A/n: I really enjoy writing this fic. Your feedback helps me write better. Please comment. Thank you.

Apologies

"What are you doing here? I thought you had several projects to wrap up," Ann sat on the sofa of the living area in the massive hotel suite. Her fiance, Michael, walked around the room excitedly while they discussed his unexpected early arrival.

"Well, I wrapped up things ahead of schedule and got on the next flight," Michael walked over to his ashen blonde fiancée and pinched her cheeks. Ann poked his cheek and the two exchanged cheesy smiles. He pulled away from her as her pointed nail dug too deep into his cheekbone. He then threw himself onto the sofa and rested his head in her lap. His long legs dangled over the arm of the chair. "and I couldn't wait to see you." Ann ran her fingers through his thick, dark hair.

Michael was about six-feet tall, with a full, but neat beard and dark hair. His green eyes were what attracted Ann and his amazingly pearly white smile. At the start of their relationship, she found him attractive, but she did not want to date him – until she saw him for the kind man he was in and outside his photography.

Shiho visited Ann a couple of years into her New York lifestyle; post being married and giving birth to her first child. Michael volunteered to be Shiho's American tour guide on days Ann had shoots she couldn't avoid. He even practiced Japanese as to communicate with her better. Though he was being overly friendly as to impress Ann, he successfully did so on a day the one day he wasn't trying. Before Shiho returned home, Michael offered to take photos of her post baby body. He had done so after Ann flippantly suggested Shiho should do a shoot of her own. A bit after that, Michael planned a surprise photo shoot for Shiho. She photographed in overpriced lingerie bought by Ann. This, in conjunction with Michael's encouragement, helped Shiho fall in love with the body that gave life to another. She regained self-love she didn't realize she lost – and Ann then believed perhaps Michael was a man she could love, someday.

"Well," Ann began, "since you're here early – what do you want to do?"

"See the sights. And Eat. Lots. Oh, and I want to your meet your friends! I've been practicing my Japanese." Michael sat up excitedly. Ann giggled, finding his boyish mannerisms charming.

"Okay, okay," Ann said holding his face and running her fingers over his beard. She pulled his face close to her and kissed his nose. "I can't wait for everyone to meet you as well."

Mornings were unusually quiet in the Okumura – Kurusu household. Haru would wake early, shower and then after getting ready for work, take time to prepare breakfast. Akira would sleep for as long as time would allow. He'd make his way to the kitchen for breakfast in time to kiss Haru on the forehead before she left for the day. Neither of them could identify when they stopped speaking in the mornings. Their relationship was based on their ability to be open with each other. But now – she was terribly afraid to ask him what really haunted her mind.

Ann. Her return. It was bothering her yes, but could she really say it to him? Could she really ask him about her concerns? She should be able to; she was always able to tell him of her frustrations and fears. He always heard her out. They began seeing each other when it was he who called her one night with something on his mind. They met for after work drinks and he talked of his loneliness since Ann's leave. He often feigned confidence, that it didn't bother him – being alone – but at times he greatly desired someone to talk to; about anything. Talking to Morgana helped, but it wasn't the same. She offered to be that person and they spent many evenings talking over the phone. Sometimes he popped into her office with Leblanc curry. Other times she'd show up to the café after work and work on her laptop until closing. They shared their first kiss over a pot of curry they made together. They made love the first time when he showed up at her apartment late one night. She let him in and without words, they became intimate on the sofa. In the morning, she told him she wanted to be with him and he kissed her forehead telling her he'd like nothing more.

Perhaps dialogue became hard after Akira came home drunk one night. Mishima was kind enough to bring him back, and Haru – who was already tired from her long day – met them in the lobby. As Yuuki handed Akira off to her, the former Phantom thief leader pulled her into a close hug and whispered to her, 'I'm sorry'.

That night, as she undressed him and put him to bed, he kept apologizing. She didn't understand why he did so and grew irritable. The following morning, he threw up constantly and she didn't go to the office to care for him. He apologized – again – for making her work from home because of his negligence. She tried her best to reassure him it was fine, but he always seemed apologetic; like he owed her something. Shortly after they stopped being a "normal" pair. They stopped going on dates and only went out together with their friends. Soon after they found no need to sleep next to each other as they no longer had sex. Morgana was caught between the two people he favored, but with Akira's reassurance, slept in Haru's room. He'd lay at the foot of her bed and watched her work on her laptop until she fell asleep. When that happened, he would wake Akira, who'd come into the room, clear Haru's bed of her things, and tuck her in.

The night he came home, after the overdue reunion and Ann's announcement, he did the same. On this occasion, Haru woke and touched his cheek. She stared into his large eyes and removed his glasses from his face. He climbed into the bed next to her and they shared a kiss for the first in a long time. Then they were intimate. Though she orgasmed multiple times, Haru was greatly displeased. Akira treated her different in bed that night. He grabbed, pulled, touched and made love to her like he was with someone else. When it was all over, he arose from the bed and apologized once more. She knew his mind was elsewhere, and he knew she was aware. Once he left the room and closed the door behind him, he heard Haru's loud sobs on the other side. Akira sank to the floor feeling guilt, remorse, and regret. It was apparent during their intimacy – he made love to Haru, thinking of Ann instead.

That morning, with wavy hair and makeup well done, Haru prepared breakfast for Akira. She herself, didn't feel to eat. She was too upset. She wanted to talk – and they had not done so since the other night.

Akira – in nothing but sweats - made his way to the kitchen with a yawn. His exposed chest revealed her favorite part of his firm and lean body. Haru noted and looked away, as she felt embarrassment for finding him attractive even in her upset. He looked at Haru, dressed in a tight pencil skirt and a white blouse and couldn't help the thoughts that crossed his mind. He crept up on her, wrapping his arms around her waist, pressing his morning manhood against her bottom and nibbled on her earlobe. "Can I have you for breakfast?" He asked. His voice was low, still filled with sleep. Haru turned to face him and was cut off by a kiss that made Morgana – who slept on the sofa – run off into another room. Though she wanted to resist him, it felt like it had been too long since they were so close. She found kissing Akira felt foreign, but his touch felt overdue. At that time, she felt like he genuinely wanted her. She ran her fingers through his hair carelessly as ran his hands up her thighs. As he began pushing up her skirt, she stopped him. No matter how she badly wanted him, Haru worried he touched her with Ann on his mind. Haru pulled away from him; her face hot from blushing.

"Breakfast is ready." She said and stepped away to fix her clothing. Akira grabbed a spoon and dug into his grapefruit.

"Thanks."

"I wanted to…talk." Akira turned to her; the spoon stayed in his mouth as he faced her. "The other night –"

"The other night?" He asked.

"Yeah. The other night, when you came in," She paused. Could she ruin the rest of their relationship with questions about Ann? "Never mind. Forget I said anything." Haru grabbed her blazer and briefcase and headed to the doorway, where she put on her heels. As she reached for the knob, Akira's words stopped her.

"What's wrong? I know things haven't been great – but you can tell me, Haru."

"Do you – do you still love her?" Haru squeezed the doorknob and at once regretted her words. She was wrong to ask. She was wrong to bring it up and remind him that his feelings for Ann had never changed. Before he could respond she cut him off, "Forget I said anything!" In great haste, she opened the apartment door and rushed out the apartment. She was grateful the elevator arrived quickly and was empty so that she had the few moments alone to sob in on her way down.

The spoon had fallen from Akira's possession and onto the floor. Morgana made his way from the room and walked around his legs. He sat upright and looked up to his longtime friend with worry. Akira stood there, his face pale from shock and discomfiture.

Was it that obvious?

Before the weekend ended, Akira left Haru's apartment and returned to the attic of Leblanc. They did not speak.

He felt like a teenager again, sitting in the old mattress of his 'former' pad. Though it had not been too long since he had been there, it felt like ages. He believed he and Haru needed space to sort out their feelings. He left Morgana with Haru as he worried about her being alone; not that she wasn't alone before and totally capable – he just felt bad. Bad about leaving without a goodbye; about not trying to talk out their feelings on the subject matter. It happened to him before, and now he did the same to her.

Akira tossed himself on to one of the pillows. It smelled like Futaba's shampoo. This was her second home. He hoped she wouldn't mind him invading. As his lids fell heavy with sorrow he couldn't identify, he began to recollect days spent in that same attic, devising plans to advance their operations as Phantom Thieves. So many years ago – they fought for something they all believed in. How he missed such days, filled with naivete, passion and things greater than themselves. They set out to reform the world, but after all their efforts, only grew to become part of it; it was inevitable.

He slept long. Morning crept in and he opened his eyes to the 'pi' of his phone. He got ready quickly and prepared to open for the day. Futaba and Sojiro stopped by for breakfast and the café became quiet until noon when Ann stopped by.

She wore cigarette skinny jeans and a stylish top that exposed her shoulders. Her face seemed dewy; the makeup she wore. She was as beautiful as always, but those were not the things that consumed Akira. It was who she appeared with; Michael.

"Hey," He said with a smile. "Welcome to Leblanc."

"You're way too formal," Ann told him as she and Michael made their way to the middle booth. The sat across from each other as Ann told him of the place's famous coffee and curry. Akira grabbed a couple of menus from under the counter and walked over to his guests. He placed he menus on the table and turned to give them a moment to order. Ann grabbed his apron, beaming, "I flipped the sign. So, since Leblanc is now 'closed' for lunch you can have lunch with us."

Akira sat beside Ann while the three dined on curry. The meal was awkward as lunches with exes and their new partners tend to be. Michael wasted no time to break the ice. "This is very good, Kurusu-san," He said in his best Japanese. Akira smiled, pretending to be impressed by how well he spoke.

"Thank you. Your Japanese is not too bad." He complimented, though he thought it was not too good either.

"Ann-chan has been a very good teacher." Michael reached across the table and the two interlocked fingers. Akira saw this from the corner of his eye and pushed up his frames with his middle finger. He wondered if Michael knew he and Ann were once an item; if he was making it known they were now together. "How's your English, Kurusu?" Michael asked. Akira looked up and saw in his eyes a genuine friendliness. The man was not making any attempts to 'tag' Ann, he already had her. He felt bad for feeling jealous. There was no competition. Ann leaned in Michael as spoke. She hung on his every word. She really loved him?

"It's not so good. I've watched a lot of western television, so I've picked up a few things."

"Well – Ann here is the one that speaks different languages. I'm sure she can help us both learn something new, right?"

"You just like showing me off." She giggled, and without intention, Akira rolled his eyes. Michael took note of this but did not say anything. He knew very well how Akira felt, but he wouldn't let it stop him from being polite or ruin Ann's good time. He asked to meet Ann's friends, and that is what they were doing.

"What have you done so far?" Akira asked in English. He impressed Michael by how well he enunciated his words. Though his accent was heavy, Michael found he understood Akira perfectly fine. He wondered if Ann liked that. He suddenly felt a bit of insecurity.

"To see sights. I've taken many photos. Nothing crazy."

"That's good. And, congratulations on your engagement. I'm sure you'll make Ann very happy." Akira switched from English to Japanese quickly, and Ann looked to him. His words, though inoffensive, he said with some contempt; something she did not expect from Akira. Michael looked at her, unsure of what he said. Ann poked Akira in the side and explained to Michael in English.

"Oh, thank you. Yes, Ann makes me very happy as well." Michael's phone went off and he excused himself from the table. He stepped outside the café and Ann glared at Akira, who exited the booth, pulled off his apron and made his way to the attic. Ann arose and followed.

"What the hell is your problem?" She asked from the bottom of the stairwell. She felt her face hot from upset, but also nervousness. She hadn't been to the attic since her leave. Being in such an intimate space with him made her a tad bit uneasy, but bringing her 'new man' made Akira uncomfortable; it was only fair she took the time to hear him out. She climbed the steps. Upon her entry, she saw even his space stayed unchanged. It was like stepping into a time machine.

"I don't have a problem." He lied. Of course, he did. He had plenty reason to – they hadn't seen each other for half a decade – but here she was, flaunting her new man in his place of business; her finance.

"He's trying to be nice."

"He is very nice." He said bitingly.

"So, what's with the attitude? I thought you'd be cool."

"Why would you think that?" Akira paced around the attic floor; he tried to remain calm; he failed. "You left Ann! You left and you didn't say anything to me. You didn't call, text, you didn't answer my emails – and you just left! Then you show up years later with some guy – how could you think anyone would be cool about that?!"

"You said you were happy for me."

"I am happy for you, but don't think that means I don't have other feelings. You didn't break up with me. You just vanished."

"I had my reasons."

"Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?"

"Because if I did – I would have stayed," Ann sat on the old sofa of the attic. Memories of their time together flooded her thoughts. The kisses they shared; the late nights they talked; the meetings with their friends; the rise and the fall of the Phantom Thieves. Akira sat on his bed and the two did not make eye contact. "I was afraid that if I told you, and you asked me to stay – I would have."

Michael re-entered the café. He called out to Ann and she hurried downstairs. Akira sat there. He felt his heart break in a way he did not know it could. After so many years, the wounds still felt deep and quite recent. Even then, she left without finishing her words; she just vanished – not saying enough. Not saying anything. Not even goodbye. He walked downstairs and the saw the café empty. She really had gone without saying a word to him. He pulled on his apron and headed outside to the flip the sign back to 'open'. As he made his way back to the counter Ann returned. He turned to see her. Why did she come back?

"I asked Michael to wait for me at the hotel. He's gone."

"You should go too."

"We didn't talk then – it obviously bothers you – let's talk now."

"What is there to say?"

"I'm sorry." Ann walked over to him and wrapped her arms around the slender man. Akira stood there, unmoving. His mouth felt dry. It was different than when she first returned. Then, he genuinely missed her and was truly happy to see her; now – she was this variable. She made him lose all cool. When they were young, it had been the other way around.

She pressed her cheek to his chest and closed her eyes. She held him tightly. "I'm really sorry that I hurt you."

"Ann, please – "

"I was wrong."

"Stop."

"I was wrong to leave you like that and I – "

"Please!" He forcefully moved her away, holding her by her shoulders. Akira looked into her blue eyes, intently. His onyx orbs seemed filled with an overwhelming sadness and Ann felt it was about time she came to terms with her wrongs. She wondered how could she make up for her sin. How could she heal the heart of the man who gave her so much in her youth? He not only saved her but inspired her. He gave her the courage to give others courage. How could she abandon one of the reasons for her success?

She couldn't. She tried hard to, but she couldn't. She moved his hands from her shoulders, freeing his grip from her and stepped to him again. She looked at him; into his eyes – confusion and almost fear behind them. She held the straps of his apron and pulled him down to eye level with her. Akira felt his face burn from embarrassment. For as long as he remembered, he was the calm and cool one. At that moment, he didn't know what those words meant. "Please forgive me." She let go of her hold.

Akira stepped back. He pushed his glasses over his forehead and covered his eyes with his hand. Ann could feel his frustration, as she had her own. She sighed deeply and turned away from Akira. He grabbed her hand. Ann looked back to him; his other hand still guarding those eyes that once held kindness, compassion, and a sense of justice. She waited. She waited for his response. For his acceptance or rejection of her apology.

Words did not come from Akira - in the glow of the afternoon that poured into the windows of Leblanc - only silence; and they kissed, repeatedly.