Birthday Party

[Author's Notes: Hey everyone! I wanted to apologize for not getting this out sooner. Right after I did the sneak peak. Two days later, I had a Coronavirus scare. Thankfully, it was negative but I was still worried for two weeks. Oh yeah, I changed the last update chapter to extra because of the sneak peek.]

Reiko was talking to Sojiro while looking at the entrance of the buffet area, hoping that Akira and Ann actually made up.

"Are you worried that Akira isn't going to accept her apology?" He says noticing her staring intently at the entrance

She nods, "Yes, though I wouldn't be upset at him since he's had to dealt with Ann's constant accusing. But now that we figured out what Ann's problem was; maybe things will finally be good for the both of them."

He smiles, "Well that's good to hear. Considering how his father is; I'm surprised that he has that much patience."

Sighing, she looks down, "When it comes to love...People will do anything for the person they love. Including all the worst parts of them..."

"That is true." He says while having a feeling that she might be talking about her husband; "Though, they are young and their relationship is still blossoming so they will still have to see how things go."

She nods, "Yes. I hope it keeps blossoming. Though he does have other flowers around him as well." She chuckles. But that's when she sees Akira and Ann walk in holding hands and smiling making her smile; "Well I guess I had nothing to worry about."

Ryuji smiles when he notices Akira and Ann were holding hands when they arrive; "Glad that you guys fixed things even though Ann will probably screw it up again!" "'n here I was expectin' Carmen t' accuse Arsene all the time!"

Ann glares at Ryuji when he says that; "Hey! I'm actually being serious this time! I'm not going to accuse Akira anymore and I will never take off this ring again!" "Hey! Wait no...that's understandable."

Hifumi slaps his shoulder giving him a disapproving look as well; "Don't listen to him Ann. There were times when I got upset with Ryuji and didn't talk to him. Especially one time where he broke one of my trophies and lied about it. Then when I proved him wrong; he just kept denying it till I just got tired of it and told him to leave. After a few days; I called him to apologize and he told me that it was just because he was scared that he messed up again and that I would hate him for it. I told him that I wouldn't hate him because of that, but I will if he didn't tell me the truth because that's all I want. I know it's not as bad as accusing someone of cheating but every couple has fights and that's how we better each other by talking about what upsets them."

Akira smiles at her because this was the first time she had talked this much; "I'm surprised to hear you talk this much but I figured it was because of how much you love Ryuji that you can spend a whole day talking about love. Anyway; I agree with you and that's why no matter what happens between me and Ann. I will always love her." "Don't worry about that Carmen. It means you care a lot about me."

"Bah! Would you four stop talking about love...It's annoying." Haru smiles, "That's so beautiful, you two!" She looks at Akira; "But we were all so worried about you two splitting up. Especially Mako-chan..."

Ann gasps, "Oh yeah! Where is Makoto!? I need to talk to her!" "Oh, please Milady! We all know that you want Goemon." She looks around and spots her sitting at a table with her sister looking defeated; "There she is!" She quickly walks over to them.

"W-What!? Get your ass back here Miss Jezebel or I will somehow kill you!"

Hearing footsteps; Sae looks over seeing Ann and gets up; "You went too far." She whispers to her.

She nods feeling more regretful, "I know...I'm sorry." She whispers back and Sae walks away without another word. Once that happens; Ann sits in front of Makoto and puts a hand on hers, "I'm sorry Makoto...I overreacted and you didn't deserve what I said and what I did..."

Makoto looks up in shock hearing her and Ann could see that she was crying; "A-Ann? You're back...Does that mean that you and Akira made up?"

She smiles; "Yeah...and you're not the reason I snapped Makoto. It was my own self-doubt..."

She looks at her confused but then starts thinking about it; "That does seem reasonable especially considering that you would question everything..." But that didn't help ease her regrets; "But that does not give me an excuse to not be punish for kissing Akira."

"Well...If you really want to be punished for kissing Akira." She smiles devilishly; "You are going to watch me and Akira have our first time together."

Makoto's eyes go wide hearing her punishment; "W-What!? B-But I wouldn't..." She then looks down in defeat; "Okay...I do deserve it..."

Seeing her look down in defeat so easily when she usually wouldn't. Made Ann feel bad so she hugs her; "I'm sorry Makoto; I was just kidding and no, you don't deserve to be punished. But I got an idea how to make it up to you." She then whispers in her ear making her shiver telling her what she talked about with Carmen before Akira came down.

Makoto's eyes go wide again while blushing; "A-Are you serious? But you just got angry about me kissing Akira! Why are you giving me a chance to be with him and also with Emily of all girls? It almost seems like this was all hypocritical of you to accuse Akira of cheating since you are now letting two women be with him even if it's only for one night." "Well...I didn't want to say this before...but me and Carmen are technically with the same person..."

Ann smiles knowing that this was going to come up; "Simple; I've been such a bitch to both you and Emily while you just tried to help me and she was just trying to be friends with him while trying to clear the air between us. Not only that; I've been treating Akira like he was a womanizer when he was just trying to show his love for me. So; I want to make it up to all of you and the best thing for that is just to give you two one night to be with him. I'm sure that would satisfy you and Emily. Besides; I'm allowing it and it's not going on behind my back, so yeah." "So yeah! That's why we might as well just let you have a piece Makoto!"

She was still confused by what she was saying because Ann's heart was in the right place but her idea just sounded ridiculous; "You do realize that this all sounds ridiculous, correct?" "Okay...So you have enough sense to question this but not when you decided to kiss Akira?"

She giggles; "Of course it does! Besides..." She tickles Makoto's chin; "I have a feeling that you have dreams of all three of us together just by the way you shivered when I whispered in your ear." "Well now, I wouldn't say that. That's more spontaneous. Remember you did feel me up and that wasn't spontaneous." She laughs

Blushing bright red; She quickly pulls away; "I-I don't know what you're talking about! T-That happens to everyone!" "How did she know...? Or is she just messing with me...?" "Hey! That's only because I was paying you back for teasing me about Arsene!"

Seeing her reaction made Ann start laughing; "Relax! I'm just teasing you!" "Oh really? I saw you smiling when you did it."

That makes her sigh and she takes a moment to calm down; "When did you start embracing shameless flirting?" "W-What!? Because I thought I had you!"

Ann smiles big while shrugging; "I just sorta accepted it. Since Carmen's my hidden self, I just decided to go with it. I do it to Akira all the time now and it's fun to see his reactions." "Oh yeah? What if I said I wouldn't mind if you did it again?"

"I believe that makes sense considering Carmen does it all the time. But it's nice to see that you're accepting yourself." "...really? Well they were really soft and felt nice in my...W-What am I saying!? You're messing with my mind!"

"Thanks! Well I'm going to go talk to Emily about it later. Come on and join us! No need to hide over here anymore." "I do not know what you're talking about, dear."

She nods smiling; "Alright and thank you for forgiving me." "Damn you Carmen...You beautiful, sexy seductress..." Anat whispers to herself.

But as the girls were about to head back, they hear two women squealing

"I didn't think I would see you here my darling; Reiko!"

"Of course, I would! I can never miss my son's birthday! I didn't think I would see you!"

"How could I miss my future son-in-law's birthday! I'm so happy that I get to see you again!"

Ann and Makoto walk in then see Reiko and Orika hugging eachother with the amusement of everyone. Makoto goes to sit with the others while Ann walks up to Akira who was getting something to drink; "Hey! So I see that our moms became best friends." She says chuckling. "That just means that you two are perfect for eachother! Right, Arsene?"

He chuckles as well; "Yeah it seems so." He then looks at her concerned; "So is everything alright between you and Makoto?" "That's right, Carmen. Just like how me and you are."

She smiles big; "Oh...More than okay. And I'm just going to leave it with that." "Oh Arsene...I love you so much!"

He laughs; "Alright then. Just as long as you don't start any...uh oh, your mother doesn't look happy..." He says seeing Orika marching towards Ann. "And I love you just as much and more, Carme!"

Ann looks at him confused but then looks over seeing her as well; "H-Hey mother...! Why are you so..."

"Reiko has told me what had happened earlier...Throwing away a promise ring and telling Akira it was over...on his birthday of all days..."

Ann looks down but Akira shakes his head; "It was my fault that it happened but...Gah!"

That's when Orika hugs both of them; "Don't you ever breakup with each other! You two are perfect together! We already have wedding plans for you two!" She says crying

"M-Mom!" She says surprised by the hug; "You don't have to worry anymore. I was wrong in everything and I fixed things with everyone."

"Y-Yeah...We figured out what was wrong and there's going to be no more doubts between us..."

Orika lets go of them then wipes her eyes; "I'm glad...I know Ann can be a little hard to deal with but she means well. But honestly; she gets it from her father, you seen how he was when you met first met me."

He nods remembering that her father was jealous when Orika complimented him; "That actually does make sense now..."

Ann looks away; "Well it's kind of hard when there's a lot of girls that want you..."

He holds her hand; "Which I'm still surprised about but as you can see, you're the only one for me."

Orika smiles big; "That is so sweet, Akira! So how many children are you going to give her? Me and your mother were thinking about 4 or 5."

Ann blushes; "M-Mother! Really!?"

Lukas walks up to Sojiro who was getting more food; "Hello, Mr. Sakura! How are you doing this evening?"

"Hm?" He turns towards him; "Oh! You're Ann's father, right? Good evening to you as well."

"Thank you." He starts looking over his body; "Hmm...If you were younger, I would say you were a perfect model!"

Sojiro's eyes go wide from that, not sure if he should take that as a compliment or not; "Uh...thanks? I never thought I would here that from a guy though..."

"Oh! My apologies, sir. You see; being a fasion designer, I tend to analyze men for my fasion and also look for new talent for them."

He chuckles; "Akira did say that he accepted your offer in being a model. Though, if I say so myself, it would have been nice to get that offer when I was younger. I was a ladies man back in the day."

"I can certainly tell!" He smiles; "Actually...the real reason wanted to talk to you is because I had heard from my daughter that you make the best coffee. So! I was wondering if you would like to become a partner?"

He looks at him surprised; "That was out of nowhere but why would you want a partner with a small café shop?"

"Well cafés are all the rage now! So, when Ann talked about your coffee and curry, we had decided to ask you. Models may be on a strict diet but they do drink coffee to get energy. And a café would be a perfect way since they are usually calm and relaxing perfect for fasion designers to come up with ideas!"

"That...is actually a good reason." He would have said no because he really didn't want the publicity and it was more work to deal with it. But then he looks at Haru, who he took under his wing, teaching her his coffee techinques as well as his curry. Not only that, but he was thinking of letting Haru run the shop when he retired and this would be perfect for her. So, with that, he smiles and holds out his hand for Lukas to shake; "You've got a deal."

"Ah wonderful!" He shakes his hand; "I will let you know the details once me and my wife have talked about it!"

Emily was standing against the wall seemingly not sure on how to approach Akira's new friends until she sees Makoto walk up to her; "Oh! Um...hey there!"

"Hello, Emily. I just want to say thank you for trying to help Akira with my mistake."

"Oh! That's okay, you don't have to thank me. I just wanted to help Akira and Ann be together. Besides, I probably would have done the same thing, I mean not purposely, it would've just happened. Like you did! Wait...I should probably stop bringing it up..."

Makoto chuckles; "It is alright. I know you mean well." She stands next to her then looks down; "I don't know how he does it but he has a way of making you feel calm and motivated. What I mean by that is that you can tell him anything that's bothering you and he'll make you feel even better about yourself. But most of all, he makes you feel special and wanted. I think that's what made me lose control of myself and kissed him. I honestly would have done more if he didn't stop me..." "It also didn't help when I thought he died..."

Emily smiles; "Well that's what happens when love hits you like a truck! But yeah! He does have that thing you just said! But it's funny, because Akira wasn't always like that."

She looks at her a little bit surprised; "What do you mean?"

"Well when I first met him, he was really awkward. But the more he tutored me, the more I wanted to know about him. So I asked him why he didn't talk to people. And he said that he never really had friends because of his father wanting him to focus on his studies. So, I said that I'll be his friend and I wanted him to meet my friends."

Makoto nods; "Yes, he had told us about that. But I still can't imagine him being awkward."

"I can see why. But, anyways, so when I did introduce him, my friends didn't think he was cool and was too nerdy. Didn't help that he was always proper and didn't get any jokes. But he wanted to try to get along for me so he tried to act cool by taking off his glasses but that ended up with him running into walls and desks, he also tried to talk like a us. After we would all hangout, he would apologize all the time to me, thinking that he ruined our fun and if he belonged with us...But I told him that he didn't need to be like them but to be himself. And things became better for him...especially for me."

Makoto nods understanding where things were going; "That's when you became infatuated with him?"

"Yeah...and it wasn't because I thought he was handsome...I mean I still think that but because he was always there for me and not just with the tutoring but with anything. Whenever I needed help with something, he was there. Whenever I was feeling down, I would go to him and he would make me feel better. I guess just being around him made me feel so calm and like I can take on anything, like you said. And when it was time for our final, I was so worried that I would fail and be held back but when I told him that I was feeling this way, he just looked me in the eyes and he hugged me saying that he believed in me and it gave me all the confidence I needed to take on the Finals and what'd you know? I actually got in the top 20% and when we celebrated...that's when I knew I had fallen for him..." She looks down; "And after two weeks; I finally confessed to him and I was surprised that he felt the same way and we promised that we would stay together forever and we set up a date...but...but that's when he told about him getting falsely accused and...I just...I don't know what happened..."

Makoto looks down feeling sorry for her; "My deepest apologies...You two sound perfect for eachother. If things hadn't gone bad, I'm sure that you both would have been together forever." She wasn't used to being the one to listen to another person's trouble and it made her remember that she wasn't a good mentor to her peers. So maybe it was a chance for her to start now.

She starts lightly crying; "I would never had said those things to him...Of course, I would be shocked but I would have believed him because he wouldn't hurt anyone, all he ever did was help people...! I just want to know why it happened to me...Why did I have to lose him...I feel so depressed knowing I can't be with him..."

That's when Makoto puts and hand on her shoulder making Emily look towards her; "Well...From what Ann told me is that she's allowing me and you to spend one night with Akira. So maybe that would be your chance to give yourself to him at least. Maybe even convince Ann to let you spend a day with him."

She looks down; "I...I don't want to just give myself to him but...I'll have to think about it..." She looks back at her; "Thank you for listening to me. I know it's probably weird to have someone you just met pour their heart out."

"Not at all. Even someone that you just met could be a good listener or even make you think about what you are doing is wrong even if they are forced into it."

Emily smiles; "Why don't we be friends then! Since you're a good listener and I poured my heart out to you!"

That surprises her; "That...sounds interesting but that was spontaneous as well."

"Hey! If we're going to take up Ann's offer then we might as well be friends then. So, I think we should be friends!"

She chuckles; "Yes, I do believe that does make sense. Then we let us be friends then." "You really have changed Makoto-san. You have become more sociable and understanding of others troubles. I'm proud of you." "Thank you, Anat. Well if she doesn't accept the offer...Maybe I should introduce her to Shiho, I am still shocked that she confessed that she liked Ann more than a friend. And Emily, is kind of like Ann. So, hopefully?"

Over by the elevators; Sae was on the phone; "What do you mean that you won't be able to prosecute him? He has confessed to all his crimes on TV, just as the other targets did." She stops talking to listen and soon sighs; "So the only way to get an absolute guilty verdict is to somehow connect him to the crimes. Why can't we with Goro Akechi? He could provide us his testimony and..." Her eyes go wide in shock; "He has gone missing and no one knows where he is? Then the only logically explanation is that he must be in hiding from Shiho's confession." She starts thinking and sighs; "Of course, they won't delay the trial...Don't worry ,I will figure out a way to bring Shido to justice. Goodbye." She hangs up and sighs; "This is going to be bad..."

"So, what do you need to tell me, my dear friend?" Sae then hears Orika speaking and looks seeing her and Reiko together.

"Well...I was going to wait till after this but your daughter figured it out early and I need someone to talk to about this before I tell Akira, so don't scream out in anger..." That's when Reiko shows her bruised neck to her; "Takahiro did this to me when I accidently let out that I visited Akira..." She then tells her everything that she told Ann and Emily

Orika gasps from the shock of seeing the bruise but it slowly turns to anger from hearing the story; "So that bastard finally went too far! Are you finally going to leave him or not!?"

She looks down; "To be honest; I've been thinking about it while being at the hotel but I'm afraid that it would hurt Akira and he's already been through so much..."

"Well I'm sure Akira wouldn't care that you leave him. I know I sound like I'm trying to break up your marriage but if he's getting like this, he might do something worst especially since even hearing that Shido person admit to framing Akira, he still making excuses to hate Akira."

She sighs again; "I know that...I just...I know he isn't like this because he never done this before...Because if something went wrong, he knew how to stay calm and he fixed the problem. I just don't know..."

Sae couldn't believe what she was hearing about Akira's father abusing Reiko and her thinking about leaving him so she walks to them; "Excuse me for eavesdropping but I may know a way to solve your problem." She had to get Reiko to accept the Phantom Thieves help so Akira can fix his family, like he had done for her; "Have you thought about changing his heart?"

Reiko looks over at her; "Hm? Oh, my apologies, we didn't know you were over here," She turns to her fully; "But from your response, you had heard everything." She glares at her; "I hope you aren't planning on telling Akira what we talked about..."

Sae actually shivers a little from her glare; "I can see where Akira gets his intense glare from...She can, more than likely, terrify anyone from just looking at them like this..." "No...I am just suggesting using the phantom thieves to change your husband' heart."

"I have honestly thought of that but I don't want to force him to change back..."

"Well, it's not really forcing him to change." Orika says; "If you truly believe that he isn't like this and there's something wrong with him. Then maybe these Phantom Thieves can figure out what's wrong with him and fix it or whatever it is that they do."

Reiko looks down thinking about what Orika said and soon looks up making up her mind; "Alright...I'll do it but how am I supposed to get ahold of them. I can try that phan-site but I'm sure they have a lot of people who are asking for requests right now."

"Don't worry about that. I will be able to get ahold of them since I am doing them a favor by helping them avoid the police."

"Well I'm not going to ask why that is but I will leave it in your hands then."

Orika smiles; "Well there we go, it's all settled then but should you tell Akira about...what your husband has done?"

Sae nods; I believe she should. Akira doesn't like it when those he loves hides things from him even though it may anger him. He needs to know the truth of what his father has done."

"You're right...I was planning on telling him anyway; I just didn't want to ruin his birthday and needed to talk to someone about what to do about this situation..." She smiles sadly at both of them; "Thank you...you two. Well let's go back then..." They go back while she covers her neck

Akira was with everyone enjoying the last hour of their reservation but then sees his mother walking up to him but sees her looking worried; "Hey mother, is there something wrong?"

"Akira, my son...I need to show you something, can you come with me?"

Now he was worried; "Uh...sure. I'll be back guys." He follows after her while Ann was watching them leave knowing exactly what it was about.

Once Reiko walks them back to the usual private talk area, he turns around; "Now don't get angry and start yelling at everyone...But your father has gotten worst..."

"What do you mean worst...?" He says confused; "But I thought he would change when Shido admitted that he framed me...?"

She shakes her head; "No...and that's why we got into an argument and I accidently let out that I went to see you and..." She then starts to take off the scarf showing him her bruised neck; "He attacked me and..."

"W-What!? That bastard actually attacked you!?"

"Yes...But I don't want you to worry because...Akira! Where are you going!?" She sees him speed walking away; "Don't tell me you're going after him!? Your friend is going to ask the Phantom Thieves! You don't need to cause more problems!"

But to her surprise, Akira stops and looks back at her; "You're right...They are going to change his heart. Because I'm the one who's going to do it..."

Reiko looks at him in confusion and then in shock realizing what he meant; "Don't tell me..."

"That I'm a Phantom Thief...? Yeah, I am but not only that...I'm their leader..."

[End Notes: Well now his mother knows that he's a Phantom Thief and no he didn't do it out of anger but because he thinks that this will be his last time being one. So, about Emily, it depends on what you guys want and so that's why she says, she'll think about it (that depends on if you guys want her to join (I really don't want to do a somewhat harem even though the Ann made that offer somewhat so it would already work.) and why Makoto said that she might introduce her to Shiho (even though I kind of winged that part about Shiho). Oh and I'm glad you guys like the sneak peek, it's going to be interesting what's going to happen after Akira gets out of jail.]

[Added notes: There seems to be some understandable confusion about what's going on. This story is not going to be a harem. Ann was going to offer Makoto and Emily the chance to be with Akira, regardless if people wanted it or not. Emily is going to think about it but then say no and Makoto is just confused right now since Ann just threw the offer at her. And Ann did it because she didnt know how to make it up to them so she just made the offer.]