Day 6: Robin Hood or Loki// Something You Associate Him With Both? (*sigh* still running a day late, but I managed to knock something small out for this. I really can’t choose between the two, they’re both such key parts to what makes Akechi who he is.)
They’re in Akechi’s apartment one evening, Akira lounging across the futon. His head is in the other boy’s lap as Akechi tries to read through some paperwork he’s brought home. Judging by the way he’s flipping through it, he’s not very successful. Akira looks around the room aimlessly. A lot has changed since the events of that year, but a lot has stayed the same, as well. He spies some Featherman figurines keeping watch from the top of the other boy’s desk and can’t help but smile. That’s one thing Akira is thankful hasn’t changed.
He doesn’t think he’ll ever forget the first time he saw Akechi’s persona, Robin Hood. It always had such a big presence, physically and otherwise. Fitting for the mask of the Charismatic Detective. Above him, Akechi sighs, placing the paperwork aside. Akira sits up, turning to him. “Everything alright?”
Akechi turns to him, a tired smile on his face. “Ah, yes. I’m afraid I won’t be getting much farther with this tonight though, so I think I’ll call it for now. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, I hope you weren’t bored?”
Akira shakes his head. “Not at all, I was just thinking.”
The other boy looks at him curiously, “Oh? About what, if I might ask?”
Akira shrugs. “Nothing in particular. Your Personas.”
Akechi raises an eyebrow. “You continually surprise me, even now.” He grows silent a moment, frowning a bit before continuing a bit more softly. “I wouldn’t have expected you’d want to dwell on things such as that, given the...memories associated with them.”
“They’re interesting to me.”
Akechi smiles grimly. “Always so honest.” Akira listens as the other boy works something out in his mind. “Robin Hood….and Loki...I wonder….which would you prefer? It’s a foolish question, I suppose, as I used one actively to try to ki-”
“Both.”
He doesn’t even have to think about it, the words come automatically. Upon seeing Akechi’s shock, he tugs at his bangs, explaining simply, “Well, yeah. Both. I mean, they’re both a part of you.”
Akechi scoffs lightly, a slight smile on his face. “If it were anyone but you, I’d say they were being dishonest. But you’ve always truly believed in that shit, haven’t you? You’re absurd.”
Akira grabs the pillow beside him, whacking the other boy with it playfully. “Hey. If believing in you makes me absurd, so be it.”
Akechi laughs, taking the pillow from him and growing serious. “Thank you, Akira, truly. The things I did were inexcusable, but still you saw the good in me when I was not able to myself. For that I am ever thankful.”
Akira rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. “You give me too much credit. But hey, if you feel you owe me, you can answer my question.”
“Which is…?”
“Which of my personas do you like best? Let me guess, Mara, right?”
Akechi throws the pillow at him, laughing. “You are disgusting.”
Akira grins, letting their discussion devolve into a pillow fight. Akechi takes himself and life too seriously sometimes, but Akira wouldn’t change it for the world. He glances back at the statue on the desk. Maybe one day they’ll have to add one of the mythological trickster too.
Day 5: Favorite Anthology Chapter//Favorite Funny Moment (This is a day VERY late because as I was going to post it my USB drive decided to eat and destroy my file. I managed to salvage most of it today thankfully though, so enjoy!)
Akira just won’t let Akechi live down the takoyaki incident.
He’s done it so often that by now Akechi’s come to expect it. He doesn’t even look up from his book as the other boy sets down a plate of curry before him and places a bottle of chili oil beside it, smirking. “Because I know you like it hot.”
Akechi refuses to dignify that with a response immediately, settling for just taking a bite. It’s good; the various spices well-balanced. He’s getting better. At least he has the decency not to ruin a perfectly good dish with his ridiculousness. Ignoring Akira’s expectant stare, Akechi takes his time tasting the dish. It pairs quite nicely with his coffee, almost irritatingly so. It takes him a not insignificant amount of self-control to avoid inhaling the dish. That’ll teach him to skip lunch.
He clears his plate shortly after, to Akira’s pleasure, and pushes the plate to the side to bring his mug close. “I have a perfectly reasonable tolerance for spice, I’ll have you know.”
Akira nods his agreement, but his raised eyebrow and smirk say otherwise. “I’m sure.”
Akechi can’t help but defend himself. “That…monstrosity was anything but tolerable. You wouldn’t be so smug if you’d tried it.”
“Is that so?” Akira grins, “But then I wouldn’t have had the absolutely brilliant opportunity of witnessing your expressions that day.”
The detective stares at him, unimpressed, “And what a waste that would’ve been, I’m sure.”
The other boy nods emphatically, “It would’ve.”
They chat for a while longer about nothing, then Akechi takes his leave. “Thank you, as always, for both the coffee and the conversation. I hope you’ll indulge me again soon.”
He’s nearly forgotten the exchange by the time he comes back a week later. And what a hectic week it’s been, juggling cases and finals among other things. He finds himself stretched so thin that he’s actually somewhat envious of Sae-san, who can at least focus all her attention solely on work. However, no sooner has he opened the door, the bell still jingling, than he finds Akira placing a covered dish on the counter, looking at Akechi with a mischievous glint in his eye.
The young detective sits down before him, placing his briefcase on the counter. “Well now, that’s a dangerous look. What’s this?”
Akira uncovers the dish with a flourish, and Akechi stares down at it, frowning. “You have got to be kidding.”
“Not at all.”
“How did you even learn to make this?”
“I got the girl who runs the school newspaper to track down the recipe the class used. It took a few tries, but you can see I’ve gotten the hang of it. The infamous Russian Takoyaki, done properly this time.”
Akechi’s frown deepens. They certainly look like takoyaki, deceptive in their plainness. “But then which is the spicy one? They all look the same. I distinctly remember mine looking…quite different from the others, last time.” He grimaces at the memory.
Akira grins, “Now, where’s the fun in that? Russian roulette is boring if you know which chamber holds the bullet.”
Akechi raises an eyebrow, “But you do know where it is. You’re the one who plated these, are you not?”
The other boy shakes his head. “I had Boss do it for me, I honestly have no idea which one it is.”
Akechi stares at him, trying to determine if he’s lying. He doesn’t seem to be, but still. “No.”
Akira crosses his arms, shifting his weight to one side. “Coward.”
“Certainly not. I simply care to retain my sense of taste.”
He pouts. “Don’t you trust me?”
“Not for a minute.”
He grows serious. “I’ll make it worth your while.”
At that, Akechi leans forward, interested. “Oh? And how would you propose to do that?”
“A question.”
“I beg your pardon?”
Akira leans in as well, placing his elbows on the counter. “If you bite the bullet, figuratively of course, I’ll answer one question from you. Any question you’d like. With full honesty.”
Akechi conceals any reaction. “Is that so?”
Akira nods. “It’s a win-win. You either leave with your taste buds intact or with additional information of your choosing. What do you say?”
The detective stares at him a moment. It’s obvious he’s quite serious about the whole thing.
He shrugs. “Why not? There seem to be no downsides for me.”
The other boy grins, taking the dish in his hands and extending it toward Akechi. “Well then, let us start the game.”
Akechi takes one of the balls of dough, staring at it blankly. He’s honestly not sure whether to will it to be normal, or hope it’s the spicy one. As awful as the prior experience was, the opportunity to ask any question to the other boy….with a guarantee of an honest answer? He’d be a fool to pass that up. He pops the takoyaki into his mouth and bites into it gingerly. It’s plain. He breathes a sigh of relief reflexively.
Akira laughs at him before scooping up a piece of his own and popping it into his mouth. He chews for a minute then swallows, grinning. “Two down.”
Akechi steels himself and takes another, eating it more quickly than the last. Another blank. He finds himself feeling a mixture of relief and regret. He watches as Akira pops another takoyaki in his mouth.
The instant the other boy bites into it, Akechi can tell it’s the spicy one. To his credit, Akira’s expression doesn’t change. The only indication that something is wrong is that he pauses in his chewing for just a moment, resuming slightly more gingerly. Well, that and the fact that tears are running down his face as if someone has turned a faucet on him.
The detective can’t help but burst out laughing. “It seems we’ve found the bullet.”
Akira swallows delicately, trying not to grimace as he works the remains of the takoyaki out of his teeth. The longer he stands there the hotter the fire now burning in his mouth grows. Losing his composure, he slams his hand down onto the counter, panting. God, how did Akechi even have the ability to form coherent words after eating this? He struggles to force sound out between gritted teeth, “-cuse…m-mm…me.”
He turns and walks more quickly than he’d like to the refrigerator, grabbing the carton of milk and chugging. He’ll have to buy a new one for Boss before the store opens tomorrow, but can’t bring himself to care. The relief is instant, but it can’t completely block out the blaze. At least it’s made it more manageable. His ability to think somewhat restored, Akira walks back out to the shop.
Akechi manages to curb his laughter for the most part, but his shoulders still shake slightly. “I see what you mean now. You did make the most amusing expressions I believe I’ve ever seen. Thank you for that.”
The other boy looks at him and grins, “Anytime. So about my question.”
Akechi freezes. “I don’t remember agreeing to that.”
Akira looks at him pitifully, playing it up. “So you won’t, then? How unfair.”
Akechi thinks on it. It’s not as though they have anything on the case that Akira doesn’t already know, and as for everything else….well, he can just lie, if need be. He sighs. “Fine. But I can’t imagine what you could possibly want to ask me.”
“Do you like me?”
Whatever he’d been expecting, it certainly wasn’t that. “Of course. As I’ve said before, you’re very interesting to me and I-“
“That isn’t what I mean.”
“Then what do you…” but Akechi is suddenly aware of just how close Akira’s gotten. “Oh.” Having leaned in again, Akira has once more put them just inches apart. However, it seems to have a much different significance this time. A blush colors Akechi’s cheeks as he resists the impulse to draw back. He looks at Akira. The other boy’s gaze is so intense that Akechi finds himself avoiding it as he answers. “I...suppose I do, yes. In that way as well.”
Akira is silent. Akechi can’t quite bring himself to look and see what type of reaction his response has elicited. They stay like that a moment, then Akira breaks the silence.
“Can I kiss you?”
Akechi freezes, a pool of warmth forming low in his stomach at the question. He remains still, refusing to back away and continuing to avoid Akira’s gaze. He simply nods.
It’s soft, and more gentle than Akechi would have imagined from the other boy. Upon seeing his consent, Akira had cupped the back of Akechi’s neck, sliding his hand up and grasping the other boy’s hair as he closed the distance between them. They kissed like that for just a moment before Akira broke away, taking a step back and playing with his bangs nervously.
Akechi is silent a moment, processing. He brings his fingers up to his lips, touching them curiously. He can feel a slight tingling on them from the heat of the spices in the takoyaki. It’s not entirely unpleasant. Looking for something to break the silence, Akechi says the first thing that enters his mind. “That was two questions.”
Akira laughs at that, a smile lighting his face. “You’re right. I’m not sorry about that though.”
Akechi mirrors his smile, cheeks flushing pink. “No, I suppose I’m not either.”
They stay like that for a bit, simply drinking in one another’s company. Eventually, Akechi breaks the silence once more. “Unfortunately, I believe it’s time for me to make my exit. The trains will be shutting down shortly.”
Akira takes his coffee mug from earlier, reaching out with his free hand to take a strand of the young detective’s hair between his fingers, twirling it absently. “You could stay.”
Akechi chuckles lightly, “Another time, perhaps. But thank you.”
Akira tucks the strand of hair back behind the detective’s ear before standing upright again. “Goodnight, Akechi.”
As he rides the train back home, Akechi can’t help but smile and think on the school festival and its Russian takoyaki a bit more fondly. Perhaps it had its benefits after all.
Day 4: Favorite Relationship//Favorite Meta or Theory (I wasn’t sure I was going to get anything done for this today, between my schedule and mental state. But around midday this concept popped into my head, and it just seemed like a nice culmination to Akira and Akechi’s relationship. The way they’re drawn to each other and complement one another is a really special thing, so I’m glad I was able to get at least something small down before the day’s end to reflect that.)
Akira has just witnessed Haru, the most recent and final member of their team, use her own strength to stand again with the Phantom Thieves. In a flash of light her clothes have again become those of Noir, reflecting the return of her rebellion. Everyone has decided to fight once more. But as Haru pushes open the door to her jail cell and they walk together to rejoin the group, Akira can’t help but feel something is missing. It’s an inexplicable feeling, but one that only grows as they make their way up the steps to the door leading out of the Velvet Room.
He’s about halfway up the staircase when it hits him. Of course. The instant he realizes, he turns on his heel and in one fluid motion is rushing back down the steps, yelling over his shoulder to the others to keep going, he’ll meet back up with them shortly.
He makes it back to the main room and finds Lavenza still standing at her place by the ornate desk in its center, smiling softly at him. They say nothing for a moment, just staring at one another, before he breaks the silence.
“Where is he?”
She remains silent, but looks over her shoulder at the cell directly behind them. Akira makes his way around the desk, approaching the cell slowly. As he gets closer, he sees a figure tucked away in the corner, knees drawn up to its chest and arms wrapped tightly around them, as if trying to become as small as possible. The person’s head is down, but there’s no mistaking him. “Akechi.”
At the sound of his name, the other boy lifts his head. Upon seeing who’s standing before him, he coughs out a sardonic laugh, shaking his head. “Of course it’s you.”
Akira says nothing.
Akechi gets to his feet but stays otherwise still, keeping the distance between them. “This changes nothing. You…the rest of them…you’re still all just attic trash with a disgusting sense of justice.”
Akira shrugs. “Maybe so.”
At that, Akechi suddenly rushes forward and grabs Akira by the collar, pulling him up against the bars. “WHY?! You and those damned friends of yours…you just couldn’t leave well enough alone, could you!? You’re all insufferable! The Phantom Thieves…changing people’s hearts…what noble garbage. If you’d just DIED when you were supposed to…it’s so stupid…what else could I have done…I didn’t know…”
His anger burned out, the detective drops his grip on Akira, doubling over and pressing his palms firmly against his eyelids as he lets out a strangled sound somewhere between a sob and a scream. Akira takes a step back and waits a moment for Akechi’s breathing to even out again before responding. “Then start over.”
Akechi scoffs. “It’s not that simple.”
“Why not?”
He’s silent for a moment, stealing a quick glance at Akira before looking back at the ground and mumbling, so quietly Akira almost misses it, “…I’m…afraid.”
“So am I.”
Akechi’s head snaps up in disbelief as Akira rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. He hadn’t intended to say it, but it just slipped out. Well, better to get it all out there, then. “We’re all scared. Well, I’m not sure they’ve realized I am, but I am. But we have each other.” He extends his hand, “You have us.”
Akechi hesitates a moment, seemingly at war with himself internally. He stares at Akira, frowning as he works out whatever debate is going on in his mind. Eventually though, Akira sees his eyes flash, a determined look coming over his face. As he accepts Akira’s hand, a flash of light envelops him. When it fades, he stands tall in a costume Akira hasn’t seen before. It seems to be a mixture of his two prior uniforms, his formerly bright regalia brandished with the blue-grey stripes Akira had seen only once. Without the bands along the arms and legs seeming ready to chain him down, Akira senses a freedom of sorts emanating from the other boy as he pushes open the cell door.
“They’ll hate you, you know, for doing this.”
Akira grins. “They won’t. They’re your teammates too now.”
Another scoff, lighter this time. “Teammates. Who needs teammates?”
“Apparently you do, fellow attic trash.”
Akechi ignores the quip. “I meant what I said before, about us meeting sooner.”
“I know.”
“Perhaps this all could’ve been avoided.”
“Maybe. But I doubt it.”
They walk the rest of the way to the staircase in a comfortable silence. Akira moves to take the first step when he feels the other boy place a hand on his shoulder. He pauses for a moment, turning to face Akechi, who is looking at him fixedly.
“Thank you, Kurusu…Akira. Truly.”
Akira stares at him for a moment before breaking into a grin. “Of course. Welcome to the team, Goro.”
Day 3: Favorite Outfit//Favorite Personality Trait (I got this done in time! This one is a little of both options? I LOVE his first swimsuit design. As for a trait, it’s not really a personality trait per se but the fact that he likes bouldering. I’d already related to him a lot and loved him so when I found out we literally share hobbies it was so AWESOME. I wanted to showcase both, so have a revised beach episode! This may double as Day 4 depending on how much time/ability I have tomorrow.)
When Akira had asked Akechi to join their group for a beach day, he honestly wasn’t sure whether the other boy would show. So it was a pleasant surprise when on the day of the trip he awoke to a text from the young detective saying that he would meet them there.
Akira is helping set up their spot by the water when he sees him. Akechi is standing up at the top of the parking lot, looking down at the beach in search of their group. He’s in a pair of grey swim trunks, a light blue band around one of the legs, and a matching long-sleeve blue-grey shirt. Akira’s unsurprised, Akechi does seem the practical type who would wear something like that to avoid sunburn. More surprising is the body the open shirt reveals. Even from a distance, Akira can tell that Akechi may be slim but he’s definitely well-toned. With his hair tied back and sunglasses perched on his head, it’s no wonder he has so many fans. As he catches Akechi’s eye and waves, Akira smirks. “Too pretty to be wrong indeed.”
He casually jogs over to where Akechi stands and shows him the way over to their spot, thankful that the detective hadn’t been able to notice his staring. Once everyone is settled in, the girls head for the water. The guys, having been reduced to keeping an eye on the stuff, chat idly for a while as they watching the girls in the water pushing each other around in the inner tubes. At some point, the conversation turns to hobbies, and Ryuji asks Akechi, “So, what does Mr. Detective Prince do in his spare time, anyway?”
Akechi’s response surprises them. “Actually, I find I’ve taken to rock climbing. In particular bouldering, where one climbs shorter heights without a rope. It’s become quite a nice way to unwind at the end of the day, with the routes becoming puzzles of a sort. Solving them is enjoyable, and as an added bonus it keeps me relatively fit.”
Akira does a once-over of Akechi’s body. “More than relatively, I’d say.”
Akechi doesn’t react, but Akira notices the tips of his ears suddenly go red.
Ryuji however either ignores or misses the quip. “No shit? Didn’t think you’d be into that kind of thing. You don’t really look the type.”
Akechi laughs lightly, “Well, if you’re not convinced, there actually happens to be a spot a little ways down the beach with an outcropping of rocks which are fairly popular for climbing. The area they’re over is quite deep, so it’s safe enough if you were to fall.”
Ryuji perks up at that, “Forreal?! Let’s go then! Hey, Monamona! Watch our stuff!”
It takes everything in him not to facepalm. Ryuji certainly has his moments. He turns to Akechi, who looks confused and asks, “You…want the cat to watch our things?”
Akira internally sighs, shrugging noncommittally. “Ryuji just means for him to stay here. He’s a smart cat, it should be fine. The girls aren’t that far out anyway, and Makoto’s responsible enough for all of us.”
Akechi looks unconvinced, but doesn’t push the issue, “Very well then. This way.”
It’s only a short walk to what Akira can only describe as a small cliff. It only looks to be about twenty feet or so to the top, and there seem to be plenty of spots to use as handholds when climbing up the face. “Seems simple enough.”
Akechi turns to him. “Is that so? Well, I suppose it is a lower-grade route, but looks can be deceiving. If it’s that easy, why don’t we make things interesting?”
Akira can’t help but grin at the challenge, “Sure. What did you have in mind?”
“How about a time trial?” At Akira’s nod in agreement, Akechi continues, “Excellent. Then I’ll start the timer on your mark. Just in case you’re unaware, the general indicator that you’re starting is to say “Climb on.”
Akira lines himself up at the base of the wall, staring upwards and forming his plan of attack. After a moment he turns to Akechi and gives a thumbs up, then he’s off. “Climb on.”
He starts the route strongly enough, pulling himself up hand over hand at a decent pace. It’s similar enough to climbing the towers in the Palaces, but there are distinct differences. The rocks are rougher, and occasionally less solid. He makes to grab one rock only to have it wretch out from the wall into his hand. He sways a bit but has enough of a grip on his other side that he stays on the wall. From then on he’s a bit more careful about his hand and foot placement.
After a few moments, Akira finds himself stuck. At what he can see now is the turning point in the route, the next handhold he needs seems impossibly high. He hesitates for a few seconds, looking around at the rocks in search of an alternative route. Aware he’s wasting time, he glances down at the other boys watching below. He’s acutely aware that his arms are already starting to burn, and he finds himself impressed that Akechi does something like this regularly. It may be similar to the Palace, but in the real world it certainly feels a lot different. Resigning himself to the fact he has to jump, he rocks slightly for a moment before launching himself toward the handhold. But as soon as his feet leave their spot, he discovers he’s been tensed up more than he realized. The added tension causes his jump to lose some of its height, and his fingers just graze the rock he’d been aiming for before he crashes down into the water.
Akira climbs out of the ocean, shaking the water from his hair. Akechi has the good grace not to laugh, but can’t hide his smug smile. “Two minutes twenty-seven seconds. Not bad, considering how far you got. So then I’ll just need to reach that spot before then, correct?”
He heads to the base of the route and looks up for a moment before turning and nodding to Akira. Akira readies the stopwatch, and with an assured “Very well then, climb on.” Akechi’s off. In a series of perfectly coordinated movements, Akechi is up at the spot where Akira fell in what seems like the blink of an eye. Akira looks down at the stopwatch. A minute forty-six. He looks back up at Akechi, who spares a glance down and winks, before launching himself upward gracefully and grabbing the elusive handhold. Using his core to keep from swinging out of control, Akechi hangs freely for a moment before pulling himself up slightly and moving a hand up to another hold. He swings a leg up and hooks his heel into a small groove Akira hadn’t even noticed, and from there it’s as if he’s climbing a ladder.
Akechi makes it to the top shortly after, then casually walks his way back down to the rest of them. Akira nods at him, impressed. “I admit defeat. You’re pretty graceful. Thanks for the view.”
Yusuke perks up at that, chiming in. “Indeed. Your form is enthralling. It was an excellent study in the body and how it moves. I look forward to drawing a recreation of this moment later.”
Akechi chuckles embarrassedly, but Akira can tell he’s pleased by the compliments as well. “Thank you, I enjoyed that myself. Perhaps you all would be interested in joining me again in the future.”
Akira grins, “Sure. We should probably head back though, we’ve been gone a while, and the girls are a force to be reckoned with. I’m sure they’ll have something to say about us leaving Morgana alone.”
They head back and, as Akira predicted, are fussed at by Makoto and Ann for leaving the bags and Morgana unattended. They spend a while longer there, eating and swimming and just lounging around, before calling it for the day. As the others go to change, Akira starts to load up the car with their things, accepting Akechi’s offer to help.
As they finish loading the last of the things into the car, Akira turns to Akechi. “Are you sure you don’t need a ride? There’s room for one more.”
Akechi waves him off, “Thank you, but there’s no need for that. I do appreciate you inviting me out with you all though. It was very enjoyable.”
Akira wraps an arm around the detective’s shoulder, grinning at his surprised face. “Of course. I like seeing this side of you, it’s fun. Maybe next time we can go rock climbing again, just the two of us. You can show me more of your moves and maybe I’ll learn a thing or two.”
Akechi glances over at him, smirking. “Just the two of us, hm?”
But Akira avoids his glance, smiling slightly nervously as he plays with his bangs. “Take that as you will.”
Akechi nods at the others approaching as he slides out of Akira’s grasp, “You really are very interesting. Always surprising me. Well, for now I believe it’s time to take my leave. As for your proposal…” he walks over to his scooter, sitting down and putting on his helmet, “It’s a date.”
While lying in bed that evening, Akira replays the events of the day in his mind. From the moment Akechi had text him that morning he’d known it would be an entertaining day. As if the other boy could hear his thoughts, he feels his phone buzz. A text. “Are you free this Sunday? There’s a climbing gym in Shibuya I frequent if you’re interested.”
Day 2: Favorite Quote // The Moment He Became (One Of) Your Favorite Character(s)
(I LIVED for the interview when we got to go toe to toe with him, and that Hegel quote afterward? I’m a sucker for that kind of thing. Between that and his charisma I was sold.)
“...Another interview? Do you even have time for detective work anymore with that schedule, Akechi-kun?”
Akechi laughs at that, “Don’t worry, Sae-san. I can manage both just fine. Besides, catering to the media has proven helpful in this instance.”
Sae looks at him, doubtful, “Oh?”
Akechi pops a piece of sushi in his mouth, humming an affirmative, “It seems a class of Shujin students will be in attendance at tomorrow’s filming. I had the pleasure of meeting a few of them this afternoon…they’re quite interesting. I’m looking forward to hearing their thoughts on this Phantom Thieves situation.”
The next day at the television station, as luck would have it, Akechi is pleased to find the hostess lining up none other than one of the students he met the day before to field her questions. He’s looking forward to finding out, what precisely are this student’s thoughts on the Phantom Thieves?
“They do more than the cops.”
Akechi’s so surprised by the answer he can’t help but laugh. These Shujin students really are very interesting. Although technically he supposes he doesn’t disagree, as Akechi himself does tend to find the police force generally useless outside of matters of detainment.
“It’s rather intriguing to hear such a strong acknowledgement. In that case, there’s one more question I’d like to ask. If someone close to you, for example your friend next to you…If his heart suddenly changed…wouldn’t you think it was the work of the Phantom Thieves?”
The response is immediate. “Not at all.”
Akechi grins at that. This is shaping up to be one of his most engaging interviews, and he finds himself breezing through the remainder of the session, hoping to catch up with this rather defiant Shujin student before he is able to leave. The interview ends shortly thereafter, and as he unclips his mic from his lapel Akechi notices the boy standing off to the side of the studio. He thanks the hosts and producers for their hard work and heads that way.
“Oh…it’s you! I’m glad I found you. I wanted to thank you in person. To paraphrase Hegel, advancement cannot occur without both thesis and antithesis…” upon seeing the confused look on the other boy’s face, he chuckles, backtracking. “My apologies. I simply meant that our discussion was quite meaningful. It’s not often I’m presented with someone as willing to freely speak their mind as you did earlier. Adults are only interested in using the young, while they simply do what the adults say. It’s refreshing to see a change of pace. I feel like our discussions would prove quite fruitful. Would you mind talking with me again?”
The other boy is silent a long moment, and Akechi is starting to wonder if perhaps he was a bit too verbose when he’s greeted with a slight smirk.
“If the opportunity arises.”
He’s aware that he’s being teased, the other boy matching his response to Akechi’s rather unique style of conversation, but as it appears to be in jest he can’t bring himself to care. Rather, it’s exciting to find a sparring partner of sorts, and he finds himself drawn to the idea of further conversation. “Thank you. It makes me glad to hear that. Then I look forward to seeing you again.”
Day 1: Favorite Scene//The Scene You Look Forward To Most In The Anime
(I’ve always liked the infamous “Honey I’m Home” Justice Rank 4 scene, so I’ve done my take on it, plus a few embellishments after the fact. As in the game, Akechi just wouldn’t stop talking, so I’ve put most of it under the cut.)
“Honey, I’m home.”
Akechi glances up from his coffee cup to the door, where Akira stands. At the sight of the other boy, he smiles softly, replying “You’re home awfully late.” before turning back to ask Sakura-san about the shop. He’s pleased to see Akira arrive before he left for the night, but it’s best not to seem too eager. He’s chatting about nothing in particular with Sakura-san when the he hears it.
“What are your thoughts, Representative Shido?”
His grip tightens slightly around his coffee cup, but he’s careful to avoid any other tells as he raises it nonchalantly to take a sip. To the outside eye, it appears as though he’s merely listening in interest to the interview, but internally, he’s seething. As if that man gives a damn about this country, or anything other than his own ego. Not that Akechi does either, but he’s not the one parading around Japan in an attempt to get elected. It’s revolting. If he didn’t have his own business with the man, perhaps Akechi would request the Phantom Thieves go after him. That could have its own satisfaction, for Masayoshi Shido to be taken down by the very Phantom Thieves he keeps telling the people he will handle. Akechi continues to listen.
“…This is an important undertaking, and one I intend to confront with every asset available to me.”
“Every asset, hm? I suppose he believes that to mean me. For now, at least.” Akechi mutters under his breath. Realizing again where he is, he tunes out the television in favor of the conversation in front of him between the other patron of the coffee shop and its owner.
“…It feels like a trustworthy leader for Japan has finally come forth. Don’t you think, Boss?”
By some miracle, Akechi avoids laughing out loud. If only they knew. Ah, well, best not to dwell on it at the moment. He turns back toward Sakura-san and Akira, who he notices hasn’t left his spot in front of the door, and who is looking a bit unwell. Strange. He recovers quickly enough though, as Akechi directs the conversation towards him, “’Criminals’, hm…? Well, that must be how he sees it. However, that is ignorant of their true nature.”
“You’re on the Thieves’ side?”
Akechi laughs at that, “It may be somewhat of a stretch to say I’m “on their side”. Having said that, I won’t deny that I empathize with them on some level. If this Okumura incident was not the Phantom Thieves…If they only change the hearts of criminals…Then even though they can’t be considered “innocent’, perhaps my goals are not so different from theirs.”
He catches the curious look coming from the other boy, “But they are innocent.”
Akechi can’t help but laugh again. Yes, this is why he consistently finds himself returning to this coffee shop, despite it being fairly out of the way of his usual route home. Akira is always so interesting, so honest, so authentic, so…unlike himself. “I knew there was something special about you, ever since the first time we met. I feel as though I could tell you anything during our conversations.”
And as he says it, Akechi realizes that it’s true. He could tell Akira everything, and he has the feeling the other boy wouldn’t bat an eye. It’d be interesting to hear his thoughts on the situation, to stay and talk late into the evening, just the two of them….ah, but that’s a dangerous thought now. Best to change the subject and make his exit.
“Oh by the way, I’m sure you know this already, but I’ve been invited to a panel at Shujin Academy. Considering it’s such a good opportunity, I’ve decided to accept the offer. I hope to see you there.”
He’s pleased to see an expression of slight surprise from the other boy, along with something else….pleasure? Perhaps he’s simply reading too much of it.
He stands to leave, nodding at Sakura-san, “Thank you for the coffee. It was delicious.”
Sojiro nods back, “I’m glad you liked it.”
He turns to Akira, “I’m happy I could see you. I’ll be going now.”
“…Don’t.”
He’s halfway through the door when he hears it, and turns back in surprise, not quite sure he’s heard correctly, “I’m sorry?”
Akira is staring at him earnestly, as if searching for something. “Stay. The shop will be closing soon, and I have something I’d like to get your thoughts on.”
Akechi, curious, returns to his seat and gives Akira a look. “…Very well then. I suppose I do have time.”
Shortly after, the other customer takes his leave, and Sakura-san closes up the shop, telling Akira, “I’m going home for the night, don’t forget to clean up and lock the door after your friend is gone.”
Then he too leaves, and Akechi can’t help but feel strange being in the shop after the owner has gone home. Being alone here with Akira feels intimate in a way that makes him slightly uncomfortable. He’s too used to letting his guard down slightly while he’s here, and is acutely aware of how dangerous that is now. “So, what is it you wanted to speak to me about?”
Akira waves him off, “First, I have something I’d like you to try. You’ll have to bear with me for a bit though.”
Akechi watches absently as the other boy slides his apron over his head and cinches it at the waist before going into the kitchen. He glances briefly into the kitchen, and after being waved off again by Akira decides to settle in and read over one of his new cases.
A short while later he’s pulled from his work by a plate being placed in front of him. He looks at for a moment, before looking up at the person who placed it there. “Pancakes?”
Akira tugs slightly at his bangs, a nervous habit Akechi has noticed he does when he’s not quite confident in his actions. It’s a gesture he hasn’t seen very often. “Well, yeah. You mentioned them when we first met, and you seem to have a bit of a sweet tooth, so I figured I’d try my hand at them.” He’s looking at Akechi somewhat hesitantly, as if silently asking, “no good?”
At that, Akechi can’t help but smile. If Akira didn’t seem so genuine, he’d wonder about the motives of the other boy. He takes a bite and lets out a small sound of surprise. They’re better than he’d expected. “As always, you continue to surprise me. They’re quite good.”
They chat idly for a bit, Akira asking questions about Akechi’s work and Akechi talking him through a bit of the investigative process and how he makes his deductions. After a while, Akechi, feeling quite comfortable now, decides to push his luck and be a bit honest, albeit vaguely. “I know you probably find this a tired subject between us by now, but would you indulge me for a moment?”
Akira nods, and Akechi continues. “You have my thanks. You seem so definitively sure that the Phantom Theives are not the ones behind these psychotic breakdowns and mental shutdowns, and at the moment I’m inclined to agree with you. But let’s say, for the sake of argument, they are behind them. And that they were using such a method rather than this ‘change the hearts’ on their victims thus far. Their results being the same, the elimination of members of society they deem criminal…Were that the case, I wonder, would you still defend them?”
The other boy is silent a while, thoughtful. After a few moments, he shakes his head. Akechi finds himself feeling slightly disappointed, until he hears Akira’s response. “Defend…no. In that case, I wouldn’t necessarily say they’re innocent. But if the cops and others who are in a position to help are doing nothing…I can’t say I would disagree with them entirely.”
Akechi thinks on that a moment, before deciding to push a little further, “Even if you were to learn that their ultimate aim was not in fact reforming society, but more selfish means? For personal gain that just happened to coincide with those committing atrocities on society?”
Akira simply shrugs, “Everyone has different reasons. I believe in them.”
Such a casual response sets something off in him, and Akechi bristles, suddenly inexplicably furious. “How?! How can you claim you would support them in any capacity, were that the case?! They’re nothing but disgusting trash, and deserve to be brought to justice.”
If Akira’s surprised by the outburst he doesn’t show it. He simply pours more coffee into Akechi’s mug. Akechi resists the urge to throw it in his face. That calm look Akira is giving him is unsettling, eyes boring into him as if Akira himself could change Akechi’s heart right here, in this moment. Akechi takes a breath, a smile returning to his face, obviously forced. “I apologize…that was childish of me.”
Akira gives him a genuine smile in return, “You’re passionate about it. I’m glad to hear your real thoughts on the subject. For someone who enjoys our conversations, you tend to run out whenever I show up, so it’s a nice change.”
Akechi has composed himself enough by then to look embarrassed at that. Of course, he’d been aware of it, but he hadn’t realized Akira noticed. He simply preferred to keep their meetings under his control. For obvious reasons, if tonight was any indication.
Seeing his expression, Akira laughs, “Don’t worry about it. You just always leave so suddenly, it’s almost as if you’re afraid of me.”
Akechi’s not quite sure how to take that. Of course he’s not afraid, but it does unnerve him how in such a short amount of time this other boy has managed to get under his skin. At this point, he’s not entirely sure who has the upper hand between the two of them. It’s unsettling, infuriating, and thrilling all at once, but also a dangerous distraction from his goals. However, he’s never been one to back down, and he laughs lightly, “Certainly not. Despite the rumors, you aren’t particularly frightening, Kurusu-kun. And although I may take my leave fairly frequently, I assure you I do genuinely enjoy our conversations. You are…someone I feel I can truly be myself around, which is nice. Unfortunately and, somewhat ironically, I’m afraid I should be leaving now. The trains will be shutting down shortly, and as enjoyable as this has been, I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome.”
Akira grins at that, nodding “I can walk you to the station, if you’d like.”
He’d like that, to continue their banter, but Akechi shakes his head. “That won’t be necessary. Thank you though. I look forward to talking with you again sometime.”
Akira holds the door open for him, “Same here. Goodnight, Akechi.”
As Akechi walks toward the train station, he realizes that despite his outburst he has in fact found their discussion enjoyable as well. Something about the way he’s able to converse with Akira is exciting and raw. He boards the train and finds himself looking forward to visiting Leblanc again. Perhaps the next time, he’ll stay without Akira’s prodding.
It’s there! The Goro Akechi Appreciation Week and its 7 glorious, glorious days!!
What is it? A beautiful, 100% positive week to ignore canon and celebrate our undying love for our favorite corvid. Obviously everyone can participate, all I ask is that you keep any form of hate and discourse out of it.
It will begin on Sunday, May 27th and end on best boy’s birthday, Saturday, June 2nd. I ended up with too many prompts because there’s just so many reasons to love him so there’ll be two per day. You can do both or just one, it’s up to you and you only! It’ll go like this:
Day 1: Favorite Scene // The Scene You Look Forward To Most In The Anime
Day 2: Favorite Quote // The Moment He Became (One Of) Your Favorite Character(s)
Day 3: Favorite Outfit // Favorite Personality Trait
Day 4: Favorite Relationship (canon or not we’re here to have fun) // Favorite Meta or Theory
Day 5: Favorite Anthology Chapter // Favorite Funny Moment
Day 6: Robin Hood Or Loki // Something (quote, song, etc) You Associate Him With
Day 7: Free Day // Happy Birthday!!
A big thank you to @apxstles for proposing some of these!
You can make gifs, graphics, aesthetic posts, draw, write, hell you can even make mixtapes or memes if you want to. Just make sure to tag everything as #GoroWeek so I can see everyone’s amazing edits! ヽ(〃＾▽＾〃)ﾉ
For your gifs and graphics, you can find a complete P5 walkthrough here or here and download any video you need with this site. There’s a Goro narrative reference post here (thank you so much op i owe you my life) and you can download his sprites / portraits / pretty much everything official here.
Have fun everyone!! Reblog this post, tell your friends and don’t be afraid to ask me any question you may have!
So um… this post by @ask-the-fluffiest-thief made me feel things, and then this just kind of… happened?
One evening, Haru finds herself excusing herself from Thief meetings and sitting down in the cafe. Or rather, the bottom of the stairs, out of sight. She’s trying to make herself as small as possible as her eyes shine and tears threaten to spill over, wondering how exactly things turned out like this.
After a couple nights of this, she’s sitting on the stairs with her knees drawn up, head down, when she hears footsteps approach. The clink of what sounds like something being set down sounds beside her, then the footsteps retreat. Haru looks to her side to find a cup of coffee, and peeks around the corner to see Sojiro at the bar, closing down the cafe.
She sips at it softly, feeling a small comfort from the aroma and slight bitterness. Not quite up to facing anyone just yet, she returns the cup to the counter while Sojiro has his back turned, then quietly exits, the only sound the chime of the bell as the door opens.
The next time she leaves the meeting, she makes it all the way to a booth before half collapsing into its bench, her head in her hands as she stares listlessly at the table. This time it’s a plate of curry along with the coffee, slid between her arms in front of her. She stares at it for a long moment, before straightening up and slowly taking a bite. It’s delicious, of course, and for some reason she can’t quite understand, causes her unshed tears to finally spill over as she eats.
She brings the empty plate and mug back to the counter and manages to find enough of her voice to offer a quiet, “Thank you, Sakura-san.”
Sojiro looks at her for a moment before turning and taking the plate over to the sink to rinse it. “Of course. What kind of cafe would I be running if I didn’t serve my guests?”
Haru remains quiet, and after a moment Sojiro sighs.
“Look. I won’t pretend to be the most comforting person in the world, but are you alright, kid?”
At that, Haru looks up in surprise, and the soft expression she meets suddenly crumbles anything that was left of her facade. “I-I….” she starts to sob, “I feel like I’ve no life in me, Sakura-san. How can I…after all that’s happened…it’s too much.”
It’s all she can do to try to contain her shaking as she rubs in vain at her eyes, trying to force the tears to stop.
Sojiro waits, busying himself with drying mugs and wiping the counter, never really moving from his spot across from Haru.
Eventually, the sobs start to subside, tears drying, and Haru looks slightly embarrassed. “I’m sorry, that was-“
Sojiro cuts her off. “Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.”
He pauses a moment. “After Wakaba, Futaba went through a similar process. Took a lot longer than a week to get her to come around to me though.”
Haru’s brows furrow in concern, “Futaba-chan…”
“She’s doing better now, thanks in large part to you all, but still has those days. Point is, it’s alright to not be alright right now. Hell, take as long as you need. Just know you don’t have to go at it alone.” Sojiro glances upward at that, as if to accentuate his remark, “And you’re always welcome here, you know.”
“Sakura-san….” Haru realizes she’s not quite sure what to say. “Thank you.” It doesn’t make the pain go away, and it certainly doesn’t change what happened, but she can’t help but think that maybe it’s a start.
So I was replaying some good old persona 5, and I realized that no one really had any real time to mourn the losses that they had and they were never wrapped up properly Thanks ATLUS.
And the one in my opinion who didn’t have any time to mourn was Haru. Not only does she not mourn her father as she should have but she has to accept Akechi into the group almost just as quickly. Now I’m all for redemption arcs which ATLUS didn’t give Akechi properly, THANKS ATLUS
but I hc that Haru sometimes has to “excuse herself” because lets be real she deserved a confrontation with Akechi at least once. And I picture that Sojiro understands and is there for Haru:) a stretch but whatev
So um... this post by @ask-the-fluffiest-thief made me feel things, and then this just kind of... happened?
One evening, Haru finds herself excusing herself from Thief meetings and sitting down in the cafe. Or rather, the bottom of the stairs, out of sight. She’s trying to make herself as small as possible as her eyes shine and tears threaten to spill over, wondering how exactly things turned out like this.
After a couple nights of this, she’s sitting on the stairs with her knees drawn up, head down, when she hears footsteps approach. The clink of what sounds like something being set down sounds beside her, then the footsteps retreat. Haru looks to her side to find a cup of coffee, and peeks around the corner to see Sojiro at the bar, closing down the cafe.
She sips at it softly, feeling a small comfort from the aroma and slight bitterness. Not quite up to facing anyone just yet, she returns the cup to the counter while Sojiro has his back turned, then quietly exits, the only sound the chime of the bell as the door opens.
The next time she leaves the meeting, she makes it all the way to a booth before half collapsing into its bench, her head in her hands as she stares listlessly at the table. This time it’s a plate of curry along with the coffee, slid between her arms in front of her. She stares at it for a long moment, before straightening up and slowly taking a bite. It’s delicious, of course, and for some reason she can’t quite understand, causes her unshed tears to finally spill over as she eats.
She brings the empty plate and mug back to the counter and manages to find enough of her voice to offer a quiet, “Thank you, Sakura-san.”
Sojiro looks at her for a moment before turning and taking the plate over to the sink to rinse it. “Of course. What kind of cafe would I be running if I didn’t serve my guests?”
Haru remains quiet, and after a moment Sojiro sighs.
“Look. I won’t pretend to be the most comforting person in the world, but are you alright, kid?”
At that, Haru looks up in surprise, and the soft expression she meets suddenly crumbles anything that was left of her facade. “I-I....” she starts to sob, “I feel like I’ve no life in me, Sakura-san. How can I...after all that’s happened...it’s too much.”
It’s all she can do to try to contain her shaking as she rubs in vain at her eyes, trying to force the tears to stop.
Sojiro waits, busying himself with drying mugs and wiping the counter, never really moving from his spot across from Haru.
Eventually, the sobs start to subside, tears drying, and Haru looks slightly embarrassed. “I’m sorry, that was-“
Sojiro cuts her off. “Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.”
He pauses a moment. “After Wakaba, Futaba went through a similar process. Took a lot longer than a week to get her to come around to me though.”
Haru’s brows furrow in concern, “Futaba-chan...”
“She’s doing better now, thanks in large part to you all, but still has those days. Point is, it’s alright to not be alright right now. Hell, take as long as you need. Just know you don’t have to go at it alone.” Sojiro glances upward at that, as if to accentuate his remark, “And you’re always welcome here, you know.”
“Sakura-san....” Haru realizes she’s not quite sure what to say. “Thank you.” It doesn’t make the pain go away, and it certainly doesn’t change what happened, but she can’t help but think that maybe it’s a start.
