Work Text:
“Is something the matter?”
He lifted his head to look at you from the spot he was looking at on the ground. LeBlanc’s wooden floors looked old, but a different kind of old. Maybe “antique” would describe it better, but it doesn't quite give off the same feeling as how it feels like to look at the tiny cracks.
The Phantom Thieves had met up at the lower floor of LeBlanc on the request of their leader. They were most likely going to infiltrate Maruki’s palace again today, it wasn’t likely that they were gonna train in Mementos. They were already quite experienced and wasting any more time in that place would probably prove to be fruitless. The team was balanced, Joker always made sure that everyone was on the same level. Akechi was wondering if he could excuse himself if they were going to Mementos, as he was rarely in the party because of how skilled he was. I do have a bit of work that I need to take care of. That school presentation is due Tuesday. Joker didn’t necessarily neglect him, he was just a bit more quicker and well, better, in battle. The other members usually had a harder time catching up, especially Skull. He wasn’t weak per se, but because he heavily relied on slash attacks, it was harder for him to stay on his top shape.
Finally catching up to his thoughts and reality, he replied. “Nothing. I was just lost in thought. Are we going to Maruki's Palace or Mementos today?”
“Mona-chan was about to talk about a few Mementos requests that they came along. Speaking of, how come do you not have any requests on changing any hearts? Surely you know a lot of corrupted people…”
“They’re not worth wasting our time on them. Besides, they’re more likely to have palaces instead. You guys already changed Shido’s heart, I don’t need anything.” I was going to take care of him anyways if you didn’t come in my way.
“...Iiif you say so. Do tell us if you come across anyone though-” You glanced sideways to the coffee shelf. Akechi’s intense gaze was sometimes too much and you needed a second to think about what you were trying to say. “Please? Doesn’t have to be someone you already know.” You said with a small pout on your face. You had tilted your head just a bit while crossing your eyebrows.
“ Fine. I’ll see. I’m not going to go out of my way to search for any targets though.” Akechi was always persuaded by you no matter how hard he tried to resist. At this point he found giving in easier than him having to deal with you.
You returned his annoyance with a smile on your face. It reached to your closed eyes, like always. Is she having fun?.. He spent a second longer than he should’ve to study your facial features as he sighed. Black, fragile lashes that somehow made her face more expressive. Rose tinted cheeks and nose because of the cold outside. Is her nose always cold? Lips tinted a different kind of pink every other day. How many kinds of lip makeup does she have? Sticking to a color is better for a fixed image.
“...Akechi-san?” Lips slightly parted as an expression of surprise. Did something happen?
"Hmm?"
Akechi was staring at your lips when you opened your eyes. His calculating expression was still on his face with his left hand on his chin. Was he left handed? You lifted your dominant hand for a second to the air to remember whether if it was that hand or the other you used to put on your chin when thinking. Subconsciously, you pressed your lips together into a thin line. It was more of a reflex, not to prevent him from kissing you right then and there, not that he would actually do it. You didn’t actually know what to do with your body, as you were being watched. How do I normally stand anyways? Hands in my pocket or do I cross my arms? You decided for your body to act on its own. You had lifted an arm to the back of your neck now, as you looked at the other thieves discussing something. You decided to get closer to better hear what they were talking about and to stop Akechi looking at me like that.
“...Today seems like a perfect day for us to go to Mementos. Let me check our intel…” You were going to Mementos today after all, huh.
“We’ll start with this one first… This intel is on a guy who’s so obsessed with idols that it’s destroying his family. We were able to speak with him personally, but…” I don’t like where this is going. “...he seems really depressed when it comes to his family.”
Looks like Futaba has something to say. Oh, right. My fault. “I thought that he was just obsessed with idols… but it sounds like there’s more to it than that.” Ryuji too? “Yeah. Feels like he’s escapin’ to the idol world because things aren’t goin’ well with his family.” “I bet his kid’s just worried about him and believes idols are bad because of that...” Ann didn’t sound too offended while saying that. “I’d hate to see a family broken apart because of some stupid misunderstanding. I’m totally for changing his heart!” “Same.” Futaba agreed. “I know fans like to spend all their money on their favorite idol members, but I don’t think this guy’s like that.” Akechi glanced back at you at the mention of that. It wasn’t enough to see the expression on your face, just to acknowledge the fact that the phrase reminded him of you. It wasn’t a secret to anyone that you enjoyed spending your money on merchandise of certain anime and games, just like Futaba. You two were quite close after all. “Alright, we gotta stop him before he homewrecks his own family!” Ryuji added. “Futaba and I already left him a calling card. Let’s hurry and change his heart!” And with that, Morgana concluded the meeting. Finally.
“There are still more.” Akechi had to stop himself from groaning, he didn’t exactly want to be mean. “This intel is on a video streamer known as ‘AIMaask OUZI’ who does some borderline illegal stuff. While he has a lot of fans, he also seems to have plenty of critics and haters who are trying to find out his home address.” Ann expressed her concern, like she always does. “That’s the thing the requester was most scared of!” “We can’t just leave this be. I agree that we should change his heart.” Haru added. Stuff like that happened right under her nose. Right. Again, my fault. Akechi had to close his eyes with a grimace to not poke them out. He didn’t like reminding himself of what he had done, but there was nothing to do at this point. “Yeah, it’s already bad enough that someone like him is lurking in our city. I figured you’d all agree, so I already sent out the calling card. We’re good to go.” Futaba finished off.
While Ryuji was adding his own thoughts to the situation at hand, Akechi approached their leader. He wanted to excuse himself from this because he knew that he was going to have to sit inside Mona the whole time they were scouting.
“I need you on this one, Akechi. Everyone is already really strong, bringing you back to the frontlines shouldn’t be a problem this time around.” Before Akechi could even say anything, he was already rejected. Guess I get to fight this time around. “Alright.”
Before they knew it, the thieves were already done with the first target. On the way to the second target, they were chatting around. “I may specialize in Japanese-style painting, but I’d like to learn some Western techniques as well.” Akechi wasn’t expecting you to be the one to reply to Yusuke’s statement. “Ooo I’d love to help! I draw from time to time-- but now that I think about it, it’s probably not the kind you’re looking for…” Haru was the first one to express their surprise “Oh, you’re an artist as well N/N-chan? I’d love to see your drawings some time!” “A-ah it’s not the--- I’m not---. I’m not on the same level as Yusuke! They’re nothing like his drawings…” “Wait- don’t tell me those were your drawings, N/N!” “Futaba- Err, I mean Oracle- No! Maybe? No- Can we… Can we just not talk about this?” Seeing you flustered like this was definitely a surprise to everyone, to the point where Makoto stopped driving to see what was happening in the back. Like the person he is, Skull insisted on the matter. “Oh come on, you can’t just say somethin’ like that about yourself outta nowhere and expect us to not ask about it!” Yusuke cheered on “The inspirations of another artist would definitely help me on my journey as an artist. I would love to see your drawings no matter your skill level, Y/N.” It looked like Ann had something to say, too. “Wait- was that why you used ‘-sama’ to refer to Yusuke when you first met him? That makes so much more sense now!” “ANN, can you PLEASE not?!” It was obvious that you were getting uncomfortable about the situation, and someone had to intervene. Akechi hesitated for a second but decided to speak up about it anyway. “Guys, she’s obviously getting uncomfortable about this. We need to focus on the mission we have at hand. I’m pretty sure I heard chains, the Reaper might ambush us.” Before he knew, Joker had already stolen the words from his mouth. “We’re getting close to the target, I can feel it.” was all Akechi had left to say, much to his dismay. Do I even have a role in this group?
After reaching the second target and doing some training because of the extra time you all had, you finally returned to the real world. You were still a bit fidgety from the earlier exchange, you wanted to hide really badly. I could really use a prince charming right now to save me from… whatever this is. Before you knew it, you were already hiding behind Akechi to use him as a shield in LeBlanc. “Alright! I’m really cravin’ some ramen right now. You guys wanna come with? I’ll even pay for your bowl, Yusuke!” Ryuji invited out everyone. Much to his dismay, a lot of people rejected his offer due to being tired or having some other business to attend to. Although you could really kill for some ramen right now, your train ride was already really long from Yongen-Jaya and wanted to get home quickly. You had the privilege of using the same initial train line as Akechi, which used to make the ride home fun. After his 180° personality change, you were just self conscious about it as you often felt like he was judging you despite knowing him for longer than anyone. “Knowing” as in attending the same highschool, so it isn’t really much.
After arriving at the train station alongside him, you dared to look up at his face. As always, chin up high, back straightened and shoulders squared despite the change in his attitude. You immediately regretted it as he faced you and stopped in his tracks. “I’m sorry.”
…
…
…
Huh? What was he apologizing for? You lifted a brow to show your confusion.
“About the earlier exchange in Mementos. I knew you were uncomfortable and wanted to intervene, but our leader beat me to it.”
“Why are you apologizing? You weren't the one who made me uncomfortable this time .”
Oh no.
You could swear that you saw your whole life flash before your eyes right then and there.
I wasn’t supposed to say that to him! UGH, you fool!
With a smirk on his face, Akechi finally replied after what felt like forever.
“...There. I knew it.”
Is he playing a trick? What the fuck?
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to harm you. You always look scared of me, so I had to make you say it somehow.”
I thought that he wasn’t a detective. How?..
Your expression must’ve given away your thoughts, because Akechi’s remark definitely felt like a reply to them. “Just because I’m not a real detective doesn’t mean that I’m not perceptive.” That smug bastard. What a show off .
“Don’t misunderstand the situation. I do want to apologize about making you uncomfortable. I’m sure that you don’t want this to be your last impression of me before we disband.” This is so out of character for him. Is he trying to be nice?..
You didn’t know what to do other than sigh. “I honestly don’t know how to respond to that… Thanks, I guess?” After the exchange, the air somehow felt heavier and you tried to remember how you usually walked. Do I sway my hands or hold onto my bag?.. I hate this feeling.
As you sighed once more, you realized how dry your lips were thank you winter gods, I hate it. Reaching out to your school bag, you took out a lip balm as you waited for your train to arrive. Only to realize that you were almost out of it. I need a new one already?.. With a groan, you put it back into your bag.
“Oh, so that’s why..” a voice from your left side spoke. You almost forgot that Akechi was standing next to you. “What’s why?”
With another smirk , he continued. “I think you’d prefer it if I didn’t mention it.” “Uhh… but you already did?” You weren’t sure where he was going with this. “You mentioned that you ‘need a new one already’. I noticed that whatever lip product you were using, they were tinted a different shade every few days. You using tinted lip balms explains the situation.”
Seeing you flush like that made Akechi feel a different kind of… power? You definitely weren’t expecting him to observe that.
With a hand on your lips, you started giggling. “You were totally staring at my lips everyday at the train to school! What are you, a Kuudere ?
“A what-now? I’m not some character from your anime games !”
“Hmm… Maybe you’re more of a Tsundere ?”
Oh, how the turntables. Before Akechi could even say anything, your train arrived.
The atmosphere between you two was definitely lighter on the way home, although some awkwardness still remained. You were even more self conscious of yourself now, you definitely didn’t know that Akechi was that observant of a person. You wondered what else he knew about you. Should you try changing up a few things in your appearance to get a reaction out of him? Calling him a Kuudere definitely took some courage as you didn’t know whether he knew what it meant or not.
With a smile on your face, you left the train after exchanging ‘see you tomorrow’s with Akechi.
Now, where had you put that perfume of yours that you bought a while ago?
When did this become a game ? Shortly after that exchange you had with Akechi, you both started teasing each other. “ Oh, so you DO want me to be like one of the characters from your anime games. Weren’t you playing a dating sim just the other week? ”
Later that day you scolded Futaba for exposing your secret like that. Turns out Akechi bribed her with money for figurines. He’s willing to go to THAT length for something like this? You couldn’t exactly hate Futaba for this as you probably would’ve done the same.
“Futaba, you HAVE to help me get some dirt on him in exchange. You can’t just expose a secret like that”
“N/N, we BOTH know that you would’ve done the same. But I guess you would’ve helped if I were to ask for something like this in return. Fine, you get a 100% BFF discount. I should still have the bug on his phone from the time he was betraying us.”
You watched Futaba get to work immediately after saying that. As you watched in amazement, she suddenly stopped.
“Uhm… Wrong territory, oops. Didn’t know he was interested in that .”
“Interested in what?”
“Uhh… I don’t think I’m supposed to tell YOU out of all people.”
“Hey, that makes it even better! The worse it is, the better!”
“Y/N, no. It's- uhh… I REALLY don’t think I should tell you. I don’t know why he was looking up that stuff in the first place.”
“Oh come on Futaba, it’s not like he took perverted pictures of me or anything!”
“...”
“Futaba?”
“I mean… Uh…”
“Wait, seriously ? That’s so unlike him though…”
“No no- it isn’t like that!! Look I can’t show it to you- ugh- I really shouldn’t be doing this… I was looking at his web history.”
“Wait… Don’t tell me that he was looking at-”
“NO!! WHATEVER YOU’RE THINKING ISN’T IT!!!”
Futaba shouted a bit too loudly that Sojiro had to come to her room.
“Futaba- Are you okay? Did something happen?”
“No I’m fine I-was-totally-not-snooping-into-anyone’s-phone-or-anything ehe ehe hee…”
“I… see.”
“I’m sorry Boss, it was my fault. I’m sorry about the commotion I caused” you said with a bow. You didn’t mean to worry Sojiro over anything.
“I was making some dinner, it’ll be ready in a bit. You should probably go home after that, Y/N, you don’t want to miss the train home.”
“Yeah, thanks Boss.”
…
After Sojiro left, Futaba smacked your head.
“Ow! I know, I know, I already said sorry! Okay but then, why aren’t you telling me what you saw?”
“I’m sorry for betraying you like this but I can't expose what he planned for you. It’s too genius! Your jaw will be on the floor in one of the upcoming days, trust me! You’ll thank me for not spoiling it for you. I’ll try to find some dirt that you can use on him, but just know that it isn't gonna top what he’s planning.”
“You’re too cruel, Futaba…”
“All I can say is that you’re going to be a blushing mess.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Mwehehehehe… You’ll see.”
After having dinner at the Sakura residence, you decided to go back home. Naturally, you couldn’t stop thinking about Akechi. “A blushing mess, huh…” Did this turn into a seducing game now?
When you stepped outside, it was snowing.
“Will you be okay, kid?”
“Yeah Boss, it’s just a 3 minute walk from here to the station. I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me!”
You wanted to enjoy the snow for a bit, so you made your way over to LeBlanc, maybe you’ll sit inside for a bit if your leader didn’t lock up the store just yet. Some coffee before making your way home would be nice. Akechi had mentioned liking your leader’s LeBlanc’s coffee the best, how different was it from Boss’s coffee anyways?
Your phone buzzed, indicating that someone sent you a message. Speak of the devil .
Akechi Goro
10:25 PM Good Evening, Y/N. If you’re still out, do you mind waiting at the station for me? I need to speak to you about an urgent matter.
I’m in Yongen, I’ll try to make it there. 10:26 PM
“I didn’t expect you to be out so late” You lifted your gaze from your phone to the front gate of LeBlanc. You definitely didn’t expect him to be out here in the snow.
“I thought LeBlanc was closed for the day. Did you stay out?”
“No, I was merely talking about some plans with our leader. We gave Maruki the calling card.”
Only then you realized how cold your cheek and nose felt. The world was going to be back to its original state after tomorrow. “I… see. That’s good.”
“You don’t seem to be happy about it. Don’t tell me you enjoyed this fake reality.”
Once again, you felt uncomfortable under Akechi’s gaze. You looked down in hopes of him to stop looking at you like that .
“I can’t say I enjoyed it, but… It definitely felt like a holiday after a lot happened. Seeing how happy everyone was… made me feel bittersweet. Everyone deserves to be happy.” You felt brave enough to look at him in the eye now.
…
…
…
“Even you.”
You heard him catch his breath. Followed with a cough because of the cold, he looked at you.
With a cold stare.
He just had to be a smirking bastard ALL the time.
“That’s not a funny joke. I thought that you were better than that.”
You could swear that you heard your heart break. In reality, it was the crunch of the snow that you had heard after stepping forward.
“We both know that I’m being serious here, Akechi! Don’t tell me that you…” You were frustrated at how the boy in front of you didn’t even react to your exclamation.
“I indeed do feel that way, Y/N. My life isn’t worth that much. I had a hard time convincing our leader on that, be a good girl for once and accept that I’m right.”
..!
This wasn’t Akechi. This couldn’t be Akechi.
“No. You can’t convince me otherwise. Do you even hear what’s coming out of your mouth?! If you can’t, let me tell you. It’s BS! ”
“I can indeed hear very well. Are you willing to give up the whole word for my life?”
“What are you saying?..”
“I guess nobody told you. I’m supposed to be dead. I died in December , in Shido’s Palace. I’m only here now because some dumbasses wished for me to be alive. I don’t deserve to be and I’m not supposed to be.”
“EVERYONE deserves a second chance! EVEN YOU !! ” You were shouting at Akechi at this point. Couldn’t he be selfish for once?
“I suppose you don’t get what I’m trying to say. If it means I’ll have to live on someone else’s puppet strings, I’d rather be dead.”
That was it. That was the final straw. You didn’t hesitate to tackle him into a hug. One that you knew he wasn’t going to return.
You started sobbing into his shoulder. “Can’t you see… sniff that there are people who care about you?..”
“You think that I’m someone that I’m not. You’d think that I’m someone I’m not. I would only be deceiving you.”
You shook your head while you still had it in the crook of his neck. “No!.. I’m willing to see who the real you is! You’re not giving it a chance! Yourself a chance! You never gave yourself a chance and now it's too late! I HATE YOU!”
You continued hugging Akechi in silence,a few sobs here and there, as neither of you knew what to say.
“It’s freezing out here. We should probably head to the station.”
“Just a bit longer. You’re going to be gone tomorrow anyways.”
Akechi wanted to say no and pull himself out of your grasp as he didn't want either of you to get sick. Not that it matters, but the snow was definitely too pretty for a day like this.
“It’s gonna get only more painful when the time comes.”
“Can you please break that facade for once? I… don’t want my last impression of you to belong to a smug bastard who thinks that he is a good-for-nothing person. I…”
You wanted to continue that sentence so badly. But he had pushed you back already, breaking your one-sided hug.
“ Don’t. I can’t do this if you continue speaking like that . It’s already hard enough as it is. Don’t make this more painful for me. For you.”
For you . Would it hurt anyone if you were selfish right now? You took a deep breath as you stared into Akechi’s rust colored eyes. They definitely looked glassy. He was tearing up, but didn't want to let you see. At least he’s somewhat breaking his facade .
He turned his head sideways to avoid your gaze. Your puffed up eyes and red cheeks were definitely making him feel something. He couldn’t bear to see that sad look on your face. You genuinely looked hurt.
“I’m sorry.” He glanced back at you to see your expression, then looked at the snow on the ground. “I suppose… I am a Kuudere after all.”
!!!
Your breath got caught in your lungs. If your cheeks weren’t already red from the cold, they definitely were now. You definitely weren’t expecting that . Was this what Futaba was talking about ?
“I…”
You were speechless, of course. You weren’t expecting a confession on top of all… this .
With hesitation, you reached for his head with your freezing hands. He’s smiling. You immediately felt his hands at the small of your back. Is this really happening?
As your faces inched closer, you hesitated. Your lips were definitely dry. Ugh, not right now. “I…”
In a hushed tone, Akechi interrupted you. “I’m sorry, Y/N. This is only going to make everything even more...”
You wanted him to shut up. Don’t say it. That’s gonna make it worse.
You smashed your lips onto his. You didn’t know for how long you’ve been waiting for this moment. You didn't want to end the moment. That moment.
Was everything .
Out of breath, you had to pull apart. You looked up at Akechi. You didn’t know what you expected his expression to be. You couldn't understand it anyways. In a way, he looked sad. Bittersweet. Sorrowful. Heartbroken?
You didn’t want to see him sad anymore. You buried your face into his chest, holding onto his jacket.
“I love-”
Ching!
“What are you two doing out here? Akechi, I thought you headed home already.”
You could feel your heart in your throat. That voice was too familiar. Of course you had to get busted by your leader.
“Sorry, we’ll get going now. Come on, Y/N. Your parents are probably worried about you.”
“Right, sorry. See you tomorrow, leader.”
You didn’t care anymore. You held Akechi’s hand as you two started to walk towards the station.
You two weren’t going to have a first date. Or an anniversary of any sorts. It pained you, knowing that he was going to be gone tomorrow after you defeated Maruki.
You wanted to have Akechi’s face imprinted in your brain despite that.
“What, already miss me?”
“Yeah. I-”
“I love you, Y/N”
He had to say it first. You loved him anyways.
“I love you too, Goro ”
Hand in hand, you roamed in the snowy streets of Yongen-Jaya. Lost in thought, you didn’t want today to end. But you can’t always have a happy ending.