Chapter 38: A Little Sympathy

[G]

Some of them used to support the Phantom Thieves and then all of a sudden they don't when you come and say they're bad even though they haven't done anything bad so far? I don't like that. Bet you they'll do the same with you if something goes wrong with you. THAT I like even less. You deserve legitimate support too. You're awesome.

That had been what Akira had messaged him last night and it still hasn't left his mind despite his efforts to put it aside. She had already established how much she liked and trusted him. She had shown what lengths she would go through to have him be comfortable, such as when she had worried over his frustration during their outing in Jinbocho or when she warded off unwanted attention from his fans. So there was a low percent chance she would easily give up their connection.

And yet...

A low chance wasn't a zero percent chance. So it was hard to believe she genuinely supported him despite being on the opposite side to her and her friends. It could be a ploy. She could be gaining his trust for her own gain much in the same way he was with her to possibly manipulate the Thieves. But that begged the question on what her plan could be...assuming she didn't know about his other occupation, because if that were the case, he was coming up empty, leaving only the answer that...

...she genuinely liked him, even if he didn't agree with her justice, something so fundamental.

On and on he went in circles, both Loki and Robin Hood strangely content to let him ruminate on Akira, but he was almost glad the loop was broken as his attention was caught by someone he hadn't expected to see.

Ryuji Sakamoto.

No, that was incorrect. He had seen him before, he had run into Akira at the station several times after all, he just never bothered to acknowledge the blond's existence, especially considering his delinquent appearance. But now Akechi did notice the boy and so did he with him and, unsurprisingly, he was displeased to see him.

"Oh. Akechi," he said. "Didn't think I'd see you here."

He was about to point out that it was obvious they would run into each other at some point, but not only would that be rude, he knew Sakamoto-san would likely tattle on anything he said to Akira. So he restrained himself and instead said,

"I'm just on my way to university prep school."

To his satisfaction, Sakamoto-san was stunned and said, "Wait? For real?"

He managed to make his smirk into a smile. "Yes. Is it surprising?"

The blond was back to frowning. "Nah. Not really. You're a detective and all... Course you're smart enough for that." Then he said, "Even if I still think you're dumb for chasin' the Phantom Thieves."

Akechi kept up his smile even as he felt like snapping at the fake blond.

"Well, as you pointed out, I'm a detective, so it's only logical that I would go after people breaking the law."

"Oh yeah? Then what about the guys usin' the law to break it, huh? What about those law breakers? Are you not gonna chase them just 'cause they're on the law?"

That...was more insightful than he thought Sakamoto-san would be.

If only we could...

"Of course not. But the Phantom Thieves pose a mysterious threat no one has ever seen before, and I'd very much like to solve the mystery."

"Well, they'll prove you wrong," Sakamoto-san said, sternness permeating his countenance.

"Oh? And what makes you so sure?" Akechi said, wondering if he'll slip.

To his credit, Sakamoto-san seemed to realize what he almost did and made a rather good attempt to excuse it.

"'Cause they saved me and my friends. And not only that, they're savin' other people like me too," he said. "So if they're helpin' people, I'm gonna give them my support."

Akechi smiled, keeping his amusement to himself.

As much of a simpleton Sakamoto-san was, and though he knew this would be the case considering he kept company with Akira, it was still refreshing to hear yet another someone be so frank about their own opinion, one they came to from their own choices, rather than because it was what everyone else agreed on.

"We shall see which of us is right then," Akechi said. He planned to leave it there but...he had the urge to add, if only to molify the boy, "If it's any consolation, if the Phantom Thieves are real, I sincerely hope they're as righteous as you and your friends believe they are."

And as if scripted, the train had arrived and Akechi was back to being a model student all by himself, with no form of entertainment to break the monotony. Well, he thought such, until come mid-morning, he encountered a familiar someone, and by consequence an opportunity to properly get back at her for last Sunday. And as a bonus, for all he knew, his suspicion that she was bothering Akira could be true, so he had all the more reason to give retribution.

He managed to keep his smile from turning into a sneer as he said,

"Oh Niijima-san. I didn't think I'd run into you here. May I talk with you for a moment?"

"Is it about the Phantom Thieves...Akechi-kun?"

"You're quite perceptive." But not perceptive enough. "I was wondering if there are any points in common between Kamoshida and Madarame's cases. There have been victims after all. The Thieves must be tried."

Instead of answering his "question", not that he needed an answer for it, Niijima-san said, tone and face neutral, "You criticize the Phantom Thieves, yet you don't doubt their existence."

Of course not. I know they're real, unlike you.

Akechi smiled, acting sheepish. "Oh, you saw that show on TV. Well, common sense can get in the way at times when pursuing the truth," he said. "Many details become logical if I think on the premise that they do exist."

The girl showed a hint of expression as her face clouded and she said, "Is this...because my sister told you to do so?"

Of course she would think that...

He still smiled and said, "It was just a coincidence."

I came to that conclusion before she did after all.

And then the younger Niijima said, "Why do I get the feeling you're enjoying this?"

Oh? Had she caught on to the fact he was goading her? Most likely not. She was probably referring to his pursuit of the Phantom Thieves.

Either way, he allowed himself a chuckle before he said, "You may be right."

To his delight, that caught her off guard.

"Huh?"

He witheld his smirk as he said, "Phantom thieves that use calling cards and succeed in their crime... As the 'charismatic detective', it'd be hard for me not to see them as my rivals."

"You have such high self esteem," Niijima-san said with a hint of sarcasm.

Ah, so the younger sister did have a bit of backbone like Akira.

"So, the phantom thieves are evil and you are just?" she then said.

No way in hell. But that doesn't matter in this world.

He couldn't say that though. He should be dismissing them. Yet, he hesitated, and then instead said,

"If they aren't the heroes they make themselves to be, then yes, I'd like to think I'm on the side of justice." He smiled, small and unconsciously. "Besides, it's only fitting for me to chase them, as a a natural-born detective."

"You think they're pretending to be righteous?"

Akechi's smile tightened. "It wouldn't be the first time I've encountered such a thing." We're a walking example of it. Then much more pleasantly, he said, "Don't you think the same too?"

Why else would you be stalking Akira and her brother?

But whatever fire she had earlier left her as she hesitated. "I..."

He couldn't help himself. "Oh. That's surprising. So you're just the good girl type of pushover," he said, though he kept his expression neutral.

How annoying it was that this goody two-shoes was going after Akira. It must be quite bothersome to have such a useless pushover hover over her when she had better things to do.

Before he could continue to subtly payback Niijima-san though, his phone went off to remind him of the time.

"Looks like it's starting soon," he said. Then he gave her a pleasant smile. "See you later. Give Sae-san my regards."

I'm sure you will since you're a pushover.

Then Akechi left Niijima where she stood, all by her lonesome.

{R}

"Aaaaaaaggggghhh... It's so hot... Why is it so hot...?"

"You're finally awake, huh?" Mona said.

Ren yawned then smiled as he woke up not too long before his sister did. "Because it's summer."

"But it only just started! Ugh...why'd it have to be hot already..."

"Weather does not care for timing," he said, smirking.

"Shuddup."

He chuckled once more, amused, before he frowned upon seeing the state of the room.

"Where's Yusuke?" he said.

"Eh...? Yusuke ain't here?"

"Nope. He was gone when I woke up. He must be downstairs. It is pretty late after all."

Aki grumbled and put on her glasses. "What do you mean late?" Then she looked at her phone and she was wide awake. "Holy crap, it's past noon!"

Well, Ren certainly couldn't blame her for complaining about the heat now. That was the only thing that could explain why they'd slept in. A hotpot certainly wasn't enough of a cause for such a thing...even if high heat usually did the opposite. But he wasn't worried about it being late. He wanted to check on Yusuke. So he didn't bother to get out of his sleepwear as he went downstairs. As he expected, Sojiro was there behind the counter.

Yusuke, however, was nowhere in sight.

Before he needed to ask though, his caretaker explained that the aspiring artist decided to return to the dorms, and that he had left the "Sayuri" at Leblanc. Somehow, Ren wasn't surprised, but he felt saddened over him just leaving. He wondered if they did something wrong.

"Oy."

"Ow!"

Ren glowered at his sister who had just bopped his head.

"We didn't do anythin' wrong, Big Bro. He wanted to leave and that's that."

Ren frowned and made to speak.

But then Aki said, "This is Yusuke we're talkin' about, remember? Either he's got a good reason...or a weird reason. So it should be fine."

That...was a good point. He chuckled at his own unnecessary worry. Still, he appreciated Yusuke messaging him later that he decided to leave only after some careful thought. Though when he mentioned that to Aki, she sighed in exasperation before she had a realization.

"Wait...did he go back on foot?"

And then he remembered that Yusuke claimed to have spent all his money yesterday.

He hoped Aki was wrong.

Ren: Did you ride the train back to the dorms?

Yusuke: No. I walked.

She wasn't.

Ren: ALL the way from here?

Yusuke: Yes.

He groaned.

Aki also groaned.

"Geez, this guy really can't handle money, can he? Maybe we should give him an allowance for the train fare like the money Mona saves up..."

"How did you know about that?!" the not-cat said.

"Don't think I don't notice you snatching some money from our Shadow drops."

An idea popped as Aki and Mona "discussed" about funds and allocation.

If they were an organization...

"How about we give allowances to everyone?"

"Huh?" they said.

"I want to give salaries to our members."

Mona thought it was a wonderful idea, and so did Aki. It made it feel like they were an organization that cared about its employees. So after some researching on salary amounts, Kosei High's location and then asking where Ann and Ryuji were, Ren left to put it in action.

Though he did leave Aki behind, all complaining and groaning.

Only on her insistence though. She didn't want to deal with the heat today.

[G]

It was the end of prep school and the first thing that happened after leaving the premises was being notified of a message. He had thought it turned out he did indeed have work for the day, but instead he smiled upon seeing who it was.

Akira: Please tell me you're free.

He chuckled.

Akechi: Why do you ask?

Akira: I'm booooored...but I don't wanna go out.

Akechi: Surely you have games you can play?

Akira: I DID play em. But only on my phone and I left our consoles back at our hometown...

Akechi: Well then, luckily for you, I am free. I wouldn't mind spending time with you. I'll be right there.

Akira: YAS. See ya soon!

Before long, he was at the comforting atmosphere of Leblanc, even if it was a bit hotter than usual.

"Oh, you're here." The boss then said before Akechi could even get a word in, "She's upstairs if you're looking for her. Go on ahead."

As surprised as he was at the easy permission to someone's quarters, he didn't let it show as he said,

"Thank you. Pardon me."

With that, he was introducted to Akira's living space, and...if he were to simply describe it, he would have used "dump". And he suspected Akira would find it amusing if he did. But in truth, he only thought that because it...reminded him a bit of his old living situation. Though unlike then, while it certainly wasn't the best accommodations one could have, Akira and her brother made the most of it. They turned the would-be dismal attic into a comfy and lived in space, with bags and boxes that likely held their wardrobe and items that belonged to either of them littered about the tables and walls. But most prominent of them all...

Akira smiled. "Hey, Akechi. Glad you could make it."

...its inhabitant was just lying down on her bed, relaxed despite him seeing her in what he assumed was her sleepwear, a white shirt with its long sleeves rolled up and black pajamas.

"Likewise," he said as he set his attaché case on a table. "Though, now that I'm here, do you have any plans?"

"Hmm...kinda. I was thinkin' maybe we could watch a movie or somethin' if you're up for it."

He gave a curious look. "A movie?"

"If you're up for it. I mean, you wanna relax, right?"

He hummed. "Very well. We can watch." He scanned the room, only finding an older TV with no player. "I'm assuming we're going to watch on your phone then?"

"Yup."

He moved to grab the chair by the workbench when Akira said,

"Hey, come on, you can sit down here. We can watch it together."

And she beckoned him with pats on her bed.

He was startled at the invitation and said in his beffudlement,

"Why?"

"It's more comfy. And we can watch together. Now come on," she said, as she sat up to lean against the wall and give him space.

He sighed then chuckled. Of course it was as simple as that. This girl... He shook his head at her behavior and accepted her offer, loosening his uniform's tie as he settled himself on the comforter.

"So...what do you wanna watch?" Akira said as she scrolled past several thumbnails of movies in her "movie folder".

Akechi noted many of them were fantasy or sci-fi based, soft and hard for both, whether it be animated or live action. But just as many of them were...

"Featherman films? Why do you have Featherman films?" he said.

Akira smiled. "Because the only films I keep on my phone are ones I wanna watch again and again."

"So you've...seen all of these?"

"Uh huh. You wanna watch something both of us don't know instead?"

He was tempted to say yes, if only because he didn't like the thought of Akira already knowing the movie they were watching, but...he saw one particular Featherman TV movie, the one that crossed over the then most recent iteration of Featherman with its previous one, Pheonix Ranger Featherman Victory. And he hadn't seen that one because of his living situation when it first aired. So he said,

"No. If you don't mind...could we watch this one?"

"Oh? This one? Sure!"

And so he finally got around to watching the Featherman Victory crossover movie with Akira.

{R}

"For real?! You're giving me pay?!"

"Huh? Pay? Wait really?"

Ren chuckled as he recalled his friends' reactions to their new budget. It was heartening to see, though he made it quite clear it was, for now, minimum wage for the number of times they went into the Metaverse, both Palaces and Mementos, so it wasn't that much. He needed it to seem like an amount a high school student could earn from a part time job. He made that especially clear to Yusuke who, well...

"Are you sure? I appreciate the gesture, but..."

...had been more hesitant on the pay than the others. Ren could guess why.

His father figure had fallen into its temptation for a long time after all.

But Ren insisted that the pay be used only for food and paying rent, which Yusuke sorely needed since he had shut off his air conditioner to lessen his electric bill. He could not use it for his art supplies, no matter how much that would tip the scales to allow Yusuke to purchase it. Ren even took one of Yusuke's empty paint cans and painted the label "FOR FOOD AND RENT ONLY" on it to remind him. That calmed the artist enough to accept the money...and then inspired him to decorate the can, and others, for "experimental art".

When he arrived at Leblanc, he said,

"I'm home."

And was confused when Aki hadn't made a sound.

His face must have shown it as Sojiro said,

"She's sleeping. Her friend's with her too."

Friend? Well, he had already seen all of their thief friends, the ones they've invited into Leblanc before, so that only left...

He went up the stairs and smiled at the sight.

As he guessed, Akechi was in their room, sleeping against the wall on Aki's bed with her leaning against him, his sister holding her phone, most likely having watched something.

It was a shame he would have to disturb it, but he had to. Dinner would be soon.

He would do Akechi first though, since it likely wasn't that comfortable to not only lean against a wooden wall, but to have his sister use him as a pillow. But as soon as he did the first shake, he gasped as Akechi grabbed his arm and looked ready to sock him with unseeing eyes.

"It's just me, Akechi!" he said.

That, thankfully, snapped him out of his groggy state, though not enough for coherent thought.

"Oh. Uh..." the brunett said.

At that point Aki grumbled and stirred by Akechi's side from being jostled.

"Huh? Big Bro...? You're back...?"

Ren smiled and said, "Yeah. I was trying to wake you both up."

"What time is it...?"

"Dinner time."

"Eh?!" Aki said, now wide awake. "Not again!"

Ren laughed. "Don't worry. I didn't start cooking yet. Anything you want?"

"Oh, well..." She contemplated until her gaze landed on her still disoriented friend. "Oh! How about you eat with us?"

"What?"

Of course she'd do that.

"I don't mind. Is there anything you'd like, Akechi? I might be able to cook it."

"Oh, uh... I shouldn't. I don't want to intrude."

"Hey! I invited you and Big Bro says it's fine! So don't leave 'cause of that!"

Akechi was still bewildered at the sudden assault as soon as he awakened so, after a chuckle, Ren said,

"You don't have to stay if you don't want to. It was just an offer."

"Big Bro! Whose side are you on?!"

Ren smirked at her. "Mine."

"Okay, I deserve that."

Another chuckle before both of them turned to the brunett, awaiting his answer in silence this time, to allow him to consider.

Akechi sighed.

"Very well. I'll stay for dinner, then I'll go."

"Awesome! Anyways..."

Ren chuckled as he made note of what Aki wanted to eat and then Akechi, who simply requested for something that wouldn't be difficult for Ren to make, if not outright the same as Aki's meal, which he appreciated. He still had him help cook along with Aki though. He had the extra hands, he would use them. And it was fun anyway, with Akechi and Aki's banter whenever his sister wasn't including him in the conversation. With that, dinner was cooked and consumed.

However, when the detective made to leave...

"Hey, how 'bout we tag along for a bit?"

"Huh?"

Ren answered. "We're going to be going out, so why don't we all go together?"

For a moment, Akechi was astonished, before he put up a smile and said, "Very well, if that is the case, then I'll wait to accompany you."

Ren snorted.

"Pfft. Pullin' a pun on us there, detective?" Aki said.

"Pun?" The detective was confused but realized what she meant. "That was completely unintentional."

His sister laughed. "I figured." Aki smirked. "Your joke level's probably pretty low anyway."

A brief twitch of the face was the only tell that Akechi had been bothered as he said, "Oh? What makes you so sure?"

"That Santa Claus joke sucked."

Now his façade broke as Akechi frowned. "That was scripted, I'll have you know..."

Ren snorted as Aki smirk got worse and said,

"Oh? So you're admitting to memorizing a script, detective?"

The brunett smiled but his glower remained. "And if I did?"

Aki laughed, startling Akechi.

"I'd think that makes more sense. That's not how to pull off a bad joke."

"Oh? And now you're an expert on comedy?"

As amusing and heartening as all of this was, they were getting sidetracked.

"Come on, Aki, get ready. I'll do the dishes while you're getting dressed."

"Oh right!"

And once again Akechi was caught off guard with the sudden change. This time though, Ren asked if he wished to help him with the chores while waiting for Aki, and he accepted it as he gathered his composure. Once that was done, and Aki was dressed, they all boarded the train and arrived at Shibuya Station.

"Well, this here's my stop. See ya later guys!" Aki said and split from them without waiting for an answer.

Ren would've followed suit had not Akechi said, disbelief laced in his tone,

"Is that...?"

"Hmm?" Ren followed his gaze. "You know Yoshida-san?"

"Of course I do. 'No-Good Tora's' scandals are quite infamous among the political sphere," said the slightly offended detective. "Why is Akira helping him?"

"Because she wants to, of course."

Ren couldn't help but laugh as Akechi sent a very..."unamused" look.

"Don't worry," he said when Akechi looked ready to snap at his mirth. "Aki's fine."

"Oh really?"

"She wouldn't be helping him if she didn't believe he really is trying to atone."

But considering he was a detective, Ren didn't blame him for being suspicious. He would've further reassured him, but he had only so much time until it was curfew, so he said,

"Good-bye, Akechi. Have a good night."

And he left the detective to himself.

As he hoped, Mishima was at Central Street, enjoying his night. Once again, they ended up at the diner and he confirmed if his friend understood which requests were taken care of before Ren said,

"Here. This is for you. It's one of the reasons why I'm here."

"Huh?"

His friend looked inside the envelope.

"What the?! What's this?"

"Your pay."

"My...pay...?"

"You're our publicist. I thought it'd be fair."

The boy stared before he chuckled, but it wasn't happy. "Are... Are you sure you should give it to me? I mean..."

"I trust you."

For the second time, Mishima was shocked and was silent for a while. Ren let him recover. Eventually, his friend said,

"Okay... Eh heh...though I still feel kinda guilty since..."

Ren gave him an encouraging look.

"Well, here."

He placed a model gun on the table.

Ren stared.

"You're changing your mind, aren't you...?"

Ren was startled then shook his head.

"No. It's just...did someone attack you recently?"

"Oh, no! But well...I figured I'd get some protection for myself. Never hurts to be cautious, you know? I even got a book about the latest security techniques."

Ren nodded in understanding. "Smart," he said.

Even if he was now worried for Mishima.

But with their publicist then moving to talk about the status of the Phan-Site, Ren brought up the other reason he met with him: spreading their influence. When Mishima realized that he was making a direct request of him, he got extra motivated and promised to even go above and beyond.

Ren smiled as Mishima said,

"My true worth will finally—"

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Mishima!"

Any and all confidence his friend had vanished as Ren turned to see three boys come up to them...and started insulting Mishima. Ren set his jaw and prepared to defend him, shifting to stand, but his friend shot him a terrified look. Not knowing why, Ren backed down. Though he was glad it didn't take long for the bullies to leave, otherwise he really wouldn't have held back.

"It's not what it looks like... Okay?" Mishima said as soon as they were gone.

"They were insulting you."

He flinched. "Well... You know that guy who ends up the butt of the joke? That was me. That's what I meant. It's nothing."

"It's [i]not[/i] nothing," he said, frowning. "It's [i]still[/i] bullying."

"Hey, can you do a joke for us?"

"Of course you like flowers! You're a wimp, just like them!"

"Hahaha! He's such a clown! I can't believe he did it!"

"Does he really think he's funny? He's just making a fool of himself..."

"I know the feeling."

"Huh? Really?"

Ren nodded. "Aki also."

And he hated that she did, remembering how much she cried in the first years of going to school together.

"Oh... well, we're not those guys anymore right?" Mishima said, his earlier confidence returning. "You're changing things and I can help you with it. Never again."

Ren smiled and nodded.

Mishima noted it was getting late and that they should head home. So Ren bidded him farewell and checked to see if Aki was still with Yoshida-san. She was. In fact, Ren just caught her after the man's speech was finished and a detractor of the politician came to admit he was wrong and that people should deserve a second chance. Ren smiled in pride.

Aki glanced his way. "Oh! Hey Big Bro!"

With that, his sister said good-bye to her mentor and they went home, Aki telling him what she was able to glean from Yoshida-san about campaigning.

(A)

"Niijima-san's been looking for you. Could you go to the student council room right away?"

Well that certainly didn't lessen her good mood...not.

And it had started off pretty good too, what with her catching a chance to have a conversation with not only Akechi, but Yusuke too, before they boarded the morning train. It ended up being about chaos theory thanks to Akechi's comment of them being "fated to meet".

But now here she and her brother were, in front of the student council room because Kawakami told them to. And they had to listen, otherwise Niijima would get suspicious.

Akira sighed.

"Ready?" her brother said.

"No," she said. "But I'll do my best anyway."

They nodded at each other and opened the doors to the lion's den.