crook & coquette

v.

.

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Ann. Haru. Yusuke. Makoto. Morgana. Futaba. Ryuji. Ann. Haru. Yusuke. Makoto. Morgana. Futaba. Ryuji. Ann again.

Akira glanced at them accordingly, repeatedly. He, Ann, Ryuji and Morgana were at the side of the counter, Haru, Yusuke, and Futaba sharing a single booth. Makoto stood, taking the role of the leader for this meeting. The air in LeBlanc remained dead, nothing but the sounds of tea cups and spoons clinking. It was already dinner time, and they were all tired, starving, fresh out of Mementos. But this was a mandatory meeting. Trust issues abound.

He couldn't wait to get this over with.

Akira stretched his arm, putting an arm around Ann. The move prompted the meeting to commence as everyone else's eyes shot to the couple, Makoto cleared her throat.

"Before we begin.." the Shujin student council president began. "Ann, Akira, anything you both like to say?"

Why does it sound like we're going to get executed.. ruminated Akira as he got reminded of the twin wardens in his sleep.

The couple looked at each other, checking if the other has anything to say. Akira shrugged.

"Just that we're sorry we hid it to the group," spoke Ann, scratching her head, looking down to her nails. "we.. we didn't want everyone else to think Akira's favoring someone else over the other member."

"But clearly he favors you, Ann," pointed out Ryuji matter-of-factly. "else Akira wouldn't, you know.."

"No that's not what I meant, Ryuji," disagreed Ann, trying not to be tempted to fall into her specific rage mode specially reserved for Ryuji.

"But he does favor you," he interjected, although he wasn't pissed, which came as a surprise. "I'm not saying it'ss a bad thing, just that of course, now our leader has a more intimate relationship with you than any of us,"

Ann, Makoto, and Morgana sighed in unison. Haru raised a hand, a gesture that sort of made everyone exchange confused looks.

Are we in a class now?! thought Ann, not quite understanding how this meeting would go.

"Yes, Haru?" said Makoto.

The heiress stirred the teabag continuously. "I think what Ann-chan was trying to say is she didn't want us to think that Akira-kun is favoring her because she's the girlfriend," explained Haru.

"..that's pretty detailed," noted Ryuji as he tried to sink it all in. "you really thought it through, Haru."

"Yes, I agree with you Haru," answered Makoto, now focusing on the main issue as she ignored Ryuji's next interjection. "the problem is, before this, we all agreed established the rule that there'll be no secrets among the Phantom Thieves. All relationship developments of any kind, good or bad, will be discussed as a group."

"We agreed on it so we can all empathize with each other," remembered Yusuke. "trust is after all necessary for our secret operations."

"Yes," said Makoto, now turning her eyes to the couple. "what I'd want to find out is why you two had to hide it from us. You even hid the fact that you're both holding your own operation to find Morgana."

The couple exchanged glances again.

"Didn't Ann already answer that earlier," reminded Akira, scratching his cheekbone. "we.. we just wanted to be cautious. And what happened with Morgana was our responsibility."

"Thank you for admitting so, Akira." the cat said out of appreciation.

The president sighed in disappointment.

"See, that's the problem," replied Makoto as she folded her arms. "the fact that you have to hide it in the first place as if you both assumed we'll disagree with your relationship."

They didn't think about that very well. They watched their teammates ponder over Makoto's words, their expressions changing to sad ones when they understood what it entailed.

Crap, the couple thought in unison.

"I see, It can come off as if you guys don't trust us.." realized Yusuke. "I thought all along we were friends."

"We are friends, Yusuke." reminded Akira.

Haru also came with the same realization, ignoring the leader's reaffirmation. "That's a sad thing.."

"Now coming from that perspective, that is very offending," agreed Futaba as she hugged her knees.

Ann scratched her head, not liking where this was going. "Hey now.."

"I feel kinda shitty now," sighed Ryuji as he glanced at the couple beside him. "I mean.. I would be totally down for you two guys if you told me. I mean, I'm with you two almost all the time and you kept in the dark!"

"Ryuji, it's not like that," defended Ann as she held his shoulder. "we honestly just didn't want you guys to feel any change in our dynamic,"

"But the dynamic is meant to change," argued Makoto, now sitting beside Haru. "and it would have been all fine, had you guys not kept it,"

"You guys, come on," Morgana interrupted as he walked next to Akira. "we all have to understand that it does put them to pressure. Romantic relationships do change group dynamic, for better or for worse."

"Usually for worse," added Akira.

Another silence drapes over them as the group rethinks about their perspectives.

"And why are you defending them, Morgana?" spat Ryuji to break the silence. "Aren't you supposed to be all sad about this?!"

..how insensitive! Haru glared at the boy as she gripped her cup.

"Don't be an enabler, Ryuji!" exclaimed Futaba as she stood up and picked up the cat. "There, there, kitty,"

"H-hey!" the cat tried to wriggle out of the ginger's hold, but she kept her embrace on him too tight. "I'm not some childish idiot like this vulgar boy!"

"Hey!"

"Jesus.," Akira rolled his eyes. It was time to admit it. He coughed loudly, earning their attention and distracting both Ryuji and Morgana into another fight. "to put it candidly, we weren't ensured that you would all approve or welcome our relationship, okay?"

The rest had quieted, turning to their leader with very suspicious looks.

"My, what judgment!" exclaimed Yusuke as he held a hand on his chest. He looked like he was going to have a heart attack. "Me?! Disapprove of a blooming relationship among my two friends?! Only a fool would go against the beauty of love! I am not such person, I assure you! I feel so undermined.."

"I would actually back you up here, but you're being pretty dramatic, Inari," teased Futaba.

"And what makes you say that Akira-kun?" asked Makoto. She felt so offended by the statement she wanted to grill him alive. Peaceful thoughts, Niijima. Peaceful thoughts, she soothed.

"I asked you all beforehand a hypothetical question," answered Akira. "anyone remembers? It was in the group chat."

Everyone else turned to their phones to back-read the group chat, looking for the incident. It was already taking them a while, and Ann was already daydreaming of her flan.

"My God I'm so hungry why are we still doing this," said Futaba, who could actually care less about the whole thing.

"..what did you exactly say, Akira-kun?" asked Haru, who has having a hard time to keep scrolling up. She was beginning to feel dizzy.

He bit his lip, unsure.

"..I can't remember either," he answered, thus earning him a sigh from Makoto. "but I'd know it when I see it,"

"I did remember you saying something like that.." mused Ann as her fingers swiped down. "but I'm not so sure either."

"Ugh," grunted Ryuji, still back-reading the group chat. "when did you guys start going out anyway?"

"Two months ago." replied Ann nonchalantly.

"Two months!" exclaimed Yusuke. "this is unforgivable!"

"Stop exaggerating, Inari," scoffed Futaba as she glanced at him for doing absolutely nothing. "you're not even helping out!"

"I don't see the point of everyone having to confirm the conversation happened," he answered smugly, folding his arms.

"It's so we could all recall what we said," answered Makoto begrudgingly. "and why Akira and Ann didn't feel 'ensured' enough that we'll be okay with their relationship,"

"I don't even care anymore, whatever makes you two happy, I'm in," Ryuji groaned, stretching his arms in defeat. "Can I go home now?"

Makoto's red eyes darted to the blond boy. "No one's stopping until we fix this!"

"Jeez.." Morgana purred as he licked his paw. "don't fan the flames, Ryuji!"

Afraid of the Queen's wrath, everyone except Yusuke continued their search.

"Akira, was it when you asked, 'what do you all think of dating someone inside the Phantom Thieves?'" asked Futaba as she read from her phone.

"That one," confirmed Akira. He managed to reach the old conversation as well, his beliefs validated as he skimmed through.

Futaba cleared her throat and adjusted her glasses. "Okay, so here's what happened, in verbatim:

Akira: I have a question for everyone, It's quite personal, but Phantom Thieves-related.

Makoto: What is it? We certainly won't mind.

Akira: What do you all think of dating someone inside the Phantom Thieves?

Haru: Dating someone inside the group, huh.. I think it's okay.

Ryuji: Not so much for me.. I think it's weird, man.

Ann: I'm fine with inter-dating.

Ann: What are you trying to say, Ryuji?

Ryuji: That I think it's weird, simply! Why, are you secretly dating someone, Ann? He he he

Akira: You say that as if you're not.. never mind.

Futaba: I think he means the girls in our group are not date-able. Calling it a foul!

Futaba: I don't care either. But I guess it depends on who's dating who.

Yusuke: Same.

Futaba: For once, Inari, we agreed on something.

Makoto: I'm not against it, but it would be best if none of us weren't.

Ryuji: HA! NOT ALONE IN THIS.

Haru: Why so, Mako-chan?

Makoto: I guess it also depends on who's dating who.. but the safe answer for me is that we keep our relationships with each other at equal footing. At least until we iron out all our issues.

Haru: I see. It's so we can all build genuine trust and confide to each other.

Makoto: Exactly.

Yusuke: I'm curious. Does that mean when one feels more comfortable with someone else than the other, it's a bad thing?

Makoto: We can't force ourselves with who we get close with, but I believe it's not so bad either to be idealistic on this, and improve our relationships with each other equally. Our battles rely heavily on our teamwork.

Ann: I understand. Balance is key. I guess the dynamic could change if we date within the group.. although I still don't think it's bad to date someone inside the Thieves.

Ryuji: I agree with Makoto. I mean, if Akira actually dates one of the girls, that might cause some issues.

Ann: And why would it cause issues?

Ryuji: I dunno! What if two among you ladies actually dig him and there's actually a bizarre love triangle, you know?!

Ryuji: Seriously fucked up, for sure.

Ann: That is so presumptuous.

Haru: I have to disagree, Ryuji-kun. And I am slightly offended.

Makoto: Now I know what you truly think of us ladies.

Futaba: That all girls are petty that they fight each other over a guy. Pfft.

Ann: Agreed!

Ryuji: HEY! I'm not trying saying y'all bad! You're all exaggerating and over-reading the stuff I say! SOMEONE BACK ME IN ON THIS, AKIRA?!

Yusuke: Sorry, but they have a point.

Akira: Forgive him, he just lacks delicacy.

Ann: ..nothing new about that.

Ryuji: Ughh. Okay, fine. Sorry.

Haru: Apology accepted.

Futaba: :D

Makoto: Anyway, back to the topic - there's no issue for me on this, personally. But for the Phantom Thieves, it may be too risque. Although I can't speak the same for the rest.

Haru: So does this actually mean we can't date inside the group?

Ryuji: As awkward as that question is, yes.

Makoto: It's the preferred scenario.

Haru: Okay. If we must.

Yusuke: This is a problem I won't encounter. My true love is art.

Futaba: Boooooooo

Ann: Yusuke.. can you not?

Akira: Guys ..it was just a hypothetical question.

"So that's how it ended," concluded Futaba as she dimmed her phone. The rest managed to catch on through their own phones, re-reading the series of exchanges.

The gradual change of Makoto's expression was very welcome. Akira smirked, arm around Ann again. She was blushing, still uneasy with his visible affection, but there was now relief by the way her shoulders heaved. He leaned in her ear.

"I love you," he whispered, causing her to giggle.

"What are you two whispering about?" asked Ryuji suspiciously as he eyed the two lovers.

"Come closer and I'll whisper it to you, too," teased Akira, enjoying Ryuji's new disgusted face.

"..I guess it was Ryuji's fault after all," said Futaba, looking up from her gadget.

"Me again?!" the boy stood up from the stool, now in a defensive stance. "Makoto was against it, too!"

"I wasn't against it!" the student council president rose from her seat, hand on her chest. She looked twice as defensive as Ryuji. "I merely said that not dating inside the group is the preferred scenario,"

"Well, you did say that, Mako-chan.." agreed Haru who was gazing on her phone. "but it does come off like we weren't allowed to date inside the group."

"It comes off like that for me, too," meowed Morgana as he climbed down to Akira's lap. Ann began to rub his neck affectionately, causing him to cozy up. "so.. it wasn't really Akira and Lady Ann's fault,"

Futaba raised a brow, amused of Morgana's change of heart. It was no secret he was smitten of his 'Lady Ann', and had this been other days like before, everyone reckoned he'd be walking out again or sulk. "You're actually being very supportive, Mona," she grinned.

"Well, it' one less problem we have to deal with now," whispered Haru in relief.

Ann flipped her pigtails to the sides as she cleared her throat. "No offense guys, but we did think it was best to just keep it since everyone agreed it was the 'preferred scenario'."

"And it did make sense why you all thought of that. It's just we were already going out by that time," added Akira.

Makoto bit her lip as she reread the conversation again.

"I guess.. I may have said unnecessary things.." she placed her hands on her hips and looked at the couple. "I don't want you or everyone else to feel inhibited on stuff like this,"

Seeing the student council president to actually admit something was very new and unusual that it surprised all of them.

"Regardless of how the conversation transpired, Akira and Ann still hid it from the group," spoke up Yusuke.

The leader held his face as he leaned on his knees, sighing. "Yusuke.. what did we ever do wrong to you?"

"Well, he has a point," affirmed Futaba. "it still boils down to the lack of trust,"

Ryuji raised a brow on the girl. "Futaba.. which side are you on, really?"

"Neither," the ginger answered simply. "I'm just the devil's advocate,"

"That ain't very helpful.." the blond grunted. "when are we going to get this over with? I'm really hungry,"

"No one's leaving until we solve this," Makoto spat.

Futaba groaned as she held her stomach. "I'm actually getting hungry too. Akira, make us some curry!"

"..are you serious?" the boy blinked a few times, confused.

Makoto grunted. "No one's doing anything until we finish this,"

Yusuke cleared his throat to interrupt. "Back to the topic, what do we do, now that we know Ann and our leader don't trust us enough?"

"Again, it's not about the lack of trust.." Ann sighed, defeated. "you're really not letting this go, aren't you?"

"I do still believe you guys should have told us in the first place," pressed on Makoto as she calmed her nerves down from everyone's useless exchanges. "I'm not against dating, at all. But there were some things we all have to consider. Like what if the two of you fight, or God forbid - break up.. I'm just putting those possibilities out there, that we're all pretty involved in this, too. And we've all sworn mutual trust and confidence to look out for each other."

Everyone else had gone silent again, pondering over Makoto's words.

"Huh.." escaped from Haru's lips. "that's very insightful."

Even the couple couldn't deny it. Neither of them has actually ever thought about fighting or breaking up.

"I concede on this," spoke up Ann, as she raised both her hands.

Morgana stared at the girl with admiration, once again inspired by Ann's personality. "Lady Ann.."

Ann sighed. "We didn't actually think about it very thoroughly and have undermined everyone. I'm sorry. Akira?"

The boy scratched his head. Frankly, he still believes it wasn't completely their fault, but he could already hear his stomach growling, and there was no way to win against Makoto. "..Yeah. Me too."

"Thank you, Ann, Akira-kun," smiled Makoto. She shyly looked at her fingers. "I do think I contributed to this problem as well. I made you two feel unwelcomed of your relationship. I wasn't mindful or empathic enough. So I'm sorry for that."

The Queen's easy acceptance, however, was unsatisfactory for Ryuji.

"Hold up," spoke up Ryuji, a sly grin on his face. "they should make up with us! They did break our code. Retribution!"

Ann lunged at the blond as she held his collar and shook him fervently. "What is your problem?! Aren't we friends?!"

"Babe.." Akira stood up as he tried to take Ann's hands away from Ryuji; the inevitable referee.

"DON'T BLAME ME FOR BEING THE ONLY SINGLE DUDE IN OUR TRIO!"

"..he's so desperate I feel sad," sighed Morgana.

"Is punishment really necessary here.." mused Yusuke.

"They're still our friends," added Haru. "doesn't really seem right."

"Retribution?" Makoto sighed, shaking her head as she looked at Ryuji being violently shaken by Ann, with Akira trying to calm her down. "..do you even know the meaning of the word.."

"Mhmm," hummed Futaba, smiling. "I have an idea!"

The fight between two blondes came to a stop. Akira felt a chill down his spine, already sensing something bad from this. "What is it?"

"How about giving Everyone one favor from the two of you," said the hacker out of her excitement. "I mean, it's pretty fair, since you two did hide it from us."

"A favor, huh.." Yusuke's eyes glistened. For a moment Ann swore his eyes reflected an image of her and Akira modeling for him.

"I don't like the sound of this," whispered Ann to Akira.

"Favor?" Akira snorted. "why would we owe everyone that?"

Futaba's smile twitched. "Because apart from the fact you both broke the rule, all of us are single while you two are in la la land and you both get to have each other during the darkest hours and in the creepy-ass Metaverse while the rest of us are still alone, without the certainty of finding the right husbando and waifu,"

Futaba's hasty explanation silenced and surprised everyone.

WHAT A FOUL THING TO SAY! the couple thought, inevitably feeling guilty.

Ryuj was gaping. "T-that's actually really depressing!"

"My, that was very detailed, Futaba!" mused Morgana as he turned to the couple. "can I also get a favor?"

Ann's eyes narrowed down to the cat. "..you're already pretty spoiled with us, don't you think?"

"All right I'm in!" exclaimed Ryuji, his fist up in the air as he made a celebratory dance. "Ha! You two sooooo owe me right now,"

"Hmm," Makoto hummed as she bit her thumb. She smiled satisfactorily, the first one for the whole day. "I guess it's fine. I'd like some help myself,"

Haru gave the couple a reassuring smile. "Ohh, don't worry about me, Akira-kun and Ann-chan, I won't be-"

"No! You're getting a favor no matter what, Haru!" interjected Ryuji passionately.

Yusuke stood up as he spread his arms dramatically. "I want them to nude model for me! I want to recreate the classical paintings of -"

"No nude paintings!" warned Makoto. "all favors should be reasonable,"

"I actually predicted he was gonna say that.." Akira whispered as he held Ann's hand, tugging her.

"I'd say we run for it but they're probably going to do an intervention like this again," she said, matching his low, soft voice. She giggled nervously. "I'm fine doing favors for the senpais; I'm worried about the rest's plans for the both of us."

"We should let them have it their way.." grinned Akira as he eyed Futaba, Yusuke, and Ryuji. "for now."

The blonde cocked her head, deconstructing the curve of his lips. She smiled dryly. "You're planning on something, aren't you?"

The boy smirked, his silver eyes dancing as he watched their friends. "Payback, babe."

"All right!" Futaba got so excited that she stood up from her seat, a finger pointed towards the leader of vigilantes. "Now make us some curry, Akira!"


Again, thanks for everyone reading this! I do my best to write some quality Akira/Ann, and I hope you enjoyed this one the same. The next and last chapter will be shippier than this. :)