Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“I wanna go to that huge pancake-looking place we passed on the way here!” Morgana said excitedly. “It looked delicious! What was that?”

“Ohh! You mean Dome Town?” Ryuji clarified. “The round part is a baseball stadium, then along the outside they’ve got an amusement park.”

“It’s right in the middle of a business area, but they have some pretty hardcore rides there too.” Ann added.

“All right, let’s go! I’ll show you just how courageous I am!” Morgana said.

By now, Akira began to zone out. Dome Town sounded fun, he guessed. There weren’t really any amusement parks back in his hometown, and his parents never really took him to one. 

He mentally checked his item stores. Maybe he should stock up on some coffee tonight? He only had about three left. But wasn’t he also running low on some lockpicks? But Morgana only lets him do one kind of thing at a time. 

As he contemplated, staring ahead, someone walked into his field of view. No… that wasn’t just someone. That had to be an angel. He was too ethereal not to be.

His brain suddenly came wide awake, going into overdrive as Akira tried to take in everything about this beautiful boy.

Shaggy, honey brown hair, short enough to seem masculine, long enough to give a boy band look, stopping just at where the neck met the shoulders.

His eyes were deep auburn, but also looked red when the light caught it just right. They held quiet intensity covered by fake cheer and politeness, and his lips were set in a small, neutral, and thoughtless slight smile. A mask?

His complexion was similar to his own, if not lighter. And his face was completely clear of any blemishes. Was he a model like Ann? He could be one if he wished to, Akira was sure. 

The rest of his outfit complimented him well, and the striped tie caught Akira’s eye for a second, before moving on. He was wearing black gloves, leather by the looks of it. In his right hand an attaché case, with the letter A on it. Maybe that was indicative of his name?

He was so entranced by this gorgeous boy that he almost missed what he said.

“Excuse me, I couldn’t help but notice your uniforms. Are you students of Shujin Academy?” The pleasant boy asked. God, his voice. It held a light cadence to it that would sound joyfully polite, but the look in his eyes from earlier told Akira it wasn’t genuine. Even so, it drew him in.

What was beneath the mask? He wanted to know.

“Yeah, whaddya want?” Ryuji asked, neutral enough, but he sounded a bit annoyed that the conversation was interrupted so suddenly.

Akira snapped back to reality as the angel walked a bit closer to their group, trying not to gawk. 

“I happened to be passing by, so it seemed polite to greet you. We’ll be filming together, after all.” The boy explained. “Ah, where are my manners? My name is Akechi Goro.” He then smiled, eyes closing with it. Akira felt his heart rate increase at the sheer beauty. 

“Akechi?” Ann repeated, like the name was familiar.

“Filming? What, you a celebrity?” Ryuji blinked. 

Akechi gave a light chuckle. “Only to the extent of appearing on TV a couple of times.” He said, looking away out of… humble bashfulness, Akira assumed. It was likely just part of the boy’s mask, but it was cute nonetheless. And the chuckle was cute too.

Wait. What did they just say? A celebrity?

Well. He could work with that. 

Akira cleared his throat, drawing attention, and gave his best debonair smile as he ran a hand through his hair. “I can see why. You’re drop dead gorgeous, Akechi-san. I can barely take my eyes off you.” He said shamelessly. It was a gamble, coming on this strong, but it was one he was willing to take.

Goro blinked, as the silent boy who he suspected to be the leader suddenly spoke. No, not just spoke… he was flirting. With him.

That was the last thing he was expecting from this interaction. How does he even respond to that? Should he politely brush it off? He was about to make his leave, but that would be too rude—

“I’m flattered. But perhaps you should look in a mirror, you’re quite charming yourself. May I ask your name?” His mouth was already moving before he could think on it. 

Fuck, he can’t take that back. Not without making himself seem like an idiot. Shit. This is fine, this is fine, just adapt. He could try a seductive approach instead of a friendly one. Maybe it’ll be even fun to tease him.

This is fine. 

The possible-leader beamed, grey eyes lighting up. “I’m Kurusu Akira. But you can call me yours.”

That was unbelievably cheesy and ridiculous. It was almost cute. Almost. He won’t make the mistake of getting genuinely attached. No way.

“How bold, Kurusu-kun.” Goro tilted his head, fluttering his eyelashes. He does not know how to seduce someone. He is improvising. Does he even need to make an effort? Kurusu already seems head over heels for him. “I like it. Few people around me are so willing to speak their minds as freely as you are. It’s so refreshing.” 

There, one of the basics of lying. Sprinkle in a bit of truth, and it will become so much more convincing.

Take that, Kurusu.

Yes! Yes yes yes yes yes! Akechi was flirting back! 

Although, Akira noted with some amusement, Akechi probably just wasn’t expecting that and replied on autopilot. Such was the consequence of putting on a mask for so long and practically gluing it to your face.

There was initially some light panic in those eyes, with soon sparkled as he blinked doe eyes at Akira. Was he trying to seduce him? When he made it abundantly clear that he was into him?

That was cute. Really cute. That was the bit of Akechi that slipped out. He wants to see more of him. Though, it was a bit strange… did he have an ulterior motive?

“Well, one of my friends say you have to be bold to win.” Akira winked. Speaking of his friends, Ryuji and Ann were staring at him.

“Uh, dude…?” Ryuji was gaping. Akira ignored him for now.

“Haha, is that so?” Akechi smiled, and made to reply, before something in the boy’s pocket buzzed. He quickly checked it with a, “My apologies.” Then grimaced before looking back up. “I truly was just passing by. I must be going, or else I’ll be late for the briefing for tomorrow’s recording. I hope you all enjoy your pancakes.” 

“Huh? Pancakes? What’re you talking about?” Ryuji asked confusedly.

“Oh, am I mistaken? I thought I heard something about delicious pancakes… ah, no matter. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Akechi waved it off, and after giving a smile in Akira’s direction, briskly walked away.

Akira sighed, lovestruck. He almost missed the pancake comment, but he didn’t and thought it suspicious. But he’ll save that for later when he settles into bed that night.

Akechi Goro… just who are you without the mask you wear?

Omake:

After Akechi leaves, Ann turned to Akira. “I knew it! You were fruity after all!”

“For real!?” Ryuji gasped.

Akira opens his mouth, but is interrupted by Morgana.

“I had a feeling.” The not-cat sighed, poking his head out. “But doesn’t it feel a bit weird to you when he said—?”

“Oh my gosh, Akira, you fell in love with a celebrity. He’s gonna be hard to impress for sure. But you know what, I’ll help you. Because that’s what good friends do. Get that twink!” She pumped a fist.

“For real!?” Ryuji gasped. Again.

Chapter Text

The briefing was boring as hell. He’s just glad to finally get out of there and return to his condominium. Well, not Goro’s condominium. Just his place of residence.

Setting down his attaché case after taking off his shoes, he shed his peacoat and undid his tie, hanging them up and brushing off any wrinkles in the fabric. Goro sighed to himself and checked the clock. He still has some time before his designated sleeping hours, so takeout is on the table. 

He sank into the couch and ordered a cheap bento. Though the quality was somewhat questionable, he was tired and couldn’t care less as long as it was edible. He stared up at the ceiling as he waited, and thought back on what happened earlier today. 

… he flirted back. With the potential leader of this so-called Phantom Thieves. Said suspected boy was the one who initiated the flirting. What the fuck.

Sure, Goro wasn’t blind to his appearance. He knows he’s good-looking. But he never expected to be flirted with so… so brazenly! So suddenly! But in hindsight he probably should’ve prepared for such a scenario…

Fuck, what did he get himself into. He was really regretting it now. He didn’t even know how to seduce someone, he’s never needed such a skill. Did blinking his eyes too much seem stupid? Was it too obvious?

No, calm down. He has to calm down before he tears his hair out. Goro can’t do that when he’s supposed to be filming tomorrow. This is fine. He’s adapted to worse. This is minuscule in comparison to his greater scheme.

Yes, exactly. It’s all fine. He can do it. It can’t be that hard, especially when there’s probably no need to even try seduction techniques in the first place. But just in case Kurusu lost interest…

Turning on his phone again, he opened Yahoo!, then paused. His search history is monitored and can be seen, whether it by Shido’s goons or whatever scum in lurking in the codes or whatever the fuck happens in the internet. 

Should he buy a book on it? He did see a book about the Art of Charm somewhere, but maybe his psychology books are enough? It could be potentially damning if he’s caught buying a book on seduction of all things, but that could be solved if he disguised himself.

Then Shido would likely ask him why he left the condominium in a disguise and what he came back with. There were cameras by the entrance, but thankfully none inside. At least, not to his knowledge. Ugh. Maybe he should search it discreetly in an internet café? That could work, but—

Ding dong.

That would be his takeout. He may as well think and eat at the same time, he supposed. He got up and went to get the bento, then settled at the table to eat. It was nights like this when the emptiness of the condominium felt glaringly obvious, especially after Sae started to occasionally get him sushi. 

He was both used to and unused to eating alone. There were the foster homes that tried to take care of him and ate together, but ultimately saw him as a burden or had their own child. There were those who would eat and make him watch as he starved on the side for their sick pleasure, then make him clean the dishes. There were those that left him completely alone, having gone out to gamble with the money he brought by being there, or using it for any other filthy reason.

Kurusu doesn’t know he was an undesirable child. He doesn’t know he was a hitman working for his repulsive father. He doesn’t know who he was, only the so-called Detective Prince. He only liked him for his appearance, and nothing else.

He shook his head. Not now. He should resume his scheming. It’s too late to go to an internet café just for this, even if he disguised himself. He could go to Mementos while he’s at it, but if he gets hurt then he doesn’t really want any bruises to potentially impede him during the filming tomorrow. 

That meant, at least for now, he’ll have to improvise. That’s fine, he managed well enough on the spot. Now that he has time alone, he can practice by himself all he wants. This will surely pass without a hitch. Goro will soon destroy Shido, and Kurusu will simply be left to sulk then find another pretty face to look at. 

It’s fine. 

“Now then, let’s try asking some students the same age as Akechi-kun about the Phantom Thieves!” The announcer said.

First off, they’re not the exact same age as him. He’s their senior. But it was close enough, so he’ll let it slide. Not like he could actually say anything about it anyway, not unless he wants to look strange. Some things are best left internal.

The announcer asks the Shujin students to press their buttons if they think the Phantom Thieves exist. Goro sees the brash blonde boy from yesterday mutter something, but ignores it.

“About 30% or so? What are your thoughts, Akechi-kun?” The host asks.

He makes a surprised face, “I’m a bit surprised. That’s higher than I was expecting.” He says, which is true, but he exaggerates his reaction a little. He eyes Kurusu specifically as he adds, “I’d love to hear some more detailed opinions on the Phantom Thieves’ actions.”

And just as he hoped, the announcer stands with a microphone in hand as she approaches Kurusu. “All right, let’s try asking this student here. Hypothetically speaking, what are your thoughts on these Phantom Thieves, if they were real?”

Oh, the irony. So many of these people are none the wiser.

“They do more than the cops.” Kurusu says firmly. 

“Hahaha.” Goro laughed politely. 

“This completely goes against the opinion you had about them being tried by law, Akechi-kun.” The host says, chuckling.

“Indeed. It’s rather intriguing to hear such a strong acknowledgment. In that case, there’s one more question I’d like to ask…” He carefully controls his expression, trying not to let any amusement at the sheer dramatic irony show on his face. “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?”

“They only target criminals.” Kurusu says. 

“I see. But how can you be so sure?” Goro says, fully intending to begin planting the seeds of doubt right then and there, but Kurusu boldly speaks up again.

“They say once is happenstance, and twice is a coincidence. But if it happens a third time, it’d be a pattern. I think you should wait and see what happens, Akechi-kun.” Kurusu says rather courageously. His lackeys are hissing at him ‘what are you doing?’ and ‘we’re supposed to be laying low!’

Which was real subtle. He almost laughed, but he has better control over his face than one would think. Though he felt a slight rush of thrill, similarly to when he can really let loose in fights with Shadows. Perhaps Kurusu isn’t that much of an idiot, and he’d make for a worthwhile debate partner…

“An interesting point.” He says to be polite. “But whether the Thieves’ actions are good or not, I feel there is a more important issue at hand.” 

Finally, he can get it out and over with.

“Hm? What do you mean?” The host asks, just as the announcer returns to the set and sits down. Good, now Kurusu can’t interject.

“The matter of how they change people’s hearts.” Goro assumes a thoughtful pose. “If they honestly possess that ability…” 

“Dude, what the hell were you thinking?” Ryuji said to him as they were released, after the filming has concluded. 

“Yeah! It was bad enough that you got chosen to answer, but you totally didn’t need add that third bit!” Ann agreed.

“Were you trying to impress Akechi, or something?” Morgana asked.

“Yeah. But it’ll be fine.” Akira assured them.

“He literally said that he’s working with the police to find us, Akira. If it’s for real, at least… but still.” Ann argued. “I don’t know, this could be dangerous. Are you sure you really want to woo this guy?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” Akira said resolutely.

“He’s hopeless.” Morgana sighed.

“Speaking of, he made it sound like we’re the baddies. I don’t like it, man.” Ryuji frowned.

“Do you think he was right, though? Is what we’re doing really…?” Ann trailed off uncertainly.

“He can say whatever he wants. The justice of it all is something we can decide for ourselves.” Morgana said. 

“Oh sorry, I gotta go take a leak. Can you guys wait here? I’ll be right back.” Ryuji said, the slight wrinkle in his brow still visible.

As Ryuji jogs off, Ann groans. “Oh my god… I’m just gonna keep going, okay?” She says, turning and going.

Akira is about to let himself zone out as he waits for Ryuji, when he hears Akechi’s dreamy voice.

“There you are. I’m glad I found you before you could leave.” The detective approached him in long strides, subtly swaying his hips. Was it purposeful, or was it just part of his zestiness? Akira barely notices Morgana duck back into the bag, he’s too busy staring.  “I wanted to thank you in person, Kurusu-kun. To paraphrase Hegel, advancement cannot occur without both thesis and antithesis.”

Philosophy? Akira’s not entirely sure, but it was surprisingly hot. Quoting it out of nowhere was pretty cute, though. Though it kind of confused him… and it must’ve showed, since before Akira could get a word in, Akechi laughed and quickly dusted off his peacoat with a hand. Was it a nervous tic? If so, then it was adorable.

“Haha, my apologies. What I mean is that our discussion was quite meaningful. As I said yesterday, not many speak their minds as freely and willingly as you do.” He said, eyes innocently wide and sparkling.

“No need to apologise. I’d like it if you told me more about philosophy, actually. Especially if it’s you, Akechi-kun.” Akira winked. “But we can also talk about other things, if you’d like.”

“You truly are intriguing, Kurusu-kun.” Akechi chuckled. “I’d like that as well. And honestly, I sense something in you that’s quite different from other people. I guess you can call it my detective’s intuition? Haha, kidding, of course.”

I am thou, thou art I…

Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion

that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Justice Persona,

I have obtained the winds of blessing that

shall lead to freedom and new power…

A confidant… good, that confirmed that he really did have a chance with Akechi. The Justice Arcana suits him, Akira thinks. 

“Does this mean I can get your number?” Akira asked.

“Why yes, it does. I’ll be looking forward to our discussions.” Akechi nodded, and they exchanged contacts. “I hope to see you soon, Kurusu-kun.” He smiled dazzlingly, and it took everything for Akira not to sigh after him dreamily.

Morgana liked his head out and groaned. “Gross. I could feel the goo-goo eyes from here.”

“Don’t you do the same with Ann?” Akira retorted.

“Huh!? N-no, of course not…!” Morgana protested. “But a detective’s intuition, huh? We shouldn’t underestimate that. Especially after what you said, I can only hope he isn’t onto us… on the other hand, there is an awful lot we could learn from him. Maybe you should use your charm to ask him about certain things in the police?”

Akira hummed. “I guess, but I’m not sure if that feels right to do…”

“Well, it’s up to you. Just don’t let your attraction get in the way of our missions, okay?”

“Sorry for takin’ so long!” Ryuji huffed as he jogged back. “Wait, was that Akechi just now?”

Akira nodded. “Yep.”

“I can’t stand that high an’ mighty attitude! I dunno how you still like him, man… actually, please tell me that you don’t anymore. You don’t, right?” Ryuji pleaded.

“Sorry, but he’s definitely still head over heels. They even got each other’s numbers.” Morgana piped up.

“For real? Even after what he said about us?” Ryuji slumped.

“Who knows? Maybe he has a reason to think that way, a reason that he doesn’t tell anyone about. I want to know more about him. The real him, not the media darling that he pretends to be.” Akira said.

“I guess that’s true… heard that lots of celebs put on an act for the cameras. You’re really down bad, huh? Then I won’t stop you, man. Just lemme know if you need my help, yeah?”

“Oh, me too! I know a thing or two about being a gentleman, hehe… wait, does it even apply if you’re both boys…? Whatever, it still counts! And I’m sure Lady Ann and Yusuke will be willing to help you out too.” Morgana chirped.

“Thanks, you guys. I really appreciate it.” Akira smiled, rubbing his neck.

“No problem, dude. C’mon, Akira. Let’s go. Wanna hit the arcade?”

He nodded, as Ryuji walked ahead. He glanced back in the direction Akechi left in, then followed after his best friend.