Work Text:
The fast paced scene of detective work with school work on top is slowly bringing Goro to her breaking point, she realises. Goro is either running around all day or sitting down at a desk all day. It’ll either be her feet or back that cries in pain. She doesn’t even bother to fathom the thought of homework. Another all nighter is likely in store for her. One positive is that she won’t need to do this in a few months. In a few months when she brings Shido Masayoshi to his knees, begging for his poor daughter's mercy, she won’t have to do a single thing ever again. Goro hides her smirk by wiping away at her chapped lips. She’ll need to fix that for the interview she has in line tomorrow.
“Akechi-san, mind fetching me files that I’ve just printed out?”
A colleague calls out to her. She mentally groans. Can’t that asshole do it himself?
“Yes, I'll be just a moment.”
She pitches her voice up to sound like the usual innocent, intelligent detective princess they love to hear and stare at. Her own voice makes her wince. Goro stands up from her cooped up, patting down her skirt while making sure not to make any evidence fall off the edge. The colleague gives her a thumbs up as she passes by. She stretches her lips to her cheeks at them. Lazy piece of shit. Goro isn’t that stupid. She’s aware the adults around her are making a much younger person do their bidding. But she’s worked too hard to get here. She has to succeed. If she doesn’t then..no. She will.
As she’s collecting the pieces of paper she was asked of she can’t help but notice how wobbly her legs are. A stem of an ever so slight weight going from her thigh to her ankle. Not enough for the urge to sit down. Not enough for her to call it painful. It’s heavy. Like a weight trying to drag her down.
She’s probably just been on her feet too much. It’s probably just her body complaining about the non-stop work. Well, too fucking bad, she thinks. It’ll have to suck it up for a good while.
Papers in hand, she waltzes to her colleagues' own little corner. Squished with everyone else's corners. How people have room to breathe, she has no idea.
“Ah, thank you Akechi-san, you’re a star!” They beam. Happy she did they’re bidding. She hates how she feels her heart soaking up the bare minimum of praise she receives. Another thing to berate herself for in the mirror later. “No problem.” She smiles. Making sure there is no trace of any feelings on her face. Just neutral politeness. A colleague that was glad to lend a hand.
She practises in the mirror those expressions. Every night before she goes to bed. How people fall for it she’ll never understand. Nothing is more fake than her face. Her make-up hides her freckles. She has contacts so she doesn’t need glasses. But then again, perhaps it’s only because she knows for certain it is false. Goro reminds herself that it’s foolish to think they’d care that much about her that they'd try to investigate anything, even small details. It must be nice to live in ignorant bliss. Not wondering if that person giving you a big smile secretly hates you. A pleasure most people can have, apparently. She swallows the envy.
Goro makes her way back to her own claustrophobic desk. Hers is slightly more jarring though. When she got a quick peek of everyone else’s desk they had a few papers. And now she’s back at her own desk. She has quadrupled the amount of work. She wants to grab everything and set it on fire. They’re just pointless paperwork. Not actual cases. She was told she’d be promoted months ago.
God. She’s in a bad mood today. Ever so slightly more than usual. She knew she needed to calm it down. Just one blow up could destroy all that she’s built.
She sits down, grabbing a pen to get writing. Wiggling it between her fingers in thought. Until she feels…off. Why does she feel so flushed all of a sudden? It feels like a sauna you’ve been in for far too long. It can get hot in the station due to how cramped it is. However, this feels different. She sighs, taking off her olive coat. Now in a simple polo she feels slightly better. Her arms free to the mild temperature. Without the tight coat she feels a bit more free. She sets the tip of her pen on the pale paper, it’s dark ink pouring as she dances it to make neat little words.
She can’t help but notice the signs though. First, her legs feel off and now she’s boiling when it’s almost autumn? She better not be getting her period soon. She grits her teeth, pressing down on the paper harder. The ink smudges the page. Her anger is drowned, however. She grimaces with an epiphany. She didn’t put any menstrual products in her case. Her hand slows and she glances at the said case under the desk. She usually does. Just in case. But today it completely slipped her mind as she woke up late. Rushing to put her heels on and quickly slamming the door behind her with a loud thud.
She picks up her harsh writing. What if it starts soon? She supposes she could ask a colleague. But the main issue being that majority of her colleagues are old fucking men. Sae was out on some ‘big and important’ investigation. (It probably involved the phantom thieves).
No, no, no. It was going to be fine. All she had to do was make it through today, she triumphs. She could make it.
—
When lunch break came, Goro practically ran to the break room. Giving her co-workers a quick smile and a wave on the way. Nobody has caught on. This shit better pay off in the end, she thinks. She makes small fists in her skirt, ruffling the edges.
When she sits down in a quiet blue room, she lets out a breath she had no idea she was holding. During the last half hour Goro couldn’t help but notice how her abdomen had begun to swell with cramps. Typical signs of her body letting her know, ‘period! Soon!’. She was fucked if she didn’t do anything. There was nobody she could ask for help. Well. Goro plays with her hair, thoughtfully. Knowing the answer.
Taking out her lunch, Goro knows she needs to think of a plan. Just in case she does begin her cycle. Taking a bite of her lettuce sandwich she only has one option really.
Groaning, she puts down her food and whips out her phone.
—
Akechi Goro:
Greetings, how are you, Kurusu?
Kurusu Akira:
I'm alright. Wbu?
Goro cannot help but be grateful for the speedy response. Her break does not last too long. She can’t help the small laugh she lets out at Kurusu’s text synonyms. (Goro pretends she didn’t spend a night searching what half of them mean). She can’t help but wonder if the girl is sneaking her phone in class though..
Akechi Goro:
Good. You wouldn’t happen to have any spare menstrual products would? My apologies for the favour, I seem to have forgotten them today. I will pay you back somehow.
She felt embarrassed for even asking. It isn’t like she actually has started her period yet. But her paranoia of having to sit and walk free bleeding is enough to cower her into asking for assistance. She briefly wonders if the girl will think badly of her. Why would she be telling someone about such a private matter? Goro’s care is running thin, however. She feels her hormones bouncing her mood as if it was a game.
Kurusu Akira:
Sure!! You want me to come over ur place and give em to u there?
Akechi Goro:
Ah, by the time you could do that it’d be your bedtime. You wouldn’t mind coming down to the station would you?
Kurusu Akira:
woah. thats a long ass time to be working but ok
Akechi Goro:
Work does not know the word sleep, I am afraid.
Kurusu Akira:
Im afraid too.
Goro rolls her eyes. This was the leader of the phantom thieves. A silly gift with the messiest hair on the planet. A girl with the most beautiful silver eyes she’s ever had the honour of starting into.
Akechi Goro:
Enjoy your day, Kurusu. Thank you in advance.
—
She puts her phone back into her skirt pocket and lets out a sigh of relief. Her relief doesn’t last long once she remembers she insisted she’ll repay the girl back. How on earth will she do that? Goro dreads what Kurusu will come up with. She sighs, sitting back into the chair holding her stomach.
It’s only getting worse.
Around this time of the month Goro is always reminded of her first period. Her mother was long gone to inform her of how her own body will function. Her first period occurred while she was in the foster system. She can remember the terror that shocked her whole when she saw blood stain her underwear.
‘Is this how I’ll die?’ She recalls what she thought. Young Goro was so naive. Young Goro sorted herself then ran out of the bathroom begging for help. Nausea hits her like a brick. She can still remember the faces the adults working there made at her. Looking at her like she was less of a human. ‘You’re a woman now.’ they’d scoff. Walking away while she had tears in her eyes.
The children that overheard giggling at her for being so stupid. How she didn’t know how her own body worked. How she didn’t know what she wasn’t told.
Before lights were out and Goro was in bed still crying her eyes out, one of the women there placed pads on her bedside and proceeded to leave without a word. She had to figure out how to use it by herself.
Goro hates this time of the month, she expresses to herself. Just as her lunch break ends.
—
This is officially the worst day of her life.
Alright, a slight exaggeration. She’s endured a ton of shit, but she thinks sitting at her desk with knowing she’s starting to bleed is pretty fucking bad. She crosses her legs which only helps minimally. Goro resists the urge to scream. She wants this day to be over so she can just collapse and close her tired eyes. Putting a gloved hand over her mouth in a defensive gesture. She glances at the time. 30 minutes to go until Kurusu is apparently going to show up. Goro dreads to think if she doesn’t. Kurusu comes across as reliable, bending the knee to anybody's needs. Would this be her using Kurusu, she wonders? No, surely whatever exchange she can whip up would cancel it out.
While Goro is two seconds away from letting out a scream her lovely lovely coworkers keep piling more work on her desk. ‘I know you can solve this one Akechi-san!’ ‘This is just up your alley.’ ‘Who knows? You might get a higher rank if you do this.’ Fucking bullshit. Goro knows it's a ruse to just make her do all the challenging paperwork. Goro would get rid of them after Shido if she cared enough. She doesn’t.
She lets herself breathe. It could be worse. It could always be worse, she thinks. Being on your period is natural. She tries telling herself to make her feel better. But she has to admit, maybe without any product to soak up the blood is unfavourable.
God who is she kidding? This is pretty fucking shit.
As Goro frantically writes out the mess she deems notes, she feels her abdomen conjure up the most painful type of potion.
Goro bites on her leather gloves.
Muffling any sound of distress that may give her away.
Definitely not her day. That’s for sure.
—
“Akechi-san?”
A voice calls for her, but her mind is in such a haze she can only manage a glance in their direction.
“Hm?” She hums, closing her eyes with a grin, hoping to hide her pain. “There’s a school girl outside who says she is here to see you.” He states.
Oh thank god. Akira is finally here. The last 30 minutes have been some of the most dreadful minutes she's spent.
However, Goro stands up too quickly. Way too quickly. Her body feels like it's been turned upside down.
It must be noticeable as the man flinches. “Are you well Akechi-san?” He raises an eyebrow. “Just fine, sir,” She continued. “Now, if you please, bring me to this girl, I've been expecting her.” The man seems to shrug off anything unusual he noticed about her.
“Ah, well, you see. She has not made an appointment so we aren’t sure that is possible.” Goro feels her stomach drop. She can’t stay here like this until the evening.
Without even logically thinking she ignores the man. “But maybe she can schedule it for tomorrow.” She shoves right past him.
Ignoring any stares she gets she heads straight to the entrance of the building. She prays Kurusu hasn’t left yet. By the time she makes it she feels her legs starting to give out. Her cheeks are likely a rosy red. Curse mother nature for making any exercise she does seem futile during this time.
She collapses on the receptionist's desks. God, she's going to have to make a brilliant excuse for all this. “Kurusu, did she leave by now?!” She almost can’t believe the yell that came out of her detective princess voice. Her voice is hoarse, out of breath. She probably sounds like a mad woman. Yeah, she’ll need a damn good excuse. The receptionist is spewing and stuttering words she can’t begin to understand. Goro’s head feels like it's on fire with all the rush and worry, she almost screams when she feels a hand on her shoulder.
“Sorry detective, didn’t mean to startle you.”
A familiar raspy voice says as she jumps and spins around.
Goro has never felt quite this relieved in her life. It’s not surprising that it's Kurusu of all people that gets this reaction out of her.
Before she can reply, the girl speaks up. “Wow.. you don’t look so good Goro.” She says quietly, looking off into the distance. How can such a girl be Joker?
“Just a little too much work,” She giggles. “Did you bring what I asked?” Goro wanted this to be a snappy conversion. They share greetings, Goro gets what she needs, promises Kurusu a favour back and then they both go on their way. Plus the people sitting, waiting, stop staring at them.
“Yep. I got it.” She says, putting a pop on the ‘p’. Goro wrinkles her nose. “Hand it over, please.” Why does Kurusu look so hesitant?
“You sure you're good to stay here?” What the fuck is Kurusu getting at? Just for today, she needs these riddles to stop. Unusual for her, she knows. But not today. “I am just fine, Kurusu.” The girl doesn’t look convinced. Can’t convince someone else if you’re not even slightly conceived yourself, she guesses.
Then Kurusu does something so bizarre she can’t even begin to breathe. The raven haired girl turns on her heel towards the receptionist, “The detective princess ain’t feeling well. She’ll be doing her work at home now.”
What.
Goro is so in disbelief she can’t even think as she feels a warmth on her arm gently pulling her away.
All she can process is some shocked gasps of, ‘Get well soon detective!’. The next time she blinks she’s in the women's restroom.
Shaking her head, she manages to process Kurusu- no, Joker, lied in her honour and has pulled her away from her work. Goro isn’t sure how that makes her feel. She can’t even begin to describe what she feels. It's so far away and different. She nervously smiles, “Quite bold of you to do that.” Part of her wants to scream at the girl but at the moment all she wants is to snatch the period products in the girls hand.
Kurusu welcomes her comments with a devilish grin. “Someone needs to make sure you're resting.”
“I do appreciate the sentiment but..Ah, can I please just do my business before we discuss this?”
“Sure, you a tampon or pad kinda girl?” She whistles, bouncing up and down on her heel. “Wasn’t sure so I just bought both.” Goro snatches the box of pads and slams the bathroom stall shut.
Silence.
At least she knows when to shut up.
Goro bites her lip. Her underwear is covered in blood…she doubts Kurusu brought a spare pair. Whatever, she thinks, putting the pad over the bloody underwear. She’ll just change when she gets home. She wonders why seeing the blood makes her shake. It’s not like she's hurt or anything but..
Whatever, she pats her skirt back down. Shooing away any dust and remerges.
“Are you good to go?” Akira says with so much concern it makes her sick. Yet the calm drums of the girl's voice just make her want to be held while they're wrapped in soft blankets. Safe. The thought gives her an essence of safety. She knows having a thought like that about Kurusu likely isn’t appropriate giving…their circumstances but..
“Yes,” She exhales. “I suppose I’ll be on my way then.” She tries not to sound disappointed. She wishes she could bring Kurusu with her.
“Why don’t you come to LeBlanc?”
….
Or Kurusu will bring Goro with her.
—
The bell above the door chimes a sweet tune as it closes behind both girls.
“You’re back early,” Sojiro comments in a hushed tone. Likely due to there being one customer. Just one, she thinks, mockingly. How this business is still standing she has no clue. “I- you didn’t skip did you? And why is that detective girl here?” Sojiro whispers become even more low. Goro doubts it works. That customer is either never coming back ever again or coming every day to see the new drama.
“Don’t worry we were let out early,” Akira cooly explains. Goro looks at her with uncertainty. She isn’t sure whether that's a lie or not. It’s not like she keeps up with Shujins timetables. “And Goro’s chilling with me since she’s not feeling well.” Whatever she said seems to work as Sojiro’s face falls. Akira won it seems.
“Fine, don’t be too loud.” He states, making a gesture at them to go upstairs. Akira is quick to gently escort her upstairs.
“I can walk, you know?” She tries to stay as friendly as possible while Akira has her hands on her back as she walks upstairs.
“Just thought you’d appreciate the help during your monthly, princess.” Akira winks at her. Goro feels like she has been set ablaze. Not even knowing how to start unpacking how she feels. Maybe she shouldn’t bother though. It was obviously a sick joke Kurusu thought it’d be funny. Yet oh, she hates that it made her stomach do a different kind of swirl. One that is definitely not pain.
They’ve made it upstairs, Akira now has letten go of her. She wonders what she’ll even do here honestly. She only agreed because she craved just the inch of affection Kurusu gives her from time to time. But it might’ve been a mistake. A big one at that.
“Why don’t you lay down?” Akira chimes in. “Ah..sure,” Goro averts her eyes. “You wouldn’t happen to have any spare undergarments would you? Mine are..” She sees Kurusu’s eyes widening and immediately wants to take back what she said.
“You-” Akira looks shocked, “You’ve spent a while without any pads or anything then?”
“Yes. I forget them.” Goro wants this conversation to be over.
Akira doesn’t say anything as she walks over to a pile of boxes and rummages around. Goro looks off to the side and plays with the hem of her skirt. Kurusu is acting weird. The girl is usually on the quiet side but this feels different. As if there is a tension above Kurusu, a raincloud if you will. What can she do to break it, she thinks. What caused it?
She feels a tap on her shoulder and turns her gaze to the fluffy haired girl. “Here,” She says, handing over a fresh pair of red underwear to Goro. Goro feels so ashamed for this. She should have just suffered with it and saved herself the humiliation. “You have my thanks. What can I do to pay you back?” Akira seems to contemplate this. “Later.” Is all she says.
Goro quickly turns around to head to the downstairs bathroom.
God, why is she even here? Why did she have such difficulty saying ‘no’ to that girl? Goro feels herself breathe once again after she shuts the bathroom door behind her. She can be alone and drown again. Thank god. Today has been too hectic for her own liking.
As she changes, she wonders what to do with the bloody pair..
Maybe she’ll just put them in her case. Or just throw them. No. Throwing them in her rival's bin is a tad rude.
Whatever…she puts them in her pocket and finishes sorting herself out.
As she reenters she is quick on her heels to go back upstairs, not having energy to have a conversation with anyone else.
—
Once her head peers from the ridged old staircase Goro is greeted by Akira setting multiple blankets and pillows onto her bed.
The girl is in such a rush to set things out she doesn’t seem to notice Goro’s return. Goro pulls on her tie nervously, “Kurusu? What are you doing?” The girl in question bashfully cocks her head over her shoulder. Stopping her actions.
“Just..getting set up for our sleepover.” Goro is taken aback. When was that agreed upon? She only agreed to stay over for a short while, maybe one cup of coffee. What idea did Akira have here? Goro knew she needed to straighten this out.
“What is going on in your head? Why have you really dragged me here?” She demands. Akira looks like a kicked puppy. A small pout on her adorable rosy lips.
“Akechi-chan, you looked really sick back there.” Akra vocalises her thoughts. Goro hates how her knees feel wobbly from the use of ‘chan’.
“I was handling it just fine.” Goro insists. Akira shakes her head, “You were so red I thought you might faint!” she exclaims, slightly raising her voice.. Goro hates how her body twitches at the risen tone. The sound waves shooting her heart as if it was a target.
“I would have handled it.” She finalises, her gloves digging into her palms as she looks down. She doesn’t want to see the looks on Akira's face. She didn’t want to see the disgust. Disappointment. Or would it be anger?
Goro almost falls backwards when warm bare palms reach to pet her cheeks. Akira’s nails gently caress her ever redding face. Goro looks up to see Akira adorning a sad smile. “Let’s just get you resting, since you’re here now, yeah?”
Curse this woman, Goro thinks. She hates how reasonably she is being and how mature she is handling the situation. It makes Goro feel out of control. As if it was slipping through her fingers, slowly, so she wouldn't notice. Goro wonders if anything was ever in her control, however.
Akira, seemingly guessing Goro’s train tracks of a mind, escorts her to the bed to lay down.
“Sorry, I know it isn’t the comfiest thing ever.” Akira sighs, as if she was actually sorry. Akira unfortunately has a point. Goro would much prefer her own bed.
“It’ll do.” Goro sighs, “The blankets help.” She quickly adds. Admittedly, she doesn’t want the girl to feel hopelessly bad for her. Goro’s been on worse beds. The fuzzy blankets that were currently wrapped around her body were an odd reminder for her to breathe. As she lays there she realises she's been in such a panic for the majority of the day. This is the first time she’s just been able to be.
As Goro slowly breathes, focusing on her body, she can’t help but notice how sore it is. She wants to curse Akira for having a point. Maybe later, though. For now she thinks she can sleep for a week. Curious as to what the raven haired is doing, she lifts her head up. The girl in question is sitting on the awful excuse of a couch, fiddling with her fingers. Her eyes are glossing over the dull walls of the attic. She looks like she doesn’t know what to do with herself.
“Coffee wouldn’t be bad.” Gore murmurs, hoping to give the poor girl something to do. She’s surprised when Akira jolts up. The girl gives a quick ‘of course’ and runs down the stairs. Goro collapses back onto the pillow. Sure, she’s given Akira something to do but..
There’s an awkward atmosphere and she doesn’t like it. She knows it’s her fault. She wants to ask Akira to sit on the bed, watch TV on the elderly thing. Hell, even ask her to lay with her. But it’d be so embarrassing. Goro feels sparks of tension igniting in her body once more. She whines and curls herself around the blanket. Her body feels so heavy. Akira did call this a sleepover, so perhaps she can sneak in a small nap? But then where would Akira sleep? Goro wishes the sheets would swallow her whole. Her brain is getting too foggy for even the simplest of thoughts.
“Goro?” She feels a finger poking her through the blankets. In response she lets out an inaudible noise. It manages to get a giggle out of Akira, at least.
“Sit up so you can drink.” Akira gently nudges. Goro really wants that coffee. It’s scent wafting throughout the room. Goro already feels it giving her life just from the smell. God. These blankets are tempting as well.
Goro concludes that she shouldn’t keep Akira waiting. The blankets sway over her body, her head popping out. Goro hisses at the light seeping through the thin windows of the dainty attic. Akira must freeze during the winter. How does she tolerate that? Goro would be fighting tooth and nail, but Akira, she looks to the brighter side of things. Ironically, Akira is seemingly entranced by the light when her eyesight adjusts. Akira’s soft smile grows back when she turns her attention to Goro.
“Here,” She hands Goro the steaming cup. “I made it just how you like.” She winks. Akira seems to be getting comfy. She sits herself beside Goro on the bed.
“We’ll see.” Goro replies. Goro brings the cup to her lips, avoiding the liquid burning her lips. As it travels down her throat she thinks of pretending to dislike it. Goro thinks better of it when she catches Akira in her peripheral vision fidgeting.
“Excellent, as usual.” Goro smiles. It reaches her eyes. Akira noticeably brightens at the praise. She nods, silently soaking up the praise. Goro continues drinking, the hotness allowing her to momentarily ignore the screaming aches of her body.
A thought crosses Goro’s mind. A dreadful one. “Where’s that cat of yours..?” She breaks the silence. She does not want that prideful cat seeing her like this. It’s the type to snitch to Akira’s little groupie about how vulnerable and pathetic Goro can be. “At Futabas.” The simple response is enough to settle her worry. She doesn’t want to think about the girl she mentioned though..
“Also, I hope you don’t mind wearing my clothes,” Akira rubs the back of her neck. “This is the last minute so..”
Ah, right.
“I really shouldn’t stay, Kurusu.” Goro sighs.
“If not, at least let me take you home.”
The suggestion isn’t the worst. However, Goro really doesn’t want Akira to know where she lives. It’s too risky. The closer Goro looks at the girl's face she realises Akira isn’t letting up on this subject.
Goro’s shoulders slump. “One night.” Goro’s heart twists and turns at the way Akira’s smile plasters onto her face.
“Wanna watch TV?” Sure, she’s got nothing better to do, Goro thinks.. She nods and Akira moves to set it up. God, the thing is practically falling apart. Akira smacks the device a couple of times and it finally lights up. Goro snorts. It earns her a playful look from Akira.
Akira chuckles, “I really need a new one.” Yeah, no shit she thinks. After Akira has flicked through to find a decent show the girl bundles herself next to Goro. It feels ridiculously domestic. She wishes she hadn’t thought about it as often as she did. Akira easily makes herself at home next to Goro. The light of the TV reflecting in her glasses. Goro looks back at the TV before she’s caught.
The sweet silence carries itself on for a while. The TV slowly becomes more boring as she looks out at the outside becoming consumed by darkness. Goro notices how she’s completely forgotten to finish her work. She also notices how Kurusu became Akira to her. She doesn’t want to think of the implications of that.
“You good, princess?” Akira catches her in her daze.
“I’m just fine.” She responds. Akira lifts a brow, “Not in pain?”
“Well, as non lethal as it can get.” Her voice sounds tired. Her body itching for her to rest.
“I can give a mean massage, you know.” Akira smirks.
Goro can’t hold her jaw as it falls. She huffs, “Really..?” She can’t deny her curiosity. At this point, she’s gone so far with spending time with Akira when she shouldn’t have. What’s a little more bonding?
She knows she’ll regret it in a few months.
“I suppose. For a bit.” She grumbles. Heart flutters at how delighted Akira looks.
The TV is a simple static noise in the background as Goro lays on her stomach. The warm pillow squishing her face.
“I’ll take care of you, Goro, don’t worry.” Akira whispers. The use of her first name and the gentle touch on her back made her shiver with pleasure. Akira’s hands glide and knead at Goro’s back. Caressing her nails across in a pleasant manner. It’s so suspiciously soft Goro is positive Akira will whip out a knife and smash it into her back.
That never happens.
Goro can only feel Akira’s soft touch and gentle words of reassurance as her eyes begin to close. Whatever the consequence of this interaction, she’ll deal with it in the morning. For now, she lets the tempting dark overtake her and pretends she doesn’t notice Akira gently turning her head to place a tender kiss on her forehead.