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In-between frantically tracking down materials, info, and other goods to help his team in the Metaverse, Akira has found himself with basically no down-time. He doesn’t mind the lack of rest— that’s what the evening’s for after all— but his teammates seem a little put-off by how hard he’s working. Akira can’t exactly fathom why, he’s their leader isn’t he? His role is to ensure everything goes smoothly, and Shido will be their largest target yet. He can’t afford to just sit around waiting for elections to happen. Failure here would be… abysmal for a multitude of reasons obviously, but also a massive blow to Akira’s pride. This is the man that ruined his life after all. To let an opportunity like this slip through his fingers due to negligence… the shame would kill him faster than Shido’s hitmen ever could. (Again.)
Ah, but it’s not just about Akira. Of course this target is important for all of the thieves; he’s the root cause of their troubles after all. Everyone’s working as hard as they can to ensure success.
…Akira’s just working harder.
A vibration from his phone pulls him out of his thoughts and upon further examination it’s an invite from Haru. Tea at this hour? Usually she invites him around lunch or later in the evening, but he supposes that after-school tea isn’t a strange time to go and it’s not like Haru’s the type to have an ulterior motive anyway. It’s a strange thought to have, but as the December chill rolls in, Akira finds himself growing more and more paranoid.
No, the real problem here is… can he justify going? There’s still tools to be made, medicines to track down, shifts to work and god who knows what else. Going for tea of all things isn’t exactly productive in the face of it all. It feels wrong to reject the invite though… Would Haru be displeased if he tried making molotov cocktails while over? ‘Most certainly.’ A familiar rumble supplies from the back of his head. Yeah, most certainly indeed. So he can’t say yes, but he can’t say no either… Or maybe he should just say yes? What’s the worst that could happen aside from country-wide economical collapse? ‘Thy bonds? Hast thou forgotten?’ The rumbling prompts once more, with an amused inflection.
Ah, right. The other important activity Akira’s been grappling with since his release; reassuring all his confidants that his death was greatly exaggerated. Spending time with Haru falls under this category, doesn’t it? Soooo… it’d be more detrimental to say no than yes, right? Akira hesitates over the keyboard of his phone for only a moment before shooting off a reply. He feels guilt in doing so, but he can’t deny the importance of the bonds with his teammates.
(Or at least, that’s his justification for it in such a shaken state. Truly, Akira can never find it within himself to reject a teammate’s offer— especially not one from Haru.)
Akira Kurusu [4:57 PM]: Sure, I’ll be there in about ten minutes if I can make it to the station in time.
Akira Kurusu [4:59 PM]: Well, would you look at that? I made it. See you soon, Haru.
Haru Okumura [4:59 PM]: Oh, wonderful! I’ll begin plating things right away. I remembered to get something more bitter this time! You said that was your preferred flavour, wasn’t it?
Haru Okumura [4:59 PM]: Dark chocolate croissants are a delicious mix of savoury and mild sweetness. I can’t wait to see you try one!
Haru Okumura [5:00 PM]: Ah, I should probably stop bothering you while you travel. Be careful in the subway, Akira.
Akira allows a smile to tug on his lips at Haru’s obvious excitement. Already he can feel whatever guilt crawling inside of him melting away, replaced by a fluttery-warm feeling. He’s sure that Haru also enjoys those types of croissants, but he can’t help but feel a little touched that she went out of her way to pander to his palate— even if uh, he meant he prefers his drinks bitter.
Akira brings his cup up to his lips and gently blows. It smells of lavender and almond— he’s familiar with the flavour as it's often Haru's go-to blend for him. Sweet things aren't his forte, but the earthy bitterness of the almond makes it quite pleasant.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Haru asks with a smile, eyes fond and crinkling at the edges. "It’s been such a long time since we've gotten to do this, hasn't it?"
"Mm. Things just kept happening back to back. Didn't have much of a chance to." Akira finally sips from his cup, wincing a little at the sudden heat.
Haru politely covers her mouth as she giggles. "You're supposed to wait a bit longer than that, Akira."
"I killed a raging sphynx and lived. I'm not letting a bit of tea best me." Akira growls as he stares daggers down his cup. Ultimately he relents and places it back on its saucer. There's no use in making a fool of himself in front of Haru.
"Yes, yes, you're very strong and powerful. Though I don't recall your Persona nulling fire... so perhaps this is for the best." Haru says, dropping her hand back to her lap.
"Hey! I have more than one Persona, y'know. Nulling fire is completely within my capabilities." Akira says with an irritated click of his tongue. "Covering the group's weaknesses is literally my job!"
Haru laughs. "Oh, I'm aware of that, Akira! It just seems like you forgot to bring one of that variety to our meal."
Akira grumbles something intelligible and picks his teacup up once more, making direct eye contact as he takes a hearty sip. He’s fine with making a fool of himself to prove a point! In Akira’s defense though, there's barely any reaction to the drink's temperature aside from a strange look in his eye. Haru can't help herself from laughing again and Akira smiles warmly in response. (And if he takes Haru's mirthful fit as a pause to hide a flinch, that's his business.)
"Akira!" Haru cries in a tone that could be taken as scolding if not for her grin. "You don't need to prove to me that you can handle scalding water. It's dangerous!"
"It wasn't scalding! Just still… somewhat hot. Nothing the leader of the Phantom Thieves can't handle. Y'never know when the skill might come in handy Haru."
Haru shakes her head. "That's not a skill. It's just putting yourself in unnecessary pain. The leader of the Phantom Thieves doesn't need to harm himself to prove anything." she replies in a sombre tone.
Akira's grin fades and he offers Haru an inquisitive look laced with mild worry. "You're… oddly serious about this all of a sudden. Is there something on your mind?"
Haru sighs. She didn't really want to talk about this so soon, but it seems she can’t help herself from worrying. Inviting Akira over for some tea was meant to be relaxing— no serious thieves talk, just them as friends. Haru could try to hide and say it's fine, but Akira knows her too well to do that. He might not comment out of politeness, but she isn't keen on putting him in that position either.
"I'm sorry. I guess I'm just feeling on edge since, well... The interrogation room. I know it was the only way, but I just have to wonder…" Haru trails off, looking even more sombre.
"Haru. There's nothing to wonder about. I'm fine. It was nothing I couldn't handle. I'm okay." Akira shuffles closer to Haru and places a hand on her shoulder, speaking more gently. "Is that why you invited me over? You don't have to be concerned. I'm happy to hang, but it's important that we focus on preparing for—"
Haru cuts him off. "Please don't talk like that, Akira. Is it wrong of me to want to give you a moment of respite? Even after you went away to the station, you've done nothing but work yourself to exhaustion..." Haru nervously glances away, idly toying with the edges of her skirt. "It’s not that we don't appreciate it, it's just... We're worried about you, Akira."
Akira frowns. Of course this is what she wanted to talk about. He can't blame her for it, as Akira’s well aware of the breakneck speed in which he "recovered" and got back out to work. He knows he didn't take enough time after what they did to him in that room, but…
"I'm not asking you to stop altogether, Akira. I know you won't. I'm simply asking you to allow us to shoulder the burden with you… and to come home every once and a while." She reaches out to cup Akira’s face and he can't help the sigh that escapes him as she does so. With the way her face pinches, Akira figures he must be making some kind of pathetically exhausted expression.
"...I could probably ask the gang to pick up things for me. Weapons and the like. Ryuji wouldn't look out of place at Untouchable and he wouldn't spend the team funds on something selfish." Akira says softly, closing his eyes and leaning into Haru's touch.
"Of course not. Especially not if you're the one asking. He truly prides himself on being your number one, you know." Haru laughs as she brushes Akira’s bangs to the side. "It reminds me of a puppy, somewhat. Although I think maybe you shouldn’t tell him I said that..."
"He has his threatening moments. Think you're right though; I could trust him." Akira murmurs into her palm, pulling away with a bleary look on his face that quickly turns into a glare. "Hey... you didn't plan this purposefully, did you? Giving me relaxing tea, making me feel warm, talking to me about such mundane things suddenly... It's like you're trying to put me to sleep."
Haru gasps, putting both hands to her cheeks in mock horror. "Would I do that? Our leader would accuse me of such deception? Hehe. I knew you'd catch on. I probably could've been a lot more subtle, but..." Haru bites her lip, cheeks reddening. "You're very cute when you're drowsy. It makes it quite hard not to poke fun."
Akira snorts. "Well I'm glad you're having a good time. I can't believe my own teammate sought to put me under..."
Perhaps it's not a bad thing though, as Akira hasn't felt this relaxed in a while. He downs the rest of his tea and then yawns into the back of his hand. "S'workin' too... I think I could probably pass out right here."
"Then why don't you?" Haru says innocently, with a tilt of her head.
"Hm? Uh, well this is your couch, Haru. Not much room with you on it. I'll probably just head back to Leblanc... There's a good chance of me falling asleep there." Akira says, gently placing his cup on its saucer, taking care to tilt the handle inwards.
"But you're tired now." Haru clicks her tongue and places a hand on Akira’s shoulder, pulling him down into her lap. "It’d be a shame if my efforts went to waste... And I bet no one would mind you staying here for a little while longer."
Akira's not so sure of that. He has to keep working, pushing himself and the others forward. If they can't take down Shido, then it's game over. And yet, he can't help but hesitate… It’s just one nap, after all. More efficient to sleep now than to crash hard later— especially if future-him ends up crashing during an important task.
"Well... I guess not. The tools I had planned to make could technically be put off for another day."
He watches Haru reach down towards him with a soft smile on her face. Akira hums out a content sound as he feels her weave a hand into his hair. Now look at what she's done, he's in absolutely no state to argue against this! Anytime he opens his mouth to do so, he feels the gentle touch of her fingernails against his scalp and melts further into her embrace. Geez, at least when Akira's hit with Marin Karin or something he can feel himself internally fighting back, but right now there's not a single bone in Akira’s body that's resisting.
Akira hears Haru giggling above him and his sole act of defiance against it is sliding his eyes shut. Not that it does much, but at least he can feel prideful that it was an action of his own accord. If anything though... It's less a defiant action and more raising the white flag of retreat, as the moment he snaps his eyes shut Akira feels himself slipping away into slumber; all part of Haru's plan.
From above Haru watches Akira’s breathing even out and his body completely relax. He looks incredibly different without that permanent scowl of his. A good kind of different of course! A difference that makes her giddy... She doubts many get to see him like this, even amongst their group as Akira’s not one to sleep on the job. Technically Mona gets to see Akira every night, but to him it's just a normal occurrence. To Haru? This is like the sentimental birthday gift she never got. Akira trusts her enough to fall asleep in her lap of all places! He's even allowing her to comb through his locks... Gosh, she's shocked her heart hasn't burst right out of her chest yet with the way it's hammering against her ribcage. Thank the powers of scheduling that the rest of her afternoon is free... the thought of someone interrupting them is devastating— for multiple reasons! Her maid would probably laugh if she saw Haru right now, as she's definitely burning up; more red than the tomatoes growing on the rooftop! Haru can't even fathom how she'd explain this.
None of that will be an issue though. Akira is safe to rest the afternoon away. She glances at the fading sunset through her large windows and sighs softly. Oh, just what is she going to do with herself? Haru thought this crush was fleeting feelings; Akira was so nice and supportive through her attempts at making a stand for herself in the business world. Whenever she felt doubt, Haru knew she could turn to Akira and he’d be in her corner. Obviously the flutters in her chest were simply from meeting someone so kind and nothing more. After how Sugimura treated her, it’s not hard to assume it was just that. Yet, they're still here in her chest... making her act like such a lovesick fool. Whatever will she do about it?
…And whatever will she do about the ache in her legs, too? Oh dear, they're definitely falling asleep. She can't bear to wake Akira up by moving him though…