Chapter Text
Memorizing routes, shadowing, inquiries. All this for the dullest guy imaginable. When Goro got the call from Shido and got a picture, he had to keep himself from asking if this was some kind of test or joke. This was Joker? This was the fabled leader of the Phantom Thieves, the vigilante group that’s been running circles around the police force for years? He couldn’t pick him out of a lineup let alone a crowd if it wasn’t for that ridiculous mop of hair. But errand boys don’t put their nose up when they get their orders. So just like every other target, he got to shadowing, but this Kurusu was a special case. Unlike the stuffy politicians and embezzlers, he’d probably had a better chance trying to connect with this target personally. Another long term target. He didn’t understand why he couldn’t just pull him into a dark alley and kill him outright, but it’s probably to garner information to get the other Thieves detained because even Shido couldn’t disappear the whole group at once.
Cafe Leblanc, Yongen-jaya. Akira’s main place of residence and occupation since his high school years. A veritable hole in the wall masquerading as some ‘hidden gem’. He’s circled this location numerous times before so it was a little odd finally stepping inside. 7:40pm. Past whatever this place would call a dinner rush. And there was his mark, just as he usually was. He took a seat on the counter stool and gave his best winning smile. “Can I please have a black coffee? Minimal sugar, particularly.”
He was just as bland up close as he was at a distance. Stupid big glasses fogged up by some steam making it even harder to catch his gaze. Time to endear himself with some conversation. “Packed house, huh?” He asked, light sarcasm made lighter with a tinkling laugh. “It feels like forever since I’ve been to a restaurant that isn’t full. It’s freeing. I’m ah, Akechi Goro.”
Kurusu poured some coffee. “I’m aware.” And because he was probably realizing how rude that came off, he added, “Like, I’ve seen you on TV before. The Detective Prince, right?” Goro’s smile tightened a smidge at the title. One would think that by age 24 he could finally outgrow it. People don’t call Shirogane the detective prince well into their late twenties so why should he be any different? He didn’t hate it exactly, just that he hoped that the prince title would go into a bit more disuse as he became more established than a variety show act.
“Yes, that’s right. I don’t want to sound ungrateful but it’s good to get away from it all once and a while. And you are?” He asked.
“I would think so. Kurusu Akira.” Kurusu replied as he put down the cup of coffee. What a sparkling conversationalist. He decided to just focus on the coffee and it was, good. A lot better than he would have expected from a scrub like him. He legitimately enjoyed it, as simple as it was.
“This coffee’s incredible. I don’t even get black coffee like this from the name brand franchises. I hope you don’t mind some added gratuity.” He said, not being wholly insincere. That definitely caught Kurusu off guard, if the slight eyebrows raised was a consideration. Just so he could skip past the ‘You don’t have to’ preamble, he put down the cash notes and held out his hand to shake. “I have a feeling I’d be coming over here a lot more often. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” After some hesitation, Kurusu took his hand in a firm grip with one shake. And then suddenly recoiled like he got burned.
‘ What the fuck is his problem?’ Akira held his hand, the sting he felt beginning to fade. He looked up at the quiet words but Akechi seemed confused. Maybe he muttered it under his breath. There was no way he could have accounted for the Detective Prince strolling into Leblanc and be friendly with him. The intimidation he felt both from his position and how unfairly attractive he was had left Akira a little taciturn but the detective didn’t seem to mind. “Are you alright?” Akechi asked, the picture of concern. “I didn’t squeeze too tightly, did I? Or was it static electricity?” ‘ Is he just going to stand there and gawk like an idiot? Why did he do that?’
There was that voice again. It was definitely Akechi’s, who else could it have been. But it was quieter and the tone a lot more venomous than his expression showed. But the more frightening part was that Akechi’s mouth hadn’t moved after his initial question, not even to murmur. He was staring, he needed to salvage this. “It’s nothing. I got a cut in my hand I didn’t notice, that’s all. Sorry.” He apologized.
Akechi nodded, considering. “No, I'm sorry for hurting you. But I’m still happy to make your acquaintance, Kurusu-kun.” That beaming smile was back in full force. ‘ How annoying. If he’s going to be this jumpy all the time I might as well just finish him off here. I’m still convinced that old bastard was fucking with me. ’ There it was again. Akechi hadn’t moved his mouth. He couldn’t believe it. Somehow, some way, apparently he’s reading Akechi’s mind. And from what he can hear, the detective couldn’t stand him one bit. But why go out of his way to talk to him then? And what was that bit about ‘finishing him off’?
Goro could sense that there was a definite shift in Akira’s behaviour after the handshake. Sort of shaken, almost skittish. He couldn’t understand why and that was only making him more frustrated. “Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked. Kurusu nodded emphatically and he seemed somewhat back to the stoic look, though he wouldn’t meet Goro’s eyes. Strange. “It may be a bit forward, but do you mind if we exchange contact details?”
‘ So much for a Fearless Leader. Unless he’s trying to pretend to be lowkey? What a joke. ’ Akira felt a chill. He knew that Akechi would be a threat to the Phantom Thieves with how his stance on the vigilante group had remained unchanged for years but this was downright dangerous. Apprehending him was one thing but Akechi’s thoughts made it sound like he wanted to- ‘ Whatever. It wouldn’t matter once his brains are splattered all over a wall. ’ “Kurusu-kun, are you alright? You seem quite pale.”
He had to calm down, the last thing he needed was Akechi being onto him. Was he planning to kill him here? No, the cafè’s empty save for the two of them. If he wanted to do it, he would have already. Or was this some sort of infiltration mission? Trying to get closer to him? Who was this old bastard Akechi was partnered with? Working for? He could feel a headache come on. He looked right at him, the same doe-eyed look that would melt anyone gullible enough. From the moment the detective stepped inside that cafè, any point of avoidance was a lost cause. He knew where he lived now, what else could he do but decide to monitor him back. He needed to know how much he knew, how he knew it and exactly who’s behind this all. “I-I’m fine. Just got a headache, that’s all. Yeah, of course. Uh, let me just get my phone.” He replied, fumbling around his apron pockets, trying not to let his hands shake. They exchanged details and Akechi stood up to leave.
Goro inwardly scoffed. What a weirdo. Why did he just freeze up and just stare like that? Maybe Kurusu was just so taken by someone like him even bothering with a guy like him that he’s basically dumbstruck. He made his smile sweeter. “I’d have to take my leave now. Make sure you rest up, alright? I’d love to talk to you more. Until next time.” He turned around to get to the door, missing the fact that the look in the barista’s face wasn’t admiration, but terror.