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While regressed, Akira’s favorite word is by a landslide “no.”
Not to play psychologist, but Haru thinks it must be nice to be able to say no without everything falling apart. To be able to act out without fear of breaking probation or getting kicked out. And if that’s what he needs, then she’s more than happy to help. And to be the only one he trusts to see him like this…
Leblanc is empty, and Haru is pushing her curfew by staying in so late, but this is the only time Akira will let himself be small. He’s still too embarrassed to regress any other time, where anyone could need him, or any other place, where anyone could see him, or with any other person, who might start seeing him differently.
She places a chocolate chip muffin in front of him, running a hand through his curls. “Eat up, okay?”
Akira huffs, leaning back into her hand, but only to pout up at her. “Don’t wanna.”
Haru’s never had experience with grumpy babies, but she supposes there’s no time like the present. Akira’s watching her, waiting for how she’ll react, but there’s uncertainty playing behind his eyes. What’s made him so scared to act out, especially in such little ways?
Haru shrugs. “Very well, then. But I can’t let this just go to waste.”
She takes the muffin from in front of Akira, noting the way he bolts upright. “Hey.”
She plays innocent. “Oh, have you changed your mind?”
Akira only pouts harder, having caught on to what she’s doing.
“Well, I suppose we could share if you want it that badly…” She holds out the muffin for him to take, well aware that this could easily turn into a game of yes and no, so she makes Akira take the first step.
Akira’s frown deepens, and it takes everything in Haru not to laugh. Because as it turns out, leader of the Phantom Thieves, god-killer who’s cheated death, is also a very pouty boy.
Finally, he relents and eats, sure to take a bite from the part with the most chocolate chips.
“Oh, you rascal!” Haru chides, keeping her voice light. Not because she minds, but because Akira does these things for attention. Even if she’s not scolding him, she has to react one way or another.
Akira relaxes at her tone. Not much, but something twitches in his pout. After a small moment of deliberation, he pushes the muffin back in her direction.
“Aren’t you the sweetest?” She takes a smaller bite, partly because she’s not hungry but mostly because she has no idea how little Akira’s eaten today. If she can get him to sleep with something in his tummy, then that’s a victory.
Akira averts his eyes. “’m not, though.”
“Hm, well I must disagree.” Haru can’t say she’s surprised to see he’s already at the self-deprecation stage, but she won’t say no to early hugs.
Thankfully, Akira holds her back, and all is well.