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It was a quiet evening at Leblanc. Akira was washing up the dishes as the wind directed the rain drops to the cafe’s door. Morgana lay contently on a bar stool, letting his tail swish down. Sojiro was out, but even with that fact, the young detective chose to stay. He had no reason to be here, and yet..
‘ quite the busy bee, aren’t you? ‘ Akechi chuckled softly, sipping on his coffee before swirling it around in the cup. He couldn’t help but notice the curly haired boy’s sleeves getting wet.
‘ not really. I do this willingly. ‘ The thief murmured, glancing back at the young man. Akechi softly grimaced as he licked the locks on his braces.
‘ I can’t wait to get these off.. ‘ He mumbled quietly to himself before placing down his mug and returning to the conversation with a soft smug. ‘ you seem to be enjoying this. Especially the part where you clean up the curry pot. ‘
Akira glanced down at the pot overflowing with water in the sink and softly cursed under his breath as he turned off the faucet. The detective smiled, taking a sip from the coffee cup before taking off his coat.
‘ here, let me help. ‘ the young man rolls up his sleeves, making his way towards the thief.
‘ oh, no, you don’t have to— ‘ Akira insisted, but before he could say anything, his friend was already grabbing a rag and a clean plate.
‘ I insist. ‘ The detective prince shook his head, wiping the plate shiny and dry before putting it on the counter. He smiled, reached a hand out playfully. ‘ alright, next one.~ ‘
Akira let out a breathy laugh, lifting the water-filled pot and revealing wet plates underneath. Akechi made no hesitation as he grabbed the dishes and began to wipe. Morgana just grumbled something in a very annoyed tone and went back to slumber.
Before they knew it, all of the dishes (including the pot) were now clean and dry. Now just to put them in the drawers.
The two young men sat down on the cushioned benches, the curl haired boy throwing his head and arms back on the backrest. The cat watched them with suspicion.
‘ looks like boss had a lot more customers today. ‘ Akechi snickered, seeing the other sigh deeply.
‘ no shit, Sherlock. ‘ Akira straightened himself before twirling the front of his hair between his fingers. Nice one, Joker. He turned to the detective with a smirk of sorts before softening his gaze. ‘ you’re staying awfully late. ‘
Akechi smiled awkwardly, looking away and reaching behind his neck. ‘ I guess so. ‘
The phantom thief softly tilted his head before smirking and leaning forward, elbows on his thighs. ‘ you wanna stay the night or something? ‘ He drawled out, a toothy and, frankly, annoyingly smug smirk spreading across his lightly freckled cheeks. Akechi let a tiny ‘c’ smile form on his pinkish lips, leaning back with his hands tugged between his thighs.
‘ I won’t be going home in this weather, anyway. ‘ The detective prince flashed a toothy smile, the sight of his braces making Akira’s heart skip a beat, for some odd reason. Maybe it was just a thing he had. Akira glanced out of the window before understanding where Akechi was coming from. It was pouring. Like, pouring. Not to mention the prominent and loud crackling of thunder outside. But, despite that...
‘ it can't be that bad. ‘ The thief stood up, hands in his pockets, making his way to the door in a way that screamed overconfidence and perhaps a little bit of arrogance. His fingers reached the door handle, wrapping around confidently.
‘ don't. ‘ Akechi furrowed his eyebrows, looking at Akira with a bewildered look that yelled "are you insane." Despite the evident disapproval prominent in both his voice and expression, Akira couldn't help himself. He opened the door..
...and immediately got hit with strong wind and a splash of rain. Akechi couldn't help but snicker as the young man shut the door right after. He adjusted his wet glasses without a word, stepping away from the door and letting out a long whine of despair. Morgana let out a laugh from the bar stool.
‘ told you. ‘ Akechi snickered, a smug smirk on his lips. The thief eventually turned around to reveal that his shirt was, unsurprisingly, wet. At least the bottom of it. A big, almost cartoonish frown was on Akira's lips as he untugged the hem from his pants.
‘ you should go dry that up. ‘ The detective pressed his cheek against his fist, a cocky smile on his lips.
‘ good idea. ‘ Akira nodded, ruffling up his curly hair and placing his glasses on the counter top. Akechi watched closely as the thief started unbuttoning his shirt. Morgana let out a noise.
‘ not in front of us, weirdo. ‘ The cat hissed, tail perked up. It took the curly haired boy a minute before he eventually continued to unbutton his shirt, this time making his way into the attic while doing so. Once he was out of sight, the detective let out a huff of air and covered his face. Seems even the slightest hint of collarbone could make this young man flush. Morgana jumped on the cushioned bench in front of Akechi, throwing him a questioning and suspicious look.
‘ I don’t know what you’re trying to do, but don’t do anything weird. ‘ The loud animal spat, standing on the table with a stance of authority, trying to look threatening. The detective just giggled and waved a hand dismissively.
‘ don’t you worry. I’m not about that life. ‘ He smiled cockily before gazing at the stairs. Should he go up?
… probably. Akira was taking too long.
‘ well, I’ll go check up on him. ‘ Akechi stood up and stretched his arms a bit before making his way to the stairs. He could hear some grunting upstairs. If he didn’t know any better, he’d think the curly haired boy was doing something inappropriate.
The detective prince slowly stepped up the stairs. He glanced from the railing as he neared, spotting the thief with his back exposed, trying, and struggling, to hang his shirt up on a flimsy piece of thick string above his bed. God, his back looked good.
Not the point.
‘ need any help, Joker? ‘ Akechi tilted his head as he made his way towards the young man. Said young man turned his head around to look at the boy, blinking for a moment before stuttering.
‘ oh— y—yeah. That’d be great. ‘ Akira let a small smile slip, rubbing his foot against his ankle nervously. The detective softly chuckled before slipping off his shoes and taking a stance on the short haired boy’s bed, tightening the flimsy string before reaching a hand out for the wet shirt. Akira put the shirt in his hand, their fingers gently brushing against each other’s. Akechi looked around before deciding that the other didn’t own any pegs, simply throwing the shirt up neatly so that the front is longer than the back.
‘ there you go. ‘ Akechi proudly put his fists on his sides, turning to Akira with an overly friendly expression. Akira couldn’t help himself.
‘ you’d make a good wife. ‘ The phantom thief smirked, crossing his arms.
‘ quit flirting and go get a shirt. ‘ the young detective scolded, looking away and focusing his gaze on the window. The rain was calming down, though there was no way he’d catch a train at this time of day. Akira listened and found a shirt to put on, which was conveniently the shirt he sleeps in.
‘ that reminds me, ‘ The thief started, getting Akechi’s attention back, ‘ do you have anything to sleep in? ‘ the thief tilted his head, crossing his arms with a smug on his lips. The detective prince paused before scratching the back of his neck with a nervous smile.
‘ I didn’t think of that.. ‘ the boy chuckled awkwardly, sitting down on the bed.
‘ that’s fine. ‘ Akira brushed it off, reaching in the box of his things and digging out a shirt and pants. ‘ here, I’ll lend you something. ‘
Akechi looked bewildered for a moment before hesitantly taking the clothing. He looked up at the thief. ‘ .. why are you asking me now? ‘
‘ it’s getting late. ‘ Joker simply pointed out, smiling and making his way back to the box to dig out his pajama pants. The young detective though about it before making a thoughtful noise.
‘ true. ‘ Akechi nodded, standing up from the makeshift bed. ‘ I’ll go change in the bathroom, then. ‘
‘ alrighty. ‘ Akira nodded, digging through the box some more to distract himself from the rapid beating of his heart.
Akechi came back a little later along with Morgana. He softly shifted before making his way to the thief’s bed—where he was already nestled and just looking up at the detective.
‘ where am I gonna sleep? ‘ The light haired boy crossed his arms, watching Joker with a thoughtful gaze. Akira lifted up the blanket, and the detective immediately stiffened up. ‘ I— ‘ he paused. ‘ I couldn’t possibly accept that. ‘
Akira softly chuckled. ‘ you’ll be cold if you sleep on the couch. ‘ the thief stuck his tongue out softly, and the cat let out an annoyed huff before hopping onto the couch. Akechi let out a breath.
‘ you’re insufferable. ‘ he grumbled, hesitantly climbing into bed with the dark haired boy. Luckily, Akira scooted a little closer to the wall, so the detective had more breathing space. The guy was right though, it was way warmer in the bed. Akechi didn’t like the fact that he was tingly all over.
‘ goodnight then, pretty boy. ‘ Joker mumbled, shifting under the covers and closing his eyes. Akechi stayed silent.
…
Akechi couldn’t sleep. It’s been a while since they turned off the lights. And he hasn’t been able to drift off.
The light haired boy turned around to face Akira, who was sleeping soundly. Akechi noticed a bunch of things that he didn’t register before.
The way his dark hair coils and curls against his face. The way his lashes softly flutter once in a while. The way his freckles space out evenly to look almost unnoticeable to the naked eye. The single freckle on his neck that he couldn’t help but touch. The way his tired brown eyes stare at him when—
Akechi jumped a little at the sudden awakening. He cleared his throat and retracted his hand. ‘ sorry.. did I wake you up? ‘ the young man grumbled out, voice weary and raspy from the lack of use for a few hours. Akira gently took the other’s hand and put it back onto the side of his neck.
‘ no. Don’t worry. ‘ the thief mumbled out, closing one eye. ‘ … can’t sleep? ‘
‘ .. no. ‘ Akechi softly shook his head, letting out a huff. The young man’s hand wrapped around the detective’s body, pulling him closer and nuzzling his nose into the light locks. It took Akechi a second before he returned the gesture, heart beating rapidly in his chest and blood rushing to his face.
‘ … I hate you. ‘ the young detective mumbled, burying his face into the other’s neck.
‘ I know. You’ve told me before. ‘
The rain drops hit against the windows. Thunder striking somewhere far. The occasional hum of the fridge downstairs. And the calm rise and fall of Akira’s chest.
It all seemed to help Akechi fall into a peaceful slumber.
The rain will let up soon, my love.