her! If she had just given up on me, then at least people would stop trying to compare us!" She then sat straight in her seat, "The thought kept coming back. Everyday, my mind went back to it. Everyone would be better off I didn't exist. Either that, or I should just be Kasumi. She's the one people really want. Sumire's the one who's useless. Pointless. Who would care if she died?"

Akira no longer needed to hear more of this.

He set down the glass, "Apologies, Sumire-san. But I would have to disagree with you there."

Sumire looked at him in surprise, "Eh...?"

"'No one would care if you died'?" Akira repeated her previous statement, never breaking eye contact from her not even once, "Sumire-san, you told me so yourself. Kasumi loved you, if anything, she would be the very first one to mourn you if you truly died. Not only that, think of your father, do you truly believe that he won't care?"

Caught off guard once again, Sumire quietly stammered, "B-But... I'm only a burden to him. He would be glad to finally get rid of such a useless daughter..."

Silence penetrated the cafe once again. It would be deafening if wasn't for the quiet ramblings of the television. Akira spoke up again.

"...Say, did you know that your father came here again the other day?"

Sumire looked at him confused, but didn't managed to reply as he continued.

"Once Yoshizawa-san took his order, he started to gush about you two. How his daughters were the best in the world of gymnastics and that both of you can do even more great things. When he spoke of you, he called you the shy one, but also a very hardworking daughter that would continue to strive." Akira gave a warm smile to Sumire, "Just from how he talked about you two, it was obvious that he is a loving father. That's why I don't believe that he considered you a burden."

There was no reply, Sumire just continued to stare at him in shock. Akira let out a sigh, but playfully poked Sumire's forehead, the latter letting out a surprise squeak.

"This is just a simple advice, but you're free to ignore if you want to." Akira gave her the option to decline but it seems whatever was coming next wouldn't be something small.

"You should stop imitating Kasumi." Her eyes grow wide, "That is the reason why you are constantly beneath her shadow. You can't always copy her for the rest of your life. You should have the courage to make your own decisions."

Sumire didn't even flinch when Akira placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, as she couldn't bring herself to avert her eyes from him.

"You are Yoshizawa Sumire, the graceful and elegant gymnast, the shy but endearing daughter of the Yoshizawa family. Your skills and life are your own to decide."

No more words were said for many minutes after that. Akira went back to managing the cafe while Sumire was frozen in her seat.

She was still processing Senpai's words. She was Yoshizawa Sumire, the graceful and elegant gymnast? She couldn't remember the last time she heard that kind of description of her from anyone other than Kasumi.

She should stop imitating Kasumi? But she's the best gymnast Sumire ever knew! Her whole life, she wanted to be just like Kasumi, from her cheerful and confident personality to her recognition from others. To the point that she just wanted to become her sister.

"But... maybe Senpai was right... Maybe that's why her gymnastics wouldn't improve..."

(She was so caught up in her thoughts that she completely ignored the fact that he had called her endearing. It isn't until later tonight that her thoughts wandered back into their conversation and her face already became as red as her hair.)

"...Senpai?"

"Yes, Sumire-san?"

The two locked eyes once again. Sumire gazed at the person who had helped her so much in such a short span of time. From saving their lives to listening to her problems. There was just... something about him that just made him so easy to talk to. All her frustrations, problems and depressive thoughts were still there but...

It's like huge weight had lifted off shoulders.

"How did you know that I was imitating Kasumi?"

Once again, he gave her a smile, "You were always complaining to Kasumi how difficult her routine is. It was a simple theory at first but our conversation today proved it."

Wow. It never ceases to surprise her just how sharp he was.

Sumire squeaked in surprise when she heard the bell ringing, revealing the owner of the cafe with several bags of groceries in hand. She pouted when Akira chuckled at her in amusement.

"Hey, kid. Help me with this."

"Sure."

Within the near darkness of a small, messy room was a girl with bright orange hair that contrasted the green lights of the numerous computers in front of her.

She simply sat in her soft chair in a similar stance of a gargoyle. Unbeknownst to everyone but her, she was listening to the conversation that took place in the coffee shop of Yongen-Jaya just now.

It was a conversation between a gymnast with an inferiority complex due to her superior sister and a young barista with a seeming knack of helping people left and right, regardless of the consequences.

She listened. Listened to how the barista listened to the girl's frustrations and problems and how he gave her a simple, yet compelling advice.

Before, she watched him enter the cafe, a new future transfer student on probation with a criminal record that was way too lacking in detail and suspicious to be true. She watched him bond with her adoptive father in such a short amount of time compared to herself who shut herself away from him.

She also watched him make all these SS tier meals that could put 5-star restaurants to shame. She was glad Sojiro gave her some of his leftovers. It was one of the best she had ever tasted, besides the curry.

She had hacked his phone the moment he arrived in the cafe, initially for the purpose on keeping Sojiro safe from a teen with a criminal record that she now knows is complete bullshit.

But now, it was because she finds him really, REALLY sus, like, in a weird way.

The listening bug she installed, of course, worked wonders. Allowing her to eavesdrop on him every minute. However, whatever she was hearing made her question just who the hell the barista is.

Who the fuck is Assassin? Is that some kind of cheap code name? If it was, it was lame as hell, could he be any more original? Also, Magecraft? Is the kid Sojiro took in some sort of magician from a talent show or a member of a cult?

Not only that, the conversation she heard the other day regarding what this so-called Assassin was doing...

She grinned.

"Looks like it's time for Alibaba to shine! Mwehehehehe..."

Like I said before, I suck at writing long conversations.

To those that might be wondering why Sumire hasn't addressed Assassin's existence even though he was there at the accident, she was too much in shock to actually register him and was more focused on who saved them. This is also helped with the fact that Assassin wasn't there when Akira met the Yoshizawas.

It's really hard to hard to write Yusuke last chapter so I figured he might appear as OOC. I figured that he would get along best with someone who appreciates and is also knowledgeable about art. His behavior in the curry scene is actually based on what I've seen in his reactions to the dishes, including Joker's Kitchen, in Strikers (although, I haven't played it myself). Being the starving artist he is, I also don't think he's someone that would turn down free food.

Just to be clear to everyone, I never actually read any of the Arsene Lupin novels and any information that I will write about him in the future chapters are simply based on what I researched on Google or what I want to write about him, so he'll be OOC for my liking compared to the original Literary Arsène Lupin. Fan info on his Servant stats are also based on what I find in Google and I will credit the user and the website it originated so you guys can take a look at it yourselves.

. ?showtopic=3842 = This is where I got most of the info of Arsene's stats.

r/grandorder/comments/5q18ya/ars_lupin_creating_the_nasuverse_version/ = One of the replies of this post is where is got most of Arsène's history. Credit goes to the user named "ProtectionFromArrows".

Also, I understand little to nothing about Fate Magecraft and the series as a whole lol. So expect some inaccuracies here and there.

P.S.
I'm also just doing this for fun, so don't expect any update schedules.

P.P.S.
This fic is also somewhat inspired by PsychicBeagle's "The Many Quirks of Phantom Thievery" and alcloe's "Don't talk to us or our fluffy haired son ever again".

P.P.P.S.
The plot is actually still a mess in my head lmao. This is also cross-posted on AO3. Sorry, the summary doesn't have enough space.

Reviews are greatly appreciated!