Life with Akechi
Content Warnings!
This writing includes intentional characterizations that point towards emotional and sexual abuse as well as prostitution. However, they are never specifically named or given a large role in the story. Additionally, though these characters have had sex in my writing, any and all sex has been removed from this document and placed in a separate document for interested parties. Violence, body fluids (vomit, spit, and blood), as well as suicidal ideation all appear, primarily in later chapters. Some chapters will have more specific content warnings.
Chapter 1. TV Station (We're in Akechi's house now):
Summary - Akechi invites Ren to navigate the world of live television, a glimpse of exactly what it means to be Akechi. Unable to let an opportunity to one-up Ren go, Akechi turns the medium into an emotional minefield, in a challenge to see if Ren can keep his cool.
Chapter:
āRen,ā Akechi said, over voicemail, āIām doing a special on the Phantom Thieves tonight and I told my producer that youād cohost. Come to Shinjuku at 5:30. Akechi.ā
āWhat a dick,ā Ren muttered, shaking his head. Heād do it, of course, the TV studio Akechi worked at was where they first met after all, but heād have to lay down the law some day. Until then, though, heād comply.
Half an hour later, Joker made his way into the studio. Akechi sat in a makeup chair behind the studio stage, combing his hair. Joker watched his lungs inflate and deflate, slowly settling down. Akechi was stunning under the harsh light. It wreathed him like an angel. Ren chuckled quietly to himself before stepping out of the shadows and into the room where Akechi sat.
āOh,ā Akechi looked up from the mirror, āwhen did you get here?ā
āJust now,ā Joker shrugged, āshould I be getting myself done up too?ā
āNo, no,ā Akechi waved the idea away, āhonestly, I shouldnāt be doing anything myself but its habit at this point. Youāll be more than fine on your own.ā He paused, āthank you. For doing this, I mean. Iāll make sure to repay the favor.ā
āOh,ā Joker smiled, āsure, of course. Itās nice coming back here. It reminds me of how far weāve come.ā
āYeah,ā Akechi responded quickly, returning his gaze to the mirror. āWeāre on in twenty so do whatever you need to do to get ready.ā
āSounds good. I assume itāll be our opinions on the Phantom Thievesā justice, like it was the first time?ā Ren asked.
āYeah that's the plan. Itās only a half hour so we shouldnāt need to do too much talking. Just keep it light,ā Akechi smiled, standing from the chair and heading towards the stage. āOh, and Ren,ā he walked backwards, facing Ren. The stage lights slowly crawled up his face, changing it as they went, ātry not to steal my spotlight.ā At once Akechi oozed charm, giving positive notes on the set and the lights to the director, telling a joke and laughing when it was reciprocated. Joker was almost impressed with how indistinguishable it was. A wry smile crossed his face and he followed on stage.
āHello,ā Joker exchanged pleasantries with the director, āIām Amamiya Ren. Itās very nice to meet you.ā
āGood to meet you too, kid,ā the director clapped Ren on the back, āI understand you were one of the winners of the sweepstakes to talk live with Akechi. Let me tell you, Iām glad it's you and not some chick. You know how they get about pretty boy over there,ā he guffawed, pointing to Akechi.
āHaha,ā Ren managed a laugh, off guard āyeah. Honestly, I forgot I put my name in the lottery but you canāt turn down an opportunity to get your name out there.ā
āSmart kid,ā the director chuckled, āIām glad to hear that kids these days still know what it means to pull themselves up by the bootstraps. Alright, go get ready. Weāre on in five.ā
Joker made his way over to the yellow armchair opposite to Akechi. Neither exchanged glances with the other as the clock wound down. Then, there was: āon in five, four, three, two, one. Weāre live.ā
At once, the lights flared, brighter than they were before. Akechi flexed into a smile, clean, with no teeth, and expectantly watched stage left. There, a young woman wearing a tight maxi dress appeared, waving happily into the camera. āGood afternoon Japan!ā she said in a cheery voice. Akechi stood from his seat and the two greeted each other politely. Joker caught on and did the same.
āWelcome everyone to our question and answer segment with Detective Prince Akechi and a guest picked from thousands of fans who submitted their names for the lottery. Would you please introduce yourself?ā She asked happily, directing the cameraās attention onto Ren.
āGood afternoon!ā Joker exclaimed, overly enthusiastic, āmy name is Amamiya Ren. Iām⦠a high schooler, a senior living in Yongen-Jaya! Iām, I'm eighteen years old and I look forward to our conversation today.ā
āItās always wonderful,ā Akechi spoke up, snapping the camera to him, āto find intelligent young people these days. I donāt mean to speak too soon, but I believe that Ren is one of them, even if he is slightly formal,ā he giggled. āI am so excited to talk about our subject today.ā
āAnd what is our subject today, Akechi?ā The woman asked brightly.
āWhy, the Phantom Thieves, of course. Theyāre a real hot button issue these days, as I'm sure weāre all well aware. Iād love to know, Ren, what your opinion on their popularity is.ā Akechi volleyed back.
Trying not to ponder for too long, Joker began to speak, āwell Akechi, Iām a phan of the Phantom Thieves, I think thatās obvious,ā crickets, āthat, uh, being said, it can be worrying sometimes. As they get more and more popular, Iām scared that we may see a major crash if they fail to keep up with their increasingly daring stunts.ā
āMy!ā Akechi smiled happily, clapping his hands together, āitās rare to hear such a balanced opinion from a self proclaimed phan. Indeed, I have to agree with you. I must say, though, that I am worried about exactly what a potential crash may mean. If the Thieves are unwilling to concede their popularity and attempt a stunt they cannot accomplish, or worse, one with major casualties, we may be in for a nightmare scenario.ā
āItās a fine line,ā Joker nodded, āStill, I have faith in their abilities. Akechi, if you could, what would you suggest the Phantom Thieves do now?ā
āHm,ā Akechi sat in false thought, āif I could influence them in any way⦠Iām sorry Ren, but Iād have to ask them to stop what they are doing and turn themselves in. Thus far they have linked themselves to the death of former Okumura Foods president Kunikazu Okumura, as well as theoretically an unlimited number of other crimes. None of this is to mention the fact that their tampering with the minds of their targets threatens the safety of privacy throughout the world,ā he turned to address the camera, āI understand it may be hard, but I sincerely ask you to stop.ā
āRen,ā the woman spoke, startling Ren slightly, āwhat are your opinions on the Thieves leadership?ā
āThat.. is an interesting question. I do believe that the Thieves are a team running under a leader, they would have to be given their efficiency and efficacy, right?ā he glanced at Akechi, āWell, my point is that no other organization has been able to do what they have done in the time they have done it. That necessitates a strong command. As for my actual opinion, I believe that he or she is acting with good, strong intentions that form the backbone of the group. Despite their unusual methods, they do seem united in the idea of changing peopleās hearts for the better and I think their leader is the reason why.ā Ren explained, slowly getting more confident as he spoke.
āThere,ā Akechi butted in, āI must disagree with you. I find the Phantom Thieves leadership to be.. naive. Their leader seems to hold this idea that the world can be changed by singular strong willed individuals, acting against the grain, who resist oppression. This is the mentality of a child, a weak and unimpressive grade schooler who cannot stand up to his bullies without playing dirty. That is the kind of person helming the Phantom Thieves. I believe he is unstable and emotionally inept.ā Joker's fingertips dug into the arms of his chair, āHis handling of the Medjed situations proves this to be the case. The one time they were called out for their rampaging, they threw a tantrum, leaving everything until the last moment and the people of Japan to suffer. No,ā he exploded from his chair, lost in the passion, āthe Phantom Thieves are nothing but a time bomb, waiting to explode, and every day that we allow them to act without restriction, they threaten the people of Japan with the fallout. Ren, if you truly believe that the leader of the Thieves is the emotional backbone, as you put it, then I ask you this. Why would you willingly support a group whose emotional backbone is so transparently immature, and ruinous? Why do you give your trust to a man who wields the power to topple nations like a petty child holding a gun?ā He huffed on one second intervals, out of breath from it all. āIām sorry everyone,ā he smiled bashfully, āI let myself get distracted.ā
āWhat an amazing argument Akechi,ā the woman gushed, āI hate to cut you off, but thatās all we have time for today! Thank you to Amamiya Ren for coming out. Have a great night everyone!ā
The lights shut off and Akechiās face slowly faded from serious and committed to blank. Joker sat still, looking out into space. Though the lights and sounds were gone, he still felt every beat rattle in his skull and every light burn into his eyes. He was.. hot. Sweating all over. His shirt felt like it was digging into his skin. He wanted to stand, to look around, to see Akechi again, agh hot, but he just couldnāt. That was until a familiar shape, silhouetted in the dim light, passed over into his vision.
āHey,ā Akechi said in an unrecognizable tone, quiet and tired, holding out a hand to help Joker up, āthank you, again.ā Joker saw Akechiās eyes, just barely through the dark, looking away. The hand floated for a second in no manās land, before Joker grabbed it and stood from the chair.
Chapter 2. Painting (They're Pitiful):
Summary - Akechi allows Ren to see an unimportant painting he made in his spare time. It turns out that there was more meaning than Akechi could have ever bargained for.
Chapter:
It was a lazy Sunday in Leblanc. Joker laid in bed, slowly sifting through pages of a comic book. Akechi, from the couch on the other side of the room, watched as a ray of sun passed over Renās face, bathing him in warm light. It was a pleasant, isolated moment. The air hung still. Maybe that was why Akechi spoke up.
āJoker,ā he stated flatly, a serious expression on his face, ācan I talk to you about something and ask you to keep it private?ā
āHm?ā Ren replied, sitting up in bed, āOh. Yes, you can. What is it?ā
āIāve-- I've been painting recently,ā Akechi admitted quietly, slowly running circles in the loose fabric of the couch.
āOh?ā Joker paused before smiling softly, āthatās nice.ā
āYeahā¦ā Akechi trailed off.
āWould you let me see sometime?ā Joker continued.
ā...ā he paused, āOkay.ā
In a dark corner of Madarameās former house, tens of canvases lay abandoned and scattered across the floor. One remained, proudly standing, catching muted sunbeams from the center of the room. It was a completely fine painting though rather unimpressive considering Akechi. Colors blended and blurred together; greens, blues, and oranges all strained toward a whole they couldnāt quite reach. Two harsh black squares sat in the foreground.
Akechi stood behind Ren, fingers curled slightly, waiting for a response as Joker took it in.
āItās pretty,ā Joker stated firmly, āIām not sure what it is though.ā
āOh?ā Akechi muttered, āI thought it was obvious. Itās just a landscape. Some backwater town in rural Japan. I forgot the name of it a long time ago,ā he paused, āthere are two people,ā voice catching, āa son... and a mother.ā
For the first time since they met, Joker watched as a single tear slipped out of Akechiās eye and down his cheek. āGod damn it,ā Akechi grumbled, frustrated, rubbing at his eyes, āstop it already,ā he ordered, though the tears would not listen, ācome on, stop. Stop it! Just, ugh, stop. Stop it, stop it,ā his voice cracked, āstop it. Stop it. Please stop it. Please stop it, please just stop. Please. Please, I ca--,ā his breath shallow, āI donāt want to do it anymore. Please donāt make me. Please.ā
His arms fell to his sides, the fight gone. Silence settled over the room. Akechi looked up and caught the expression on Jokerās face.
āDonāt give me that look,ā he spat, hastily wiping the last of the tears away, āI know that face, god damn it. Itās the same face Yusuke made when I asked him for supplies. Itās the damn same face Yoshizawa made when she walked in. Itās pity,ā his jaw clamped like a vice.
Joker simply stared at the painting, though, āNo. Itās not pity. I was thinking about that backwater town. Itās too bad the name didnāt stay,ā he paused, voice dropping low, āI would have liked to go back someday.ā He reached out, and touched the painting softly.
Another pause, longer. Hesitantly, Akechi faced the painting too, āOh,ā he said, vision trailing out into the landscape, āYeah. Me too.ā
Chapter 3. Darts (Why does the point feel so good?)
Summary - Every time Akechi tries to assert control, Joker just can't help loving him more and more. In the spark of competition, they find their rhythm.
Chapter:
After another second of silence, Akechi picked up the canvas and slotted it against the corner. It lay there, painted side up, still facing outwards into the room. Before Joker could smirk, Akechi had walked out without looking back to see Ren slink along behind.
āLetās go play darts,ā he said, turning toward the train station, ā701, as usual.ā
āAlright,ā Joker caught up, āSounds fun. Iām getting a lot of Akechi time today, aren't I?ā He grinned, tauntingly.
āDarts is boring without a little competition,ā Akechi shrugged, ādonāt let it get to your head.ā
āHm,ā Ren thought, passing through the turnstiles, ānope. I think I will. Itās hard not to be proud when youāre the only one who can keep up with the great Goro Akechi.ā
āPssh,ā Akechi exhaled, hopping in on Joker's card, ākeeping up was hyperbole. Youāre just the only one whoās in my league. Hm,ā he thought, snagging a seat out from Joker, āmaybe that is something to be proud of.ā
āSo you admit that itās a real compliment?ā Joker pushed through people to stand by Akechi, āawww! youāre making progress, babe,ā he exclaimed, loudly.
Akechi, unimpressed, stung back, āE-excuse me sir?ā He tapped nervously on the shoulder of a nearby man, āthis th-thug has been harassing me for the last hour. W-would you please stand between us until my stop?ā He pulled a 5000 yen note out of his sleeve. This was all the man needed to see in order to step in, quickly shoving Joker out of the way and into the crowd.Ā
āThank you so much sir!ā Akechi thanked the man, before turning to relish in Joker fading away, accenting the blow with a tight, prim wave goodbye. A few minutes later, both arrived in Kichioji and departed at the station. Joker trailed behind, shoving through the crowd to catch up.
Before Joker could complain, though, Akechi butted in, āCan you believe he treated you like a thug just because I said you were?ā He teased, walking towards the parlour, āThough, you do kind of give āhooligan.ā I suppose itās just what comes with being a criminal. Hm,ā he tutted, smirking, āwell, nothing to do about it. Let's play darts.ā
Akechi led the way inside, skipping up the stairs, letting Joker follow. When Ren got inside, Akechi had already paid, chosen a board, and begun playing. Joker walked up to the board and stood in quiet amazement as Akechi landed a third bull.Ā
It wasnāt the bulls themselves that impressed Ren, but the grace with which he threw. Each throw was precise, darts gliding through the air like birds, a tenth of an inch off at most. They struck exactly one second from the last, perfectly landing in the center. This allowed Akechi to pick them up with one hand in a swift motion. Ren watched him walk from the board, vision narrowing into Akechiās boastful face, until he drifted upwards to the eyes. Eyes like a pool that Joker could swear he saw himself drown in. āAh, of course,ā Joker thought to himself, chuckling as Akechi held out the darts, āYou couldnāt resist, could you? Well, I donāt mind. Strut as much as youād like. Just donāt get mad if I do the same.ā He flung a dart at the board, wild and passionate in its flight. Bull.
Chapter 4. Coffee (Tip your waiters):
Summary - A cold winter morning ushers the two to a quiet cafe. Ren learns that every gesture means something when it comes to Akechi. No matter how small.
Chapter:
It was early in the morning but Ren was up. Deciding to leave the shackles of his room, he got out of bed, and left for the day. His breath was visible as he stepped out the door and onto the streets of Yongen-Jaya. It was bittersweet watching the weather turn cold. Was the allure of coziness worth the threat of cabin fever?
At the end of the alley Goro Akechi leaned against the wall. He wore an elegant woolen scarf and a large fluffy hood. Joker watched Akechi take a long draw of a cigarette, a habit Joker had never seen him indulge in before, before he tossed it into the snow. The bell rang as Joker let the door close, catching Akechiās attention. He was surprised, though, it seemed, to see Ren.
āOh.ā He muttered, scarf hiding a blush, āgood morning.ā
āAkechi?ā Ren smiled, curious, āwhat are you doing here?ā
āHonestly, I didnāt know I was in Yongen-Jaya,ā he sighed, rubbing his eyes, āIāve been out all night.ā
āDetective work?ā Joker offered, joining him on the corner.
āYes.ā Akechi stated quickly, flatly, āI could use some coffee. Wanna find some?ā
āSure, itās early enough,ā Ren grinned, āLeblanc?ā
āAh,ā Akechi wavered, checking around the corner, āI prefer to not stay still for too long. I know a place in Shibuya. Come on.ā
āOkay,ā Joker agreed, before they walked off to the station together.
The cafe was small and cozy, giving Joker the feeling that everyone somehow knew each other there. Akechi had no trouble leading the two to an open table.Ā
Before they sat, Ren butted in, āSorry, Iāve got to go to the bathroom. Give me a sec.ā
āAlright but hurry up,ā Akechi grumbled, brushing his fingers against his collarbone as if taking inventory. The bathroom was nice, uninteresting to all standards, but cozy and warm. Joker made a mental note. It seemed Akechi had a type.
By the time Ren was finished, two cups of coffee sat on the table. He watched Akechi pull three 1000 yen notes out of his coat to hand to the waitress. He thanked her with the same perfect cadence he used on television, and then exhaled sharply when she walked off. Joker watched Akechi flip through the notes twice, before folding it and neatly slotting it away.
āThey work fast here, thatās why I like it,ā Akechi said, sipping slowly as Joker sat down, āI guess itās not that impressive; itās just coffee. How much effort could it really take?ā
āMore than youād think,ā Joker noted, shuddering before taking a sip himself. To his surprise, the drink was delicious. He hadnāt even ordered himself and yet everything was to his exact liking. Cream and two sugars, Hawaiian Kona blend, steaming hot. All perfect for the winter afternoon. Had he told Akechi his order? No, right? Joker slowly took another sip and hummed happily, almost involuntarily. Out of the corner of his eye Ren swore he caught a faint smile flicker across Akechiās face. How long had Akechi been looking at him?
āThank you,ā Ren smiled, watching Akechiās eyes drop to his cup, āfor the coffee. It was delicious, exactly how I like it.ā He paused, āyou really didnāt have to, you know?ā
Akechi blinked, then scoffed. āDonāt read too much into it,ā he looked away callously, hands tightening around his cup, āshe was here and you werenāt so I took care of it. I hate waiting, thatās all.ā
Joker paused for a moment, examining as Akechi stared him down from across the table. His lips were chapped from the cold and it looked like heād chipped a nail. It was quite warm inside but he wouldnāt take off his coat. Faint wisps of sweat and cigarette smoke clung to him. Joker smiled softly, enjoying the last sip of his coffee, āAh. Okay.ā
Another short silence, as each contently finished their drinks. Ren stood up first, grabbing his coat and throwing the sleeves over his shoulders. Before Akechi could do the same, though, Ren spoke.
āHey. Come over to my house tonight. I wanna see you.ā
ā...ā Akechi looked out the window, away from Joker. āFine.ā















