Suspicious Minds

[Author's notes: First off, sorry for taking a long time and yes, I know I said it before but this time, I took a break from writing be ause I've been juggling about five stories and so now I decided to stop working on 'Misadventures' for now and focus on this story. But now I'm back, so let's get back this.]

Everyone looks at Akira in shock

Ryuji shakes his head to shake off the shock, "You really want to fight your dad and Jiro!?" "You can't be serious lad!?"

Akira nods, "Yeah I am serious. My mother said that my father has been getting worst and worst. To the point of checking her phone every day to make sure that she didn't call me." "Not only that, Jiro couldn't have that much influence to make everyone in Akira's hometown believe him especially if he's a troublemaker. There has to be a reason for it."

Makoto looks at him, "That does seem odd. But who would be able to do that?" "More than likely, it probably has something to do with the Metaverse."

Morgana nods at her, "We have to be close to the bottom of Mementos. We should be able to find answers there." "If some pendejo didn't get his ribs broken then we would've been there by now."

Futaba walks over to Akira and looks at him with some sadness in her eyes, "If you change your dad's heart...will you leave?" "Please don't leave! You're supposed to be our family!"

He rubs her hair smiling, "Of course not. I'll just have two families." "We will never stop being your family Necro."

Haru looks over at Ann and sees her looking down in sadness. And by guessing by how's she's acting since Emily left, it must have been jealousy, "Are you okay, Ann-chan?" "Well It's obvious that little miss prissy is jealous of Emily." "I know that and how many times do I have to tell you to stop being rude. It's Ann, not miss prissy."

Ann glares at her, "I am not jealous of her!" "Dear...you're not being convincing."

Hearing her outburst, Akira walks to her, "Is everything alright Ann?" "You said that you're not jealous of her."

She looks away, "I'm fine..." She goes back into the cafe.

Yusuke looks at Akira, "I believe she's jealous of Emily." "Jealousy is an ugly thing."

Akira looks down and sighs, "I should've figured..." He looks at Makoto, "Next Sunday, could you tell your sister to come here. I should be healed good enough then. I promised that I'll tell her everything."

She nods, "Of course."

"Alright, I'll see you guys on Sunday then.

Leblanc Attic

Akira walked up the stairs and sees Ann sitting on the couch looking down in sadness, "Ann..." He says holding his ribs in pain from having to walk upstairs.

She scoffs, "You actually came to check on me..."

He sits down next to her grunting, "Of course I did. I already know what's wrong." He looks at her, "You're jealous of Emily."

She was still looking down, "Yeah...so what?"

"But why? You heard her. She doesn't want to get back with me. She just wants to be friends."

Ann glares at him, "Do you honestly believe that?"

"Yeah. If she did want to get back together. She would have at least tried."

She looks away, "You don't even understand. What if I started talking to other men and hung out with them without you knowing? What if I had an ex and he just came back to my life and I was happy he did?"

Akira looks at her confused that she talked about his female friends, "I don't care if you have male friends even if you have an ex that's wants to be friends with you. Because I trust you completely."

She scoffs, "Yeah right. You're only saying that because I'm not doing it. Yet you have all these girls' numbers and hangout with them..." She sighs and gets up, "I need some time alone to think about things...I'll see you on Sunday..." She quickly leaves.

"Ann! Wait!" Akira quickly gets up to follow her, "Ow..."

"Stop Akira. I think it's best to leave her alone unfortunately..."

"But..."

"Trust me. It's better to leave her alone to think about things."

He sighs and sits back down, "Is it wrong for me to be friends with Emily again and to talk to other girls even if they're just friends...?"

"In the old days, yes. But I've noticed that boys and girls as friends is normal in this day and age."

"I wish she would understand that. Honestly, this accusing all the time is starting to get annoying..."

Ann's Room

Ann was lying in bed thinking about her little spat with Akira, "I can't believe he accepted her apology right away but he goes after me for looking out for him..."

"Well, you have to remember dear. He didn't know that his parents disowned him."

"I guess. But still, he could have at least gotten angry at her or make her prove that she wasn't lying. No...he just automatically forgave her..."

"That is true. But remember? He said that he still wanted to be friends with her after we left Haru's house."

"He was happier being around her than I've ever seen him around me well, other than our alone times..."

"He did kind of said that now he can be completely happy now that she was in his life again..."

"See! Not only that, all those girls he talks too...I mean, look at Ms. Kawakami, he was getting massages from her behind my back and he probably only stopped because I caught him. What would have happened if I never caught him?"

She sighs, "I don't know dear. This is something you need to talk to Akira about." She didn't want to accuse Akira but Ann kept making good points that she couldn't argue.

Sighing, Ann grabs the picture of her and Akira, "I'll just talk to him on Sunday. I just need to know what to say first."

"That sounds good dear. But I noticed that you didn't say Makoto."

"That's because Makoto helped us through that incident so I trust Makoto completely. Besides, she had a lot of chances to take Akira from me but she didn't."

"Yeah. A lot of chances..."

Sunday

Akira's Room

Everyone was in the café waiting for Sae to come by but they noticed that Akira and Ann weren't by each other or talking.

Ryuji walks over to Makoto, "Hey. What's up with them? Did they get into a fight or something?" He says surprisingly quietly. "It must be about that lass, Emily."

She nods, "Yes. Remember her outburst yesterday? Ann, more than likely, got mad about Akira instantly forgiving Emily." "But wouldn't Akira-san be annoyed by here constant not trusting of him?"

He nods, "Yeah. But Akira's an understanding guy. I'm sure that he wouldn't hate her for it." "Aye. I hope not. It will be a disaster."

"The problem is, is that Akira says things that he doesn't mean when he gets angry and Ann takes it to heart." "And you can't help with that because you might be part of it..."

"Oh yeahhh. You're in love with him too." "Love be a dangerous game."

She sighs, "Yes...and even though I accepted that I will never be with him...I am shameful to admit that a part of me hopes they break it off..." "It is not shameful Makoto-san, everyone who loves someone in a relationship feels the same. Besides you fell for him without knowing he was with Ann."

"Yeah! What Anat said. Besides, I would be the same way if I saw Hifumi with another guy." "She is like finding booty in a vast sea!"

"Speaking of Hifumi, I noticed that you are talking in full words instead of shortcuts." "It seems that she has been an influence to you. You actually sound quieter as well."

Ryuji scratches his head smiling, "Yeah. I've been trying to be a better person for her and to be less loud." "Aye! It be working too! I just hope that you keep at it!"

She smiles, "Well I'm glad she's been a good influence on you." "Too bad she can't do the same with Kidd."

"Arrrr...that be cruel..."

Anat chuckles, "Sorry Kidd. I was just messing with you."

Soon Sae arrives and once Akira introduces everyone. They explain in more detail to her about how they were able to trick Akechi and throughout the whole explanation, she was in shock by how a group of highs schoolers were able to plan all of this, "I can't believe that high schoolers were able to plan something this elaborate."

Akira smiles, "Well it was also thanks to our personas as well."

She nods, "That's right. If Arsene didn't say anything about pancakes, you wouldn't have known. I still can't believe that pancakes will be his downfall..."

He laughs, "You're telling me. Anyway, it's time to show you the person who will explain the Metaverse to you." Akira pulls out his phone and activates the app.

Sae feels the same sensation as before in the interrogation room and looks around, "From what I gather in the interrogation room and now here. It seems that everything looks the same from the real world."

Morgana jumps on one of the booths' table, "Once you go outside, you'll see the difference in the sky." He says forgetting that she never saw his true form.

Sae jumps back seeing Morgana's new form, "Did the cat just change!?"

Morgana smiles, "Yeah! I'm Morgana. This is my real form but I turn into a cat in the real world. I'm the gentleman thief who's been helping them with the Metaverse. They would be lost without me."

Sae was still in disbelief, "I am at a loss for words..."

Sojiro chuckles, "I was the same way. I still can't believe it either."

Futaba looks at her, "Mona of the other world talks like normal. When you actually notice that and start thinking that he can. If you can understand that, then you can hear him in the real world. It's the change in perception probably

Makoto sighs, "Unfortunately, you will start wishing that you can't hear them soon..."

Morgana glares at her, "Hey! That's not very ladylike of you Makoto!"

She glares back at him, "It wasn't supposed to be, Morgana."

Sae shakes her head, "I never thought that I would see a cat turn into a small person but talk as well..."

Akira laughs, "That's about the same reaction that everyone had." He walks to the door, "Anyway, before Morgana explains the Metaverse in detail there's one more thing to show you. Follow us." They go outside and Akira points up, "Other than personas, the sensation of coming here, and obviously Morgana. The sky becomes red and black."

Sae looks up and her eyes go wide seeing that the skies did indeed turned into red and back, "It's like the sky became evil itself..."

"Yeah. That's what me and Ryuji thought too when we first saw this place."

Ryuji chimes in, "Yeah! But I was mostly freaking out."

Akira laughs, "I was thinking it looked like the last level of a game." He looks at Sae, "Anyway, Ryuji is the friend that came into the Metaverse when we first came here."

Sae gives him a small smile, "You've been showing me the truths of your statements so far. So even if I had doubts before I came here. I would trust you completely now just by seeing this and hearing Morgana."

Akira smiles, "That's good to hear. Like I said before, I was willing to show you everything and I guess Makoto told you that she's a thief as well since you didn't get shocked by it."

Makoto nods, "Yes, I told her when we talked yesterday."

Sae nods as well, "I was indeed shocked but once she told me what had transpired to her becoming one. I was ashamed that I was part of the cause of her getting kidnapped by that mob boss."

Makoto shakes her head, "It's okay sis, you were going through a lot. I'm just glad you're back to your old self."

Sae smiles, "Well it was thanks to Akira and Arsene for showing me the truth that I realized my mistakes."

"I'm glad that I was able to help." Arsene comes out of Akira.

Sae gives Arsene a small smile, "It's good to see you again Arsene."

"I feel the same."

"Speaking of seeing Arsene again. How are doing with this new information so far? Is it still too weird for you?"

"Yes, it is. This otherworld and everything about Morgana. How did this even come to be?"

"Honestly? We don't know. But it's been helping us change people's hearts and gave us new friends. Speaking of new friends, let's show you the other personas." Akira looks at everyone, "You guys can come out now." That's when all the personas come out their partners except for Milady and Necro. But Anat was bouncing excitedly.

"Ahoy Lass! I be William Kidd! It be a please to meet you!"

"Hello, my dear! I am Carmen, a seductress and future wife of Arsene!"

"Allow me to introduce myself, I am Goemon...that is all."

Sae looks at them and then at the Ryuji, Ann and Yusuke, "The only one I know about is Goemon. But a pirate and a seductress? Are they all supposed to be your hidden personalities? Like Akira said."

Ryuji smiles, "Yeah!" But then has a look of confusion on his face, "Well...like us but not like us?"

Ann shakes her head, "It's more like they are us but they have their own personalities as well."

Yusuke nods, "Even going as far as to copy what you say."

Sae nods, "I see."

Akira looks at her, "If you want the perfect example to that. You should talk to Makoto's persona Anat. She seems really excited to meet you."

She nods at him and walks up to Anat, "Hello Anat, I hear from Akira that you were excited to meet me?"

"Ye-Yes!" She grabs her hand and starts shaking it vigorously, "I've been waiting so long to finally meet you and I've always looked up to you! I may not be an independent woman but I still admire your independence!" She was so excited that she forgot to introduce herself.

Sae smiles amused by her excitement of her meeting her, "Thank you. It's nice to hear that someone looks up to me."

Makoto chuckles, "That's what I think about you. Since I feel that way. She feels the same way."

Sae looks at her in shock but then smiles feeling glad that Makoto still looks up to her even after what she has done, "I'm happy that you look up to me still." She looks back at Akira, "You were right about it being the perfect example. Seeing how calm Makoto always is and since Anat's her hidden self, she's overly excited to see me? Is that correct?"

Akira nods, "Exactly."

Sae nods and notices Futaba and Haru didn't have personas out, "Do you two not have personas?"

Haru nods, "We do. But my persona is Milady and she is wary of anything to do with the law..." "You can't trust the law. They'll find any excuse to arrest or execute you." She sighs in annoyance, "She can't arrest you besides you were a terrible person in the past."

Sae frowns, "She does have a point though. Because I was like that before." She walks up to Futaba, "Which is why I need to apologize to you. I'm sorry for constantly harassing you and Sojiro-san. And for abusing my power to try and get him arrested."

She shrugs, "Water under the bridge. But Necro is afraid of you." "It's okay Necro, she's good now." "O-Okay..." That's when Necro appears, "H-Hello miss lawyer lady..."

She looks at Necro confused, "A ufo? Why is yours a ufo?"

"She's a mobile supercomputer that I can ride in and is my friend. That's all that matters." "U-Um...are you still going to try and arrest dad?"

Sae walks up to Necro and pats her disc, "Don't worry, I won't go after him anymore." "I can't believe she actually feels like metal..."

Necro giggles, "Thank you miss lawyer lady!"

"You're welcome." She walks to Morgana, "Do you have one as well?" She was still weirded out about talking to a him.

"Yeah! But I didn't summon him because..." "Because I am the greatest and this seniorita would faint once she sees me!" Zorro appears.

Sae looks up at him already not liking his narcissist attitude because it sounded like the men at her work, "If you're as great as you say you are then why is Arsene the leader of your group?"

He growls in annoyance, "Because I allow him to."

She smirks, "Of course that would be your response. That's typical of a narcissist. Maybe you should accept that you're not as great as you think you are. It will make your life much better."

He shows his teeth, "How dare you insult my greatness!" He brings out his sword but one glare from Arsene makes him put it away, "You are nothing more but a Puta..." He goes back into Morgana.

Milady whistles, "Damn lawyer, you know how to bring down a narcissist. I'm starting to respect you."

Sae looks at 'Milady' noticing that she didn't come out, "But not enough for you to come out?"

"Nope."

Akira sighs, "Don't worry about her. She's like that with everyone." He then looks at Morgana, "Can you tell her about the Metaverse?"

Morgana nods and explains to Sae everything that he knows about the Metaverse.

After hearing his explanation, she holds her chin thinking aloud, "So palaces are made from people distorted desires that have been materialized and if you kill the palace's owner, then they will suffer a mental breakdown which led to Mr. Okumura's death?"

Morgana looks at her in shock, "Exactly! You catch on quick!"

Sae gives him a small smile, "Well part of my job is to be insightful." She turns to Akira, "And the only way to fight these 'shadows' in these palaces is to have personas?"

Akira nods, "Yeah. I would show you these shadows but they will kill you and I don't want to put you into danger. But like we discussed in the interrogation room, Akechi killed his shadow to make him suffer a mental breakdown to put us on the map." He looks at Haru, "I didn't want to tell you this but I kind of guessed that Akechi was going to go after him because he went after the principal...I'm sorry that I didn't do anything about it..."

Haru shakes her head, "It's okay. You wouldn't have been able to stop him because the palace was getting destroyed anyways." "Could have at least died trying."

Sae frowns, "Unfortunately, you can't go back to change what has already happened but this is your chance to stop him now and after you do your part. I will do my part in making a case out of it." She didn't want to tell him that he would need to turn himself in afterwards because that would make another thing they would have to worry about.

Akira nods at her, "You're right." He smiles, "You already sound like a better person."

She smiles, "Thank you. Now that you have told me everything. There's one more thing I want to discuss with you. Makoto told me that you were falsely accused but you're unable to remember his face and name. So, for helping and showing me the truth. After we bring Akechi and his boss to justice. I will see to it that I look into your arrest and see if I can make a real case so I can defend you."

Akira looks at her in shock, "You're willing to do that for me?"

She nods, "Yes. Like I said before, you and Arsene help me realize the wrongs that I have done and you showed me the whole truth like you promised me. I believe you deserve at least that much for that and I want to see you get the justice that you are owed as well."

He smiles big at that, "Thank you. It means a lot to me."

She smiles, "You're welcome."

Ryuji punches his fist into his other hand getting pumped up, "Now that we got Makoto's sister on our side! We should start finding out if Akechi's boss has a palace! So we can bring him down!"

Akira looks at him with a smile, "Alright. Let's get back to the real world and figure out the rest." They go back into the café and he presses the app making them appear in the real world, "So from what Futaba got from recording Akechi, is that his boss is a man named Masayoshi Shido." The navi goes off, "Well he has a palace." "Isn't he the guy that makes speeches almost everyday?"

Makoto nods, "Yes. He's the politician who's running for Prime Minister. That Ryuji's always getting mad about." "He is annoying."

Sojiro's eyes go wide and looks at Akira, "Did you say Masayoshi Shido?"

"Yeah. Do you know him?"

Sojior nods, "Yeah. He was all about Wakaba's work and constantly kept asking questions but when she didn't give him any information. He would storm out in anger." He sighs, "Now that I think about it...he might have been the one that made her 'commit suicide' just to get her research."

Futaba glares at him, "Why didn't you say that before!"

He sighs again, "Because I said that you might have to go after someone that's in the government and if this Metaverse is based off of her research then he may have the advantage."

Akira smirks, "That may be true but we always have to fight against those advantages."

Sae sighs, "I've should have seen it sooner as well. There have been rumors involving him being in shady business practices. So, if he's the mastermind and he's running for Prime minister then causing the mental breakdowns would cause citizens to doubt our government since they can't do anything about it and when he goes against the thieves by having Akechi frame them to cause distrust against them. It will make the citizen's look at Shido as a hero that can fix all their problems so they will no doubt vote for him to be the next prime minister."

Haru looks down, "So he had Akechi kill my father only because he wanted to be prime minister...and father was going to tell everyone the truth..." Yusuke hugs her from behind to calm her while Haru turns around wrapping her arms around him. "Honestly, he sounds like my kind of guy." The thieves glare at 'Milady', "Why is everyone looking at Haru like that?"

Akira sighs and looks at Sae, "Even if you had come to that conclusion. There's no way you would be able to prove that. So don't feel bad." He then looks at everyone, "From what we learned, it's obvious that this bastard must have a palace. So all we need is the what and the where."

Makoto nods, "I believe that the diet building would be the 'where'. Since he's running for prime minister and that's where all our pollical activity is done at."

The navi goes off again making Akira smile, "Well that was easy. So what could be the 'what'?"

Ryuji looks at him, "Let's get to the diet building first! Like we usually do with the others."

Ann looks at Ryuji, "But isn't he supposed to be hiding?

Akira shrugs, "I'll just wear my hoodie and no one will know." "That's a terrible disguise..."

Sojiro sighs, "You're just trying to get yourself caught."

Yusuke shakes his head, "He might be alright. They didn't say who he was or show his face. As long as we don't go by the police. He should be fine." "So risky..."

Sae nods at him, "Yes. To them, the phantom thieves are finished because their leader is no longer alive. So there's no reason for the police to be on edge."

Akira smiles, "Well that just makes things easier for us." He looks at the thieves, "We'll go to the diet building after you guys get out of school tomorrow. But we all go separately because we might cause more suspicion if we arrive together. So we should take this time to find out any information on him for tomorrow." They nod and soon leave to get ready for tomorrow.

After they leave, Sojiro notices that Akira didn't walk Ann home or she hasn't come by all week, "This is the first time I haven't seen you walk Ann home and haven't seen her all week." He smirks, "Did you two have a lovers quarrel?"

Akira sighs and sits on a stool, "Kind of...she's upset that I instantly forgave Emily and accepted her back into my life, as friends of course."

Sojiro nods, "I can see why. She is your ex. When they come around, especially when the reason why you broke it off was just because some wrong things were said, it could ignite an old flame in your heart. Especially If they start acting the way that made you fall in love with in the first place."

"I should have figured that was the case..." He shakes his head, "But I've been trying to prove that I love only her constantly. I don't flirt with other girls, I'm just being myself and I just see them as friends. Not only that, I even brought her a promise ring..."

Sojiro shrugs, "I think the real reason why she's always accusing you of cheating. Is because she's afraid that's you're going to leave her."

Akira looks at him in shock, "I'm pretty sure it's the opposite. She may have said that before but I'm pretty sure she was joking."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well just look at her. She beautiful, wears her heart on her sleeve and is a model. I'm pretty sure that she can get any man."

Sojiro shakes his head, "That may be true but that doesn't mean she thinks the same way. Well the model part should make it obvious but does she see that?"

AKira looks down, "No..." He remembers when Mika kept calling her a natural beauty. Ann would be confused about what she meant by that. Not only that, she would eat without worrying about her figure and she only wanted to be a model because she wanted to wear cute clothes, "Shiho told me that she was like a typical teenage girl who doesn't watch her figure and she's right."

"That's your problem. You just assume that because she's pretty. She shouldn't be afraid of you leaving her. But even pretty girls can doubt themselves. You have to say she's special by making her feel like she's special. Keep complimenting her and say that she's better than the other girls."

Akira sighs but looks up smiling, "You're right. Just buying her a promise ring is good but I need to be more vocal about it."

Sojiro laughs, "I would teach you some techniques but I'm sure Arsene has already taught you."

"Yeah, he has." He gets up, "Thank you for helping me out with this."

"No problem son...I mean Akira."

Akira laughs, "Did you just call me son?"

He pretends to start making coffee, "I don't know what you're talking about. You should probably go and call Ann or something..."

Akira nods, "You're right." He starts walking to the entrance but stops and looks back smiling, "You're really are like a father figure to me." He then leaves.

After he leaves, Sojiro smiles, "I'm glad to hear that, Akira."

Takamaki Residence

Ann walks up the steps to her house still in a depressed mood. She wanted to talk to Akira but she didn't know what to say since Carmen didn't know what to say and she didn't want to drag Makoto into this again. She could've talked to Haru but Milady would just piss her off like usual. That's when she hoped that her mother would be home so she could at least talk to her about it. So when she entered the house, she saw her mom sitting on the couch making let out a relived breath, "Hey mom. You didn't have to work today?"

Orika smiles looking at her, "Nope." She then frowns, "Is there something wrong? You don't seem like your usual self."

"No..." Ann goes and sits next to her, "I'm glad you didn't have to work today because I needed to talk to you about a little argument that me and Akira had."

She nods and turns off the TV. She then sits sideways on the couch giving Ann her full attention, "Now then, tell what it was about."

Ann sighs, "Akira's ex came to visit him on Sunday and he instantly forgave her for what she did even going as far as to welcoming her back into his life...But with me, he starts yelling at me and pushes me away when I was just trying to look out for him about his parents..."

Orika was shocked at first hearing that Akira's ex came to visit him but then nods in understanding about her catiousness, "That is surprising about Akira's ex coming back but I can see now why you would be upset. You think that she has ill-intention?"

"Yeah...But not only that, I've been thinking about other things. He has all these girls' numbers and I once caught him once with a maid and found it was our teacher."

Orika looks at her like she grew an extra head, "Wait...you're saying that Akira hired a maid but the maid is your teacher?"

"I know it sounds like a something you would see in a drama but it happened. He said that it was because he was helping her out with her last student's family who was using his death to get money from her because she blamed herself for it. But I know he's not lying about that because I was there when he convinced the parents to stop it."

"Well that's nice of him! He does have a way with words and I hoped the parents would learn from their awful misdeeds."

"Yeah they did. But that's why I let it go...But that's when he told me that he would get massages from her even after I caught him...but he said that they stopped because it felt wrong for them to do it behind my back."

Orika holds her chin, "Was the massages sexual at all?"

She shakes her head, "He said that it wasn't sexual and they were fully clothed. But should I believe that?"

"Well what made you believe that the first time?"

She looks down, "I'm not sure...I think it was because we were telling each other our things that would get us mad and he sounded sincere about telling me about that. He said that he didn't ask me because I would have thought that he was being forceful or sexual."

That's when Orika smiles, "To be honest, if you didn't have to deal with that bastard. Then I would have said that Akira's reason was absolute bull. But he's was just being cautious of you back then. I mean yes, he may have done the whole massage thing wrong, but it seems that he only allowed your teacher to do it because they're friends and they stopped because it felt wrong to them. And now that he knows that he can ask you for them. Then that means he has no reason to ask your teacher anymore."

Ann sighs but then smiles, "I guess you're right. Maybe instead of just avoiding him, I should have just talked to him about it instead of getting mad..."

"Correct. You solve the problem and have makeup sex afterwards."

Ann blushes, "Mom! Now's not the time for that!"

She laughs, "Oh hush now. It's really great. But seriously, it seems like Akira's the type of person who's nice to everyone no matter if they're male or female. And he sees other girls as friends but to you. He's trying to do everything he can to make you happy from what you told me." She points at the promise ring, "Just look at the promise ring. You said he spent one hundred thousand yen on it by working his ass off. Why? Because he loves you and wants you to know that you're the only one that's special to him."

Ann looks down in sadness mad at herself for not seeing that, "Am I a bad girlfriend for always accusing him?"

"Not necessarily a bad girlfriend but more like, you're being a clingy one. Which isn't bad, if you don't draw the line."

Ann looks at her mother confused, "What do you mean clingy?"

"Well there's different ways to be clingy. What you're doing is being the type of clingy where you're always being suspicious of him just because he talks to other girls."

Ann looks at her, "So I'm being clingy then..."

"Yes. Look, it's alright to accuse Akira if he's being shady or hanging out with a girl you don't know. But don't keep on doing it if he gives you answer a legit answer or go off on him first before asking. And if you still aren't convinced then find out if his story matches up. Because if you keep accusing him. Then there's no doubt that he will get tired of it and it won't be because of another girl he leaves you. It would be yourself."

Ann looks down because her mother's words hit her deeply. All this time she was afraid of him leaving her for another girl, that it would've been her own fault for him leaving, "I'm such an idiot..."

Orika puts a hand on her shoulder, "Maybe but instead of beating yourself up. You should go talk to him instead. Or you could just give him a real reason to stay with you."

Ann rolls her eyes, "You just never quit, do you?"

"Nope! Like I said before, I'm your mother. I'm always going to tease you."

"I know. Speaking of teasing, I met Akira's mom."

Orika looks at her surprised, "Really? But I thought she disowned him?"

"I thought the same thing but I guess his dad was the only one and his mom tried to stop him but he wouldn't listen to her."

Orika shakes her head in disappointment "That's pathetic on the father's part." She then smiles at her, "Do you have her number?"

"Yeah." Ann brings out her phone and gives her Reiko's number, "Make sure you don't mention her visiting Akira."

"Of course. Oh, I made dinner already. So after you eat, go talk to Akira and say you want to see him tomorrow, okay?"

Ann smiles, "Okay." She then hugs her, "Thank you for helping me sort things out with Akira."

She hugs her back, "Of course dear. Anything for you, my daughter."

"Thanks mom." Ann let's go of her and goes to the kitchen.

Once Ann goes into the kitchen, Orika gets up and walks outside. Once gets outside, she brings out her phone and calls Reiko. After a few rings, she hears someone answering the phone.

"Hello, this is Reiko Kurusu, may I ask who is calling?"

"Hello Ms. Kurusu, this is Orika Takamaki, Ann's mother."

She hears her gasp, "Oh! Hello! I wasn't expecting to hear from you this soon." That's when Orika hears her talking to someone in the background with Reiko pausing after each statement, "No it's not Akira! Will you stop thinking it's him all the time! It's a friend from work! I'll show you my phone afterwards!" That's when she hears stomping and a door opening and then the door slamming. She then hears Reiko sigh, "I'm sorry that you had to hear that..."

Orika shakes her head already knowing what it was about, "That was pretty rough. Is everything okay?"

"Kind of. I have to deal with this crap on a daily basis and sometimes I want to just give up and leave but he hasn't done anything to hurt me, just annoy me..."

"Have you tried relieving some of his stress?"

"Eh, I tried to but he doesn't even look at me anymore. And before you ask, it would be a bad idea to force him into it."

Orika laughs, "Well it looks like we have the same thoughts then. Anyway, I wanted to call and see if you wanted to get together for dinner? I would bring my husband but I rather wait till your husband comes to his senses." Whenever you're free?

"That sounds great! It would be nice to meet each other and we can talk about wedding plans for Akira and Ann." She says the last part quietly.

Orika squeals in excitement, "Oh yes! I will absolutely love that! And we can talk about how great our grandchildren will be! Oh! I can already tell we're going to be great friends!"

"Oh yes we will be!"

Ann's room

Ann opens the door to her room and walks in. She was in a much better mood than before after talking to her mother. But she noticed that Carmen had been quiet the whole time while she was eating.

"What's wrong Carmen? You've been quiet for a long time?"

"...Nothing..."

"Oh please. I already know there's something wrong. You have the same tone you always do when you're upset."

Carmen sighs, "Fine then...It's because I couldn't help you out with your problems with Akira..."

Ann laughs, "That's it? There's no reason to be sad about that."

"Why not...?"

"Because like me, we're still amateurs at love. I just needed help from someone who's had experience in love plus I wanted to talk to my mother about this. That's all."

"Okay...but I was also thinking about what your mother said about being clingy. Am I clingy as well?"

"Well you sometimes accuse Arsene but I guess always wanting him around and missing him all the time, would be another form of clingy. Based off of what my mom said."

"So I am clingy..."

"Hey! Don't take my word for it! I said this before, the only thing I know about love is from the movies and that's not even real love. I just go with what my heart says. Wait...that sounds cliché too."

"I just follow my heart as well. Hmm...maybe I should be less excited? Yeah I should try that!"

Ann smiles, "Well that's one way to go about it. Now to call Akira."

Akira's Room

Akira was lying in bed thinking if he should call Ann or just wait till tomorrow but that's when his phone starts ringing making him grab his phone from the nightstand and saw that it was Ann calling him making him sit up, "She's actually calling." "Well answer it. Don't just stare at it." He nods and answers the phone, "Hey, Ann." "Hello, my Carme."

"Hey..." "Hello, Arsene."

"I'm surprised that you called me." Arsene noticed that Carmen wasn't getting over excited like usual, "Are you okay, Carme? You don't sound excited."

"I know...but I talked to my mother about our little spat last week. And she said that I'm clingy and that you will leave me if I kept accusing you..." "Of course, I am. I'm talking to you so I'm happy."

Akira sighs, "I don't know about leaving you but honestly, I'm just tired of it." "I guess that's nice as well. But usually you get overly excited about hearing my voice."

"I know..." "I know but I should calm down on my excessive love for you."

"You say that but you keep accusing me. Is it because you're afraid that I'll leave you?" "Why is that?"

Ann was silent for bit, "Yeah...I know I say this a lot but you do so much for me and you're always there for me. But above all, is that you love me no matter what. Even when I hurt you." "Because I'm being too clingy..."

"That's because you're worth staying with. I love everything about you. And now that I think about it. I don't mind that you are clingy. I just don't like the accusing constantly part." "You're not being clingy. I love the way you are. You're acting more like Anat. Which is fine but I love the person you have become."

"I understand. I promise that I won't anymore." "Really...?"

"Alright. So, what about Emily and my other friends that are girls?" "Of course. I want the Carmen that I fell for."

He hears her sigh, "They are your friends and I accept that. But I'm sorry, I don't trust Emily." "I'm so happy to hear you say that! I felt like I was going to explode from holding back!"

He sighs, "Didn't we just talk about the accusing?" Arsene laughs, "Please never change who you have become Carme."

"I'm not accusing you of anything! I'm just being cautious! I don't want her to hurt you again, okay?" "Now that I know you love me like this. I will never change to my old self and to anything else than what I am now."

"Okay. I understand. Just don't start fights with her unless she starts something." "I highly doubt Emily will." "That's what I want to hear!"

"Alright." She then laughs, "I'm sure that would get you excited. Seeing two girls fight each other for you." She giggles, "I love you Arsey!"

"Well I would have to put ointment on your bruises. But that would require massaging you again." "I love you too, Carme."

"Oh, I will not mind that at all. I can still feel the sensations from the last one." "Speaking of love, it's been forever since we last saw each other..."

Akira chuckles, "Well I did say that the next time will be even better." "I know...but once we find out Shido's palace we get to see each other."

"Mmmm, maybe when we finally get Akechi and this Shido guy then we can continue off from last time?" "But that could take forever!"

"That sounds great to me." "We can make it worth the wait."

"Good. Oh and Akira. There's a high chance of it leading to more than just a body massage. Just an FYI. Bye now!" "Oh that sounds..." Ann hung up.

Akira puts his phone on the nightstand smiling, "Well now I have even more of a reason to beat them. But mostly, I'm just glad that she's not avoiding me anymore. This was a depressing week." "It must have been worse for Carmen and she's not going to be happy about getting cut off like that." Akira lays back in his bad, "It will be fine. I just hope that I don't have that dream of fighting a plumber, an elf with a green tunic, an ape wearing a DK tie and a pink ball with arms and legs that can copy abilities again. That was too weird..." "Now I can't get the picture out of my head of this pink ball wearing your mask..." "Let's just go to sleep..."

Ann's room

"Why did you cut us off!?"

"Because I was teasing Akira!"

"What if I wanted to tease Arsey!? Didn't you think about that!?"

"Oh my god! You always tease him!"

"What's the problem then!?"

"You're complaining because you didn't get to finish teasing after you do it a million times!"

"I did not tease him a million times more like around a hundred!"

"It was an exaggeration!" That's when someone starts knocking on the door, "Oh great...Come in!"

The door opens and Lukas appears, "Princess? Why are you yelling at yourself?"

"I'm, uh, practicing acting! Yeah that's it! I'm practicing acting."

He looks at her in worriment, "You're acting really weird." He gasps, "Are you doing drugs!?"

She looks at him in a mix of anger and bewilderment, "Did you seriously just say that!?

"W-Well you're yelling at yourself so it made me think you were doing drugs. You're not lying to me...are you?" Seeing her grit her teeth in anger, made him uncomfortable, "P-Princess...are you ma..."

"Get out!"

"Y-Yes! Love you!" He rushes out.

Ann puts her head in her hands in exasperation, "First he thinks I'm sleeping with random men and now thinks I'm on drugs..."

"You know, this wouldn't have happened if you just let me finish my conversation with Arsene."

Ann grabs a pillow and screams in frustration into it.

[End notes: So obviously Ann is being cautious of Emily because she thinks that that Emily is going to try to take Akira back and she also thinks that she's going to hurt him again and the black eye will be mention in the wrong way. So, about Sae, I know that Akira didn't have to show her every little detail of the Metaverse but he did promise to show her everything and I thought it would be a nice touch to have her try to help Akira with his false record to show that she really did change into a good person. And lastly, I wanted to have family moments with Sojiro being a father figure to Akira by helping deal with Ann's accusing and that slip of thinking of Akira as a son and with Ann talking to her mom about here suspicion of Akira hanging out with girls and finding out that she was being a little clingy with accusing him all the time. And yes, Reiko and Orika are going to be bugging Akira and Ann about marriage. Oh yeah, that reference to smash bros was added in today because of the reveal of Akira/Ren/Joker being the first DLC character for Smash Ultimate.]

Reviews:

STARAF938: Well I'm glad you finally read it.

Noice4129: Well neither have a palace because they only went after Akira and anything associated with Akira. And yes, Yaldabaoth has influenced both of them (which isn't really a spoiler because it's obvious). Good to hear about the reference, because I thought it would be perfect fake name.

Handsomistic1: I'm sure he will and yes, Akira will...you'll just have to wait haha.

Densolator: Oh there's going to be way more of Ann's jealousy/cautious of Emily that would lead to some heartbreak. That's all I'm going to say.

Guest: Why thank you. I'm glad you think this is the best Joker x Ann fic. I hope you enjoy the this chapter as well.

Whiperface: Thanks for those kind words and as reward, I'll keep writing more chapters.

Kia Causby: My apologies for taking long. I'll make sure the next one comes out sooner.